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

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

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 2025-08-07

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.

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

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

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

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

A taxi hit a 20-year-old cyclist near West 85th. The rider suffered a head abrasion. Both drivers were distracted. The bike’s front and taxi’s rear bumper took damage. Streets remain hostile to the unprotected.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling west on Amsterdam Avenue collided with a northbound bicyclist near West 85th Street in Manhattan. The 20-year-old male cyclist was injured, suffering a head abrasion but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both the taxi driver and the cyclist. The bike was struck at its center front end, while the taxi sustained damage to its left rear bumper. The cyclist was not using any safety equipment. This crash underscores the danger posed by driver distraction to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630179 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

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 57-year-old man was hit by a box truck while crossing West 82 Street with the signal. He suffered a head injury and lost consciousness. The impact came from the truck's right front bumper. The pedestrian was bruised and unconscious.

According to the police report, a box truck struck a 57-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection of West 82 Street and Columbus Avenue in Manhattan. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. He sustained a head injury, resulting in unconsciousness and contusions. The point of impact was the truck's right front bumper. No contributing factors or driver errors were listed in the report. The pedestrian was not ejected and was injured at the scene. The report does not indicate any driver license issues or vehicle damage. The pedestrian’s compliance with the crossing signal is noted, and no helmet or signaling factors apply.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629514 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

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 78-year-old woman crossing West 86 Street against the signal was struck by a westbound bike. She suffered facial injuries and shock. The bike hit her center front end. The pedestrian was in pain and nausea after the crash.

According to the police report, a 78-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing West 86 Street against the signal. She was struck by a westbound bike, which impacted her face and caused shock. The bike's center front end collided with the pedestrian. The report lists no driver errors or contributing factors from the cyclist. The pedestrian's crossing against the signal is noted, but no blame is assigned. The injured woman complained of pain and nausea following the impact. The cyclist was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629560 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 41-year-old male bicyclist hit the left side doors of a parked box truck on West 79 Street. He suffered bruises over his entire body but remained conscious. The bike’s front center end was damaged. No driver errors were specified.

According to the police report, a 41-year-old male bicyclist traveling west struck the left side doors of a parked 2006 box truck on West 79 Street. The bicyclist sustained contusions and bruises over his entire body but was conscious and not ejected. The bike’s center front end was damaged, while the truck showed no damage. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors for either party. The bicyclist was wearing a lap belt and harness. The truck was stationary at the time of impact. No failure to yield, speeding, or other driver mistakes were recorded.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628874 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 67-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and suffered a head contusion on Broadway. He was conscious but injured. The crash involved another unspecified vehicle. No driver errors or contributing factors were listed in the police report.

According to the police report, a 67-year-old male bicyclist was injured and ejected from his bike on Broadway. He sustained a head contusion and was conscious at the scene. The crash involved two vehicles, one a bike traveling east going straight ahead, which struck the bicyclist on the right front quarter panel. The other vehicle type was unspecified. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No further details about the crash circumstances or other involved parties were provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4625434 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

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