No More Waiting—Lower the Speed, Save a Life

Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16

Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 324 demands complete street design for state- and federally-funded projects. Sponsors push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars. Safety for all hangs in the balance.

Assembly Bill A 324 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, drivers—when building or upgrading roads. Didi Barrett leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Amy Paulin, and many others. The bill also directs the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note yet, but the measure’s intent is clear: streets should protect the most vulnerable, not just move traffic.

• File A 324, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

A sedan traveling west on W 61 St collided with a southbound bicyclist. The cyclist was ejected and suffered a head contusion. Police cite driver inattention and bicyclist confusion as contributing factors. The cyclist was conscious but injured.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male bicyclist traveling south on W 61 St was struck by a westbound sedan at approximately 21:31. The point of impact was the sedan's right front bumper. The bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained a head injury classified as a contusion, with an injury severity level of 3. The cyclist was conscious after the collision. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a primary contributing factor, highlighting the sedan driver's failure to maintain focus. Additionally, 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' is noted, indicating some confusion on the bicyclist's part. The sedan was traveling straight ahead, as was the bicyclist, before the collision. The report does not assign blame to the victim but emphasizes the driver's inattention as a critical cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784231 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV driver, distracted, tried to pass. Struck moped. Rider thrown, arm shattered. Blood on the street. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

According to the police report, a Station Wagon/SUV traveling north on Central Park West struck a moped rider while attempting to pass. The SUV driver was inattentive and distracted. The collision hit the moped’s left front bumper and the SUV’s right front quarter panel. The moped rider, unlicensed but helmeted, was ejected and suffered a fractured, distorted, and dislocated elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The rider was conscious but seriously injured. No victim actions contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787037 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A taxi veered off Sixth Avenue, mounted the curb, and struck a crowd near Herald Square. Three pedestrians, including a child, landed in the hospital. The driver stayed at the scene. Metal, flesh, and concrete met in Midtown’s holiday rush.

Gothamist (2024-12-26) reports a Midtown crash where a taxi driver, experiencing a medical episode, drove onto the sidewalk at Sixth Avenue and West 34th Street, injuring a 9-year-old boy and two women. Police said, 'they did not suspect any criminality in the crash.' The driver, 58, remained at the scene and was taken for evaluation. Four others declined medical attention. The article notes, 'the driver was driving northbound on Sixth Avenue around 3 p.m. on Wednesday when he jumped the curb and plowed into a crowd.' The incident highlights the persistent risk posed by vehicles in crowded pedestrian zones, regardless of intent or driver health. No policy changes were announced.

• Taxi Jumps Curb, Hits Midtown Pedestrians, Gothamist, Published 2024-12-26

Two sedans collided on West End Avenue in Manhattan. One driver suffered head injuries and shock. The crash involved a northbound vehicle striking a southbound sedan making a U-turn. Limited view contributed to the impact and injuries.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 13:50 on West End Avenue near 180th Street in Manhattan. A northbound Dodge sedan traveling straight ahead struck the left rear quarter panel of a southbound Honda sedan making a U-turn. The point of impact was the center front end of the Dodge and the left rear quarter panel of the Honda. The driver of the Dodge, a 33-year-old male, sustained head injuries and was in shock, reporting pain or nausea. The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error related to limited visibility. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. Both vehicles sustained damage consistent with the described impact points.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781940 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan struck a 73-year-old woman crossing W 66 St near Broadway. Limited driver visibility played a key role. The woman suffered back injuries and shock. Systemic danger persists at obstructed Manhattan intersections.

According to the police report, a 73-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2014 Honda sedan traveling north on W 66 St struck her near Broadway. The impact was to the sedan's left front bumper. The primary contributing factor listed was 'View Obstructed/Limited,' indicating the driver's limited visibility. The pedestrian suffered back injuries and was in shock. The vehicle had no damage. Driver error related to obstructed view was cited. No other contributing factors from the pedestrian were listed as causes in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781005 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A police car crossed the line. Metal struck flesh. Samuel Williams, riding his dirt bike, was thrown and killed. Body cam footage shows the officer’s move. Another NYPD car tried the same. The city sent Williams’ family a bill.

NY Daily News (2024-12-23) reports that NYPD body camera footage shows an officer veering into the path of Samuel Williams, a 36-year-old dirt bike rider, during a pursuit on the University Heights Bridge. Williams was struck, thrown, and died from his injuries. The article states, “An officer pursuing dirt bikers suddenly crossed the double yellow line into Williams' path, causing a collision.” Another NYPD vehicle attempted a similar maneuver. The family’s attorney called it a “deadly maneuver” for a minor violation. The city later billed Williams’ family for police vehicle damages. The NYPD has not commented, citing litigation. The case raises questions about police pursuit tactics and accountability.

• NYPD Officer Veers Into Dirt Biker’s Path, NY Daily News, Published 2024-12-23

Council bill targets speed. Shared e-bikes and scooters must have speedometers. New riders get capped at 10 mph. Law aims to slow the city’s fastest wheels. Committee review underway.

Int 1145-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced December 19, 2024, the bill would require all shared electric bikes and scooters to have working speedometers. For new riders, electric assist cuts out at 10 mph. The matter title reads: 'requiring that electric bicycles and electric scooters that are part of share systems have speedometers and limit electric speed assistance to new riders.' Council Members Linda Lee (primary sponsor), Gale A. Brewer, and Chris Banks back the bill. Brewer referred it to committee. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill awaits further action.

• File Int 1145-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-19

A distracted driver hit a 31-year-old man walking outside an intersection on West 72nd Street. The impact caused bruising and abdominal-pelvic injuries. The pedestrian remained conscious but suffered serious harm from the collision’s left front bumper.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured at 11:20 p.m. on West 72nd Street near West End Avenue in Manhattan. The 31-year-old male pedestrian was struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound, which impacted him with its left front bumper. The report cites "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian was located outside an intersection and was involved in "Other Actions in Roadway." He sustained contusions and bruises to the abdomen and pelvis, with an injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle was reported to have no damage, indicating a low-speed impact, but the driver’s distraction directly led to the collision. No pedestrian behaviors were listed as contributing factors in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780600 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 64-year-old male driver suffered facial abrasions and shock after an SUV collision on Broadway. The vehicle struck with its left front bumper during a lane change. Driver inattention and improper turning caused the crash, trapping the occupant inside.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:26 AM on Broadway near West 63rd Street in Manhattan. The single vehicle involved was a 2022 SUV traveling northbound, driven by a 64-year-old man from New Jersey. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. The driver was changing lanes when the collision happened, impacting the vehicle's left front bumper and causing center front-end damage. The driver, who was the sole occupant, was trapped inside the vehicle and sustained abrasions to his face and emotional shock. He was restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report highlights driver errors without attributing fault to any other party.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779591 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A taxi turned right at Amsterdam Avenue, its front end colliding with a man standing off the roadway. Blood pooled. The man, conscious, lay broken on the street, pain radiating through his body. The cab’s failure left him hurt and awake.

A taxi making a right turn at the corner of W 65th Street and Amsterdam Avenue struck a 36-year-old man who, according to the police report, was 'not in roadway' and 'stood off the roadway.' The front of the cab hit the pedestrian, causing severe bleeding and injuries across his entire body. The police report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. The man remained conscious but was left injured and bleeding in the street. The report does not cite any pedestrian actions as contributing to the crash. The collision underscores the danger posed when drivers fail to yield, even to those not occupying the roadway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779994 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Gale Brewer backs tougher rules for delivery apps, not blanket e-bike crackdowns. She calls for speed limits, tracking, and safer batteries. Brewer rejects citywide licensing, focusing on big companies. Pedestrians stay at risk while apps dodge responsibility.

On December 15, 2024, Council Member Gale A. Brewer (District 6) took a public stance in an editorial titled, "NYC must curb the e-bikes: Regulations should be on the delivery apps." Brewer opposes citywide licensing and registration of all e-bikes, a measure supported by Councilman Bob Holden, calling it impractical. Instead, she urges the City Council to target commercial e-bike use by requiring delivery giants like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Amazon to track their contractors’ speed, direction, and sidewalk riding, and report violations to city regulators. Brewer also proposes a 15 mph speed limit for e-bikes and mandates running lights for visibility. She highlights the danger of unsafe lithium-ion batteries and calls for stricter oversight. Brewer’s approach shifts responsibility from individual riders to the corporations profiting from delivery, aiming to protect the city’s 8 million pedestrians from reckless riding and battery fires.

• NYC must curb the e-bikes: Regulations should be on the delivery apps, nydailynews.com, Published 2024-12-15

A 55-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries while crossing W 59 St at an intersection. The sedan driver was making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a 55-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of W 59 St and W End Ave in Manhattan at 16:52. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2020 Acura sedan, traveling north and making a right turn, struck him. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated as 3. The sedan showed no damage, and the driver, a licensed female from New York, was operating the vehicle at the time. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not cite any driver errors such as failure to yield. The pedestrian was conscious and injured at the scene.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778297 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council grilled the Adams administration over a bill to license e-bikes and scooters. Supporters called it common sense. Critics warned it targets delivery workers. Tension ran high. Most deaths still come from cars, not bikes. The fight is far from over.

On December 11, 2024, the City Council held a hearing on a bill to require city-level licensing and registration for e-bikes and e-scooters not covered by state law. The bill, sponsored by Councilmember Bob Holden, claims to address 'the proliferation of these vehicles' and their impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety. Councilmember Vickie Paladino, District 19, insisted, 'This is a safety issue.' Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez countered, 'We agree with the intent, but we believe that mandating registration and licensing is not a solution.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams warned the bill would 'have a disparate impact on low-income individuals, people of color, and undocumented migrants.' A separate resolution from Councilmember Gale Brewer supports licensing only for commercial e-bikes. The hearing exposed deep rifts over enforcement, equity, and the real sources of street danger.

• NYC Council, Adams admin spar over license plates for e-bikes and e-scooters, gothamist.com, Published 2024-12-11

Council Member Paladino’s bid to ban e-bikes from city parks failed at Manhattan Community Board 2. Members called the bill vague, redundant, and unenforceable. Even e-bike skeptics dismissed it. The board demanded real solutions, not empty gestures or propaganda.

Bill number not specified. On December 10, 2024, Manhattan Community Board 2’s transportation and parks committees reviewed Council Member Vickie Paladino’s proposal to ban e-bikes from city parks. The committees voted overwhelmingly against it. The matter, described as an effort to 'make it more harmonious and safer for people in parks,' was criticized as 'not fleshed out.' Paladino, a Queens Republican, failed to provide data or address existing rules. Co-sponsor Gale Brewer admitted she signed on under pressure and doubted enforcement. Committee members Shirley Secunda, Susanna Aaron, Janet Liff, and Jeannine Kiely all voiced strong opposition, calling the bill redundant and inadequate. The Central Park Conservancy declined to endorse a ban, urging more protected bike lanes instead. The board found the proposal did nothing for safety and ignored systemic issues.

• ‘Not Fleshed Out’: Paladino’s E-Bike Ban Falls Flat at Manhattan Civic Panel, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-10

City plans to lift helicopter flight limits at Downtown Manhattan Heliport. New contract would allow more tourist flights if half use electric aircraft. Advocates and Council Member Restler slam the move. They demand a ban on non-essential, luxury air travel.

On December 9, 2024, the city released a draft contract proposing to lift the cap on helicopter flights at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. The Economic Development Corporation, which manages the heliport, seeks to allow more flights if 50 percent use electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs), pending FAA approval. The matter summary states: 'The city could lift a years-old cap on helicopter trips at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport in order to get companies to pivot to electric aircraft.' Council Member Lincoln Restler, representing Brooklyn waterfront neighborhoods, criticized the plan and called for a ban on non-essential tourism and luxury air taxi flights. Restler previously introduced legislation to ban such trips, but it failed. Advocates Melissa Elstein and Andrew Rosenthal of Stop The Chop also oppose the plan, citing noise, quality of life, and expanded luxury service. The contract includes expanded lounges and segregated passenger flows, which advocates see as a move to boost luxury air travel.

• City Eyes More Tour Flights From Downtown Heliport With Electric Aircraft, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-09

Council bill bars cars from blocking crosswalks. No standing or parking within 20 feet. City must install daylighting barriers at 1,000 intersections yearly. Streets clear. Sightlines open. Danger cut.

Int 1138-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced December 5, 2024. The bill states: “prohibiting standing or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.” Council Member Erik D. Bottcher leads, joined by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and over two dozen co-sponsors. The law orders the Department of Transportation to install daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections each year, up from 100. The city must also run outreach and education. The bill aims to keep crosswalks clear, improve visibility, and protect people on foot and bike. No more hiding behind parked cars. The committee laid the bill over on April 21, 2025.

• File Int 1138-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-05