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

Jul 1 - A Brooklyn judge refused to scrap Bedford Avenue’s protected bike lane. For now, cyclists and pedestrians keep their shield. Legal threats linger. Safety hangs in the balance.

On July 1, 2025, a Brooklyn judge maintained a temporary restraining order, blocking Mayor Adams’s push to remove the Bedford Avenue protected bike lane. The case, covered by Streetsblog NYC, pits city DOT and supporters against opponents led by lawyer Frank Seddio. Council Members Chi Ossé and Lincoln Restler back the lane, citing injury reductions of 47 percent. The matter summary warns: 'Legal opposition to protected bike lanes threatens infrastructure improvements that are proven to increase safety and encourage mode shift for vulnerable road users.' The judge will soon decide if removing protection requires public notice. The fight for safe passage continues.

• Brooklyn Judge Once Again Declines to Rip Up Bedford Ave. Protected Bike Lane… For Now, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-01

Jun 30 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-30

Jun 30 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-30

Jun 30 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-30

Jun 30 - West 14th Street lost lanes to cars. Pedestrians gained a promenade. Shops, benches, and art now fill the block. Engines faded. Footsteps grew. The city claims safety and space for people. The street feels new.

On June 18, 2025, West 14th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues opened as a new promenade. Council Member Barbara Russo-Lennon supported the project. The matter summary reads: 'a new promenade opened on West 14th Street, with cool shops, cozy seating, lush landscaping and less space for driving.' The redesign took 18 feet from each side for decks and seating, adding over 4,000 square feet for people. The safety analyst notes: reducing driving space prioritizes pedestrians, encourages mode shift, and likely improves safety through traffic calming and visibility. The project puts vulnerable road users first.

• Meatpacking District’s historic makeover continues with a new promenade and less room for cars, AMNY, Published 2025-06-30

Jun 30 - Governor Hochul signed S.8344/A.8787, extending NYC’s school zone speed camera program to 2030. Cameras stay. Streets watch. Danger lingers for kids crossing. Fewer drivers speed. Fewer crashes. Lives spared.

On June 30, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul signed S.8344/A.8787, renewing New York City’s school zone speed camera program through July 1, 2030. The bill, described as 'an extra boost' for automated enforcement, updates home-rule provisions first enacted in 2013. State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assembly Member Deborah Glick sponsored the measure. Both praised the program’s record in cutting speeds and saving lives. Council member Barbara Russo-Lennon supported the renewal. A safety analyst notes the extension is likely to reduce speeds and crashes, improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists, especially children, without burdening vulnerable road users.

• Staying on: New Yorkers react to Hochul’s renewed speed camera program in NYC, AMNY, Published 2025-06-30

Jun 30 - SUV hit cyclist making left on Broadway. Cyclist ejected, shoulder bruised. Police cite confusion as factor. No damage to vehicles. Streets stay dangerous for those outside steel.

A cyclist turning left on Broadway at W 230th Street was struck by a southbound SUV. The cyclist, a 40-year-old man, was ejected and suffered a shoulder contusion. According to the police report, 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' was listed as a contributing factor. No vehicle damage was reported. The SUV driver and another occupant were not injured. The crash highlights the risks faced by cyclists at intersections dominated by larger vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4824441 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 28 - A driver fleeing police tore through a red light in the Bronx. Two cars spun onto the sidewalk. Three pedestrians hit. One man clings to life. Metal, glass, blood on Bruckner Boulevard.

According to NY Daily News (2025-06-28), an unlicensed driver sped from an NYPD stop, ran a red light, and crashed into another car at Bruckner Blvd. and Hunts Point Ave. Both vehicles spun onto the sidewalk, striking three pedestrians. The article states, "Jenkins slammed on the gas and sped off east on Hunts Point Ave., blowing through a red light." Police charged the driver with vehicular assault, reckless endangerment, and fleeing. The crash highlights the risks when drivers evade police and ignore signals. One pedestrian remains in critical condition.

• Bronx Crash Leaves Pedestrian Critical, NY Daily News, Published 2025-06-28

Jun 26 - DOT picks a landscape team for Park Avenue. Greener blocks and wider medians promised. Pedestrians may gain. Cyclists and drivers left in limbo. Safety for walkers likely to rise.

On June 26, 2025, NYC DOT named Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects to lead the Park Avenue redesign from East 46th to 57th Streets. The project, described as making Park Avenue 'greener and more pedestrian-friendly,' enters a new design phase. Council member Barbara Russo-Lennon backs more green space and pedestrian access. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called it a 'transformative redesign.' The fate of driving lanes and bike lanes remains undecided. According to safety analysts, making Park Avenue more pedestrian-friendly and greener is likely to improve safety and comfort for pedestrians, and may encourage a shift away from driving, benefiting vulnerable road users overall.

• DOT picks landscape team for Park Avenue redesign, but fate of driving lanes remains unknown, AMNY, Published 2025-06-26

Jun 22 - Metal struck metal before dawn. A car hit another, then slammed a scooter. Two riders flew off. An 18-year-old woman lay critical. Sirens cut the Bronx dark. Seven hurt. The road stayed open. Danger did not end.

ABC7 reported on June 22, 2025, that a multi-vehicle crash on the Hutchinson River Parkway in the Bronx left seven injured, including one woman in critical condition. The article states, 'The Honda Accord collided with the Honda Pilot. The Honda Pilot then collided with the Razor Scooter, causing the 24-year-old man operating the scooter and an 18-year-old woman to be ejected.' Six others from the cars suffered minor injuries. The crash happened before 4 a.m. near Throggs Neck. Police are investigating the sequence of impacts. The incident highlights the risks faced by scooter riders and the dangers of high-speed, multi-vehicle traffic on city parkways.

• Seven Hurt In Hutchinson Parkway Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-06-22

Jun 21 - A scooter slammed into a Honda Pilot before dawn. The passenger, eighteen, hit the road hard. The driver fled. Three more hurt in the cars. Sirens wailed. No arrests. The street stayed cold and dangerous.

According to the New York Post (published June 21, 2025), an 18-year-old scooter passenger was left in critical condition after a crash on the Hutchinson River Parkway in the Bronx. Police said the scooter collided with a Honda Pilot around 4 a.m., triggering a chain reaction that involved a Honda Accord. The article reports, "The moped's driver fled with the bike before cops arrived." Three passengers in each car were also injured and taken to Jacobi Hospital. No arrests had been made by Saturday afternoon. The incident highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable road users and raises questions about driver accountability and the effectiveness of current enforcement on city parkways.

• Scooter Crash Leaves Teen Critical in Bronx, New York Post, Published 2025-06-21

Jun 19 - A cyclist swerved to avoid a pedestrian in Central Park. He fell. His head struck the curb. He died at the hospital. The pedestrian suffered minor injuries. The crash happened at a crosswalk near 96th Street. The case is under investigation.

ABC7 reported on June 19, 2025, that Salvador Nico-Garcia, 43, died after colliding with a pedestrian while riding an e-bike in Central Park. According to police, Nico-Garcia swerved to avoid a 41-year-old pedestrian crossing at the crosswalk near 96th Street and East Drive. He fell, struck his head on the curb, and was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital. The pedestrian sustained minor abrasions. ABC7 notes, 'Officials say Nico-Garcia was on an e-bike and was not wearing a helmet at the time he was thrown.' New York City does not require cyclists over 14 to wear helmets. In Central Park, pedestrians have the right of way at all times. The incident remains under investigation, highlighting ongoing risks at crosswalks and the lack of helmet mandates for adult cyclists.

• Cyclist Killed Dodging Pedestrian In Park, ABC7, Published 2025-06-19

Jun 18 - Crews will gut and rebuild Williams Bridge and Woodlawn stations. Four new elevators will rise. Three Harlem Line stops in the Bronx will open to all. The city’s transit spine grows stronger for those left waiting longest.

On June 18, 2025, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced a sweeping accessibility project for three Metro-North Harlem Line stations in the Bronx: Williams Bridge, Woodlawn, and Botanical Garden. According to the MTA, crews will completely rebuild Williams Bridge and Woodlawn, installing four new elevators—two at each station—to ensure full accessibility. The matter summary states: 'comprehensive renovation and accessibility project at three Metro-North Railroad Harlem Line stations in the Bronx.' Christian Murray reported the announcement. No council bill number or committee applies, as this is an agency initiative, not legislation. The upgrades promise to open transit to riders long shut out by stairs and barriers. Improving station accessibility encourages more walking and cycling to transit, supports mode shift away from driving, and benefits vulnerable users by making the built environment more inclusive and safer.

• MTA begins major accessibility upgrades at three Bronx Metro-North stations, AMNY, Published 2025-06-18

Jun 18 - Albany keeps speed cameras rolling. Lawmakers extend the city’s program to 2030. Cameras catch speeders near schools. Streets get safer for walkers and riders. Fewer crashes, fewer deaths. A hard-won victory for the vulnerable. The fight against traffic violence continues.

""We want to acknowledge all the advocates—including Families for Safe Streets—which successfully fought for this renewal... And our special gratitude goes to Speaker Carl Heastie and Majority Leader Andrew Stewart-Cousins and the members of both houses who have so consistently supported the Adams administration’s hard-fought efforts to reach Vision Zero."" -- Ydanis A. Rodriguez

On June 18, 2025, the New York State Legislature reauthorized the city’s speed camera program for five more years, extending it until July 1, 2030. The bill passed both the Senate and Assembly and awaits Governor Hochul’s signature. The measure, described as 'possibly the most important street safety law on the books,' covers 750 school zones. Sen. Andrew Gounardes praised the program, saying, 'speed cameras save lives and make our streets safer for everyone.' DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez credited advocates and lawmakers for the renewal. Amy Sohn supported the move. Safety analysts note that speed cameras reduce vehicle speeds and crashes, improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists without burdening them. The reauthorization marks a rare, clear win for vulnerable road users in the city’s ongoing battle against traffic violence.

• Albany Reauthorizes City Speed Camera Program for 5 More Years, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-18

Jun 18 - Waymo will test robotaxis on New York streets. Human drivers will control the cars. State law blocks full autonomy. Officials stress safety. Waymo pushes for legal change. The city weighs risk. Streets wait for the next move.

NY Daily News reported on June 18, 2025, that Waymo will soon test its driverless taxi technology in New York City. The vehicles will not operate autonomously; human drivers will remain behind the wheel, as state law forbids fully driverless cars. Waymo is lobbying for a law change to allow autonomous operation, but the effort has stalled in the State Assembly. Mayoral spokeswoman Sophia Askari said, "Public safety is our first priority, which is why we have strong guardrails and requirements in place on any sort of autonomous vehicles." The city’s Department of Transportation is reviewing Waymo’s permit application, the first under the new Autonomous Vehicle Demonstration or Testing Permit Program. The article highlights the tension between technological ambition and regulatory caution, with policy decisions pending and no driverless operation allowed yet.

• Waymo Robotaxis Begin NYC Street Tests, NY Daily News, Published 2025-06-18

Jun 17 - Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.

Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-17

Jun 17 - Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.

Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-17

Jun 17 - A teen fell from a moving train at Baychester Avenue. He landed on the tracks. Medics rushed him to the hospital. His injuries are critical. The station echoed with sirens and fear. The train kept running. The system failed to protect.

ABC7 reported on June 17, 2025, that a teenager, estimated to be between 14 and 16 years old, suffered critical injuries after falling onto the tracks while subway surfing at Baychester Avenue station in the Bronx. Police told ABC7, 'He was taken to the hospital in critical condition.' The article highlights the ongoing risks of unsecured access to train exteriors and the lack of effective barriers or deterrents. No driver error was cited, but the incident underscores systemic gaps in transit safety and enforcement. The report does not mention any policy response or changes following the event.

• Teen Critically Hurt In Bronx Subway Fall, ABC7, Published 2025-06-17

Jun 16 - White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.

Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 7678, Open States, Published 2025-06-16

Jun 16 - Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.

Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.

• File S 7785, Open States, Published 2025-06-16