Lower the Speed, Save a Life—Or Bury Another Neighbor

Jun 30 - A 41-year-old female driver suffered head injuries and shock in a crash on Henry Hudson Parkway. Her sedan was demolished. She was restrained by lap belt and harness. No other vehicles or pedestrians involved. Cause of crash unspecified by police.

According to the police report, a single-vehicle crash occurred on Henry Hudson Parkway involving a 2003 Ford sedan traveling north. The female driver, age 41, was injured with head trauma and shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The vehicle was demolished on impact. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified. No pedestrians or other vehicles were involved. The driver was licensed in New Jersey and was going straight ahead before the crash. The point of impact was recorded as 'Other.' The crash caused abrasions and serious injury to the driver but no further details on cause or contributing driver errors were provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4643546 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 30 - Paris rips out parking. Sidewalks widen. Intersections clear. Mayor Anne Hidalgo puts pedestrians first. No crackdown on e-bikes. Cars, not cyclists, face the squeeze. Advocates say New York should follow. Fewer cars, more space for people. The numbers demand it.

""Hoylman-Sigal did say that banning privately owned e-bikes was 'going too far,' the paper reported, but he also did not focus the safety concerns on drivers and on the city's failure to widen sidewalks, create new micromobility lanes or daylight intersections."" -- Brad Hoylman-Sigal

On June 30, 2023, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced a sweeping policy shift: the new 'Street Code.' The plan, described as giving 'absolute priority for pedestrians,' will remove 70,000 parking spaces by 2026, daylight all intersections, widen sidewalks, and expand bike lanes. Hidalgo rejects harsh measures against e-bikes, focusing instead on reducing car dominance and discouraging SUVs through progressive parking fees. Council Member Gale A. Brewer, District 6, is mentioned in the context of New York’s contrasting approach, where enforcement often targets e-bikes rather than cars. Advocates highlight that cars and trucks cause most pedestrian injuries and deaths. They urge New York to emulate Paris—reclaiming street space from cars, not blaming micromobility. The data is clear: fewer cars mean safer streets for all.

• Paris Mayor Enters Fray Between E-Bikes and Pedestrians — By Fighting Drivers, streetsblog.org, Published 2023-06-30

Jun 28 - A 54-year-old woman was struck crossing West 82 Street with the signal. A Ford truck making a left turn hit her with its left front bumper. She suffered abrasions and injuries to her entire body. The driver failed to yield and was distracted.

According to the police report, a Ford truck making a left turn on West 82 Street in Manhattan struck a 54-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her entire body but remained conscious. The report lists the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The impact occurred at the truck's left front bumper. The pedestrian was at an intersection and had the right-of-way. No safety equipment or pedestrian fault was noted. The driver was licensed and operating a 2015 Ford truck with four occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4641724 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 27 - Lynn Schulman calls for a public referendum to end NYC’s carriage horse trade. She slams council inaction and union power. Streets remain deadly for horses and people. The city’s leaders stall. The public demands change. The fight continues.

On June 27, 2023, Council Member Lynn Schulman (District 29) published an editorial urging a public referendum to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City. The editorial, titled "With politicians fearful of the TWU, a public referendum is the answer," criticizes the City Council’s failure to act on a bill that would replace horses with electric carriages. Schulman highlights that only 18 of 51 council members sponsor the bill, despite strong public support and past campaign promises. She names Justin Brennan, Gale Brewer, Julie Menin, and herself among those who have not advanced the legislation. Schulman blames union influence for the council’s inaction, citing 115 accidents and 27 horse deaths over decades. She calls for a citizen ballot initiative to bypass political gridlock and protect both horses and the public from ongoing street danger.

• With politicians fearful of the TWU, a public referendum is the answer, nydailynews.com, Published 2023-06-27

Jun 26 - Council grilled city plans for curbside car chargers. Advocates warned: car plugs block bike lanes, trap the curb. Brewer said delivery workers need e-bike charging, not car stations. No e-bike chargers installed yet. The fight for street space rages on.

On June 26, 2023, the City Council held a hearing on electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The session, led by Council Member Gale Brewer, focused on the matter: 'Charging Ahead? The City Needs Plugs for E-Bikes, Not Cars.' Brewer emphasized, 'I don't hear people calling me up, saying, I need a charging station for my electric car.' Advocates Jackson Chabot and Samir Lavingia argued that curbside EV chargers for cars would 'lock in' car use and block future bike lanes or outdoor dining. Eric McClure of StreetsPAC warned against re-privatizing the curb for car owners. Both Chabot and Lavingia backed Council Member Justin Brannan's bill to require EV-ready parking in garages. Despite city plans, no e-bike charging stations have been installed yet. The hearing spotlighted the urgent need to prioritize vulnerable road users over private cars.

• Charging Ahead? The City Needs Plugs for E-Bikes, Not Cars, Advocates and Pols Say, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-26

Jun 22 - Albany keeps the keys. The Assembly refused to vote on Sammy’s Law. The city stays locked out of lowering its own speed limits. Advocates rage. Another year, another failure. Streets remain fast. Vulnerable New Yorkers stay exposed.

Sammy’s Law, blocked again. The bill—named for Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a van at age 12—would let New York City set its own speed limits, dropping the default to 20 mph and some streets to 10 mph. The Senate passed it 55-7, but the Assembly ended its June 22, 2023 session without a vote. Assembly sponsor Linda Rosenthal said, 'We just can't be deterred.' Senate sponsor Brad Hoylman-Sigal called the failure 'heartbreaking.' Speaker Carl Heastie refused to bring it to the floor. Advocates say the city’s hands are tied while deaths and injuries mount. The Council and Mayor Adams support the bill. For the third year, Albany blocks local control. Streets stay dangerous. Vulnerable road users pay the price.

• Sammy’s Law advocates angry after push to give NYC power over its speed limit fails in Assembly, nydailynews.com, Published 2023-06-22

Jun 22 - Albany keeps the keys. The Assembly refused to vote on Sammy’s Law. The city stays locked out of lowering its own speed limits. Advocates rage. Another year, another failure. Streets remain fast. Vulnerable New Yorkers stay exposed.

Sammy’s Law, blocked again. The bill—named for Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a van at age 12—would let New York City set its own speed limits, dropping the default to 20 mph and some streets to 10 mph. The Senate passed it 55-7, but the Assembly ended its June 22, 2023 session without a vote. Assembly sponsor Linda Rosenthal said, 'We just can't be deterred.' Senate sponsor Brad Hoylman-Sigal called the failure 'heartbreaking.' Speaker Carl Heastie refused to bring it to the floor. Advocates say the city’s hands are tied while deaths and injuries mount. The Council and Mayor Adams support the bill. For the third year, Albany blocks local control. Streets stay dangerous. Vulnerable road users pay the price.

• Sammy’s Law advocates angry after push to give NYC power over its speed limit fails in Assembly, nydailynews.com, Published 2023-06-22

Jun 19 - Sammy’s Law hit a wall in Albany. The bill would let New York City set its own speed limits. It passed the Senate but died in the Assembly. Advocates and families mourn another delay. Streets stay fast. Vulnerable lives remain at risk.

Sammy’s Law, a bill to let New York City set and lower its speed limits, stalled in the Assembly on June 19, 2023. The bill passed the state Senate but did not reach a vote in the Assembly, blocked by Speaker Carl Heastie and opposition from outerborough members. The City Council, including Councilwoman Jennifer Gutiérrez, supported the measure with a home rule message. The bill’s summary: 'allow New York City to set speed limits as low as 10 mph on some streets and 20 mph citywide.' Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal sponsored the bill in the Assembly. Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams both backed it. State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal called it 'common sense.' Advocates, including Amy Cohen, mother of the bill’s namesake, vow to keep fighting. No safety analyst note was provided, but the bill’s failure leaves city streets unchanged and vulnerable road users exposed.

• Sammy’s Law bill to let NYC set speed limit falters, supporters hoping special Assembly session will finally push it through, nydailynews.com, Published 2023-06-19

Jun 19 - Sammy’s Law hit a wall in Albany. The bill would let New York City set its own speed limits. It passed the Senate but died in the Assembly. Advocates and families mourn another delay. Streets stay fast. Vulnerable lives remain at risk.

Sammy’s Law, a bill to let New York City set and lower its speed limits, stalled in the Assembly on June 19, 2023. The bill passed the state Senate but did not reach a vote in the Assembly, blocked by Speaker Carl Heastie and opposition from outerborough members. The City Council, including Councilwoman Jennifer Gutiérrez, supported the measure with a home rule message. The bill’s summary: 'allow New York City to set speed limits as low as 10 mph on some streets and 20 mph citywide.' Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal sponsored the bill in the Assembly. Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams both backed it. State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal called it 'common sense.' Advocates, including Amy Cohen, mother of the bill’s namesake, vow to keep fighting. No safety analyst note was provided, but the bill’s failure leaves city streets unchanged and vulnerable road users exposed.

• Sammy’s Law bill to let NYC set speed limit falters, supporters hoping special Assembly session will finally push it through, nydailynews.com, Published 2023-06-19

Jun 16 - Sammy’s Law, which lets New York City set its own speed limits, sits idle. Speaker Carl Heastie refuses to bring it to a vote. The Senate passed it. The governor, mayor, and council back it. Families mourn. Lawmakers dodge responsibility. Streets stay deadly.

Sammy’s Law, Assembly Bill to grant New York City control over its speed limits, remains stalled. On June 16, 2023, Speaker Carl Heastie kept it off the legislative agenda, despite Senate passage and support from Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams, and the City Council. The bill’s matter summary: 'the years-long effort to earn New York City the power to set its own speed limits.' Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal sponsors the bill, but Heastie’s inaction blocks a vote. Activists, including Families for Safe Streets, protested with a die-in at Heastie’s office. Gary Eckstein, father of Sammy Cohen Eckstein, spoke of the pain caused by legislative failure. The legislature’s refusal to act leaves vulnerable road users exposed, as lawmakers avoid accountability and delay a measure with broad support.

• Cycle of Rage Update: Speaker Heastie Has Not Put Speed Limit Bill on Next Week’s Agenda, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-16

Jun 10 - A sedan struck a bicyclist traveling south on West 78 Street near Riverside Drive. The cyclist was ejected and suffered abrasions and injuries to the abdomen and pelvis. The driver was distracted at the time of impact. The cyclist wore a helmet.

According to the police report, a sedan and a bicycle collided on West 78 Street in Manhattan. The bicyclist, a 46-year-old man, was ejected from his bike and sustained injuries to his abdomen and pelvis, along with abrasions. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for the crash. The sedan's right front bumper struck the center front end of the bicycle. The cyclist was wearing a helmet at the time. The driver’s distraction was the primary error noted; no other driver errors or victim actions were cited. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash but seriously injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4638084 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 8 - State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal wants OMNY to work with Citi Bike. He calls for a unified payment system to break down barriers for riders. The move could make bike-share easier, but fractured agencies and costly upgrades stand in the way.

On June 8, 2023, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-Midtown West) urged the MTA and Lyft to integrate OMNY, the city’s contactless fare system, with Citi Bike. In a letter, Hoylman-Sigal wrote, "We urge you to create a unified payment system as expeditiously as possible." The proposal aims to remove barriers for would-be Citi Bike users and address issues like vandalized QR codes. The bill is a policy proposal, not yet in committee or up for a vote. Hoylman-Sigal’s push highlights the fractured nature of New York’s fare systems, with separate payments for subways, bikes, ferries, and regional trains. While OMNY integration could streamline access, technical and financial hurdles remain. The MTA and Cubic, OMNY’s contractor, say they are reviewing expansion opportunities. No direct safety impact assessment was provided.

• Manhattan Pol Wants OMNY to Work With Citi Bike, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-08

Jun 8 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-08

Jun 6 - Two mothers starve for justice. Their children killed by reckless drivers. They demand lawmakers let New York City set its own speed limits. The Assembly stalls. Grief and anger fill the halls. No more excuses. They want action. Now.

On June 6, 2023, two mothers began a hunger strike at the State Capitol, demanding action on Sammy’s Law. The bill, first introduced in 2020 by State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and carried in the Assembly by Linda Rosenthal, would let New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. The City Council backed the measure with a 'home rule' message last month. But Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has not brought it to a vote. The matter title: 'Sammy’s Law.' Amy Cohen, whose son Sammy was killed in 2013, and Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, whose son Bryan was killed in 2006, lead the protest. Mendieta-Cuapio says, 'We need to pass Sammy's Law today, no more excuses.' Lawmakers hide behind closed doors. The mothers refuse to let their children’s deaths be ignored.

• ‘Sammy’s Law’ Hunger Strike Begins at State Capitol, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-06

Jun 6 - Two mothers starve for justice at the State Capitol. Their children were killed by reckless drivers. They demand lawmakers pass Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City set lower speed limits. Assembly leaders stall. Grief meets gridlock.

On June 6, 2023, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and advocates launched a hunger strike at the State Capitol for Sammy’s Law. The bill, introduced by Hoylman-Sigal and carried in the Assembly by Linda Rosenthal, would let New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. The official summary states it 'would authorize NYC to set speed limits below 25 mph but would not automatically change them.' Amy Cohen and Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, mothers whose children were killed by drivers, lead the protest. Despite majority City Council support and a home rule message, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie refuses to bring the bill to a vote. Advocates accuse lawmakers of hiding and demand transparency. The hunger strike exposes the human cost of legislative inaction.

• ‘Sammy’s Law’ Hunger Strike Begins at State Capitol, streetsblog.org, Published 2023-06-06

Jun 6 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Jun 6 - Two mothers starve for justice. Their children killed by reckless drivers. They demand lawmakers let New York City set its own speed limits. The Assembly stalls. Grief and anger fill the halls. No more excuses. They want action. Now.

On June 6, 2023, two mothers began a hunger strike at the State Capitol, demanding action on Sammy’s Law. The bill, first introduced in 2020 by State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and carried in the Assembly by Linda Rosenthal, would let New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. The City Council backed the measure with a 'home rule' message last month. But Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has not brought it to a vote. The matter title: 'Sammy’s Law.' Amy Cohen, whose son Sammy was killed in 2013, and Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, whose son Bryan was killed in 2006, lead the protest. Mendieta-Cuapio says, 'We need to pass Sammy's Law today, no more excuses.' Lawmakers hide behind closed doors. The mothers refuse to let their children’s deaths be ignored.

• ‘Sammy’s Law’ Hunger Strike Begins at State Capitol, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-06

Jun 6 - Two mothers starve for justice at the State Capitol. Their children were killed by reckless drivers. They demand lawmakers pass Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City set lower speed limits. Assembly leaders stall. Grief meets gridlock.

On June 6, 2023, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and advocates launched a hunger strike at the State Capitol for Sammy’s Law. The bill, introduced by Hoylman-Sigal and carried in the Assembly by Linda Rosenthal, would let New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. The official summary states it 'would authorize NYC to set speed limits below 25 mph but would not automatically change them.' Amy Cohen and Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, mothers whose children were killed by drivers, lead the protest. Despite majority City Council support and a home rule message, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie refuses to bring the bill to a vote. Advocates accuse lawmakers of hiding and demand transparency. The hunger strike exposes the human cost of legislative inaction.

• ‘Sammy’s Law’ Hunger Strike Begins at State Capitol, streetsblog.org, Published 2023-06-06

Jun 5 - A garbage truck struck an e-bike on Broadway near West 75th Street. The e-bike rider suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation. The truck showed no damage. The crash happened as both vehicles traveled straight. The rider was conscious and injured.

According to the police report, a garbage truck traveling west on Broadway collided with an e-bike traveling south near West 75th Street in Manhattan. The e-bike rider, a 36-year-old man, sustained a fractured and dislocated elbow. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor. The truck driver was licensed and driving straight ahead. The e-bike was damaged on the left side doors, while the truck showed no damage. The rider was conscious and not ejected. No other contributing factors or safety equipment were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634936 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 4 - A 40-year-old man was struck at a West 96th Street intersection. The sedan hit him with its left front bumper. He suffered head injuries and internal complaints. The driver was licensed and traveling westbound. The pedestrian was left in shock.

According to the police report, a 40-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being struck by a westbound Ford sedan on West 96th Street in Manhattan. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian with its left front bumper at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and internal complaints, resulting in shock. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead. The report lists the pedestrian's contributing factors as unspecified, and no driver errors were noted. The pedestrian was not ejected and was located at the intersection at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4636245 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19