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

Dec 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

Dec 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

Dec 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.

"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

Dec 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

Dec 4 - An 81-year-old woman crossed West 92nd with the light. A southbound Ford SUV struck her head-on. She died in the street. The driver was distracted. The signal kept blinking. The city moved on.

An 81-year-old woman was killed at the corner of West 92nd Street and Columbus Avenue in Manhattan. According to the police report, she was crossing with the signal when a southbound Ford SUV hit her head-on. She died at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The SUV showed no damage. The driver, a 57-year-old man, was licensed and going straight ahead. The police report states, 'The driver was distracted.' No other injuries were reported. The woman was following the signal when struck.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4589544 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 23 - 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 2025-09-19

Nov 23 - 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

Nov 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

Nov 15 - Taxi turned right on Amsterdam. Hit a 35-year-old man crossing with the signal. Driver failed to yield. Pedestrian suffered internal injuries to abdomen and pelvis. He stayed conscious. No damage to the taxi.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling east on Amsterdam Avenue made a right turn and struck a 35-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained internal injuries to his abdomen and pelvis and remained conscious. The report lists the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and outside car distraction as contributing factors. The taxi showed no damage despite the impact at the center front end. The pedestrian was following traffic signals when the crash occurred.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4588649 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 11 - 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 2025-09-19

Nov 10 - Central Park’s loop is chaos. Pedestrians dodge bikes. Cyclists swerve around joggers. Confusion reigns. The Conservancy revives a safety study. Complaints mount. Injuries rise. No timeline. No details. The park waits for action. Vulnerable users pay the price.

On November 10, 2022, the Central Park Conservancy announced a revived study to address safety on Central Park’s loop. The study, first commissioned in 2018, follows a near-fatal crash between a cyclist and a jogger. The park’s roadways, once for leisure, now see daily conflict among cyclists, pedestrians, horse carriages, and pedicabs. Council Member Gale Brewer reported, 'I get complaints from people, they're no longer using Central Park, they're afraid of getting hit.' Advocates and users cite confusion, poor signage, and unclear lane markings. Suggestions include brighter lines and reducing car space citywide. The Conservancy has not released details on the study’s scope or timeline. Collisions and injuries persist. The park remains dangerous for those outside a car.

• Central Park Conservancy Studying Ways to Make Park Loop Safer, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-10

Nov 7 - A moped hit a 40-year-old man on Amsterdam Avenue. The unlicensed driver struck the pedestrian outside an intersection. The victim suffered hip and leg injuries. Shock followed. No vehicle damage reported.

According to the police report, a northbound moped on Amsterdam Avenue struck a 40-year-old male pedestrian who was not in the roadway and was described as confused. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his hip and upper leg and was in shock. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. The moped driver was unlicensed and was traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. No damage was reported to the moped. The pedestrian was not ejected and wore no safety equipment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4579811 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 1 - A 71-year-old woman was injured crossing a marked crosswalk on West 87 Street. A taxi backing unsafely struck her, causing head contusions. The driver caused the crash by reversing without caution. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a 71-year-old female pedestrian was crossing a marked crosswalk on West 87 Street when a taxi backing unsafely struck her. The pedestrian suffered head injuries classified as contusions and was injured but not ejected. The taxi driver, a licensed male, was traveling west and was backing at the time of the crash. The report lists "Backing Unsafely" as the contributing factor. The vehicle sustained no damage, and there were no occupants in the taxi at the time. The pedestrian was not at fault, and no other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4579427 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 31 - Mayor Adams claimed over 1,200 intersections got safety upgrades. Most were light tweaks, not real redesigns. Activists say data is murky. Deadly crashes persist. City missed targets for protected bike and bus lanes. Vulnerable New Yorkers remain at risk.

On October 31, 2022, Mayor Adams held a press conference to announce his administration exceeded its promise to improve safety at 1,000 intersections, reporting 1,200 treatments. The event, attended by DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Council Member Gale Brewer, highlighted a major redesign at Eighth Avenue and 46th Street. The city claims upgrades like leading pedestrian intervals, all-way stops, and raised crosswalks. But activists and Council Member Brewer questioned the data, noting most changes were minor signal tweaks, not physical redesigns. The Department of Transportation declined to release full details, making verification impossible. Adams said, "Promise made, promise kept." Rodriguez stressed the need for a culture shift and pointed to 24/7 speed cameras. But activists warn the city lags on protected bike and bus lane goals. Traffic deaths remain high. The lack of transparency leaves vulnerable road users exposed.

• Adams at the Crossroads: Mayor Touts Intersection Fixes As Road Violence Crisis Continues, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-10-31

Oct 31 - Mayor Adams claimed victory on intersection safety, boasting 1,200 upgrades. But most were light tweaks, not real redesigns. Activists saw missing data, empty promises, and little for cyclists or bus riders. Council Member Brewer vowed to dig deeper.

On October 31, 2022, Mayor Adams held a press conference at Eighth Avenue and 46th Street to announce his administration surpassed its pledge to improve safety at 1,000 intersections, reporting 1,200 treatments. The effort included leading pedestrian intervals, all-way stops, and some street redesigns. Adams declared, "Promise made, promise kept," but activists and Transportation Alternatives criticized the lack of physical upgrades and transparency. Council Member Gale A. Brewer, representing District 6, promised to investigate the data issues. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez acknowledged ongoing fatalities but highlighted fewer pedestrian deaths and the launch of 24/7 speed cameras. Critics noted most Vision Zero priority intersections were untouched, and the city lags on protected bike and bus lane targets. The lack of detailed, user-friendly data clouds the true impact for vulnerable road users.

• Adams at the Crossroads: Mayor Touts Intersection Fixes As Road Violence Crisis Continues, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-10-31

Oct 25 - A 77-year-old front-seat passenger suffered a head contusion in a crash on Henry Hudson Parkway. The SUV driver was inattentive and followed too closely. The passenger was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The SUV’s front end was damaged.

According to the police report, a 77-year-old female front-seat passenger was injured in a collision involving a 2020 SUV on Henry Hudson Parkway. The passenger sustained a head contusion but remained conscious and was secured by a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention and following too closely as contributing factors. The SUV struck another vehicle with its left front bumper, causing damage to its center front end. No ejection occurred. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. The crash highlights driver errors that led to injury of a vulnerable occupant.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4576801 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 13 - Mayor Adams’s ‘City of Yes’ zoning plan aims to cut parking minimums. Lincoln Restler backs the move. The proposal would free space for homes, not cars. Advocates say it means safer, cheaper streets. Council Speaker stays cautious. The fight is on.

On October 13, 2022, Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33) supported Mayor Adams’s ‘City of Yes’ zoning proposal. The plan, discussed in committee, seeks to reduce or eliminate parking minimums for new developments. The matter summary states the proposal will 'prioritize people over parking, aiming to make streets safer and reduce parking requirements to enable more housing and amenities.' Restler said, 'In urban hubs like Lower Manhattan, the heart of the South Bronx, Downtown Brooklyn or Downtown Jamaica, we need affordable housing, economic development with good jobs, and dynamic mixed use buildings, not more parking.' The bill has drawn support from advocates and developers, who argue that parking mandates drive up housing costs and disrupt pedestrian-friendly streets. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams remained noncommittal, focusing on the housing crisis and bureaucracy. The proposal’s fate will shape the city’s streets and who they serve.

• Mayor Adams’s ‘City of Yes’ Zoning Proposal Will Take on Parking Minimums (But How Seriously?), streetsblog.org, Published 2022-10-13

Oct 13 - Mayor Adams moves to cut parking mandates. The plan aims to put people before cars. Advocates say this will clear streets, lower rents, and open space for homes. Some council members back the change. Others hesitate. The fight over parking heats up.

""I don't think parking spaces are a worthwhile use of valuable space when we have the worst housing crisis."" -- Brad Hoylman-Sigal

On October 13, 2022, Mayor Adams unveiled the 'City of Yes' zoning proposal. The measure, now under council review, seeks to eliminate or reduce parking minimums citywide. The proposal’s summary states it will 'prioritize people over parking,' aiming to make streets safer and housing more affordable. Council Member Lincoln Restler supports the move, saying, 'we need affordable housing, economic development... not more parking.' State Sen. Brad Hoylman calls parking spaces a poor use of land amid a housing crisis. Advocates like Sara Lind urge full elimination, citing pollution and congestion. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams remains noncommittal, focusing on the housing crisis and open to review. The proposal is in early stages, with state legislation also in play. No formal safety analysis for vulnerable road users has been published.

• Mayor Adams’s ‘City of Yes’ Zoning Proposal Will Take on Parking Minimums (But How Seriously?), Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-10-13

Oct 5 - Council Member Gale Brewer challenges DOT’s street safety boasts. She questions claims of 750 redesigned intersections. Public data shows far less. Most fixes are signal timing, not real protection. Advocates want proof, not promises. Road deaths remain high. Brewer vows investigation.

On October 5, 2022, Council Member Gale Brewer, chair of the Council's oversight committee, announced plans to investigate the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) street safety claims. Brewer questioned DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez’s assertion that 750 of 1,000 intersections were redesigned, citing public data showing fewer than 400. Brewer said, “I love the idea of using her committee's investigatory power to explore whether the Adams administration has indeed redesigned 750 of the promised 1,000 intersections... or whether it done fewer than that, as the agency's own public data shows.” She confirmed her intent to use committee investigators and hold an oversight hearing. The matter, titled “City Council oversight inquiry into DOT street safety implementation and data transparency,” highlights DOT’s lack of documentation and reliance on signal retiming over physical improvements. Advocates and Brewer demand full transparency and real progress. Road deaths remain high, and the city lags on legal mandates for bus and bike lanes.

• CM Brewer: ‘I’ll Hold DOT Accountable on Promises and Data’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-10-05

Sep 22 - Manhattan’s Community Board 8 voted 38-3 for protected crosstown bike lanes and a two-way bikeway around Central Park. The move follows a cyclist’s death on E. 85th. Advocates demanded action. The board, once resistant, now shifts toward safety for riders.

"Andrew Rosenthal said that Mott 'was killed because of the inaction of this community board.'" -- Linda Rosenthal

On September 22, 2022, Manhattan Community Board 8 (CB8) voted 38-3 to request 'fully protected crosstown bike lanes approximately every 10 blocks between 60th and 110th streets on both sides of Central Park, and a two-way protected bikeway around Central Park.' The resolution had earlier cleared the Transportation Committee 12-2. The measure follows the killing of cyclist Carling Mott by a truck driver on E. 85th Street, where a bike lane had been rejected in 2016. Council Members Julie Menin and Keith Powers, along with Borough President Mark Levine, backed the push. Advocates, including Mott’s boyfriend and parents of student cyclists, spoke out for safety, condemning the board’s past inaction. Only one board member, Marco Tamayo, opposed the resolution. The vote marks a sharp turn for CB8, which had long resisted protected lanes, citing security fears and local opposition. Now, the board calls for comprehensive, protected infrastructure to shield vulnerable road users.

• Upper East Side Community Board Votes for Crosstown Bike Lanes, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-22