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

Senator Hoylman pushes S 9528 to force advanced safety tech into every car. DMV must set new rules. No votes yet. Law aims to cut crashes, but details remain thin.

Senate bill S 9528, sponsored by Senator Hoylman, sits at the sponsorship stage. Introduced August 12, 2022, it awaits committee review. The bill 'mandates the use of advanced safety technology in vehicles in the state; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles to promulgate certain rules and regulations.' Hoylman leads the push. No votes or further actions recorded. The proposal could shape how cars interact with people on city streets, but the impact on pedestrians and cyclists is not yet clear. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9528, Open States, Published 2022-08-12

Electeds and advocates rally for the long-promised 7 train station in Hell’s Kitchen. They call out broken promises and demand action. The MTA stalls. The neighborhood waits. Riders walk farther. Streets stay dangerous. The city delays. Lives hang in the balance.

On August 10, 2022, Council Member Erik Bottcher, Rep. Jerry Nadler, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, State Sen. Brad Hoylman, and Assembly Members Dick Gottfried and Linda Rosenthal rallied for the 7 train station at 41st Street and 10th Avenue. The station, once promised as part of the Hudson Yards rezoning, was cut to save money. Bottcher called the cut a 'huge mistake.' Hoylman said it was a 'bait and switch.' Nadler pledged to fight for federal funding. The MTA said it would study the project. The matter: 'Pols and advocates are calling on the MTA to finally build the promised 7 train station at 41st Street and 10th Avenue in Hell's Kitchen.' No formal bill number or committee was cited. The lack of a station keeps riders on foot longer, exposing them to traffic and danger. The city’s inaction leaves vulnerable road users at risk.

• Pols and Advocates: Build the Promised 7 Train Station in Hells Kitchen, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-10

Electeds and advocates rally for the long-promised 7 train station in Hell’s Kitchen. They call out broken promises and demand action. The MTA stalls. The neighborhood waits. Riders walk farther. Streets stay dangerous. The city delays. Lives hang in the balance.

On August 10, 2022, Council Member Erik Bottcher, Rep. Jerry Nadler, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, State Sen. Brad Hoylman, and Assembly Members Dick Gottfried and Linda Rosenthal rallied for the 7 train station at 41st Street and 10th Avenue. The station, once promised as part of the Hudson Yards rezoning, was cut to save money. Bottcher called the cut a 'huge mistake.' Hoylman said it was a 'bait and switch.' Nadler pledged to fight for federal funding. The MTA said it would study the project. The matter: 'Pols and advocates are calling on the MTA to finally build the promised 7 train station at 41st Street and 10th Avenue in Hell's Kitchen.' No formal bill number or committee was cited. The lack of a station keeps riders on foot longer, exposing them to traffic and danger. The city’s inaction leaves vulnerable road users at risk.

• Pols and Advocates: Build the Promised 7 Train Station in Hells Kitchen, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-10

A man crossing West 86 Street with the signal was struck by a southbound cyclist. The cyclist showed no vehicle damage but was inattentive. The pedestrian suffered a fractured chest and dislocation. The crash exposed dangers at busy intersections.

According to the police report, a pedestrian crossing West 86 Street at an intersection with the signal was injured when a cyclist traveling southbound struck him. The pedestrian, a conscious male, sustained a fractured chest and dislocation. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The cyclist was going straight ahead and showed no vehicle damage. The crash highlights the risks posed by distracted cyclists failing to observe traffic controls, resulting in serious injury to a lawful pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4556351 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine called on state DOT to take a lane from cars on the West Side Highway. He wants a two-way protected bike lane. The Greenway is packed. Delivery workers need space. Local boards and lawmakers back the move.

""A solution to this problem has been proposed by the Hudson River Park Trust Advisory Council and Manhattan Community Boards 1, 2 and 4: to expand the Greenway to include the westernmost lane of Route 9A from West 54th Street to the Battery. This new lane would absorb all southbound bicycle traffic with northbound bicycle traffic using the Greenway space. The current divider between the Greenway and Route 9A would separate opposing bicycle traffic, reducing collisions."" -- Gale A. Brewer

On August 1, 2022, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine demanded the state Department of Transportation repurpose a lane on the West Side Highway for a two-way protected bike lane. Levine wrote, 'The Hudson River Greenway is one of the most heavily used bike paths in the country... congestion has worsened significantly.' He sent his letter to state DOT Commissioner Therese Dominguez and city DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. Local elected officials and Community Board 1, which voted 41-3 in May 2020 to support the change, also back the plan. State senators, assembly members, and council members signed a letter urging the same. Levine and supporters argue the new lane would ease crowding and give e-bike delivery workers—many of them immigrants—a safe, legal route. The state DOT has resisted, citing car congestion. Advocates say more space for cyclists is overdue.

• SEE IT! Manhattan BP to State: Take a Lane from Drivers on the West Side Highway, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-01

The city will redraw Third Avenue. Fewer car lanes. More bus lanes. A protected bike path. Wider sidewalks. Advocates and Council Member Gale Brewer pushed for change. DOT’s Ed Pincar says a proposal is coming. NYPD and Sen. Krueger focus on bike enforcement.

On July 27, 2022, city officials announced at a virtual town hall that a long-awaited redesign of Manhattan’s Third Avenue is in the works. The event, hosted by State Senator Liz Krueger, featured DOT Manhattan Borough Commissioner Ed Pincar, who said, “We are looking very closely… we may be able to present a proposal maybe even later this year.” The redesign aims to transform Third Avenue into a safer boulevard with fewer car lanes, more bus lanes, a separated bike path, and wider sidewalks. Council Member Gale Brewer and advocates like Paul Krikler have long demanded these changes. Krueger and the NYPD, however, focused on enforcement against cyclists and e-bike riders, citing constituent concerns. Krueger has previously pushed for harsher penalties for electric-vehicle riders. NYPD data shows more enforcement against cyclists than drivers, even though drivers cause most injuries. No formal safety analysis was provided.

• ACTIVISTS GET ACTION: City Pledges to Redesign Manhattan’s Third Avenue This Year, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-07-27

A 55-year-old woman was struck by a northbound bike making a right turn on West 97 Street. She suffered head injuries and shock. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive. The bike showed no damage.

According to the police report, a male cyclist on a bike traveling north on West 97 Street made a right turn and struck a 55-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and was in shock. The report lists the driver's errors as Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The bike had no visible damage. The pedestrian was not at fault and was following the crossing signal at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4545161 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Council members push to ban non-essential helicopter flights from city-owned helipads. The bill targets tourist and luxury flights, sparing only essential services. Noise, pollution, and safety risks drive the move. The city’s airspace faces a reckoning.

On June 27, 2022, Council Member Lincoln Restler and colleagues introduced a bill to ban all non-essential helicopter flights from the Wall Street and East 34th Street city-owned helipads. The legislation, discussed in the City Council, exempts NYPD, news, and hospital helicopters. The bill’s matter title: 'Stop the Chop.' Council Members Amanda Farias, Gale Brewer, Shahana Hanif, Alexa Avilés, Crystal Hudson, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Christopher Marte, and Carlina Rivera joined as sponsors. Hanif stated, 'Our airspace is not for sale to the highest bidder and should only be available to essential needs of our city.' The bill responds to mounting complaints—nearly 60,000 since 2010—over helicopter noise and pollution. The proposal aims to cut thousands of flights, reduce greenhouse gases, and restore peace to city parks and neighborhoods.

• OPINION: Here’s How the Council Will ‘Stop the Chop’ in New York, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-06-27

A motorcycle driver was ejected and injured in a collision with a pick-up truck on Amsterdam Avenue. The driver suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries. The truck was starting from parking when the crash occurred. Driver distraction was a factor.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old male motorcycle driver was ejected and injured in a crash with a pick-up truck on Amsterdam Avenue. The motorcycle was traveling north, going straight ahead, when it collided with the truck, which was starting from parking and traveling northeast. The point of impact was the center front end of the motorcycle and the left rear quarter panel of the truck. The motorcycle driver sustained abrasions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4540934 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A sedan made a left turn and struck a northbound e-scooter on Riverside Drive. The e-scooter rider was ejected and suffered facial contusions. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way and unsafe speed as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan making a left turn collided with a northbound e-scooter on Riverside Drive. The e-scooter rider, a 46-year-old man, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained facial contusions. The report lists driver errors including failure to yield right-of-way and unsafe speed. The sedan struck the e-scooter at its center back end with its left front bumper. The e-scooter rider was conscious but injured. No other occupants were involved. The report does not specify helmet use or other safety equipment. The crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles and speed in interactions with vulnerable riders.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4540938 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A distracted driver struck a 22-year-old male bicyclist on Amsterdam Avenue. The cyclist was ejected and suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The SUV was parked at the time of impact. The cyclist was conscious after the crash.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male bicyclist was injured after a collision with a parked SUV on Amsterdam Avenue. The bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The SUV was stationary, and the point of impact was the right rear bumper of the vehicle and the center front end of the bike. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The cyclist was conscious following the crash but suffered moderate injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4538892 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Council Member Gale Brewer stood near City Hall. She called for tougher bus lane rules. Cars block buses. Riders wait. Advocates want cameras on buses. The city plans more lanes. But without enforcement, buses stay stuck. Vulnerable riders pay the price.

On June 16, 2022, Council Member Gale A. Brewer of District 6 led a press conference urging stronger enforcement of bus lanes. The event, covered by Gothamist, highlighted the city's plan to add 20 more miles of bus lanes, part of Mayor Adams's pledge for 150 miles by 2025. Brewer declared, "Cars can't be in the bus lanes," and pushed for cameras to catch violators. Advocates like Cecilia Ellis and Jolyse Race joined, stressing that bus delays hurt low-income and older New Yorkers most. The press conference did not involve a formal bill or committee action, but spotlighted the urgent need for enforcement to protect bus riders—many of whom are vulnerable road users stranded by blocked lanes.

• City leaders, advocates press for better bus lanes amid expansion, gothamist.com, Published 2022-06-16

A taxi struck a sedan from behind on Henry Hudson Parkway. The sedan driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Alcohol involvement was noted. Both vehicles traveled north. The taxi showed no damage; the sedan’s front end was damaged.

According to the police report, a taxi rear-ended a sedan on Henry Hudson Parkway. The sedan driver, a 39-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but remained conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. Both vehicles were traveling straight north when the collision occurred. The taxi had no visible damage, while the sedan sustained front-end damage. Alcohol involvement was listed as a contributing factor. The report does not specify other driver errors but highlights alcohol as a key factor. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The sedan driver was not ejected and was the sole occupant of his vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4538927 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Albany lawmakers extended 24/7 speed cameras but stalled on key safety bills. Local control over speed limits failed. Some progress, much disappointment. Vulnerable road users remain exposed. Council Member Adrienne Adams was mentioned. The fight for safer streets continues.

""Of course, not as much as any of us would have wanted to see, but for the first time, speed cameras are normalized. The knee-jerk opposition to them has dissipated and now we can build on the success of the 24-hour camera bill to introduce and pass more legislation."" -- Brad Hoylman-Sigal

The 2022 New York State legislative session reviewed transportation and street safety policy, with Council Member Adrienne Adams (District 28) mentioned in coverage. Lawmakers extended New York City's school-zone speed camera program for three years, allowing 24/7 operation—a win for street safety. The bill, however, was watered down. Other measures under the 'Crash Victims Rights and Safety Act' saw mixed results: some passed, like upstate towns setting 25 mph speed limits and increased complete streets funding; others, like 'Sammy's Law' for NYC speed limits and expanded safe passing for cyclists, stalled. The matter title called the session 'historic, yet deeply disappointing.' Adams was not a sponsor but was referenced in the debate. Advocates and senators voiced frustration at the lack of progress on local speed limit control and measures against repeat reckless drivers. The session left vulnerable road users without key protections.

• THE ALBANY REPORT: A Historic, Yet Deeply Disappointing, Glass-Half-Empty Legislative Session, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-06-06

Albany extended 24/7 school-zone speed cameras for three years. Lawmakers failed to pass Sammy’s Law and other vital safety bills. Advocates called the session a partial victory, but vulnerable road users remain at risk. Progress, but not enough. Streets stay dangerous.

The 2022 New York State legislative session ended on June 6, 2022. Lawmakers extended and expanded New York City’s school-zone speed camera program to operate 24/7 for three more years. The bill passed, but was watered down from its original form. Other key street safety bills, including 'Sammy’s Law'—which would let NYC set its own speed limits—did not advance. Senator Andrew Gounardes called the speed camera win 'monumental,' while Senator Brad Hoylman said, 'not as much as any of us would have wanted to see, but for the first time, speed cameras are normalized.' Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives voiced disappointment over the failure of Sammy’s Law, calling it a top priority for Families for Safe Streets. Several other bills to protect pedestrians and cyclists stalled or died in committee. The session brought some progress, but left many dangers unaddressed.

• THE ALBANY REPORT: A Historic, Yet Deeply Disappointing, Glass-Half-Empty Legislative Session, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-06-06

Assemblyman Mamdani and Senator Hoylman push for cameras in 50 protected bike lanes. Drivers who block lanes face $50 fines. DOT backs the plan. Lawmakers say enforcement is needed. Cyclists face danger daily. Cameras promise real consequences for reckless drivers.

Assembly Bill, proposed June 2, 2022, by Zohran Mamdani (District 36) and co-sponsored by Brad Hoylman, seeks to deploy automated enforcement cameras at 50 protected bike lanes. The bill aims to fine drivers $50 for each infraction, targeting those who block or drive in bike lanes. The matter summary states: 'NYC pols propose traffic cameras to deter drivers from using bike lanes.' Mamdani and Hoylman argue that enforcement is critical, with Mamdani stating, 'You consistently see cars driving in the bike lane. We know that these cameras work to deter drivers from breaking the law.' DOT supports the measure, calling it 'life-saving automated enforcement technology.' The bill awaits City Council approval, with Mamdani pledging to advance it through the summer and fall.

• NYC pols propose traffic cameras to deter drivers from using bike lanes, nypost.com, Published 2022-06-02

Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-06-01

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-31

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-25

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-25