Left for Dead on Cypress Avenue: How Many More Must Bleed?

Sep 10 - Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-10

Aug 23 - Lawmakers say Hochul broke the law. They filed a brief. They argue the governor has no right to halt congestion pricing. The MTA Board, not Albany, holds the power. The pause sows confusion. Streets stay clogged. Vulnerable New Yorkers pay the price.

On August 23, 2024, a group of New York State legislators—Assembly Members Phil Steck and Andrew Hevesi, State Senator Julia Salazar, and former Assembly Member Dick Gottfried—filed a legal brief against Governor Hochul’s decision to pause congestion pricing. The matter, as described: “the legislature never gave her or any governor the power to do away with the traffic toll.” The brief cites the 2019 Traffic Mobility Act, arguing only the Traffic Mobility Review Board and the MTA can make such decisions. The lawmakers warn that letting the governor override the MTA would “make impossibly opaque the actual responsibility for MTA decisions.” Their action supports the MTA Board’s independence and opposes executive interference. No safety analyst has assessed the direct impact on vulnerable road users, but the legislators’ stance highlights the risk of political meddling in life-and-death street policy.

• State Legislators Say They Never Gave Hochul the Power to Pause Congestion Pricing, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-23

Aug 15 - City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

Aug 15 - City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

Aug 12 - A northbound SUV collided with an eastbound bicyclist on Cooper Avenue in Queens. The cyclist suffered neck injuries and shock. The driver’s inattention caused the crash, striking the bike’s right side with the SUV’s front center.

According to the police report, a 2008 Honda SUV traveling north on Cooper Avenue struck a bicyclist traveling east at the intersection with Cypress Avenue. The point of impact was the SUV’s center front end hitting the bike’s right side doors. The bicyclist, a 25-year-old male, was injured with neck trauma and experienced shock. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing any safety equipment. The driver of the SUV was licensed and driving straight ahead prior to impact. This collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in Queens, resulting in serious injury to a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4747559 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 10 - Councilwoman Joann Ariola called out Tiffany Cabán for racking up school-zone speeding tickets while pushing to cut car use. Cabán’s platform promised safer streets and fewer cars. Ariola and others say the tickets show a gap between words and actions.

On August 10, 2024, Councilwoman Joann Ariola (District 32) publicly criticized Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán after media reports revealed Cabán received four school-zone speeding tickets and three other violations since November 2022. The matter, covered by the New York Post, states: 'Cabán—who was elected to office on a platform advocating less car use and cracking down on dangerous driving—received four tickets in the past 13 months for speeding her vehicle in school zones.' Ariola, joined by Councilman Robert Holden, accused Cabán of hypocrisy, highlighting the disconnect between Cabán’s advocacy for street safety and her own driving record. Cabán’s policy platform includes converting 25% of city roadways for people, building 1,000 miles of car-free streets, and expanding bus and bike lanes. No formal council bill or committee action is attached to this event, but the public dispute underscores tensions in the city’s push for safer, less car-dominated streets.

• Socialist NYC Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán has amassed nearly $500 in traffic tickets despite pushing anti-car agenda: ‘Hypocrisy’, nypost.com, Published 2024-08-10

Aug 4 - Three cars slammed together on Jackie Robinson Parkway after midnight. Six people bruised, battered. Metal twisted, bumpers crushed. No pedestrians. No cyclist. System failed. Injuries linger.

According to the police report, three vehicles—a BMW sedan, a Honda sedan, and a Honda SUV—collided on Jackie Robinson Parkway at 12:45 a.m. Six occupants, including drivers and passengers aged 34 to 63, suffered contusions to the back, neck, and shoulder. All were conscious and wore lap belts. Impact points included the front and rear bumpers, showing a chain-reaction crash. The police report lists contributing factors as unspecified. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were recorded. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash exposes the danger of multi-vehicle impacts on high-speed parkways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4745372 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 22 - Low-density districts block City of Yes. Most community boards vote no. High-density areas back the plan. The fight centers on housing, parking, and who bears the city’s growth. Vulnerable New Yorkers wait as politics stall change.

Bill: City of Yes housing proposal. Status: Community board votes and public testimony as of July 22, 2024. Of 57 boards, 38 opposed the plan, 20 supported it, mostly in denser neighborhoods. The proposal, described as aiming to build 'a little more housing in every neighborhood,' faces resistance in low-density areas. Council Member Joann Ariola (R-Woodhaven) opposed more housing in her district, calling it 'suburbs.' Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso criticized neighborhoods that refuse new housing, saying it increases pressure on poorer areas. Arlene Schlesinger, a Queens resident, voiced strong opposition, especially to lifting parking mandates and adding accessory dwelling units. Community boards, often older and whiter, resist change, leaving the city’s most vulnerable to bear the brunt of housing and transportation inequity.

• Map: How Did Community Boards Vote on ‘City of Yes’ Housing Plan, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-22

Jul 11 - Queens council members slammed the City of Yes plan. They called new housing near transit a threat. They fought against ending parking mandates. Most public testimony backed the reforms. But Queens officials stood firm, defending car-centric streets and single-family homes.

On July 11, 2024, the City Council held a hearing on the City of Yes zoning reforms. The proposal aims to increase housing near transit, allow mixed-use zoning, and eliminate parking mandates. Council Members Joann Ariola and Vicki Paladino led opposition, calling the plan an 'unmitigated disaster' and disputing housing data. Ariola argued, 'That's what they bought in the suburbs for.' Other Queens officials and residents echoed fears for single-family homeowners and suburban 'character.' In contrast, Borough President Donovan Richards's spokesperson and some residents supported the reforms, citing the city's affordability crisis. The majority of public testimony favored the proposal, but entrenched opposition from Queens officials remains strong. No safety analyst assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• ‘Suburban’ Queens Stalwarts Take Hard Line Against Housing — To Rest of City’s Detriment, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-11

Jun 26 - A motorcycle traveling north struck an SUV making a left turn on Vermont Place in Queens. The motorcycle driver, a 20-year-old male, suffered knee and lower leg abrasions. Police cited driver inattention and unsafe speed as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the collision occurred at 21:54 on Vermont Place near Cypress Avenue in Queens. The motorcycle, driven by a 20-year-old male with a learner's permit, was traveling straight north when it struck the center front end of a 2015 Toyota SUV making a left turn westbound. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage. The motorcycle driver was injured with abrasions to his knee and lower leg but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction for both drivers, with the motorcycle driver also cited for unsafe speed. The SUV driver was licensed and had two occupants. The crash highlights critical driver errors, especially failure to maintain attention and control during turning and straight travel maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4736069 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 24 - Motorcycle hit Jeep’s rear on Jackie Robinson Parkway. Rider, 43, ejected. Leg torn. Blood on asphalt. Engines roared past. Police cite following too closely. One man lay semiconscious, bleeding, motionless.

According to the police report, a motorcycle struck the rear of a Jeep on Jackie Robinson Parkway. The crash happened at 1:10 p.m. The report states, 'A motorcycle slammed into the rear of a Jeep. The rider, 43, was thrown hard. Semiconscious. Leg torn. Blood pooled on hot asphalt.' The rider was ejected and suffered severe leg injuries and heavy bleeding. Police list 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. No other causes are cited. The Jeep was traveling straight ahead when the motorcycle, while passing, hit its left rear quarter panel. The crash left one man broken on the road, a stark mark of danger on city parkways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4735419 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 19 - A 17-year-old bicyclist was ejected and injured after an SUV struck him on 75 Street in Queens. The impact hit the bike’s left side doors as the cyclist started moving in traffic. The bicyclist suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 75 Street in Queens at 18:46. A 17-year-old male bicyclist was injured and ejected from his bike after being struck by a 2015 Jeep SUV traveling east. The bike was traveling north and was starting in traffic when the collision occurred, impacting the bike’s left side doors and the SUV’s center front end. The bicyclist sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor, indicating confusion or error on the bicyclist’s part, but does not cite any driver errors. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. No helmet or other safety equipment was noted for the bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4735065 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 17 - A motorcycle traveling north struck the right side doors of a sedan also heading north on Cypress Avenue. The motorcycle driver, a 24-year-old man, suffered shoulder abrasions and remained conscious. Police cite driver fatigue as a key factor.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Cypress Avenue in Queens at 8:00 p.m. A 24-year-old male motorcycle driver, wearing a helmet, collided with the right side doors of a sedan traveling in the same direction. The motorcycle driver sustained upper arm and shoulder abrasions and remained conscious. The report identifies 'Fell Asleep' as a contributing factor, indicating driver fatigue played a critical role in the crash. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead when the impact occurred. The motorcycle sustained damage to its right side doors, while the sedan was damaged on its left front quarter panel. The motorcycle driver was not ejected and was the sole occupant of his vehicle. The sedan had two occupants, but no injuries to them are reported. The police report highlights driver error linked to fatigue as the primary cause, with no contributing victim behaviors noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4733558 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 11 - Multiple sedans collided in a chain-reaction crash on Jackie Robinson Parkway. Two passengers suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cited repeated following too closely as the primary cause, with all vehicles traveling westbound at impact.

According to the police report, a multi-vehicle collision occurred on Jackie Robinson Parkway around 17:25 involving several sedans traveling westbound. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for multiple vehicles. Two passengers, a 42-year-old female front-seat occupant and a 29-year-old male rear-seat occupant, were injured with back pain and whiplash. Both were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses at the time of the crash. Vehicle damage was concentrated at the center back and front ends, consistent with rear-end impacts. Drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The repeated failure to maintain safe following distance by multiple drivers led to this chain-reaction collision, resulting in injury to vehicle occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4733243 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 7 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Albany lawmakers walked away. The MTA’s billion-dollar gap remains. No deal. No new funding. Subway upgrades, electric buses, and station fixes hang in the balance. Riders, not drivers, face the cost. Streets stay clogged. Danger lingers for all outside a car.

"The governor is pointing an unloaded gun at us and asking to give her the ammunition to shoot us and our constituents." -- Julia Salazar

On June 7, 2024, New York’s legislature ended its session without plugging the MTA’s multi-billion-dollar budget hole. The gap opened when Governor Hochul halted Manhattan’s congestion pricing. The bill, discussed but not passed, would have replaced lost revenue—$1 billion a year meant for transit upgrades. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, mentioned in the debate, said, 'Our conference is reticent to commit a billion dollars annually for the next 15 years without having some understanding in place as to how we're going to deal with congestion as well.' Lawmakers could not agree on new taxes or a legislative IOU. The inaction leaves critical MTA projects—like electric buses and accessible stations—at risk. Vulnerable road users lose most: less transit means more cars, more danger, and fewer safe options for those on foot, bike, or bus.

• NY lawmakers won’t tackle Hochul-created MTA budget hole, for now, gothamist.com, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 6 - Council calls for five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. Streets slow. Danger drops. Pedestrians and cyclists get space. Resolution adopted. Albany must act.

Res 0079-2024, adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 6, 2024, urges Albany to let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The resolution states: "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 measure passed committee and full council on June 6. The bill aims to cut speed and risk where people walk, bike, and gather. The council's push now waits for state lawmakers and the governor.

• File Res 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 6 - Council calls for five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. Streets slow. Danger drops. Pedestrians and cyclists get space. Resolution adopted. Albany must act.

Res 0079-2024, adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 6, 2024, urges Albany to let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The resolution states: "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 measure passed committee and full council on June 6. The bill aims to cut speed and risk where people walk, bike, and gather. The council's push now waits for state lawmakers and the governor.

• File Res 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-06-06