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

Jul 10 - 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 2025-09-19

Jun 27 - 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

Jun 24 - 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 2025-09-19

Jun 21 - 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 2025-09-19

Jun 17 - 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 2025-09-19

Jun 16 - 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

Jun 11 - 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 2025-09-19

Jun 6 - 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

Jun 6 - 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

Jun 2 - 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

Jun 1 - 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

May 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 2022-05-31

May 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

May 20 - E-bike rider thrown and hurt on Riverside Drive. Collision with left-turning vehicle. Rider suffered leg and foot injuries. Unsafe speed listed as cause. Manhattan street, daylight, sudden impact.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old male e-bike rider was ejected and injured in a crash on Riverside Drive near West 96th Street in Manhattan. The collision involved the e-bike traveling north and a vehicle making a left turn westbound. The point of impact was the center front end of both vehicles. The rider sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Unsafe Speed" as a contributing factor. The driver of the other vehicle was licensed and making a left turn at the time. No other contributing factors or victim errors were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4530130 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 16 - Senate and Assembly passed S 1078. New drivers must now learn how to avoid hitting people on foot or bike. Law aims to cut crashes at the root—before drivers get the keys.

Bill S 1078, introduced in the Senate on April 27, 2021, requires pedestrian and bicyclist safety instruction in the drivers pre-licensing course. The bill moved through committee and passed the Senate and Assembly, with key votes on May 20, 2021, February 1, 2022, May 16, 2022, and May 23, 2022. The matter summary reads: 'Requires instruction in pedestrian and bicyclist safety as part of the drivers pre-licensing course.' Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, joined by Bailey, Biaggi, Brisport, Cleare, Comrie, and others. The measure targets driver ignorance, a root cause of deadly crashes, by putting vulnerable road users at the center of driver education.

• File S 1078, Open States, Published 2022-05-16

May 16 - Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.

Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.

• File S 5130, Open States, Published 2022-05-16

May 12 - A sedan backed unsafely on Riverside Drive, striking another sedan. The driver, a 31-year-old woman, suffered knee and leg injuries. Metal crumpled. The street stayed cold and hard.

According to the police report, a Ford sedan backed unsafely on Riverside Drive and struck a Honda sedan. The driver of the Honda, a 31-year-old woman, was injured in the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Backing Unsafely" as the contributing factor. The Ford's left side doors and the Honda's right front bumper were damaged. The injured driver wore a lap belt and was not ejected. No other driver errors or victim factors were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4527438 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 11 - Gopuff drivers clog Manhattan streets. Double-parked cars block residents. Councilmember Brewer slams the chaos. Menin demands regulation. Delivery apps dodge blame. Locals see more danger, more pollution. The city’s most vulnerable pay the price for unchecked delivery fleets.

On May 11, 2022, Councilmember Gale A. Brewer (District 6) joined calls to regulate app-based grocery delivery vehicles in Manhattan. The matter, described as 'Grocery delivery app Gopuff has begun using cars in addition to bicycles and scooters for deliveries in Manhattan,' highlights growing concern over congestion, double parking, and unlicensed vehicles. Councilmember Julie Menin sent a letter to Gopuff and requested legislation for industry regulation, including licensing. Brewer criticized the added congestion and pollution, stating, 'If Gopuff is using cars for deliveries, they are exacerbating congestion and pollution.' Both councilmembers demand action as residents report blocked streets and trapped cars. The push for regulation aims to protect neighborhoods and vulnerable road users from the dangers of unchecked delivery fleets.

• Grocery app Gopuff snubs traffic laws delivering snacks in NYC, nypost.com, Published 2022-05-11

May 7 - An e-bike rider struck the right side of a parked SUV on West 85th Street. The rider suffered abrasions and injuries to the knee and lower leg. The driver remained conscious and was not ejected. Confusion contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old male e-bike rider collided with the right side doors of a parked BMW SUV on West 85th Street in Manhattan. The rider sustained abrasions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The SUV driver, licensed in New Jersey, was parked at the time. The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor to the crash. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted. The e-bike showed no damage, and the SUV sustained damage to its right side doors. The rider was the only injured party.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4526110 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 5 - Council Member Gale Brewer pressed NYPD to obey Local Law 6. She called out the department for ignoring illegal parking and placard abuse. Brewer said the law is clear. The NYPD must act. Dangerous streets and blocked lanes remain. The city waits.

On May 5, 2022, Council Member Gale Brewer demanded NYPD compliance with Local Law 6. The law requires weekly checks of at least 25 blocks for placard abuse and illegal parking, plus monthly reports to city officials. Brewer’s letter to Commissioner Keechant Sewell stated, "The Department has not been in compliance with this law, and I respectfully ask the Department to treat illegal parking and placard abuse with the level of urgency it deserves." Brewer dismissed NYPD’s pandemic excuses, insisting, "If it's a law, you got to follow it." She warned that placard abuse endangers road users, clogs streets, and erodes trust. The NYPD has not responded. The Department of Investigation confirmed the NYPD’s failure to meet legal requirements. Brewer’s push highlights the city’s ongoing struggle to protect streets from lawless parking and official neglect.

• Manhattan Pol to NYPD: Follow the Law on Placard Misuse, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-05-05