Children Die Waiting for Courage

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 2023-02-13

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 2023-02-13

Senate bill S 3304 aims to keep cars out of bike lanes. Photo devices would catch violators. Sponsors say it’s time to protect cyclists. The bill stands at the sponsorship stage.

Senate bill S 3304, sponsored by Brad Hoylman-Sigal with co-sponsors Jabari Brisport, Kristen Gonzalez, Liz Krueger, and Julia Salazar, was introduced on January 30, 2023. The bill is in the sponsorship stage. It seeks to 'establish in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' The measure targets drivers who block bike lanes, aiming to keep space clear for cyclists. No safety analyst note is available. The bill has not yet advanced to committee or vote.

• File S 3304, Open States, Published 2023-01-30

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

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

Senate bill S 100 demands complete street design in state and federally funded projects. Lawmakers push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars.

Senate bill S 100 was introduced on January 4, 2023, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Jeremy Cooney, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 100, Open States, Published 2023-01-04

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 Ford pickup swung a U-turn on Broadway. Its front bumper struck a 73-year-old man crossing. He fell, crushed and unconscious. The truck kept moving south. The street held him in silence. The man’s body was broken. The city did not stop.

A Ford pickup truck made a U-turn at Broadway and West 100th Street in Manhattan. The truck’s front bumper struck a 73-year-old man crossing the intersection. According to the police report, the pedestrian suffered crush injuries to his entire body and was left unconscious. The report states, “Failure to Yield Right-of-Way” as the contributing factor. The driver, a 22-year-old man, was licensed and traveling south. The impact left the pedestrian broken and silent in the street. No helmet or signal issues were listed. The crash highlights the deadly risk when drivers fail to yield to people on foot.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4594316 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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.

"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 52-year-old woman was hit by a bus making a right turn on West 110 Street. She suffered bruises and arm injuries. The driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal and went into shock.

According to the police report, a bus traveling west on West 110 Street struck a 52-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing with the signal at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, resulting in shock. The report lists the driver’s contributing factors as Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The bus was making a right turn and impacted the pedestrian with its right front bumper. No damage was reported to the vehicle. The pedestrian was not at fault and was crossing legally when the collision occurred.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4593448 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 60-year-old woman was injured crossing West 110 Street with the signal. She suffered back pain and shock. The crash involved no vehicle damage. Limited view and pedestrian confusion contributed. The pedestrian was at an intersection when struck.

According to the police report, a 60-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing West 110 Street at an intersection with the signal. She suffered a back injury and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The vehicle involved was traveling west, going straight ahead, and sustained no damage. The report lists pedestrian error or confusion and limited or obstructed view as contributing factors. No driver errors were noted. The pedestrian was not ejected and no safety equipment was mentioned.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4581310 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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

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

Senator Hoylman’s bill targets deadly speed and blind spots. It demands speed governors in new cars and direct visibility for heavy SUVs. The measure aims to cut traffic deaths and force safer vehicles onto New York streets. Oversized cars face new scrutiny.

On August 12, 2022, Manhattan State Senator Brad Hoylman introduced a bill in the New York State Senate. The bill would require all new cars registered in the state to have speed-limiting technology by 2024. It also directs the Department of Motor Vehicles to set visibility rules for vehicles over 3,000 pounds, like SUVs and pickups, to ensure drivers can see pedestrians and cyclists. The bill summary states: 'A new bill in the New York State Senate would require all new cars registered in the state to have speed-limiting technology by 2024.' Senator Hoylman sponsored the bill, citing the 'failure of the promise of Vision Zero.' Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives praised the measure, calling it 'common-sense.' The bill comes as pedestrian deaths hit a 40-year high. If passed, it would force automakers to include safety tech and could make some monster trucks illegal on city streets.

• New Bill Would Mandate Speed Governors and Set Limits on Huge SUVs on NY Streets by 2024, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-22

A taxi struck a moped on West 109 Street. The moped driver, a 24-year-old man, was ejected and suffered a fractured hip and upper leg injuries. The crash involved a left front quarter panel impact on the taxi and front center damage on the moped.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling west on West 109 Street collided with a moped traveling north. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained serious injuries including a fractured and dislocated hip and upper leg. The taxi was damaged on its left front quarter panel, while the moped sustained damage to its center front end. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs by one or both drivers. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The moped driver was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4558609 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Two cyclists crashed head-on on West 100 Street. The 42-year-old e-bike rider was ejected and suffered back injuries. Both were traveling straight but unsafe speed caused the collision. The injured rider was conscious and bruised.

According to the police report, a collision occurred between an e-bike and a bike on West 100 Street. The 42-year-old male e-bike rider was ejected and sustained back injuries with contusions. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead but in opposite directions when they collided front to front. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the crash. The injured cyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No damage was reported to the bike, and the other rider's condition is not detailed. The crash highlights the dangers of excessive speed among cyclists in this area.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4556317 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

SUV hit sedan from behind on Henry Hudson Parkway. Inexperienced driver. Woman in back seat hurt. Abrasions to arm. Metal twisted. No escape for the passenger.

According to the police report, an SUV driven by a permit holder rear-ended a sedan on Henry Hudson Parkway. The SUV struck the sedan's left rear quarter panel. The impact injured a 31-year-old female passenger seated in the left rear, causing abrasions to her elbow and lower arm. She was conscious and not ejected. The police report cites 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor. The SUV's front end and the sedan's rear bumper were damaged. The report highlights driver error and does not attribute fault to the injured passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4556222 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06