Blood on the Crosswalk: Manhattan’s Streets Still Kill

Feb 28 - Council targets fake and expired plates. Bill sets fines. Ten-day grace for expired tags. Crackdown aims at cars that dodge law and endanger streets. Committee on Public Safety holds the measure.

Int 0177-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle with fraudulent or expired license plates,' makes it illegal to drive with fake or expired plates, including temporary ones. Civil penalties apply, but drivers with expired plates get a 10-day cure period. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Feliz, Salamanca, Powers, Restler, Won, Brewer, Schulman, Ung, Marte, Hudson, Avilés, De La Rosa, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The bill targets drivers who hide behind illegal plates, a tactic often linked to hit-and-runs and reckless driving.

• File Int 0177-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council moves to create a DOT parking squad. The bill targets illegal parking. Sponsors say it will enforce rules. Streets choke on blocked lanes. Pedestrians and cyclists pay the price.

Bill Int 0264-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it would require the Department of Transportation to form a unit focused on parking violations. The matter title reads: 'Establishment of a parking enforcement unit within the department of transportation.' Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Crystal Hudson, Erik D. Bottcher, and others. The bill aims to crack down on illegal parking, a known threat to people on foot and bike. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but blocked lanes endanger all who travel outside a car.

• File Int 0264-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council bill orders speed humps on roads beside parks over one acre. DOT can skip spots if safety or rules demand. Law aims to slow cars where families walk, run, and play.

Int 0262-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill reads: “requiring the installation of speed humps on roadways adjacent to any park equal or greater than one acre.” Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by eighteen co-sponsors. The Department of Transportation must install speed humps unless the commissioner finds a risk to safety or a conflict with DOT guidelines. The law would take effect 180 days after passage. The measure targets streets where parks meet traffic, aiming to slow cars and shield people outside vehicles.

• File Int 0262-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council bill targets private car permits. Only elected officials, disabled drivers, and union contracts keep parking perks. Streets may clear. Danger shifts. Committee weighs next step.

Int 0411-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after its February 28, 2024 introduction. The bill, sponsored by Julie Won, Lincoln Restler, Gale Brewer, Christopher Marte, Erik Bottcher, Alexa Avilés, and the Brooklyn Borough President, aims to 'prohibit any city agency from issuing parking permits to private vehicles that do not have an elected official license plate, and would provide for the revocation of such parking permits.' Exemptions remain for people with disabilities and collective bargaining agreements. The bill seeks to cut back on private car privileges, a move that could reshape curb space and city streets.

• File Int 0411-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council urges Albany to pass SAFE Streets Act. Lower speed limits. Rights for crash victims. Safe passing for cyclists. Complete streets. City demands action as deaths rise. Streets remain deadly. Lawmakers must act.

Resolution 0090-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it calls on the state to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law') and A.1901, part of the SAFE Streets Act. The matter title: 'Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.2422... allowing New York city to establish a lower speed limit, and A.1901, enacting a crash victims bill of rights.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif leads, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Nurse, and others. The resolution demands lower speed limits, crash victim rights, safe passing for cyclists, and complete street design. It cites rising traffic deaths and the failure of current measures. The Council wants Albany to give the city real power to protect people on its streets.

• File Res 0090-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 27 - A 27-year-old woman crossing Canal Street with the signal was struck by a westbound van making a left turn. The van failed to yield right-of-way, causing the pedestrian to suffer a bruised elbow and lower arm injuries.

According to the police report, a van traveling west on Canal Street was making a left turn when it struck a 27-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her elbow and lower arm, classified as injury severity level 3. The report explicitly cites the van driver's failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor to the crash. The van showed no visible damage despite the impact occurring at its center front end. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted, but the primary cause identified is the driver's failure to yield. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705759 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 27 - A 44-year-old woman was injured crossing West Street with the signal when a 2023 Ford SUV made a left turn and struck her on the left side. She suffered abrasions and elbow injuries, remaining conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old female pedestrian was crossing West Street at an intersection with the crossing signal when she was struck by a 2023 Ford SUV making a left turn. The point of impact was the left side doors of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. She remained conscious following the collision. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver, but the incident occurred during the vehicle's left turn, indicating a failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing with the signal. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705780 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 25 - A 37-year-old woman crossing near Cortlandt Street was struck by a sedan backing west. The vehicle hit her with its left rear bumper, causing knee and lower leg injuries. The driver’s unsafe backing led to the collision, leaving the pedestrian in shock.

According to the police report, a 37-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2021 Nissan sedan backing west on Cortlandt Street struck her with its left rear bumper. The crash occurred at 10:12 AM in Manhattan. The report lists 'Backing Unsafely' as the contributing factor, indicating the driver failed to ensure the path was clear before reversing. The pedestrian was crossing outside a signal or crosswalk area and suffered injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in shock. The vehicle sustained damage to its left rear bumper. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle alone. No pedestrian behaviors were cited as contributing factors. This incident highlights the dangers posed by unsafe vehicle backing maneuvers in pedestrian areas.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704847 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 25 - For the second year, DOT failed to meet legal targets for new protected bike and bus lanes. Council Member Brooks-Powers slammed the slow pace. Cyclist deaths hit a 21st-century high. Promises broken. Streets remain deadly. Progress stalls. Riders pay the price.

On February 25, 2024, the City Council, led by Transportation Committee Chair Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (District 31), publicly criticized the Department of Transportation for missing legal mandates on new bus and bike lane construction. The matter, titled 'Spinning wheels: Adams admin misses legal benchmarks for new bus, bike lanes for second year in a row, DOT data shows,' revealed DOT built only 31.9 miles of protected bike lanes and 5.2 miles of protected bus lanes in 2023—far short of the 50 and 30 miles required by the Streets Master Plan. Brooks-Powers stated, 'The Streets Plan is the law, and the Department of Transportation is still failing to fulfill its legal obligations.' She promised to hold DOT accountable at an upcoming budget hearing. The city also lagged on bus stop upgrades, completing just 54 out of 500 required. Cyclist fatalities soared to 30 in 2023, the highest this century. Advocates and council members warn that continued delays and weakened projects put vulnerable road users at greater risk.

• Spinning wheels: Adams admin misses legal benchmarks for new bus, bike lanes for second year in a row, DOT data shows, amny.com, Published 2024-02-25

Feb 23 - A sedan turning right hit a man crossing Liberty Street with the signal. The crash broke his hip and burned his leg. Police say the driver ignored traffic control. The victim was left in shock.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Liberty Street made a right turn and struck a 30-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing with the signal. The pedestrian suffered hip and upper leg injuries, a minor burn, and was reported in shock. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the main contributing factor, showing the driver failed to obey traffic signals. The sedan's center front end hit the pedestrian. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. The crash resulted from the driver's disregard for traffic control, causing harm to a lawful pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704845 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 23 - Brooklyn’s Community Board 7 voted 32-1 to support DOT’s plan for a road diet on deadly Third Avenue. The redesign cuts car lanes, adds protected bike lanes, and builds pedestrian islands. Fourteen people have died here since 2016. Locals demand real change.

On February 23, 2024, Brooklyn’s Community Board 7 nearly unanimously endorsed the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) proposal to redesign Third Avenue, a corridor where 14 people have died since 2016. The board’s transportation committee chair called the changes 'long overdue.' The plan, discussed in workshops since spring 2023, would reduce the avenue from three to two moving lanes each way, add parking-protected bike lanes, and install painted pedestrian islands. Board members, including Katie Walsh and Gabino Morales, voiced strong support, with Morales stating, 'This is just a beginning of what we could do to fix our community.' Diana Gonzalez described the avenue as a place where 'they're gonna kill you.' The board will urge DOT to go beyond paint and install hard infrastructure. DOT aims to finalize plans after further traffic analysis, with implementation possible in late 2024.

• Community Board Backs DOT Road Diet for Brooklyn’s Deadly Third Av., Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-23

Feb 20 - The MTA will build a real bike lane on the Henry Hudson Bridge by 2025. Cyclists and pedestrians will get an eight-foot path, replacing the narrow, unsafe walkway. The project promises safer, legal passage between Manhattan and the Bronx for all non-drivers.

On February 20, 2024, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced a $20-million overhaul for the Henry Hudson Bridge. The plan will close the current narrow walkway this fall and replace it with an eight-foot-wide path for cyclists and pedestrians by year’s end. The project is part of a broader push to make three MTA bridges accessible to non-drivers. MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer said, 'The MTA has made great progress in planned capital improvements to pedestrian and bike accessibility on bridges.' Local cyclist Allegra LeGrande called the move overdue, noting, 'If they build it they will come.' The project includes a cantilevered ramp for wheelchair access and improved exits. While the path is closed, a shuttle bus may run for six weeks. The overhaul answers years of calls for safe, direct bike connections between the Bronx and Manhattan, and throws down a challenge to city agencies to fix the patchwork of local bike paths.

• Henry Hudson Bridge Will Get a Real Bike Lane By 2025, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-20

Feb 20 - At a Manhattan forum, MTA officials defended congestion pricing. Council Member Marte and Assembly Member Glick pressed for answers. Residents doubted government motives. The toll’s impact on traffic, revenue, and safety hung in the air. No easy answers. Streets stay dangerous.

On February 20, 2024, a public forum at Borough of Manhattan Community College brought congestion pricing to the front lines. The event, covered by Charles Komanoff, featured MTA specialists Julia Kite-Laidlaw and Daniel Randell, with State Senator Brian Kavanagh moderating. Council Member Christopher Marte questioned the zone’s boundaries. Assembly Member Deborah Glick demanded action on toll theft. The MTA repeated the need for revenue and warned that exemptions would push more traffic into environmental-justice neighborhoods. The forum’s matter title: 'What Was Left Unsaid to Congestion Pricing Opponents.' The debate exposed deep mistrust and skepticism about government promises. No direct safety analysis was provided, but the stakes for vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders—remain high as congestion pricing inches forward.

• Komanoff: What Was Left Unsaid to Congestion Pricing Opponents, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-20

Feb 20 - At a Manhattan forum, MTA officials defended congestion pricing. Council Member Marte and Assembly Member Glick pressed for answers. Residents doubted government motives. The toll’s impact on traffic, revenue, and safety hung in the air. No easy answers. Streets stay dangerous.

On February 20, 2024, a public forum at Borough of Manhattan Community College brought congestion pricing to the front lines. The event, covered by Charles Komanoff, featured MTA specialists Julia Kite-Laidlaw and Daniel Randell, with State Senator Brian Kavanagh moderating. Council Member Christopher Marte questioned the zone’s boundaries. Assembly Member Deborah Glick demanded action on toll theft. The MTA repeated the need for revenue and warned that exemptions would push more traffic into environmental-justice neighborhoods. The forum’s matter title: 'What Was Left Unsaid to Congestion Pricing Opponents.' The debate exposed deep mistrust and skepticism about government promises. No direct safety analysis was provided, but the stakes for vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders—remain high as congestion pricing inches forward.

• Komanoff: What Was Left Unsaid to Congestion Pricing Opponents, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-20

Feb 14 - A 35-year-old man suffered a fractured elbow and hand after a sedan traveling west struck him outside an intersection on Beekman Street. The impact hit the vehicle’s left front quarter panel, leaving the pedestrian injured and in shock.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Beekman Street struck a 35-year-old male pedestrian who was in the roadway but not at an intersection. The vehicle's point of impact was the left front quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained a fractured and dislocated injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, resulting in injury severity level 3 and shock. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian and no specific driver errors, but the collision occurred outside an intersection, indicating potential failure to yield or inadequate attention by the driver. No helmet or crossing signal factors were noted. The driver was going straight ahead at the time of impact, and no occupants were in the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4702864 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 13 - City plows hit bike lanes early. Narrow machines cut paths on bridges and avenues. Streets gleamed. But sidewalks stayed buried. Pedestrians faced ice and slush. Officials praised their work. Landlords lagged. The city’s promise stopped at the curb.

On February 13, 2024, city agencies responded to the second major snowstorm of the year. The Departments of Sanitation and Transportation used narrow plows to clear bike lanes, including the East River bridges and key protected paths. Commissioner Jessica Tisch said, "We put salt on every street, every highway, every bike lane in the city, we've done multiple passes at it." The DOT boasted about clearing the Brooklyn Bridge bike path before sunrise. Citi Bike stayed open. But sidewalks, left to property owners, remained treacherous. Mayor Adams praised road crews while standing by snow-covered pedestrian space. Commissioner Tisch warned, "We want those sidewalks safe tomorrow." The city’s effort favored cyclists and drivers. Pedestrians were left behind, forced to wait for landlords to shovel. The gap in sidewalk clearing remains a systemic danger.

• NYC’s Second Snow Day of 2024 Brings Clearer Bike Lanes, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-13

Feb 13 - Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2024-02-13

Feb 8 - Council bill targets cars blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, and hydrants near schools. Civilian complaints trigger fines. Streets clear, danger cut. Council moves to protect the vulnerable.

Int 0080-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 8, 2024, the bill creates a $175 penalty for vehicles blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants within 2,640 feet of schools. The Department of Transportation must set up a civilian reporting program. If a civilian complaint leads to a fine, the complainant gets 25 percent of proceeds. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to hazardous obstruction by vehicles and civilian complaints.' Council Member Carlina Rivera leads, joined by Restler, Ayala, Joseph, Menin, and others. The bill aims to keep paths clear for those most at risk.

• File Int 0080-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Feb 8 - Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Feb 7 - A sedan hit an 18-year-old e-bike rider on Worth Street. The driver was distracted. The rider suffered a bruised shoulder and upper arm. No ejection. Manhattan streets, danger close.

According to the police report, an 18-year-old male e-bike rider was struck by a 2017 GMC sedan on Worth Street in Manhattan at 15:08. The sedan, traveling north, hit the cyclist, who was heading east. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The cyclist was conscious, not ejected, and sustained a contusion and bruise to his shoulder and upper arm. Injury severity was rated at 3. No damage was reported to either vehicle. The police report does not list any contributing factors for the cyclist. The crash underscores the risk posed by distracted drivers on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701435 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19