Blood on 181st: Broken Promises, Broken Bodies

Council backs home rule for Sammy’s Law. The move lets New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. Lawmakers and advocates say lower speeds mean fewer deaths. The bill honors Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a reckless driver. The vote puts safety first.

Bill: Home rule message for Sammy’s Law. Status: Poised for passage by the City Council on May 24, 2023. Committee: State and Federal Legislation, chaired by Council Member Shaun Abreu. The measure, titled 'City Council Poised to Pass ‘Home Rule’ Message for Sammy’s Law on Thursday,' lets New York City lower speed limits below 25 mph. Council Member Jen Gutierrez announced the Council’s intent to pass it, calling it crucial for safety. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'The city's ability to control the speed limits on its streets plays a crucial role in delivering traffic safety.' Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Mayor Eric Adams, and State Senator Andrew Gounardes all support the move. The bill honors Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a reckless driver. Data cited shows lower speed limits increase pedestrian survival. Advocates stress urgency to protect New Yorkers.

• City Council Poised to Pass ‘Home Rule’ Message for Sammy’s Law on Thursday, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-24

Council Member Brooks-Powers wants more parking. She says it will clear bus and bike lanes. DOT officials push back. They say streets must serve all. Brooks-Powers opposes bus lanes and safety redesigns, even as deaths rise in her district.

At a May 22, 2023 DOT budget hearing, Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, chair of the Transportation Committee, called for more municipal parking citywide. She argued, "DOT has a responsibility to also ensure that there also is parking, even municipal lots or garages available, as we look to share the street." Brooks-Powers claimed more parking would clear cars from bus and bike lanes. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Executive Deputy Commissioner Paul Ochoa disagreed, stressing the need to share streets among all users. Brooks-Powers has opposed bus lane projects and a safety redesign in her own district, despite high traffic fatality rates. Her stance favors drivers, not vulnerable road users. No safety analyst has assessed the impact, but her opposition to proven safety measures puts pedestrians and cyclists at risk.

• Council Transportation Committee Chair Says City Needs More Parking, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-22

A 71-year-old man driving a sedan on Henry Hudson Parkway suffered a fractured elbow and dislocated arm. He was semiconscious but not ejected. The crash involved slippery pavement and front-end impact. The driver wore a lap belt.

According to the police report, a 71-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Henry Hudson Parkway. He sustained a fracture and dislocation to his elbow and lower arm and was semiconscious after the collision. The vehicle, a 2015 Honda sedan traveling south, struck with center front-end impact. The report lists slippery pavement as a contributing factor but does not identify driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected from the vehicle. No other vehicles or pedestrians were reported injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4641427 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

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 20-year-old moped driver was ejected and injured on Broadway near West 190 Street. The moped struck the left side of a vehicle making a U-turn. The driver suffered a fractured shoulder and dislocation. The crash involved improper turning.

According to the police report, a moped traveling north on Broadway collided with a vehicle making a U-turn. The moped driver, a 20-year-old male with a learner's permit, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained a fractured and dislocated shoulder. The report lists "Turning Improperly" as a contributing factor. The moped's front center impacted the left side doors of the other vehicle, which showed no damage. The driver was wearing a helmet but still suffered serious injuries. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629762 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Sedan merged into truck on Cross Bronx. Woman driver hurt, neck and whiplash. Truck unscathed. Unsafe lane change and oversized vehicle fueled the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan merged unsafely on the Cross Bronx Expressway and struck a southbound truck. The sedan's left front quarter panel hit the truck's center front end. The 29-year-old woman driving the sedan suffered neck pain and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The truck driver, a licensed man from New Jersey, was uninjured and continued straight. Police listed unsafe lane changing and the presence of an oversized vehicle as contributing factors. No other errors or factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628914 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

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

A 53-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected on Sherman Avenue in Manhattan. He suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow and lower arm. The crash involved a reaction to an uninvolved vehicle. The rider wore a helmet but sustained serious injuries.

According to the police report, a 53-year-old male motorcycle driver traveling south on Sherman Avenue was ejected after impact. The crash was caused by the driver's reaction to an uninvolved vehicle, listed twice as contributing factors. The motorcyclist suffered a fracture and dislocation to his elbow and lower arm. The motorcycle's left front bumper was damaged. The rider was wearing a helmet at the time. The driver held a permit license from New York. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The report highlights the driver's reaction to an uninvolved vehicle as the key error leading to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4631434 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

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

Two vehicles crashed head-on on Henry Hudson Parkway. An 11-year-old girl riding as a rear passenger in the SUV suffered abrasions and full-body injuries. The crash involved unsafe speed and slippery pavement, causing serious harm without ejection.

According to the police report, a 2021 BMW SUV and a 2010 Audi sedan collided head-on on Henry Hudson Parkway. The SUV carried two occupants, including an 11-year-old female passenger in the right rear seat who was injured with abrasions and full-body trauma. The report lists unsafe speed and slippery pavement as contributing factors. The SUV's driver was licensed in New York. The point of impact was the center front end of both vehicles. No ejections occurred. The crash caused serious injury to the child passenger. Unsafe speed was the primary driver error noted. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629949 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

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

SUV hit motorcycle head-on. Rider thrown, left with fractured leg and knee. Police cite driver distraction, improper lane use, and bad turn. Crash tore metal. No other injuries reported.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling north on Saint Nicholas Avenue collided with a westbound SUV at West 191 Street. The motorcyclist, a 41-year-old man, was ejected and suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. The SUV struck the motorcycle's front end, damaging its left front bumper. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper,' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4621180 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A sedan making a left turn collided with a northbound motorcycle on West 188 Street. The motorcyclist was ejected and suffered serious leg injuries. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way and improper turning as factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old male motorcyclist was injured after a 2020 sedan made an improper left turn on West 188 Street and struck the motorcycle head-on. The motorcyclist was ejected from his vehicle and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The sedan driver, licensed in Pennsylvania, was making a left turn when the collision occurred. The motorcyclist, unlicensed in New York, was traveling straight north. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. The motorcyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash caused significant front-end damage to both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4623677 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Two SUVs collided in Manhattan. A 27-year-old woman driving one SUV suffered knee and leg injuries. Police cited traffic control disregard. Both vehicles took heavy front and side hits.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles crashed at West 181 Street and Wadsworth Avenue in Manhattan. A 27-year-old female driver was injured, suffering trauma to her knee and lower leg with minor bleeding. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor. One SUV, driven by a male with a permit, struck the right side doors of the other SUV, which was hit on its left front bumper. The injured driver was in shock at the scene. No other contributing factors or victim errors were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4621175 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

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