No More Limps: Demand 20 MPH Before Sunnyside Bleeds Again

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

A 24-year-old male e-bike rider was struck and ejected on Northern Boulevard. He suffered head injuries and lost consciousness. The crash involved an SUV hitting the bike’s front center. The rider disregarded traffic control, worsening the impact.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male e-bike rider was injured and ejected after a collision on Northern Boulevard. The rider was traveling south on his unlicensed e-bike when he disregarded traffic control, a key contributing factor. The crash involved a 2003 Nissan SUV traveling east, which struck the e-bike at the center front end. The rider suffered head injuries and was unconscious at the scene. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as the primary driver error. The rider was not wearing any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634777 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A Nissan sedan hit a 24-year-old cyclist from behind on Northern Boulevard. The driver was distracted. The cyclist, unlicensed and unhelmeted, suffered severe bleeding and lost consciousness. The street stayed silent as the crash left the rider broken.

A 24-year-old man riding a bike east on Northern Boulevard was struck from behind by a 2003 Nissan sedan. According to the police report, 'The driver was distracted.' The cyclist suffered severe, entire-body injuries and lost consciousness at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The cyclist was unlicensed and unhelmeted, but these details appear only after the primary driver error. No other injuries were reported. The crash highlights the lethal risk posed by distracted driving, especially to vulnerable road users like cyclists.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4636470 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A motorcycle struck a turning sedan on Northern Boulevard. The rider, 42, flew from his seat. His arm torn, blood pooling on the street. Both drivers distracted. The doors crumpled. The silence after was louder than the crash.

A motorcycle collided with a sedan at Northern Boulevard and 49th Street in Queens. The 42-year-old motorcycle rider was ejected and suffered severe lacerations to his arm. According to the police report, 'Both drivers distracted.' The crash occurred as the sedan made a left turn and the motorcycle traveled straight. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both vehicles. The rider was helmeted and conscious after impact. The sedan's right-side doors were crushed. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634478 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-06-01

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2023-05-31

Senate backs S 6802. Albany gets school speed cameras. One no vote. Cameras aim to slow drivers near kids. Program ends 2028. Lawmakers move to shield children from reckless speed.

Senate bill S 6802, introduced by Neil D. Breslin, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in Albany. The bill passed committee on May 30, 2023, with only one senator, Andrew J. Lanza, voting no. The official summary reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2028.' Breslin led sponsorship. Seventeen senators voted yes. The program targets driver speed near schools, aiming to protect children and other vulnerable road users. The law sunsets at the end of 2028.

• File S 6802, Open States, Published 2023-05-30

Senate backs S 6802. Albany gets school speed cameras. One no vote. Cameras aim to slow drivers near kids. Program ends 2028. Lawmakers move to shield children from reckless speed.

Senate bill S 6802, introduced by Neil D. Breslin, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in Albany. The bill passed committee on May 30, 2023, with only one senator, Andrew J. Lanza, voting no. The official summary reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2028.' Breslin led sponsorship. Seventeen senators voted yes. The program targets driver speed near schools, aiming to protect children and other vulnerable road users. The law sunsets at the end of 2028.

• File S 6802, Open States, Published 2023-05-30

Taxi made an improper right turn. Motorcycle struck. Young rider hurt in leg and foot. Burns and shock followed. Both vehicles took front-end damage. Queens street, broad daylight, danger clear.

According to the police report, a taxi turned right on Honeywell Street in Queens and collided with a motorcycle traveling straight. The 20-year-old motorcyclist suffered knee, lower leg, and foot injuries, along with minor burns and shock. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor. The taxi driver was licensed; the motorcyclist was unlicensed. The motorcycle's center front and the taxi's right front bumper were damaged. No helmet or signaling issues were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632772 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

A sedan slammed into the back of a bus on 34 Street in Queens. Two people were injured: the sedan driver and a bus passenger. Both suffered back injuries and minor burns. The sedan driver followed too closely, causing the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 34 Street rear-ended a bus also moving east. The collision occurred at the center back end of the sedan and the center front end of the bus. Two occupants were injured: the 56-year-old female sedan driver and a 74-year-old male bus passenger. Both suffered back injuries and minor burns, and were reported in shock. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor, indicating the sedan driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the bus. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. Neither occupant was ejected from their vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4626519 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A taxi and sedan crashed head-on on Northern Boulevard. Steel tore steel. A young woman in the back seat bled from the face. The sedan driver had no license. Lane misuse and failure to yield fueled the wreck. Three people left hurt.

A taxi and a sedan collided head-on on Northern Boulevard. According to the police report, 'A taxi and a southbound sedan slammed head-on. A 25-year-old woman in the back seat bled from the face. She wore a harness. The sedan driver had no license.' Three people were injured: the 25-year-old rear passenger suffered severe facial bleeding, the sedan driver had minor eye bleeding, and the taxi driver complained of neck pain. The police report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The sedan driver was unlicensed at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4624514 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 33-year-old male bicyclist was injured when an SUV made a left turn and struck him on Northern Boulevard. The cyclist suffered bruises and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing the crash.

According to the police report, a 33-year-old male bicyclist riding west on Northern Boulevard was struck on his left side doors by a northbound SUV making a left turn. The bicyclist sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists the SUV driver's failure to yield right-of-way and disregarding traffic control as contributing factors. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The SUV's center front end and the bike's left side doors were damaged in the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4623956 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

SUV turned left on Northern Boulevard. Hit sedan going straight. Fourteen-year-old front passenger bruised knee and leg. Failure to yield listed. Metal twisted. Passenger conscious, belted, not ejected.

According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on Northern Boulevard made a left turn onto 43 Street and struck a westbound sedan going straight. The SUV's right front bumper hit the sedan's left front bumper. A 14-year-old boy riding as front passenger in the sedan suffered contusions to his knee and lower leg. He was conscious, restrained by a lap belt and harness, and not ejected. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor. The SUV driver failed to yield while turning left, causing the crash. The injured passenger was treated for bruises.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4620247 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

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

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

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

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

A teen on a motorcycle slammed into an SUV turning left on Northern Boulevard. He flew from the seat, face torn open. No helmet. No license. Blood on the asphalt. The road stayed quiet. The city did not stop.

An unlicensed 18-year-old man riding a Jiajue motorcycle struck a Nissan SUV making a left turn at Northern Boulevard and 47th Street in Queens. According to the police report, the teen was ejected from the motorcycle and suffered severe facial lacerations. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The rider wore no helmet and had no license. The SUV driver was licensed and uninjured. The crash left blood on the street, another mark in the city’s toll.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4611228 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05