Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills?
No More Waiting for Blood: Make Oakland Gardens Streets Safe Now
Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills: Jan 1, 2022 - Jun 4, 2025
The Toll in Plain Sight
In Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills, the numbers do not scream. They whisper, steady and cold. No one has died in a crash here since 2022. But the pain is real. In the last twelve months, 62 people were injured in 124 crashes. Not one was called a “serious injury.” But a broken leg, a bruised chest, a life changed—these do not always show up in the numbers. NYC Open Data
Pedestrians are not spared. In February, a man crossing Bell Boulevard was struck by an SUV making a left turn. He went down at the intersection, his knee torn open. He survived. Others were not so lucky on nearby streets. A 12-year-old was hit crossing Union Turnpike last fall. The street does not care about age.
The Machines That Hit
Cars and SUVs do the most damage. In the last three years, not a single bike or motorcycle killed or seriously injured anyone here. But sedans, SUVs, and trucks keep hitting. A sedan rear-ends a truck on the expressway. An SUV clips a pedestrian at the curb. The pattern is old. The pain is fresh.
What Leaders Have Done—and Not Done
Local leaders talk about safety. The city boasts of new laws. Sammy’s Law lets New York lower speed limits to 20 mph. Cameras catch speeders day and night. But in Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills, the pace of change is slow. The streets look the same. The crashes keep coming. No bold redesign. No flood of protected bike lanes.
The silence is loud. No public push from local council or board for more crosswalks, curb extensions, or protected space for people walking. No outcry after the child was hit. No plan to end the steady drip of injuries.
What Comes Next
This is not fate. Lower the speed limit. Build real protection for people on foot and bike. Flood the council and the mayor’s office with calls. Demand action. Do not wait for the first death.
Citations
Other Representatives
District 24
185-06 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366
Room 716, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
District 23
73-03 Bell Boulevard, Oakland Gardens, NY 11364
718-468-0137
250 Broadway, Suite 1868, New York, NY 10007
212-788-6984
District 11
134-01 20th Avenue 2nd Floor, College Point, NY 11356
Room 913, Legislative Office Building 188 State St., Albany, NY 12247
▸ Other Geographies
Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills sits in Queens, Precinct 111, District 23, AD 24, SD 11, Queens CB11.
▸ See also
Traffic Safety Timeline for Oakland Gardens-Hollis Hills
SUV Rear-Ends Bicyclist on Springfield Boulevard▸A 22-year-old bicyclist was ejected and injured when an SUV struck him from behind on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. The SUV driver was slowing or stopping but followed too closely, causing a collision that injured the cyclist’s lower leg and foot.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:15 PM on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. A 22-year-old male bicyclist, wearing a helmet, was injured and ejected from his bike after being struck by a 2018 Nissan SUV traveling southwest. The SUV driver was slowing or stopping but failed to maintain a safe distance, cited as 'Following Too Closely' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' in the report. The point of impact was the SUV’s right front quarter panel hitting the bicyclist’s left front quarter panel. The bicyclist suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report highlights driver error as the primary cause, with no contributing factors attributed to the bicyclist beyond helmet use.
S 9752Stavisky votes yes to create school speed zones, improving child safety.▸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
S 9752Stavisky votes yes to create school speed zones, improving child safety.▸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
A 7652Weprin votes no, opposing a bill that would improve school zone safety.▸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
A 7652Weprin votes no, opposing a bill that would improve school zone safety.▸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
S 8607Weprin votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
S 8607Stavisky votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
S 8607Stavisky votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
Weprin Considers Payroll Mobility Tax for MTA Funding▸Governor Hochul scrapped congestion pricing. The MTA lost a billion a year. Lawmakers scrambled. Senator Liz Krueger rejected a payroll tax hike. The MTA faces a funding cliff. Subway upgrades, elevators, and clean buses now hang in the balance.
""The [payroll] mobility tax is one, we see that as a possibility,"" -- David Weprin
On June 6, 2024, Governor Hochul’s sudden reversal on Manhattan congestion pricing sparked chaos in Albany. The plan, set to start June 30, would have charged drivers $15 to enter below 60th Street, raising $1 billion yearly for transit. Hochul proposed a payroll tax hike instead, but State Senator Liz Krueger opposed it, saying, "I do not think we have an appetite for that in the Senate." The bill’s fate is uncertain as the legislative session ends. The MTA board, city officials, and business groups all voiced concern. Projects like the Second Avenue Subway, subway accessibility, and zero-emission buses now face cancellation. No alternative funding plan exists. Vulnerable riders—those who rely on transit—stand to lose the most.
-
Gov. Hochul’s congestion toll flip-flop spurs mad scramble at NY Capitol,
gothamist.com,
Published 2024-06-06
Weprin Opposes NYC Payroll Tax Hike Threatening Transit▸Council members slam Hochul’s last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion pricing. Transit funding hangs in limbo. Liz Krueger says the tax lacks support. Riders and workers face uncertainty as lawmakers reject new burdens and demand fairer solutions.
On June 6, 2024, State Sen. Liz Krueger (District 28) and other lawmakers responded to a proposed New York City tax hike meant to replace the indefinitely postponed $15 congestion pricing tolls. The measure, debated as Bill 28, has not advanced in committee and faces strong opposition. The matter, described as 'a last-minute funding move that drew fierce opposition,' has Krueger stating, 'I think it does not have support.' Assemblyman Brian Cunningham echoed, 'No new taxes.' The proposal would raise the payroll mobility tax, already increased last year, to fund the MTA. Rep. Jerry Nadler and business groups argue the tax unfairly targets NYC, while congestion pricing would have spread costs regionally. With the legislative session ending, MTA projects remain at risk. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.
-
Outrage mounts as Hochul pushes last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion tolls: ‘Insulting joke’,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-06-06
S 8607Weprin votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-06-03
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-05-28
5Bus Strikes Parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard▸A northbound bus collided with multiple parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. Unsafe speed by the bus driver caused the crash. Five occupants in the bus suffered back, head, and neck injuries. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.
According to the police report, at 6:05 AM on Springfield Boulevard in Queens, a northbound bus struck several parked SUVs. The bus was passing when the collision occurred, impacting the right front bumper and right front quarter panel. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the bus operator. Five bus occupants were injured, including the 30-year-old female driver who suffered a back injury and four passengers with head, neck, and back injuries. All occupants were conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash. The parked SUVs sustained damage primarily to their center back ends and left rear quarter panels. The report does not list any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
Sedan Left Turn Hits Moped Rider in Queens▸A moped rider suffered chest injuries and partial ejection after a sedan made a left turn and struck him. The crash happened on 73 Avenue in Queens, with driver inattention and distraction cited as contributing factors. The rider was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 73 Avenue in Queens was making a left turn when it collided with a moped also traveling east. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained chest abrasions. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan's point of impact was the left front quarter panel, while the moped's damage was centered on the front end. The moped rider was wearing a helmet, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed and male. This collision highlights driver errors during turning maneuvers leading to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.
Stavisky Supports Safety Boosting Queens Express Bus Expansion▸Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.
On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.
-
Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-05-16
SUV Slams Into Rear of Another on Union Turnpike▸Two SUVs collided on Union Turnpike. The trailing driver followed too close and struck the lead SUV. A 50-year-old man suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the cause.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles were traveling west on Union Turnpike in Queens when the second SUV struck the first at the right rear bumper. The lead vehicle suffered center back-end damage, while the striking SUV had front-end damage. The 50-year-old male driver of the lead SUV was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. Police listed 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and headed straight. The crash shows the risk when drivers tailgate on city streets.
Queens Multi-Car Crash Injures Elderly Driver▸A chain collision on Union Turnpike in Queens left a 72-year-old driver injured with neck pain and shock. The crash involved three eastbound vehicles and was caused by a driver following too closely, striking the rear of another vehicle.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:51 on Union Turnpike in Queens involving three eastbound vehicles: a 2022 Ford SUV, a 2016 Honda sedan, and a 2012 Nissan sedan. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicles, indicating a rear-end chain collision. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error in maintaining unsafe distance. The 72-year-old male driver of the Honda sedan was injured, suffering neck pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and the severe consequences for vulnerable occupants in multi-vehicle collisions.
S 2714Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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 2024-03-27
S 6808Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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 2024-03-20
A 22-year-old bicyclist was ejected and injured when an SUV struck him from behind on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. The SUV driver was slowing or stopping but followed too closely, causing a collision that injured the cyclist’s lower leg and foot.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:15 PM on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. A 22-year-old male bicyclist, wearing a helmet, was injured and ejected from his bike after being struck by a 2018 Nissan SUV traveling southwest. The SUV driver was slowing or stopping but failed to maintain a safe distance, cited as 'Following Too Closely' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' in the report. The point of impact was the SUV’s right front quarter panel hitting the bicyclist’s left front quarter panel. The bicyclist suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report highlights driver error as the primary cause, with no contributing factors attributed to the bicyclist beyond helmet use.
S 9752Stavisky votes yes to create school speed zones, improving child safety.▸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
S 9752Stavisky votes yes to create school speed zones, improving child safety.▸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
A 7652Weprin votes no, opposing a bill that would improve school zone safety.▸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
A 7652Weprin votes no, opposing a bill that would improve school zone safety.▸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
S 8607Weprin votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
S 8607Stavisky votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
S 8607Stavisky votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
Weprin Considers Payroll Mobility Tax for MTA Funding▸Governor Hochul scrapped congestion pricing. The MTA lost a billion a year. Lawmakers scrambled. Senator Liz Krueger rejected a payroll tax hike. The MTA faces a funding cliff. Subway upgrades, elevators, and clean buses now hang in the balance.
""The [payroll] mobility tax is one, we see that as a possibility,"" -- David Weprin
On June 6, 2024, Governor Hochul’s sudden reversal on Manhattan congestion pricing sparked chaos in Albany. The plan, set to start June 30, would have charged drivers $15 to enter below 60th Street, raising $1 billion yearly for transit. Hochul proposed a payroll tax hike instead, but State Senator Liz Krueger opposed it, saying, "I do not think we have an appetite for that in the Senate." The bill’s fate is uncertain as the legislative session ends. The MTA board, city officials, and business groups all voiced concern. Projects like the Second Avenue Subway, subway accessibility, and zero-emission buses now face cancellation. No alternative funding plan exists. Vulnerable riders—those who rely on transit—stand to lose the most.
-
Gov. Hochul’s congestion toll flip-flop spurs mad scramble at NY Capitol,
gothamist.com,
Published 2024-06-06
Weprin Opposes NYC Payroll Tax Hike Threatening Transit▸Council members slam Hochul’s last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion pricing. Transit funding hangs in limbo. Liz Krueger says the tax lacks support. Riders and workers face uncertainty as lawmakers reject new burdens and demand fairer solutions.
On June 6, 2024, State Sen. Liz Krueger (District 28) and other lawmakers responded to a proposed New York City tax hike meant to replace the indefinitely postponed $15 congestion pricing tolls. The measure, debated as Bill 28, has not advanced in committee and faces strong opposition. The matter, described as 'a last-minute funding move that drew fierce opposition,' has Krueger stating, 'I think it does not have support.' Assemblyman Brian Cunningham echoed, 'No new taxes.' The proposal would raise the payroll mobility tax, already increased last year, to fund the MTA. Rep. Jerry Nadler and business groups argue the tax unfairly targets NYC, while congestion pricing would have spread costs regionally. With the legislative session ending, MTA projects remain at risk. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.
-
Outrage mounts as Hochul pushes last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion tolls: ‘Insulting joke’,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-06-06
S 8607Weprin votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-06-03
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-05-28
5Bus Strikes Parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard▸A northbound bus collided with multiple parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. Unsafe speed by the bus driver caused the crash. Five occupants in the bus suffered back, head, and neck injuries. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.
According to the police report, at 6:05 AM on Springfield Boulevard in Queens, a northbound bus struck several parked SUVs. The bus was passing when the collision occurred, impacting the right front bumper and right front quarter panel. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the bus operator. Five bus occupants were injured, including the 30-year-old female driver who suffered a back injury and four passengers with head, neck, and back injuries. All occupants were conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash. The parked SUVs sustained damage primarily to their center back ends and left rear quarter panels. The report does not list any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
Sedan Left Turn Hits Moped Rider in Queens▸A moped rider suffered chest injuries and partial ejection after a sedan made a left turn and struck him. The crash happened on 73 Avenue in Queens, with driver inattention and distraction cited as contributing factors. The rider was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 73 Avenue in Queens was making a left turn when it collided with a moped also traveling east. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained chest abrasions. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan's point of impact was the left front quarter panel, while the moped's damage was centered on the front end. The moped rider was wearing a helmet, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed and male. This collision highlights driver errors during turning maneuvers leading to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.
Stavisky Supports Safety Boosting Queens Express Bus Expansion▸Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.
On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.
-
Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-05-16
SUV Slams Into Rear of Another on Union Turnpike▸Two SUVs collided on Union Turnpike. The trailing driver followed too close and struck the lead SUV. A 50-year-old man suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the cause.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles were traveling west on Union Turnpike in Queens when the second SUV struck the first at the right rear bumper. The lead vehicle suffered center back-end damage, while the striking SUV had front-end damage. The 50-year-old male driver of the lead SUV was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. Police listed 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and headed straight. The crash shows the risk when drivers tailgate on city streets.
Queens Multi-Car Crash Injures Elderly Driver▸A chain collision on Union Turnpike in Queens left a 72-year-old driver injured with neck pain and shock. The crash involved three eastbound vehicles and was caused by a driver following too closely, striking the rear of another vehicle.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:51 on Union Turnpike in Queens involving three eastbound vehicles: a 2022 Ford SUV, a 2016 Honda sedan, and a 2012 Nissan sedan. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicles, indicating a rear-end chain collision. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error in maintaining unsafe distance. The 72-year-old male driver of the Honda sedan was injured, suffering neck pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and the severe consequences for vulnerable occupants in multi-vehicle collisions.
S 2714Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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 2024-03-27
S 6808Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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 2024-03-20
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
S 9752Stavisky votes yes to create school speed zones, improving child safety.▸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
A 7652Weprin votes no, opposing a bill that would improve school zone safety.▸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
A 7652Weprin votes no, opposing a bill that would improve school zone safety.▸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
S 8607Weprin votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
S 8607Stavisky votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
S 8607Stavisky votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
Weprin Considers Payroll Mobility Tax for MTA Funding▸Governor Hochul scrapped congestion pricing. The MTA lost a billion a year. Lawmakers scrambled. Senator Liz Krueger rejected a payroll tax hike. The MTA faces a funding cliff. Subway upgrades, elevators, and clean buses now hang in the balance.
""The [payroll] mobility tax is one, we see that as a possibility,"" -- David Weprin
On June 6, 2024, Governor Hochul’s sudden reversal on Manhattan congestion pricing sparked chaos in Albany. The plan, set to start June 30, would have charged drivers $15 to enter below 60th Street, raising $1 billion yearly for transit. Hochul proposed a payroll tax hike instead, but State Senator Liz Krueger opposed it, saying, "I do not think we have an appetite for that in the Senate." The bill’s fate is uncertain as the legislative session ends. The MTA board, city officials, and business groups all voiced concern. Projects like the Second Avenue Subway, subway accessibility, and zero-emission buses now face cancellation. No alternative funding plan exists. Vulnerable riders—those who rely on transit—stand to lose the most.
-
Gov. Hochul’s congestion toll flip-flop spurs mad scramble at NY Capitol,
gothamist.com,
Published 2024-06-06
Weprin Opposes NYC Payroll Tax Hike Threatening Transit▸Council members slam Hochul’s last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion pricing. Transit funding hangs in limbo. Liz Krueger says the tax lacks support. Riders and workers face uncertainty as lawmakers reject new burdens and demand fairer solutions.
On June 6, 2024, State Sen. Liz Krueger (District 28) and other lawmakers responded to a proposed New York City tax hike meant to replace the indefinitely postponed $15 congestion pricing tolls. The measure, debated as Bill 28, has not advanced in committee and faces strong opposition. The matter, described as 'a last-minute funding move that drew fierce opposition,' has Krueger stating, 'I think it does not have support.' Assemblyman Brian Cunningham echoed, 'No new taxes.' The proposal would raise the payroll mobility tax, already increased last year, to fund the MTA. Rep. Jerry Nadler and business groups argue the tax unfairly targets NYC, while congestion pricing would have spread costs regionally. With the legislative session ending, MTA projects remain at risk. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.
-
Outrage mounts as Hochul pushes last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion tolls: ‘Insulting joke’,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-06-06
S 8607Weprin votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-06-03
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-05-28
5Bus Strikes Parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard▸A northbound bus collided with multiple parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. Unsafe speed by the bus driver caused the crash. Five occupants in the bus suffered back, head, and neck injuries. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.
According to the police report, at 6:05 AM on Springfield Boulevard in Queens, a northbound bus struck several parked SUVs. The bus was passing when the collision occurred, impacting the right front bumper and right front quarter panel. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the bus operator. Five bus occupants were injured, including the 30-year-old female driver who suffered a back injury and four passengers with head, neck, and back injuries. All occupants were conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash. The parked SUVs sustained damage primarily to their center back ends and left rear quarter panels. The report does not list any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
Sedan Left Turn Hits Moped Rider in Queens▸A moped rider suffered chest injuries and partial ejection after a sedan made a left turn and struck him. The crash happened on 73 Avenue in Queens, with driver inattention and distraction cited as contributing factors. The rider was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 73 Avenue in Queens was making a left turn when it collided with a moped also traveling east. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained chest abrasions. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan's point of impact was the left front quarter panel, while the moped's damage was centered on the front end. The moped rider was wearing a helmet, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed and male. This collision highlights driver errors during turning maneuvers leading to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.
Stavisky Supports Safety Boosting Queens Express Bus Expansion▸Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.
On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.
-
Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-05-16
SUV Slams Into Rear of Another on Union Turnpike▸Two SUVs collided on Union Turnpike. The trailing driver followed too close and struck the lead SUV. A 50-year-old man suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the cause.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles were traveling west on Union Turnpike in Queens when the second SUV struck the first at the right rear bumper. The lead vehicle suffered center back-end damage, while the striking SUV had front-end damage. The 50-year-old male driver of the lead SUV was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. Police listed 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and headed straight. The crash shows the risk when drivers tailgate on city streets.
Queens Multi-Car Crash Injures Elderly Driver▸A chain collision on Union Turnpike in Queens left a 72-year-old driver injured with neck pain and shock. The crash involved three eastbound vehicles and was caused by a driver following too closely, striking the rear of another vehicle.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:51 on Union Turnpike in Queens involving three eastbound vehicles: a 2022 Ford SUV, a 2016 Honda sedan, and a 2012 Nissan sedan. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicles, indicating a rear-end chain collision. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error in maintaining unsafe distance. The 72-year-old male driver of the Honda sedan was injured, suffering neck pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and the severe consequences for vulnerable occupants in multi-vehicle collisions.
S 2714Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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 2024-03-27
S 6808Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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 2024-03-20
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
A 7652Weprin votes no, opposing a bill that would improve school zone safety.▸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
A 7652Weprin votes no, opposing a bill that would improve school zone safety.▸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
S 8607Weprin votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
S 8607Stavisky votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
S 8607Stavisky votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
Weprin Considers Payroll Mobility Tax for MTA Funding▸Governor Hochul scrapped congestion pricing. The MTA lost a billion a year. Lawmakers scrambled. Senator Liz Krueger rejected a payroll tax hike. The MTA faces a funding cliff. Subway upgrades, elevators, and clean buses now hang in the balance.
""The [payroll] mobility tax is one, we see that as a possibility,"" -- David Weprin
On June 6, 2024, Governor Hochul’s sudden reversal on Manhattan congestion pricing sparked chaos in Albany. The plan, set to start June 30, would have charged drivers $15 to enter below 60th Street, raising $1 billion yearly for transit. Hochul proposed a payroll tax hike instead, but State Senator Liz Krueger opposed it, saying, "I do not think we have an appetite for that in the Senate." The bill’s fate is uncertain as the legislative session ends. The MTA board, city officials, and business groups all voiced concern. Projects like the Second Avenue Subway, subway accessibility, and zero-emission buses now face cancellation. No alternative funding plan exists. Vulnerable riders—those who rely on transit—stand to lose the most.
-
Gov. Hochul’s congestion toll flip-flop spurs mad scramble at NY Capitol,
gothamist.com,
Published 2024-06-06
Weprin Opposes NYC Payroll Tax Hike Threatening Transit▸Council members slam Hochul’s last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion pricing. Transit funding hangs in limbo. Liz Krueger says the tax lacks support. Riders and workers face uncertainty as lawmakers reject new burdens and demand fairer solutions.
On June 6, 2024, State Sen. Liz Krueger (District 28) and other lawmakers responded to a proposed New York City tax hike meant to replace the indefinitely postponed $15 congestion pricing tolls. The measure, debated as Bill 28, has not advanced in committee and faces strong opposition. The matter, described as 'a last-minute funding move that drew fierce opposition,' has Krueger stating, 'I think it does not have support.' Assemblyman Brian Cunningham echoed, 'No new taxes.' The proposal would raise the payroll mobility tax, already increased last year, to fund the MTA. Rep. Jerry Nadler and business groups argue the tax unfairly targets NYC, while congestion pricing would have spread costs regionally. With the legislative session ending, MTA projects remain at risk. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.
-
Outrage mounts as Hochul pushes last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion tolls: ‘Insulting joke’,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-06-06
S 8607Weprin votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-06-03
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-05-28
5Bus Strikes Parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard▸A northbound bus collided with multiple parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. Unsafe speed by the bus driver caused the crash. Five occupants in the bus suffered back, head, and neck injuries. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.
According to the police report, at 6:05 AM on Springfield Boulevard in Queens, a northbound bus struck several parked SUVs. The bus was passing when the collision occurred, impacting the right front bumper and right front quarter panel. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the bus operator. Five bus occupants were injured, including the 30-year-old female driver who suffered a back injury and four passengers with head, neck, and back injuries. All occupants were conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash. The parked SUVs sustained damage primarily to their center back ends and left rear quarter panels. The report does not list any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
Sedan Left Turn Hits Moped Rider in Queens▸A moped rider suffered chest injuries and partial ejection after a sedan made a left turn and struck him. The crash happened on 73 Avenue in Queens, with driver inattention and distraction cited as contributing factors. The rider was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 73 Avenue in Queens was making a left turn when it collided with a moped also traveling east. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained chest abrasions. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan's point of impact was the left front quarter panel, while the moped's damage was centered on the front end. The moped rider was wearing a helmet, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed and male. This collision highlights driver errors during turning maneuvers leading to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.
Stavisky Supports Safety Boosting Queens Express Bus Expansion▸Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.
On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.
-
Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-05-16
SUV Slams Into Rear of Another on Union Turnpike▸Two SUVs collided on Union Turnpike. The trailing driver followed too close and struck the lead SUV. A 50-year-old man suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the cause.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles were traveling west on Union Turnpike in Queens when the second SUV struck the first at the right rear bumper. The lead vehicle suffered center back-end damage, while the striking SUV had front-end damage. The 50-year-old male driver of the lead SUV was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. Police listed 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and headed straight. The crash shows the risk when drivers tailgate on city streets.
Queens Multi-Car Crash Injures Elderly Driver▸A chain collision on Union Turnpike in Queens left a 72-year-old driver injured with neck pain and shock. The crash involved three eastbound vehicles and was caused by a driver following too closely, striking the rear of another vehicle.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:51 on Union Turnpike in Queens involving three eastbound vehicles: a 2022 Ford SUV, a 2016 Honda sedan, and a 2012 Nissan sedan. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicles, indicating a rear-end chain collision. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error in maintaining unsafe distance. The 72-year-old male driver of the Honda sedan was injured, suffering neck pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and the severe consequences for vulnerable occupants in multi-vehicle collisions.
S 2714Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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 2024-03-27
S 6808Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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 2024-03-20
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
A 7652Weprin votes no, opposing a bill that would improve school zone safety.▸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
S 8607Weprin votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
S 8607Stavisky votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
S 8607Stavisky votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
Weprin Considers Payroll Mobility Tax for MTA Funding▸Governor Hochul scrapped congestion pricing. The MTA lost a billion a year. Lawmakers scrambled. Senator Liz Krueger rejected a payroll tax hike. The MTA faces a funding cliff. Subway upgrades, elevators, and clean buses now hang in the balance.
""The [payroll] mobility tax is one, we see that as a possibility,"" -- David Weprin
On June 6, 2024, Governor Hochul’s sudden reversal on Manhattan congestion pricing sparked chaos in Albany. The plan, set to start June 30, would have charged drivers $15 to enter below 60th Street, raising $1 billion yearly for transit. Hochul proposed a payroll tax hike instead, but State Senator Liz Krueger opposed it, saying, "I do not think we have an appetite for that in the Senate." The bill’s fate is uncertain as the legislative session ends. The MTA board, city officials, and business groups all voiced concern. Projects like the Second Avenue Subway, subway accessibility, and zero-emission buses now face cancellation. No alternative funding plan exists. Vulnerable riders—those who rely on transit—stand to lose the most.
-
Gov. Hochul’s congestion toll flip-flop spurs mad scramble at NY Capitol,
gothamist.com,
Published 2024-06-06
Weprin Opposes NYC Payroll Tax Hike Threatening Transit▸Council members slam Hochul’s last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion pricing. Transit funding hangs in limbo. Liz Krueger says the tax lacks support. Riders and workers face uncertainty as lawmakers reject new burdens and demand fairer solutions.
On June 6, 2024, State Sen. Liz Krueger (District 28) and other lawmakers responded to a proposed New York City tax hike meant to replace the indefinitely postponed $15 congestion pricing tolls. The measure, debated as Bill 28, has not advanced in committee and faces strong opposition. The matter, described as 'a last-minute funding move that drew fierce opposition,' has Krueger stating, 'I think it does not have support.' Assemblyman Brian Cunningham echoed, 'No new taxes.' The proposal would raise the payroll mobility tax, already increased last year, to fund the MTA. Rep. Jerry Nadler and business groups argue the tax unfairly targets NYC, while congestion pricing would have spread costs regionally. With the legislative session ending, MTA projects remain at risk. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.
-
Outrage mounts as Hochul pushes last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion tolls: ‘Insulting joke’,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-06-06
S 8607Weprin votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-06-03
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-05-28
5Bus Strikes Parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard▸A northbound bus collided with multiple parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. Unsafe speed by the bus driver caused the crash. Five occupants in the bus suffered back, head, and neck injuries. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.
According to the police report, at 6:05 AM on Springfield Boulevard in Queens, a northbound bus struck several parked SUVs. The bus was passing when the collision occurred, impacting the right front bumper and right front quarter panel. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the bus operator. Five bus occupants were injured, including the 30-year-old female driver who suffered a back injury and four passengers with head, neck, and back injuries. All occupants were conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash. The parked SUVs sustained damage primarily to their center back ends and left rear quarter panels. The report does not list any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
Sedan Left Turn Hits Moped Rider in Queens▸A moped rider suffered chest injuries and partial ejection after a sedan made a left turn and struck him. The crash happened on 73 Avenue in Queens, with driver inattention and distraction cited as contributing factors. The rider was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 73 Avenue in Queens was making a left turn when it collided with a moped also traveling east. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained chest abrasions. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan's point of impact was the left front quarter panel, while the moped's damage was centered on the front end. The moped rider was wearing a helmet, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed and male. This collision highlights driver errors during turning maneuvers leading to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.
Stavisky Supports Safety Boosting Queens Express Bus Expansion▸Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.
On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.
-
Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-05-16
SUV Slams Into Rear of Another on Union Turnpike▸Two SUVs collided on Union Turnpike. The trailing driver followed too close and struck the lead SUV. A 50-year-old man suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the cause.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles were traveling west on Union Turnpike in Queens when the second SUV struck the first at the right rear bumper. The lead vehicle suffered center back-end damage, while the striking SUV had front-end damage. The 50-year-old male driver of the lead SUV was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. Police listed 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and headed straight. The crash shows the risk when drivers tailgate on city streets.
Queens Multi-Car Crash Injures Elderly Driver▸A chain collision on Union Turnpike in Queens left a 72-year-old driver injured with neck pain and shock. The crash involved three eastbound vehicles and was caused by a driver following too closely, striking the rear of another vehicle.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:51 on Union Turnpike in Queens involving three eastbound vehicles: a 2022 Ford SUV, a 2016 Honda sedan, and a 2012 Nissan sedan. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicles, indicating a rear-end chain collision. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error in maintaining unsafe distance. The 72-year-old male driver of the Honda sedan was injured, suffering neck pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and the severe consequences for vulnerable occupants in multi-vehicle collisions.
S 2714Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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 2024-03-27
S 6808Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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 2024-03-20
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
S 8607Weprin votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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
S 8607Stavisky votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
S 8607Stavisky votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
Weprin Considers Payroll Mobility Tax for MTA Funding▸Governor Hochul scrapped congestion pricing. The MTA lost a billion a year. Lawmakers scrambled. Senator Liz Krueger rejected a payroll tax hike. The MTA faces a funding cliff. Subway upgrades, elevators, and clean buses now hang in the balance.
""The [payroll] mobility tax is one, we see that as a possibility,"" -- David Weprin
On June 6, 2024, Governor Hochul’s sudden reversal on Manhattan congestion pricing sparked chaos in Albany. The plan, set to start June 30, would have charged drivers $15 to enter below 60th Street, raising $1 billion yearly for transit. Hochul proposed a payroll tax hike instead, but State Senator Liz Krueger opposed it, saying, "I do not think we have an appetite for that in the Senate." The bill’s fate is uncertain as the legislative session ends. The MTA board, city officials, and business groups all voiced concern. Projects like the Second Avenue Subway, subway accessibility, and zero-emission buses now face cancellation. No alternative funding plan exists. Vulnerable riders—those who rely on transit—stand to lose the most.
-
Gov. Hochul’s congestion toll flip-flop spurs mad scramble at NY Capitol,
gothamist.com,
Published 2024-06-06
Weprin Opposes NYC Payroll Tax Hike Threatening Transit▸Council members slam Hochul’s last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion pricing. Transit funding hangs in limbo. Liz Krueger says the tax lacks support. Riders and workers face uncertainty as lawmakers reject new burdens and demand fairer solutions.
On June 6, 2024, State Sen. Liz Krueger (District 28) and other lawmakers responded to a proposed New York City tax hike meant to replace the indefinitely postponed $15 congestion pricing tolls. The measure, debated as Bill 28, has not advanced in committee and faces strong opposition. The matter, described as 'a last-minute funding move that drew fierce opposition,' has Krueger stating, 'I think it does not have support.' Assemblyman Brian Cunningham echoed, 'No new taxes.' The proposal would raise the payroll mobility tax, already increased last year, to fund the MTA. Rep. Jerry Nadler and business groups argue the tax unfairly targets NYC, while congestion pricing would have spread costs regionally. With the legislative session ending, MTA projects remain at risk. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.
-
Outrage mounts as Hochul pushes last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion tolls: ‘Insulting joke’,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-06-06
S 8607Weprin votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-06-03
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-05-28
5Bus Strikes Parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard▸A northbound bus collided with multiple parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. Unsafe speed by the bus driver caused the crash. Five occupants in the bus suffered back, head, and neck injuries. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.
According to the police report, at 6:05 AM on Springfield Boulevard in Queens, a northbound bus struck several parked SUVs. The bus was passing when the collision occurred, impacting the right front bumper and right front quarter panel. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the bus operator. Five bus occupants were injured, including the 30-year-old female driver who suffered a back injury and four passengers with head, neck, and back injuries. All occupants were conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash. The parked SUVs sustained damage primarily to their center back ends and left rear quarter panels. The report does not list any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
Sedan Left Turn Hits Moped Rider in Queens▸A moped rider suffered chest injuries and partial ejection after a sedan made a left turn and struck him. The crash happened on 73 Avenue in Queens, with driver inattention and distraction cited as contributing factors. The rider was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 73 Avenue in Queens was making a left turn when it collided with a moped also traveling east. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained chest abrasions. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan's point of impact was the left front quarter panel, while the moped's damage was centered on the front end. The moped rider was wearing a helmet, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed and male. This collision highlights driver errors during turning maneuvers leading to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.
Stavisky Supports Safety Boosting Queens Express Bus Expansion▸Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.
On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.
-
Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-05-16
SUV Slams Into Rear of Another on Union Turnpike▸Two SUVs collided on Union Turnpike. The trailing driver followed too close and struck the lead SUV. A 50-year-old man suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the cause.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles were traveling west on Union Turnpike in Queens when the second SUV struck the first at the right rear bumper. The lead vehicle suffered center back-end damage, while the striking SUV had front-end damage. The 50-year-old male driver of the lead SUV was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. Police listed 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and headed straight. The crash shows the risk when drivers tailgate on city streets.
Queens Multi-Car Crash Injures Elderly Driver▸A chain collision on Union Turnpike in Queens left a 72-year-old driver injured with neck pain and shock. The crash involved three eastbound vehicles and was caused by a driver following too closely, striking the rear of another vehicle.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:51 on Union Turnpike in Queens involving three eastbound vehicles: a 2022 Ford SUV, a 2016 Honda sedan, and a 2012 Nissan sedan. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicles, indicating a rear-end chain collision. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error in maintaining unsafe distance. The 72-year-old male driver of the Honda sedan was injured, suffering neck pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and the severe consequences for vulnerable occupants in multi-vehicle collisions.
S 2714Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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 2024-03-27
S 6808Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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 2024-03-20
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
S 8607Stavisky votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
S 8607Stavisky votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
Weprin Considers Payroll Mobility Tax for MTA Funding▸Governor Hochul scrapped congestion pricing. The MTA lost a billion a year. Lawmakers scrambled. Senator Liz Krueger rejected a payroll tax hike. The MTA faces a funding cliff. Subway upgrades, elevators, and clean buses now hang in the balance.
""The [payroll] mobility tax is one, we see that as a possibility,"" -- David Weprin
On June 6, 2024, Governor Hochul’s sudden reversal on Manhattan congestion pricing sparked chaos in Albany. The plan, set to start June 30, would have charged drivers $15 to enter below 60th Street, raising $1 billion yearly for transit. Hochul proposed a payroll tax hike instead, but State Senator Liz Krueger opposed it, saying, "I do not think we have an appetite for that in the Senate." The bill’s fate is uncertain as the legislative session ends. The MTA board, city officials, and business groups all voiced concern. Projects like the Second Avenue Subway, subway accessibility, and zero-emission buses now face cancellation. No alternative funding plan exists. Vulnerable riders—those who rely on transit—stand to lose the most.
-
Gov. Hochul’s congestion toll flip-flop spurs mad scramble at NY Capitol,
gothamist.com,
Published 2024-06-06
Weprin Opposes NYC Payroll Tax Hike Threatening Transit▸Council members slam Hochul’s last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion pricing. Transit funding hangs in limbo. Liz Krueger says the tax lacks support. Riders and workers face uncertainty as lawmakers reject new burdens and demand fairer solutions.
On June 6, 2024, State Sen. Liz Krueger (District 28) and other lawmakers responded to a proposed New York City tax hike meant to replace the indefinitely postponed $15 congestion pricing tolls. The measure, debated as Bill 28, has not advanced in committee and faces strong opposition. The matter, described as 'a last-minute funding move that drew fierce opposition,' has Krueger stating, 'I think it does not have support.' Assemblyman Brian Cunningham echoed, 'No new taxes.' The proposal would raise the payroll mobility tax, already increased last year, to fund the MTA. Rep. Jerry Nadler and business groups argue the tax unfairly targets NYC, while congestion pricing would have spread costs regionally. With the legislative session ending, MTA projects remain at risk. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.
-
Outrage mounts as Hochul pushes last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion tolls: ‘Insulting joke’,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-06-06
S 8607Weprin votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-06-03
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-05-28
5Bus Strikes Parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard▸A northbound bus collided with multiple parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. Unsafe speed by the bus driver caused the crash. Five occupants in the bus suffered back, head, and neck injuries. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.
According to the police report, at 6:05 AM on Springfield Boulevard in Queens, a northbound bus struck several parked SUVs. The bus was passing when the collision occurred, impacting the right front bumper and right front quarter panel. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the bus operator. Five bus occupants were injured, including the 30-year-old female driver who suffered a back injury and four passengers with head, neck, and back injuries. All occupants were conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash. The parked SUVs sustained damage primarily to their center back ends and left rear quarter panels. The report does not list any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
Sedan Left Turn Hits Moped Rider in Queens▸A moped rider suffered chest injuries and partial ejection after a sedan made a left turn and struck him. The crash happened on 73 Avenue in Queens, with driver inattention and distraction cited as contributing factors. The rider was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 73 Avenue in Queens was making a left turn when it collided with a moped also traveling east. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained chest abrasions. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan's point of impact was the left front quarter panel, while the moped's damage was centered on the front end. The moped rider was wearing a helmet, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed and male. This collision highlights driver errors during turning maneuvers leading to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.
Stavisky Supports Safety Boosting Queens Express Bus Expansion▸Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.
On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.
-
Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-05-16
SUV Slams Into Rear of Another on Union Turnpike▸Two SUVs collided on Union Turnpike. The trailing driver followed too close and struck the lead SUV. A 50-year-old man suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the cause.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles were traveling west on Union Turnpike in Queens when the second SUV struck the first at the right rear bumper. The lead vehicle suffered center back-end damage, while the striking SUV had front-end damage. The 50-year-old male driver of the lead SUV was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. Police listed 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and headed straight. The crash shows the risk when drivers tailgate on city streets.
Queens Multi-Car Crash Injures Elderly Driver▸A chain collision on Union Turnpike in Queens left a 72-year-old driver injured with neck pain and shock. The crash involved three eastbound vehicles and was caused by a driver following too closely, striking the rear of another vehicle.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:51 on Union Turnpike in Queens involving three eastbound vehicles: a 2022 Ford SUV, a 2016 Honda sedan, and a 2012 Nissan sedan. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicles, indicating a rear-end chain collision. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error in maintaining unsafe distance. The 72-year-old male driver of the Honda sedan was injured, suffering neck pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and the severe consequences for vulnerable occupants in multi-vehicle collisions.
S 2714Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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 2024-03-27
S 6808Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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 2024-03-20
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 2024-06-06
S 8607Stavisky votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
Weprin Considers Payroll Mobility Tax for MTA Funding▸Governor Hochul scrapped congestion pricing. The MTA lost a billion a year. Lawmakers scrambled. Senator Liz Krueger rejected a payroll tax hike. The MTA faces a funding cliff. Subway upgrades, elevators, and clean buses now hang in the balance.
""The [payroll] mobility tax is one, we see that as a possibility,"" -- David Weprin
On June 6, 2024, Governor Hochul’s sudden reversal on Manhattan congestion pricing sparked chaos in Albany. The plan, set to start June 30, would have charged drivers $15 to enter below 60th Street, raising $1 billion yearly for transit. Hochul proposed a payroll tax hike instead, but State Senator Liz Krueger opposed it, saying, "I do not think we have an appetite for that in the Senate." The bill’s fate is uncertain as the legislative session ends. The MTA board, city officials, and business groups all voiced concern. Projects like the Second Avenue Subway, subway accessibility, and zero-emission buses now face cancellation. No alternative funding plan exists. Vulnerable riders—those who rely on transit—stand to lose the most.
-
Gov. Hochul’s congestion toll flip-flop spurs mad scramble at NY Capitol,
gothamist.com,
Published 2024-06-06
Weprin Opposes NYC Payroll Tax Hike Threatening Transit▸Council members slam Hochul’s last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion pricing. Transit funding hangs in limbo. Liz Krueger says the tax lacks support. Riders and workers face uncertainty as lawmakers reject new burdens and demand fairer solutions.
On June 6, 2024, State Sen. Liz Krueger (District 28) and other lawmakers responded to a proposed New York City tax hike meant to replace the indefinitely postponed $15 congestion pricing tolls. The measure, debated as Bill 28, has not advanced in committee and faces strong opposition. The matter, described as 'a last-minute funding move that drew fierce opposition,' has Krueger stating, 'I think it does not have support.' Assemblyman Brian Cunningham echoed, 'No new taxes.' The proposal would raise the payroll mobility tax, already increased last year, to fund the MTA. Rep. Jerry Nadler and business groups argue the tax unfairly targets NYC, while congestion pricing would have spread costs regionally. With the legislative session ending, MTA projects remain at risk. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.
-
Outrage mounts as Hochul pushes last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion tolls: ‘Insulting joke’,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-06-06
S 8607Weprin votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-06-03
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-05-28
5Bus Strikes Parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard▸A northbound bus collided with multiple parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. Unsafe speed by the bus driver caused the crash. Five occupants in the bus suffered back, head, and neck injuries. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.
According to the police report, at 6:05 AM on Springfield Boulevard in Queens, a northbound bus struck several parked SUVs. The bus was passing when the collision occurred, impacting the right front bumper and right front quarter panel. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the bus operator. Five bus occupants were injured, including the 30-year-old female driver who suffered a back injury and four passengers with head, neck, and back injuries. All occupants were conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash. The parked SUVs sustained damage primarily to their center back ends and left rear quarter panels. The report does not list any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
Sedan Left Turn Hits Moped Rider in Queens▸A moped rider suffered chest injuries and partial ejection after a sedan made a left turn and struck him. The crash happened on 73 Avenue in Queens, with driver inattention and distraction cited as contributing factors. The rider was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 73 Avenue in Queens was making a left turn when it collided with a moped also traveling east. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained chest abrasions. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan's point of impact was the left front quarter panel, while the moped's damage was centered on the front end. The moped rider was wearing a helmet, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed and male. This collision highlights driver errors during turning maneuvers leading to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.
Stavisky Supports Safety Boosting Queens Express Bus Expansion▸Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.
On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.
-
Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-05-16
SUV Slams Into Rear of Another on Union Turnpike▸Two SUVs collided on Union Turnpike. The trailing driver followed too close and struck the lead SUV. A 50-year-old man suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the cause.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles were traveling west on Union Turnpike in Queens when the second SUV struck the first at the right rear bumper. The lead vehicle suffered center back-end damage, while the striking SUV had front-end damage. The 50-year-old male driver of the lead SUV was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. Police listed 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and headed straight. The crash shows the risk when drivers tailgate on city streets.
Queens Multi-Car Crash Injures Elderly Driver▸A chain collision on Union Turnpike in Queens left a 72-year-old driver injured with neck pain and shock. The crash involved three eastbound vehicles and was caused by a driver following too closely, striking the rear of another vehicle.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:51 on Union Turnpike in Queens involving three eastbound vehicles: a 2022 Ford SUV, a 2016 Honda sedan, and a 2012 Nissan sedan. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicles, indicating a rear-end chain collision. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error in maintaining unsafe distance. The 72-year-old male driver of the Honda sedan was injured, suffering neck pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and the severe consequences for vulnerable occupants in multi-vehicle collisions.
S 2714Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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 2024-03-27
S 6808Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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 2024-03-20
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 2024-06-06
Weprin Considers Payroll Mobility Tax for MTA Funding▸Governor Hochul scrapped congestion pricing. The MTA lost a billion a year. Lawmakers scrambled. Senator Liz Krueger rejected a payroll tax hike. The MTA faces a funding cliff. Subway upgrades, elevators, and clean buses now hang in the balance.
""The [payroll] mobility tax is one, we see that as a possibility,"" -- David Weprin
On June 6, 2024, Governor Hochul’s sudden reversal on Manhattan congestion pricing sparked chaos in Albany. The plan, set to start June 30, would have charged drivers $15 to enter below 60th Street, raising $1 billion yearly for transit. Hochul proposed a payroll tax hike instead, but State Senator Liz Krueger opposed it, saying, "I do not think we have an appetite for that in the Senate." The bill’s fate is uncertain as the legislative session ends. The MTA board, city officials, and business groups all voiced concern. Projects like the Second Avenue Subway, subway accessibility, and zero-emission buses now face cancellation. No alternative funding plan exists. Vulnerable riders—those who rely on transit—stand to lose the most.
-
Gov. Hochul’s congestion toll flip-flop spurs mad scramble at NY Capitol,
gothamist.com,
Published 2024-06-06
Weprin Opposes NYC Payroll Tax Hike Threatening Transit▸Council members slam Hochul’s last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion pricing. Transit funding hangs in limbo. Liz Krueger says the tax lacks support. Riders and workers face uncertainty as lawmakers reject new burdens and demand fairer solutions.
On June 6, 2024, State Sen. Liz Krueger (District 28) and other lawmakers responded to a proposed New York City tax hike meant to replace the indefinitely postponed $15 congestion pricing tolls. The measure, debated as Bill 28, has not advanced in committee and faces strong opposition. The matter, described as 'a last-minute funding move that drew fierce opposition,' has Krueger stating, 'I think it does not have support.' Assemblyman Brian Cunningham echoed, 'No new taxes.' The proposal would raise the payroll mobility tax, already increased last year, to fund the MTA. Rep. Jerry Nadler and business groups argue the tax unfairly targets NYC, while congestion pricing would have spread costs regionally. With the legislative session ending, MTA projects remain at risk. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.
-
Outrage mounts as Hochul pushes last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion tolls: ‘Insulting joke’,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-06-06
S 8607Weprin votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-06-03
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-05-28
5Bus Strikes Parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard▸A northbound bus collided with multiple parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. Unsafe speed by the bus driver caused the crash. Five occupants in the bus suffered back, head, and neck injuries. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.
According to the police report, at 6:05 AM on Springfield Boulevard in Queens, a northbound bus struck several parked SUVs. The bus was passing when the collision occurred, impacting the right front bumper and right front quarter panel. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the bus operator. Five bus occupants were injured, including the 30-year-old female driver who suffered a back injury and four passengers with head, neck, and back injuries. All occupants were conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash. The parked SUVs sustained damage primarily to their center back ends and left rear quarter panels. The report does not list any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
Sedan Left Turn Hits Moped Rider in Queens▸A moped rider suffered chest injuries and partial ejection after a sedan made a left turn and struck him. The crash happened on 73 Avenue in Queens, with driver inattention and distraction cited as contributing factors. The rider was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 73 Avenue in Queens was making a left turn when it collided with a moped also traveling east. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained chest abrasions. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan's point of impact was the left front quarter panel, while the moped's damage was centered on the front end. The moped rider was wearing a helmet, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed and male. This collision highlights driver errors during turning maneuvers leading to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.
Stavisky Supports Safety Boosting Queens Express Bus Expansion▸Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.
On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.
-
Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-05-16
SUV Slams Into Rear of Another on Union Turnpike▸Two SUVs collided on Union Turnpike. The trailing driver followed too close and struck the lead SUV. A 50-year-old man suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the cause.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles were traveling west on Union Turnpike in Queens when the second SUV struck the first at the right rear bumper. The lead vehicle suffered center back-end damage, while the striking SUV had front-end damage. The 50-year-old male driver of the lead SUV was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. Police listed 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and headed straight. The crash shows the risk when drivers tailgate on city streets.
Queens Multi-Car Crash Injures Elderly Driver▸A chain collision on Union Turnpike in Queens left a 72-year-old driver injured with neck pain and shock. The crash involved three eastbound vehicles and was caused by a driver following too closely, striking the rear of another vehicle.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:51 on Union Turnpike in Queens involving three eastbound vehicles: a 2022 Ford SUV, a 2016 Honda sedan, and a 2012 Nissan sedan. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicles, indicating a rear-end chain collision. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error in maintaining unsafe distance. The 72-year-old male driver of the Honda sedan was injured, suffering neck pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and the severe consequences for vulnerable occupants in multi-vehicle collisions.
S 2714Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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 2024-03-27
S 6808Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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 2024-03-20
Governor Hochul scrapped congestion pricing. The MTA lost a billion a year. Lawmakers scrambled. Senator Liz Krueger rejected a payroll tax hike. The MTA faces a funding cliff. Subway upgrades, elevators, and clean buses now hang in the balance.
""The [payroll] mobility tax is one, we see that as a possibility,"" -- David Weprin
On June 6, 2024, Governor Hochul’s sudden reversal on Manhattan congestion pricing sparked chaos in Albany. The plan, set to start June 30, would have charged drivers $15 to enter below 60th Street, raising $1 billion yearly for transit. Hochul proposed a payroll tax hike instead, but State Senator Liz Krueger opposed it, saying, "I do not think we have an appetite for that in the Senate." The bill’s fate is uncertain as the legislative session ends. The MTA board, city officials, and business groups all voiced concern. Projects like the Second Avenue Subway, subway accessibility, and zero-emission buses now face cancellation. No alternative funding plan exists. Vulnerable riders—those who rely on transit—stand to lose the most.
- Gov. Hochul’s congestion toll flip-flop spurs mad scramble at NY Capitol, gothamist.com, Published 2024-06-06
Weprin Opposes NYC Payroll Tax Hike Threatening Transit▸Council members slam Hochul’s last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion pricing. Transit funding hangs in limbo. Liz Krueger says the tax lacks support. Riders and workers face uncertainty as lawmakers reject new burdens and demand fairer solutions.
On June 6, 2024, State Sen. Liz Krueger (District 28) and other lawmakers responded to a proposed New York City tax hike meant to replace the indefinitely postponed $15 congestion pricing tolls. The measure, debated as Bill 28, has not advanced in committee and faces strong opposition. The matter, described as 'a last-minute funding move that drew fierce opposition,' has Krueger stating, 'I think it does not have support.' Assemblyman Brian Cunningham echoed, 'No new taxes.' The proposal would raise the payroll mobility tax, already increased last year, to fund the MTA. Rep. Jerry Nadler and business groups argue the tax unfairly targets NYC, while congestion pricing would have spread costs regionally. With the legislative session ending, MTA projects remain at risk. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.
-
Outrage mounts as Hochul pushes last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion tolls: ‘Insulting joke’,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-06-06
S 8607Weprin votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-06-03
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-05-28
5Bus Strikes Parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard▸A northbound bus collided with multiple parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. Unsafe speed by the bus driver caused the crash. Five occupants in the bus suffered back, head, and neck injuries. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.
According to the police report, at 6:05 AM on Springfield Boulevard in Queens, a northbound bus struck several parked SUVs. The bus was passing when the collision occurred, impacting the right front bumper and right front quarter panel. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the bus operator. Five bus occupants were injured, including the 30-year-old female driver who suffered a back injury and four passengers with head, neck, and back injuries. All occupants were conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash. The parked SUVs sustained damage primarily to their center back ends and left rear quarter panels. The report does not list any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
Sedan Left Turn Hits Moped Rider in Queens▸A moped rider suffered chest injuries and partial ejection after a sedan made a left turn and struck him. The crash happened on 73 Avenue in Queens, with driver inattention and distraction cited as contributing factors. The rider was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 73 Avenue in Queens was making a left turn when it collided with a moped also traveling east. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained chest abrasions. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan's point of impact was the left front quarter panel, while the moped's damage was centered on the front end. The moped rider was wearing a helmet, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed and male. This collision highlights driver errors during turning maneuvers leading to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.
Stavisky Supports Safety Boosting Queens Express Bus Expansion▸Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.
On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.
-
Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-05-16
SUV Slams Into Rear of Another on Union Turnpike▸Two SUVs collided on Union Turnpike. The trailing driver followed too close and struck the lead SUV. A 50-year-old man suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the cause.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles were traveling west on Union Turnpike in Queens when the second SUV struck the first at the right rear bumper. The lead vehicle suffered center back-end damage, while the striking SUV had front-end damage. The 50-year-old male driver of the lead SUV was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. Police listed 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and headed straight. The crash shows the risk when drivers tailgate on city streets.
Queens Multi-Car Crash Injures Elderly Driver▸A chain collision on Union Turnpike in Queens left a 72-year-old driver injured with neck pain and shock. The crash involved three eastbound vehicles and was caused by a driver following too closely, striking the rear of another vehicle.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:51 on Union Turnpike in Queens involving three eastbound vehicles: a 2022 Ford SUV, a 2016 Honda sedan, and a 2012 Nissan sedan. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicles, indicating a rear-end chain collision. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error in maintaining unsafe distance. The 72-year-old male driver of the Honda sedan was injured, suffering neck pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and the severe consequences for vulnerable occupants in multi-vehicle collisions.
S 2714Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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 2024-03-27
S 6808Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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 2024-03-20
Council members slam Hochul’s last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion pricing. Transit funding hangs in limbo. Liz Krueger says the tax lacks support. Riders and workers face uncertainty as lawmakers reject new burdens and demand fairer solutions.
On June 6, 2024, State Sen. Liz Krueger (District 28) and other lawmakers responded to a proposed New York City tax hike meant to replace the indefinitely postponed $15 congestion pricing tolls. The measure, debated as Bill 28, has not advanced in committee and faces strong opposition. The matter, described as 'a last-minute funding move that drew fierce opposition,' has Krueger stating, 'I think it does not have support.' Assemblyman Brian Cunningham echoed, 'No new taxes.' The proposal would raise the payroll mobility tax, already increased last year, to fund the MTA. Rep. Jerry Nadler and business groups argue the tax unfairly targets NYC, while congestion pricing would have spread costs regionally. With the legislative session ending, MTA projects remain at risk. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.
- Outrage mounts as Hochul pushes last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion tolls: ‘Insulting joke’, nypost.com, Published 2024-06-06
S 8607Weprin votes yes on Kingston school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.▸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 2024-06-06
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-06-03
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-05-28
5Bus Strikes Parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard▸A northbound bus collided with multiple parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. Unsafe speed by the bus driver caused the crash. Five occupants in the bus suffered back, head, and neck injuries. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.
According to the police report, at 6:05 AM on Springfield Boulevard in Queens, a northbound bus struck several parked SUVs. The bus was passing when the collision occurred, impacting the right front bumper and right front quarter panel. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the bus operator. Five bus occupants were injured, including the 30-year-old female driver who suffered a back injury and four passengers with head, neck, and back injuries. All occupants were conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash. The parked SUVs sustained damage primarily to their center back ends and left rear quarter panels. The report does not list any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
Sedan Left Turn Hits Moped Rider in Queens▸A moped rider suffered chest injuries and partial ejection after a sedan made a left turn and struck him. The crash happened on 73 Avenue in Queens, with driver inattention and distraction cited as contributing factors. The rider was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 73 Avenue in Queens was making a left turn when it collided with a moped also traveling east. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained chest abrasions. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan's point of impact was the left front quarter panel, while the moped's damage was centered on the front end. The moped rider was wearing a helmet, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed and male. This collision highlights driver errors during turning maneuvers leading to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.
Stavisky Supports Safety Boosting Queens Express Bus Expansion▸Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.
On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.
-
Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-05-16
SUV Slams Into Rear of Another on Union Turnpike▸Two SUVs collided on Union Turnpike. The trailing driver followed too close and struck the lead SUV. A 50-year-old man suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the cause.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles were traveling west on Union Turnpike in Queens when the second SUV struck the first at the right rear bumper. The lead vehicle suffered center back-end damage, while the striking SUV had front-end damage. The 50-year-old male driver of the lead SUV was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. Police listed 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and headed straight. The crash shows the risk when drivers tailgate on city streets.
Queens Multi-Car Crash Injures Elderly Driver▸A chain collision on Union Turnpike in Queens left a 72-year-old driver injured with neck pain and shock. The crash involved three eastbound vehicles and was caused by a driver following too closely, striking the rear of another vehicle.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:51 on Union Turnpike in Queens involving three eastbound vehicles: a 2022 Ford SUV, a 2016 Honda sedan, and a 2012 Nissan sedan. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicles, indicating a rear-end chain collision. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error in maintaining unsafe distance. The 72-year-old male driver of the Honda sedan was injured, suffering neck pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and the severe consequences for vulnerable occupants in multi-vehicle collisions.
S 2714Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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 2024-03-27
S 6808Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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 2024-03-20
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 2024-06-06
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-06-03
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-05-28
5Bus Strikes Parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard▸A northbound bus collided with multiple parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. Unsafe speed by the bus driver caused the crash. Five occupants in the bus suffered back, head, and neck injuries. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.
According to the police report, at 6:05 AM on Springfield Boulevard in Queens, a northbound bus struck several parked SUVs. The bus was passing when the collision occurred, impacting the right front bumper and right front quarter panel. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the bus operator. Five bus occupants were injured, including the 30-year-old female driver who suffered a back injury and four passengers with head, neck, and back injuries. All occupants were conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash. The parked SUVs sustained damage primarily to their center back ends and left rear quarter panels. The report does not list any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
Sedan Left Turn Hits Moped Rider in Queens▸A moped rider suffered chest injuries and partial ejection after a sedan made a left turn and struck him. The crash happened on 73 Avenue in Queens, with driver inattention and distraction cited as contributing factors. The rider was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 73 Avenue in Queens was making a left turn when it collided with a moped also traveling east. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained chest abrasions. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan's point of impact was the left front quarter panel, while the moped's damage was centered on the front end. The moped rider was wearing a helmet, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed and male. This collision highlights driver errors during turning maneuvers leading to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.
Stavisky Supports Safety Boosting Queens Express Bus Expansion▸Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.
On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.
-
Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-05-16
SUV Slams Into Rear of Another on Union Turnpike▸Two SUVs collided on Union Turnpike. The trailing driver followed too close and struck the lead SUV. A 50-year-old man suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the cause.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles were traveling west on Union Turnpike in Queens when the second SUV struck the first at the right rear bumper. The lead vehicle suffered center back-end damage, while the striking SUV had front-end damage. The 50-year-old male driver of the lead SUV was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. Police listed 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and headed straight. The crash shows the risk when drivers tailgate on city streets.
Queens Multi-Car Crash Injures Elderly Driver▸A chain collision on Union Turnpike in Queens left a 72-year-old driver injured with neck pain and shock. The crash involved three eastbound vehicles and was caused by a driver following too closely, striking the rear of another vehicle.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:51 on Union Turnpike in Queens involving three eastbound vehicles: a 2022 Ford SUV, a 2016 Honda sedan, and a 2012 Nissan sedan. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicles, indicating a rear-end chain collision. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error in maintaining unsafe distance. The 72-year-old male driver of the Honda sedan was injured, suffering neck pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and the severe consequences for vulnerable occupants in multi-vehicle collisions.
S 2714Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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 2024-03-27
S 6808Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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 2024-03-20
Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
- File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03
S 9718Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
-
File S 9718,
Open States,
Published 2024-05-28
5Bus Strikes Parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard▸A northbound bus collided with multiple parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. Unsafe speed by the bus driver caused the crash. Five occupants in the bus suffered back, head, and neck injuries. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.
According to the police report, at 6:05 AM on Springfield Boulevard in Queens, a northbound bus struck several parked SUVs. The bus was passing when the collision occurred, impacting the right front bumper and right front quarter panel. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the bus operator. Five bus occupants were injured, including the 30-year-old female driver who suffered a back injury and four passengers with head, neck, and back injuries. All occupants were conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash. The parked SUVs sustained damage primarily to their center back ends and left rear quarter panels. The report does not list any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
Sedan Left Turn Hits Moped Rider in Queens▸A moped rider suffered chest injuries and partial ejection after a sedan made a left turn and struck him. The crash happened on 73 Avenue in Queens, with driver inattention and distraction cited as contributing factors. The rider was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 73 Avenue in Queens was making a left turn when it collided with a moped also traveling east. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained chest abrasions. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan's point of impact was the left front quarter panel, while the moped's damage was centered on the front end. The moped rider was wearing a helmet, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed and male. This collision highlights driver errors during turning maneuvers leading to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.
Stavisky Supports Safety Boosting Queens Express Bus Expansion▸Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.
On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.
-
Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-05-16
SUV Slams Into Rear of Another on Union Turnpike▸Two SUVs collided on Union Turnpike. The trailing driver followed too close and struck the lead SUV. A 50-year-old man suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the cause.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles were traveling west on Union Turnpike in Queens when the second SUV struck the first at the right rear bumper. The lead vehicle suffered center back-end damage, while the striking SUV had front-end damage. The 50-year-old male driver of the lead SUV was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. Police listed 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and headed straight. The crash shows the risk when drivers tailgate on city streets.
Queens Multi-Car Crash Injures Elderly Driver▸A chain collision on Union Turnpike in Queens left a 72-year-old driver injured with neck pain and shock. The crash involved three eastbound vehicles and was caused by a driver following too closely, striking the rear of another vehicle.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:51 on Union Turnpike in Queens involving three eastbound vehicles: a 2022 Ford SUV, a 2016 Honda sedan, and a 2012 Nissan sedan. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicles, indicating a rear-end chain collision. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error in maintaining unsafe distance. The 72-year-old male driver of the Honda sedan was injured, suffering neck pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and the severe consequences for vulnerable occupants in multi-vehicle collisions.
S 2714Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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 2024-03-27
S 6808Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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 2024-03-20
Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.
Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.
- File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28
5Bus Strikes Parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard▸A northbound bus collided with multiple parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. Unsafe speed by the bus driver caused the crash. Five occupants in the bus suffered back, head, and neck injuries. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.
According to the police report, at 6:05 AM on Springfield Boulevard in Queens, a northbound bus struck several parked SUVs. The bus was passing when the collision occurred, impacting the right front bumper and right front quarter panel. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the bus operator. Five bus occupants were injured, including the 30-year-old female driver who suffered a back injury and four passengers with head, neck, and back injuries. All occupants were conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash. The parked SUVs sustained damage primarily to their center back ends and left rear quarter panels. The report does not list any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
Sedan Left Turn Hits Moped Rider in Queens▸A moped rider suffered chest injuries and partial ejection after a sedan made a left turn and struck him. The crash happened on 73 Avenue in Queens, with driver inattention and distraction cited as contributing factors. The rider was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 73 Avenue in Queens was making a left turn when it collided with a moped also traveling east. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained chest abrasions. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan's point of impact was the left front quarter panel, while the moped's damage was centered on the front end. The moped rider was wearing a helmet, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed and male. This collision highlights driver errors during turning maneuvers leading to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.
Stavisky Supports Safety Boosting Queens Express Bus Expansion▸Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.
On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.
-
Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-05-16
SUV Slams Into Rear of Another on Union Turnpike▸Two SUVs collided on Union Turnpike. The trailing driver followed too close and struck the lead SUV. A 50-year-old man suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the cause.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles were traveling west on Union Turnpike in Queens when the second SUV struck the first at the right rear bumper. The lead vehicle suffered center back-end damage, while the striking SUV had front-end damage. The 50-year-old male driver of the lead SUV was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. Police listed 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and headed straight. The crash shows the risk when drivers tailgate on city streets.
Queens Multi-Car Crash Injures Elderly Driver▸A chain collision on Union Turnpike in Queens left a 72-year-old driver injured with neck pain and shock. The crash involved three eastbound vehicles and was caused by a driver following too closely, striking the rear of another vehicle.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:51 on Union Turnpike in Queens involving three eastbound vehicles: a 2022 Ford SUV, a 2016 Honda sedan, and a 2012 Nissan sedan. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicles, indicating a rear-end chain collision. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error in maintaining unsafe distance. The 72-year-old male driver of the Honda sedan was injured, suffering neck pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and the severe consequences for vulnerable occupants in multi-vehicle collisions.
S 2714Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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 2024-03-27
S 6808Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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 2024-03-20
A northbound bus collided with multiple parked SUVs on Springfield Boulevard in Queens. Unsafe speed by the bus driver caused the crash. Five occupants in the bus suffered back, head, and neck injuries. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.
According to the police report, at 6:05 AM on Springfield Boulevard in Queens, a northbound bus struck several parked SUVs. The bus was passing when the collision occurred, impacting the right front bumper and right front quarter panel. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the bus operator. Five bus occupants were injured, including the 30-year-old female driver who suffered a back injury and four passengers with head, neck, and back injuries. All occupants were conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash. The parked SUVs sustained damage primarily to their center back ends and left rear quarter panels. The report does not list any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.
Sedan Left Turn Hits Moped Rider in Queens▸A moped rider suffered chest injuries and partial ejection after a sedan made a left turn and struck him. The crash happened on 73 Avenue in Queens, with driver inattention and distraction cited as contributing factors. The rider was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 73 Avenue in Queens was making a left turn when it collided with a moped also traveling east. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained chest abrasions. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan's point of impact was the left front quarter panel, while the moped's damage was centered on the front end. The moped rider was wearing a helmet, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed and male. This collision highlights driver errors during turning maneuvers leading to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.
Stavisky Supports Safety Boosting Queens Express Bus Expansion▸Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.
On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.
-
Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-05-16
SUV Slams Into Rear of Another on Union Turnpike▸Two SUVs collided on Union Turnpike. The trailing driver followed too close and struck the lead SUV. A 50-year-old man suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the cause.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles were traveling west on Union Turnpike in Queens when the second SUV struck the first at the right rear bumper. The lead vehicle suffered center back-end damage, while the striking SUV had front-end damage. The 50-year-old male driver of the lead SUV was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. Police listed 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and headed straight. The crash shows the risk when drivers tailgate on city streets.
Queens Multi-Car Crash Injures Elderly Driver▸A chain collision on Union Turnpike in Queens left a 72-year-old driver injured with neck pain and shock. The crash involved three eastbound vehicles and was caused by a driver following too closely, striking the rear of another vehicle.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:51 on Union Turnpike in Queens involving three eastbound vehicles: a 2022 Ford SUV, a 2016 Honda sedan, and a 2012 Nissan sedan. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicles, indicating a rear-end chain collision. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error in maintaining unsafe distance. The 72-year-old male driver of the Honda sedan was injured, suffering neck pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and the severe consequences for vulnerable occupants in multi-vehicle collisions.
S 2714Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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 2024-03-27
S 6808Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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 2024-03-20
A moped rider suffered chest injuries and partial ejection after a sedan made a left turn and struck him. The crash happened on 73 Avenue in Queens, with driver inattention and distraction cited as contributing factors. The rider was conscious but injured.
According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 73 Avenue in Queens was making a left turn when it collided with a moped also traveling east. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained chest abrasions. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan's point of impact was the left front quarter panel, while the moped's damage was centered on the front end. The moped rider was wearing a helmet, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed and male. This collision highlights driver errors during turning maneuvers leading to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.
Stavisky Supports Safety Boosting Queens Express Bus Expansion▸Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.
On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.
-
Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins,
nypost.com,
Published 2024-05-16
SUV Slams Into Rear of Another on Union Turnpike▸Two SUVs collided on Union Turnpike. The trailing driver followed too close and struck the lead SUV. A 50-year-old man suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the cause.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles were traveling west on Union Turnpike in Queens when the second SUV struck the first at the right rear bumper. The lead vehicle suffered center back-end damage, while the striking SUV had front-end damage. The 50-year-old male driver of the lead SUV was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. Police listed 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and headed straight. The crash shows the risk when drivers tailgate on city streets.
Queens Multi-Car Crash Injures Elderly Driver▸A chain collision on Union Turnpike in Queens left a 72-year-old driver injured with neck pain and shock. The crash involved three eastbound vehicles and was caused by a driver following too closely, striking the rear of another vehicle.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:51 on Union Turnpike in Queens involving three eastbound vehicles: a 2022 Ford SUV, a 2016 Honda sedan, and a 2012 Nissan sedan. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicles, indicating a rear-end chain collision. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error in maintaining unsafe distance. The 72-year-old male driver of the Honda sedan was injured, suffering neck pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and the severe consequences for vulnerable occupants in multi-vehicle collisions.
S 2714Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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 2024-03-27
S 6808Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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 2024-03-20
Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.
On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.
- Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins, nypost.com, Published 2024-05-16
SUV Slams Into Rear of Another on Union Turnpike▸Two SUVs collided on Union Turnpike. The trailing driver followed too close and struck the lead SUV. A 50-year-old man suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the cause.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles were traveling west on Union Turnpike in Queens when the second SUV struck the first at the right rear bumper. The lead vehicle suffered center back-end damage, while the striking SUV had front-end damage. The 50-year-old male driver of the lead SUV was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. Police listed 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and headed straight. The crash shows the risk when drivers tailgate on city streets.
Queens Multi-Car Crash Injures Elderly Driver▸A chain collision on Union Turnpike in Queens left a 72-year-old driver injured with neck pain and shock. The crash involved three eastbound vehicles and was caused by a driver following too closely, striking the rear of another vehicle.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:51 on Union Turnpike in Queens involving three eastbound vehicles: a 2022 Ford SUV, a 2016 Honda sedan, and a 2012 Nissan sedan. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicles, indicating a rear-end chain collision. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error in maintaining unsafe distance. The 72-year-old male driver of the Honda sedan was injured, suffering neck pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and the severe consequences for vulnerable occupants in multi-vehicle collisions.
S 2714Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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 2024-03-27
S 6808Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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 2024-03-20
Two SUVs collided on Union Turnpike. The trailing driver followed too close and struck the lead SUV. A 50-year-old man suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the cause.
According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles were traveling west on Union Turnpike in Queens when the second SUV struck the first at the right rear bumper. The lead vehicle suffered center back-end damage, while the striking SUV had front-end damage. The 50-year-old male driver of the lead SUV was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. Police listed 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and headed straight. The crash shows the risk when drivers tailgate on city streets.
Queens Multi-Car Crash Injures Elderly Driver▸A chain collision on Union Turnpike in Queens left a 72-year-old driver injured with neck pain and shock. The crash involved three eastbound vehicles and was caused by a driver following too closely, striking the rear of another vehicle.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:51 on Union Turnpike in Queens involving three eastbound vehicles: a 2022 Ford SUV, a 2016 Honda sedan, and a 2012 Nissan sedan. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicles, indicating a rear-end chain collision. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error in maintaining unsafe distance. The 72-year-old male driver of the Honda sedan was injured, suffering neck pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and the severe consequences for vulnerable occupants in multi-vehicle collisions.
S 2714Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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 2024-03-27
S 6808Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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 2024-03-20
A chain collision on Union Turnpike in Queens left a 72-year-old driver injured with neck pain and shock. The crash involved three eastbound vehicles and was caused by a driver following too closely, striking the rear of another vehicle.
According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:51 on Union Turnpike in Queens involving three eastbound vehicles: a 2022 Ford SUV, a 2016 Honda sedan, and a 2012 Nissan sedan. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicles, indicating a rear-end chain collision. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error in maintaining unsafe distance. The 72-year-old male driver of the Honda sedan was injured, suffering neck pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and the severe consequences for vulnerable occupants in multi-vehicle collisions.
S 2714Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸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 2024-03-27
S 6808Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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 2024-03-20
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 2024-03-27
S 6808Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸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 2024-03-20
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 2024-03-20