No More Blood on Broadway: Lower the Limit, Save a Life

Council Member Lincoln Restler joined advocates at City Hall. They pressed Albany to let New York City set its own speed limits. Families mourned children lost to speeding drivers. The Assembly remains the last barrier. The push is urgent. Lives hang in the balance.

On March 29, 2023, Council Member Lincoln Restler and other city officials rallied for Sammy’s Law, a bill allowing New York City to set its own speed limits without state approval. The bill, named for Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a speeding driver in 2013, would let the city lower limits to 20 mph. The matter, described as 'Let New York City lower its own speed limits,' has strong support from the mayor, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, and advocates like Families for Safe Streets. Restler’s action was public advocacy. The Assembly is the final hurdle; the bill is already in the governor’s and Senate’s budgets. Advocates cite a 36% drop in pedestrian deaths after the 2014 speed limit change. Families demand action to prevent more deaths.

• City polls, advocates call on Assembly to let NYC set its own speed limits, amny.com, Published 2023-03-29

City rips out a car lane on Ninth Avenue. Eleven feet of painted sidewalk now stretch for blocks. Pedestrians and cyclists claim more space. Locals breathe easier. But paint is no barrier. Drivers, even cops, still intrude. Enforcement remains a question.

On March 22, 2023, the Department of Transportation announced a major redesign on Ninth Avenue in Manhattan, following a decade-long utility overhaul. The project, not a council bill but a city initiative, expanded pedestrian space with 'super sidewalks'—painted sidewalk extensions between 50th and 59th streets. Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez pledged to bring this design citywide, stating, 'While we are excited to bring this improvement to Hells Kitchen, we look forward to expanding these efforts elsewhere.' Council member Erik Bottcher called for similar changes on 10th and 11th Avenues. Local advocate Christine Berthet called the new space 'just like having air to breathe.' The redesign removed a car lane in a neighborhood where most households lack cars. Still, the use of paint over concrete means drivers, including NYPD, sometimes park illegally on pedestrian space. DOT says it will work with police to protect these 'sacred spaces.'

• More is More: City Unveils Painted ‘Super Sidewalks’ Expansions in Hells Kitchen, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-22

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

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 2023-03-21

A driver killed Dolma Naadhun, age seven, on Newtown Road. The city offered a curb extension, not a stop light. Over 30,000 demanded more. Parents and advocates called for real change: plazas, enforcement, protection. The city’s answer fell short. The danger remains.

On March 20, 2023, after the death of 7-year-old Dolma Naadhun, the city faced pressure to act on Newtown Road. The Department of Transportation, led by Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, refused to commit to a stop light, promising only to study the site and add a curb extension. The matter, described as 'significant street safety improvements,' drew outrage. Over 30,000 signed a petition for a stop light. Community voices—Dolma’s family, local parents, advocates—demanded more: pedestrian plazas, Open Streets, enforcement. Sarah Chu said, 'And if the family wants a stop light, just give it to them.' Ivana Bologna called for ticketing drivers. The city’s limited response, with only signage and paint, was widely seen as inadequate. Advocates insisted on physical changes to protect lives, not half-measures.

• After a Child’s Death, Can Newtown Road Be Reimagined?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-20

DOT pushed back the Queensboro Bridge pedestrian path again. The city blames old timelines and deck repairs. Council Member Julie Won calls the delay unacceptable. Pedestrians wait. Cars still rule. Safety hangs in the balance. Promises break. Danger lingers.

At a City Council oversight hearing on March 17, 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOT) confirmed the Queensboro Bridge south outer roadway pedestrian path will not open until early 2024. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez blamed inaccurate timelines from the previous administration and ongoing upper deck reconstruction. Deputy Commissioner Eric Beaton said, 'We feel very committed to turn that south outer roadway into the pedestrian path,' but insisted the deck work must finish first. Council Member Julie Won, voicing frustration, declared, 'It is unacceptable that DOT continues delaying the timeline.' She demanded the city stop prioritizing cars over pedestrians and open the path by the end of 2023 as promised. The delay leaves vulnerable road users exposed, with Won warning, 'Every delay means more serious injuries from traffic violence.'

• Delay Ahead: Queensboro Bridge Pedestrian Path Now Put Off Til ‘Early 2024’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-17

Speed cameras in school zones snapped 40 percent fewer tickets since going 24/7. City officials call it a win. Streets grow safer as drivers slow. Data shows most speeders do not reoffend. Advocates push for more cameras and tougher enforcement.

On March 17, 2023, the city released data showing a 40 percent drop in speeding tickets from its 750 school-zone speed cameras since the program expanded to 24/7 operation in August. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called this a 'major victory,' saying, 'Our speed camera saves lives and this data is another reminder that this program is a valuable tool to change driver behavior and make our streets safer.' Data expert Jehiah Czebotar noted that most vehicles caught speeding do not receive a second ticket and urged state legislators to permanently authorize automated enforcement of all traffic rules and expand red-light camera programs. The report highlights the effectiveness of automated enforcement in reducing dangerous driving and calls for broader use to protect New York’s most vulnerable road users.

• ‘Major Victory’: Drivers Getting Nabbed With Fewer Speeding Tickets: City, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-17

Albany’s push for residential parking permits risks locking in car dominance. Critics say low fees fuel car ownership, crowding out transit, bikes, and green space. Experts warn it’s a subsidy for drivers, not a fix for congestion or emissions.

On March 16, 2023, a Senate proposal surfaced to create a Residential Parking Permit system in New York City. The plan, now under City Council review, would charge drivers up to $30 per month for curbside parking, with revenue aimed at funding the MTA. The proposal leaves key details—like reserving 20% of spaces for non-residents—to the Council. The bill’s summary claims it will reduce emissions and support transit. Senator Michael Gianaris supports the measure, but critics are blunt. Bike New York’s Jon Orcutt calls it a 'big nothingburger.' Donald Shoup says the $30 fee is a subsidy for cars. Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives argues, 'public space should be used for transit, bike lanes, and green space, not car storage.' Studies show similar programs in other cities have failed to cut congestion or emissions, and may even increase car ownership. The Department of Transportation has testified against the plan, warning it entrenches private car storage at the expense of vulnerable road users.

• Albany’s Residential Parking Program Won’t Be Good for New York City: Analysis, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-16

City eyes a temporary highway atop Brooklyn Heights. Trucks may thunder down quiet blocks. Residents brace for noise, danger, and disruption. Officials promise green space and safer bike links, but locals call the plan reckless. Streets meant for people, not freight.

On March 1, 2023, NYC DOT floated a plan to build a temporary highway through Brooklyn Heights during the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) rebuild. The agency outlined two options: diverting traffic onto local streets or constructing a bypass road. The matter, described as 'a controversial possibility reminiscent of an earlier plan,' sparked outrage. Assembly Member Robert Carroll slammed the idea of sending trucks onto residential blocks as 'insane.' Lara Birnback of the Brooklyn Heights Association called the plan disruptive and wasteful. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez highlighted public calls for 'safer bike and pedestrian connections' and new green space. No bill number or committee was cited. The plan remains a proposal, with no set price or location. Vulnerable road users face increased risk if trucks flood neighborhood streets.

• City May Build A Temporary Highway Through Brooklyn Heights After All, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-01

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-02-28

A driver killed 7-year-old Dolma Naadhun at a Queens intersection. City workers made minor fixes. Council members demanded daylighting and real barriers. DOT resisted, citing flexibility. Advocates want curb extensions. The city’s slow action leaves streets deadly.

On February 24, 2023, Council Members Julie Won, Tiffany Cabán, and Selvena Brooks-Powers sent a letter to the Department of Transportation (DOT) after a driver killed Dolma Naadhun. They demanded daylighting, neckdowns, speed bumps, stop signs, and reflective markings at Newtown Road intersections. The lawmakers wrote, “Nothing can bring back Dolma Naadhun, but we can prevent further loss of life so that no family must experience the loss of a loved one.” DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez opposed a Council bill mandating 100 daylighted intersections per year, arguing for flexibility and physical infrastructure in daylit spaces. Advocates and experts agree: daylighting without barriers is flawed. They call for curb extensions to slow drivers and protect people. Residents remain frustrated by the city’s slow, limited response after repeated deaths and injuries.

• R.I.P. DOLMA: A Deep Dive on DOT’s Daylighting Dilemma, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-24

Assembly Bill 4637 would use cameras to keep cars out of bike lanes. The bill targets drivers who block protected lanes. Sponsors say it will protect cyclists from deadly crashes.

Assembly Bill A 4637, now in the sponsorship stage, aims to create a bicycle lane safety program in New York City. The bill, introduced on February 21, 2023, enforces restrictions on protected bike lanes using photo devices. The matter title reads: 'Establishes 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.' Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani leads as primary sponsor, joined by Brian Cunningham, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Harvey Epstein, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill targets drivers who endanger cyclists by blocking protected lanes. No safety analyst note is available.

• File A 4637, Open States, Published 2023-02-21

A 37-year-old man riding a motorscooter southbound on Harlem River Drive was ejected after hitting debris. He suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The crash caused damage to the scooter’s front end.

According to the police report, a licensed 37-year-old male driver on a 2019 Piag-MCL motorscooter was traveling straight ahead southbound on Harlem River Drive when he collided with obstruction or debris. The impact was at the center front end of the vehicle. The driver was ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Obstruction/Debris" as a contributing factor. The driver was wearing a helmet. No other vehicles or persons were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4607324 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

City Council grilled DOT on street safety. Commissioner Rodriguez rejected new bollards, signs, and speed bumps. Advocates demanded action after 255 deaths. Council and DOT agreed only on a 5 mph limit for Open Streets. Vulnerable New Yorkers remain at risk.

On February 14, 2023, the City Council’s Transportation Committee, chaired by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (District 31), held a hearing on a slate of street safety bills. The matter, titled 'DOT chief pushes back on City Council’s latest street safety proposals,' saw Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez oppose mandatory installation of bollards, safety signs near schools, reflective curbs, and speed bumps near senior centers. Brooks-Powers opened the hearing noting, 'It sounds, unfortunately, like DOT doesn’t support any of the bills that we’re looking to discuss today.' Street safety advocates, including Priscilla Afokoba and Amy Cohen, spoke in favor of the proposals, citing the 255 people killed by motorists in the previous year. The only consensus: a resolution to urge Albany to reduce the speed limit to 5 mph on Open Streets, with Governor Hochul signaling support. The hearing highlighted deep divides between the Council and DOT on protecting pedestrians and cyclists.

• DOT chief pushes back on City Council’s latest street safety proposals, gothamist.com, Published 2023-02-14

Council pressed DOT on slow safety progress. Adams administration rejected bills for traffic calming, daylighting, and crash studies. Council vowed to push forward. DOT blamed staff cuts. Advocates demanded hard fixes. Streets stay deadly. Vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

On February 14, 2023, the City Council held an oversight hearing on a package of street safety bills. Transportation Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers led the debate. The Adams administration, represented by DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, opposed the bills, arguing, 'Streets are dynamic and conditions are constantly changing. We need to be nimble.' The bills would require DOT to install traffic calming near senior centers, daylight intersections, add school safety signs, study and install bollards, and increase crash reporting. Council Member Lincoln Restler criticized the mayor’s budget cuts, saying they undermine safety goals. Brooks-Powers pledged to advance the bills, stressing the need for hard infrastructure, especially in Black and Brown neighborhoods. DOT admitted it is behind on bus and bike lane targets. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided, but advocates insist better design saves lives.

• DOT honchos grilled on street safety progress as Adams admin announces opposition to Council bills, amny.com, Published 2023-02-14

DOT missed safety targets. Council pressed for action. DOT balked, citing staff shortages. Council demanded more. Advocates called bills weak. Streets remain dangerous. No relief for pedestrians or cyclists. City government stalls. Vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

At a February 14, 2023 City Council oversight hearing, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez admitted the agency failed to meet last year’s street safety benchmarks. The hearing, led by Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, reviewed a slate of bills requiring reflective materials, school safety signs, daylighting, bollards, and more frequent fatality studies. Rodriguez said DOT supports the intent but opposes the bills, citing staffing shortages and a need for flexibility. Brooks-Powers expressed disappointment: 'It sounds, unfortunately, like DOT is not supporting any of the bills.' Council Member Lincoln Restler criticized city austerity and shrinking staff. Advocates, including Amy Cohen, said the bills 'don’t go nearly far enough.' The hearing exposed deep gaps between Council ambition, DOT capacity, and the urgent need for safer streets.

• DOT to Council: Don’t Ask Us To Do More After We Failed to What You Mandated Us To Do Last Year, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-14

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

Council weighs bills to curb traffic violence. Advocates demand daylighting, civilian enforcement, and street redesigns. Open Plans calls for urgent action. Focus: less driving, more protection for walkers and cyclists. The hearing marks a push for safer, saner streets.

On February 14, 2023, the City Council Transportation Committee holds a hearing on Vision Zero. The agenda covers several bills: Intro 415 (dangerous driving study), Intro 555 (school safety signs), Intro 679 (traffic calming near seniors), Intro 805 (pedestrian safety reporting), Intro 854 (annual daylighting), Intro 879 (bollards at sidewalks), and Intro 441 (5 mph on Open Streets). Open Plans' Sara Lind supports daylighting, civilian and automated enforcement, and home rule for speed limit reductions, stating, 'Self-enforcing streets are best.' Jackson Chabot urges street redesigns and curb reform. Both demand immediate action to protect vulnerable road users. The hearing is the first Vision Zero session under the new mayor.

• From the Assignment Desk: Open Plans Helps Get You Ready for Tuesday’s Council ‘Vision Zero’ Hearing, Streetsblog NYC, 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

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