fss members share their story at nyc congestion pricing rally

Dozens of FSS members held photos and shared their stories to press for congestion pricing at a rally with 800+ New Yorkers urging Governor Hochul to implement congestion pricing.

“In 2010 I was hit by an 18 wheeler semi truck that left me permanently blinded from the impact of the truck hitting my body while I was on my bike. I was really looking forward to congestion pricing happening, to prevent more traumatic injuries and deaths. I am deeply angered and feel the governor has betrayed us,” said Emilie Gossiaux, a member of Families for Safe Streets.

“I lost my beloved son who was killed by a car while crossing the street in the Lower East Side 2 years ago. He was a hard-working young man with a dream to buy us a home. At the very last minute, Gridlock Kathy Hochul is siding with super-rich suburban commuters over the millions of New Yorkers like my family and me, who have lived in Harlem for decades and rely on public transportation to get around,” said Agustina Cano, a member of Families for Safe Streets.

“I lost my son when he was horrifically killed by a turning truck in Queens while riding his bike at the age 14, and life has never been the same since. Congestion pricing is critical towards making New York City a less congested and safer city. Cars are clogging our air, injuring and killing pedestrians and bike riders, and trapping bus riders in constant traffic. I don’t want other families to have to go through what we are going through,” said Martha Valenzuela, a member of Families for Safe Streets.

“I was hit by a car while crossing the street when a car turned into the crosswalk, causing serious knee, leg and wrist injuries, as well as PTSD. Congestion pricing will make our streets safer for pedestrians, drivers, car passengers, cyclists, and bus riders, because fewer vehicle trips will mean fewer crashes. No one should have to live with the aftermath of a traumatizing car crash,” said Kate Brockwehl, a member of Families for Safe Streets.

“My husband and I were cycling together, crossing an intersection on the right of way, when a speeding tow truck turned into us. My husband, Carl Henry Nacht M.D. died three days later from his injuries. Less congestion means fewer lives lost to traffic violence,” said Mary Beth Kelly, a member and co-founder of Families for Safe Streets.