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

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

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

Three occupants suffered back injuries and whiplash in a multi-vehicle collision on Harlem River Drive. The crash involved two sedans and an SUV all traveling south. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. All victims were conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Harlem River Drive involving a 2009 SUV and two sedans traveling south. The impact was on the right rear bumper of one sedan and the right front quarter panel of another. Three occupants were injured: a 29-year-old male driver, a 30-year-old female front passenger, and an 8-year-old female rear passenger. All suffered back injuries and whiplash but were conscious and wearing lap belts. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No victims were ejected. The crash highlights driver error as the primary cause, with no other contributing factors noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4513636 - 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

Two sedans crashed head-on on Harlem River Drive. A 32-year-old female front passenger suffered a head contusion. Both vehicles struck center front and back ends. Unsafe speed was cited as a contributing factor. The passenger was injured but not ejected.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling south on Harlem River Drive collided, impacting each other's center front and back ends. The crash injured a 32-year-old female front passenger, who sustained a head contusion. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the collision. Both vehicles were going straight ahead before the crash. The injured passenger was not ejected from the vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4509534 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

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

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

A 31-year-old male bicyclist was injured on Dyckman Street. The SUV driver made a right turn and hit the cyclist going straight. The cyclist suffered chest abrasions. Driver inattention caused the crash. No helmet was worn by the cyclist.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old male bicyclist traveling westbound on Dyckman Street was struck by a 2016 SUV making a right turn. The point of impact was the SUV's right front bumper and the bike's center front end. The bicyclist sustained chest abrasions and remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The cyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The SUV driver was licensed and female; the bicyclist was unlicensed. The crash highlights the dangers when drivers fail to maintain attention while turning, resulting in injury to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4509035 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

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

Bus riders gathered at Brooklyn Borough Hall. They demanded City Hall and the MTA keep their promises. Advocates want more bus lanes, better enforcement, and faster reforms. Progress is slow. Promises remain unfulfilled. Riders wait. Danger lingers on crowded streets.

""We have worked closely with the MTA, advocates, and community residents to significantly improve bus speeds, but there is much more work to do – that’s why Mayor Adams and I have a bold plan to create 150 miles of new busways and bus lanes across the city, speeding up buses and reducing wait times for New Yorkers," Rodriguez said in a statement issued after the rally." -- Ydanis A. Rodriguez

On February 28, 2022, advocates rallied at Brooklyn Borough Hall, pressing City Hall and the MTA to fulfill overdue bus service reforms. The event, covered by Streetsblog NYC, highlighted demands for more bus lanes, all-door boarding, and borough-wide route redesigns. The Bus Turnaround Coalition, including Riders Alliance and TransitCenter, called for specifics on bus lane locations and stronger DOT resources. Ben Fried of TransitCenter said, 'We want to see where they are going to put the bus lanes, how they're going to provide the resources to the bus program at DOT, how they're going to keep bus lanes clear.' TransitCenter’s Tabitha Decker noted that most recommended reforms remain unimplemented. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Mayor Adams claim bold plans, but advocates see little concrete action. The rally underscored frustration: promises made, but not kept. Vulnerable road users—bus riders, pedestrians—remain at risk as the city delays real change.

• Advocates: The City and the MTA Must Deliver What They’ve Promised for Bus Riders, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-02-28

Restler and city leaders stood at Brooklyn Borough Hall. They demanded faster buses, more lanes, and real enforcement. Riders choke on slow service. Cars clog bus lanes. The call: redesign routes, expand service, and put riders first. No more stalling.

On February 28, 2022, Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33) joined borough presidents and advocates at Brooklyn Borough Hall to demand urgent action on New York City’s bus system. The event, titled 'Borough beeps join city transit advocates for better bus service,' spotlighted stalled promises and called for Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul to deliver. Restler and others backed the Bus Turnaround Coalition’s push for network redesigns, expanded and more frequent service, all-door boarding, and tougher enforcement in bus lanes. Comptroller Brad Lander stressed that 'expanded bus routes must also match 21st century travel patterns.' Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso linked better buses to less car dependence and climate action. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez pledged 150 new miles of busways and lanes. The campaign aims to speed up buses, cut car dominance, and put vulnerable road users first.

• Borough beeps join city transit advocates for better bus service, gothamist.com, Published 2022-02-28

A pedestrian was crushed three times at a deadly Queens crossing. DOT chief Rodriguez vowed swift action: raised crosswalks, new signals, lane changes. Council Member Holden demanded more time to cross, enforcement, and real protection. Residents called it traffic violence.

On February 23, 2022, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez pledged immediate safety improvements at a notorious Queens intersection, after a pedestrian was run over three times by two drivers. The agency cited 'raised crosswalks, pedestrian-only signal timing, new lane markings and other lane redesigns' as part of its response. Council Member Bob Holden, speaking at the scene, pressed for longer crossing times, raised crosswalks, and enforcement against illegal parking and reckless driving. Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar called the situation 'traffic violence,' demanding stronger city control over speed limits and cameras. The redesign is part of Mayor Adams's plan to fix 1,000 dangerous intersections. Residents and advocates highlighted the ongoing threat from large vehicles and a culture of reckless driving. DOT has already installed a pedestrian-only signal phase at the site.

• DOT Commish Promises Safety Improvements at Queens Intersection Where Pedestrian Was Run Over Three Times, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-02-23

DOT will turn a Brooklyn street into Apolline's Garden, a car-free plaza. The move comes after a reckless driver killed a baby and injured her mother. Officials and neighbors pushed for this change. Cars lose space. Pedestrians gain safety.

On February 22, 2022, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez confirmed the conversion of Gates Avenue’s stub end into 'Apolline's Garden,' a pedestrian plaza. The announcement followed a virtual Vanderbilt Avenue Block Association meeting. The plaza honors Apolline Mong-Guillemin, a 3-month-old killed by a wrong-way driver on September 11, 2021. Rodriguez stated, 'Traffic violence is a solvable crisis and I'm committed to carrying out Mayor's Adams's safety vision [by] expanding pedestrian plazas and open streets.' Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte called for unity, saying, 'There is no doubt that the creation of Apolline's Garden is the appropriate answer to honor the short life of this 3-month-old baby.' The plan aligns with the NYC 25X25 initiative to reclaim street space for pedestrians and cyclists. Community leaders and officials support the plaza as a step to prevent future tragedy.

• ‘Apolline’s Garden’ is a Go, DOT Commissioner Says, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-02-22

Two sedans collided on West 179 Street in Manhattan. Both drivers suffered injuries and shock. The crash involved rear-end impacts. Driver inattention and distraction were cited as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained front and rear damage.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on West 179 Street near Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan. Both drivers were injured and experienced shock. The 66-year-old female driver suffered knee, lower leg, and foot injuries, while the 28-year-old male driver sustained facial injuries and whiplash. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as the primary contributing factors to the crash. The vehicles were traveling north, with one sedan stopped in traffic and the other impacting its rear. The collision caused center front and rear-end damage to the vehicles. No other factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4503284 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

Willoughby Avenue’s open street vanished, then returned. Mayor Adams denied giving the removal order. DOT blamed miscommunication. NYPD cited emergency access worries. Community members were left confused and upset. The street, popular and busy, was restored the same day.

On February 11, 2022, Mayor Adams addressed the sudden removal of the Willoughby Avenue open street in Fort Greene. The Department of Transportation (DOT) removed the open street, later calling it a 'miscommunication.' Adams stated, 'I called [DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez] and I stated, is this something [the neighborhood's] Councilwoman wants? And once I was told no, I was very clear, put that street back.' Officer Evita Poole of the NYPD’s 88th Precinct raised concerns about emergency vehicle access but denied lobbying for removal. Council Member Carlina Rivera, author of the permanent open streets law, tweeted support. Council Member Crystal Hudson promised a community meeting. The open street was restored the same day, but the incident left residents shaken and highlighted the fragility of safe space for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Mayor Adams Says He Didn’t Give the Order to Erase Fort Greene Open Street, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-02-11

Council grilled city officials on permanent outdoor dining and curbside fees. Advocates demanded fair use of public space. Council Member Julie Menin raised noise and garbage concerns. The hearing exposed the fight over who controls the curb—and who pays.

On February 9, 2022, the City Council held a hearing on making the Open Restaurants program permanent and charging fees for curbside dining. The matter, titled 'Hearing Day: Could Fees for Outdoor Dining Lead to Proper Pricing of City’s Curbs?', was discussed in committee. Council Member Julie Menin, representing District 5, participated and voiced concerns about noise, garbage, and parking loss. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez explained that fees would depend on location and space size. Advocates like Sara Lind and Marco Conner DiAquoi argued for equity, noting, 'Seventy-five percent of our public curb space is devoted to the movement and storage of vehicles.' The hearing highlighted calls for better public space management and a dedicated oversight office. Community boards remained divided, citing nightlife and local control issues. The debate centered on reclaiming curb space from cars and making the city safer and fairer for all.

• Hearing Day: Could Fees for Outdoor Dining Lead to Proper Pricing of City’s Curbs?, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-02-09