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

Mar 7 - Council wants every e-bike and scooter tagged and tracked. Plates on wheels. Riders face new rules. Lawmakers say it’s about order. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait.

Int 0606-2024 was introduced on March 7, 2024, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring that every bicycle with electric assist, electric scooter and other legal motorized vehicle be licensed and registered," would force all e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles not covered by DMV rules to register with DOT and display visible plates. Council Member Inna Vernikov is the primary sponsor, joined by 26 co-sponsors including Holden, Farías, Riley, and others. The bill was laid over in committee and has not advanced. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• File Int 0606-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Mar 2 - An unlicensed SUV driver struck a sedan from behind on Jackie Robinson Parkway in Queens. Both drivers suffered injuries including fractures and whiplash. Police cite following too closely and driver distraction as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:30 AM on Jackie Robinson Parkway in Queens. A 45-year-old male driver of a 2004 Honda SUV, who was unlicensed, collided with the rear bumper of a 2017 Nissan sedan driven by a 27-year-old licensed male. Both drivers were injured; the SUV driver sustained a fractured shoulder and upper arm, while the sedan driver suffered whiplash affecting his entire body. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors for the SUV driver. The SUV's center front end impacted the sedan's right rear bumper as both vehicles traveled eastbound. Neither occupant was ejected, and both were conscious at the scene. The crash highlights driver errors involving unsafe following distance and distraction, without any noted victim fault.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4706693 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 28 - Council wants DOT to check 100 speed camera spots a year for raised speed bumps. If possible, bumps go in within a year. DOT must track and report on driver behavior changes. No delay. No loopholes.

Int 0161-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Members Louis (primary), Carr, Ung, Holden, Ariola, Paladino, and Morano. The bill orders DOT to assess at least 100 speed camera locations each year for raised speed reducer feasibility. If feasible, DOT must install the bump within a year. The law demands annual reports on these checks and on shifts in dangerous driving at treated sites. The bill summary reads: 'requiring a raised speed reducer feasibility assessment at speed camera locations.' Council aims to force physical changes where cameras alone fail.

• File Int 0161-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - 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

Feb 28 - 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 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - 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 2024-02-28

Feb 27 - 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

Feb 8 - 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

Jan 26 - A bicyclist suffered chest injuries after an SUV made a left turn and struck him on 67 Place in Queens. The crash, caused by driver inattention, left the cyclist conscious but injured, highlighting dangers at intersections.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:45 on 67 Place near Cooper Avenue in Queens. An SUV was making a left turn when it collided with a bicyclist traveling westbound. The point of impact was the right side doors of the bike and the center front end of the SUV. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old male, sustained chest injuries classified as severity level 3 and was conscious after the collision. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to adequately observe the bicyclist. The bicyclist was not ejected and was riding without safety equipment, though no victim behavior was cited as contributing. The SUV showed no damage, underscoring the severity of impact on the vulnerable cyclist. This incident underscores the risks posed by distracted drivers making turns in shared street spaces.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705040 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 22 - A SUV slammed into the back of a sedan on Jackie Robinson Parkway. The sedan driver, a 33-year-old man, suffered a neck contusion. Both vehicles were traveling west. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing the crash.

According to the police report, a 33-year-old male driver in a sedan was injured when a station wagon/SUV struck the sedan's rear on Jackie Robinson Parkway. The sedan driver sustained a neck contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor for the SUV driver. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead westbound. The sedan driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The SUV driver was licensed in Pennsylvania, and the sedan driver was licensed in New York. The impact occurred at the center front end of the sedan and the center back end of the SUV.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4689666 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 17 - A sedan slammed into a car’s rear on Cypress Hills Street. An 18-year-old passenger took a blow to the head. Police cite driver distraction and tailgating. The crash left the passenger bruised but conscious.

According to the police report, a 2014 Toyota sedan struck the rear of another vehicle on Cypress Hills Street in Queens. The left rear passenger, an 18-year-old woman, suffered a head contusion. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The sedan’s center front end hit the other car’s center back end. No ejection occurred. The crash injured the passenger, showing the danger of distraction and tailgating behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4688984 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 16 - A 52-year-old male motorcyclist was partially ejected after a collision on Jackie Robinson Parkway. The impact struck the right front quarter panel. The rider suffered bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. He was conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 52-year-old male motorcycle driver was involved in a crash on Jackie Robinson Parkway. The motorcyclist was partially ejected and sustained injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, along with contusions. The vehicle was damaged on the right front quarter panel. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor to the crash, repeated twice. The rider was wearing a helmet at the time. No other vehicles or pedestrians were reported injured. The driver was licensed and traveling east, going straight ahead when the collision occurred.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4688231 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 26 - Two sedans crashed on Cooper Avenue in Queens. Both drivers failed to yield right-of-way. One driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Impact struck right front bumper and center front end. The injured driver was restrained and in shock.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Cooper Avenue in Queens at 10:36 p.m. Both drivers were traveling east and failed to yield right-of-way, causing the crash. The impact occurred between the right front bumper of one vehicle and the center front end of the other. One driver, a 25-year-old male occupant, was injured with contusions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He was restrained by a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor for both drivers. The injured driver was in shock and suffered a bruise but survived the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675167 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 11 - An SUV turning left collided head-on with an eastbound e-bike on Cooper Avenue in Queens. The e-bike passenger, a 27-year-old man, suffered abrasions and leg injuries. The crash involved improper lane usage by the SUV driver.

According to the police report, a 2021 SUV making a left turn on Cooper Avenue in Queens struck an e-bike traveling westbound. The collision occurred at the center front ends of both vehicles. The e-bike carried two occupants; the left rear passenger, a 27-year-old man, was injured with abrasions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the SUV operator. The injured passenger was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4669946 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 4 - Two bodies pulled from Newtown Creek. Council Member Gutiérrez demands action. Industrial zones draw crowds but lack lights, signs, transit. Politicians push for safety. Danger stalks dark streets. City must fix deadly gaps before more lives are lost.

On August 4, 2023, Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez (District 34) led a call for increased nightlife safety in industrial areas after two men died near Brooklyn Mirage. The matter, titled 'After two bodies recovered from Newtown Creek, pols petition for more nightlife safety measures in industrial areas,' highlights the lack of lighting, signage, connectivity, and public transportation in the Industrial Business Zone (IBZ). Gutiérrez, joined by U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Assembly Members Maritz Davila and Emily Gallagher, and State Senator Julia Salazar, urged a full investigation and demanded urgent infrastructure upgrades. Gutiérrez said, 'We remain committed to enhancing public safety and ensuring that the nightlife community operates and maintains responsible practices.' The push centers vulnerable road users—pedestrians and nightlife patrons—who face systemic danger in neglected, poorly lit streets.

• After two bodies recovered from Newtown Creek, pols petition for more nightlife safety measures in industrial areas, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-08-04

Jul 22 - Council members push to end jaywalking penalties. Supporters cite biased enforcement. Critics warn of danger for pedestrians. The bill faces debate as traffic deaths fall but injuries persist. The city weighs safety against fairness in street crossings.

On July 22, 2023, Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse introduced a bill to legalize jaywalking in New York City. The measure, supported by Council Members Tiffany Caban and Shahana Hanif, aims to 'greenlight pedestrians to freely cross streets outside the crosswalk or without obeying traffic signals.' The bill responds to claims of biased enforcement against Black and Latino New Yorkers. Council Majority Leader Joseph Borelli and Councilwoman Joann Ariola oppose the bill, warning it could endanger pedestrians. The bill has not yet advanced to committee or received a hearing. The NYPD and Mayor's office are reviewing the legislation. The debate highlights the tension between enforcement fairness and the ongoing risk to vulnerable road users. No formal safety analysis has been provided.

• Far-left NYC Council Dems push to legalize jaywalking, nypost.com, Published 2023-07-22

Jul 18 - Brooklyn officials demand equal tolls on all Manhattan crossings. They warn free bridges funnel traffic into certain neighborhoods. Their letter calls for fairness. The MTA stays silent. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide. Streets hang in the balance.

On July 18, 2023, Council Member Shahana Hanif and other Brooklyn officials called for 'equalized tolling on all crossings into Manhattan' as congestion pricing nears. Their letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board states: 'No one community should disproportionately bear the burden of the cars and trucks passing through their neighborhood.' Hanif, along with Lincoln Restler, Alexa Avilés, Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Crystal Hudson, joined borough, state, and federal colleagues in this push. They propose a credit system to balance costs between DOT bridges and MTA tunnels, aiming to protect neighborhoods like the Brooklyn waterfront and the BQE corridor from traffic surges. The MTA declined comment. The Board will soon set final toll rates and rules. The federal government has approved the congestion pricing plan, with tolls for cars expected between $9 and $23. Over 100 exemption requests, including from taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers, are under review.

• Pols call for ‘equalized tolling’ on all crossings into Manhattan under congestion pricing on eve of board deliberations, amny.com, Published 2023-07-18

Jun 18 - A new storm-resistant street opened on Beach 108th in Rockaway. Porous pavement, wider sidewalks, and bike lanes now line the block. The project promises less flooding and safer passage for people on foot and bike. Connections to the ferry and boardwalk improved.

On June 18, 2023, Council Member Joann Ariola (District 32) marked the completion of a major infrastructure project in Rockaway. The work, running from Beach Channel Drive to Shore Front Parkway, added porous pavement, new bike lanes, and wider pedestrian walkways. The city says the 11,000 square feet of new surface can absorb nearly 1.3 million gallons of stormwater each year. Ariola said, 'At long last, we will finally have a safe, steady, and efficient flow of traffic here, and the area is now more resilient than ever before.' The project, part of a $16.6 million investment begun in March 2021, also repaired or replaced 1,100 feet of storm sewer and added new left turn lanes. The changes give cyclists and pedestrians an easier, safer route to the Rockaway ferry terminal and boardwalk.

• New storm-resistant street with ‘porous pavement’ opens in Rockaway, just in time for hurricane season, gothamist.com, Published 2023-06-18

Jun 16 - A motorcycle rider was ejected after a close passing collision with an SUV on Jackie Robinson Parkway. The rider suffered fractures and dislocations to the lower leg and foot. The SUV showed no damage. Both vehicles traveled eastbound.

According to the police report, a motorcycle and an SUV collided on Jackie Robinson Parkway. The motorcycle driver, a 38-year-old woman, was ejected and sustained fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Passing Too Closely" as a contributing factor for the crash. The SUV, driven by a licensed male driver, showed no damage, while the motorcycle sustained damage to its right front quarter panel. The motorcycle driver was wearing a helmet. The crash occurred while both vehicles were traveling straight ahead in the same direction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4639278 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 8 - 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 2023-06-08