Feb 27 - Senate bill S 8658 orders $90 million for faster, more reliable buses and fare-free rides. Sponsors push MTA to act. Riders wait for relief. Streets choke on traffic. The city holds its breath.

Senate bill S 8658, introduced on February 27, 2024, sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'get congestion pricing right act,' directs the MTA to spend $45 million to boost bus frequency and reliability, and another $45 million to expand fare-free bus pilots in New York City. Senators Michael Gianaris (primary sponsor), Jabari Brisport, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Julia Salazar back the measure. The bill demands reporting on these investments. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users.

• File S 8658, Open States, Published 2024-02-27

Feb 21 - More delivery workers now register their mopeds. Police crackdowns and ticket threats push them to comply. Advocates step in, guiding new immigrants through red tape. Sellers rarely warn buyers about legal requirements. Workers pay steep fees to keep earning and avoid losing their rides.

This report, published February 21, 2024, details the surge in moped registrations among New York City delivery workers. DMV data show ZIP codes with many deliveristas now lead in registered mopeds. The article quotes workers like Junior Pichardo, who says, 'If you have plates, [the police] won’t summons you.' Eric Macario and William Medina, both delivery workers, highlight confusion and lack of information about registration and insurance. Medina blames sellers for failing to inform buyers. State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assembly Member Alex Bores have introduced a bill to require sellers to register mopeds before sale, but it remains pending. For now, advocates help workers navigate the system. Ligia Guallpa of the Worker’s Justice Project says many only learn the rules after police seize their mopeds or issue tickets. The crackdown exposes systemic gaps, leaving vulnerable workers to bear the cost and risk.

• Data Dive: More Delivery Workers are Registering Their Mopeds, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-21

Feb 13 - 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 2024-02-13

Feb 8 - Council bill targets cars blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, and hydrants near schools. Civilian complaints trigger fines. Streets clear, danger cut. Council moves to protect the vulnerable.

Int 0080-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 8, 2024, the bill creates a $175 penalty for vehicles blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants within 2,640 feet of schools. The Department of Transportation must set up a civilian reporting program. If a civilian complaint leads to a fine, the complainant gets 25 percent of proceeds. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to hazardous obstruction by vehicles and civilian complaints.' Council Member Carlina Rivera leads, joined by Restler, Ayala, Joseph, Menin, and others. The bill aims to keep paths clear for those most at risk.

• File Int 0080-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Feb 8 - Council moves to hike fines for riding bikes, e-bikes, and scooters on city sidewalks. The bill targets sidewalk riding with stiffer penalties. No mention of street safety or driver accountability.

Bill Int 0037-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 8, 2024. The measure, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...increasing civil penalties for operating a bicycle, bicycle with electric assist, or electric scooter on the sidewalk,' seeks to raise fines for sidewalk riding. Council Members Stevens (primary), Gennaro, Ung, Brewer, Brannan, and Morano sponsor the bill. The action: referral to committee. The summary states, 'This bill would increase each of the existing civil penalties for operating a bicycle, a bicycle with electric assist (commonly referred to as an “e-bike”), or an electric scooter on the sidewalk.' No safety analyst assessment is available. The bill focuses on penalties, not on street design or driver behavior.

• File Int 0037-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Jan 31 - A sedan struck a 66-year-old man at Broadway and West 68th. The impact broke bones in his chest. He stayed conscious. The car’s right front quarter panel took the hit. No driver errors listed.

According to the police report, a 66-year-old male pedestrian was hit by a 2022 Honda sedan at the intersection of Broadway and West 68 Street in Manhattan at 9:15 PM. The sedan, traveling north, struck the man with its right front quarter panel. The pedestrian suffered chest fractures and dislocations, rated as a level 3 injury, but remained conscious after the crash. The report does not cite any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was licensed and going straight ahead before the collision. No additional contributing factors were listed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699713 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 26 - A southbound SUV and westbound taxi collided on Broadway at dawn. The SUV driver, a 24-year-old woman, suffered back contusions. Police cite driver inattention as the cause. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage in the impact.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Broadway at 5:53 a.m. involving a 2018 Ford SUV traveling south and a 2015 Toyota taxi traveling west. The SUV driver, a 24-year-old female occupant, was injured with back contusions and remained conscious. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the SUV and the center front end of the taxi. The report identifies driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers held valid New York licenses and were going straight ahead before the collision. The SUV had two occupants, and the taxi had one. The SUV driver was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction in multi-vehicle collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697869 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 21 - A 30-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sport utility vehicle made a left turn on West 74 Street. The pedestrian was conscious and bruised, with no reported vehicle damage. Police cite unspecified contributing factors.

According to the police report, a 30-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2008 sport utility vehicle, traveling southeast, made a left turn on West 74 Street in Manhattan. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated as moderate (3). The vehicle showed no damage and the point of impact was recorded as 'No Damage,' indicating a possible glancing contact or near miss. The report lists 'Unspecified' as contributing factors for the pedestrian, with no explicit driver errors documented. The driver was alone in the vehicle, and no license or jurisdiction details were provided. The incident highlights risks posed by left-turning vehicles in pedestrian areas, though the police report does not assign clear fault or detail driver violations.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698374 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 19 - Electeds launched 'Bike Safe' to urge cyclists to respect pedestrians. They named cars as the main killers. Delivery workers face pressure from apps. The campaign puts blame where it belongs: on reckless drivers and the systems that push workers to risk lives.

On January 19, 2024, Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Council Member Erik Bottcher launched the 'Bike Safe' public safety campaign in Council District 47. The campaign, titled 'Slow Your Roll, Respect The Stroll,' urges cyclists to stop at red lights and avoid sidewalks, but Bottcher stressed, 'the vast majority of deaths and injuries are caused by cars.' Bottcher and Hoylman-Sigal both called out reckless drivers as the real threat. Assembly Member Tony Simone joined, pushing for statewide laws to curb dangerous delivery app practices. Ligia Guallpa of the Workers Justice Project highlighted how apps force delivery workers into risky behavior, but noted that new minimum pay rates help slow things down. The campaign focuses on education, not punishment, and centers the voices of workers and vulnerable road users. No direct safety impact assessment was provided.

• Electeds Roll Out 'Bike Safe' Campaign While Admitting Cars are the Real Source of Danger, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-01-19

Jan 19 - Council Member Bottcher and colleagues launched ‘Slow Your Roll, Respect The Stroll’ to urge cyclists to respect pedestrians. They admit cars are the main killers. Five died in Bottcher’s district last year—three were pedestrians hit by drivers. The campaign runs citywide.

On January 19, 2024, Council Member Erik Bottcher unveiled the ‘Slow Your Roll, Respect The Stroll’ campaign. The effort, joined by Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assembly Member Tony Simone, aims to remind cyclists to stop at red lights and avoid sidewalks. Bottcher’s district saw 2,215 crashes last year, injuring 267 pedestrians and 218 cyclists; three of five fatalities were pedestrians killed by drivers. Bottcher said, 'the vast majority of deaths and injuries are caused by cars.' Simone highlighted delivery app pressure on workers to break laws. Ligia Guallpa of the Workers Justice Project noted delivery workers face daily risks and exploitation. The campaign, first in English and Spanish, will expand citywide. The focus remains: cars are the real threat, but all street users must be considered.

• Electeds Roll Out ‘Bike Safe’ Campaign While Admitting Cars are the Real Source of Danger, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-19

Jan 9 - SUV hit sedan’s rear. Two men inside suffered shock, pain, and trauma. Driver ignored traffic control. Both injured. Metal twisted. Streets did not forgive.

According to the police report, a 2018 Chevrolet SUV traveling west struck the left rear quarter panel of a 2014 Kia sedan traveling north on Amsterdam Avenue. The SUV driver disregarded traffic control, contributing to the crash. Two men in the sedan—a 21-year-old driver and a 44-year-old rear passenger—were injured. Both suffered shock, pain, and trauma. The driver had head injuries; the passenger had back injuries. Both wore lap belts and were not ejected. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as primary contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4693598 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 9 - A city meeting on curb space in the Upper West Side erupted. Residents, fueled by rumors, demanded parking rights. City officials denied plans to remove all parking. The DOT sought input for safer, smarter curb use. Tension filled the room. No consensus reached.

On January 9, 2024, the Department of Transportation (DOT) hosted a public meeting on the Upper West Side to discuss the 'Smart Curbs' pilot program. The event, held at a W. 84th Street school, was the first outreach for a study on curb management. The DOT described the meeting as a chance to 'help craft a proposal' and denied any plan to eliminate all parking. Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'We wanted to start here, in this pilot project, listening from the community on how we reimagine the community.' Residents, spurred by misinformation, confronted officials and voiced fears over losing parking. Some, like Andy Rosenthal, supported loading zones. Others, like activist Andrew Fine, rejected the process outright. The meeting highlighted deep divides over curb use, but also the urgent need to address double parking and blocked bike lanes that endanger pedestrians and cyclists.

• Upper West Side Meeting on Curb Space Management Turns Into Heated Dispute, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-09

Jan 3 - Vendors vanished from the Brooklyn Bridge. City workers swept the span at midnight. Tourists walked free of tables and hawkers. The walkway opened up. No ducking, weaving, or crowding. The city seized eight vendor tables. The bridge stayed packed, but clear.

On January 3, 2024, the city implemented a total vendor ban on the Brooklyn Bridge. The Department of Transportation and NYPD cleared all souvenir stands and food sellers at midnight. A sign now reads, 'No vending allowed.' Councilmember Gale A. Brewer, District 6, was mentioned for introducing a related bill last month to restrict sales only on narrow sections. Mayor Eric Adams said, 'Tourists and New Yorkers alike deserve to walk across it and enjoy its beauty without being packed together like sardines or risking their safety.' The ban aims to improve pedestrian flow on the crowded bridge, which sees over 34,000 walkers on a fall weekend. Supporters of vendors mourned the loss of affordable food and art. Tourists welcomed the extra space and easier passage.

• Tourists enjoy vendor-free Brooklyn Bridge as ban goes into effect, gothamist.com, Published 2024-01-03

Jan 2 - City Hall will ban all street vendors from bridges like the Brooklyn Bridge starting January 3. Officials claim the move will ease crowding and reduce danger for walkers. Vendors, many disabled or veterans, say the ban guts their livelihoods overnight.

On January 2, 2024, City Hall announced a blanket ban on street vendors from city bridges, effective January 3. The policy, not a council bill but a mayoral action, follows months of warnings and public debate. Mayor Adams said, "Tourists and New Yorkers alike deserve to walk across it and enjoy its beauty without being packed together like sardines or risking their safety." The Department of Transportation cited overcrowding and safety risks on the Brooklyn Bridge, where daily pedestrian numbers have doubled since 2021. Vendors and advocates, including Mohamed Attia of the Street Vendor Project, condemned the ban for stripping workers—many disabled or veterans—of income with no safety net. Upper West Side Council Member Gale Brewer proposed a compromise bill to allow regulated vending on wider bridge sections, but the administration pushed ahead with a total ban. The city claims the measure will protect pedestrians, but offers no new space or support for displaced vendors.

• New Year’s Leave! City To Kick Vendors Off Bridges Tomorrow, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-02

Dec 31 - Council calls for state action on Sammy’s Law and SAFE Streets Act. The bills would let New York City lower speed limits and give crash victims new rights. Lawmakers push to curb deadly driving and protect those on foot and bike.

Resolution 0549-2023, filed by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, urges Albany to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law') and A.1901, part of the SAFE Streets Act. The resolution, introduced April 11, 2023, and filed December 31, 2023, calls for 'allowing New York City to establish a lower speed limit, and enacting a crash victims bill of rights.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led sponsorship, joined by Gutiérrez, Restler, and others. The package aims to cut speeds, redesign streets, and support crash victims. It would let the city set safer limits, require safe passing for cyclists, and mandate complete street design. The council’s action spotlights the urgent need to protect people walking, biking, and riding in New York.

• File Res 0549-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-31

Dec 26 - Two SUVs slammed together on Amsterdam Avenue. A rear passenger took a blow to the head. Police blamed driver inattention and speed. Metal twisted. One man hurt. The street stayed loud.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Amsterdam Avenue near West 62 Street in Manhattan. Both vehicles were heading north when one changed lanes and struck the other. The left rear passenger in one SUV, a 56-year-old man, suffered a head contusion and bruising. Police cited driver inattention and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The impact hit the right front bumper of one SUV and the left front quarter panel of the other. The injured passenger was conscious and not ejected. No other contributing factors, such as helmet use or signaling, were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4690539 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 23 - A 26-year-old male bicyclist struck the back of a stopped bus on Broadway at 2:45 a.m. He suffered a head injury with minor bleeding and was in shock. The bus driver was licensed and stopped in traffic. Driver distraction caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male bicyclist riding an e-bike collided with the center back end of a stopped bus on Broadway. The bicyclist sustained a head injury with minor bleeding and was reported to be in shock. The bus was stopped in traffic, occupied by a licensed male driver. The contributing factor listed was driver inattention or distraction, indicating the e-bike operator failed to notice the stopped bus ahead. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were specified. The crash highlights the dangers when drivers fail to maintain attention in traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4689408 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 20 - MTA stalls on a delivery worker hub at W. 72nd and Broadway. Residents and Community Board 7 oppose the plan. The Parks Department pushes forward. Delivery workers wait. The street stays hostile. No rest. No charge. No safety for the most exposed.

The proposed delivery worker hub, announced in October 2022 by Sen. Chuck Schumer and Mayor Adams, would convert old newsstands at W. 72nd Street and Broadway into rest stops with bike parking, seating, and charging stations. Community Board 7 voted against the plan, citing safety and congestion fears. Katina Ellison of the West 71st Street Block Association called the idea 'clearly terrible and dangerous.' CB 7’s Andrew Albert, also on the MTA board, supports charging stations but wants a different site. Ken Coughlin of CB 7 called the opposition hypocritical, noting the neighborhood’s reliance on delivery workers. Council Member Gale Brewer supports smaller, less invasive infrastructure. The Parks Department plans to proceed, but no timeline is set. Vulnerable road users—delivery workers—remain exposed, with no safe place to rest or recharge.

• MTA Reviewing Proposed Upper West Side Delivery Worker Hub Amid Ongoing Pushback, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-12-20

Dec 18 - State lawmakers push Sammy’s Law after a deadly year. The bill gives New York City power to set its own speed limits. Advocates cite 257 lives lost to reckless drivers. Lower speeds mean fewer deaths. The fight continues in Albany.

Sammy’s Law, a state bill, would let New York City control its own speed limits. The measure stalled last year when Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie blocked a vote, despite support from Governor Hochul, the state Senate, Mayor Adams, and the City Council. Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, who sponsors the bill, rallied outside Heastie’s office, saying, 'Last year, 257 people were killed on New York City streets by reckless and speeding drivers. Each of these deaths was preventable.' Amy Cohen, whose son Sammy was killed in 2013, called for urgent action: 'We can’t wait any longer. People like Sammy, and so many others are dying on our streets.' Advocates point to a 36-percent drop in pedestrian deaths after the city lowered speed limits in 2014. The bill would not set new limits automatically, but would give the city the power to act.

• New Year, New Opportunity to Pass ‘Sammy’s Law’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-12-18

Dec 15 - Council Member Gale Brewer pushes a bill to allow some street vendors on wide bridge paths. The measure rejects a total ban. It sets strict limits: only on spans at least 16 feet wide, with 20 feet between sellers. Enforcement remains a challenge.

On December 15, 2023, Council Member Gale Brewer introduced a bill in the New York City Council to regulate street vending on bridges. The bill, debated in committee, would permit vendors only on bridge walkways at least 16 feet wide and require 20 feet between each seller. Bridge approaches would remain off-limits. Brewer stated, 'I believe strongly that a full ban on vendors is not necessary,' and argued for clear, enforceable rules. The Department of Transportation had proposed a total ban on vending across all city-owned bridges, citing overcrowding. Brewer’s bill seeks a middle ground, allowing limited vending while addressing safety and crowding. Vendor advocates welcomed relief from a total ban but warned the spacing rule would be hard to enforce. The bill’s fate remains undecided.

• New Bill Would Allow Some Street Vendors on Bridges Amid Push for Total Ban, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-12-15