Blood on the Crosswalk: Manhattan’s Streets Still Kill

Jun 11 - Council bill demands bike and scooter share firms post road rules at stations and in apps. Riders must review rules yearly. No charge for time spent reading. City aims for clarity, not confusion.

Int 1304-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on June 11, 2025. The bill, titled "requiring micromobility share system operators to display rules of the road for safe operation," compels operators to show safety rules on apps and at stations. Users must review these rules at least once a year before unlocking a device. The bill bars operators from charging for this time. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Hanif, Brewer, Restler, Louis, Narcisse, Lee, Marte, Hanks, Ariola, and Morano. The law aims to make safety rules visible and unavoidable for every rider.

• File Int 1304-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-11

Jun 11 - Council bill orders bike and scooter share firms to show road rules on apps and stations. Riders must review rules yearly. No extra fees. Aim: clear, visible rules for all. Committee review underway.

Bill Int 1304-2025 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on June 11, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring micromobility share system operators to display rules of the road for safe operation,” demands that operators of shared bikes and scooters display city and state traffic rules on apps and at stations. Riders must review these rules at least once a year before unlocking a device. Sponsors include Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary), Hanif, Brewer, Restler, Louis, Narcisse, Lee, Marte, Hanks, Banks, Ariola, and Morano. The bill bars operators from charging users for time spent reviewing safety rules. The measure aims to make the rules clear and visible to all users.

• File Int 1304-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-11

Jun 11 - Council bill orders bike and scooter share firms to show road rules at docks and in apps. Riders must review rules yearly. No extra fees. Aim: clear, visible reminders. Committee review underway.

Bill Int 1304-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on June 11, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring micromobility share system operators to display rules of the road for safe operation," demands operators post rules at stations and in apps. Riders must review these rules at least once a year before unlocking a device. The law bars operators from charging for the review time. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Hanif, Brewer, Restler, Louis, Narcisse, Lee, Marte, Hanks, Banks, Gutiérrez, Ariola, and Morano. The measure aims for clear, accessible safety information but does not address street design or enforcement.

• File Int 1304-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-11

Jun 10 - Third Avenue will lose car lanes. A protected bike lane and bus lane will take their place. Pedestrian islands and wider sidewalks will rise. Community Board 6 backed the plan. The city aims to calm deadly traffic and give space to people.

On June 10, 2025, the Department of Transportation unveiled its plan to extend the Third Avenue Complete Street project from E. 59th to E. 24th Street. The proposal, approved unanimously by Community Board 6's Transportation Committee, removes car lanes for a protected bike lane, a dedicated bus lane, and pedestrian improvements. The DOT will install parking-protected bike lanes, painted sidewalk extensions, and pedestrian islands. The official matter summary states: 'The proposal will reduce the roadway from six or seven lanes for cars to three moving lanes, two parking lanes, plus a bus lane and a bike lane.' DOT Project Manager Esteban Doyle said the plan reallocates space to match actual use. Community members praised the move. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not specify what design was implemented or how it affected pedestrians and cyclists, so no safety impact can be determined.' Installation is set for summer or fall 2025.

• Third Avenue ‘Complete Street’ Will Extend From Midtown to Gramercy, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-10

Jun 10 - Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.

Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.

• File S 8117, Open States, Published 2025-06-10

Jun 9 - DOT wants a center-running bus lane on Flatbush Avenue. Council members back it. The plan could cut car lanes, add bus islands, and calm deadly traffic. The mayor must decide. Pedestrians and riders wait. The street’s future hangs in the balance.

On June 9, 2025, Streetsblog NYC reported the NYC DOT’s proposal for a center-running bus lane on Flatbush Avenue from Grand Army Plaza to Livingston Street. The plan, supported by Council Members Lincoln Restler, Shahana Hanif, Crystal Hudson, and Rita Joseph, aims to improve transit and pedestrian safety. The matter summary states: 'A proposed center-running bus lane on Flatbush Avenue... is being considered by the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) as a way to improve transit, calm traffic, and enhance pedestrian safety.' The project faces delays and political pushback, including the removal of a protected bike lane after developer objections. A safety analyst notes: 'Center-running bus lanes typically reduce conflicts between buses, cars, pedestrians, and cyclists, calm traffic, and can enable street redesigns that improve safety and comfort for vulnerable road users.' The DOT will present a detailed plan in the fall. The final decision rests with Mayor Adams.

• Flatbush Ave. Could Be Brooklyn’s First Great Transitway (If It’s Done Right), Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-09

Jun 9 - Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.

Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.

• File S 915, Open States, Published 2025-06-09

Jun 8 - City wants cars off 34th Street. Residents fear traffic will flood side streets. Bus riders crawl at five miles an hour. Officials tout safety gains from 14th Street. Tension rises between speed, safety, and neighborhood calm.

The New York Post (2025-06-08) reports that the city proposes restricting cars on 34th Street to create a busway between 3rd and 9th Avenues. Residents worry rerouted vehicles will jam local streets and worsen safety. Jessica Lavoie of the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association warns, "diverting traffic from this critical corridor onto narrow residential streets would lead to increased congestion, safety hazards, and diminished quality of life." The Department of Transportation aims to replicate the 14th Street busway, which "reduced congestion, sped up bus travel and curbed accidents." The article highlights the ongoing struggle to balance efficient transit, tunnel access, and neighborhood safety. No specific driver errors are cited, but the plan underscores the systemic risks of shifting car traffic onto residential blocks.

• City Eyes 34th Street Car Ban Plan, New York Post, Published 2025-06-08

Jun 7 - A drunk driver tore through Gramercy. He struck Abdulhekim Esiyok in the crosswalk. Bars kept pouring drinks for the driver. Blood alcohol soared. Esiyok died at Bellevue. The driver hit more people before stopping. The city’s system failed again.

According to the New York Post (2025-06-07), Abdulhekim Esiyok, a 23-year-old Turkish immigrant, was killed while crossing Third Avenue after Mahbub Ali, allegedly intoxicated, drove into him. Prosecutors say Ali drank for nearly six hours at three Manhattan bars, reaching a blood alcohol content of .158, almost twice the legal limit. After hitting Esiyok, Ali continued, injuring a cyclist, two more pedestrians, and crashing into a van. The family’s lawsuit cites New York’s Dram Shop Act, which holds bars liable for serving visibly drunk patrons who later cause harm. The article quotes the family’s lawyer: “The family is devastated. They’re still in disbelief.” The case highlights failures in both driver responsibility and alcohol-serving oversight.

• Drunk Driver Kills Immigrant Pedestrian in Manhattan, New York Post, Published 2025-06-07

Jun 5 - Assembly Bill A 8787 keeps school speed zones alive in New York City. It fixes technical errors. It repeals old rules. Streets near schools stay watched. Drivers face checks. Kids walk safer.

Assembly Bill A 8787, sponsored by Deborah Glick, is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repeals certain provisions relating thereto,' was introduced on June 5, 2025. Glick leads the push to keep speed zones near schools, correcting past errors and removing outdated rules. The bill remains under committee review. No safety analyst note was provided, but the measure aims to keep enforcement strong around schools. Vulnerable road users—children—stay in focus.

• File A 8787, Open States, Published 2025-06-05

Jun 4 - A distracted SUV driver struck a cyclist on Fulton Street. The rider took a hard hit to the shoulder. Police cite driver inattention. The street stayed busy. The system failed the vulnerable.

A cyclist was injured when an SUV driver, distracted and inattentive, collided with him on Fulton Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was listed as the contributing factor. The cyclist, a 27-year-old man, suffered a contusion to his upper arm. The SUV, a Jeep, was stopped in traffic before the crash. Both vehicle occupants were unhurt. The report does not mention any cyclist error or helmet use. The crash highlights the danger posed by driver inattention to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4818735 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 4 - A sedan slammed into a stopped SUV on West Street. Four men suffered back injuries. Police cite driver inattention and tailgating. Metal twisted. Whiplash followed. Streets stayed dangerous.

A northbound sedan struck the rear of a stopped SUV at 20 West Street in Manhattan. Four male passengers, ages 38 and 39, suffered back injuries and whiplash. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely.' The sedan driver was unlicensed. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The force of the impact left multiple occupants hurt. The report lists no other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4818256 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 2 - Hundreds rode through Manhattan. They protested NYPD’s push to criminalize minor bike infractions. Delivery riders, many undocumented, face court summonses for sidewalk riding and red lights. Judges toss charges. Police say it’s about compliance. Riders say it’s about targeting.

West Side Spirit reported on June 2, 2025, that hundreds of cyclists protested in Manhattan against the NYPD’s new policy of issuing criminal court summonses for minor bike infractions. The crackdown targets delivery workers, especially undocumented riders, for offenses like sidewalk riding and nonstandard bike setups. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch defended the move, stating, 'When it comes to traffic safety, compliance is not optional.' Protesters and advocates argue the policy is discriminatory and escalates minor violations, risking severe consequences for vulnerable workers. Ben Furnas of Transportation Alternatives called it 'really inappropriate escalation.' The article highlights confusion over traffic rules and the risk of criminalization for actions previously handled as civil matters, raising questions about enforcement priorities and the impact on immigrant communities.

• Cyclists Rally Against NYPD Crackdown, West Side Spirit, Published 2025-06-02

Jun 1 - A cyclist crashed on Duane Street. She was thrown from her bike. Her shoulder fractured. The police report lists the cause as unspecified. The street stayed silent. The pain did not.

A 30-year-old woman riding a bike on Duane Street in Manhattan was ejected and injured. According to the police report, she suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. The report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No other vehicles were involved. The cyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report. The crash left her conscious but hurt. No driver errors were specified in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4819509 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 31 - An SUV turned left on Centre Street and hit a cyclist. The rider went down hard, injured in the leg. Police say the driver was distracted and failed to yield. Metal met flesh. The street stayed busy. The cyclist was left bruised.

A crash on Centre Street at White Street in Manhattan involved a Ford SUV and a cyclist. According to the police report, the SUV was making a left turn when it struck the cyclist, who was traveling straight. The 22-year-old cyclist suffered a knee and lower leg injury, described as a contusion. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The SUV’s left front quarter panel hit the cyclist, who was not using any safety equipment. The driver, a 21-year-old man, was licensed and uninjured. The crash highlights the danger when drivers turn without yielding to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4817109 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 31 - Hundreds rode through Manhattan. They called out harsh summonses for e-bike riders. Police target cyclists with criminal charges for minor traffic moves. Drivers get tickets. Riders face court. The city’s rules hit the vulnerable. The streets stay dangerous.

Gothamist (2025-05-31) reports on a protest in Lower Manhattan against the NYPD’s policy of issuing criminal summonses to e-bike riders for traffic violations like running red lights or riding against traffic. Cyclists and advocates argue the penalties are harsher than those faced by drivers for similar actions. As one protester said, “It seems unfair to me that cyclists should receive a higher penalty for doing the same thing that a person in a car would do.” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch defended the crackdown, citing the lack of licensing for e-bikes as a challenge for enforcement, but acknowledged the need for legislative reform. The article highlights inconsistent enforcement and the risks faced by vulnerable road users, especially delivery workers. Policy gaps and unequal penalties expose systemic danger on city streets.

• E-Bike Riders Protest NYPD Crackdown, Gothamist, Published 2025-05-31

May 30 - A sedan struck a cyclist on Liberty Street in Manhattan. The crash left the cyclist hurt, his shoulder battered, his body in shock. Police cite failure to yield and ignored signals. The city’s streets remain hostile to those outside a car.

A crash on Liberty Street in Manhattan involved a sedan and a bicycle. The cyclist, a 43-year-old man, suffered a shoulder injury and was in shock. According to the police report, 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' were listed as contributing factors. The cyclist was wearing a helmet. The sedan, a BMW, was starting from parking when the collision occurred. The report notes that both the cyclist and vehicle occupants were affected, but only the cyclist was injured. Systemic dangers persist when drivers disregard traffic controls and fail to yield, putting vulnerable road users at risk.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4816905 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 30 - An e-bike struck Renee Baruch on the Upper West Side. She woke in pain, face broken, spine injured. NYPD cracks down with criminal summonses. Cyclists protest. City Council stalls. Streets stay dangerous. Justice, tangled in policy.

NY1 reported on May 30, 2025, that the NYPD is issuing criminal summonses to e-bike riders for traffic infractions, citing a lack of City Council action on new regulations. Commissioner Tisch told the Council, "Pass e-bike regulations." Cyclists object to criminal charges for minor violations, arguing for civil penalties instead. The article highlights the case of Renee Baruch, hospitalized after an e-bike crash left her with facial fractures and a spinal injury. The NYPD’s new Quality of Life Division targets reckless e-bike use, but without updated laws, criminal summonses remain their only tool. The policy gap leaves vulnerable road users exposed and enforcement inconsistent.

• NYPD Issues Criminal Summonses For E-Bikes, NY1, Published 2025-05-30

May 29 - A sedan hit a cyclist on Fulton Street. The cyclist suffered neck whiplash. Police cite following too closely as the cause. The crash left the street marked by pain and steel.

A crash at 50 Fulton Street in Manhattan involved a sedan and a bike. The cyclist, a 36-year-old woman, was injured with neck whiplash. According to the police report, 'Following Too Closely' was the contributing factor. The sedan, traveling west, struck the cyclist, also heading west. No other injuries were specified. The report lists no other contributing factors. The data shows the system failed to protect the vulnerable. The cyclist bore the brunt of the impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4821200 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 28 - Council pushes cheaper bike share for seniors. More elders could ride. Streets may see more slow, unprotected cyclists. Danger from cars remains. Bill sits in committee. No safety fixes for traffic threats.

Int 1288-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors,' requires the Department of Transportation to set lower bike share rates for those 65 and older. Council Member Farah N. Louis leads, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, and Banks. The measure aims to boost senior cycling but does not address street safety or car violence. The bill was re-referred to committee on June 4, 2025.

• File Int 1288-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-28