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 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

May 30 - 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

May 24 - 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 2025-09-19

May 21 - 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 2025-09-19

May 18 - 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

May 17 - 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

May 16 - 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 2025-09-19

May 16 - 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

May 14 - 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 2025-09-19

May 9 - 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 2025-09-19

May 8 - A 32-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a collision with an SUV traveling north on West 66 Street near West End Avenue. The bicyclist suffered abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The SUV struck the bike head-on, damaging its front end.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old male bicyclist wearing a helmet was injured when a 2022 SUV traveling north on West 66 Street collided head-on with his bike going west. The bicyclist sustained abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites driver inexperience and traffic control disregarded as contributing factors. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The impact occurred at the center front end of both vehicles. The bicyclist was not ejected and remained conscious. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted beyond the driver errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628012 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 28 - 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 2025-09-19

Apr 16 - A cyclist struck a parked SUV on West 64th. His body flew forward. Blood pooled on the street. Five sat inside the car. One looked away. The cyclist’s arm was torn, pain sharp and sudden. The street fell silent.

A 36-year-old cyclist crashed into a parked SUV on West 64th Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, 'A cyclist hit a parked SUV. His body flew forward. No helmet. Arm torn and bleeding on the asphalt. Five sat inside the car. One looked away.' The cyclist was ejected from his bike and suffered severe lacerations to his arm. The SUV held five occupants, none reported injured. Police listed 'Passenger Distraction' as a contributing factor. No other driver errors were noted in the data. The report states the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but this is mentioned only after the listed driver-related factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4621333 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 11 - 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

Apr 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

Apr 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

Apr 10 - 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

Apr 5 - New York City sits on a mountain of unpaid traffic fines. Over $1 billion owed. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams slams budget cuts. She demands the city collect what drivers owe. Unpaid tickets mean reckless drivers dodge consequences. Vulnerable road users pay the price.

On April 5, 2023, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (District 28) responded to a report showing New York City is owed more than $1 billion in unpaid parking and speeding fines. The Independent Budget Office found $1.02 billion in unpaid traffic fines from 2017 to 2022, including camera tickets for speeding and red lights. The matter, titled 'Ticket to slide: NYC owed more than $1 billion in unpaid parking, speeding fines, report finds,' highlights growing debt as enforcement lags. Adams, along with Comptroller Brad Lander, criticized further city agency budget cuts, urging the city to collect owed fines instead. The report notes that while 24/7 school-zone speed cameras have reduced speeding, the city has failed to stop drivers from evading cameras with defaced or fake plates—letting dangerous drivers escape accountability. The city’s inaction leaves vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists at risk.

• Ticket to slide: NYC owed more than $1 billion in unpaid parking, speeding fines, report finds, amny.com, Published 2023-04-05

Apr 5 - New York City is owed $2.1 billion in unpaid fines for traffic, parking, and safety violations. Councilwoman Gale Brewer called out the city’s failure to collect. The backlog grows as automated enforcement expands. Vulnerable road users remain exposed while scofflaws dodge penalties.

On April 5, 2023, the City Council held an oversight and budget discussion on the collection of transportation-related fines. The matter, requested by Councilwoman Gale A. Brewer (District 6), revealed that 'delinquents owe New York City a staggering $2.1 billion in bills racked up since 2017 for parking, traffic, safety code, and property-related violations.' Brewer stated, 'We don’t do a good job of collecting this money. We have to do a better job.' The Independent Budget Office found over $1 billion in uncollected parking and red light camera fines, with the backlog rising as the city increases automated enforcement. The unpaid fines represent a systemic failure to hold dangerous drivers accountable, leaving pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The discussion underscores the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable road users.

• Scofflaws owe NYC a whopping $2.1B for safety violations, property bills: watchdog, nypost.com, Published 2023-04-05