No More Limps: Demand 20 MPH Before Sunnyside Bleeds Again

Council calls for five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The move aims to slow cars where people walk, bike, and gather. Resolution adopted. Streets may breathe easier. Danger may shrink.

Resolution 0079-2024, adopted June 6, 2024 by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, urges Albany to let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The matter title reads: 'authorize New York City to set a five mile per hour speed limit on streets participating in the Open Streets program.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Crystal Hudson, Julie Won, and Carlina Rivera. The Council's action follows rising traffic deaths and growing use of Open Streets. The bill targets streets where people walk, bike, and gather, aiming to cut speed and risk for all vulnerable users.

• File Res 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council urges Albany to pass SAFE Streets Act. Lower speed limits. Rights for crash victims. Safe passing for cyclists. Complete streets. City demands action as deaths rise. Streets remain deadly. Lawmakers must act.

Resolution 0090-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it calls on the state to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law') and A.1901, part of the SAFE Streets Act. The matter title: 'Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.2422... allowing New York city to establish a lower speed limit, and A.1901, enacting a crash victims bill of rights.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif leads, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Nurse, and others. The resolution demands lower speed limits, crash victim rights, safe passing for cyclists, and complete street design. It cites rising traffic deaths and the failure of current measures. The Council wants Albany to give the city real power to protect people on its streets.

• File Res 0090-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council passed a law forcing taxis and for-hire cars to post bold warnings on doors. The signs tell passengers: look for cyclists before you open up. A small step. The city hands out the decals. No cost to drivers.

Int 0193-2024 became law on May 31, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' was sponsored by Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by over twenty council members, including Gutiérrez, Hudson, and Rivera. The law mandates clear warning decals on all rear passenger doors of taxis and for-hire vehicles. The Taxi and Limousine Commission will provide the signs at no cost. The measure aims to cut down on 'dooring'—a threat to cyclists citywide. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it became law.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill targets private car permits. Only elected officials, disabled drivers, and union contracts keep parking perks. Streets may clear. Danger shifts. Committee weighs next step.

Int 0411-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after its February 28, 2024 introduction. The bill, sponsored by Julie Won, Lincoln Restler, Gale Brewer, Christopher Marte, Erik Bottcher, Alexa Avilés, and the Brooklyn Borough President, aims to 'prohibit any city agency from issuing parking permits to private vehicles that do not have an elected official license plate, and would provide for the revocation of such parking permits.' Exemptions remain for people with disabilities and collective bargaining agreements. The bill seeks to cut back on private car privileges, a move that could reshape curb space and city streets.

• File Int 0411-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill pushes demand-based parking in crowded boroughs. DOT must set rates, tweak with notice. Exempt vehicles dodge new fees. Streets may shift. Pedestrians and cyclists watch the curb.

Int 0474-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Julie Won and co-sponsored by Williams, Restler, Salaam, Bottcher, Riley, Brewer, Farías, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The bill orders DOT to create at least one dynamic parking zone per borough, with rates rising or falling by real-time demand. DOT must set the range before launch and give a week’s notice for changes. Vehicles with special permits stay exempt. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to establishing dynamic parking zones.' No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• File Int 0474-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Senate bill S 8658 orders $90 million for faster, more reliable buses and fare-free rides. Sponsors push MTA to act. Riders wait for relief. Streets choke on traffic. The city holds its breath.

Senate bill S 8658, introduced on February 27, 2024, sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'get congestion pricing right act,' directs the MTA to spend $45 million to boost bus frequency and reliability, and another $45 million to expand fare-free bus pilots in New York City. Senators Michael Gianaris (primary sponsor), Jabari Brisport, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Julia Salazar back the measure. The bill demands reporting on these investments. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users.

• File S 8658, Open States, Published 2024-02-27

A 41-year-old male bicyclist suffered upper arm and shoulder injuries in Queens. The crash involved improper lane usage by another vehicle. The cyclist was conscious and complained of whiplash after the impact to the bike's rear center.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Northern Boulevard in Queens at 6:30 AM. The bicyclist, a 41-year-old man, was traveling eastbound on his bike when he was struck at the center back end. The report cites 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the other vehicle involved. The bicyclist was injured with upper arm and shoulder trauma and complained of whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the bicyclist's behavior or safety equipment. The collision's point of impact and vehicle damage confirm the bicyclist was hit from behind, underscoring the dangers posed by improper lane use and passing maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704318 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 2024-02-13

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 2024-02-13

Lawmakers want $90 million for more buses as congestion pricing nears. Gianaris and Mamdani lead the charge. Critics say it’s late. Riders on free bus lines surged. The plan faces union warnings and legal threats. Streets wait for relief.

On February 8, 2024, State Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani called for $90 million to expand MTA bus service before the $15 congestion pricing toll begins. Their proposal seeks $45 million in this year’s budget to boost bus frequency, with another $45 million to triple free buses citywide. The lawmakers’ push follows a successful fare-free pilot, which Mamdani says increased ridership by over 20%. Gianaris admitted, 'It should have been done sooner.' Critics argue the move is too late, as congestion pricing was approved in 2019. Some unions warn of possible driver shortages, but Mamdani insists existing buses and operators can handle the expansion. The funding proposal comes as the congestion toll faces lawsuits and could launch by mid-June. No formal safety analysis was provided for vulnerable road users.

• NY lawmakers ripped over push for $90M bus service expansion as $15 congestion pricing looms: ‘Covering their a—s’, nypost.com, Published 2024-02-08

Council bill targets cars blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, and hydrants near schools. Civilian complaints trigger fines. Streets clear, danger cut. Council moves to protect the vulnerable.

Int 0080-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 8, 2024, the bill creates a $175 penalty for vehicles blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants within 2,640 feet of schools. The Department of Transportation must set up a civilian reporting program. If a civilian complaint leads to a fine, the complainant gets 25 percent of proceeds. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to hazardous obstruction by vehicles and civilian complaints.' Council Member Carlina Rivera leads, joined by Restler, Ayala, Joseph, Menin, and others. The bill aims to keep paths clear for those most at risk.

• File Int 0080-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

A westbound SUV struck the back of a slowing sedan on Northern Boulevard in Queens. The sedan driver, a 61-year-old man, suffered a neck injury and whiplash. Police cite following too closely as the primary cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Northern Boulevard in Queens. A 2022 SUV traveling westbound struck the center back end of a 2023 sedan that was slowing or stopping. The sedan’s driver, a 61-year-old man, was injured with neck trauma and whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance. Both drivers were licensed and operating vehicles legally registered in New York. The sedan driver was restrained with a lap belt. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701267 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan making a right turn struck a 19-year-old bicyclist going straight on 35 Street in Queens. The bicyclist was ejected and suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield as causes.

According to the police report, a 2023 Nissan sedan was making a right turn on 35 Street near Northern Boulevard in Queens at 6:55 AM when it collided with a 19-year-old male bicyclist traveling straight westbound. The bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in minor bleeding and shock. The report identifies the contributing factors as driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan's right front quarter panel and the bike's left front quarter panel were the points of impact. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle southwestbound. No safety equipment was noted on the bicyclist, but the police report does not list this as a contributing factor. The crash highlights critical driver errors leading to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701532 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 2024-01-30

A 33-year-old male motorcycle driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries in a Queens crash. The motorcycle struck with left front bumper damage. The driver was conscious and not ejected. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved.

According to the police report, a 33-year-old male motorcycle driver was injured in a crash on Northern Boulevard in Queens. The motorcycle, traveling south, sustained damage to its left front bumper. The driver suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any driver errors or involvement of other vehicles or pedestrians. The driver held a valid New York license. No helmet or signaling issues were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687535 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Republicans attack Democrats for backing Manhattan’s $15 congestion toll. Michael Gianaris shrugs off GOP outrage. The fight centers on drivers, but the city’s streets remain deadly for those on foot and bike. The toll’s impact on safety goes unmentioned.

On December 3, 2023, partisan lines hardened over New York’s congestion pricing law. The $15 toll, set to hit drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street, became a political weapon. State Sen. Michael Gianaris, mentioned in the debate, dismissed Republican attacks as ineffective. The measure, approved in 2019 by Democrats, aims to raise $1 billion for mass transit and reduce traffic. GOP figures like Nicole Malliotakis and Michael Lawler call it a 'burdensome tax' and 'outrageous cash grab.' Mayor Eric Adams seeks exemptions for medical trips. The bill’s matter title frames it as a major election issue: 'NY GOP eager to pin $15 congestion tax on Democrats in 2024 elections.' No safety analyst has assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The debate centers on drivers and politics, not on the lives at risk in city crosswalks.

• NY GOP eager to pin $15 congestion tax on Democrats in 2024 elections, nypost.com, Published 2023-12-03

A moped and taxi slammed head-on on Northern Boulevard. Metal shrieked. The 59-year-old moped rider, helmeted, died from massive facial injuries. The street fell silent. Inexperience and improper lane use drove the fatal impact.

A deadly crash unfolded on Northern Boulevard near 29th Street in Queens. A moped and a taxi collided head-on. The 59-year-old moped rider, wearing a helmet, was killed by severe facial injuries. According to the police report, 'Inexperience steered the crash.' The report lists 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The moped and taxi both suffered front-end damage. No injuries to the taxi driver were reported. The crash highlights the lethal consequences when driver errors—specifically inexperience and improper lane use—combine on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4682752 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 46-year-old man on a bike was hit by a sedan turning left on 33 Street in Queens. The cyclist suffered a head injury and minor burn. The crash involved failure to yield and traffic control disregard. The bicyclist was not wearing a helmet.

According to the police report, a 46-year-old male bicyclist traveling west on 33 Street collided with a northbound sedan making a left turn. The bicyclist sustained a head injury and minor burn, experiencing shock but was not ejected. The report lists contributing factors as "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" and "Traffic Control Disregarded," indicating driver failure to yield right-of-way. The cyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, and the bike both sustained front-end damage at the point of impact. The crash highlights the dangers of left turns and failure to yield in Queens intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4678059 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two 16-year-old bicyclists slammed together on Northern Boulevard. Both were thrown from their bikes. One suffered full-body abrasions, the other abdominal trauma. Police cite driver inexperience.

According to the police report, two 16-year-old bicyclists collided while heading east on Northern Boulevard in Queens. Both riders were ejected and seriously injured. The male cyclist suffered abrasions and internal injuries to his entire body. The female cyclist sustained trauma to her abdomen and pelvis. Police list driver inexperience as a contributing factor. Both riders wore no safety equipment. The crash impact struck the center back end of one bike and the center front end of the other. No other contributing factors were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675796 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04