Blood on the Asphalt: Manhattan’s Streets Still Kill

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 803 aims to keep cars out of bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Streets could clear. Cyclists might breathe easier. Lawmakers back the crackdown. The fight for safe passage continues.

Assembly bill A 803, now in sponsorship, proposes a bicycle lane safety program for New York City. It would enforce restrictions on bike lane use with photo devices. The bill summary reads: 'Establishes in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and/or protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Primary sponsor Zohran Mamdani leads, joined by Brian Cunningham, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Harvey Epstein, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill was introduced January 8, 2025. No safety analyst note was provided. The measure targets drivers who block or endanger cyclists.

• File A 803, 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

Tony Simone pushes a bill to force the MTA to install platform barriers citywide. He cites a near-fatal shove in his district. The plan uses congestion pricing funds. The goal: stop deadly falls and attacks. Riders demand safety. Simone wants action, not talk.

Bill number pending. On January 6, 2025, Council Member Tony Simone announced a legislative push to require the MTA to install platform screen doors and gates system-wide within five years. The bill, still in proposal stage, will move through the relevant council committee. Simone’s proposal comes after a spate of subway violence, including a recent shove onto tracks in his district. The bill summary states: 'My legislation will require the MTA to install platform screen doors and gates system-wide within five years.' Simone urges the use of congestion pricing revenue for these safety upgrades, arguing, 'No priority is higher on any rider's mind, including mine, than safety on the system.' Simone is the primary sponsor. The measure aims to prevent fatal and dangerous falls and shoves, focusing on protecting riders from harm.

• Spate of violence in NYC subways prompts call for more train platform barriers, amny.com, Published 2025-01-06

Two bicyclists traveling opposite directions collided head-on on 12th Avenue. One man suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as a key factor in the crash that left one rider injured.

According to the police report, two bicyclists traveling north and south on 12th Avenue collided head-on near West 58th Street at 5:25 p.m. The injured party, a 56-year-old male bicyclist, sustained a fracture and dislocation to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report identifies 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor for both riders. Both cyclists were going straight ahead at the time of impact, which occurred at the center front end of their bikes. The collision caused 'other' vehicle damage. The report does not indicate any contributing factors related to victim behavior or safety equipment use. The crash highlights the dangers of right-of-way violations among bicyclists sharing busy Manhattan streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783566 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV turned left in Manhattan. Three pedestrians hit. A 4-year-old, a 6-year-old, and a woman suffered fractures and dislocations. Driver failed to yield. The street became a scene of pain and chaos.

According to the police report, a 2021 Toyota SUV made a left turn at 520 9th Avenue in Manhattan and struck three pedestrians at the intersection. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, which the report lists as the primary contributing factor. The victims were a 4-year-old girl crossing with the signal, a 33-year-old woman crossing against the signal, and a 6-year-old boy. All three suffered fractures and dislocations to the head, hip, and shoulder. The SUV’s left front bumper hit the pedestrians. The report highlights driver error and does not mention any fault by the victims.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783231 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 34-year-old man was struck by a northbound sedan near West 49th Street in Manhattan. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The vehicle showed no damage despite impact to its left front bumper.

According to the police report, a 34-year-old male pedestrian was injured in Manhattan near West 49th Street at 15:20. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The collision involved a northbound 2024 Chevrolet sedan, which impacted the pedestrian with its left front bumper. The vehicle was traveling straight ahead and showed no damage after the crash. The report does not specify any driver contributing factors or pedestrian actions as causes, listing both pedestrian contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The driver was licensed in New York and operating the vehicle legally. The incident highlights the vulnerability of pedestrians struck outside intersections by vehicles traveling straight, with no noted driver errors but an unspecified pedestrian factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782850 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Cadillac SUV barreled south through the intersection at W 37th Street and 9th Avenue. The bumper struck a 61-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She lay semiconscious, her body broken, the street marked by violence and disregard.

According to the police report, a Cadillac SUV drove south on 9th Avenue, proceeding straight through the intersection at W 37th Street. The vehicle struck a 61-year-old woman who was crossing with the signal. The report states, 'The bumper struck her. She lay crushed and semiconscious, her body broken across the pavement.' The pedestrian suffered crush injuries to her entire body and was left semiconscious at the scene. The police report notes the woman was crossing with the signal, and no contributing factors were attributed to her actions. The report lists the contributing factor for the driver as 'Unspecified,' but the narrative makes clear the SUV 'drove south, straight through the light,' highlighting a failure to obey the traffic signal. The impact and resulting injuries underscore the lethal consequences when drivers disregard traffic controls at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784464 - 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

Two sedans collided on West 56th Street in Manhattan. The crash injured a 25-year-old male driver, who suffered neck pain and shock. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Both vehicles sustained front and rear damage in the southbound lane.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:51 on West 56th Street near 12th Avenue in Manhattan. Two sedans traveling southbound collided when one vehicle was entering a parked position and the other was stopped in traffic. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. A 25-year-old male driver was injured, experiencing neck pain and shock, and was wearing a lap belt at the time. The first sedan sustained center front end damage, while the second sedan had damage to its center back end and left rear bumper. The collision's impact points and vehicle damage confirm the sequence of events, highlighting driver distraction as the critical cause. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781676 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 36-year-old woman suffered elbow and lower arm injuries after a taxi struck her at a Manhattan intersection. The impact hit the taxi’s right side doors. The pedestrian was in shock and complained of pain and nausea following the collision.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling west on W 43rd Street in Manhattan struck a 36-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection near 9th Avenue. The point of impact was the taxi’s right side doors, causing injuries to the pedestrian’s elbow, lower arm, and hand. The pedestrian was located in the roadway and experienced shock and complaints of pain and nausea. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian and does not indicate any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead at the time of the crash. No helmet or crossing signal factors were noted as contributing to the incident.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781163 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 77-year-old SUV driver in Manhattan lost consciousness and collided with a parked van truck. The impact damaged the front of the SUV and the rear of the truck. The driver was injured and found unconscious at the scene.

According to the police report, the crash occurred in Manhattan near West 45th Street. The 77-year-old male driver of a 2016 SUV was entering a parked position when he lost consciousness due to illness. This loss of consciousness caused the SUV to collide with a parked Mercedes Benz van truck. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV and the center back end of the truck. The driver was injured and found unconscious at the scene. The report lists 'Lost Consciousness' and 'Illness' as contributing factors, indicating a medical emergency led to the crash. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783559 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided on West 42nd Street in Manhattan. Both male drivers suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention and distraction as key factors. Both drivers were restrained by lap belts and were not ejected from their vehicles.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 20:24 on West 42nd Street near 10th Avenue in Manhattan. Two sedans traveling eastbound collided, with impact centered on the back end of one vehicle and the front end of the other. Both drivers, males aged 27 and 48, were injured with head trauma and complaints of whiplash. Both were wearing lap belts and were not ejected. The report specifically cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for the 48-year-old driver. The 27-year-old driver’s contributing factors were unspecified. The vehicles were in traffic, with one starting in traffic and the other going straight ahead prior to impact. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to rear-end crashes in busy Manhattan streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780542 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A bicyclist was ejected and injured when a sedan making a right turn failed to yield right-of-way on West 34th Street. The collision caused knee and lower leg injuries, highlighting driver failure and limited visibility as critical factors.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:20 on West 34th Street in Manhattan. A sedan traveling west was making a right turn when it struck a bicyclist going straight south. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors. The bicyclist, a 28-year-old male, was ejected from his bike and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The sedan showed no damage, indicating a significant impact to the bicyclist. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New Jersey. No helmet or other safety equipment was reported on the bicyclist, but the police report does not list this as a contributing factor. The crash underscores critical driver errors and systemic dangers posed by limited visibility and failure to yield in vehicle-bicycle interactions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779709 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 25-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a GMC sedan made a right turn and struck him at an intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The driver’s right front bumper hit the pedestrian, causing shock and injury.

According to the police report, a GMC sedan traveling north on 10 Avenue made a right turn onto West 46 Street in Manhattan at 13:30. The vehicle’s right front bumper struck a 25-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock at the scene. The report lists no explicit driver contributing factors, but the collision occurred during the driver’s right turn, indicating a failure to yield to a pedestrian crossing legally. The pedestrian’s actions were not cited as contributing factors. The vehicle sustained damage to its right front bumper. The incident highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781888 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 55-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries while crossing W 59 St at an intersection. The sedan driver was making a right turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a 55-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of W 59 St and W End Ave in Manhattan at 16:52. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2020 Acura sedan, traveling north and making a right turn, struck him. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated as 3. The sedan showed no damage, and the driver, a licensed female from New York, was operating the vehicle at the time. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not cite any driver errors such as failure to yield. The pedestrian was conscious and injured at the scene.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778297 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 54-year-old man on a bike slammed into a parked bus at West 39th and Ninth. He flew from the saddle, his skull cracking on the pavement. Blood pooled. The bus stood untouched. The man lay broken, head bleeding.

According to the police report, a 54-year-old male bicyclist traveling west on West 39th Street collided with a parked bus at the corner of 9th Avenue in Manhattan. The report states the cyclist was ejected from his bike, suffering a severe head injury with significant bleeding after his skull struck the pavement. The bus, a 2006 GMC, was parked and sustained no damage. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor in the crash. No helmet was in use, as noted in the data, but this is mentioned only after the driver error. The narrative describes a violent impact and the aftermath: 'Blood pooled on the asphalt. The bus, untouched. The man, broken.' The crash underscores the consequences of distraction and the hazards that persist even when vehicles are stationary.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779708 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 16-year-old girl crossing with the signal suffered head abrasions after a vehicle struck her on West 27th Street. The driver failed to yield and was inattentive, hitting the pedestrian with the left front bumper while going straight ahead.

According to the police report, a 16-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of West 27th Street and 11th Avenue in Manhattan around 4 p.m. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the crash occurred. The vehicle, traveling straight ahead, struck her with its left front bumper. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained head abrasions and was conscious at the scene. No other vehicle or driver details were provided. The incident highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers failing to yield to lawful pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781103 - 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