Gramercy Bleeds While Leaders Stall: Demand 20 MPH Now

Aug 2 - Senate bill S 7621 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets trigger mandatory speed control tech. Sponsors push to curb repeat danger. No votes yet. Streets stay tense.

Senate bill S 7621, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed August 2, 2023, it 'relates to requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Jeremy Cooney, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill forces drivers with eleven points in eighteen months, or six speed/red light camera tickets in a year, to install speed-limiting devices. No safety analyst note yet. The measure aims to cut repeat speeding and protect those outside the car.

• File S 7621, Open States, Published 2023-08-02

Jul 31 - Manhattan lawmakers want electric cars to pay less under congestion pricing. They argue EVs cut smog, so drivers deserve a break. Critics warn this move keeps streets clogged. Fewer cars mean fewer crashes. The fight pits clean air against crowded roads.

On July 31, 2023, a group of Manhattan elected officials—including Assembly Members Alex Bores, Eddie Gibbs, Deborah Glick, Harvey Epstein, Rebecca Seawright; State Senators Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Liz Krueger, Kristen Gonzalez; and Borough President Mark Levine—sent a letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board. They urged a congestion pricing discount for electric vehicles, claiming EVs 'do not contribute significantly to the smog and pollution of the Central Business District.' Assembly Member Bores led the effort, stating, 'when it comes to the environmental case, an electric vehicle is just a different profile than a gas-guzzling one.' The officials oppose credits for bridge and tunnel crossings. Congestion pricing advocates and environmental groups counter that EV discounts undermine the core goal: fewer cars, less traffic, safer streets. They note other cities are ending such breaks. The proposal highlights a tension—cleaner air versus safer, less crowded roads for all.

• Manhattan Elected Officials Urge Congestion Pricing Discount For Electric Cars, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-07-31

Jul 31 - Manhattan lawmakers want electric cars to pay less under congestion pricing. They argue EVs cut smog, so drivers deserve a break. Critics warn this move keeps streets clogged. Fewer cars mean fewer crashes. The fight pits clean air against crowded roads.

On July 31, 2023, a group of Manhattan elected officials—including Assembly Members Alex Bores, Eddie Gibbs, Deborah Glick, Harvey Epstein, Rebecca Seawright; State Senators Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Liz Krueger, Kristen Gonzalez; and Borough President Mark Levine—sent a letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board. They urged a congestion pricing discount for electric vehicles, claiming EVs 'do not contribute significantly to the smog and pollution of the Central Business District.' Assembly Member Bores led the effort, stating, 'when it comes to the environmental case, an electric vehicle is just a different profile than a gas-guzzling one.' The officials oppose credits for bridge and tunnel crossings. Congestion pricing advocates and environmental groups counter that EV discounts undermine the core goal: fewer cars, less traffic, safer streets. They note other cities are ending such breaks. The proposal highlights a tension—cleaner air versus safer, less crowded roads for all.

• Manhattan Elected Officials Urge Congestion Pricing Discount For Electric Cars, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-07-31

Jul 21 - A 20-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured on 3 Avenue. The SUV and bike collided on their left sides. The cyclist suffered abrasions and elbow injuries. The crash involved improper lane usage and unsafe lane changing by the SUV driver.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 3 Avenue involving a 2016 Chevrolet SUV and a bicycle, both traveling north. The SUV driver committed errors including improper passing or lane usage and unsafe lane changing. The 20-year-old male bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The bike was struck on its left side doors, matching the SUV's left front quarter panel impact. The bicyclist wore a helmet at the time of the crash. The report highlights driver errors as contributing factors without attributing fault to the bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4647450 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 19 - A 19-year-old woman was struck while crossing East 24 Street at 3 Avenue in Manhattan. She suffered injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The pedestrian was in shock and complained of pain and nausea after the crash.

According to the police report, a 19-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing East 24 Street at 3 Avenue in Manhattan. She was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot and was reported to be in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors. The vehicle involved is unspecified, and no details about the driver or vehicle type are provided. There is no mention of helmet use or signaling by the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4648132 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 18 - Brooklyn officials demand equal tolls on all Manhattan crossings. They warn free bridges funnel traffic into certain neighborhoods. Their letter calls for fairness. The MTA stays silent. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide. Streets hang in the balance.

On July 18, 2023, Council Member Shahana Hanif and other Brooklyn officials called for 'equalized tolling on all crossings into Manhattan' as congestion pricing nears. Their letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board states: 'No one community should disproportionately bear the burden of the cars and trucks passing through their neighborhood.' Hanif, along with Lincoln Restler, Alexa Avilés, Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Crystal Hudson, joined borough, state, and federal colleagues in this push. They propose a credit system to balance costs between DOT bridges and MTA tunnels, aiming to protect neighborhoods like the Brooklyn waterfront and the BQE corridor from traffic surges. The MTA declined comment. The Board will soon set final toll rates and rules. The federal government has approved the congestion pricing plan, with tolls for cars expected between $9 and $23. Over 100 exemption requests, including from taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers, are under review.

• Pols call for ‘equalized tolling’ on all crossings into Manhattan under congestion pricing on eve of board deliberations, amny.com, Published 2023-07-18

Jul 17 - An SUV made a left turn and hit a southbound e-bike on 3 Avenue. The 42-year-old bicyclist was ejected and suffered hip and upper leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention and traffic control disregard as causes.

According to the police report, a 2002 Jeep SUV traveling north on 3 Avenue made a left turn and collided head-on with a southbound e-bike. The bicyclist, a 42-year-old man wearing a helmet, was ejected and sustained injuries to his hip and upper leg, resulting in shock and complaints of pain. The report lists driver errors including inattention and disregard for traffic control. The SUV driver was licensed and operating the vehicle at the time. The e-bike rider was not at fault. The crash caused damage to the front center of both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4650024 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 12 - A 37-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and fractured his elbow after a collision with a sedan making a right turn in Manhattan. The driver’s inattention caused the crash. The bicyclist suffered a dislocation and shock, with no helmet worn.

According to the police report, a 37-year-old male bicyclist was injured and ejected during a collision with a sedan at Gramercy Park North in Manhattan. The sedan, driven by a licensed female driver from New Jersey, was making a right turn when the crash occurred. The bicyclist sustained a fractured, distorted, and dislocated lower arm and hand. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The point of impact was the left front quarter panel of the sedan and the left front bumper of the bike. The bicyclist was in shock and suffered serious injuries but was not at fault.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4646008 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 25 - A motorcycle collided with an SUV making a right turn on 3 Avenue. The motorcyclist was ejected and suffered upper arm and shoulder injuries. The crash involved failure to yield and unsafe speed by the motorcycle driver. The rider was helmeted.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling north on 3 Avenue struck the right front bumper of a northbound SUV making a right turn. The motorcycle driver, a 44-year-old man, was ejected and sustained abrasions and upper arm and shoulder injuries. The report lists failure to yield right-of-way and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The SUV driver was licensed and had no occupants. The impact point was the motorcycle's center front end and the SUV's right front bumper.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4641555 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 18 - A taxi hit a young woman crossing 1st Avenue before dawn. She fell, head bleeding, silent on the street. The cab rolled on, unmarked. The city paused. The crash left her unconscious, the asphalt cold beneath her.

A 24-year-old woman was struck by a northbound taxi at the corner of East 23rd Street and 1st Avenue in Manhattan at 3:20 a.m. According to the police report, she was crossing against the signal when the collision occurred. The impact left her unconscious with severe head bleeding. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are cited in the data. The taxi showed no visible damage. The report does not mention helmet use or signaling as factors. The crash left the pedestrian gravely injured, the street silent in its aftermath.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4639826 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 9 - A cyclist hit a 41-year-old woman crossing East 21 Street at 3 Avenue. She suffered a head abrasion and shock. The bike's front center collided with her. Unsafe speed by the cyclist caused the crash.

According to the police report, a cyclist traveling south on East 21 Street struck a 41-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing with the signal at the intersection with 3 Avenue in Manhattan. The pedestrian sustained a head abrasion and was in shock. The point of impact was the center front end of the bike. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the crash. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The pedestrian was not at fault and was following the crossing signal at the time of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4637512 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 8 - 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

Jun 6 - 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

Jun 4 - A sedan sped through the corner of East 21st and 3rd. It struck a 23-year-old man on an e-bike. His head was crushed. Blood pooled on the street. The car did not stop. Alcohol fueled the crash. The cyclist died at the scene.

A 23-year-old man riding an e-bike was struck and killed by a speeding sedan at the corner of East 21st Street and 3rd Avenue in Manhattan. According to the police report, 'A 23-year-old man on an e-bike was struck and killed by a speeding sedan. His head was crushed. Blood spread on the asphalt. The car kept moving. Alcohol was involved.' The crash involved a sedan traveling north and an e-bike stopped in traffic. The police report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The driver did not remain at the scene. The cyclist suffered fatal head injuries and died on the street.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634861 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 1 - 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

May 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

May 28 - A sedan traveling south hit a bicyclist going west at East 23rd Street and 3rd Avenue. The cyclist suffered a fractured knee and lower leg injuries. The bike’s right side was damaged. The driver showed no visible damage to the vehicle.

According to the police report, a sedan and a bicycle collided at East 23rd Street near 3rd Avenue in Manhattan. The bicyclist, a 45-year-old man, was injured with fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. The sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, was traveling straight south, while the bicyclist was going straight west. The point of impact was the sedan’s center front end and the bike’s right side doors. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The bicyclist was not ejected and was conscious after the crash. The sedan showed no damage, while the bike sustained damage to its right side doors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632810 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 27 - A 26-year-old male in-line skater was struck by an SUV backing on 3 Avenue near East 24 Street. The skater was ejected and suffered severe leg injuries including fractures and dislocations. The driver backed unsafely, causing the crash.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male in-line skater riding along 3 Avenue was hit by a 2016 SUV backing northbound near East 24 Street in Manhattan. The driver was backing unsafely, listed twice as a contributing factor. The skater was ejected from the impact and sustained serious injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot, including fractures and dislocations. The vehicle showed no damage. The report identifies 'Backing Unsafely' as the sole driver error. No safety equipment was noted for the injured occupant. The crash highlights the dangers of unsafe backing maneuvers in busy city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4637522 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 25 - A cyclist slammed into a parked SUV on East 28th. Metal shrieked. He flew, hit the pavement, blood streaking his arm. His hand split open. He lay conscious, torn, in the sun. The street stood silent, marked by pain and steel.

A 38-year-old cyclist crashed into a parked SUV on East 28th Street near Third Avenue in Manhattan. According to the police report, the collision occurred at 11:10 a.m. The cyclist was ejected from his bike and suffered severe lacerations to his arm and hand. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the data, but this is mentioned only after the driver error. The SUV was parked at the time of the crash. No injuries were reported for the SUV occupant. The aftermath was blood, torn flesh, and twisted metal on a sunlit city street.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632017 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 22 - 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 2023-05-22