No More Waiting—Lower the Speed, Save a Life

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

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

SUV in police chase rear-ends stopped SUV on Broadway. Young woman in back seat suffers back injury and shock. Unsafe speed drives the crash. Metal crumples. Sirens echo. Lives changed in a heartbeat.

According to the police report, two SUVs traveling north on Broadway collided when the second SUV, involved in a police pursuit, struck the first SUV from behind. The first SUV was stopped in traffic. A 23-year-old female passenger in the rear left seat of the first SUV was injured, suffering back pain and shock. She was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor. The collision damaged the center back end of the first SUV and the center front end of the second SUV. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4635556 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

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

Two sedans collided on West 72 Street near Amsterdam Avenue. The second vehicle struck the first from behind. A 48-year-old front-seat passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The crash was caused by following too closely. Both drivers were licensed.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling east on West 72 Street were involved in a rear-end collision. The second vehicle, driven by a licensed male driver, was following too closely and failed to stop in time, striking the first sedan from behind. The impact injured a 48-year-old female front-seat passenger in the first vehicle, causing neck injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The crash caused damage to the center front end of the second vehicle and the center back end of the first.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4636049 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

An e-bike struck a 74-year-old woman on West 72nd Street. She bled from the head. The bike stood untouched. Blood marked the pavement. She stayed conscious. The street fell silent. The city kept moving.

A 74-year-old woman was hit by an e-bike on West 72nd Street. According to the police report, she was outside the crosswalk when the crash happened. She suffered a head injury and severe bleeding but remained conscious at the scene. The report states, 'She lay bleeding from the head. Conscious. Hurt. The bike stood untouched.' The e-bike showed no visible damage. The police listed the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors were identified in the data. The crash left the woman injured and the street stained with her blood.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4631167 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

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

A 98-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by a sedan making a right turn on Amsterdam Avenue. The driver failed to yield and had limited view. The pedestrian suffered a back injury and shock at the intersection.

According to the police report, a 98-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Amsterdam Avenue at West 68th Street with the signal. The driver of a 2022 RAM sedan, traveling east and making a right turn, struck her with the vehicle's left front bumper. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained a back injury and was in shock. The sedan showed no damage. The driver was licensed in New Jersey. No other injuries or violations were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629665 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

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 54-year-old moped driver was ejected and injured in Manhattan. The SUV made a left turn and struck the moped head-on. The moped rider suffered facial injuries and minor bleeding. Driver inexperience was a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a 54-year-old male moped driver was injured and ejected during a collision with an SUV on West 67 Street in Manhattan. The SUV was making a left turn when it struck the moped traveling straight ahead. The moped driver suffered facial injuries and minor bleeding and was in shock. The report lists driver inexperience as a contributing factor for both drivers. The SUV driver was licensed; the moped driver was unlicensed. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the SUV and the center front end of the moped. The moped driver was wearing a helmet. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628876 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A motorcycle struck the left rear bumper of a southbound bus on West 71st Street in Manhattan. The 27-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected and suffered a head contusion. Alcohol involvement was noted in the crash.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling south on West 71st Street collided with the left rear bumper of a southbound bus. The motorcycle driver, a 27-year-old man, was ejected and sustained a head injury classified as a contusion. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. The bus driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead with no damage to the vehicle. The motorcyclist was operating with a permit and was not using any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were specified. The bus had one occupant, and the motorcycle had one occupant who was injured in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629680 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Taxi hit a 36-year-old man riding south on Broadway. Cyclist took a blow to the shoulder. Police blame driver distraction. No vehicle damage. Cyclist stayed conscious. Helmet listed in report.

According to the police report, a taxi and a bicycle collided on Broadway in Manhattan. The 36-year-old male bicyclist suffered a contusion to his shoulder and upper arm but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor, naming driver error. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, as noted in the report. Neither the taxi nor the bicycle showed damage. The taxi was parked before the crash, while the cyclist was traveling south, going straight ahead. The crash underscores the risk posed by distracted drivers to people on bikes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4625057 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Council calls for state action on Sammy’s Law and SAFE Streets Act. Lower speed limits. Rights for crash victims. Safe passing for cyclists. Complete streets. Filed, but the fight for safer roads presses on.

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. Introduced April 11, 2023, and filed December 31, 2023, the resolution states: “allowing New York City to establish a lower speed limit, and enacting a crash victims bill of rights, as well as the other bills of the package known as the SAFE Streets Act.” Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led sponsorship, joined by Gutiérrez, Restler, and others. The package targets reckless driving, seeks lower speed limits, mandates safe passing for cyclists, and demands crash victims’ rights. The bill is filed, but its demands echo: protect the most vulnerable on city streets.

• File Res 0549-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-04-11

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 2023-04-11

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 2023-04-11

City hands Verra Mobility a $367 million contract for traffic cameras. The firm faced past overbilling claims. Councilwoman Gale Brewer calls the move bewildering. Cameras cut speeding by 73% in school zones. City oversight remains under scrutiny.

On April 10, 2023, New York City awarded a $367 million traffic camera contract to Verra Mobility, despite the firm’s prior overbilling allegations. The deal follows a $1.3 million settlement over unnecessary work, including extra electrical poles and poor training. The contract was approved under Mayor Adams and Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, while Verra was under Department of Investigation monitorship. Manhattan Councilwoman Gale A. Brewer questioned the decision, stating, 'It is bewildering how you end up with a $1.3 million settlement... and then you get a new contract for more than $300 million.' The city comptroller’s office reviewed the settlement before approval. City data shows a 73% drop in speeding in camera-monitored school zones, but Brewer’s concerns highlight ongoing doubts about oversight and accountability.

• NYC has awarded nearly $1B in traffic camera contracts to firm accused of overbilling city for unnecessary work, nydailynews.com, Published 2023-04-10