Inwood Bleeds, City Waits: Demand Safe Streets Now

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A new traffic light will rise at a deadly Queens corner. A girl died here. Her brother begged for change. The city listened. Officials promise more: stop signs, curb extensions, clearer crosswalks. The driver who killed her ran a stop sign. He was unlicensed.

On March 30, 2023, the NYC Department of Transportation announced new safety measures at a Queens intersection where 7-year-old Dolma Naadhum was killed by an SUV. The agency will install a traffic light by May, following a petition from Dolma’s brother and pressure from local leaders. State Senator Michael Gianaris, representing District 12, pledged to honor the family's request, stating, 'We fix Newtown Road where this happened.' The DOT will also add all-way stop signs at a nearby crossing and has already improved crosswalks, extended curbs, and restricted parking for better visibility. The driver in the fatal crash ran a stop sign and lacked a proper license. The city’s action comes after years of complaints about dangerous driving at this intersection.

• NYC to install traffic light at corner where girl died after brother’s plea, nypost.com, Published 2023-03-30

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