Twelve Dead, 1,600 Hurt—Still No Action

Aug 8 - Officials and advocates raced the M34 bus in Midtown. Walking beat the bus. The street choked with traffic. Buses crawled. Riders waited. The city failed its most vulnerable. Cars ruled. Transit lost.

"These are folks, when they leave to get crosstown, it takes forever. We’re changing that now." -- Erik D. Bottcher

On August 8, 2025, Council Member Barbara Russo-Lennon and mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani joined transit advocates in Midtown. They raced the M34 bus across 34th Street to expose slow bus speeds. The event asked: 'Is it faster to walk across town or take the bus?' Russo-Lennon and others backed bus improvements, highlighting how cars choke streets and trap riders. The demonstration drew support from Council Members Erik Bottcher and Keith Powers, and city officials. The safety analyst notes this was a demonstration, not a policy change, so it does not directly affect pedestrian or cyclist safety or system-wide outcomes.

• Victory on 34th Street: Transit groups, Manhattan pols leave bus in the dust in bustling Midtown, AMNY, Published 2025-08-08

Aug 7 - A driver in a sedan hit a six-year-old boy playing in the roadway on West 45th in Manhattan. He suffered a fractured hip and was in shock. The driver was licensed and uninjured.

A driver in a sedan traveling west hit a six-year-old boy who was playing in the roadway on West 45th in Manhattan. The child suffered a fractured hip and was reported in shock. According to the police report, the child was not at an intersection when hit. Police recorded no driver errors or contributing factors in the report. The driver, identified as licensed and uninjured, had point of impact on the vehicle’s left front bumper and the vehicle showed no damage. The crash left a young pedestrian hurt and a street marked by trauma.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4833468 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 7 - A stolen car tore through Canal and Bowery. Two lives ended. One sat on a bench. One rode a bike. The city now promises changes. Steel and speed met flesh. The street stays dangerous.

NY1 reported on August 7, 2025, that after a deadly crash at Canal Street and Bowery, the city will upgrade the intersection. On July 19, a stolen car, allegedly driven over 100 mph, killed Kevin Cruickshank and May Kwok. Kwok was sitting on a bench. Cruickshank rode his bike on the sidewalk. The article quotes authorities: 'A stolen vehicle, allegedly driven at more than 100 miles per hour...crashed into them.' The crash highlights risks from reckless driving and exposes gaps in street design. The Department of Transportation now plans safety improvements.

• Deadly Crash Spurs Chinatown Upgrades, NY1, Published 2025-08-07

Aug 6 - A driver in a sedan going straight hit a 40-year-old man on West 26th near 10th. The driver hit his knee, leg, and foot with the car's center front end. He stayed conscious with an abrasion.

A driver in a sedan traveling straight hit a 40-year-old male pedestrian on West 26th Street near 10th Avenue in Manhattan. According to the police report, the driver hit the man with the car's center front end, injuring his knee, lower leg, and foot; he remained conscious and had an abrasion. The police listed the contributing factor as 'Unspecified.' No specific driver errors were recorded in the report. Travel direction for the car and the pedestrian's exact location were not noted. Pre-crash movement was listed as 'Going Straight Ahead.'

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4834039 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 6 - Council clears Midtown South rezoning. 9,535 new homes. 34th Street busway goes car-free. Streets shift. Cars lose ground. Public space returns to people. Pedestrians and cyclists gain safety.

"This is a bold, balanced and long overdue plan. It builds the housing we need, protects the jobs we depend on, and reclaims the public space for people." -- Erik D. Bottcher

Bill: Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan. Status: Approved August 6, 2025, by City Council land use committee and zoning subcommittee. Covers 42 blocks, 9,535 new homes over 10 years. Council Members Keith Powers and Erik Bottcher led negotiations. Bottcher called it 'bold, balanced and long overdue.' The plan includes a car-free busway on 34th Street and a $325 million pedestrian-focused Broadway rebuild. Safety analysts note: higher-density housing and car-free streets shift space from cars to people, boosting safety for pedestrians and cyclists through street equity and safety in numbers.

• 42-block Midtown South housing plan clears hurdle as Council trims some units, Crain's New York Business, Published 2025-08-06

Aug 6 - City lifts the pause. 34th Street busway returns. Cars lose ground. Buses and trucks get priority. Streets calm. Pedestrians and cyclists gain safer passage. Change comes to Midtown’s core.

On August 6, 2025, the Adams administration agreed to revive the 34th Street busway as part of a Midtown South rezoning deal. The matter states: "The Administration commits to establishing a car-free 34th Street Busway." Council Members Keith Powers and Erik Bottcher secured the commitment, with Powers saying, "We are recreating the success of 14th Street in Midtown." Public engagement is set for 2025. Safety analysts note busways cut private traffic, calm streets, and open space for safer walking and cycling, shifting travel away from cars and reducing risk for vulnerable road users.

• It’s Back! 34th Street Busway Revived In Midtown Rezoning Deal, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-08-06

Aug 3 - Two cyclists collided on W 26th near 12th Avenue. A 61-year-old man was partially ejected, suffered a neck contusion and was in shock. Police cited improper passing or lane usage; the rider wore a helmet.

A collision between two cyclists on West 26th Street near 12th Avenue left a 61-year-old man injured. According to the police report, both bikes were traveling south when 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' caused the crash. Police recorded 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor. The injured bicyclist was partially ejected, suffered a neck contusion and was reported in shock. He was listed as wearing a helmet. Both riders were going straight ahead before impact. No other injuries were reported in the police data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4832510 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 3 - A driver struck a cyclist at West 181st and Cabrini. The driver fled. The cyclist went to the hospital. The street stayed open. The danger stayed real.

CBS New York (2025-08-03) reports a bicyclist was hospitalized after a hit-and-run at West 181st Street and Cabrini Boulevard in Washington Heights. The crash happened just after noon. The driver left the scene, leaving the cyclist injured. The article states, "A bicyclist was hospitalized after being injured in a hit and run." No details on the driver or vehicle were released. The incident highlights ongoing risks for cyclists and the persistent issue of drivers fleeing crash scenes in New York City.

• Cyclist Hospitalized After Hit-And-Run Uptown, CBS New York, Published 2025-08-03

Aug 2 - A driver in a box truck struck three parked sedans on W 37th near 9th Avenue. A 67-year-old female rear passenger suffered a neck injury and whiplash. Police cited 'Outside Car Distraction' as a contributing factor.

A driver in a box truck struck three parked sedans on W 37th Street near 9th Avenue in Manhattan. A 67-year-old female rear passenger suffered a neck injury and complained of whiplash. According to the police report, 'Outside Car Distraction' was the contributing factor. Police recorded the box truck's pre-crash action as 'Slowing or Stopping' and the sedans' pre-crash status as 'Parked.' Damage concentrated on the sedans' center front ends and the truck's center back end. The report lists the passenger injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4833256 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 31 - A left-turning driver hit a 25-year-old crossing with the signal at W 38 St and 9 Ave. She stayed conscious with an arm contusion. Police recorded failure to yield and driver inattention.

A driver making a left turn at W 38 St and 9 Ave in Manhattan hit a 25-year-old woman in the crosswalk at 10:00 p.m. She suffered a contusion to her lower arm and remained conscious. According to the police report, the driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive or distracted. Police listed 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The point of impact was the left front bumper. The crash happened at an intersection while she crossed with the signal. Vehicle damage was recorded as none. The report does not assign fault to the victim.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4833251 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 31 - West 38th at 11th. A sedan driver hit a man on a motorized scooter. He flew off. Semiconscious. Bleeding from the head. Police recorded 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' by drivers.

A sedan driver hit a motorized scooter near West 38th Street and 11th Avenue in Manhattan at 1:16 a.m. The sedan was going straight. The scooter was going straight. The sedan’s right front bumper struck the scooter’s center front. The 55-year-old scooter driver was ejected, semiconscious, with a head wound and severe bleeding. According to the police report, 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' was recorded for both drivers. The sedan was a 2024 Volvo registered in New Jersey, and its driver was licensed. No pedestrians were involved. The crash left one person injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4832364 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 31 - Two vehicles collided on Madison Avenue. One slammed into scaffolding. Eight people hurt. Steel and glass scattered. Early morning chaos. No word yet on why.

ABC7 reported on July 31, 2025, that a car and SUV crashed on Madison Avenue between 84th and 85th streets, sending one vehicle into scaffolding. Eight people were injured, but none critically. The article states, 'There is no word on the cause of the crash. So far, no charges have been filed.' Video from Citizen App showed the aftermath. The crash highlights the risks of vehicle collisions near pedestrian infrastructure. No details on driver actions or city response were given.

• Eight Injured As Cars Hit Scaffolding, ABC7, Published 2025-07-31

Jul 30 - The driver of a sedan turned left and hit a 75-year-old man at W 53rd Street and 9th Avenue. The man suffered a contusion to his lower leg and remained conscious at the scene. Police listed contributing factors as 'Unspecified.'

The driver of a sedan made a left turn and struck a 75-year-old pedestrian at W 53rd Street and 9th Avenue. The pedestrian suffered a contusion to his lower leg and was conscious at the scene. According to the police report, the point of impact was the car's left front bumper and the pedestrian suffered a contusion to his lower leg. Police listed the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The vehicle's pre-crash action is recorded as making a left turn and the point of impact is recorded as the left front bumper.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4832908 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 30 - A 16-year-old girl on a bike was struck on West 42nd at 11th Avenue. She was partially ejected and suffered a lower-leg contusion. Police listed an oversized vehicle and merging as factors in the crash.

A 16-year-old female bicyclist was injured on West 42nd Street at 11th Avenue. She was partially ejected and suffered a contusion to her lower leg. According to the police report, the crash lists "Oversized Vehicle" as a contributing factor. The report records the other vehicle's pre-crash action as "Merging" and the bike's pre-crash action as "Going Straight Ahead." The driver of the oversized vehicle merged and struck the cyclist; the bike shows center-front impact and the other vehicle shows right-rear bumper damage. Police did not list additional contributing factors. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4832306 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 30 - A driver in a sedan hit a taxi's rear on 12th Avenue near West 50th Street. The taxi driver, 38, suffered a hip bruise. Police recorded following too closely, distraction, and unsafe speed.

A driver in a sedan rear-ended a taxi on 12th Avenue at West 50th Street in Manhattan. The taxi driver, age 38, was conscious and suffered a hip contusion. According to the police report, the crash involved 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The report also lists 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor. The taxi's left rear bumper and the sedan's right front bumper were damaged. Both drivers were licensed and heading north. No pedestrians or cyclists were reported injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4831610 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 30 - A Nissan struck a 65-year-old e-biker on Second Ave. The rider fell, hit his head, and lay critical as the red light blinked. The unlicensed driver fled. Police arrested him two hours later.

West Side Spirit (2025-07-30) reports a 21-year-old unlicensed driver hit a 65-year-old e-biker on Second Ave. near 14th St., leaving the rider with serious head trauma. The driver fled, but police arrested him two hours later, charging him with "leaving the scene of an accident that caused serious injury and driving without a license." The crash shut down Second Ave. between 14th and 15th Streets. NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. The article highlights the dangers posed by unlicensed drivers and the consequences of fleeing crash scenes.

• Unlicensed Driver Hits E-Biker, Flees Scene, West Side Spirit, Published 2025-07-30

Jul 29 - The driver of a box truck hit a 32-year-old male cyclist on Hudson Blvd W near W 37th Street. The cyclist suffered a back injury and was in shock. Police recorded 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor.

The driver of a box truck struck a 32-year-old male cyclist on Hudson Blvd W near W 37th Street. The cyclist was injured, suffering a back injury and shock. According to the police report, 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' was listed as a contributing factor. Both the truck and the bicycle were traveling west and were going straight ahead before the crash. Police recorded no damage to either vehicle and no other injuries. The report does not list helmet use or signaling and provides no further medical details.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4831641 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 29 - A man shoved his girlfriend onto subway tracks at Fulton Street. The train crushed her legs. She survived, but lost both limbs. He fled, but police caught him. The court sentenced him to 18 years.

Gothamist (2025-07-29) reports a Brooklyn man received 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to pushing his girlfriend onto the tracks at Manhattan's Fulton Street Station on March 9, 2024. Prosecutors said Christian Valdez threw her as a train entered, causing injuries that led to both legs being amputated. District Attorney Alvin Bragg called it a 'life-threatening act of domestic violence in our transit system.' Valdez fled but was arrested hours later. The case highlights the vulnerability of transit riders and the severe consequences of violence in public spaces.

• Woman Loses Legs In Subway Attack, Gothamist, Published 2025-07-29

Jul 27 - A pickup driver going east on W 40th hit a man in the 10th Avenue intersection. He suffered head and internal injuries. Police recorded tinted windows as a factor.

A pickup driver traveled east on W 40th Street and hit a pedestrian at 10th Avenue in Manhattan. The man on foot suffered head trauma and internal injuries. According to the police report, 'Tinted Windows' contributed to the crash. Police recorded tinted windows as a driver-related factor. The driver, a 46-year-old man, was unhurt and was the lone occupant. The pickup, registered in North Carolina, was going straight ahead. Impact came at the right front bumper. No other contributing factors were listed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4830839 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 27 - A teen drove drunk, wrong-way, head-on into a car. Two men died. The driver fled. The city failed to stop him. A wedding became a funeral.

According to the New York Post (2025-07-27), a 17-year-old allegedly drank at a Midtown club, then drove the wrong way on the Henry Hudson Parkway. He crashed head-on into Kirk Walker and Rob McLaurin, killing both. The teen, Jimmy Connors, fled, leaving his injured passenger. The article states, “Walker, 38, was one day from his wedding when he and McLaurin were killed.” An off-duty NYPD officer pursued Connors but did not call 911. The lawsuit names the driver, club, NYPD, and city, raising questions about underage drinking enforcement and police response. Connors faces charges including second-degree murder.

• Wrong-Way Crash Kills Groom-To-Be, New York Post, Published 2025-07-27