Issues: Transportation

Measure Would Rein in Overnight Parking in Residential Areas

BRONX, NY - State Senator Jeff Klein, Assembly Member Michael Benedetto, Council Member James Vacca, and community leaders today called on Governor Paterson to sign legislation that would increase the fine for overnight parking of tractor-trailers on residential streets to $250 for the first offense and $500 for the second offense.

Today, legislation (S7897) Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins introduced and passed in the Senate to protect bicyclists was signed into law. The new law requires motorists to pass bicyclists proceeding in the same direction at a safe distance. Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins introduced the legislation after Merrill Cassell, an avid cyclist and safety advocate, was fatally struck by a vehicle last year, while cycling in Greenburgh, NY.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the State of New York had 42 bicycle-related traffic fatalities in 2008 alone. Requiring motorists to pass at "a safe distance," this legislation will serve to educate the public about the need for motor vehicles and bicyclists to share our roads safely.

 Brooklyn- State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) is today announcing that he has received notification from the Department of Transportation that a flashing yellow light has been approved for installation at the intersection of Gerritsen and Channel Avenue.       The corner has long been one of much concern for the entire Gerritsen Beach community as well as the school community of P.S. 277.  Senator Golden has met with DOT officials on site at this location to observe the traffic study, and has repeatedly contacted the Transportation Department and request traffic calming measures be considered for this intersection.