No More Accidents—Only Choices: Demand Action on Deadly Streets

Assembly bill A 1236 hits Albany. It targets drivers who block bike lanes. The bill adds a mandatory surcharge. Money goes to the court. Cyclists get no relief until cars clear the lane.

Assembly bill A 1236 was introduced on January 9, 2025. It sits at the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Relates to violations and a mandatory surcharge for parking in a bicycle lane,' would require drivers who block bike lanes to pay a mandatory surcharge to the court that finds them liable. Jo Anne Simon (District 52) leads as primary sponsor, joined by Deborah Glick (District 66) and Tony Simone (District 75) as co-sponsors. The bill aims to penalize drivers who endanger cyclists by blocking bike lanes, but its impact depends on enforcement and driver behavior. No safety analyst note is available.

• File A 1236, Open States, Published 2025-01-09

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly crossings for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, forces the Department of Transportation to install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. The bill, sponsored by Farah N. Louis (primary) and co-sponsored by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, Ariola, and others, passed on March 15, 2025. The law demands annual reporting on compliance and reasons for any delay. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Quick, visible lines cut confusion and protect people crossing or riding. The law took effect immediately.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 324 demands complete street design for state- and federally-funded projects. Sponsors push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars. Safety for all hangs in the balance.

Assembly Bill A 324 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now 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 consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, drivers—when building or upgrading roads. Didi Barrett leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Amy Paulin, and many others. The bill also directs the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note yet, but the measure’s intent is clear: streets should protect the most vulnerable, not just move traffic.

• File A 324, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly crossings for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, forces the Department of Transportation to install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. The bill, sponsored by Farah N. Louis (primary) and co-sponsored by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, Ariola, and others, passed on March 15, 2025. The law demands annual reporting on compliance and reasons for any delay. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Quick, visible lines cut confusion and protect people crossing or riding. The law took effect immediately.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-08

A distracted SUV driver collided with a parked sedan on Washington Place in Manhattan. The driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries, enduring shock and bruising. Police cite driver inattention and aggressive driving as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 4:00 AM on Washington Place near Avenue of the Americas in Manhattan. The driver of a station wagon/SUV, traveling southeast, struck a parked sedan, impacting the right front quarter panel of the SUV and the left rear bumper of the sedan. The driver, a 65-year-old male occupant, was injured with contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot, and experienced shock. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as contributing factors to the collision. The driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The crash involved no pedestrians or cyclists. The evidence highlights driver error as the primary cause of the incident.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783718 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 49-year-old woman crossing with the signal on East Houston Street was struck by an SUV. The driver disregarded traffic control and showed inattention, causing a full-body injury and shock. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on East Houston Street near Crosby Street in Manhattan at 17:14. A 49-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing with the signal. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The pedestrian suffered contusions and bruises across her entire body and was in shock. The involved vehicle, a 2017 Jeep SUV traveling eastbound and going straight ahead, showed no damage or point of impact. The report highlights the driver's failure to obey traffic signals and maintain attention, directly leading to the pedestrian's injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783669 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A taxi veered off Sixth Avenue, mounted the curb, and struck a crowd near Herald Square. Three pedestrians, including a child, landed in the hospital. The driver stayed at the scene. Metal, flesh, and concrete met in Midtown’s holiday rush.

Gothamist (2024-12-26) reports a Midtown crash where a taxi driver, experiencing a medical episode, drove onto the sidewalk at Sixth Avenue and West 34th Street, injuring a 9-year-old boy and two women. Police said, 'they did not suspect any criminality in the crash.' The driver, 58, remained at the scene and was taken for evaluation. Four others declined medical attention. The article notes, 'the driver was driving northbound on Sixth Avenue around 3 p.m. on Wednesday when he jumped the curb and plowed into a crowd.' The incident highlights the persistent risk posed by vehicles in crowded pedestrian zones, regardless of intent or driver health. No policy changes were announced.

• Taxi Jumps Curb, Hits Midtown Pedestrians, Gothamist, Published 2024-12-26

A police car crossed the line. Metal struck flesh. Samuel Williams, riding his dirt bike, was thrown and killed. Body cam footage shows the officer’s move. Another NYPD car tried the same. The city sent Williams’ family a bill.

NY Daily News (2024-12-23) reports that NYPD body camera footage shows an officer veering into the path of Samuel Williams, a 36-year-old dirt bike rider, during a pursuit on the University Heights Bridge. Williams was struck, thrown, and died from his injuries. The article states, “An officer pursuing dirt bikers suddenly crossed the double yellow line into Williams' path, causing a collision.” Another NYPD vehicle attempted a similar maneuver. The family’s attorney called it a “deadly maneuver” for a minor violation. The city later billed Williams’ family for police vehicle damages. The NYPD has not commented, citing litigation. The case raises questions about police pursuit tactics and accountability.

• NYPD Officer Veers Into Dirt Biker’s Path, NY Daily News, Published 2024-12-23

A Ford sedan fleeing police tore through LaGuardia Place and struck a westbound cyclist. The man flew from his bike, blood pooling as he lay broken and incoherent. Sirens wailed. The car’s front end crumpled against the city’s cold pavement.

According to the police report, a Ford sedan, pursued by police, disregarded traffic control and struck a 44-year-old man riding a bicycle westbound on LaGuardia Place near West 3rd Street. The cyclist was ejected from his bike, suffering severe bleeding and injuries to his entire body. The report describes the victim as incoherent at the scene. The sedan's front end sustained significant damage. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors, underscoring driver error and systemic danger. No contributing factors are attributed to the cyclist. The crash unfolded in Manhattan's 10012 zip code, with the impact and aftermath described in stark, physical terms by responding officers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780933 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 25-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by a pick-up truck on Grand Street in Manhattan. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered a head injury and concussion but remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 25-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Grand Street and Lafayette Street in Manhattan around 1:20 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a pick-up truck, driven by a licensed male driver, struck her with the right front bumper. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the crash. The pedestrian sustained a head injury and complained of a concussion but was conscious at the scene. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The driver had been parked prior to the crash. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. This incident highlights the dangers posed by drivers failing to yield to pedestrians at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781375 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV crashed into rear of another SUV on West Street. Driver in front suffered facial bruises. Police cite following too closely. Metal twisted. Night air split by impact.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided at 1:05 AM on West Street near Christopher Street in Manhattan. The Jeep SUV was stopped in traffic when the Oldsmobile SUV, traveling north, struck its right rear bumper. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor. The driver of the Oldsmobile, a 61-year-old woman, suffered a facial contusion but remained conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The crash damaged the front of the Oldsmobile and the rear of the Jeep. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779440 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 2024 SUV struck the center back end of a parked vehicle on Gansevoort Street in Manhattan. Two male occupants suffered head and face injuries with whiplash. Both were conscious and restrained by lap belts at the time of impact.

According to the police report, a 2024 Toyota SUV traveling north on Gansevoort Street rear-ended a parked vehicle, impacting the center back end. The SUV carried five occupants. The driver, a 33-year-old male, sustained head injuries and whiplash but was conscious and wearing a lap belt. A 29-year-old male passenger in the right rear seat also suffered facial injuries and whiplash, was conscious, and restrained by a lap belt. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The collision occurred at 3:28 AM in Manhattan's 10014 zip code. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the dangers of rear-end collisions involving stationary vehicles in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778762 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A taxi collided with a bicyclist traveling south on Varick Street in Manhattan. The bicyclist was partially ejected and suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the primary causes of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:44 on Varick Street in Manhattan. A taxi and a bicycle, both traveling south, collided at the left front quarter panels. The bicyclist, a 31-year-old female, was partially ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' twice as contributing factors, indicating errors on the part of the drivers involved. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The taxi driver was licensed in New York. The collision and injuries highlight the dangers posed by distracted driving in shared traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779085 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 61-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by an SUV making a left turn on Broadway. The pedestrian suffered a severe knee and lower leg fracture. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, leaving the victim injured and conscious.

According to the police report, a 61-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Broadway and Grand Street in Manhattan at 9:07 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2017 Ford SUV, traveling east and making a left turn, struck her. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, repeated twice, emphasizing the driver's failure to maintain focus. The pedestrian suffered a fracture and dislocation to her knee and lower leg, classified as injury severity level 3. Despite the impact, the vehicle sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior, focusing solely on the driver’s distraction as the cause of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778696 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans traveling north collided on Centre Street in Manhattan. The front vehicle's driver, a 67-year-old man, sustained whiplash and full-body injuries. Police cited unsafe speed and driver distraction as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling north on Centre Street collided at 14:19. The point of impact was the center front end of the leading Audi and the center back end of the trailing Toyota. The driver of the front vehicle, a 67-year-old man, suffered injuries to his entire body, including whiplash, and was conscious at the scene. The report identifies 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors to the crash. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The collision caused damage primarily to the front of the leading vehicle and the rear bumper of the trailing vehicle. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778701 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 76-year-old woman suffered a serious hip injury after being struck by an SUV on Greenwich Street. The driver’s inattention caused the collision at a marked crosswalk where the pedestrian was crossing without a signal. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, at 16:35 on Greenwich Street in Manhattan, a 76-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2022 Volkswagen SUV traveling north struck her at the center front end. The pedestrian was crossing at a marked crosswalk without a signal. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor, repeated twice, indicating the driver failed to maintain proper attention. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and a hip-upper leg injury classified as severity 3. The vehicle showed no damage, suggesting impact at low speed but with significant harm to the vulnerable pedestrian. The driver was licensed and driving straight ahead. The collision highlights the systemic danger posed by distracted driving in crosswalk zones.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777958 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 22-year-old woman was injured crossing Clarkson Street with the signal when a northbound vehicle making a left turn struck her. The driver failed to yield and was inattentive, causing abrasions to the pedestrian’s elbow and lower arm.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Clarkson Street and Hudson Street in Manhattan at 13:34. The 22-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a northbound vehicle making a left turn struck her. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian suffered abrasions to her elbow and lower arm and remained conscious after the collision. The vehicle showed no damage and had no occupants other than the driver. This crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers failing to yield to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783026 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council bill bars cars from blocking crosswalks. No standing or parking within 20 feet. City must install daylighting barriers at 1,000 intersections yearly. Streets clear. Sightlines open. Danger cut.

Int 1138-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced December 5, 2024. The bill states: “prohibiting standing or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.” Council Member Erik D. Bottcher leads, joined by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and over two dozen co-sponsors. The law orders the Department of Transportation to install daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections each year, up from 100. The city must also run outreach and education. The bill aims to keep crosswalks clear, improve visibility, and protect people on foot and bike. No more hiding behind parked cars. The committee laid the bill over on April 21, 2025.

• File Int 1138-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-05

Council bill bars cars from blocking crosswalks. No standing or parking within 20 feet. City must install daylighting barriers at 1,000 intersections yearly. Streets clear. Sightlines open. Danger cut.

Int 1138-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced December 5, 2024. The bill states: “prohibiting standing or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.” Council Member Erik D. Bottcher leads, joined by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and over two dozen co-sponsors. The law orders the Department of Transportation to install daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections each year, up from 100. The city must also run outreach and education. The bill aims to keep crosswalks clear, improve visibility, and protect people on foot and bike. No more hiding behind parked cars. The committee laid the bill over on April 21, 2025.

• File Int 1138-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-05