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

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-01-24

Senate bill S 1952 orders advanced safety tech in all New York vehicles. DMV must set rules. Hoylman-Sigal leads. Gianaris and Gonzalez back him. No safety analyst review yet. Action at sponsorship stage.

Senate bill S 1952, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 17, 2023, it 'mandates the use of advanced safety technology in vehicles in the state; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles to promulgate certain rules and regulations.' Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal sponsors, joined by Michael Gianaris and Kristen Gonzalez. No safety analyst has reviewed the bill's impact on vulnerable road users. The bill awaits further action and committee assignment.

• File S 1952, Open States, Published 2023-01-17

Senator Hoylman-Sigal pushes S 1651. Bill drops speed threshold for owner liability to seven miles over limit. Aims to catch more reckless drivers. No safety analyst note. Action at sponsorship stage.

Senate bill S 1651 was introduced on January 13, 2023, and is at the sponsorship stage. The bill, sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, seeks to 'reduce the speed for owner liability for failure of operator to comply with certain posted maximum speed limits to more than seven miles per hour over such posted maximum speed limits.' No vote has taken place yet. The bill aims to tighten enforcement by lowering the speed threshold for liability. There is no safety analyst note on its impact for vulnerable road users.

• File S 1651, Open States, Published 2023-01-13

Assembly bill A 1280 pushes for streets built for all. Dozens of lawmakers back the plan. The bill demands roads that protect walkers, cyclists, and riders. It calls for design, not luck, to keep people safe.

Assembly bill A 1280, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 13, 2023, the bill sits with the Assembly. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 70 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Kenny Burgos, and Catalina Cruz. Their action signals strong legislative momentum. The bill’s focus: force planners to build streets for people, not just cars. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear—systemic change for vulnerable road users. The bill’s progress can be tracked at the New York Assembly website.

• File A 1280, Open States, Published 2023-01-13

A 67-year-old man was struck while crossing West 78 Street at Columbus Avenue. The sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, made a right turn and hit the pedestrian at the center front end. The man suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was in shock.

According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing West 78 Street at Columbus Avenue with the signal. The crash involved a 2020 Toyota sedan driven by a licensed female driver making a right turn. The vehicle struck the pedestrian at the center front end. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot and was reported to be in shock. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The vehicle sustained no damage. The pedestrian was not blamed and was crossing legally.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4597964 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Governor Hochul backs Sammy’s Law. She wants Albany to let New York City set its own speed limits. Advocates and city officials support her. Lower speeds mean fewer deaths. The fight now moves to the legislature. Streets could get safer. The city waits.

On January 10, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul announced her support for a state bill—known as Sammy’s Law—that would let New York City lower its own speed limits. The bill, sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, has stalled in the legislature before. Hochul’s State of the State address declared, 'she will introduce her own version of the existing "Sammy's Law" bill.' Hoylman-Sigal called City Council members his 'partners' and urged their support. Amy Cohen, whose son was killed by a speeding driver, pressed the Council to act, saying, 'We need the Council to make it a priority to support Sammy's Law and redesign streets ... at a safe speed limit.' DOT spokesman Vin Barone added, 'DOT strongly supports Sammy’s Law.' The Adams administration and street safety advocates back the measure. If passed, the law would let the city drop speed limits below 25 mph citywide and below 15 mph near schools, giving local officials real power to protect vulnerable road users.

• State of the State: Hochul Seeks to Let New York City Lower its Speed Limits, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-10

Three sedans raced north on Henry Hudson Parkway. A man walked in the dark. One car struck him head-on. His body broke on the cold asphalt. He died alone, under the headlights. Two drivers were injured. Unsafe speed ruled the night.

A man walking north along Henry Hudson Parkway, near 96th Street, was struck and killed by a sedan. According to the police report, 'Three sedans came fast. One struck him head-on. His body shattered on the cold road. He died there, alone, beneath the speeding lights.' Two drivers were injured—one to the shoulder and upper arm, the other to the head. The police report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor in the crash. The data also shows one driver was unlicensed. The crash left a pedestrian dead and two drivers hurt, all under the shadow of reckless speed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4595960 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Senate bill S 153 cracks down on bus lane violators. Owners face liability. Cameras catch drivers blocking buses. Sponsors push for stronger enforcement. Streets clear for buses, danger cut for those on foot.

Senate bill S 153, sponsored by Liz Krueger (District 28) with Andrew Gounardes (26) and Brad Hoylman-Sigal (47) as co-sponsors, is at the sponsorship stage. Introduced January 4, 2023, it 'relates to owner liability for failure of operator to comply with bus operation-related local law or regulation traffic restrictions and to the adjudication of certain parking infractions.' The bill extends a bus rapid transit demonstration program, using cameras to enforce bus lane rules. No safety analyst note was provided. The sponsors aim to hold vehicle owners accountable and keep bus lanes clear, a move that can reduce risk for pedestrians and bus riders.

• File S 153, Open States, Published 2023-01-04

Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.

Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor 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 measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 343, Open States, Published 2023-01-04

A Honda sedan slammed forward on West 90th. Aggressive driving fueled the crash. The right front caved in. The driver, 48, died in the seat. No passengers. The street fell silent. Metal twisted. One life ended.

A 2001 Honda sedan crashed on West 90th Street near Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan. The sole occupant, a 48-year-old male driver, was killed. According to the police report, 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' caused the collision. The right front quarter panel of the Honda was crushed. No other injuries were reported. The police report lists no contributing factors for the victim beyond the aggressive driving. The crash left the driver dead at the scene. No passengers were present. The data does not mention helmet or signal use as a factor. This crash highlights the lethal consequences of aggressive driving, as documented in the official report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4595452 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Two SUVs collided head-to-tail on Henry Hudson Parkway. The 32-year-old male driver of the rear vehicle was injured and incoherent. Both vehicles were traveling southbound. Police noted illegal drug use as a contributing factor. No ejections occurred.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles traveling south on Henry Hudson Parkway collided, with the rear SUV striking the front SUV's center back end. The 32-year-old male driver of the rear vehicle was injured and incoherent but was not ejected. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The report lists illegal drug use as a contributing factor. The rear vehicle's point of impact was the center back end, indicating a rear-end collision. No other driver errors were specified. The injured driver was not using any safety equipment. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4591985 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 67-year-old woman was struck while crossing West 96 Street at Broadway. She suffered bruises and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The crash left her in shock. No driver errors or contributing factors were reported.

According to the police report, a 67-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of West 96 Street and Broadway in Manhattan. She was crossing with the signal when the crash occurred. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, and was left in shock. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The vehicle involved is unspecified, and no details about the driver or vehicle type were provided. The pedestrian was not ejected and no safety equipment or other factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4590598 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Governor Hochul killed a bill to let New Yorkers sue over helicopter noise. The veto blocks a ban on non-essential flights from W. 30th Street. Noise complaints keep rising. Lawmakers and advocates slam the move. Relief for battered West Siders stalls again.

On December 16, 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed a bill from State Sen. Brad Hoylman and Assembly Member Dick Gottfried. The bill, which passed the legislature, would have allowed New Yorkers to sue helicopter companies for 'unreasonable and sustained noise' and banned non-essential flights from the W. 30th Street heliport. Hochul argued the measure conflicted with federal law, writing, 'Certain elements of this legislation run counter to the federal scheme regulating New York's airports and airspace.' Hoylman, the bill's sponsor, pushed back, citing a surge in noise complaints and calling the effort 'worth pursuing.' Andrew Rosenthal of Stop the Chop NY/NJ criticized Hochul's deference to federal preemption. The veto leaves West Side residents exposed to relentless helicopter noise, with no new legal tools or flight restrictions.

• Hochul Vetoes Bill Letting New Yorkers Sue For Helicopter Noise, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-12-16

Governor Hochul killed a bill to let New Yorkers sue over helicopter noise. The veto blocks a ban on non-essential flights from W. 30th Street. Noise complaints keep rising. Lawmakers and advocates slam the move. Relief for battered West Siders stalls again.

On December 16, 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed a bill from State Sen. Brad Hoylman and Assembly Member Dick Gottfried. The bill, which passed the legislature, would have allowed New Yorkers to sue helicopter companies for 'unreasonable and sustained noise' and banned non-essential flights from the W. 30th Street heliport. Hochul argued the measure conflicted with federal law, writing, 'Certain elements of this legislation run counter to the federal scheme regulating New York's airports and airspace.' Hoylman, the bill's sponsor, pushed back, citing a surge in noise complaints and calling the effort 'worth pursuing.' Andrew Rosenthal of Stop the Chop NY/NJ criticized Hochul's deference to federal preemption. The veto leaves West Side residents exposed to relentless helicopter noise, with no new legal tools or flight restrictions.

• Hochul Vetoes Bill Letting New Yorkers Sue For Helicopter Noise, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-12-16

Council members push to ban non-essential helicopter flights. Noise and fumes choke neighborhoods. Lawmakers cite climate justice, but federal rules block action. Complaints soar. The city’s deal fails. Residents and activists demand relief. The sky remains loud.

"If you want to be an administration that is responsive to New Yorkers, you would end those non-essential helicopter flights. People are beside themselves." -- Gale A. Brewer

On December 12, 2022, the New York City Council, led by Council Member Lincoln Restler, introduced a bill to ban non-essential helicopter flights from city heliports. The bill, discussed in oversight hearings, remains stalled. The matter summary states: 'Noise complaints from helicopters over New York City have soared in recent years, but lawmakers at city, state, and federal levels have failed to significantly reduce non-essential helicopter flights.' Restler declared, 'This isn't just a quality of life issue — it's about climate justice. 1 helicopter idling is the equivalent of 40 cars!' Council Member Gale Brewer and State Senator Brad Hoylman joined calls for action. Despite advocacy and testimony from residents, significant policy changes have not passed. The Federal Aviation Administration’s authority blocks local control. Helicopter noise and pollution continue to harm New Yorkers, especially in vulnerable neighborhoods.

• Going in Circles: Laws to Tame Helicopters Struggle to Take Off, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-12-12

Council members push to ban non-essential helicopter flights. Noise and fumes choke neighborhoods. Lawmakers cite climate justice, but federal rules block action. Complaints soar. The city’s deal fails. Residents and activists demand relief. The sky remains loud.

"We’re not a bunch of zoo animals in New York City to be viewed by tourists flying overhead." -- Brad Hoylman-Sigal

On December 12, 2022, the New York City Council, led by Council Member Lincoln Restler, introduced a bill to ban non-essential helicopter flights from city heliports. The bill, discussed in oversight hearings, remains stalled. The matter summary states: 'Noise complaints from helicopters over New York City have soared in recent years, but lawmakers at city, state, and federal levels have failed to significantly reduce non-essential helicopter flights.' Restler declared, 'This isn't just a quality of life issue — it's about climate justice. 1 helicopter idling is the equivalent of 40 cars!' Council Member Gale Brewer and State Senator Brad Hoylman joined calls for action. Despite advocacy and testimony from residents, significant policy changes have not passed. The Federal Aviation Administration’s authority blocks local control. Helicopter noise and pollution continue to harm New Yorkers, especially in vulnerable neighborhoods.

• Going in Circles: Laws to Tame Helicopters Struggle to Take Off, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-12-12

A 21-year-old bicyclist was partially ejected and injured on West 85 Street. A pick-up truck making a left turn struck the cyclist’s left side. The rider suffered arm injuries and shock. Driver distraction was a key factor in the collision.

According to the police report, a pick-up truck traveling north on West End Avenue made a left turn onto West 85 Street and struck a southbound bicyclist on the left side. The 21-year-old male cyclist was partially ejected and sustained injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, along with shock. The bicyclist was riding without safety equipment. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The truck’s right front bumper hit the cyclist’s left side doors. The cyclist complained of pain and nausea after the crash. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4584270 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A city report calls for higher pay for 65,000 delivery workers. Advocates warn more deliveries mean more danger. They demand protected bike lanes and charging stations. Without safe streets, low-income workers face traffic violence and crime. The fight for safety continues.

On November 23, 2022, a new city report recommended a significant pay raise for New York’s 65,000 app-based delivery workers. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection projects a 35% jump in deliveries by 2025, raising safety concerns. The report summary states, 'the number of deliveries made per hour will increase, leading to more delivery workers on city streets.' Hildalyn Colón Hernández of Los Deliveristas/Workers Justice Project and Council Member Gale Brewer both called for more protected bike lanes, higher expense rates, and better charging infrastructure. Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives said, 'Workers have the right to a safe workplace: for our city's delivery workers, this means a network of safe, protected bike lanes that help prevent crashes.' Advocates insist a wage hike alone is not enough. They demand the city build out infrastructure to protect workers from traffic violence and hazardous conditions.

• More Money for Delivery Workers Will Require More Protection for Them, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-23

City eyes a pay hike for 65,000 delivery workers. More money means more riders on the street. Advocates demand protected bike lanes and charging stations. Council Member Brewer backs a $5 boost. Without safer roads, higher wages alone won’t stop the bloodshed.

On November 23, 2022, the City Council debated delivery worker pay and street safety. The matter, titled 'More Money for Delivery Workers Will Require More Protection for Them,' highlights a proposed minimum wage of $23.82 per hour for app-based delivery workers, up from $7.09. Council Member Gale A. Brewer (District 6) voiced support for a $5 increase to cover work expenses, stating, 'I support increasing the expense rate in the rule by $5 to address these work tools.' The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection projects a 35% jump in deliveries by 2025. Advocates and workers say higher pay must come with more protected bike lanes and charging stations. Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives said, 'Workers have the right to a safe workplace: for our city's delivery workers, this means a network of safe, protected bike lanes.' The debate underscores that pay hikes alone cannot protect vulnerable delivery workers from traffic violence and hazardous streets.

• More Money for Delivery Workers Will Require More Protection for Them, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-11-23

A taxi struck a 31-year-old male bicyclist on Broadway. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg bruises. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. The bicyclist was not ejected and was in shock at the scene.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling north on Broadway collided with a northbound bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 31-year-old man, sustained contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor. The taxi showed no damage, while the bike had damage to its center back end. The bicyclist was not ejected and was wearing unspecified safety equipment. The crash caused shock and injury severity level 3 to the cyclist. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4589372 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08