Blood on the Crosswalk: Manhattan’s Streets Still Kill

Feb 19 - Three pedestrians died in separate crashes. One was a child. Drivers struck victims at dangerous intersections. City allowed parked cars to block sightlines. DOT resists daylighting. Police killed one victim. Advocates demand action. Streets remain deadly. Accountability is missing.

A pending City Council bill would require daylighting—removing parking near corners—at 100 intersections per year. The Department of Transportation opposes the bill. The issue gained urgency after three pedestrians, including 7-year-old Dolma Naadhun, died in separate crashes over the weekend of February 19, 2023. One victim was killed at an intersection where parked cars blocked visibility and the ADA ramp. Another, Zabina Gafoor, was struck by an NYPD vehicle responding to an emergency. Advocates, including Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives, condemned the city’s failure to implement proven safety measures, saying, 'Our city’s children deserve to grow up without the threat of traffic violence.' The bill remains pending. Critics say the city’s refusal to daylight intersections and hold drivers accountable continues to put lives at risk.

• Outrage Builds Over Weekend Pedestrian Deaths, Including a Child, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-19

Feb 16 - A pick-up truck turning right struck a bicyclist going straight on Rector Street in Manhattan. The 23-year-old cyclist was partially ejected and suffered hip and upper leg injuries. The truck’s left front quarter panel and doors were damaged.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a 2020 RAM pick-up truck made a right turn and collided with him on Rector Street near Trinity Place in Manhattan. The bicyclist was partially ejected and sustained contusions and bruises to his hip and upper leg. The truck’s left front quarter panel and left side doors were damaged. The bicyclist was traveling straight ahead while the truck was turning right. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not specify any failure to yield or other driver errors. The bicyclist’s safety equipment status is unknown. The driver of the truck was licensed in New York.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4608673 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 13 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Feb 11 - A 17-year-old girl emerged from behind a parked vehicle on Front Street in Manhattan. An SUV backing up struck her in the shoulder. She suffered bruises and a contusion but remained conscious. The vehicle showed no damage.

According to the police report, a 17-year-old female pedestrian was injured while emerging from behind a parked vehicle on Front Street, Manhattan. The driver of a 2022 BMW SUV was backing up when the collision occurred, impacting the pedestrian's upper arm and shoulder. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and bruising but remained conscious. The report lists no specific driver errors, only unspecified contributing factors. The SUV showed no damage from the impact. The pedestrian was not at an intersection at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4605735 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 10 - Ultra-fast deliveries flood streets with trucks. Double parking, fumes, and chaos follow. The piece calls for a same-day delivery tax. It urges cities to rein in unchecked shipping, fund transit, and shift last-mile trips to bikes and greener tech.

This opinion piece, published February 10, 2023 by Streetsblog NYC, calls for states to tax same-day deliveries. The article highlights the unchecked rise of ultra-fast shipping, noting, 'the fallout looks like a veritable armada of delivery trucks triple-parking in your neighborhoods.' The author supports regulation of rapid delivery, investment in transit, and use of micro-mobility for last-mile trips. Council bill number and committee details are not applicable, as this is not a legislative action but a policy proposal. The piece argues that a delivery tax would push consumers toward sustainable choices and fund shared infrastructure, especially transit. It stresses that unchecked delivery harms vulnerable communities with pollution and congestion, and urges cities to prioritize curb management, electric trucks, and e-cargo bikes to protect public space and safety.

• Opinion: It’s Time to Rethink One-Hour Deliveries, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-10

Feb 8 - A 28-year-old man was struck while crossing South Street against the signal. The SUV hit him on the right front quarter panel. He suffered bruises and leg injuries. The driver was going straight northbound. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing South Street against the signal. The collision involved a 2020 Kia SUV traveling northbound, which struck the pedestrian on the right front quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in shock. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. The report lists no contributing driver errors or vehicle damage. The pedestrian's action of crossing against the signal was noted, but no driver violations were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4604226 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 3 - Assembly Bill 3401 shrinks the buffer around schools. Fewer streets get camera enforcement. Danger creeps closer to kids. Sponsor: Charles Fall.

Assembly Bill A 3401, sponsored by Charles Fall (District 61), is at the sponsorship stage as of February 3, 2023. The bill 'reduces the radial distance from school buildings for such school speed zones.' This means fewer streets near schools will have speed cameras. The measure is active in the Assembly and has not yet advanced to a vote or committee. The change narrows the area where drivers are checked for speed, leaving more children exposed to fast traffic.

• File A 3401, Open States, Published 2023-02-03

Feb 2 - A 2-year-old girl was struck by a tow truck making a right turn at South Street in Manhattan. She suffered a fractured and dislocated lower leg and foot. The child was conscious but seriously injured at the scene.

According to the police report, a tow truck traveling east on South Street made a right turn and struck a 2-year-old female pedestrian crossing at the intersection. The child sustained a fracture and dislocation to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but not ejected. The vehicle sustained no damage. The incident highlights the vulnerability of young pedestrians in traffic, especially at intersections where large vehicles turn.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4603949 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 2 - The Mayor’s Management Report admits what City Hall denied: DOT missed bus and bike lane targets. Staffing shortages, missing contractors, and political meddling stalled life-saving street projects. Vulnerable New Yorkers pay the price. Promises broke. Progress stalled. The city’s most exposed remain at risk.

On February 2, 2023, the Mayor’s Management Report confirmed failures by the Department of Transportation to meet required bus and bike lane mileage, echoing earlier Streetsblog reporting. The report covers July through October 2022 and cites 'fewer contractors available, shortages in installation materials, and general political opposition' as reasons for a 42% drop in bike lane miles and a 47% drop in bus lane miles compared to the previous year. Streetsblog’s coverage, criticized by City Hall and DOT, revealed that vacancies and political interference—especially from Council Members Bob Holden and Oswald Feliz—stalled projects like the Citi Bike expansion in Queens and the Fordham Road bus lane in the Bronx. DOT completed only 67% of its bus lane mandate and fell 17% short on bike lanes. The city’s own numbers now confirm what advocates warned: delays and obstruction put vulnerable road users in harm’s way.

• We Were Right: Mayor’s Management Report Confirms Streetsblog Reporting Previously Criticized by City Officials, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-02

Feb 2 - Assembly bill A 3180 demands complete street design on state and federally funded projects. Sponsors push for safer roads. The bill calls for public guidance. Streets must serve people, not just cars.

Assembly Bill A 3180 was introduced on February 2, 2023, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to think of people first. Didi Barrett leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill also orders the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note is available, but the bill’s intent is clear: streets must protect all users, not just drivers.

• File A 3180, Open States, Published 2023-02-02

Feb 1 - A 65-year-old woman crossing Lafayette Street was struck by a sedan backing unsafely. The driver failed to notice her presence. She suffered a hip and upper leg injury and was left in shock, complaining of pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a 65-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2019 Ford sedan backed unsafely on Lafayette Street in Manhattan. The driver, traveling south and entering a parked position, struck the pedestrian at the center back end of the vehicle. The pedestrian was crossing outside an intersection when the collision occurred. The report lists 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The pedestrian suffered injuries to her hip and upper leg, experienced shock, and complained of pain and nausea. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4602639 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 27 - City Council grilled the Adams administration on street carnage. The hearing exposed failures: missed targets for protected bike lanes, bus lanes, and safety investments. Council members called for real infrastructure, not just enforcement. Advocates demanded accountability and action for vulnerable New Yorkers.

On January 27, 2023, the City Council’s Transportation Committee held an oversight hearing on street safety and Vision Zero implementation. The hearing, led by Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers, questioned whether Mayor Adams is honoring his pledge to end road violence. The matter focused on the administration’s failure to meet Council-mandated benchmarks in the NYC Streets Plan, especially protected bike lanes and bus lanes. Brooks-Powers stated, 'No New Yorker should have to fear for their life while crossing or using our streets.' She stressed that enforcement alone is not enough, demanding equitable infrastructure in neglected neighborhoods. Advocacy leaders like Elizabeth Adams and Sara Lind echoed the call for physical changes and accountability. The hearing marked a rare moment of scrutiny, with advocates welcoming the Council’s push for real safety measures for all road users.

• Council Wants Answers from Adams Administration on Road Violence Epidemic, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-27

Jan 26 - Women transit operators drive New York’s buses and trains. They face long hours, harassment, and disrespect. Most are alone in male-dominated depots. Pay gaps persist. Riders attack and harass them. Still, these women serve the city with grit and pride.

This testimony, published January 26, 2023, documents the daily reality for women transit operators. The article, titled "What It’s Like to Be a Woman Transit Operator," highlights first-person accounts from women in New York and other cities. They describe being underrepresented, facing unwanted advances, and earning less than male colleagues. One operator, Tonya Abernathy, says, 'As a female it’s harder, because some passengers treat you differently because you’re a woman.' Thejoal Hope adds, 'You get a lot of disrespect, and you got to learn how to deal with that.' The piece calls for better training, pay equity, and supportive management. No council bill or vote is attached, but the testimony exposes systemic dangers for frontline workers and the urgent need for safer, more inclusive transit workplaces.

• What It’s Like to Be a Woman Transit Operator, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-26

Jan 26 - Assembly bill A 2610 targets bus lane cheaters. Sponsors back cameras and owner liability. The goal: keep bus lanes clear, speed up buses, cut crashes. No votes yet. The fight for safer streets rolls on.

Assembly bill A 2610, now in sponsorship, aims to extend bus rapid transit camera enforcement. The bill, titled "Relates to owner liability for failure of operator to comply with bus operation-related local law or regulation traffic restrictions," was introduced January 26, 2023. Primary sponsor Alicia Hyndman leads, joined by Deborah Glick, Sarahana Shrestha, Manny De Los Santos, Zohran Mamdani, and others. The bill would hold vehicle owners liable for bus lane violations and expand photo enforcement. No votes have been recorded. The measure seeks to keep bus lanes clear, speed up transit, and reduce risk for those outside cars.

• File A 2610, Open States, Published 2023-01-26

Jan 24 - U.S. cities stall on new rail. New York, once a leader, has not built heavy rail since 1950. Other countries race forward. Riders wait. Streets stay dangerous. The gap widens. Vulnerable users pay the price for inaction.

This policy analysis, published January 24, 2023, reviews U.S. transit investment using Transit Explorer data. The article states: 'The U.S. is falling behind in transit investment while other countries are rapidly expanding their systems.' No council bill number applies; this is a report, not legislation. No committee or council member is named. The analysis highlights that New York, despite its vast rail network, has not expanded heavy rail since 1950 and has no major projects funded or under construction. In contrast, cities like Toronto and Seattle are building out their systems. The lack of transit growth leaves vulnerable road users exposed, as safe, reliable alternatives to car travel stagnate. The U.S. commitment to transit is faltering while global peers surge ahead.

• Data: Other Countries Are Building Transit While the U.S. Falls Behind, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-24

Jan 24 - DOT poured new sidewalk, cut a bus detour, and painted red bus lanes at Pelham Bay Park. Riders now move straighter, faster, safer. Crosswalks grew. Concrete replaced chaos. Thousands of Bronx commuters feel the change underfoot and in the ride.

On January 24, 2023, the Department of Transportation announced sidewalk expansion and new contraflow bus lanes at Pelham Bay Park station in the East Bronx. The project, begun in September 2021 and finished last fall, added 1,285 square feet of sidewalk, a new median, and red bus-only lanes on Westchester Avenue. The DOT worked with the MTA to cut a circuitous bus detour, giving Bx12 and other riders a direct path. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'DOT’s work at Pelham Bay Park... may be only one-10th of a mile, but the impact for thousands of riders will be gigantic.' New York City Transit President Richard Davey added, 'Bus lanes don't have to be miles long to deliver a huge impact.' The changes serve 64,000 daily riders, expanding space for pedestrians and shortening bus trips. More crosswalks now connect the busy transfer point, making the area less hostile for those on foot.

• DOT Widens Sidewalk, Adds Contraflow Bus Lane to Help East Bronx Commuters, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-24

Jan 24 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-01-24

Jan 24 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-01-24

Jan 22 - Twenty-two construction workers died last year in New York City. Lawmakers passed Carlos' Law, raising fines for negligent companies to $500,000. State Sen. Jessica Ramos calls it vital as migrants fill non-union jobs. Advocates warn: enforcement and worker awareness still lag.

Carlos' Law, passed in early 2023, raises the maximum penalty for construction companies convicted of criminal negligence leading to worker injury or death from $10,000 to $500,000. The law, named after Carlos Moncayo, aims to curb a surge in construction worker deaths—22 in the past year, the highest in five years. State Sen. Jessica Ramos, representing District 13, called the law 'critically needed' as thousands of migrants enter non-union construction jobs lacking basic safety protections. Ramos and other lawmakers supported the bill, but advocates and union officials warn that without strong enforcement and education for new arrivals, deaths and injuries will persist. The law passed after years of advocacy, but the minimum fine was removed, and nonprofits struggle to train the influx of new workers. As Ramos said, 'Behind every worker is a family expecting them to return home.'

• Construction worker deaths reach 5-year high as lawmakers seek to hold companies responsible, gothamist.com, Published 2023-01-22

Jan 18 - Traffic signs and markings promise safety but often fail. Cyclists and pedestrians pay the price. Ian Lockwood, struck while biking, blames the yellow line, not the driver. U.S. standards chase speed, not safety. True safety means fewer big roads, not more signs.

""Traffic markings create a situation where someone's right and someone's wrong," he added. "And when you're wrong, everyone knows who to blame; it's your fault that you didn't follow the rules. But in the Vision Zero way of thinking, we know that people are fallible, and they're going to make mistakes...[and] we can't confuse safety with freedom from liability."" -- Charles Fall

On January 18, 2023, Streetsblog NYC published a policy critique titled 'Counter-Intuitive Department: Sometimes, Traffic Controls Make Streets More Dangerous.' The article centers on Ian Lockwood, a sustainable transportation expert, who was hit by a truck towing a boat while cycling. Lockwood blames road markings, not the driver, saying, 'I blame it on that yellow line.' He criticizes the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) for prioritizing speed over safety, stating, 'They're there to make them faster.' Lockwood argues that traffic controls shift blame onto vulnerable users and do not guarantee safety. He supports Vision Zero and shared space designs, which slow traffic and reduce crashes. The critique calls for fewer big arterials and less reliance on signage, focusing instead on eliminating dangerous road features.

• Counter-Intuitive Department: Sometimes, Traffic Controls Make Streets More Dangerous, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-18