Bay Ridge Bleeds—City Shrugs. Demand Action Before Another Family Mourns.

Council moves to light up step streets. At least 25 stairways each year will get new lamps. Dark paths become visible. Pedestrians gain ground. Shadows shrink. Danger loses its cover.

Int 0875-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on May 16, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the installation of pedestrian lighting on step streets.' Prime sponsor Joann Ariola, joined by sixteen co-sponsors, pushes for at least 25 step streets to be lit each year until all are covered. Step streets are open-air staircases linking streets at different heights. The bill aims to strip darkness from these paths, making them safer for people on foot. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0875-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

State leaders urge passage of A4120/S1981 to slash driving by one-fifth. The bill aims to shift funding from highways to transit, cycling, and walking. Advocates say fewer cars mean fewer deaths. The clock ticks toward the session’s end.

Bill A4120/S1981, now before the New York State Legislature, seeks a 20% reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 2050. The measure is championed by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and backed by a coalition of local officials. On May 15, 2024, a letter to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins called for swift passage before the session ends in June. The letter states, 'The state Legislature should pass the law before the end of this session in June, which could pivot transportation funding toward more beneficial uses like mass transit and biking and walking infrastructure.' Stewart-Cousins is mentioned as a key recipient. The bill would force agencies to prioritize projects for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders over highway expansion. Advocates argue this shift will save lives, cut pollution, and undo harms from car-centric planning.

• New York Pols Back Gounardes's Bill to Cut Driving by 20%, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-05-15

New York City seizes the Brooklyn Marine Terminal. Officials promise a modern port and mixed-use hub. Council Member Alexa Avilés joins the task force. Critics warn of more trucks if Red Hook shrinks. The city pledges community input. Impact on street safety remains unclear.

On May 15, 2024, New York City announced it will take control of the Brooklyn Marine Terminal, launching a major redevelopment plan. The project, described as a 'modern maritime port and mixed-use community hub,' aims to overhaul the industrial waterfront with new housing and shipping facilities. Council Member Alexa Avilés, representing District 38, serves as vice chair of the Brooklyn Marine Terminal Taskforce, leading community engagement. The plan includes an $80 million city investment and a $15 million state investment in cold storage to reduce truck traffic. Rep. Jerry Nadler criticized the move, warning that shrinking the Red Hook Container Port could increase truck traffic and harm jobs. The final vision will be shaped by community input. No formal safety analysis for vulnerable road users has been released.

• City takes ownership of Brooklyn Marine Terminal, planning modern mixed-use transformation, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-05-15

Albany lawmakers urge a 20% cut in driving by 2050. The bill would shift funds from highways to transit, biking, and walking. Electeds from Brooklyn to Buffalo back the move. Streets could change. Fewer cars. More space for people. Lives at stake.

Bill A4120/S1981 aims to cut vehicle miles traveled in New York by 20% by 2050. On May 15, 2024, more than a dozen local officials sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, urging passage before session’s end in June. The letter, organized by Local Progress, states: 'This means projects that expanded cycling infrastructure, pedestrian walkways, and public transit were prioritized over outdated highway expansions and lane widening.' State Senator Andrew Gounardes sponsors the bill. Alex Marion, Syracuse city auditor, signed on, saying, 'If we can reduce the vehicle miles traveled, we can look at the space of streets differently.' The bill would force planners to consider car miles in every project, shifting focus from car movement to safer, people-first streets. The policy could help undo decades of harm from highways that split communities and reinforce segregation.

• New York Pols Back Gounardes’s Bill to Cut Driving by 20%, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-05-15

A 32-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by an SUV making a left turn. The driver’s inattention caused a right front bumper impact, injuring the pedestrian’s hip and upper leg. The victim remained conscious after the collision.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 92 Street and Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2012 Toyota SUV, traveling west and making a left turn, struck him with the vehicle’s right front bumper. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian suffered contusions and bruises to his hip and upper leg but remained conscious. The vehicle sustained no damage. The report explicitly cites the driver’s failure to maintain attention as the cause, with no contributing factors attributed to the pedestrian beyond crossing with the signal.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4724550 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Gov. Hochul backs renewing New York City’s small red light camera program. She stops short of supporting expansion. The city’s power over street safety grows, but Albany holds the reins. Vulnerable road users wait as lawmakers debate control and coverage.

On May 10, 2024, Gov. Kathy Hochul publicly supported reauthorizing New York City’s red light camera program, which is set to expire in December. The bill, sponsored by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, would renew the program for six years and expand cameras from 150 to 1,325 intersections. Hochul, at a ceremony for 'Sammy’s Law,' said, 'local governments should be making these decisions,' but did not endorse the expansion. The Adams administration and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez have pushed for more cameras. Hochul’s stance signals support for local control over traffic enforcement, but leaves the fate of a broader camera rollout uncertain. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while Albany debates the city’s authority to protect its streets.

• Gov. Hochul Backs Red Light Camera Renewal, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-05-10

An 86-year-old bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries when an SUV making a right turn collided with him on 92 Street in Brooklyn. The driver’s inattention caused the crash, leaving the cyclist bruised but conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:47 on 92 Street near Gatling Place in Brooklyn. A 2019 Ford SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was making a right turn when it struck an 86-year-old male bicyclist traveling eastbound straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV’s right front bumper and the bike’s left front bumper. The bicyclist sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises, with an injury severity rated at 3. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the collision. The bicyclist was not ejected and was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors related to the victim were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721041 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 16-year-old bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a collision with a sedan on 79 Street in Brooklyn. The sedan driver’s inattention caused the crash, leaving the teen bruised but conscious. The cyclist was not ejected and rode westbound.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:44 on 79 Street in Brooklyn. A sedan traveling north struck a westbound bicycle at the center front end of the bike and the right front bumper of the sedan. The bicyclist, a 16-year-old male, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises, and remained conscious. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors, emphasizing the sedan driver’s failure to maintain focus. The bicyclist was not ejected and was riding without safety equipment. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. Vehicle damage was limited to the front ends, confirming the point of impact. This incident highlights the dangers posed by distracted and inexperienced drivers to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720736 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Assembly bill A 9877 seeks to kill congestion pricing. Sponsors want more MTA board seats and a forensic audit. No mention of safety for people on foot or bike. The car threat grows unchecked.

Assembly bill A 9877 was introduced on April 24, 2024. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill aims to repeal congestion pricing, add a new MTA board seat for each city borough, and force a forensic audit of the MTA. The matter title reads: 'Relates to repealing congestion pricing (Part A); commissioning an independent audit of the metropolitan transportation authority (Part B); and conducting an environmental impact study (Part C).' Assembly Members Michael Tannousis (primary), Mike Reilly, Samuel Pirozzolo, Michael Novakhov, Lester Chang, and Alec Brook-Krasny sponsor the bill. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided. The bill ignores the deadly risk cars pose to New Yorkers outside vehicles.

• File A 9877, Open States, Published 2024-04-24

Assembly bill A 9877 seeks to kill congestion pricing. Sponsors want more MTA board seats and a forensic audit. No mention of safety for people on foot or bike. The car threat grows unchecked.

Assembly bill A 9877 was introduced on April 24, 2024. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill aims to repeal congestion pricing, add a new MTA board seat for each city borough, and force a forensic audit of the MTA. The matter title reads: 'Relates to repealing congestion pricing (Part A); commissioning an independent audit of the metropolitan transportation authority (Part B); and conducting an environmental impact study (Part C).' Assembly Members Michael Tannousis (primary), Mike Reilly, Samuel Pirozzolo, Michael Novakhov, Lester Chang, and Alec Brook-Krasny sponsor the bill. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided. The bill ignores the deadly risk cars pose to New Yorkers outside vehicles.

• File A 9877, Open States, Published 2024-04-24

Council moves to hike fines for illegal ATVs and dirt bikes. First offense: $375–$750. Repeat: $750–$1,500. Law aims at reckless riders who menace city streets and endanger lives.

Bill Int 0856-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced April 18, 2024, it seeks to amend city code to raise fines for unlawful ATV and dirt bike use. The bill states: 'The first offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 375 dollars and up to 750 dollars. Any subsequent offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 750 dollars and up to 1500 dollars.' Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa leads as primary sponsor, joined by Salamanca Jr., Gennaro, Brannan, Louis, Ung, Restler, and Farías. The bill was referred to committee the same day. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0856-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Council orders swift removal of abandoned and unplated cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. Police target vehicles with missing or fake plates. Fewer hazards for those on foot and bike.

Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 18, 2024. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation.' Sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary) and co-sponsored by over a dozen council members, it forces the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours and empowers NYPD to tow cars with missing or obscured plates or stickers. The law aims to clear street hazards fast, reducing risks for pedestrians and cyclists.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Council bill orders DOT to factor traffic enforcement agents into city safety plans. The move targets deadly streets. Sponsors demand action, not words. Vulnerable New Yorkers wait for safer crossings.

Int 0842-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced April 18, 2024, the bill amends city law to require the Department of Transportation to consider where traffic enforcement agents are placed when drafting the interagency roadway safety plan. The bill summary states: 'require DOT to specifically consider placement of traffic enforcement agents in certain areas.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Council Members Brannan (primary), Louis, Restler, and the Queens Borough President sponsor the measure. The bill responds to Local Law 12 of 2011, which already mandates a five-year safety plan. Now, the council demands DOT put enforcement on the map, aiming to cut injuries and deaths.

• File Int 0842-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

A 62-year-old male motorcycle driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a left-front quarter panel collision. The crash occurred while traveling north on 5 Avenue. Police cited driver inattention as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling north on 5 Avenue collided at the left front quarter panel with another vehicle also traveling north. The motorcycle driver, a 62-year-old male, was wearing a helmet and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in contusions and bruises. The driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. Both vehicles were going straight ahead prior to impact. The motorcycle sustained damage to its left front quarter panel. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715053 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided head-on on Belt Parkway. A 16-year-old driver suffered a bruised elbow and lower arm injuries. Police cited unsafe speed and improper lane usage as contributing factors. The crash caused significant front-end damage to both vehicles.

According to the police report, at 14:35 on Belt Parkway, two sedans traveling west collided. The 16-year-old driver of one vehicle was injured, sustaining contusions and bruises to the elbow and lower arm. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors to the crash. Both vehicles sustained center front-end damage, with impact points on the right front bumper of one sedan and the left front bumper of the other. The injured driver was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness, and the airbag deployed. The report highlights driver errors—unsafe speed and improper lane usage—as primary causes, with no mention of victim fault or pedestrian involvement.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715032 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A box truck struck the rear of an SUV on slippery pavement in Brooklyn. The SUV driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited slippery conditions and following too closely as key factors. Both drivers were making left turns at the time.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 86 Street in Brooklyn at 9:43 AM. A box truck, traveling west and making a left turn, collided with the right rear bumper of a westbound SUV also making a left turn. The SUV driver, a 43-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but was not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists 'Pavement Slippery' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors, highlighting driver error in maintaining safe distance under hazardous road conditions. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles legally. The collision caused damage to the right rear bumper of the truck and the front center of the SUV. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714206 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A garbage truck making a left turn collided with a parked sedan on 81 Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The crash exposed dangers from driver errors and vehicle maneuvers in tight urban spaces.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:29 AM on 81 Street near 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. A garbage truck traveling north was making a left turn when it struck the left rear bumper of a parked sedan. The sedan’s 58-year-old male driver, who was wearing a lap belt and remained conscious, sustained neck injuries described as whiplash. The report cites "Other Vehicular" as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating driver error related to vehicle operation. The garbage truck’s right front bumper and the sedan’s left rear bumper were damaged. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The collision highlights risks posed by large vehicles maneuvering in constrained city streets and the consequences of driver mistakes during such maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713316 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2024-03-27

Drivers rack up speed and red light camera tickets. No points. No suspensions. Gianaris backs a bill to yank registrations after five violations. Victims’ families and DOT demand action. The loophole leaves reckless drivers free to kill.

Queens Senator Michael Gianaris, with Assemblymember William Magnarelli, introduced a bill to suspend vehicle registrations after five speed or red light camera violations in one year. The measure remains in committee. The bill responds to a fatal flaw: 'We have no mechanism right now, under law, to crack down on extremely reckless drivers,' said Brooklyn State Sen. Andrew Gounardes. The current law lets drivers rack up dozens of camera tickets and keep driving, since no points are added to licenses. Gianaris’s bill aims to close this loophole. DOT and crash victims’ families, including Juliane Williams, whose daughter was killed by a speeding driver, press for stronger penalties and expansion of the red light camera program. The Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program expired with little effect. The city’s vulnerable road users remain at risk while repeat offenders face few real consequences.

• FATAL FLAW: NYC reckless motorists can keep driving no matter how many speed camera tickets they get, amny.com, Published 2024-03-24

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-03-20