Steel Wins, Kids Lose—Lower the Limit Now

Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins opposed new congestion tolls and tax hikes. She backed a $1 billion state reserve for the MTA. The editorial called the toll plan a kludge. Riders lose promised upgrades. Streets stay clogged. No relief for those on foot or bike.

On June 7, 2024, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins was mentioned in an editorial statement on congestion pricing policy. The editorial, titled 'Cleaning up after congestion pricing is messy — but worth it,' praised Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie for rejecting both congestion tolls and a metro-area mobility tax hike. The piece argued, 'the congestion toll was a ridiculous kludge that Hochul was right to kill.' Instead, it supported a $1 billion one-year state reserve for the MTA. Stewart-Cousins' stance blocks new funding streams that could have paid for safer streets, electric buses, and accessible stations. The editorial criticized MTA spending but ignored the danger and delay this decision brings to vulnerable road users. No safety analyst reviewed the impact.

• Cleaning up after congestion pricing is messy — but worth it, nypost.com, Published 2024-06-07

Albany scrambles. Hochul halts congestion pricing. Lawmakers, including Zellnor Myrie, reject quick fixes. The MTA’s future hangs on shaky ground. No new plan. No stable money. Riders and streets wait. Danger grows as funding stalls.

On June 7, 2024, state lawmakers debated MTA funding after Governor Hochul paused congestion pricing. The matter, titled 'Hochul, Albany lawmakers scramble to find new funding stream for MTA after pausing congestion pricing,' unfolded as the legislative session neared its end. State Sen. Zellnor Myrie voiced strong opposition, stating, 'I am opposed to the Governor’s last-minute plan to cancel congestion pricing. I will vote against any plan that will redirect funds from other priorities to cover the revenue lost from congestion pricing.' Hochul’s payroll tax proposal failed. An IOU from the general fund faces resistance. Critics argue only congestion pricing offers stable, legal funding. No alternative secures the MTA’s capital needs. Vulnerable riders face mounting risk as lawmakers stall.

• Hochul, Albany lawmakers scramble to find new funding stream for MTA after pausing congestion pricing, amny.com, Published 2024-06-07

Albany lawmakers left town. Hochul froze congestion pricing. The MTA lost $1 billion. Projects for safer, more accessible transit now hang in limbo. Riders, walkers, and cyclists face a bleaker future. No fix. No plan. Only confusion and risk.

On June 7, 2024, state leaders adjourned without resolving the MTA’s $1 billion funding gap. The crisis followed Governor Hochul’s abrupt halt of congestion pricing, a move that stripped the MTA of critical capital. The MTA warned, "Modernization and improvement projects like electric buses, accessible stations and new signals will likely need to be deprioritized." State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie both expressed uncertainty. The matter, titled "State of Confusion: Albany Pols Adjourn, Hochul Gets Delusional, MTA Plans Capital Cuts in Wild Final Day," leaves transit upgrades stalled. Stewart-Cousins was mentioned but took no direct action. With no new funding, the MTA’s ability to deliver safer, more reliable service for vulnerable New Yorkers is now in jeopardy.

• State of Confusion: Albany Pols Adjourn, Hochul Gets Delusional, MTA Plans Capital Cuts in Wild Final Day, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-06-07

Albany lawmakers ended session in chaos. Governor Hochul froze congestion pricing. The MTA faces a billion-dollar hole. Projects for safer, more accessible transit now hang in limbo. Vulnerable New Yorkers lose as leaders stall and blame each other.

On June 7, 2024, the New York State Legislature adjourned without addressing the $1 billion funding gap for the MTA, created by Governor Kathy Hochul’s abrupt pause of congestion pricing. The bill or action, discussed in committee and at press conferences by Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, left the MTA warning of capital cuts. The matter summary states, 'Modernization and improvement projects like electric buses, accessible stations and new signals will likely need to be deprioritized.' Hochul defended her decision, claiming to protect working-class New Yorkers, but advocates and reporters questioned her reversal. With no new funding, critical upgrades for transit safety and accessibility are at risk, leaving vulnerable road users exposed as state leaders fail to act.

• State of Confusion: Albany Pols Adjourn, Hochul Gets Delusional, MTA Plans Capital Cuts in Wild Final Day, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-07

Albany lawmakers walked away. The MTA’s billion-dollar gap remains. No deal. No new funding. Subway upgrades, electric buses, and station fixes hang in the balance. Riders, not drivers, face the cost. Streets stay clogged. Danger lingers for all outside a car.

"If congestion pricing at this moment is not going to be what funds it, you have to raise revenue." -- Carl Heastie

On June 7, 2024, New York’s legislature ended its session without plugging the MTA’s multi-billion-dollar budget hole. The gap opened when Governor Hochul halted Manhattan’s congestion pricing. The bill, discussed but not passed, would have replaced lost revenue—$1 billion a year meant for transit upgrades. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, mentioned in the debate, said, 'Our conference is reticent to commit a billion dollars annually for the next 15 years without having some understanding in place as to how we're going to deal with congestion as well.' Lawmakers could not agree on new taxes or a legislative IOU. The inaction leaves critical MTA projects—like electric buses and accessible stations—at risk. Vulnerable road users lose most: less transit means more cars, more danger, and fewer safe options for those on foot, bike, or bus.

• NY lawmakers won’t tackle Hochul-created MTA budget hole, for now, gothamist.com, Published 2024-06-07

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-06

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-06

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-06

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03

A tow truck struck a sedan on Byron Avenue in the Bronx. The sedan’s front passenger, a 22-year-old woman, suffered abrasions to her elbow and lower arm. Police cited failure to yield and unsafe speed as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Byron Avenue in the Bronx at 16:50. A tow truck traveling west collided with a southbound sedan. The point of impact was the tow truck's right front bumper against the sedan's left front quarter panel and left side doors. The sedan carried two occupants; the front passenger, a 22-year-old female, was injured with abrasions to her elbow and lower arm but was conscious and not ejected. The report explicitly lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors, indicating driver errors by one or both vehicle operators. The injured passenger's use of a lap belt and harness was noted, but no victim behavior was cited as a contributing factor. The crash highlights systemic dangers related to driver compliance with right-of-way rules and speed control.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731289 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A northbound SUV struck a southbound sedan making a left turn on White Plains Road in the Bronx. Four vehicle occupants suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite failure to yield right-of-way as the primary cause of the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred near East 233 Street in the Bronx at 11:50 p.m. A 2017 Mercedes SUV traveling northbound on White Plains Road collided with a 2017 Buick sedan making a left turn southbound. The point of impact was the SUV's right front bumper striking the sedan's right rear quarter panel. Police identified failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor in the crash. Four occupants in the SUV, including the driver and three passengers aged 18 to 48, were injured with back injuries and complaints of whiplash. All occupants were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victims' behavior. The collision highlights driver error and systemic danger at intersections involving turning vehicles and through traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729384 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Pickup truck hit a bicyclist in the Bronx. Cyclist ejected, suffered serious leg injuries. Alcohol involved. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

According to the police report, a pickup truck traveling north on White Plains Road in the Bronx struck a 49-year-old male bicyclist at 1:52 AM. The impact from the truck’s right front bumper ejected the cyclist, causing injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The cyclist was in shock and complained of pain and nausea. The report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' as a contributing factor. The bicyclist’s safety equipment status is unknown. The crash highlights driver errors and systemic dangers that left a vulnerable road user badly hurt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728098 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

A 16-year-old moped driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a collision with a sedan on White Plains Road in the Bronx. The crash occurred during a right turn. The moped struck the sedan’s left front quarter panel, causing minor burns and shock.

According to the police report, the crash happened at 8:13 p.m. on White Plains Road in the Bronx. The moped driver, a 16-year-old male, was making a right turn when the collision occurred. The sedan was traveling straight ahead in the same direction. The point of impact was the left rear quarter panel of the moped and the left front quarter panel of the sedan. The report cites "Turning Improperly" as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating driver error on the moped operator's part. The moped driver sustained injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot, along with minor burns and was in shock. The driver was not ejected from the vehicle. The sedan driver was licensed in New York. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727529 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided head-on on White Plains Road in the Bronx. A front-seat passenger suffered whiplash and injuries to the entire body. Both drivers were licensed men. Improper lane usage caused the crash, according to police.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on White Plains Road in the Bronx at 21:23. Two sedans, both traveling in opposite directions, collided head-on with center front end impacts. The report cites 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor for both vehicles, indicating driver error in lane management. One occupant, a 34-year-old male front passenger, was injured with whiplash and injuries to the entire body but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. Both drivers were licensed men from New York. The collision caused significant damage to the front ends of both vehicles. The police report does not list any victim behavior as a contributing factor, focusing the cause on driver lane usage errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725698 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

A 72-year-old woman suffered bruises and full-body contusions after an SUV backed into her outside an intersection in the Bronx. The driver, unlicensed and inexperienced, struck the pedestrian with the vehicle’s rear, causing serious injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:26 in the Bronx near East 233 Street. A 72-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2023 Hyundai SUV backed unsafely, striking her with the center back end of the vehicle. The report cites 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The driver was unlicensed, compounding the risk. The pedestrian was not in the roadway and suffered contusions and bruises over her entire body, with an injury severity rated at 3. The vehicle was traveling south and had two occupants. This collision highlights the dangers posed by unlicensed, inexperienced drivers performing unsafe backing maneuvers in areas where pedestrians are present.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725772 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04