Inwood Burns While Leaders Stall: Deadly Streets, Broken Promises

Albany killed New York City’s push for control over speed cameras. Mayor Adams and DOT backed home rule, but lawmakers stalled. Senator Gounardes now fights to renew and expand camera programs before they shut off. Vulnerable road users remain exposed. Local power denied.

State Senator Andrew Gounardes’s bill S5602 sought to grant New York City control over its speed and red-light camera programs. The effort failed this session. The matter, described as 'home rule for the city on speed cameras,' stalled after City Hall did not send a formal request. Gounardes, shifting focus, now pushes to renew and expand the city’s automated enforcement before cameras go dark in July. Assembly Member William Magnarelli, chair of the Transportation Committee, blamed City Hall for inaction. Mayor Eric Adams and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez voiced support for home rule, but Albany holds the power. Advocates and victims’ families decry the repeated need to beg for basic safety tools. The Crash Victim Rights and Safety Act, including Sammy’s Law for lower speed limits, remains in limbo. Without home rule, New York City’s most vulnerable—pedestrians, cyclists, children—face continued risk from political delays.

• Let’s Face It, ‘Home Rule’ on Speed Cameras is Dead — Blame Focuses on City Hall, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-05-11

A new report shows most NYC road deaths happen when speed cameras are off. Advocates and officials push Albany to let the city run cameras all day, every day. The state stalls. Lives hang in the balance. The data is clear. Action lags.

Senate Bill 5602, still pending in Albany, would let New York City control and expand speed camera enforcement to 24/7. The Transportation Alternatives report, 'Speeding Doesn’t Sleep,' warns that 59 percent of city road deaths occur when cameras are off. The report urges full-time operation, noting cameras cut speeding by 72 percent where installed. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez calls passage 'very important.' Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Governor Hochul support local control. Danny Harris of Transportation Alternatives says, 'We need Albany to allow New York City to operate speed safety cameras 24/7 so every neighborhood is protected from speeding drivers every hour of the day, every day of the week.' Despite strong public support, the legislature has not acted. The evidence is stark: when cameras are off, people die.

• Yet Another Report Makes Clear Case for City Control of Speed Cameras, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-05-10

City Hall fumbled in Albany. Traffic camera renewal hangs by a thread. Lawmakers cite weak outreach. Speed and red light cameras may go dark. Vulnerable New Yorkers face rising danger. The mayor’s team scrambles, but time runs out.

On May 10, 2022, critics blasted Mayor Eric Adams’ Albany efforts to secure key NYC priorities, including the renewal and expansion of speed and red light camera programs. The matter, covered in the article 'Critics slam Eric Adams’ Albany efforts on NYC priorities,' highlights City Hall’s inconsistent lobbying as the legislative session neared its end. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez was sent to push for stalled camera legislation, but lawmakers like State Sen. John Liu said the mayor’s direct engagement was lacking. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, mentioned in the coverage, is a key Albany figure. The bill’s fate remains uncertain. If the cameras expire, enforcement near schools vanishes, exposing pedestrians and cyclists to greater risk. The city’s last-minute push may not be enough to protect its most vulnerable road users.

• Critics slam Eric Adams’ Albany efforts on NYC priorities, nypost.com, Published 2022-05-10

Mayor Adams pledged $904 million for safer streets. The money will build protected bike lanes, bus lanes, and plazas. City leaders say this will save lives. Advocates call it historic. The city moves to reclaim space from cars and curb reckless driving.

On April 23, 2022, Mayor Adams announced a $904 million investment for the Streets Master Plan, aiming to build hundreds of miles of protected bike lanes, bus lanes, and car-free plazas over five years. The plan follows the City Council's push for a $3.1 billion, five-year budget. Adams said, 'We're making a historical announcement to continue to keep our streets safe.' Council Member Lincoln Restler called it 'a big, big, big day for street safety.' DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez stated, 'We will be building even more bike lanes and dedicated bus lanes as well as new plaza and other public space.' The funding will upgrade weakly protected bike lanes and step up enforcement against reckless drivers. Advocates, including Transportation Alternatives, praised the move as transformational for vulnerable road users. The investment marks a major step to reclaim streets from cars and address rising traffic deaths.

• Mayor Adams Puts Nearly $1 Billion Into Street Safety, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-04-23

Mayor Adams wants $904 million to rebuild city streets. He promises new bike lanes, bus lanes, and safer spaces for people. The plan follows a deadly spike in crashes. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams joins the talks. The money falls short of Council demands.

On April 23, 2022, Mayor Adams announced a $904 million budget proposal for street redesign and safety improvements. The plan, discussed with Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (District 28), aims to add hundreds of miles of protected bike and bus lanes and revamp pedestrian spaces. The mayor called it a 'historic investment' and said, 'We must do our part, and that is to ensure that the pathways are safe.' The proposal fulfills a 2019 law mandating a citywide streets master plan but offers less than the $3.1 billion the Council sought. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez admitted delays in upgrading bike lane barriers. The announcement comes as fatal crashes rise sharply, underscoring the urgent need for safer streets.

• Mayor Adams proposes $904M investment for overhaul of NYC streets, hailing ‘historic’ makeover, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-04-23

Mayor Adams wants $904 million for safer streets. Bike lanes, bus lanes, pedestrian zones. The plan falls short of Council demands. Traffic deaths are up. The city lags behind global leaders. The fight for safer roads continues. Vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

On April 23, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced a $904 million budget proposal for street redesign and safety improvements in New York City. The plan, tied to the 2019 'streets master plan' law, aims to add 250 miles of protected bike lanes and 150 miles of bus lanes by 2026. The proposal, described as a 'historic investment,' must be negotiated with the City Council by June. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams is involved in ongoing talks. The mayor’s plan is less ambitious than the Council’s $3.1 billion proposal, which would add 500 miles of bike lanes and more pedestrian plazas. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez admitted delays in upgrading bike lane barriers. The announcement comes as fatal crashes surge—traffic deaths rose 44% in early 2022. Mayor Adams called for action against dangerous drivers, underscoring the urgent need for safer streets.

• Mayor Adams proposes $904M investment for overhaul of NYC’s streets, hailing ‘historic’ makeover, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-04-23

City pours $11 million into cleaner streets and bike lanes. New sweepers target debris in protected lanes. Councilwoman Sandy Nurse hails relief for neighborhoods hit by pandemic litter. Cyclists win clear paths. Streets get a fighting chance.

On April 18, 2022, the City announced an $11 million budget allocation for street cleaning and bike lane maintenance. The measure, led by Councilwoman Sandy Nurse of District 37, restores alternate side parking and funds year-round cleaning of protected bike lanes. The official summary states: 'City allocates $11 million to make streets cleaner and improve mobility.' Nurse called the move 'a welcome relief to communities that have faced an unprecedented increase in litter during the pandemic.' The investment covers new equipment and staff, including a pilot fleet of 10 Micromobility Operations Machines to sweep narrow lanes. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine praised the smaller sweepers as 'a win for cyclists.' The funding appears in the Fiscal Year 2023 executive budget. The city aims to keep bike lanes clear, cut debris, and protect vulnerable road users from car intrusion.

• City allocates $11 million to make streets cleaner and improve mobility, amny.com, Published 2022-04-18

A 23-year-old e-bike rider was injured and ejected after colliding with an SUV pulling out of parking on Nagle Avenue in Manhattan. The rider suffered head injuries and minor bleeding. The crash involved confusion and unsafe speed by the bicyclist.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male e-bike rider traveling south collided with a southbound SUV that was starting from parking on Nagle Avenue in Manhattan. The e-bike rider was ejected and sustained head injuries with minor bleeding, remaining semiconscious at the scene. The report lists contributing factors as "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" and "Unsafe Speed" on the part of the e-bike rider. The SUV driver was licensed and operating legally. The collision occurred at the left front bumpers of both vehicles. No helmet or signaling issues were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4519699 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

Two sedans tore north on Sherman Avenue before dawn. One driver had no license. A 38-year-old man stood in their path. His head was crushed. Parked cars shattered. Blood and metal marked the street. Speed and distraction ruled the morning.

Two sedans raced north on Sherman Avenue just before dawn. According to the police report, one driver was unlicensed. A 38-year-old pedestrian suffered severe head injuries and crush wounds but remained conscious. Parked cars were struck and damaged. The crash also left a 43-year-old driver with neck injuries and pain. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The report describes blood and twisted metal in the aftermath. No helmet or signal use is mentioned as a factor. The crash highlights the danger when speed and distraction combine on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4531320 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

Car-Free Earth Day is a mirage. The city closes just 3.8 miles of streets, most already car-light, for a few hours. Leaders talk big but act small. No bold moves. Streets stay dangerous. Vulnerable New Yorkers remain exposed. The cars always return.

On March 31, 2022, NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced 'Car-Free Earth Day,' a climate event closing only 3.8 miles of streets—mostly those already part of the open streets program—for a few hours on April 23. The press conference, covered by Streetsblog NYC, highlighted the city's lack of ambition. Rodriguez said, 'We encourage all New Yorkers to embrace the streets and imagine what could be possible if we open our streets for more than just moving personal vehicles.' Yet, no new initiatives were announced. The event's limited scope drew sharp criticism. The article compared New York's effort to the Netherlands' 1970s 'car-free Sundays,' which led to real change. Here, the city offers a press release, not protection. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, children—see little relief. The cars keep coming. The danger stays.

• CYCLE OF RAGE: New York City’s ‘Car-Free Earth Day’ is a Sad Joke, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-31

A woman crossed Broadway with the light. An e-bike hit her chest. She stayed awake. Her limb did not. The rider sped off. The bike rolled on. She lay broken at the curb.

A 52-year-old woman was crossing Broadway at Academy Street in Manhattan when an e-bike struck her in the chest. According to the police report, she was crossing with the signal when the e-bike hit her, causing a severe injury that resulted in amputation. The rider did not stop. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The e-bike showed no damage. The woman remained conscious at the scene, but her injuries were grave. The crash highlights the danger faced by pedestrians, even when following the law.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4510774 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

NYPD officers at Brooklyn’s 69th and 83rd precincts park on sidewalks, block walkers, and rack up red light and speed camera violations. Most cars parked illegally belong to repeat offenders. Police dump junk and ignore laws. Pedestrians pay the price.

This report, published March 15, 2022, covers Streetsblog NYC’s 'March (Parking) Madness' contest, spotlighting the 69th and 83rd NYPD precincts. Both precincts, near subway stops and with parking lots, still see officers parking on sidewalks and blocking pedestrian access. The article states: 'Many of the cars parked illegally by officers have multiple red light and speed camera violations, with the 69th Precinct having a particularly high percentage of repeat offenders.' DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez told the City Council that multiple camera violations should be rare, but precinct records show otherwise. The investigation criticizes NYPD’s disregard for pedestrian space and traffic laws, documenting officers’ contempt for street safety and the law. No council bill is attached, but the report exposes systemic danger for vulnerable road users.

• MARCH (PARKING) MADNESS 2022: Brooklyn’s 69th Takes on the 83rd in a Not-So-Nice Battle, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-15

DOT rolled out a secure bike parking pilot with Oonee pods. Six-bike units will rotate through five sites in three boroughs. Cyclists get a taste of real protection. Advocates want more. The city gathers data, but frustration grows over slow, piecemeal progress.

On March 12, 2022, the NYC Department of Transportation launched a secure bike parking pilot program, partnering with Oonee to deploy curbside pods. The pilot, announced by DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, places six-bike Oonee pods at five locations across three boroughs for 29 days each, sidestepping lengthy franchise reviews. Rodriguez said, "We have found a way to make a secure parking pilot work for New York City." Bike New York's Jon Orcutt voiced frustration: "Enough with the pilots. We love Oonee, but if it doesn't scale, it doesn't matter." The DOT will collect usage data to inform future steps. Assistant Commissioner Sean Quinn noted the limited number of pods and the need for broader access. The program marks progress after years of failed attempts, but advocates demand a permanent, citywide network to truly protect cyclists.

• The City Finally Has a Real Secure Bike Parking Pilot But Why Does It Need a <i>Pilot</i>?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-12

A moped struck a unicycle head-on on Nagle Avenue. The unicycle rider, 36, was thrown and suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation. Police cite improper lane use and driver distraction by the moped.

According to the police report, a moped traveling south on Nagle Avenue collided head-on with a unicycle traveling north. The unicycle rider, a 36-year-old man, was partially ejected and sustained a fractured elbow and dislocation. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors by the moped driver. No helmet or signaling issues were listed. The crash caused center front end damage to both vehicles. The unicycle rider was conscious but injured. The report highlights driver error and distraction as causes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4510075 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

Tempers flared as Fort Greene residents clashed over the Willoughby Avenue open street. Barriers vanished without warning, then returned after public outcry. Councilmember Crystal Hudson stood firm. DOT cited rising crash deaths. Most neighbors backed the car-free stretch.

"What we have seen in the last two years is an increase in crashes... We have seen a lot of New Yorkers losing their life... But we want you to know that we have a responsibility to think about, first of all, protecting our senior citizens is our top priority." -- Ydanis A. Rodriguez

On March 8, 2022, Councilmember Crystal Hudson hosted a heated debate on the Willoughby Avenue open street in District 35. The meeting followed the abrupt, unannounced removal of barriers from the eight-block stretch, which sparked swift backlash. Hudson, joined by DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodríguez, faced vocal opponents worried about lost parking and emergency access. Hudson said, 'This is about more than just open streets, this is about safe streets.' DOT surveys showed 88 percent support for permanent safety changes. Mayor Eric Adams ordered the street restored after learning Hudson opposed its closure. Rodríguez highlighted a spike in traffic deaths, noting, 'We have a responsibility to think about, first of all, protecting our senior citizens.' According to NYC Crash Mapper, 72 people—mostly cyclists and motorists—were injured on this stretch in the past decade, but no deaths. The open streets program, launched during the pandemic, remains popular and aims to protect vulnerable road users.

• Fort Greene locals hash out Willoughby Avenue open street fiasco, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2022-03-09

Architect John Massengale calls out DOT’s failure on Canal Street. He cites thousands hurt, seven killed. He demands fewer cars, safer streets, real change. He warns: band-aids won’t stop the carnage. The city must act. Lives depend on it.

On March 7, 2022, architect John Massengale sent an open letter to DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez ahead of the first #FixCanal workshop. The letter, published by Streetsblog NYC, highlights the deadly toll on Canal Street: 4,817 crashes, 109 cyclists and 190 pedestrians injured, and six vulnerable road users killed since the de Blasio era. Massengale writes, 'We need a better New York City, with fewer cars, less death, and healthier streets.' He criticizes DOT’s focus on moving cars and incremental safety fixes, calling them 'band aids.' Massengale urges Rodriguez to return to Vision Zero’s promise and adopt bold, systemic changes. The letter stands as a direct challenge to city leadership to prioritize vulnerable road users and end the cycle of traffic violence.

• An Open Letter To DOT Commissioner Rodriguez on Eve of #FixCanal Workshop, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-07

North Brooklyn leaders and advocates demand real protection for cyclists on Grand Street. Plastic posts failed. Cars park in the lane. Crashes mount. They want Jersey barriers, hardened entrances, and an end to chaos. The city must act before more lives are lost.

On March 4, 2022, North Brooklyn officials and activists sent a letter to the Department of Transportation demanding a true protected bike lane on Grand Street. The letter, backed by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, State Senator Julia Salazar, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, and Council Members Lincoln Restler and Jennifer Gutierrez, called for 'protective jersey barricades and measures taken at each intersection to stop cars from entering the protected bike lane.' The group condemned the current plastic delineators, noting, 'From day one, the Grand Street bike lane has failed to keep people safe.' Since 2019, 67 cyclists have been injured and 196 crashes reported. The letter urges the city to replace weak barriers, fix dangerous entrances, and finally deliver safety for vulnerable road users. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Mayor Adams are now under pressure to act.

• North Brooklyn Seeks Some of that Jersey Barrier Magic on Grand Street, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-04

Cyclists dodge cars on Grand Street. Plastic bollards fail. Drivers block lanes. Restler and activists push for concrete barriers. Seventy injuries since 2019. DOT delays. Riders wait. Danger remains. Lives at risk until real protection arrives.

On March 3, 2022, Councilmember Lincoln Restler (District 33) joined activists to demand the Department of Transportation install concrete barriers on the Grand Street bike lane. The push follows years of crashes—67 cyclist injuries and 196 total crashes since 2019—despite so-called 'protected' lanes. The matter, titled 'Activists and electeds ask DOT to add better barriers to Grand Street bike lane,' highlights how plastic bollards fail to stop drivers from blocking lanes, forcing cyclists into traffic. Restler, along with Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, State Senator Julia Salazar, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso, signed a letter urging Mayor Adams and Commissioner Rodriguez to act. The DOT has started hardening some lanes citywide, but Grand Street remains unprotected. Activists say, 'We knew the omission of protective jersey barriers would lead to dangerous conditions back in 2019 and we have witnessed that prediction come tragically true throughout 2021.' The call is clear: real barriers, not broken promises.

• Activists and electeds ask DOT to add better barriers to Grand Street bike lane, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2022-03-03

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 2022-03-02

Advocates and Councilmember Restler rallied for faster buses. They called out slow speeds, illegal driving, and lack of city action. Bus riders, mostly working-class and people of color, remain stranded. City promises more bus lanes, but plans lag. Riders wait.

On February 28, 2022, Councilmember Lincoln Restler (District 33) joined transit advocates at a rally demanding urgent improvements to New York City's bus system. The event, covered by amny.com, highlighted the Bus Turnaround coalition's renewed push for dedicated busways, more bus lanes, and increased funding. Restler said, 'We need a real busway on Jay Street,' citing rampant illegal driving and slow service. The rally criticized City Hall for ambitious targets but no concrete plans. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez promised 150 new miles of bus lanes, but advocates noted delays and lack of enforcement. The recommendations aim to speed up buses for vulnerable riders—working-class, immigrant, and communities of color—who rely on slow, unreliable service. The rally underscored the urgent need for action to protect and prioritize those most at risk on city streets.

• Transit advocates call on Adams, Hochul to speed up NYC buses, amny.com, Published 2022-02-28