No More Dead Ends: Demand Safe Streets Now

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

A sedan traveling east on the Long Island Expressway collided with a tractor truck. Three sedan occupants suffered knee and shoulder injuries. Police cited driver inattention, unsafe lane changing, and limited view as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Long Island Expressway at 1:30 AM. A sedan traveling east struck a tractor truck also going east. The sedan's driver was cited for 'View Obstructed/Limited,' while both the driver and passengers were linked to 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing.' Three male occupants in the sedan, ages 26, 32, and 35, sustained injuries to their knees, lower legs, feet, and shoulder areas, all conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. The point of impact was the sedan's right rear bumper and the truck's left front bumper. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report highlights driver errors and limited visibility as primary causes, with no victim fault indicated.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791101 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A car struck an underpass on Belt Parkway. Metal twisted. A woman, 27, died at the hospital. A man survived. Police do not know who drove. The wreck left questions. The system failed to protect its passengers.

According to NY Daily News (published February 8, 2025), a single-car crash on Queens’ Belt Parkway killed a 27-year-old woman and injured a 30-year-old man. The white Toyota sedan hit an underpass near 225th Street around 3:50 a.m. Both occupants were found outside the wreck when police arrived. Investigators are unsure who was driving at the time of impact: 'Since both occupants were out of the car at the time of the crash, investigators haven't figured out who was driving, police said.' The woman died at Long Island Jewish Hospital-Valley Stream; the man was expected to survive. The article highlights ongoing uncertainty about driver identity and underscores the persistent risks on city highways, especially where loss of vehicle control leads to deadly outcomes. The investigation continues.

• Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-08

A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.

NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.

• Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-05

Senate bill S 4421 seeks a one-year fare-free bus pilot in New York City. Michael Gianaris leads. Robert Jackson, John Liu, Julia Salazar join. The move could shift riders from cars to buses. Status: sponsorship.

Senate bill S 4421, now at the sponsorship stage, proposes a one-year fare-free bus pilot in New York City. The bill summary reads: 'Provides a fare-free bus pilot program in New York City for one year, subject to appropriations.' Michael Gianaris sponsors, with Robert Jackson, John Liu, and Julia Salazar as co-sponsors. Introduced on February 4, 2025, the bill awaits committee review. No safety analyst has assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The pilot could change how New Yorkers move, but its effect on street safety remains unstudied.

• File S 4421, Open States, Published 2025-02-04

Trump’s push to kill congestion pricing would gut MTA funding. John Liu calls it basic maintenance, not luxury. The plan’s billion-dollar revenue keeps subways running and streets safer. Without it, transit crumbles. Riders and vulnerable road users pay the price.

On February 2, 2025, NYC officials responded to reports of a federal move to repeal congestion pricing, just weeks after its January 5 launch. At a press conference, Council Member John Liu warned, “This is not for fancy stuff. This is basic transit maintenance.” Liu said losing congestion pricing would erase a billion dollars in annual MTA revenue, threatening $15 billion in planned upgrades. The money funds new subway cars, buses, station repairs, and safety improvements. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined Liu, stressing millions rely on transit daily. Both officials opposed the repeal, highlighting the risk to the city’s transit backbone. The bill is not numbered, but the threat is clear: without congestion pricing, the city’s streets and subways grow more dangerous for everyone outside a car.

• Trump repeal of congestion pricing would devastate NYC transit, city pols warn, amny.com, Published 2025-02-02

A fatigued driver stopped in traffic was struck from behind by an SUV changing lanes on the Long Island Expressway. Both drivers suffered contusions and neck or back injuries. The crash exposed dangers of drowsy driving and lane changes on busy highways.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Long Island Expressway at 5:58 AM. A 31-year-old male driver of a 2022 Tesla sedan was stopped in traffic when his vehicle was hit on the left rear bumper by a 2017 Ford SUV traveling east. The Ford driver, a 47-year-old male, was going straight ahead and impacted the Tesla's left rear quarter panel with his left front bumper. A third vehicle, a 2018 Toyota SUV, was changing lanes and struck the right front bumper of the Ford. The Tesla driver was identified as fatigued/drowsy, a contributing factor in the collision. The Ford driver was cited with 'Other Vehicular' contributing factors. Both drivers were conscious but injured, suffering contusions and neck or back injuries. Neither occupant was ejected. The report highlights driver errors including fatigue and unsafe lane changes as causes of this multi-vehicle crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788898 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Toyota RAV4 jumped the curb on 90th Avenue, slammed into a garage, and collapsed the structure. The driver, Mamadou Barry, was trapped. First responders pulled him out, but he died at the hospital. No other injuries reported.

According to NY Daily News (2025-01-22), Mamadou Barry, 63, was driving his Toyota RAV4 along 90th Ave. in Jamaica, Queens, around 5:20 a.m. when he lost control, hopped a curb at 143rd St., and crashed into a detached garage. The impact caused the garage to collapse onto both his SUV and a parked, unoccupied Prius. Police said Barry was trapped and later died at Jamaica Hospital. The article notes, 'he lost control of the SUV, which went crashing into a detached garage in Queens, police said.' Family members stated Barry had no known medical issues. The cause of the crash remains unclear. No other injuries were reported. The incident highlights the dangers faced by drivers and bystanders in residential areas where structures sit close to the street.

• Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-01-22

A southbound SUV struck the left rear bumper of a parked tractor truck on Francis Lewis Blvd. Two elderly occupants in the SUV suffered whiplash and full-body injuries. The crash resulted from driver distraction and other vehicular factors.

According to the police report, at 11:30 PM on Francis Lewis Blvd in Queens, a southbound SUV driven by a 79-year-old man collided with the left rear bumper of a parked tractor truck. The SUV had two occupants, both injured with whiplash and entire body injuries, and both conscious. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors to the crash. The driver was properly licensed and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The collision point was the center back end of the SUV impacting the left rear bumper of the stationary truck. No ejections occurred. The injuries to the elderly driver and front passenger reflect the violent impact. The police data emphasize driver distraction as the primary cause, with no victim fault noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786805 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan and a carry-all collided while both making left turns on the Long Island Expressway. The impact struck the right rear bumper of the carry-all and the left rear bumper of the sedan. A 4-year-old passenger suffered a concussion.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Long Island Expressway near Utopia Parkway at 14:48. Both vehicles were traveling south and making left turns when the collision happened. The carry-all was struck on its right rear bumper, while the sedan sustained damage to its center back end and left rear bumper. The report identifies no specific contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield. A 4-year-old female occupant in the sedan, seated in the middle rear seat and restrained by a lap belt, was injured and diagnosed with a concussion. The child was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the injury but does not assign fault to the victim or indicate any pedestrian or cyclist involvement.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786334 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16

A 60-year-old male driver suffered a concussion and back injury in a Queens crash. Two SUVs collided head-on while traveling north on 185 Street. Police cite driver inattention and failure to yield as key factors in the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:24 AM on 185 Street in Queens. The injured party was a 60-year-old male driver of a 2022 Volvo SUV, who was conscious but suffered a concussion and back injury. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. Two SUVs traveling north collided, with impact points on the left front bumper of one vehicle and the right front bumper of the other. The Volvo driver was restrained by a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report highlights driver errors as the cause, with no mention of victim fault or pedestrian involvement.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785591 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly crossings for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, forces the Department of Transportation to install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. The bill, sponsored by Farah N. Louis (primary) and co-sponsored by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, Ariola, and others, passed on March 15, 2025. The law demands annual reporting on compliance and reasons for any delay. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Quick, visible lines cut confusion and protect people crossing or riding. The law took effect immediately.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Two sedans collided on 75 Ave in Queens. The 33-year-old male driver suffered a shoulder injury and bruising. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage in the midday crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 13:30 on 75 Ave in Queens involving two sedans traveling north and west. The 33-year-old male driver of the northbound Lexus was injured, sustaining an upper arm shoulder injury and contusions. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factors. The Lexus sustained center front end damage, while the Ford had damage to its left front bumper. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The collision resulted from driver errors, specifically inattention and failure to yield, with no victim behaviors noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781897 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A northbound SUV veered off course on 188th Street. The driver, a 48-year-old woman, fell asleep and crashed into a parked Jeep. Metal shrieked. Airbag burst. Blood spilled. The street held its breath. The city’s danger never sleeps.

According to the police report, a 48-year-old woman driving a northbound GMC SUV on 188th Street near 75-19 lost control after she 'drifted asleep behind the wheel.' Her vehicle collided with a parked Jeep, striking the left rear bumper and damaging the Jeep’s left rear quarter panel. The report lists 'Fell Asleep' as the contributing factor. The force of the crash triggered the airbag, and the driver suffered a head injury with severe bleeding but remained conscious at the scene. No other occupants or bystanders were involved. The parked Jeep was unoccupied. The police report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The crash underscores the persistent danger posed by driver incapacitation and the vulnerability of everyone on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781898 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council bill targets speed. Shared e-bikes and scooters must have speedometers. New riders get capped at 10 mph. Law aims to slow the city’s fastest wheels. Committee review underway.

Int 1145-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced December 19, 2024, the bill would require all shared electric bikes and scooters to have working speedometers. For new riders, electric assist cuts out at 10 mph. The matter title reads: 'requiring that electric bicycles and electric scooters that are part of share systems have speedometers and limit electric speed assistance to new riders.' Council Members Linda Lee (primary sponsor), Gale A. Brewer, and Chris Banks back the bill. Brewer referred it to committee. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill awaits further action.

• File Int 1145-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-19

Sedan turned left, struck motorcycle heading straight. Rider thrown, suffered leg injuries and shock. Police blamed sedan driver’s failure to yield. Night crash, Queens streets, danger for the unprotected.

According to the police report, a sedan making a left turn on 188 Street near 73 Avenue in Queens collided with a southbound motorcycle traveling straight at 21:23. The 26-year-old male motorcyclist, wearing a helmet, was injured in the crash. He suffered contusions to the knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor attributed to the sedan driver. The sedan’s point of impact was the right front quarter panel, while the motorcycle was struck at the center front end. No contributing factors were attributed to the motorcycle driver. The crash left a vulnerable road user hurt due to a driver’s failure to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776760 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

City data shows open streets thrive. Storefronts fill up. Pedestrians and cyclists bring life and cash. Cars do not. Vacancy rates drop where traffic is banned. Volunteers keep these corridors alive, but city support lags behind their success.

On November 18, 2024, the Department of City Planning released a report titled 'Storefront Activity in NYC Neighborhoods.' The analysis, covered by Streetsblog NYC, finds that open streets—car-free corridors—have about half the vacant storefronts of car-filled streets. The report states: 'vibrant public spaces are key to the success of local businesses.' City officials like Ya-Ting Liu, chief public realm officer, and volunteers such as Alex Morano and Brent Bovenzi, praised the program's impact. Bovenzi noted, 'the program is shrinking because too much of the burden falls upon volunteer labor.' The Open Streets program, now permanent, covers over 130 locations but relies heavily on volunteers. Advocates urge the city to invest more, as the data shows people-centric design drives economic recovery and safer, more vibrant neighborhoods.

• Car-Free Streets are Good For Business, Yet Another Report Shows, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-11-18