Pedals & Policy Moving Forward
As the high summer season of riding rolls on, we hope you're finding countless ways to experience the joy, freedom, and connection that bicycling brings. Whether you're pedaling for fitness, transportation, or simple pleasure, you're part of a growing movement that’s changing the way New York moves.
While we enjoy these beautiful summer days on two wheels, it’s important to remember that meaningful change takes effort, on and off the saddle. Behind the scenes, organizations like The New York Bicycling Coalition (NYBC) are hard at work advocating for safer, more equitable streets for all. Thanks to your support many important safe streets bills made significant strides this legislative session.
Here’s a look at where things stand with the four key bills championed by the NYS Safe Streets Coalition and why continued advocacy matters now more than ever.
Legislative Progress: A Session of Milestones and Momentum
Complete Streets Maintenance
Everyone deserves safe, accessible roads, no matter how they travel. This bill would ensure that all transportation projects funded by the state or federal government consider complete streets design features :like sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian safety enhancements. This session, it advanced further than ever before.
✅ Passed Senate
✅ Passed Assembly Transportation Committee
⛔ Awaiting vote in Assembly Rules Committee
We’ll continue pushing to bring it across the finish line next session.
Defined Safe Passing (Three-Foot Bill)
This bill sets a clear standard for drivers to pass people biking, walking, or using mobility devices at a safe minimum distance of three feet. It’s a common-sense law adopted across much of the country, yet it remains stalled in New York.
✅ Passed Senate
⛔ Not voted on in Assembly Transportation Committee
For the third year in a row, this bill was held up in committee. Our resolve to make three feet the law in New York is stronger than ever.
Stop Super Speeders
A small number of reckless drivers cause a disproportionate amount of harm. This bill would require repeat speed violators to install intelligent speed assistance devices, helping curb dangerous behavior before tragedy strikes.
✅ Passed Senate
⛔ Not voted on in Assembly Transportation Committee
We’ll return next session with even more urgency because lives are on the line.
Stop as Yield (Idaho Stop)
Cyclists navigating intersections face significant risks. This bill, modeled on proven legislation elsewhere, would allow cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs and stop lights as stop signs when safe to do so. It’s a smart, data-driven change that saves lives.
✅ Passed Assembly Transportation Committee
⛔ Not voted on in Assembly Rules Committee or Senate Transportation Committee
Thanks to supporters like you, these bills gained more traction this year than ever before. Still, the fight for safer streets isn’t over and it doesn’t pause when the session ends. Staying involved year-round is how we win.
Two Ways To Stay Involved and Make an Impact This Summer
July 8th 1:00 PM or 6:30 PM – Weigh in on NYSDOT’s 2050 Transportation Master Plan The New York State Department of Transportation will host two virtual public meetings to present its draft 2050 Transportation Master Plan. This is your chance to help shape a vision for community-centered, equitable transportation across the state. Public input is critical. If you can not attend either of these sessions comments by the public can still be added until July 27th. Please don’t miss this chance to add your voice to this important conversation. Click here for more Information on the 2050 TMP Draft, Register For Public Meetings or Add Comments )
July 8th 3:00 PM Learn How to Host a “Show Congress” Event Hosted by the League of American Bicyclists, this webinar will guide you through organizing local events that demonstrate to elected officials the real-life value of bicycling in their districts whether it’s a group ride, bike audit, or ribbon-cutting. This Webinar will be recorded for future viewing.
Advocacy Starts with You
Your voice. Your energy. Your support. That’s what powers this movement. Whether you're donating, contacting your legislators, attending events, or simply spreading awareness, you are helping NYBC build a safer, more inclusive bicycling future for all New Yorkers.
We’re incredibly grateful for your partnership.
Ride for Joy. Ride with Purpose.
Summer is when cycling is at its best. Take in the fresh air. Feel the freedom. Share the road with friends and strangers alike. Let each ride remind us why we work so hard for better infrastructure, clearer laws, and safer streets.
We’ll keep you posted on the next steps this fall. Until then, stay safe, stay visible, and never underestimate the power of your pedal strokes or your voice.