Open Plans Responds to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Lackluster State of the State

NEW YORK—Statement from Open Plans Co-Executive Director Sara Lind on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s State of the State Address:

“Sammy’s Law is an essential and much-needed policy, and Governor Hochul knows that. Sammy’s Law will save New Yorkers’ lives, and its proposed inclusion in this year’s budget is an acknowledgement of a fundamental reality: there is a direct correlation between car speeds and how deadly a crash is. We applaud her commitment to this essential legislation.

“Beyond that, this year’s state budget doesn’t have a lot of other good news if you drive, bike, or walk on New York City streets. As road deaths rise and many city streets descend into further disarray with congestion only getting worse, bus and bike lanes constantly blocked, and reckless drivers facing zero consequences, Governor Hochul should be prioritizing street safety—not doing the bare minimum. The governor should have kicked off 2024 by voicing support for pushing through specific and aggressive policies aimed at improving transit and making it easier and safer to get around New York City—not ignoring critical, complementary policies that would rein in dangerous drivers, automate our curb enforcement, and allow the five boroughs to set its own rules of the road.

“Every day, we see headlines about road deaths and unsafe streets. This situation won’t improve unless and until legislative leaders and our state’s chief executive get laser-focused on measures that will help all New Yorkers—not just the minority who own cars—get around safely, quickly, and pleasantly.

“Right now, our roadways and sidewalks are car-clogged, chaotic, and treacherous, and do not allow for the orderly and secure flow of movement for pedestrians, bus riders, and cyclists. A legislative session in Albany that does not address these key problems facing the state’s largest city will fall short of delivering on the most fundamental promise to New Yorkers: keeping them safe.”

Background

At the state level, Open Plans supports the passage of the SAFE Streets Act package of bills— including especially Sammy’s Law, which would allow the city to set its own speed limits and legislation requiring intelligent speed assistance devices be installed on the vehicles of repeated violators of speed limits; a bill allowing New York City to use automated enforcement of blocked bike lanes; a rebate program for electric assist bicycles and electric scooters; and reauthorization and expansion of New York City’s ability to install and operate traffic-control signal photo violation-monitoring devices (red light cameras).