Jan 8 - 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

Jan 8 - Senate bill S 131 demands complete street design for state-funded projects. Sponsors push for safer roads. Guidance will go public. Streets could change. Pedestrians and cyclists stand to gain.

Senate bill S 131 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 safer street planning. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by co-sponsors Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Leroy Comrie, Jeremy Cooney, Nathalia Fernandez, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Robert Jackson, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, Christopher Ryan, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish guidance on street design. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 131, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 6 - Lawmakers face a $33 billion MTA budget gap. The new Manhattan congestion toll hits drivers, but it is not enough. Senate leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins objects to the unfunded plan. More taxes and fees loom. Riders wait. Streets stay dangerous.

On January 6, 2025, the MTA’s $33 billion budget shortfall dominated debate. The matter, titled "MTA eyes new taxes, fees to plug $33B budget hole — even after NYC’s $9 congestion toll!", landed in the spotlight after the new toll failed to close the gap. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, district 35, formally objected to the unfunded capital plan with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. Their joint letter blocked the plan’s January 1 start, forcing negotiations. Governor Hochul, who backs the $68 billion plan, promised no income tax hikes but left other taxes and fees on the table. Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger called for transparency. The MTA’s future—and the safety of those who rely on it—hangs in the balance. No direct safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• MTA eyes new taxes, fees to plug $33B budget hole — even after NYC’s $9 congestion toll!, nypost.com, Published 2025-01-06

Jan 3 - Congestion pricing hits Manhattan at midnight. Cars pay to cross south of 60th. Lawmakers split. Some call it a burden. Others hail cleaner air, safer streets, and better transit. The toll stirs anger, hope, and a fight over who pays and who breathes.

On January 3, 2025, congestion pricing (no bill number cited) will begin in Manhattan after a federal judge allowed the toll to proceed. The policy charges most drivers $9 to enter south of 60th Street during peak hours. The matter, titled 'Congestion pricing set to begin at midnight Sunday as federal judge clears path for Manhattan toll,' has drawn sharp lines. Council Member Robert F. Holden (District 30, Queens) opposes the toll, warning, 'I don't know how my district is going to be impacted.' He fears more cars parking in Queens and unclear pollution risks. Council Member Kristy Marmorato (Bronx) calls it a 'cash grab.' In contrast, State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez and Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas support the measure, citing cleaner air, safer streets, and transit upgrades. González-Rojas says, 'Congestion pricing isn't about penalizing anyone—it's about modernizing our transportation system and tackling climate change.' The judge ordered further study on environmental impacts, but the toll begins as scheduled.

• Congestion pricing set to begin at midnight Sunday as federal judge clears path for Manhattan toll, amny.com, Published 2025-01-03

Dec 31 - A 49-year-old man suffered bruises and lower leg injuries when a 2023 Ford SUV backing up hit him in Manhattan. The vehicle showed no damage. The pedestrian remained conscious, with injuries to his knee and foot.

According to the police report, a 49-year-old male pedestrian was injured at 11:24 in Manhattan near East 20th Street when a 2023 Ford SUV was backing up. The point of impact was the vehicle's right front quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The vehicle sustained no damage. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors such as Failure to Yield, but the pre-crash action of the vehicle was backing, indicating a hazardous maneuver that led to the collision. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782866 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 26 - 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

Dec 23 - Congestion pricing stalled. Student OMNY cards left kids behind. E-vehicle crackdowns sparked debate. Police and National Guard flooded subways. Council Member Keith Powers fought for excluded students. Holden pushed e-bike licensing. Enforcement rose. Vulnerable riders faced shifting rules and uneven access.

This annual review covers 2024 NYC transit policy, with Council Member Keith Powers vocal about student OMNY card exclusions. The review, published December 23, 2024, highlights congestion pricing delays, e-vehicle crackdowns, and increased subway enforcement. The matter notes, 'parents in [Powers'] Manhattan district felt slighted that their kids were left out of the free transportation program.' Powers pressed for fair access, saying, 'we're still hearing from families whose children aren't receiving an OMNY card like their classmates.' Council Member Robert Holden pushed for e-bike licensing, drawing fire from advocates. The review documents a year of policy shifts, enforcement surges, and ongoing fights over who gets safe, affordable transit. Vulnerable riders—students, cyclists, pedestrians—remained at the mercy of city decisions.

• Rear view: A look back at the top NYC transit stories of 2024, amny.com, Published 2024-12-23

Dec 23 - 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

Dec 22 - A sedan rear-ended a stopped taxi on East 51st Street. The sedan driver fell asleep. Three sedan occupants suffered back injuries and whiplash. Fatigue behind the wheel turned routine traffic into trauma.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on East 51st Street in Manhattan struck a stopped taxi at 16:31. The sedan's driver fell asleep, causing the car to slam into the taxi's rear bumper. Three people in the sedan, including the driver and two passengers, suffered back injuries and whiplash. All were conscious and not ejected. The police report lists 'Fell Asleep' as the contributing factor, making driver fatigue the direct cause of the crash. No errors are attributed to the taxi or its occupants. This collision shows the danger when a driver loses alertness in city traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781961 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 20 - A taxi struck a bicyclist on East 38 Street near Queens Midtown Tunnel. The rider suffered a fractured dislocation and full-body injuries. Police cite the taxi driver’s traffic control disregard and unsafe speed as causes. The cyclist wore a helmet.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at 13:21 on East 38 Street in Manhattan involving a taxi and a bicyclist. The taxi driver, traveling south, struck the bicyclist traveling east, impacting the bike’s right front quarter panel with the taxi’s right front bumper. The report identifies 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors attributed to the taxi driver. The bicyclist, a 35-year-old male wearing a helmet, sustained severe injuries including a fractured dislocation affecting his entire body but was not ejected and remained conscious. The police report does not assign any contributing factors to the bicyclist. This crash underscores the dangers posed by drivers ignoring traffic controls and speeding in Manhattan’s streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782541 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 19 - A taxi traveling south on East 22nd Street struck a 29-year-old female pedestrian working in the roadway. The impact caused injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, leaving her in shock. The pedestrian was not at an intersection when hit.

According to the police report, a 2019 Toyota taxi was traveling straight south on East 22nd Street near 3rd Avenue in Manhattan at 6:30 p.m. The taxi’s right front quarter panel struck a 29-year-old female pedestrian who was working in the roadway but not at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand and was reported to be in shock. The report lists the pedestrian’s contributing factors as unspecified, and no driver errors or contributing factors were noted. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The vehicle sustained no damage. This incident highlights the dangers faced by pedestrians working in the roadway and the potential for serious injury even without clear driver fault identified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780214 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 16 - A sedan traveling northeast struck the left rear quarter panel of a parked sedan on East 26th Street in Manhattan. The impact injured a 41-year-old female passenger, causing neck trauma and shock. Driver inattention was cited as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:30 PM on East 26th Street near 1st Avenue in Manhattan. A 2022 Toyota sedan, traveling northeast, collided with the left rear quarter panel of a parked 2019 Hyundai sedan. The impact injured a 41-year-old female occupant seated in the right rear passenger seat of the parked vehicle. She suffered neck injuries and was in shock but was not ejected from the vehicle. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The driver of the striking vehicle was licensed in New York. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction leading to collisions with stationary vehicles and injury to passengers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779963 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 12 - Council Member Holden’s e-bike registration bill faces fierce pushback. Advocates warn it targets immigrants and delivery workers. Business groups fear new costs. Supporters say it brings accountability. Streets remain deadly. Cars still kill most. Debate rages. No easy answers.

Intro. 606, known as Priscilla’s Law, was introduced by Council Member Robert F. Holden of District 30. The bill, debated on December 12, 2024, sits before the City Council. It would require all e-mobility devices not covered by the state DMV to register with the city’s Department of Transportation. The bill’s summary states it aims to increase accountability for e-bike riders after fatal crashes. Holden, the sponsor, cited dangers from unregulated e-vehicles and hit-and-runs. Advocacy groups, including Los Deliveristas Unidos and Open Plans, argue the bill would unfairly criminalize immigrants and delivery workers, and increase police stops for people of color. The NYC Hospitality Alliance warns of new financial and administrative burdens for small businesses. Both sides agree cars cause far more deaths, but the bill’s critics say better street design, not registration, would protect vulnerable road users.

• Immigrant, hospitality advocacy groups push back on NYC e-bike licensing bill, amny.com, Published 2024-12-12

Dec 10 - Two cyclists collided on 2nd Avenue in Manhattan. One rider suffered a hip and upper leg injury, left in shock. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as causes. No visible complaints or ejections reported.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:42 on 2nd Avenue near East 50th Street in Manhattan. Two bicycles traveling north collided; one cyclist was making a left turn while the other went straight ahead. The injured bicyclist, a 44-year-old male wearing a helmet, sustained injuries to his hip and upper leg and was not ejected from his bike. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors for the injured rider. Both vehicles showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The injured cyclist was left in shock but had no visible complaints. The data highlights driver errors as central to the crash, with no victim fault indicated.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777905 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 10 - E-scooter hit a 29-year-old woman crossing 3 Ave with the signal. She suffered a fractured leg and foot. The crash left her conscious but injured at the intersection. No driver errors listed. Danger persists for walkers.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old woman was crossing 3 Ave at E 58 St in Manhattan with the signal when an e-scooter traveling north struck her. She suffered a fracture and dislocation to her knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report lists unspecified contributing factors and does not cite any driver errors such as failure to yield. The e-scooter showed no damage. The pedestrian’s use of the crossing signal was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights the risk pedestrians face, even when following traffic signals, and the hazards posed by e-scooters in city traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780599 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 10 - Fifth Avenue turned car-free for its 200th birthday. Politicians cheered a $150 million redesign. Fewer lanes. Wider sidewalks. Thousands walked where cars once ruled. Council Member Keith Powers joined the call: make the street safer for people, not traffic.

On December 10, 2024, Council Member Keith Powers (District 4) joined Mayor Eric Adams, Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi, and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine to celebrate Fifth Avenue’s 200th anniversary and announce a major redesign. The event, held during the third annual Fifth Avenue Holiday Open Street, made the avenue car-free between 48th and 57th Streets. The $150 million plan, as described by Madelyn Wils, will reduce traffic lanes from five to three and widen sidewalks between Bryant Park and Central Park. Powers and other officials voiced strong support for prioritizing pedestrians, echoing Levine’s call to 'do better here' and make Fifth Avenue a true pedestrian destination. The redesign aims to reclaim space for people, not cars, and signals a shift toward safer, more vibrant streets for all vulnerable road users.

• 5th Avenue at 200: Magnificent Manhattan thoroughfare celebrates past while looking toward the future, amny.com, Published 2024-12-10

Dec 10 - Council Member Keith Powers backs a bill to cut NYCHA’s endless sidewalk sheds. The plan aims to shrink shed sprawl, speed up repairs, and reclaim public space. Residents lose sunlight and safety to these hulking structures. The council moves to change that.

Bill details: City Council legislative proposal on sidewalk shed reform, introduced by Council Member Keith Powers (District 4) and others. The bill is under council review as of December 10, 2024. The measure seeks to overhaul regulations that force NYCHA to keep up over 400 sidewalk sheds—spanning 25 miles—often long after repairs finish. The matter summary states, 'reforming parts of the city’s broader shedding regulations that are a poor fit for NYCHA and a nuisance citywide.' Powers and co-sponsor Erik Bottcher aim to reduce shed length, extend inspection cycles, and allow more art and color on scaffolds. Jamie Rubin, NYCHA board head, supports the bill, noting that current rules rob residents of sunlight, safety, and outdoor space. The bill promises to remove unnecessary sheds, reclaim millions in wasted funds, and improve daily life for public housing residents.

• NYCHA has its own scaffold problems, nydailynews.com, Published 2024-12-10

Dec 9 - A taxi struck the rear of a sedan traveling east on East 34th Street in Manhattan. The sedan driver suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries and whiplash. Police cited other vehicular factors as contributing causes. Both drivers were licensed men.

According to the police report, at 14:50 on East 34th Street near Lexington Avenue in Manhattan, a taxi traveling east collided with the rear of a sedan also traveling east. The point of impact was the taxi's left rear bumper hitting the sedan's center back end. The sedan driver, a 32-year-old licensed male, sustained upper arm and shoulder injuries and complained of whiplash. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating driver error or vehicle interaction issues. Both drivers were licensed men operating their vehicles legally. The taxi driver was not ejected and was conscious. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The crash highlights the dangers of rear-end collisions and driver errors in vehicle operation.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779594 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 9 - A 42-year-old man suffered head abrasions after an SUV hit him outside an intersection on FDR Drive. The vehicle’s right front bumper made impact as it traveled south. The pedestrian was conscious but injured, with unspecified contributing factors noted.

According to the police report, a 42-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2021 Chevrolet SUV traveling south on FDR Drive struck him outside an intersection. The point of impact was the vehicle’s right front bumper, causing head abrasions and a level 3 injury severity. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian and no explicit driver errors such as Failure to Yield or speeding were cited. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle going straight ahead. The crash highlights the dangers pedestrians face even outside crosswalks when vehicles maintain right-of-way without yielding.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777391 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 5 - A cyclist hit a 63-year-old woman crossing East 50th Street near Third Avenue. She fell, bleeding and unconscious, sprawled on the pavement. The bike rolled on, untouched. Night on the avenue, no intersection, no time to stop.

A 63-year-old woman was struck by a man riding a bike on East 50th Street near Third Avenue in Manhattan, according to the police report. The crash occurred at 9:30 p.m. The report states the woman was crossing against the signal and was not at an intersection when the collision happened. She suffered severe bleeding to the face and was found unconscious on the pavement. The police narrative describes the bike as continuing on, undamaged, after the impact. No intersection was involved, and the report notes 'no time to stop.' The police report lists the pedestrian’s action as 'crossing against signal,' but contributing factors for both the cyclist and pedestrian are marked as 'unspecified.' The focus remains on the moment of impact and the vulnerability of those on foot in the city’s streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777364 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19