East Midtown Bleeds While Leaders Stall

State Sen. Jeremy Cooney calls out Governor Hochul. He demands a 100-day plan to fill the $16.5 billion MTA gap left by her congestion pricing pause. Projects for safer, more accessible transit hang in the balance. Albany leaders mostly stay silent.

On July 24, 2024, State Sen. Jeremy Cooney, new chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, issued a public demand for Governor Hochul to deliver a '100-day plan' to replace the $16.5 billion MTA funding shortfall caused by her cancellation of congestion pricing. In his op-ed, Cooney wrote, 'the time for debating the merits of congestion pricing has passed,' urging the governor to convene finance, labor, and passenger representatives to find a solution. Cooney’s push comes as the MTA faces threats to station accessibility, signal upgrades, and new trains and buses. Other Albany leaders, including Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate President Andrea Stewart-Cousins, have offered little response. Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger called Hochul’s move illegal. The bill or action is not numbered, but the committee involved is the Senate Transportation Committee. No direct safety analyst note was provided, but the loss of funding jeopardizes projects vital to vulnerable road users.

• Hochul Must Put Up or Shut Up on Congestion Pricing, New Senate Transportation Chair Says, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-24

City will let property owners install e-bike charging stations on sidewalks. The move aims to stop deadly basement charging and bring safety to delivery workers. A new battery trade-in program will target dangerous lithium-ion batteries and mopeds. Community resistance remains.

On July 23, 2024, the Department of Transportation announced a new initiative to permit private sidewalk e-bike and moped charging stations. The program, previewed at a press conference with Mayor Adams, will open for applications by year’s end after a public hearing on August 21. The matter, described as making it 'easier and faster for property owners to install public battery charging and swapping cabinets,' seeks to replace illegal, hazardous charging hubs with regulated infrastructure. Council Member Keith Powers, who sponsored last year’s battery trade-in law, said, 'No one wants to use—or be anywhere near—batteries that aren't safe to charge.' Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh called current illegal charging 'effectively death traps.' The city will also fund a $2 million battery and moped trade-in program. Delivery worker advocates want the new stations to be free or low-cost. Community board opposition has slowed previous efforts. The mayor remains neutral on state e-bike registration proposals.

• DOT Will Fast-Track Private Sidewalk E-Bike Charging Stations, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-23

New state law forces moped and e-bike sellers to register vehicles, educate buyers, and ban unsafe batteries. Lawmakers say this closes loopholes, shifts blame from workers, and aims to cut rising crashes. Streets see more mopeds, more injuries, more tension.

On July 12, 2024, Governor Hochul signed a package of eight bills into law, including new moped and e-bike safety regulations. The legislation, sponsored by State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Alex Bores, requires retailers to register mopeds at the point of sale, provide safety information, and prohibit the sale of substandard lithium-ion batteries. The law also mandates crash reporting and new safety training for first responders. Hoylman-Sigal said, 'I've received more complaints about the hazards these mopeds cause than just about any other issue.' Bores added, 'By requiring the registration of mopeds at point of sale and the collection of e-bike collision data, we are making our streets safer and increasing accountability.' The law shifts accountability to retailers, aiming to improve street safety without penalizing delivery workers. Council Member Shekar Krishnan and State Senator Liz Kruger also voiced support, highlighting the dangers of unregistered mopeds and the need for better buyer education. The law responds to a sharp rise in moped-related injuries and community complaints across New York City.

• Moped and E-Bike Safety Legislation Becomes State Law, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-12

A Jeep rolled south on 2nd Avenue. A man on a bike hit the pavement, his leg torn, blood pooling. No helmet. The Jeep showed no damage. The cyclist’s pain marked the corner, another body broken by traffic’s force.

At the corner of 2nd Avenue and East 48th Street in Manhattan, a collision between a Jeep SUV and a cyclist left a 31-year-old man with severe lacerations to his knee, lower leg, and foot, according to the police report. The narrative states, 'A Jeep kept south. A man on a bike fell hard. Blood pooled near his torn leg. His foot split open. No helmet. No damage to the Jeep. Just pain on the pavement.' The report lists the cyclist as injured, suffering 'severe lacerations,' and notes that the SUV sustained no damage. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. The police report does not specify any driver errors or contributing factors beyond 'Unspecified.' The only detail about the cyclist’s behavior is the absence of a helmet, which is mentioned in the narrative but not cited as a contributing factor. The crash underscores the vulnerability of cyclists on city streets amid heavy vehicle traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4740041 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

State senators debate cutting the $15 congestion toll. Brad Hoylman-Sigal backs a lower fee if safety and transit gains hold. Liz Krueger wants $1 billion for the MTA. Jabari Brisport slams the rushed process. Trump vows to kill the tolls.

On July 2, 2024, state lawmakers, including Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (District 47), discussed reducing the $15 base congestion pricing fee. The debate, reported by Gothamist, centers on whether a lower toll could unfreeze the program while still funding the MTA. Hoylman-Sigal said, "Nobody's wedded to $15. We are wedded to the improvements that congestion pricing will provide for mass transit or safety on our streets for cleaner air." Sen. Liz Krueger is open to a new fee if it raises $1 billion yearly. Sen. Jabari Brisport criticized the lack of study and feedback in the process, calling it "irresponsible." Any change needs legislative, MTA, and federal approval. Trump has promised to end congestion pricing if elected. No formal safety analysis was provided for vulnerable road users.

• NY lawmakers weigh lower congestion pricing fee – but Trump could kill tolls if elected, gothamist.com, Published 2024-07-02

Albany stalls. The MTA faces a $15 billion hole. Lawmakers argue over reviving congestion pricing with a lower toll. Transit hangs in the balance. Streets stay clogged. Riders and walkers wait for answers. No fix. No funding. Danger lingers.

On July 2, 2024, state lawmakers, including Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (District 47), debated the future of congestion pricing and MTA funding. The matter, reported as 'MTA in dark over Gov. Hochul’s talks to revive congestion pricing with lower tolls,' highlights confusion and division. Hoylman-Sigal supports lowering the toll, saying, 'The goal should be mend it don’t end it.' He urges keeping the program alive to save mass transit. Sen. Liz Krueger is open to tweaks if goals are met. Assemblyman Gary Pretlow opposes any revival. The MTA faces a $15 billion shortfall after the program’s pause. Policy experts warn that lowering the toll could weaken congestion relief and transit funding. No clear plan exists. Vulnerable road users remain at risk as gridlock and uncertainty persist.

• MTA in dark over Gov. Hochul’s talks to revive congestion pricing with lower tolls: ‘I don’t know anything’, nypost.com, Published 2024-07-02

A 77-year-old woman suffered a head contusion after a collision with a bike traveling east on 3 Avenue. The pedestrian emerged from behind a parked vehicle amid debris obstruction. The bike showed no damage; the rider was licensed and going straight.

According to the police report, a 77-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 3 Avenue and East 52 Street in Manhattan at 8:22 AM. She sustained a head contusion and was conscious after the crash. The pedestrian was emerging from in front of or behind a parked vehicle when the collision occurred. The vehicle involved was a bike traveling eastbound, going straight ahead, with no damage reported. The driver was a licensed male from New York. The report cites 'Obstruction/Debris' as a contributing factor, indicating environmental hazards played a role. Additionally, 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' is noted, but no driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are listed. The focus remains on the hazardous conditions and the pedestrian's position relative to the parked vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4736050 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 42-year-old female bicyclist was ejected and injured with facial abrasions on East 50 Street in Manhattan. The crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. The cyclist was conscious but suffered moderate injuries, according to the police report.

According to the police report, a 42-year-old female bicyclist traveling north on East 50 Street was involved in a crash caused by a failure to yield right-of-way. The bicyclist was ejected from her bike and sustained abrasions to her face, with an injury severity rated as moderate (3). The report notes that the bicyclist was conscious at the scene and was not wearing any safety equipment. The vehicle involved was a bike with no reported damage, traveling straight ahead prior to impact. The point of impact was the center front end of the bike. The contributing factor cited is failure to yield right-of-way, highlighting driver error as the cause of the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were listed in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4736414 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A motorcycle crashed into a taxi’s side on East 57th. The rider flew, arm torn, helmeted head striking pavement. Blood pooled on the street. The bike’s front end crumpled. The city’s traffic violence left another body broken.

According to the police report, a motorcycle collided with the side of a taxi as the cab was 'entering parked position' near 226 East 57th Street in Manhattan. The narrative states, 'A motorcycle slammed into a taxi’s side as it pulled to park. The rider flew, arm torn open, helmeted head hitting pavement. The bike’s front end crumpled. Blood pooled where he landed.' The 32-year-old motorcycle rider was ejected and suffered severe bleeding and arm injuries. The police report lists the rider as wearing a helmet. Both vehicles were traveling east; the motorcycle was 'passing' while the taxi was maneuvering to park. The report does not specify any explicit driver errors or contributing factors beyond 'unspecified.' The impact location—center front of the motorcycle and right side doors of the taxi—underscores the danger of vehicle maneuvers across traffic lanes. No actions by the injured rider are cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4734673 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A KIA SUV struck a 27-year-old cyclist at 1st Avenue and East 55th. The rider flew headfirst, blood pooling on the pavement. He was conscious, bleeding. Police cite driver distraction and improper lane use. The cyclist wore no helmet.

A 27-year-old man riding a bike was struck by a KIA SUV at the corner of 1st Avenue and East 55th Street in Manhattan, according to the police report. The report states the cyclist was ejected, landed headfirst, and suffered severe bleeding. Police describe the victim as conscious at the scene, with blood pooling on the pavement. According to the police report, the SUV driver was distracted and failed to maintain proper lane usage. 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' are listed as contributing factors. The report notes the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but this is mentioned only after the driver’s errors. The crash underscores the danger posed by inattentive driving and improper lane use on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731738 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A motorcycle driver was ejected and seriously injured after a collision with a taxi on Manhattan’s 1 Avenue. The crash involved unsafe lane changing and excessive speed. The rider, helmeted, suffered fractures and dislocations across his body.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 1 Avenue near East 57 Street in Manhattan at 13:30. A motorcycle traveling north collided with a taxi also heading north. The motorcycle driver, a 32-year-old male, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained severe injuries including fractures and dislocations to his entire body. The report cites 'Unsafe Lane Changing' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors, indicating driver errors by the motorcycle operator. The taxi was impacted at its center back end while the motorcycle sustained damage to its center front end. The injured motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The report does not attribute fault to the victim but highlights the dangerous driving behaviors that led to this violent collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731846 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Congestion pricing is on ice. Cameras and sensors gather dust. The MTA’s budget hangs in limbo. Councilman Keith Powers urges repurposing the tech for speed and red-light cameras. No plan emerges. Vulnerable road users wait. Streets stay dangerous. The clock ticks.

On June 8, 2024, New York’s congestion pricing program was paused indefinitely, leaving $500 million in installed infrastructure unused. The matter, titled "$500M of taxpayer dough wasted? Hochul, MTA lack Plan B for NYC congestion pricing infrastructure," highlights the lack of contingency plans from the MTA and Governor Hochul. Councilman Keith Powers (District 4), a supporter of congestion pricing, called for repurposing the equipment for red-light, speed, and noise camera enforcement, and tracking vehicles with fake or obscured plates. Critics, including Vito Fosella and Joe Borelli, questioned the process and future use of the equipment. The indefinite pause leaves the MTA’s capital projects unfunded and vulnerable road users exposed, as enforcement tools sit idle and no alternative safety measures are in place.

• $500M of taxpayer dough wasted? Hochul, MTA lack Plan B for NYC congestion pricing infrastructure, nypost.com, Published 2024-06-08

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 2024-06-07

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

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 backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, 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

Governor Hochul pulled the plug on congestion pricing just weeks before rollout. The move leaves the MTA’s future in limbo. Board members and city officials push back. Billions for transit hang in the balance. No clear plan replaces lost funds.

On June 6, 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul revoked her support for congestion pricing, a policy set to start June 30. The delay, announced without legislative action, sparked backlash. MTA Board member Midori Valdivia vowed, 'I'm going to vote yes to congestion pricing, and that it should start as soon as possible.' Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi echoed, 'It needs to happen now.' Senator Liz Krueger called Hochul's move 'a staggering error.' Assembly Member Robert Carroll and business leader Kathy Wylde criticized the governor’s floated payroll tax hike as unfair to city businesses. The MTA faces a $15 billion shortfall, with no replacement funding in sight. The delay keeps streets clogged and transit underfunded, risking more danger for those outside cars.

• Two Huge Questions About ‘Gridlock Gov.’ Hochul’s Congestion Pricing Delay, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-06