No More Excuses: Demand Safe Streets Before Another Life Is Lost

The city promised bollards at schools and intersections. The Department of Transportation stalled. No new barriers since 2020. Council’s mandate faded to paperwork. Streets stay exposed. Children and pedestrians wait. The city’s promise sits unkept. Danger lingers at the curb.

In 2017, the City Council passed a bill—drafted by then-Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez—requiring the Department of Transportation (DOT) to install safety bollards at 50 schools and 20 intersections each year. The bill’s final version only mandated annual reporting, not installation. According to agency reports, DOT has not installed a single bollard under this law since July 1, 2020. Rodriguez called bollards 'the only tool that we have in our hands' to protect pedestrians. The DOT claims its reporting obligation covers only installations by the Security Infrastructure Working Group, which has done nothing since 2020. The Council’s law did not mention this group. The city’s failure leaves vulnerable road users exposed, as the original safety promise remains unmet.

• City ‘Security Group’ is Not Installing Safety Bollards at Intersections, Schools, Plazas as Council Once Sought, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-08

DOT wants wider, four-wheeled cargo bikes on city streets. The agency says more cargo bikes mean fewer trucks, less danger, cleaner air. Commissioner Rodriguez pushes back on critics. The rules are open for public comment. Streets change. Trucks lose ground.

On September 7, 2023, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez issued a policy statement on proposed cargo bike regulations. The rules, now open for public comment, would allow pedal-assist cargo bikes up to 48 inches wide and with four wheels, expanding from the current 36-inch, three-wheel limit. Rodriguez writes, 'we proposed rules that would expand low or no-emission options for freight deliveries.' He stresses the goal: fewer trucks, safer streets, and more sustainable freight. The statement rebuts industry claims about throttle bans and powered trailer restrictions, clarifying that state law governs those issues. Rodriguez invites public feedback, promising DOT will review all comments before adopting any rule. The move signals a shift: more space for cargo bikes, less for trucks, and a step toward safer, cleaner streets for everyone outside a car.

• DOT Commish: We Want to Get the Rules Right for Cargo Bikes, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-07

Two sedans crashed on Broadway in the Bronx. A 59-year-old male driver suffered neck injuries. The female driver was making a left turn when the collision occurred. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage. The injured driver was conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Broadway near West 228 Street in the Bronx. The female driver was making a left turn when her vehicle struck the male driver, who was traveling straight. The 59-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining neck trauma and remained conscious. He was wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front bumpers. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the male driver but does not specify driver errors or other causes. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4660479 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

DOT will break ground on the McGuinness Boulevard redesign next week. The Calyer Compromise brings protected bike lanes, fewer car lanes south of Calyer, and offset crossings. It follows years of deadly crashes. Advocates call it a step forward. Some say it falls short.

On August 29, 2023, the Department of Transportation announced work will begin on the McGuinness Boulevard redesign, known as the 'Calyer Compromise.' The plan, shaped by controversy and negotiation, keeps two lanes of car and truck traffic in both directions from the Pulaski Bridge to Calyer Street during the day, with a flex lane for parking at night. South of Calyer, the road narrows to one lane each way, with protected bike lanes, loading zones, and offset crossings. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said the compromise will 'save lives and make this corridor much easier to navigate for everyone, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.' He thanked Mayor Adams, elected officials, and the community for their support. Supporters call it the biggest safety change since Robert Moses widened the road. Opponents, like Keep McGuinness Moving, say it ignores community concerns. The redesign comes after years of advocacy following multiple deaths and injuries on the corridor.

• DOT: McGuinness Fixes Will Start Next Week, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-29

Two sedans crashed on Broadway near West 225 Street. One driver was partially ejected and suffered a head injury. Both vehicles struck on the left side and front end. The injured driver was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Broadway at West 225 Street. The 51-year-old male driver of one sedan was partially ejected and sustained a head injury described as a contusion and bruise. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. Both vehicles had contributing factors listed as 'Other Vehicular.' The first vehicle was making a left turn when struck on the left side doors, while the second vehicle was traveling straight and impacted with its center front end. The report notes no other specified driver errors. The collision caused damage to the left rear quarter panel of the first sedan and the center front end of the second.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4657874 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

An SUV struck the rear-left of an Oldsmobile on Broadway at West 230th. The Oldsmobile’s 83-year-old driver died. Crushed ribs. Whiplash. No sirens. Just steel and silence. Unsafe speed and ignored signals marked the crash.

An 83-year-old man driving an eastbound 1986 Oldsmobile was killed when a southbound SUV hit the rear-left of his car at Broadway and West 230th Street. According to the police report, 'An '86 Oldsmobile, eastbound, took a hit to the rear-left from a southbound SUV. The driver, 83, strapped in and conscious, died with crushed ribs and whiplash. No sirens. Just silence and steel.' The police report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The victim was wearing a lap belt and harness. The crash left one dead. Systemic danger and driver error shaped the outcome.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4658238 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Speed cameras now run all day in New York. Violations dropped 30 percent in a year. Streets once deadly see fewer crashes. But injuries still rise for cyclists. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie stands against city control of speed limits. The fight continues.

This policy outcome report, published August 28, 2023, covers the first year of 24/7 speed camera enforcement in New York City. The Department of Transportation reports a 30 percent drop in violations since cameras began operating around the clock on August 1, 2022. The report states, 'Success: Drivers are Slowing Down on Streets with 24/7 Speed Cameras.' Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie is mentioned for opposing city control over speed limits, a move sought by Families for Safe Streets after continued traffic deaths and injuries. Key corridors saw sharp drops in speeding and injuries, but cyclist injuries remain high. The expanded camera program replaced limited weekday enforcement, shifting the burden from NYPD to automated systems. The data shows cameras work, but the fight for safer streets—especially for cyclists—remains unfinished.

• Success: Drivers are Slowing Down on Streets with 24/7 Speed Cameras, streetsblog.org, Published 2023-08-28

Speed cameras now run all day, every day. Violations dropped 30 percent in one year. Streets once deadly saw sharp falls in speeding and injuries. Cameras outpaced cops, issuing millions of tickets. Still, cyclist injuries climb. The fight for safer streets continues.

This report details the outcome of New York City's 24/7 speed camera enforcement, launched August 1, 2022. The Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a 30 percent drop in violations on enforced corridors. The matter summary states, 'Success: Drivers are Slowing Down on Streets with 24/7 Speed Cameras.' DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called the expanded enforcement 'a highly effective tool to keep New Yorkers safe.' Key corridors saw dramatic reductions: 96 percent on Houston Street, 74 percent on North Conduit Boulevard, 68 percent on Bruckner Boulevard. Injuries fell at high-crash sites—45 percent on Tremont Avenue, 33 percent on Kings Highway, 16 percent on Queens Boulevard, 19 percent on Hylan Boulevard. Automated cameras issued over 3.7 million tickets, dwarfing police efforts. Despite progress, cyclist injuries are on pace for a record high, and advocates now push for city control over speed limits.

• Success: Drivers are Slowing Down on Streets with 24/7 Speed Cameras, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-28

DOT will widen bike lanes to 10 feet on 11 blocks of 10th Avenue. The move gives cyclists and walkers more space. Most road space stays with cars. Pedestrian islands and turn signals aim to cut crashes. Advocates call for stronger barriers.

On August 24, 2023, the NYC Department of Transportation announced a project to install double-wide, 10-foot protected bike lanes on 11 blocks of 10th Avenue, from W. 14th to W. 52nd Streets, through Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen. The plan, not tied to a council bill but a DOT initiative, expands northbound bike lanes from eight to ten feet on the upper section. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, “This project will deliver much-needed safety upgrades to the Hell’s Kitchen corridor and help support more efficient transportation options.” Local advocate Christine Berthet praised the wider lanes, noting the old design could not safely carry regular bikes alongside cargo and e-bikes. The project adds pedestrian islands, dedicated left-turn lanes, and leading pedestrian intervals at key intersections. Berthet urged the city to install flex posts to keep drivers out of bike and pedestrian spaces, citing problems on nearby 11th Avenue. The changes aim to protect vulnerable road users but leave most space for cars.

• Double-Wide Bike Lanes Coming to 10th Ave in Hells Kitchen, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-24

DOT moves to allow four-wheeled, 48-inch-wide cargo bikes. The rule aims to cut truck traffic, clear space for people, and speed up deliveries. Commissioner Rodriguez says cargo bikes mean fewer deadly trucks. Public hearing set for September 13.

On August 14, 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a rulemaking to permit four-wheeled, pedal-assist cargo bikes up to 48 inches wide—up from the current three wheels and 36 inches. The proposal, published in the City Record, responds to stalled state legislation and rising delivery demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez stated, 'Greater use of cargo bikes will bring incredible environmental and safety benefits for New York City by reducing the number of large, high-polluting trucks on our streets.' Rodriguez added, 'Just two cargo bikes can replace one box truck, increasing safety and reducing CO2 emission by 14 tons per year.' The public comment period runs 30 days, with a hearing on September 13. The rule targets safer streets by shrinking the footprint of freight vehicles and clearing the way for vulnerable road users.

• City Moves to Allow Wider Cargo Bikes; Is a Delivery Revolution Next?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-14

Steel struck flesh on the Major Deegan. Three cars, one Jeep overturned. A young man crushed outside the crosswalk. Pavement slick, the road cold. He did not get up. The city swallowed another life before dawn.

A 22-year-old man was killed on the Major Deegan Expressway at 4:12 a.m. According to the police report, he was struck and crushed outside the crosswalk by multiple vehicles, including two sedans and a Jeep that overturned. The report lists 'Pavement Slippery' as a contributing factor. The pedestrian suffered fatal crush injuries to his entire body. No driver errors such as failure to yield or distraction are specified in the data. The police report states: 'A 22-year-old man crushed outside the crosswalk. Two sedans, one Jeep overturned. Slippery pavement. Steel struck flesh in the dark. The road stayed cold. He did not get up.'

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653696 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A southbound SUV struck a slowing sedan from behind on Broadway in the Bronx. The impact caused neck injuries to a 73-year-old female passenger in the sedan. The SUV driver was inattentive and followed too closely. The passenger suffered whiplash.

According to the police report, a 2008 SUV traveling south on Broadway rear-ended a 2021 sedan that was slowing or stopping. The collision injured a 73-year-old female passenger seated in the right rear of the sedan. She sustained neck injuries described as whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The SUV showed no damage, while the sedan sustained center back-end damage. The injured party was a passenger, not at fault, and no other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4654266 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A sedan struck a barrier on Major Deegan Expressway. Two young men inside suffered abrasions. Both stayed conscious. Police cite reaction to another vehicle as the cause. Metal crumpled. Blood on the road.

According to the police report, a 2013 Ford sedan heading south on the Major Deegan Expressway hit a barrier, damaging the left front bumper. The 20-year-old male driver and 19-year-old male passenger both suffered abrasions to the face and arm but remained conscious and were not ejected. The report lists "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle" as the contributing factor, showing the driver’s response to another vehicle led to the crash. Both occupants wore lap belts. No other driver errors or victim factors appear in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4652405 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A 24-year-old male bicyclist was injured in the Bronx when an SUV making a left turn struck him. The impact threw the rider partially from his bike, causing abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver failed to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV was making a left turn on Kingsbridge Avenue in the Bronx when it collided with a northbound bicyclist. The 24-year-old male bicyclist was partially ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor. The SUV's left front bumper struck the bike's left front quarter panel. The bicyclist was conscious and injured but was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash highlights the dangers when drivers fail to yield to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4649096 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

DOT boss dodged on safety. Mayor stalled the plan. Advocates fumed. The original design promised fewer lanes, protected bike lanes, safer crossings. Now, after a teacher’s death and 82 crashes in a year, the future is murky. City Hall listens to business, not victims.

On July 18, 2023, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez addressed the status of the McGuinness Boulevard redesign. The $40 million plan, drafted in 2021 after a fatal hit-and-run, aimed to cut lanes from four to two, add protected bike lanes, and shorten crossings. Rodriguez said, "[My] personal commitment as the commissioner of DOT [is] to do the best it can to continue doing my job to improve safety on McGuinness Boulevard." Mayor Adams reversed the plan after business opposition, despite support from every other elected official. Assembly Member Emily Gallagher blamed a small group for swaying the mayor, noting, "Other redesigned streets... all get safer and they work better." The timeline is now unclear. In the past year, 82 crashes injured 35 people on the corridor. Advocates vow to keep fighting for the original, safer design.

• DOT Boss Tries to Stay ‘Positive’ on McGuinness But Won’t Commit to Safest Possible Design, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-07-18

An e-scooter collided head-on with an SUV on Broadway in the Bronx. The 52-year-old e-scooter driver was ejected and suffered head injuries. The SUV driver was licensed and driving south. Driver distraction and alcohol were factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a 52-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured and ejected during a collision with a 2022 BMW SUV on Broadway in the Bronx. The e-scooter driver suffered head injuries and was conscious after the crash. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was traveling south and struck the e-scooter on the left front quarter panel. Contributing factors listed include driver inattention/distraction and alcohol involvement. The e-scooter driver was unlicensed. The report highlights driver errors such as inattention and distraction as causes of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4644463 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A Jeep SUV struck a Toyota sedan on West 238 Street in the Bronx. The sedan’s driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way. Both vehicles damaged on right sides. Crash occurred just after midnight.

According to the police report, a 2021 Jeep SUV traveling west on West 238 Street collided with a 2017 Toyota sedan traveling north. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the SUV and the right rear quarter panel of the sedan. The sedan’s 50-year-old male driver, wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained neck injuries and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles straight ahead. The crash caused damage to both vehicles’ right sides. No other injuries or contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4644469 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

DOT will test 15 package lockers on city sidewalks. Fewer trucks mean fewer threats to people walking and biking. The city bets on less idling, less chaos, less theft. But sidewalk crowding remains a risk. The pilot starts. Streets wait.

On June 30, 2023, the NYC Department of Transportation announced a one-year pilot called LockerNYC. The plan: install 15 large package lockers on city sidewalks to centralize deliveries. DOT says, "The lockers will centralize drop-off points, allowing carriers to make fewer truck trips." DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez claims the initiative will cut daily delivery truck trips and give New Yorkers a secure spot for packages. Sara Lind of Open Plans calls it "a creative solution for reducing the number of trucks circling the block and idling at the curb." Still, she warns, "sidewalks are already very crowded," and urges care to avoid worsening conditions for pedestrians. The pilot will test if lockers can reduce truck traffic and theft without squeezing out people on foot.

• DOT Seeks to Reduce Delivery Traffic and Package Theft with Lockers, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-30

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-08

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06