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

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-25

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-25

Albany passed a bill letting New York City run speed cameras all day, every day. Lawmakers cut tougher penalties for repeat offenders. Advocates called the final bill a win, but mourned lost safety measures. Vulnerable road users remain exposed to reckless drivers.

On May 23, 2022, the New York State legislature passed a bill allowing New York City to operate speed cameras 24/7. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assembly Member Deborah Glick, originally included tougher measures: escalating fines, registration suspensions, and insurance reporting for repeat speeders. These provisions were stripped during negotiations, leaving only the round-the-clock camera operation. Assembly Member Glick said, 'keeping the cameras on 24/7 was that hill.' Mayor Eric Adams called it 'a major victory for New Yorkers that will save lives.' Advocacy groups and lawmakers voiced frustration at Albany’s reluctance to adopt stronger safety tools. The final law removes blackout periods for cameras, but leaves dangerous drivers with fewer consequences. The bill passed despite disappointment over its dilution, exposing the limits of legislative action for street safety.

• Anatomy of a Sausage: How a Great Bill Got Gutted in Albany’s Mediocrity Factory, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-05-23

Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-05-23

Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-05-23

Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-05-23

Senate and Assembly passed S 1078. New drivers must now learn how to avoid hitting people on foot or bike. Law aims to cut crashes at the root—before drivers get the keys.

Bill S 1078, introduced in the Senate on April 27, 2021, requires pedestrian and bicyclist safety instruction in the drivers pre-licensing course. The bill moved through committee and passed the Senate and Assembly, with key votes on May 20, 2021, February 1, 2022, May 16, 2022, and May 23, 2022. The matter summary reads: 'Requires instruction in pedestrian and bicyclist safety as part of the drivers pre-licensing course.' Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, joined by Bailey, Biaggi, Brisport, Cleare, Comrie, and others. The measure targets driver ignorance, a root cause of deadly crashes, by putting vulnerable road users at the center of driver education.

• File S 1078, Open States, Published 2022-05-23

Andrew Gounardes backs a deal to keep speed cameras on in 750 school zones at all hours. Crashes spike at night and on weekends. Cameras catch reckless drivers. Fewer end up in the ER. The fix is partial, but it will save lives.

On May 21, 2022, State Senator Andrew Gounardes endorsed a legislative deal to allow speed cameras in 750 New York City school zones to operate 24/7. The measure, awaiting City Council and state approval, aims to keep cameras running nights and weekends—when 41% of crashes occur. The matter summary states: 'the Legislature is poised to do the right thing and allow the speed cameras...to keep operating around the clock.' Gounardes, a key advocate, joins Mayor Adams and crash victims’ families in support. The endorsement highlights that automated enforcement cuts reckless driving and reduces injuries. The deal falls short by lacking escalating penalties for repeat speeders and lasting only three years. Still, keeping cameras on at all hours is the most important fix, targeting the deadliest times for vulnerable road users.

• Yes, we cam: A deal on NYC traffic enforcement speed cameras will save lives, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-05-21

Lawmakers struck a deal. Speed cameras stay for three more years. Cameras will run all day, every day. Assemblywoman Glick backs the move. Streets saw less speeding where cameras watched. The city council must approve. The fight against traffic violence continues.

Bill to extend and expand New York City's automated speed camera program advanced on May 20, 2022. Assemblywoman Deborah Glick, representing District 66, cosponsors the legislation. The bill awaits City Council approval. The measure allows cameras to operate 24/7, instead of limited weekday hours. The matter summary states: 'State lawmakers have reached a deal to extend and expand a New York City traffic camera program that has ticketed reckless drivers in school zones since 2013.' Glick said, 'Speeding, as we all know, has become more prolific during the pandemic.' State Senator Andrew Gounardes, Senate sponsor, said, 'Speed cameras save lives.' Mayor Adams called the bill a 'major victory for New Yorkers.' City data shows speeding dropped 72% during camera hours. The extension aims to curb rising traffic violence and protect vulnerable road users.

• Lawmakers reach deal for 3-year extension to NYC speed camera program, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-05-20

Lawmakers move to keep speed cameras running in school zones. The bill grants a three-year extension. Cameras will operate 24/7. Deborah Glick expected to sponsor in Assembly. The measure aims to curb reckless driving and protect people on foot and bike.

Bill to extend New York City's speed camera program for three years is advancing. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes introduced the measure on May 19, 2022. The bill allows cameras in up to 750 school zones to run around the clock until July 1, 2025. Assemblymember Deborah Glick, District 66, is expected to sponsor the bill in the Assembly. The bill summary states it will 'allow New York City to extend its soon-to-expire speed camera program and keep the devices running 24 hours a day.' Mayor Eric Adams called the deal 'a major victory for New Yorkers that will save lives and help stem the tide of traffic violence.' The bill dropped harsher penalties for repeat offenders, focusing on the extension and expanded hours. The City Council must approve a home rule message before the state Legislature votes. The legislative session ends June 2, 2022.

• Lawmakers likely to extend NYC speed cameras for 3 years, gothamist.com, Published 2022-05-20

Albany renewed New York City’s speed cameras for three years, now running 24/7. Lawmakers stripped out tougher penalties for repeat speeders. Advocates cheered the cameras but mourned lost reforms. The deal keeps watch, but reckless drivers dodge real consequences.

Bill to extend New York City’s speed camera program passed on May 19, 2022, after a legislative compromise. The measure, confirmed by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, grants a three-year extension with 24/7 camera operation. The original bill would have suspended registrations for repeat speeders, notified insurers, and raised fines. These provisions were removed after concerns from lawmakers, including co-sponsor Sen. Roxanne Persaud. The matter summary: 'Albany lawmakers reached a deal to renew and expand New York City's speed camera program, keeping them on 24/7, but only after key provisions...were removed.' Mayor Adams called the deal 'a major victory,' but advocates like Eric McClure of StreetsPAC said, 'it’s not enough.' The City Council must submit a home rule message before final passage. The compromise keeps cameras rolling but leaves dangerous drivers unchecked.

• Albany Deal Extends Speed Cameras, But Sacrifices the Bill’s Boldest Provisions, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-05-19

Two sedans slammed together on 92 Street in Brooklyn. One driver suffered neck pain and whiplash. Both cars took heavy center damage. No pedestrians or cyclists involved. Police list causes as unspecified.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on 92 Street in Brooklyn while both were heading west. The crash left one driver, a 50-year-old man, with neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified, with no driver errors identified. Both vehicles sustained center-end damage. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4528929 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Albany stalls on S5602. The mayor stays quiet. Speed cameras hang in the balance. Some senators push for 24/7 enforcement. Others hedge. Council members want camera cash for roads. The clock runs out. Streets stay dangerous. Lives hang on the vote.

Senate bill S5602, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Gounardes, would expand New York City’s speed camera program to 24/7 operation. The legislative session nears its end with no clear action. State Sen. Jabari Brisport supports the bill, calling for round-the-clock enforcement. Sen. John Liu backs maintaining cameras but won’t commit to S5602. Some City Council members demand that camera revenue fund local road improvements. Assembly Member Dick Gottfried doubts the Council will send the required home rule message in time, while Assembly Member William Magnarelli promises to advance the bill if they do. Mayor Adams’ team claims safety was discussed in Albany, but the mayor himself stayed silent. The bill faces opposition over increased penalties and insurance notifications. Without action, the city’s speed cameras—and the safety of its streets—are at risk.

• ALBANY NOTEBOOK: Mayor Treks Upstate, But Speed Cameras are Still at Risk of Expiring, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-05-18

A pick-up truck crashed into a parked sedan on 85th Street in Brooklyn. The truck driver, a 34-year-old man, was injured and unconscious. Police found illegal drugs and driver fatigue as factors. The sedan was unoccupied and damaged on its left side.

According to the police report, a pick-up truck traveling southwest struck a parked sedan on its left side doors at 85th Street in Brooklyn. The truck's right front bumper was damaged. The truck driver, a 34-year-old man, was injured and found unconscious. The report lists illegal drugs and falling asleep as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan was unoccupied at the time and sustained damage to its left side doors. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The crash highlights driver impairment and fatigue as key causes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4528365 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Senate and Assembly passed S 1078. New drivers must now learn how to avoid hitting people on foot or bike. Law aims to cut crashes at the root—before drivers get the keys.

Bill S 1078, introduced in the Senate on April 27, 2021, requires pedestrian and bicyclist safety instruction in the drivers pre-licensing course. The bill moved through committee and passed the Senate and Assembly, with key votes on May 20, 2021, February 1, 2022, May 16, 2022, and May 23, 2022. The matter summary reads: 'Requires instruction in pedestrian and bicyclist safety as part of the drivers pre-licensing course.' Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, joined by Bailey, Biaggi, Brisport, Cleare, Comrie, and others. The measure targets driver ignorance, a root cause of deadly crashes, by putting vulnerable road users at the center of driver education.

• File S 1078, Open States, Published 2022-05-16

Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.

Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.

• File S 5130, Open States, Published 2022-05-16

A 35-year-old male SUV driver suffered chest injuries and whiplash after a collision on 4 Avenue. The pickup truck was turning left and struck the SUV’s right side. The SUV driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 4 Avenue involving a northbound SUV and a southbound pickup truck making a left turn. The SUV struck the right side doors of the pickup truck. The SUV driver, a 35-year-old man, was injured with chest trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor, indicating the pickup truck driver did not yield to the SUV. Both drivers were licensed. The SUV sustained damage to its center front end, while the pickup truck was damaged on the right side doors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4528612 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A new app lets drivers dodge speed cameras. It beeps warnings, tracks speed, and fuels anti-camera talk. Safe-streets advocates push back. They want more cameras, not fewer. State Senator Andrew Gounardes moves to reauthorize the city’s speed camera program.

On May 13, 2022, public debate erupted over speed camera enforcement and evasion technologies. The issue centers on a new app, NYC SpeedCamBuster, which alerts drivers to speed and red-light cameras, helping them avoid tickets. The matter, titled 'New App Helps Reckless Drivers Thumb Their Noses at City’s Speed Cameras,' drew sharp criticism from safe-streets activists and the NYPD, who called such apps a 'significant public safety concern.' State Senator Andrew Gounardes, representing District 26, took action to reauthorize and expand the city’s speed camera program. Advocates Jacob deCastro and Jehiah Czebotar demanded more cameras and stricter enforcement, arguing that cameras save lives and change driver behavior. The debate highlights the tension between public safety and technology that undermines enforcement.

• New App Helps Reckless Drivers Thumb Their Noses at City’s Speed Cameras, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-05-13

A new app warns drivers about speed and red-light cameras. It helps them skirt tickets, dodge limits, and endanger lives. Safe-streets advocates slam the app. They say speed cameras save lives. The city fights for more control. The danger grows.

On May 13, 2022, Streetsblog NYC reported on the launch of NYC SpeedCamBuster, a cellphone app that alerts drivers to speed and red-light camera locations. The article, titled "New App Helps Reckless Drivers Thumb Their Noses at City’s Speed Cameras," details how the app lets drivers evade enforcement and dispute tickets. Safe-streets groups, including Transportation Alternatives and engineer Jehiah Czebotar, condemned the app. Jacob deCastro of Transportation Alternatives said, "If drivers want to avoid speeding tickets, they simply should not speed." Czebotar added, "Any demand for notifications to help drivers avoid speed cameras is proof that actually enforcing the speed limit does change driver behavior for the better." The NYPD warned that such apps undermine public safety. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes is pushing to reauthorize and expand the speed camera program. The app, and others like it, threaten vulnerable road users by making streets less safe.

• New App Helps Reckless Drivers Thumb Their Noses at City’s Speed Cameras, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-05-13

Albany holds the fate of New York City’s speed cameras. Senator Gounardes pushes to renew and expand the program. Cameras now guard schools, but the law may expire. Advocates demand more hours, tougher penalties. The clock ticks. Lives hang in the balance.

Senate Bill (no number given) led by State Senator Andrew Gounardes faces debate in Albany as of May 13, 2022. The bill seeks to renew and strengthen New York City’s school speed zone camera program, which is set to expire June 2. The measure would expand camera hours to 24/7 and increase penalties for repeat offenders, including insurance notification and license suspension. The committee and current status are not specified, but only nine legislative days remain. The bill summary states: 'New York City officials are in conflict with state lawmakers in Albany over the future of school speed zone cameras.' Gounardes is confident in renewal. Mayor Eric Adams and advocates want home rule for NYC on speed cameras and speed limits, but Albany resists. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez urges lawmakers to use every tool to fight reckless driving. The bill’s fate will shape the city’s ability to protect pedestrians and cyclists from speeding drivers.

• Albany to decide whether NYC school speed zone cameras get real teeth, gothamist.com, Published 2022-05-13