Another Child Dead. Leaders Shrug. How Many More Before They Act?

Speaker Adrienne Adams called out city failures. She demanded action on bike lanes, bus lanes, and housing. She pressed for tracking DOT progress. She blasted budget cuts. She wants deeper affordability. She put vulnerable New Yorkers at the center.

"The council will also pursue legislation requiring the city Department of Transportation to track progress on projects that fall under its Streets Master Plan, passed by the council in 2019, which requires the agency complete construction on a certain number of bike and bus lanes each year." -- Charles Fall

On March 13, 2024, Speaker Adrienne Adams (District 28) delivered her State of the City address at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. She called for new legislation to require the Department of Transportation to track progress on the Streets Master Plan, which mandates yearly construction of bike and bus lanes. Adams criticized the mayor for failing to meet these benchmarks and for cutting funding to vital services. She said, 'Our duty is to turn these ideas into effective laws and to conduct oversight... But laws and policies are only as good as their implementation.' Adams also proposed using city land for affordable housing and expressed conditional support for zoning reforms, insisting on deeper affordability. Her speech centered the needs of low-income and working-class New Yorkers, especially in Black and brown communities.

• State of the City: Speaker Adams lays out vision for boosting government effectiveness, building more affordable housing, amny.com, Published 2024-03-13

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

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

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

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

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

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

A 72-year-old woman drove her SUV west on Jewett Avenue. Something struck. Her chest bore the brunt. Belted in, awake, she waited in the dark, pain blooming, silence thick. The night pressed in, the street held its secrets.

According to the police report, a 72-year-old woman was driving her 2021 Mazda SUV westbound on Jewett Avenue near College Avenue in Staten Island. The report states she was the sole occupant, traveling straight ahead when the crash occurred. The narrative details, 'Something hit. Her chest crushed. Belted in, awake, she waited in silence while the night held its breath.' The police report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor, indicating a vehicle-related error played a role in the crash. The driver suffered chest injuries described as 'crush injuries' and was conscious at the scene. No mention is made of pedestrian or cyclist involvement, and no victim behavior is cited as a contributing factor. The focus remains on the circumstances and the vehicle-related factors that led to the driver’s injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708047 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Car-first policies kill. Denialists stall bike lanes, street redesigns, and e-bike freedom. Fake experts, endless meetings, and bad laws keep streets deadly. Advocates must expose these tactics. The fight is for life, not convenience.

This opinion piece, published March 4, 2024 by Streetsblog NYC, dissects how denialist tactics undermine safety reforms in New York City. The article, titled 'Understanding Car Culture ‘Denialism’ Can Help Safety Advocates Respond,' details how fake experts, logical fallacies, and shifting demands block alternatives to car-centric streets. Council Member Robert Holden is named for pushing e-bike licensing, a move described as 'extremely harmful' for vulnerable road users. The article criticizes engineers and community boards who resist bike lanes and street redesigns. It urges advocates to call out denialist rhetoric and challenge the roots of car-first policies. The piece stands firmly for bike lanes, e-bikes, and safer streets, and against delays that keep New Yorkers in danger.

• Understanding Car Culture ‘Denialism’ Can Help Safety Advocates Respond, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-04

Council Member Holden pushes e-bike licensing. Advocates warn: this move will slash e-bike use, boost car traffic, and choke the city with more danger. Denialism shields car dominance. The fight for safer streets grows sharper, louder, urgent.

On March 4, 2024, Council Member Robert F. Holden (District 30) was spotlighted for proposing legislation to require licensing and registration for all e-bikes. The measure, discussed in an advocacy article, has not advanced to committee or vote. The article states: 'Council Member Robert Holden has proposed legislation to require licensing and registration for all e-bikes. This legislation will be extremely harmful if it becomes law—likely cutting e-bike use, increasing motorcycle and car emissions and traffic, and forfeiting economic benefits associated with micro-mobility.' Holden’s push aligns with car-centric policy, drawing sharp criticism from safety advocates. They argue the bill would endanger vulnerable road users by forcing more people into cars and away from safer, sustainable options. The piece calls for direct confrontation of denialist rhetoric and a shift from car dependency to protect lives on city streets.

• Understanding Car Culture 'Denialism' Can Help Safety Advocates Respond, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-03-04

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

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

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

Council bill pushes demand-based parking in crowded boroughs. DOT must set rates, tweak with notice. Exempt vehicles dodge new fees. Streets may shift. Pedestrians and cyclists watch the curb.

Int 0474-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Julie Won and co-sponsored by Williams, Restler, Salaam, Bottcher, Riley, Brewer, Farías, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The bill orders DOT to create at least one dynamic parking zone per borough, with rates rising or falling by real-time demand. DOT must set the range before launch and give a week’s notice for changes. Vehicles with special permits stay exempt. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to establishing dynamic parking zones.' No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• File Int 0474-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill pushes DOT to set surge-priced parking in every borough. Rates rise or fall with demand. Exempt cars keep their perks. Streets may shift, but the curb stays contested.

Int 0474-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 28, 2024. The bill orders DOT to create at least one dynamic parking zone per borough, with rates that change by real-time demand. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to establishing dynamic parking zones.' Council Members Julie Won (primary), Williams, Restler, Salaam, Bottcher, Riley, Brewer, and Farías (by request of the Brooklyn Borough President) sponsor the bill. Vehicles with special permits remain exempt from new fees. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0474-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill pushes DOT to set surge-priced parking in every borough. Rates rise or fall with demand. Exempt cars keep their perks. Streets may shift, but the curb stays contested.

Int 0474-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 28, 2024. The bill orders DOT to create at least one dynamic parking zone per borough, with rates that change by real-time demand. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to establishing dynamic parking zones.' Council Members Julie Won (primary), Williams, Restler, Salaam, Bottcher, Riley, Brewer, and Farías (by request of the Brooklyn Borough President) sponsor the bill. Vehicles with special permits remain exempt from new fees. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0474-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council wants 500 solar-lit crosswalks in five years. Bright signals cut through the dark. The bill demands action and a study. Safety for walkers, not drivers. No more hiding in the shadows.

Int 0301-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to install at least 100 illuminated, solar-powered traffic control devices at crosswalks each year for five years. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law...in relation to the installation of solar-powered crosswalks.' Council Member Lincoln Restler leads, joined by Menin, Brooks-Powers, Rivera, and others. The bill also requires a study comparing these devices to standard signs. The city must report findings within two years. The goal: more visible crossings, fewer deadly impacts.

• File Int 0301-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to form a board on school crossing guard deployment. NYPD, DOT, and DOE must report twice a year. The aim: more eyes on street danger where kids cross.

Bill Int 0448-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to an advisory board on crossing guard deployment," calls for NYPD, DOT, and DOE to join an advisory board. The board must send biannual reports on crossing guard needs to the Mayor, Council Speaker, and Police Commissioner. Council Member Kamillah Hanks leads as primary sponsor, joined by Stevens, Schulman, Salaam, and others. The Bronx Borough President requested the bill. The board’s reports could spotlight gaps and push for better protection at dangerous crossings.

• File Int 0448-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council eyes bigger NYPD tow pounds. Bill demands enough space to haul away law-breaking cars. Public reports would track towing. Committee shelves action. Streets wait.

Int 0179-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Public Safety, would require the NYPD to run tow pounds with enough capacity to deter illegal driving. The bill, introduced February 28, 2024, and discussed again on April 28, 2025, reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to police department tow pound capacity.' Council Member Kamillah Hanks led as primary sponsor, joined by Feliz, Farías, Narcisse, Restler, Hudson, Louis, and Holden. The bill also calls for public reports on towing operations. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users.

• File Int 0179-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

For the second year, DOT failed to meet legal targets for new protected bike and bus lanes. Council Member Brooks-Powers slammed the slow pace. Cyclist deaths hit a 21st-century high. Promises broken. Streets remain deadly. Progress stalls. Riders pay the price.

On February 25, 2024, the City Council, led by Transportation Committee Chair Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (District 31), publicly criticized the Department of Transportation for missing legal mandates on new bus and bike lane construction. The matter, titled 'Spinning wheels: Adams admin misses legal benchmarks for new bus, bike lanes for second year in a row, DOT data shows,' revealed DOT built only 31.9 miles of protected bike lanes and 5.2 miles of protected bus lanes in 2023—far short of the 50 and 30 miles required by the Streets Master Plan. Brooks-Powers stated, 'The Streets Plan is the law, and the Department of Transportation is still failing to fulfill its legal obligations.' She promised to hold DOT accountable at an upcoming budget hearing. The city also lagged on bus stop upgrades, completing just 54 out of 500 required. Cyclist fatalities soared to 30 in 2023, the highest this century. Advocates and council members warn that continued delays and weakened projects put vulnerable road users at greater risk.

• Spinning wheels: Adams admin misses legal benchmarks for new bus, bike lanes for second year in a row, DOT data shows, amny.com, Published 2024-02-25

Brooklyn’s Community Board 7 voted 32-1 to support DOT’s plan for a road diet on deadly Third Avenue. The redesign cuts car lanes, adds protected bike lanes, and builds pedestrian islands. Fourteen people have died here since 2016. Locals demand real change.

On February 23, 2024, Brooklyn’s Community Board 7 nearly unanimously endorsed the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) proposal to redesign Third Avenue, a corridor where 14 people have died since 2016. The board’s transportation committee chair called the changes 'long overdue.' The plan, discussed in workshops since spring 2023, would reduce the avenue from three to two moving lanes each way, add parking-protected bike lanes, and install painted pedestrian islands. Board members, including Katie Walsh and Gabino Morales, voiced strong support, with Morales stating, 'This is just a beginning of what we could do to fix our community.' Diana Gonzalez described the avenue as a place where 'they're gonna kill you.' The board will urge DOT to go beyond paint and install hard infrastructure. DOT aims to finalize plans after further traffic analysis, with implementation possible in late 2024.

• Community Board Backs DOT Road Diet for Brooklyn’s Deadly Third Av., Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-23

The MTA will build a real bike lane on the Henry Hudson Bridge by 2025. Cyclists and pedestrians will get an eight-foot path, replacing the narrow, unsafe walkway. The project promises safer, legal passage between Manhattan and the Bronx for all non-drivers.

On February 20, 2024, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced a $20-million overhaul for the Henry Hudson Bridge. The plan will close the current narrow walkway this fall and replace it with an eight-foot-wide path for cyclists and pedestrians by year’s end. The project is part of a broader push to make three MTA bridges accessible to non-drivers. MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer said, 'The MTA has made great progress in planned capital improvements to pedestrian and bike accessibility on bridges.' Local cyclist Allegra LeGrande called the move overdue, noting, 'If they build it they will come.' The project includes a cantilevered ramp for wheelchair access and improved exits. While the path is closed, a shuttle bus may run for six weeks. The overhaul answers years of calls for safe, direct bike connections between the Bronx and Manhattan, and throws down a challenge to city agencies to fix the patchwork of local bike paths.

• Henry Hudson Bridge Will Get a Real Bike Lane By 2025, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-20

City plows hit bike lanes early. Narrow machines cut paths on bridges and avenues. Streets gleamed. But sidewalks stayed buried. Pedestrians faced ice and slush. Officials praised their work. Landlords lagged. The city’s promise stopped at the curb.

On February 13, 2024, city agencies responded to the second major snowstorm of the year. The Departments of Sanitation and Transportation used narrow plows to clear bike lanes, including the East River bridges and key protected paths. Commissioner Jessica Tisch said, "We put salt on every street, every highway, every bike lane in the city, we've done multiple passes at it." The DOT boasted about clearing the Brooklyn Bridge bike path before sunrise. Citi Bike stayed open. But sidewalks, left to property owners, remained treacherous. Mayor Adams praised road crews while standing by snow-covered pedestrian space. Commissioner Tisch warned, "We want those sidewalks safe tomorrow." The city’s effort favored cyclists and drivers. Pedestrians were left behind, forced to wait for landlords to shovel. The gap in sidewalk clearing remains a systemic danger.

• NYC’s Second Snow Day of 2024 Brings Clearer Bike Lanes, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-13

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2024-02-13

Two sedans collided on Staten Island’s Forest Avenue at 1:45 p.m. The 71-year-old driver suffered back injuries and shock. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way and driver distraction as causes. Both vehicles sustained front quarter panel damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Forest Avenue in Staten Island at 1:45 p.m. Two sedans traveling eastbound collided. The 71-year-old male driver of one sedan was injured, suffering back pain and shock. He was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. One vehicle was merging while the other was going straight ahead. The point of impact was the left front quarter panel of the merging sedan and the right front quarter panel of the other sedan. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front quarter panels. The driver was licensed but distracted, leading to the collision. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700591 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Eighteen lawmakers, including Joseph Borelli, sued to stop New York’s $15 congestion pricing. They claim the toll shifts pollution, burdens drivers, and fails communities with poor transit. The MTA defends the plan, saying it funds safer, less crowded streets.

On February 4, 2024, Council Member Joseph C. Borelli (District 51) joined seventeen other lawmakers in a federal lawsuit to block New York City’s $15 congestion pricing toll for Midtown Manhattan. The suit, supported by both Democrats and Republicans, argues the toll 'is a detriment to those that will be affected by this toll, environmentally and financially,' and claims it will shift traffic and pollution to other neighborhoods. Other plaintiffs include State Senators James Skoufis, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Iwen Chu, Monica Martinez, and Assemblymembers Aileen Gunther, Jamie Williams, and David Weprin. The MTA, backed by Governor Hochul, says the toll will raise $1 billion yearly for transit upgrades, promising safer, less congested streets and better transit for the majority who rely on public transportation. The case highlights the political and environmental battle over how to fund and shape New York’s streets.

• 18 NY lawmakers join suit to block $15 congestion toll, nypost.com, Published 2024-02-04