Blood on Broadway: Slow the Cars, Save the Living

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

A 21-year-old male e-bike driver was ejected and injured on West 173 Street near Audubon Avenue. The rider suffered abrasions and arm injuries. The crash involved a Nissan vehicle impacting the bike’s front end. The rider wore no safety equipment.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old male e-bike driver was injured and ejected during a collision on West 173 Street in Manhattan. The e-bike was making a left turn when it was struck on the right front bumper by a Nissan vehicle. The rider sustained abrasions and injuries to the elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the driver. The e-bike driver wore no safety equipment at the time of the crash. The Nissan’s point of impact was the left front bumper. The crash caused center front end damage to the e-bike. No pedestrian involvement was reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628913 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

NYC DOT opened a portal for public reports on double-parking and blocked lanes. Councilmember Amanda Farías called double-parking chronic and dangerous. The city seeks data to target problem spots. No cash reward, just a shot at safer streets.

On May 3, 2023, the NYC Department of Transportation launched a public reporting portal for double-parking and blocked lanes. The initiative, not tied to a specific bill number, follows a 2021 law requiring DOT to consider public feedback when creating new loading zones. The portal lets users pinpoint and describe street obstructions. Councilmember Amanda Farías of District 18, who is mentioned in connection with the launch, stated, 'Double-parking is a chronic issue throughout our city, and is one of the largest quality of life issues facing my district everyday.' She added, 'It is not only illegal to double-park your car, but it puts others in danger when neighbors are unable to cross traffic safely, congestion is added to our streets, crossways and bike lanes are blocked, and emergency vehicles cannot respond in time.' The portal aims to collect data on dangerous spots, focusing city attention on hazards that threaten pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency response.

• Hate double-parking in NYC? You can now snitch on offenders., gothamist.com, Published 2023-05-03

City Council passed a bill forcing DOT to daylight 100 intersections a year. The law follows child deaths and demands clear sight lines. Council Member Brooks-Powers led the charge. Seven voted no. DOT must study effects before rollout in 2025.

Bill number not specified. Passed by City Council on April 28, 2023, after review by the transportation committee. Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Queens), committee chair, sponsored the bill. The measure requires the Department of Transportation to study daylighting—removing parking near corners to improve visibility—and then install it at 100 intersections each year starting in 2025. The bill’s matter title: 'The Department of Transportation must study the safety benefits of 'daylighting' and implement the street safety measure that helps improve visibility at a minimum of 100 intersections each year.' Brooks-Powers said, 'Daylighting is a proven safety measure that expands sight lines at intersections, where traffic violence often seems to take place.' The Council voted 40-7. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez initially objected, citing concerns about driver speed, but supported the amended bill requiring physical barriers. The law comes after the death of 7-year-old Dolma Naadhun at a non-daylighted intersection.

• New Law Requires ‘Daylighting’ At 100 Intersections Each Year — After ‘Study’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-28

Council bill Intro 417 aims to cut red tape. It slashes the waiting period for new bike lanes from months to weeks. DOT backs the move. Advocates say delays cost lives. The bill puts safety over bureaucracy. The fight for safer streets continues.

Intro 417, sponsored by Council Member Lincoln Restler, was discussed at a City Council hearing on April 26, 2023. The bill seeks to repeal an old law that forces the Department of Transportation (DOT) to give extended notice to community boards before installing bike lanes. The current rule requires a 90-day notice and a 45-day wait after a hearing. Intro 417 would cut this to just 14 days. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez told the Council, 'We love Lincoln Restler's bill,' and called the old law 'unnecessarily burdensome.' The bill's summary states it would 'put bike lanes on the same community outreach and installation schedule as other street projects.' Council Member Farah Louis raised concerns about less community input, but DOT officials stressed that the process would still involve boards and electeds—just faster. Bike advocates and DOT say the change is vital to meet safety targets and reduce cyclist injuries, which drop by over 30 percent where bike lanes are built.

• DOT: We ‘Love’ Repeal of the Notorious Law that Delays Bike Lane Installation, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-26

Council wrangles over citizen power to report cars blocking bike and bus lanes. NYPD resists, citing risk. DOT softens stance. Bill drops bounties, expands near schools. Advocates split. Streets stay deadly. Cyclists and walkers pay the price.

On April 25, 2023, the City Council Transportation Committee debated Intro. 501, a bill to let citizens report drivers blocking bike and bus lanes. The bill, sponsored by Council Member Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by a Council majority, was revised to remove cash bounties and require cars be unoccupied when reported. It now covers more area near schools. The NYPD, represented by Director of Legislative Affairs Michael Clarke, opposed the bill, warning of possible assaults and harassment. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said his agency is open to talks after earlier resistance. Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, committee chair, voiced concerns about public conflict. Restler insisted, 'People are dying on our streets. This will save lives.' Advocates remain divided. NYPD’s rare enforcement leaves bike lanes blocked, endangering vulnerable road users.

• NYPD Opposes Watered-Down Citizen Enforcement Bill, But DOT is Now ‘Open’ to It, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-25

A driver killed Katherine Harris on Atlantic Avenue. Restler and local leaders demand the city act. Four deaths, hundreds injured. They want slower traffic, new crossings, curb extensions. DOT promises a study. The community mourns and waits for change.

On April 24, 2023, Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33) and a coalition of local officials called for urgent safety improvements on Atlantic Avenue after a pedestrian was killed by a speeding driver. The group sent a letter to DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, stating: 'Over the last decade, we have lost four neighbors to traffic violence on this very block.' The letter demands mid-block crossings, curb extensions, and traffic calming. Restler led DOT on a tour and announced a traffic study for mid-block crossings this summer. He said, 'We can't wait any longer. For whatever reason we've seen inaction for decades along Atlantic Avenue. Now is the time for substantial changes.' The push follows 94 pedestrian injuries, 72 cyclist injuries, and over 500 crashes in five years. The community will hold a safety walk to honor victims and press for action.

• After another pedestrian death on Atlantic Avenue, local leaders demand change, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-04-24

A 33-year-old woman crossing West 157 Street with the signal was struck by a southbound moped. The impact injured her knee and lower leg, causing abrasions. The driver disregarded traffic control, leading to the collision at the intersection.

According to the police report, a moped traveling south on West 157 Street struck a 33-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing the street with the signal. The pedestrian suffered injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, including abrasions. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as the contributing factor, indicating the driver failed to obey traffic signals. The point of impact was the center front end of the moped. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene and was injured at the intersection. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4624103 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

Mayor Adams unveiled PlaNYC, aiming to cut car use and boost transit. The plan promises more protected bike and bus lanes, congestion pricing, and secure bike parking. Critics warn the city has missed past goals. Streets remain dangerous for walkers and riders.

""A network of secure bike parking facilities will continue encouraging the historic growth in cycling we’ve seen in recent years."" -- Ydanis A. Rodriguez

On April 21, 2023, Mayor Adams announced PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done, a sweeping policy blueprint to reverse New York’s rising car ownership. The plan, detailed in a new sustainability report, sets a target for 80 percent sustainable transportation mode share by 2050. Key measures include expanding protected bike and bus lanes, growing e-scooter and e-bike share, implementing congestion pricing, and adding thousands of secure bike parking spots starting in 2025. The city also aims to halve transportation emissions by 2030 and remove polluting trucks from streets. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, “New Yorkers must continue to adopt safe, sustainable, and efficient transportation.” Advocates, including Jolyse Race, pressed the administration to prioritize bus riders and meet legal mandates for bus lane mileage. The plan’s success will hinge on meeting these promises, as past benchmarks have been missed.

• Mayor Adams Wants to Hit the Brakes on New York’s Car Boom, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-21

A sedan crash on Riverside Drive injured a 41-year-old female driver. The vehicle's defective accelerator led to the collision. She suffered bruises and arm injuries but was conscious and restrained. Two parked sedans were damaged in the impact.

According to the police report, a sedan driven by a 41-year-old woman was involved in a crash on Riverside Drive in Manhattan. The driver was injured, sustaining contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The report lists a defective accelerator as a contributing factor to the crash. The collision involved damage to two parked sedans, one struck on the left rear quarter panel and the other on the left front bumper. No other driver errors were specified in the report. The injured driver was not ejected from the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4623038 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

After the city cut lanes on the BQE, crashes dropped. Injuries fell. Now, officials consider adding lanes back. Advocates warn this will bring more danger and pollution. The city claims safety comes from modern standards, not fewer lanes. The fight continues.

This debate centers on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE), where a 2021 lane reduction under ex-Mayor Bill de Blasio led to a 65% drop in Queens-bound crashes and a 44% drop Staten Island-bound, according to DOT data. The matter, reported April 10, 2023, highlights the city’s consideration of widening the highway to meet federal guidelines. Advocates like Kathy Park Price argue, 'Fewer lanes on the BQE is better for people who use it and leads to safer streets.' Elizabeth Goldstein and Sam Schwartz also oppose expansion, warning it will increase capacity and risk. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez says the city hopes to build 'as narrow a structure as possible.' The Adams administration faces pressure to keep the BQE narrow to protect vulnerable road users.

• Stats Show That a Narrower BQE is Safer, Yet City is Considering Widening the Highway, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-10

City hands Verra Mobility a $367 million contract for traffic cameras. The firm faced past overbilling claims. Councilwoman Gale Brewer calls the move bewildering. Cameras cut speeding by 73% in school zones. City oversight remains under scrutiny.

On April 10, 2023, New York City awarded a $367 million traffic camera contract to Verra Mobility, despite the firm’s prior overbilling allegations. The deal follows a $1.3 million settlement over unnecessary work, including extra electrical poles and poor training. The contract was approved under Mayor Adams and Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, while Verra was under Department of Investigation monitorship. Manhattan Councilwoman Gale A. Brewer questioned the decision, stating, 'It is bewildering how you end up with a $1.3 million settlement... and then you get a new contract for more than $300 million.' The city comptroller’s office reviewed the settlement before approval. City data shows a 73% drop in speeding in camera-monitored school zones, but Brewer’s concerns highlight ongoing doubts about oversight and accountability.

• NYC has awarded nearly $1B in traffic camera contracts to firm accused of overbilling city for unnecessary work, nydailynews.com, Published 2023-04-10

DOT will roll out up to 20 micro-delivery hubs this summer. Trucks unload at hubs. Cargo bikes finish the job. The plan aims to clear streets, cut truck chaos, and curb pollution. Officials say it’s a step to safer, saner roads for all.

On April 7, 2023, the NYC Department of Transportation announced a pilot program to create up to 20 micro-delivery hubs. The program, mandated by a 2021 law, will run for three years in two phases. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'These hubs will help better organize last-mile deliveries and support small and large businesses’ economic recovery.' The hubs will be chosen for proximity to bike lanes, truck routes, and transit, with community input. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and Council Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers backed the plan, citing the need to reduce truck traffic and its deadly toll. Brooks-Powers noted, 'Every year roughly 1,400 lives are lost prematurely because of preventable air pollution exacerbated by the explosion of local truck traffic.' The council leadership supports the initiative as a move toward sustainable, safer streets for vulnerable road users.

• Hubba Lubba Dub Dub: DOT Announces Micro Delivery Hubs To Start This Summer, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-07

City crews laid down a double-lane protected bike lane on four blocks of Ninth Avenue. Cyclists now get a passing lane. The new design replaces the old single-lane setup. DOT will study the pilot for wider rollout. Change comes fast.

On April 7, 2023, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) unveiled a pilot double-lane protected bike lane on Ninth Avenue, Manhattan, stretching from 17th to 21st Street. The project, not tied to a council bill but a DOT initiative, follows the city's push for safer, more spacious cycling routes. The matter summary states: 'DOT crews laid down four blocks of 'double-lane' protected bike lane on Ninth Avenue in Manhattan this week, debuting a 'passing lane' design officials plan to rollout later this year at locations across the city.' Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'Wider bike lanes can make cycling more comfortable and social, encouraging the amazing growth we've seen in cycling and e-micromobility use.' The new design features a six-foot bike lane with a four-foot passing lane, separated from parked cars by an eight-foot buffer. DOT will monitor the pilot to guide future installations. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• Eyes on the Street: City Debuts ‘Double-Lane’ Protected Bike Lane on Four Blocks of Ninth Avenue, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-07

A DOT worker drove a city car recklessly in Midtown. Council Member Holden saw it. He demanded discipline. DOT promised "appropriate action" but gave no details. The car has five camera tickets. DOT stays vague. Vulnerable road users remain at risk.

On April 6, 2023, Council Member Robert Holden called for discipline after witnessing a Department of Transportation (DOT) employee driving aggressively in Midtown, including misuse of a bus lane. Holden wrote to DOT demanding action. Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez replied that the employee was identified and that 'appropriate action' was taken, but did not specify what that meant. The city car involved has five enforcement camera tickets since 2018. Holden stated, 'the DOT should expect nothing less than exemplary behavior from its personnel.' He commended DOT for swift action but transparency is lacking. Holden has opposed Citi Bike expansion and the Streets Master Plan, but supports NYPD enforcement against illegal parking and some safety improvements. The lack of detail on discipline leaves questions about accountability and the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

• Discipline for Recklessly Driving DOT Employee — But <i>What </i> Discipline?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-06

The city will test up to 20 delivery microhubs this summer. Trucks will unload at these sites. Smaller vehicles will finish deliveries. The goal: fewer trucks clogging streets, less double parking, and cleaner air. Councilmember Brooks-Powers backs sustainable change.

On April 6, 2023, the city announced a Department of Transportation pilot program to launch up to 20 neighborhood delivery microhubs. This initiative, required by a 2021 City Council law, aims to reduce truck traffic and organize last-mile deliveries. The matter summary states: 'The city will launch a pilot program testing neighborhood delivery microhubs across the five boroughs, aimed at reducing the surge of truck traffic.' Councilmember Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, representing District 31, emphasized the need for sustainable infrastructure to curb environmental justice impacts from truck congestion. The program will allow large trucks to unload at designated hubs, shifting the final delivery leg to vans, cargo bikes, or carts. Details on locations and management are pending. After a year, DOT will review data and consider expansion, with a final report due in 2026. Environmentalists and advocates support the move but note it does not address warehouse siting in vulnerable communities.

• City to pilot local delivery ‘microhubs’ to curb truck congestion starting this summer, amny.com, Published 2023-04-06

A pick-up turned left. A motorcycle sped straight. Metal slammed metal. The rider flew, helmetless. His head struck pavement. Blood pooled. He lay conscious, bleeding, alone. The street bore the violence. He was 37.

A pick-up truck turned left on Audubon Avenue. A motorcycle came straight at unsafe speed. The two vehicles collided. According to the police report, 'A pick-up turned left. A motorcycle came fast, straight. They met hard. The rider flew, no helmet. Head split on pavement. Blood pooled. He was 37. He lay conscious, bleeding, alone on the street.' Unsafe speed was listed as a contributing factor. The 37-year-old motorcyclist was ejected and suffered a severe head injury, bleeding on the street. No helmet was worn, as noted in the report. No injuries were reported for the pick-up driver. The crash left the rider broken and bleeding on the asphalt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4618187 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 37-year-old man was hit by a Jeep SUV making a left turn on West 158 Street. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle’s left front bumper struck him. He suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was left in shock.

According to the police report, a Jeep SUV making a left turn on West 158 Street struck a 37-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock at the scene. The report lists driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The impact occurred at the vehicle’s left front bumper, damaging the center front end of the SUV. The pedestrian was not at fault and was legally crossing the street when the collision happened.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4617375 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A driver killed a 7-year-old girl at 45th Street and Newtown Road. The city will install a traffic signal. Local leaders and family demanded action. DOT promises more safety. Residents call for broader change. One light will not fix the corridor.

On April 1, 2023, NYC DOT announced a new traffic signal for 45th Street and Newtown Road in Queens. This follows the February death of Dolma Naadhun, age 7, struck by a driver with a learner’s permit. The matter, titled 'NYC to install a traffic signal at the site of Queens crash that killed 7-year-old,' drew support from State Sen. Michael Gianaris, who said, 'I am glad the city is installing a traffic signal at the site of Naadhun's tragic death, in accordance with her family’s wishes.' Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez stated, 'No loss of life on our streets is acceptable.' The DOT has already added curb extensions and new crosswalks. Community members, including Alex Duncan, argue that one signal is not enough and demand systemic safety changes along the corridor. The signal is set for installation in May.

• NYC to install a traffic signal at the site of Queens crash that killed 7-year-old, gothamist.com, Published 2023-04-01

Twenty-six council members urge Albany to pass Sammy’s Law. The bill lets New York City lower speed limits below 25 mph. Speaker Adams and the Transportation Chair stay silent. Advocates say lower speeds mean fewer deaths. The Assembly leaves the measure out.

On March 31, 2023, a majority of New York City Council members signed a letter supporting Sammy’s Law, which would let the city set speed limits below 25 mph. The letter, sent to state legislative leaders, declared, "We write as a majority of New York City Council Members to express our strong support for the passage of Sammy's Law." Twenty-six council members signed on, but Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Transportation Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers did not. Brooks-Powers argued, "Stricter speed limits must also be paired with investments in physical infrastructure as well that deter drivers from going too fast." Advocates, including DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Comptroller Brad Lander, rallied in support. Despite the push, the Assembly left the measure out of its budget. The bill remains stalled, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.

• Council (Minus Speaker Adams and Transportation Committee Chair) Tells State Lawmakers it Supports Sammy’s Law, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-31