No More Blood for Parking: Make Streets Safe Now

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

Assembly bill A 9415 orders $90 million for faster, more reliable buses and fare-free rides. Sponsors demand the MTA report every dollar. Streets could shift. Riders wait.

Assembly bill A 9415, introduced March 14, 2024, sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Enacts the get congestion pricing right act,' directs the MTA to spend $45 million to improve bus frequency and reliability, and another $45 million to expand fare-free bus pilots in New York City. Sponsors Zohran Mamdani (36), Yudelka Tapia (86), Jo Anne Simon (52), and Alex Bores (73) back the move. The bill requires the MTA to report on these investments. No safety analyst has yet assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• File A 9415, Open States, Published 2024-03-14

An SUV making a left turn struck a westbound e-bike on Macombs Road. The e-bike driver, a 23-year-old man, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention and traffic control disregard as key factors in the collision.

At 12:09 PM on Macombs Road, an SUV making a left turn collided with a westbound e-bike, according to the police report. The e-bike driver, a 23-year-old male, was injured with contusions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors, indicating the SUV driver failed to yield or properly observe traffic signals. The e-bike driver was not ejected and remained conscious, but sustained significant injury. The SUV sustained damage to its left rear quarter panel where the impact occurred. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the e-bike driver. This crash highlights the dangers posed by driver errors during turning maneuvers in mixed-traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708631 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Two pedestrians struck at Bronx intersection suffer back injuries and bruises. The SUV driver made a left turn while distracted, hitting both as they crossed against the signal. Both victims remain conscious despite the impact and injuries.

According to the police report, at 18:40 on West Tremont Avenue in the Bronx, a 2007 Honda SUV driven by a licensed female driver was making a left turn when the crash occurred. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. Two male pedestrians, ages 10 and 41, were crossing against the signal at the intersection when they were struck. Both pedestrians sustained back injuries classified as injury severity 3 and contusions or bruises. The report explicitly notes driver error without attributing fault to the pedestrians. The SUV's point of impact was the left front bumper, and the vehicle sustained no damage. This collision highlights the dangers of distracted driving during turning maneuvers in busy urban intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708635 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A distracted sedan driver merging southbound on the Major Deegan Expressway struck a stationary or slower SUV. The sedan driver, a 33-year-old man, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention as the primary cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Major Deegan Expressway around 10:30 AM. The collision involved a southbound sedan merging into the path of a southbound Jeep SUV traveling straight ahead. The sedan driver, a 33-year-old male occupant, sustained head injuries and whiplash but was not ejected from the vehicle. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, repeated twice, indicating a clear failure by the sedan driver to maintain focus. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were cited. The SUV had no occupants at the time. The point of impact was the center back end of the sedan, consistent with a merging error. This crash underscores the dangers of distracted driving on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4710896 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Council bill demands DOT fix NYCHA sidewalks first. Seniors come before all. Broken walks trip, injure, kill. Law forces city to show its work. No more hiding behind red tape.

Bill Int 0504-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced March 7, 2024. It orders the DOT to prioritize sidewalk repairs at NYCHA sites, with senior housing first. The bill summary reads: 'establishing priority for sidewalk repairs at developments operated by the New York city housing authority.' Sponsors include Alexa Avilés (primary), Shaun Abreu, Shahana K. Hanif, Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Sandy Nurse, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Pierina Ana Sanchez, Lincoln Restler, Rafael Salamanca, Jr., and Farah N. Louis. The law also requires public reporting of repairs and timelines. Sidewalk neglect endangers NYCHA residents—this bill aims to force action and transparency.

• File Int 0504-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

A speeding sedan crashed on Major Deegan Expressway. Two young women, both 21, suffered bruised knees and whiplash. Police cite unsafe speed. Impact struck the car’s left front. Both victims were conscious.

According to the police report, a 2018 Honda sedan heading south on the Major Deegan Expressway crashed at 11 p.m. The car’s left front quarter panel took the hit. Two female passengers, both 21, were injured. One in the front seat suffered knee and leg contusions. The other, seated in the right rear, sustained neck whiplash. Both were conscious and wore lap belts and harnesses. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error as the cause. No actions by the passengers contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707930 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A southbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on the Major Deegan Expressway. The sedan driver, a 31-year-old man, suffered back injuries. Police report alcohol involvement as a contributing factor, highlighting driver error in this high-speed collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Major Deegan Expressway at 4:02 AM. A 2020 Toyota SUV traveling south struck the center back end of a 2015 BMW sedan also traveling south. The sedan's driver, a 31-year-old man, was injured with back trauma and remained conscious. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor, indicating impaired driver judgment or reaction. Both vehicles were moving straight ahead before impact, with the SUV impacting the sedan's rear. The collision caused center back end damage to the SUV and center front end damage to the sedan. The sedan driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. This crash underscores the dangers of impaired driving and rear-end collisions on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707830 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Council moves to expand Open Streets on busy holidays. More hours. More car-free blocks. Pedestrians and cyclists get space when crowds surge. Streets shift from traffic to people. Danger drops. The city listens to neighborhoods.

Bill Int 0270-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it amends city code to require the Department of Transportation to expand Open Streets hours on holidays with heavy foot traffic—Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day, Halloween, and others. The bill reads: 'special activation of the Open Streets program on certain holidays and time periods with significant pedestrian traffic.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rivera, Brooks-Powers, Louis, Nurse, Ossé, Sanchez, Cabán, Banks, Avilés, Riley, Salaam, Hanif, Feliz, Won, Restler, and Joseph. Community groups can suggest more dates. The city must review all requests under the same standards as regular Open Streets. This bill aims to give people the street when they need it most.

• File Int 0270-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill demands NYPD track every time cops use cars as weapons. No more hiding behind vague stats. Each crash, each injury, must be counted. The city moves closer to truth.

Int 0255-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by Hudson, Won, Hanif, Bottcher, Brewer, Avilés, Abreu, Ossé, Krishnan, Williams, Cabán, Nurse, Sanchez, and at the Brooklyn Borough President's request. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to use of force incidents involving police department use of a motor vehicle.' It forces the NYPD to report every use of a car to control a subject. No more lumping these acts with other force. The bill aims for hard numbers and real accountability. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, passengers—will no longer be invisible in police data.

• File Int 0255-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill orders speed humps on roads beside parks over one acre. DOT can skip spots if safety or rules demand. Law aims to slow cars where families walk, run, and play.

Int 0262-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill reads: “requiring the installation of speed humps on roadways adjacent to any park equal or greater than one acre.” Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by eighteen co-sponsors. The Department of Transportation must install speed humps unless the commissioner finds a risk to safety or a conflict with DOT guidelines. The law would take effect 180 days after passage. The measure targets streets where parks meet traffic, aiming to slow cars and shield people outside vehicles.

• File Int 0262-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council urges Albany to pass SAFE Streets Act. Lower speed limits. Rights for crash victims. Safe passing for cyclists. Complete streets. City demands action as deaths rise. Streets remain deadly. Lawmakers must act.

Resolution 0090-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it calls on the state to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law') and A.1901, part of the SAFE Streets Act. The matter title: 'Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.2422... allowing New York city to establish a lower speed limit, and A.1901, enacting a crash victims bill of rights.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif leads, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Nurse, and others. The resolution demands lower speed limits, crash victim rights, safe passing for cyclists, and complete street design. It cites rising traffic deaths and the failure of current measures. The Council wants Albany to give the city real power to protect people on its streets.

• File Res 0090-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council passed a law forcing taxis and for-hire cars to post bold warnings on doors. The signs tell passengers: look for cyclists before you open up. A small step. The city hands out the decals. No cost to drivers.

Int 0193-2024 became law on May 31, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' was sponsored by Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by over twenty council members, including Gutiérrez, Hudson, and Rivera. The law mandates clear warning decals on all rear passenger doors of taxis and for-hire vehicles. The Taxi and Limousine Commission will provide the signs at no cost. The measure aims to cut down on 'dooring'—a threat to cyclists citywide. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it became law.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

A 73-year-old woman driving an SUV in the Bronx suffered injuries after a crash caused by her inattention. The impact struck the vehicle’s left front bumper. She was wearing a lap belt and harness, but her emotional state was incoherent at the scene.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:40 AM near 10 Richman Plaza in the Bronx. The sole occupant, a 73-year-old female driver of a 2011 SUV, was injured when her vehicle’s left front bumper sustained damage. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor, repeated twice, indicating the driver’s failure to maintain focus led to the collision. The driver was not ejected and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. Her emotional status was recorded as incoherent, and the injury severity was classified as level 3. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved or injured. This incident highlights the dangers of driver distraction even without external road user involvement.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703657 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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 2024-02-13

Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

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 2024-01-30

A bus struck a sedan from behind on University Avenue. Ten people hurt. Head, neck, limb, and face injuries. One lost consciousness. Metal and glass. No escape.

According to the police report, a southbound bus on University Avenue struck the rear of a northbound sedan. The crash injured ten people: the sedan's 26-year-old female driver and nine passengers aged 19 to 68. Injuries included bruises and contusions to the head, neck, knee, leg, foot, face, and shoulder. One occupant lost consciousness, which the report lists as a contributing factor. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are noted. All occupants were conscious after the crash, and none were ejected. The report states the bus was stopped in traffic before impact, and the collision was caused by the bus hitting the sedan from behind.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704203 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 7-year-old girl was struck and injured while crossing West Tremont Avenue with the signal in the Bronx. She suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. The crash involved an unspecified vehicle. Driver errors were not detailed in the report.

According to the police report, a 7-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of West Tremont Avenue and Davidson Avenue in the Bronx at 4:40 p.m. The child was crossing with the pedestrian signal when she was struck by an unspecified vehicle. She sustained a head injury described as a contusion and remained conscious after the collision. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the driver or vehicle, nor does it indicate any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The vehicle involved had no occupants and no additional details were provided about the driver or vehicle condition.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4696075 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A sedan traveling south on Sedgwick Avenue struck a parked sedan from behind. The driver of the moving vehicle suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention and slippery pavement as key factors in the collision.

According to the police report, at 11:30 a.m. on Sedgwick Avenue, a sedan traveling south collided with a parked sedan. The moving vehicle's right front bumper struck the left rear bumper of the parked car. The driver of the moving sedan, a 25-year-old male, sustained back injuries and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor, along with slippery pavement conditions. Both vehicles were occupied by a single male driver, each licensed in different states. The collision resulted from the moving driver's failure to maintain attention, leading to impact with the stationary vehicle. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors in the police data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4696069 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06