Main Street Bleeds While Leaders Stall: Demand Safer Streets Now

Mar 11 - A sedan traveling east on 148 Street struck a 37-year-old female pedestrian. The impact fractured her lower leg and foot. Alcohol involvement by the driver contributed to the crash. The victim remained conscious despite serious injuries.

According to the police report, a 2009 sedan driven by a licensed male driver was traveling straight ahead eastbound on 148 Street when the collision occurred. The vehicle struck a 37-year-old female pedestrian, causing fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the sedan, which sustained damage. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash but suffered serious injuries classified as severity 3. The report explicitly cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor in the crash. No pedestrian actions or behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The driver’s impaired status due to alcohol was a critical error leading to the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708771 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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

Feb 28 - Council moves to outlaw fake plates. Fraud hides reckless drivers. Bill targets sellers, sets fines. Streets need truth. Law aims to strip shields from danger.

Bill Int 0178-2024 sits with the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting the sale or distribution of fraudulent license plates," makes it illegal to sell or distribute fake or temporary plates, with civil penalties for violators. Council Member Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Feliz, Schulman, Ung, Marte, Hudson, Brewer, Brannan, and Avilés. The bill was referred to committee the same day. Fraudulent plates let reckless drivers vanish. This measure aims to close that escape, exposing those who endanger lives.

• File Int 0178-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council targets sidewalk blockades. DOT must clear stoop line stands before licenses. No stand can choke the path. Pedestrian flow comes first. Ung leads the push. Streets stay open. Sidewalks stay safe.

Bill Int 0457-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Sandra Ung, it demands written DOT approval before any stoop line stand license is issued or renewed. The bill’s title states: 'approval prior to issuing or renewing a stoop line stand license.' DOT must confirm stands do not block pedestrian movement, factoring in sidewalk crowding and, if near a narrowing structure, a site visit. Ung sponsors the measure. The bill aims to keep sidewalks clear for people, not obstacles.

• File Int 0457-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council moves to ban car dealers from clogging city streets with vehicles for sale or repair. Fines and impoundment loom. Streets clear. Danger drops for those on foot and bike.

Bill Int 0462-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to limiting the parking of motor vehicles by dealers,' targets car dealers who use public streets as showrooms or repair lots. Sponsored by Francisco P. Moya (primary), with Shahana K. Hanif, Lincoln Restler, and Sandra Ung as co-sponsors, the measure bans dealers from parking, storing, or maintaining vehicles on city streets except for emergencies. Placards are required for vehicles awaiting repair. Violators face fines and possible impoundment. Owners get a defense if ticketed while a dealer holds their car. The bill aims to reclaim public space and reduce hazards for vulnerable road users.

• File Int 0462-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council wants DOT to study how street design can keep commercial trucks out of residential blocks. The bill sits in committee. Streets should shelter people, not heavy traffic.

Int 0114-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to report on 'the utility and feasibility of using street design as a means to limit or reduce the use by commercial vehicles of streets in residential neighborhoods.' Jennifer Gutiérrez leads as primary sponsor, joined by Avilés, the Public Advocate, and others. The bill was referred to committee on the day of introduction. It demands a clear look at how design can push trucks off streets where people walk, bike, and live.

• File Int 0114-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council targets fake and expired plates. Bill sets fines. Ten-day grace for expired tags. Crackdown aims at cars that dodge law and endanger streets. Committee on Public Safety holds the measure.

Int 0177-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle with fraudulent or expired license plates,' makes it illegal to drive with fake or expired plates, including temporary ones. Civil penalties apply, but drivers with expired plates get a 10-day cure period. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Feliz, Salamanca, Powers, Restler, Won, Brewer, Schulman, Ung, Marte, Hudson, Avilés, De La Rosa, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The bill targets drivers who hide behind illegal plates, a tactic often linked to hit-and-runs and reckless driving.

• File Int 0177-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

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 bill orders speed humps on roads beside parks over one acre. DOT can skip spots if safety or rules demand. Law aims to slow cars where families walk, run, and play.

Int 0262-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill reads: “requiring the installation of speed humps on roadways adjacent to any park equal or greater than one acre.” Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by eighteen co-sponsors. The Department of Transportation must install speed humps unless the commissioner finds a risk to safety or a conflict with DOT guidelines. The law would take effect 180 days after passage. The measure targets streets where parks meet traffic, aiming to slow cars and shield people outside vehicles.

• File Int 0262-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council targets sidewalk blockades. DOT must clear stoop line stands before licenses. No stand can choke the path. Pedestrian flow comes first. Ung leads the push. Streets stay open. Sidewalks stay safe.

Bill Int 0457-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Sandra Ung, it demands written DOT approval before any stoop line stand license is issued or renewed. The bill’s title states: 'approval prior to issuing or renewing a stoop line stand license.' DOT must confirm stands do not block pedestrian movement, factoring in sidewalk crowding and, if near a narrowing structure, a site visit. Ung sponsors the measure. The bill aims to keep sidewalks clear for people, not obstacles.

• File Int 0457-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council moves to block sidewalk choke points. DOT must approve stoop line stands. No stand can squeeze walkers. Site visits required near sidewalk pinch points. Ung leads. Pedestrians get space. No more blind spots.

Int 0457-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Sandra Ung, the bill demands written DOT approval before any stoop line stand license is issued or renewed. The matter title states: 'department of transportation approval prior to issuing or renewing a stoop line stand license.' DOT must ensure stands do not block pedestrian flow, factoring in sidewalk crowding and, if needed, site visits. If a stand sits within 10 feet of a structure that narrows the sidewalk, a site visit is mandatory. Ung sponsors. The bill aims to keep sidewalks clear for people, not obstacles.

• File Int 0457-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council moves to block sidewalk choke points. DOT must approve stoop line stands. No stand can squeeze walkers. Site visits required near sidewalk pinch points. Ung leads. Pedestrians get space. No more blind spots.

Int 0457-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Sandra Ung, the bill demands written DOT approval before any stoop line stand license is issued or renewed. The matter title states: 'department of transportation approval prior to issuing or renewing a stoop line stand license.' DOT must ensure stands do not block pedestrian flow, factoring in sidewalk crowding and, if needed, site visits. If a stand sits within 10 feet of a structure that narrows the sidewalk, a site visit is mandatory. Ung sponsors. The bill aims to keep sidewalks clear for people, not obstacles.

• File Int 0457-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 27 - A 10-year-old boy was struck while crossing Booth Memorial Avenue with the signal. The vehicle, traveling west, failed to yield and disregarded traffic control. The child suffered knee and lower leg abrasions but remained conscious after the collision.

According to the police report, a 10-year-old male pedestrian was injured at an intersection on Booth Memorial Avenue at 7:50 AM. The child was crossing with the pedestrian signal when the crash occurred. The vehicle involved was traveling west, going straight ahead, and struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper. The report cites driver errors including 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The pedestrian suffered abrasions to the knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. No vehicle damage was reported. The report emphasizes driver failure to obey traffic signals and yield to the pedestrian, highlighting systemic dangers in vehicle compliance with traffic controls.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705487 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 17 - A 57-year-old woman suffered back injuries and bruises after a sedan traveling north on 61 Road struck her while she crossed outside a crosswalk. The vehicle's front center impacted the pedestrian, causing shock and moderate injury.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 61 Road struck a 57-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing outside a crosswalk. The pedestrian was not ejected but sustained back injuries and contusions, classified as injury severity level 3, and was in shock. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian at the center front end, causing damage to the same area. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian but does not indicate any driver errors explicitly. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk, but no driver fault or failure to yield is documented in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703357 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 15 - A Toyota sedan barreled north on Main Street. Its left front bumper slammed into a 68-year-old woman crossing near Reeves Avenue. She died on the pavement. The driver’s speed was too much. Darkness and steel erased a life in seconds.

A 68-year-old woman was killed when a northbound Toyota sedan struck her on Main Street near Reeves Avenue, according to the police report. The crash occurred at 20:14. The report states the woman was crossing the street, not at an intersection or signal. The sedan hit her with its left front bumper. She died at the scene. Police cite 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, noting, 'His speed was too much.' The driver continued straight ahead. The report does not attribute any contributing factors to the pedestrian’s actions. The narrative and official data center the driver’s excessive speed as the primary cause of this fatal impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4702952 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 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

Feb 9 - Two SUVs crashed on 148 Street. One failed to yield while turning left. A 7-year-old boy in the back seat was bruised. Both vehicles took heavy front-end damage. Driver error in yielding led to the impact.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided on 148 Street at 16:02. One driver was making a left turn, the other was going straight. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. A 7-year-old male passenger in the right rear seat suffered facial contusions. He was conscious, not ejected, and secured with a lap belt and harness. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage, with the turning SUV hit in the center front and the other in the left front quarter. The data highlights driver failure to yield during a left turn as the primary cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701911 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 8 - Council moves to hike fines for riding bikes, e-bikes, and scooters on city sidewalks. The bill targets sidewalk riding with stiffer penalties. No mention of street safety or driver accountability.

Bill Int 0037-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 8, 2024. The measure, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...increasing civil penalties for operating a bicycle, bicycle with electric assist, or electric scooter on the sidewalk,' seeks to raise fines for sidewalk riding. Council Members Stevens (primary), Gennaro, Ung, Brewer, Brannan, and Morano sponsor the bill. The action: referral to committee. The summary states, 'This bill would increase each of the existing civil penalties for operating a bicycle, a bicycle with electric assist (commonly referred to as an “e-bike”), or an electric scooter on the sidewalk.' No safety analyst assessment is available. The bill focuses on penalties, not on street design or driver behavior.

• File Int 0037-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Feb 2 - A 33-year-old woman crossing Main Street outside a crosswalk was struck by a northbound SUV. She suffered bruises and injuries to her lower leg and foot. The vehicle showed no damage, highlighting the impact on the pedestrian’s vulnerable body.

According to the police report, a 33-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Main Street in Queens at 10:44 AM. She was crossing without a signal or crosswalk when a northbound 2004 Honda SUV struck her on the left front quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report notes no vehicle damage, indicating the force concentrated on the pedestrian. The report does not list any driver contributing factors explicitly, but the pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk, which is noted as her location and action. No helmet or other safety equipment was involved. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. This collision underscores the risk to pedestrians outside designated crossing areas and the impact of vehicle contact on vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700057 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 30 - 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