No More Waiting—Lower the Speed, Save a Life

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 2024-06-07

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

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

State Senate passed a bill to double fines for illegal moped dealers. Dealers must register mopeds or face $2,000 penalties. Lawmakers shift blame from riders to vendors. Delivery workers back the move. The bill now heads to the Assembly.

Senate Bill, sponsored by Sen. Liz Kruger (D-Manhattan), passed on June 3, 2024. It doubles fines for unauthorized moped dealers from $1,000 to $2,000 and requires registration at the point of sale. The bill is expected to pass the Assembly, where Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas co-sponsors. The matter summary states: 'Fines against unauthorized moped dealers would be doubled.' Kruger said, 'My bill makes sure we know who is selling mopeds.' González-Rojas added, 'The bill will help alleviate some of the challenges we see around mopeds.' Advocates like Ligia Guallpa of the Workers Justice Project support enforcement at the point of sale, noting many dealers are unlicensed. The bill targets vendors, not riders, aiming to protect vulnerable delivery workers and pedestrians.

• ‘The Moped Crisis’: Bill Doubling Fines For Unauthorized Dealers Passes Senate, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-03

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 taxi traveling west struck a 19-year-old male e-bike rider heading east on West 72 Street. The rider suffered a fractured knee and lower leg injuries. Police cite driver inattention as the cause. The e-bike showed no damage.

According to the police report, at 14:08 on West 72 Street, a taxi traveling westbound collided with an eastbound e-bike driven by a 19-year-old male bicyclist. The point of impact was the taxi's left front bumper. The bicyclist sustained serious injuries, including a fracture and dislocation to the knee and lower leg, and remained conscious after the crash. The taxi driver was licensed and driving straight ahead but was cited for driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor. The e-bike showed no vehicle damage, and no contributing factors were attributed to the bicyclist. This crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction in interactions with vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731629 - 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

A 26-year-old woman was struck by a van making a left turn on West 73 Street in Manhattan. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the driver’s inattention caused the collision. She suffered bruises and injuries to her lower leg and foot.

According to the police report, a van traveling south on Columbus Avenue was making a left turn onto West 73 Street when it struck a 26-year-old female pedestrian crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises, and was conscious at the scene. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The van's point of impact was the center front end, and no vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This incident highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in busy Manhattan intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727574 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A female pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries after being struck by an SUV traveling west on West 66th Street. The impact occurred at the vehicle’s right front bumper. The pedestrian was conscious and sustained bruising.

According to the police report, a 2021 SUV driven by a licensed female driver from Florida was traveling west on West 66th Street at 11:50. The vehicle struck a female pedestrian located at an intersection, described as performing 'Other Actions in Roadway.' The point of impact was the right front bumper of the SUV. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruising, and was conscious at the scene. The report lists the pedestrian’s contributing factors as 'Unspecified,' and no driver errors or contributing factors were explicitly cited. The vehicle sustained no damage. This collision highlights the vulnerability of pedestrians when struck by vehicles, even in the absence of clear driver fault noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4730086 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A young motorbike driver lost control on Henry Hudson Parkway. He was ejected, left unconscious, his body broken. Police cite driver inattention and inexperience. No other vehicles or people were involved.

According to the police report, a 20-year-old male motorbike driver was ejected and severely injured while traveling north on Henry Hudson Parkway at 8:00 PM. The driver suffered full-body injuries, including fractures and dislocations, and was found unconscious at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The driver was not using any safety equipment at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4724235 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs collided head-on on Henry Hudson Parkway at 1:06 a.m. Both drivers were traveling south when impact occurred. One driver suffered head injuries and minor bleeding, enduring shock. Police cite unsafe speed as the primary cause of the crash.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Henry Hudson Parkway at 1:06 a.m. Both vehicles were traveling southbound, with one SUV striking the other at the center back end and the other at the left front bumper. The driver of one SUV, a 34-year-old male, was injured with head trauma and minor bleeding, and was reported to be in shock. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report explicitly attributes the crash to unsafe speed by the drivers involved, listing 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor for the injured driver and both vehicles. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision caused significant damage to the front and back ends of the vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720712 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A man pedaled east on West 72nd. His bike crumpled beneath him. Blood pooled on the street. His skull split. He did not fall, but something inside him broke. The city’s hard edge met flesh and bone.

A 31-year-old man riding a bike eastbound on West 72nd Street near Central Park was severely injured, according to the police report. The report states the cyclist suffered a major head injury with severe bleeding after the back of his bike folded under him. The narrative describes, 'His head split open. Blood spilled onto the pavement. The back of the bike folded under him. He stayed upright. Something inside him didn’t.' The only contributing factor listed in the police report is 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion.' No other vehicles are cited as involved. The crash occurred at 16:48 in Manhattan’s 10023 zip code. The police report does not specify helmet use or other safety equipment. The focus remains on the confusion and systemic dangers that can lead to such devastating outcomes for vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723865 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan door snapped open on West 68th. Metal met muscle. A cyclist’s leg split, blood pooling in the street. The driver never looked. The cyclist, helmeted and conscious, bore the wound. Distraction behind the wheel left flesh torn.

A cyclist traveling east on West 68th Street in Manhattan collided with the left-side door of a parked sedan, according to the police report. The incident occurred at 19:48 and resulted in severe lacerations to the cyclist’s knee and lower leg. The report states, 'A sedan door flung open. Steel caught his leg. Flesh tore. Blood pooled on the asphalt. He wore a helmet. He stayed conscious. The driver hadn’t looked.' The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash. The sedan’s driver opened the door without checking for oncoming traffic, causing the impact. The cyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but the primary cause cited is the driver’s failure to pay attention before opening the door.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719706 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council orders swift removal of abandoned and unplated cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. Police target vehicles with missing or fake plates. Fewer hazards for those on foot and bike.

Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 18, 2024. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation.' Sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary) and co-sponsored by over a dozen council members, it forces the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours and empowers NYPD to tow cars with missing or obscured plates or stickers. The law aims to clear street hazards fast, reducing risks for pedestrians and cyclists.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Albany lawmakers clear the way for New York City to lower speed limits to 20 mph. The bill, named for Sammy Cohen Eckstein, follows years of parent-led advocacy. The measure excludes major multi-lane roads but targets most city streets. Lives hang in the balance.

On April 18, 2024, state lawmakers advanced legislation enabling New York City to reduce its default speed limit to 20 mph. The measure, known as Sammy’s Law, is part of the state budget deal and awaits final publication. Sponsored by Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal and Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, the bill allows the City Council to set lower limits on most streets, but excludes roads with three or more lanes in one direction. The bill’s title honors Sammy Cohen Eckstein, a 12-year-old killed by a speeding driver in 2013. Rosenthal said, “This is about trying to eliminate all unnecessary deaths, and one of the ways you do that is by making the speed limit lower.” Hoylman-Sigal credited persistent advocacy by Sammy’s mother and Families for Safe Streets. The City Council and Mayor must still approve the change. Advocates and city officials say the law gives New York City a vital tool to prevent traffic violence and protect vulnerable road users.

• Lawmakers to allow NYC to lower speed limit to 20 mph, gothamist.com, Published 2024-04-18