Hell’s Kitchen Bleeds: City Stalls, Bodies Fall

Two mothers starve for justice. Their children killed by reckless drivers. They demand lawmakers let New York City set its own speed limits. The Assembly stalls. Grief and anger fill the halls. No more excuses. They want action. Now.

On June 6, 2023, two mothers began a hunger strike at the State Capitol, demanding action on Sammy’s Law. The bill, first introduced in 2020 by State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and carried in the Assembly by Linda Rosenthal, would let New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. The City Council backed the measure with a 'home rule' message last month. But Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has not brought it to a vote. The matter title: 'Sammy’s Law.' Amy Cohen, whose son Sammy was killed in 2013, and Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, whose son Bryan was killed in 2006, lead the protest. Mendieta-Cuapio says, 'We need to pass Sammy's Law today, no more excuses.' Lawmakers hide behind closed doors. The mothers refuse to let their children’s deaths be ignored.

• ‘Sammy’s Law’ Hunger Strike Begins at State Capitol, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-06

Two mothers starve for justice at the State Capitol. Their children were killed by reckless drivers. They demand lawmakers pass Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City set lower speed limits. Assembly leaders stall. Grief meets gridlock.

On June 6, 2023, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and advocates launched a hunger strike at the State Capitol for Sammy’s Law. The bill, introduced by Hoylman-Sigal and carried in the Assembly by Linda Rosenthal, would let New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. The official summary states it 'would authorize NYC to set speed limits below 25 mph but would not automatically change them.' Amy Cohen and Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, mothers whose children were killed by drivers, lead the protest. Despite majority City Council support and a home rule message, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie refuses to bring the bill to a vote. Advocates accuse lawmakers of hiding and demand transparency. The hunger strike exposes the human cost of legislative inaction.

• ‘Sammy’s Law’ Hunger Strike Begins at State Capitol, streetsblog.org, Published 2023-06-06

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

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

Albany stalls Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City drop speed limits to 20 mph. Families mourn. Lawmakers argue. Streets stay deadly. Supporters demand action. The Assembly hesitates. Lives hang in the balance. The city waits for a vote.

Sammy’s Law, debated on June 2, 2023, remains stalled in the New York State Assembly. The bill, championed by State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, would let New York City lower speed limits to 20 mph. The Transportation Committee, led by Bill Magnarelli, cited opposition and procedural delays. The City Council delivered the required home rule message. Amy Cohen, mother of Sammy, pressed the Assembly: "We are demanding that the Assembly bring the bill to a vote." Assemblyman Daniel Rosenthal withdrew support, claiming, "This bill is about revenue, not public safety." Despite 68% public support and backing from the mayor and Council, the Assembly remains undecided. The bill’s fate is uncertain. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while lawmakers debate.

• NYS Assembly still undecided on ‘Sammy’s Law’ to lower NYC speed limit, nypost.com, Published 2023-06-02

Albany stalls Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City drop speed limits to 20 mph. Families mourn. Lawmakers argue. Streets stay deadly. Supporters demand action. The Assembly hesitates. Lives hang in the balance. The city waits for a vote.

""I was at one of the first news conferences 10 years ago after Sammy was killed to speak about the need to make the streets safer for pedestrians... I feel good about it."" -- Linda Rosenthal

Sammy’s Law, debated on June 2, 2023, remains stalled in the New York State Assembly. The bill, championed by State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, would let New York City lower speed limits to 20 mph. The Transportation Committee, led by Bill Magnarelli, cited opposition and procedural delays. The City Council delivered the required home rule message. Amy Cohen, mother of Sammy, pressed the Assembly: "We are demanding that the Assembly bring the bill to a vote." Assemblyman Daniel Rosenthal withdrew support, claiming, "This bill is about revenue, not public safety." Despite 68% public support and backing from the mayor and Council, the Assembly remains undecided. The bill’s fate is uncertain. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while lawmakers debate.

• NYS Assembly still undecided on ‘Sammy’s Law’ to lower NYC speed limit, nypost.com, Published 2023-06-02

A 24-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and suffered a head injury after a collision with a 2021 Jeep SUV on West 41 Street. The SUV passed too closely while both were making left turns. The cyclist was unconscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male bicyclist was injured and ejected during a crash on West 41 Street. The collision involved a 2021 Jeep SUV and a bike, both traveling west and making left turns. The police identified "Passing Too Closely" as a contributing factor. The bicyclist suffered a head injury and was unconscious. The SUV's center front end struck the bike's right front bumper. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were listed. The report highlights the SUV driver's failure to maintain safe passing distance as the key error.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634582 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

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 2023-06-01

Albany lawmakers refuse to vote on Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City lower speed limits below 25 mph. Council and mayor back it. Assembly leadership stalls. Streets stay dangerous. Families wait. The city’s hands remain tied.

Sammy’s Law, named after 12-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein, would let New York City set speed limits below the state’s 25 mph minimum. The bill, carried by State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, stalled in the Assembly despite strong support from the City Council and Mayor. Council Member Jen Gutierrez called the refusal to vote 'unbelievable,' saying, 'Families across the city deserve this vote.' Amy Cohen, Sammy’s mother, called the inaction 'unconscionable.' Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said the bill lacks support to reach the floor. The bill passed the City Council’s home rule message but faces Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s resistance. The session ends June 8. Without action, the city cannot lower speed limits to protect pedestrians and cyclists.

• Sammy’s Law Not Expected to Pass in Assembly, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-31

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 2023-05-31

Albany lawmakers refuse to vote on Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City lower speed limits below 25 mph. Council and mayor back it. Assembly leadership stalls. Streets stay dangerous. Families wait. The city’s hands remain tied.

Sammy’s Law, named after 12-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein, would let New York City set speed limits below the state’s 25 mph minimum. The bill, carried by State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, stalled in the Assembly despite strong support from the City Council and Mayor. Council Member Jen Gutierrez called the refusal to vote 'unbelievable,' saying, 'Families across the city deserve this vote.' Amy Cohen, Sammy’s mother, called the inaction 'unconscionable.' Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said the bill lacks support to reach the floor. The bill passed the City Council’s home rule message but faces Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s resistance. The session ends June 8. Without action, the city cannot lower speed limits to protect pedestrians and cyclists.

• Sammy’s Law Not Expected to Pass in Assembly, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-31

NYC leaders went to Albany. They demanded lawmakers pass Sammy’s Law. The bill lets the city set its own speed limits. Brad Hoylman-Sigal led the charge. The law is named for a child killed by a car. The fight is urgent. Lives hang in the balance.

On May 30, 2023, State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and other NYC officials lobbied the state legislature to pass key transportation and housing bills before the session ends June 9. The centerpiece is 'Sammy’s Law,' which would let New York City set its own speed limits, potentially lowering them to 20 mph. Hoylman-Sigal, the bill’s sponsor, said, 'Senators in Massapequa shouldn’t set the speed limit for Manhattan—or the reverse.' The law is named for Sammy Cohen Eckstein, a 12-year-old killed by a car in Brooklyn. The bill had stalled before, but this year the required home rule resolution was submitted. Mayor Adams’ administration also pushed for affordable housing reforms. The push for Sammy’s Law is a fight to give NYC control over its streets and protect vulnerable road users from deadly speeding.

• NYC officials press Albany to pass critical bills on housing, city speed limit and others before session ends, nypost.com, Published 2023-05-30

A taxi traveling south on 9 Avenue struck a male pedestrian outside an intersection. The man suffered bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The impact hit the taxi’s left front quarter panel. The pedestrian remained conscious.

According to the police report, a taxi moving straight ahead on 9 Avenue in Manhattan collided with a male pedestrian who was in the roadway but not at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, with injury severity rated as moderate. The point of impact was the taxi’s left front quarter panel. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors for the crash. The pedestrian’s actions were noted as 'Other Actions in Roadway,' but no fault or blame is assigned. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. No helmet or signaling factors were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630790 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A Ford SUV and a city bus collided while both made right turns on West 51st Street in Manhattan. The SUV’s right side was struck. An 87-year-old male passenger in the SUV suffered a head contusion. Unsafe lane changing caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 2017 Ford SUV and a 2021 city bus collided on West 51st Street near 9 Avenue in Manhattan. Both vehicles were making right turns when the bus struck the right side doors of the SUV. An 87-year-old male passenger in the SUV was injured, sustaining a head contusion but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists "Unsafe Lane Changing" as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling south. The bus driver was also licensed and traveling south. The collision caused damage to the right side doors of the SUV and the left front bumper of the bus.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630333 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Senate bill S 7099 orders complete street design in all DOT projects with state or federal funds. Streets must serve walkers, cyclists, and riders. No more car-first blueprints. Gounardes leads. Hoylman-Sigal, Krueger back him.

Senate bill S 7099, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York Senate. Filed May 18, 2023, the bill 'requires inclusion of complete street design for state and local transportation projects undertaken by DOT or which receive both federal and state funding and are subject to DOT oversight.' Senator Andrew Gounardes sponsors the measure. Senators Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Liz Krueger co-sponsor. The bill demands every street project under DOT control put people first—pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. No safety analyst note is available yet. The bill aims to end car-centric planning.

• File S 7099, Open States, Published 2023-05-18

Council Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers signed onto the Sammy’s Law resolution. The bill would let New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. Brooks-Powers stressed pairing lower speeds with street redesigns. The resolution now has 23 co-sponsors, still short of a majority.

On May 17, 2023, Council Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers joined the resolution for Sammy’s Law, a measure urging Albany to let New York City set speed limits under 25 mph. The resolution, led by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, is a required step before state passage. Brooks-Powers had withheld support until the bill included street redesigns for safety, especially in low-income communities of color. She said, 'Lowering speed limits works best when paired with traffic calming and street safety infrastructure.' The resolution now has 23 co-sponsors, three short of a majority. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams has not signed on. Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal sponsors the bill in Albany. Sammy’s Law is named for a child killed by a reckless driver. Last year, the Council failed to pass a home rule message under Speaker Adams.

• Council Transportation Chair Signs Onto ‘Sammy’s Law’ Resolution, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-17

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

A 37-year-old female bicyclist was ejected and suffered a head contusion after a collision with an SUV on West 57th Street. The SUV struck the bike’s left front bumper. The bicyclist was not wearing a helmet and was injured but conscious.

According to the police report, a 37-year-old female bicyclist was injured when a 2017 Honda SUV traveling east struck her bike on West 57th Street. The SUV hit the bike’s left front bumper, causing the bicyclist to be ejected and sustain a head contusion. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating the driver failed to obey traffic signals or signs. The bicyclist was not wearing a helmet. No other contributing factors were noted. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash but suffered serious head injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628524 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 41-year-old man was struck by a taxi backing on 9 Avenue near West 43 Street. The pedestrian suffered bruises and lower leg injuries. The driver failed to back safely and was distracted. The victim was conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling north on 9 Avenue was backing unsafely near West 43 Street when it struck a 41-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists the driver's errors as "Backing Unsafely" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction." The taxi showed no vehicle damage, and the driver was licensed. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but not ejected. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4626885 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 67-year-old woman was struck by a tow truck on West 50 Street in Manhattan. She was crossing with the signal when the truck made a right turn. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her lower leg and foot.

According to the police report, a tow truck traveling east on West 50 Street made a right turn and struck a 67-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing with the signal. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors beyond unspecified ones. The truck showed no damage, and the driver was licensed. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but not ejected. The crash occurred outside an intersection, highlighting the dangers pedestrians face even when crossing legally.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4626033 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07