Comptroller Lander, Senator Cleare, AM Lasher, and Safe Streets Advocates Hold a Rally in Memory of Niyell McCrorey, and Demand that the New York State Legislature Pass the Stop Super Speeders Bill

13-year-old Niyell McCrorey’s life was tragically taken when a speeding SUV hit her while she was crossing the street in Harlem. 

In Niyell’s honor, friends, classmates from her school, family members, and elected officials held a rally lifting up the disproportionate impact of traffic violence on communities of color, and calling on the New York State legislature to pass the Stop Super Speeders Bill.

Photos (credit: Transportation Alternatives)

NEW YORK — On Friday, safe streets advocates held a rally at the crash site where 13-year-old Niyell McCrorey was killed last October. They were joined by Comptroller Brad Lander, State Senator Cordell Cleare, and Assemblymember Micah Lasher. The New York State legislature is considering the Stop Super Speeders bill (S4045/A2299), which would put speed limiter devices in the vehicles of repeat speeding offenders. Following the publication of Transportation Alternatives’ Top 10 Super Speeders report, a City Council resolution in support of the Albany legislation was introduced by Harlem Council Member Yusef Salaam.

“Too many New York families — like the McCrorey family — lose loved ones to traffic violence,”  said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. “We could have prevented the deaths of Niyell and the 15 other children who died in crashes in 2024 alone if this Mayoral administration invested in lifesaving infrastructure and held reckless drivers accountable, rather than abandoning Vision Zero. The State legislature must pass the Stop Super Speeders bill and DOT must implement universal daylighting to change course and secure safety for New York City’s streets, once and for all.”

“We should not have to worry about cars. We should be able to walk safely across our streets,”  said State Senator Cordell Cleare. “People who speed are selfish, they’re reckless, and they are not being mindful of the lives of pedestrians. If they can’t control their speed, we should.”

“As a parent raising three children in New York City, I worry every day for the safety of our kids when they are on foot. We must make our streets safer for everyone — pedestrians, bikers, and other drivers. The installation of intelligent speed assistance devices is a necessary step to mitigate dangerous driving and keep our streets safer,” said Assemblymember Micah Lasher. “My deepest condolences to the family of Niyell McCrorey, who have experienced unimaginable loss. The time to act is now.”

“In memory of 13-year-old Niyell McCrorey and many others lost too soon, I proudly support the Speed Limiters bill — a proven, common-sense measure to hold the most dangerous drivers accountable,” said Assemblymember Amanda Septimo. “We cannot let reckless drivers continue to endanger lives with impunity. By requiring repeat speeders to install technology that prevents egregious driving, we can save lives and stop preventable tragedies.”

“I’m sorry that I could not be there today. Please know that I stand in solidarity with Councilman Salaam, fellow elected officials, community leaders, and the McCrorey family. Together, we are committed to bringing this tragedy to light and working to make our streets safer for all,” said Assemblymember Jordan J.G. Wright. “It is always a tragedy to lose a young life. That pain is even deeper when the loss comes from a senseless and preventable act. We are heartbroken by the untimely and tragic loss of young Niyell McCrorey, who was on her way to school when she was struck down by a reckless, speeding driver. Her life, full of promise and potential, was taken far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with Niyell’s family, friends, and school community during this unimaginable time. We call for accountability and urgent action, including the Stop Super Speeders bill, to ensure that no more lives are needlessly lost to reckless driving. Let this be a solemn reminder of the responsibility we all share in keeping our streets safe — especially for our children.”

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