Seven Dead, City Stalls—Demand 20 MPH Now

A sedan turned right and struck a 23-year-old cyclist on Riverside Drive. The rider, helmeted, was partially ejected and injured. Driver’s unsafe lane use and improper passing fueled the crash.

According to the police report, a Ford sedan making a right turn on Riverside Drive in Manhattan hit a 23-year-old male bicyclist who was riding straight. The cyclist, wearing a helmet, was partially ejected and suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors: improper passing and unsafe lane usage. The cyclist’s own confusion is noted but does not lessen the impact of the driver’s mistakes. The sedan’s center front end struck the cyclist, showing a direct hit. The driver was licensed. The crash highlights the danger of unsafe maneuvers by drivers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4763409 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

City Council arms FDNY with power to shut repeat e-bike battery offenders. New laws target shops selling illegal lithium-ion batteries. Enforcement ramps up. Fires drop, but uncertified batteries still threaten. Online sales remain unchecked. City pushes inspections, but incentives lag.

On September 21, 2024, the City Council enacted Local Law 49 and Local Law 50, empowering officials to padlock businesses that repeatedly violate lithium-ion battery safety rules. The Committee on Consumer Affairs advanced the bills, with Council Member Gale Brewer introducing both. The laws allow FDNY to close retailers who breach Local Law 39 three times in three years. The official matter summary states: 'The city can now forcibly close repeat offender shops that sell illegal lithium-ion batteries and micromobility devices.' Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Vera Mayuga called the issue urgent. Baruch Herzfeld, CEO of Pop Wheels, backed the law but urged more incentives for certified batteries and safe charging. While fires have dropped since last year, uncertified batteries still pose danger. The city has inspected over 650 shops and issued 275 violations, but online sales remain a loophole.

• Power Play: City Can Now Padlock Businesses Violating Lithium-Ion Battery Rules, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-10-10

Gale Brewer, once a bike ally, now supports state e-bike registration and park bans. She cites pressure and rising complaints. Critics say these moves target delivery workers, not danger. Data shows cars, not e-bikes, drive most injuries. Streets grow harsher for the vulnerable.

On October 8, 2024, Council Member Gale Brewer publicly reversed her stance, now supporting state-level e-bike registration and a blanket ban on e-bikes in city parks, as proposed in Intro 60. Brewer, speaking at an E-Vehicle Safety Alliance town hall, said, "I will sign on to that bill. That's not an issue." She attributes her change to the existence of state bills and constituent pressure, but refuses to back Council Member Bob Holden's city bill. Julie Menin also endorsed strict registration and park bans. Critics, including advocacy groups, warn these measures will hit low-wage, immigrant delivery workers hardest and undermine efforts to reduce car use. Data shows pedestrian injuries from e-bikes remain flat, while cars cause most harm. Brewer's shift marks a retreat from policies that protect vulnerable road users.

• Gale Brewer Flips on E-Bike Registration Due To ‘Nasty’ Pressure, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-10-08

A sedan making a left turn collided with a taxi traveling straight on Amsterdam Avenue. The sedan driver suffered facial injuries from the impact. Police cite driver inattention, distraction, and unsafe lane changing as causes behind the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 23:45 on Amsterdam Avenue involving a 2004 Honda sedan and a 2023 Toyota taxi. The sedan driver, a 46-year-old male, was making a left turn when the collision happened. The taxi was traveling north going straight ahead. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the sedan and the right front bumper of the taxi. The sedan driver sustained facial injuries and was conscious, wearing a lap belt at the time. The report identifies driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as contributing factors. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were cited. The crash highlights the dangers of inattentive driving and unsafe maneuvers on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4763188 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 15-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and suffered a head injury on Riverside Drive. The crash caused a concussion and left him injured but conscious. The bike’s front center end was damaged in the impact, highlighting a violent collision.

According to the police report, a 15-year-old male bicyclist riding northbound on Riverside Drive was ejected from his bike and sustained a head injury classified as a concussion. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash but suffered significant injury severity rated at level 3. The bike sustained damage to the center front end, indicating a direct impact. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any driver errors or other vehicles involved. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the crash. The absence of detailed contributing factors in the report points to a violent single-vehicle incident with serious consequences for the vulnerable rider.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4764420 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Work started on a new 96th Street bus lane. The city will cut car lanes for buses. Council Member Gale Brewer stands with opponents. DOT says most locals don’t drive. The bus lane aims to speed up slow, crowded crosstown rides.

On October 1, 2024, construction began on a dedicated bus lane along 96th Street in Manhattan. The project, not tied to a specific bill number, is led by the Department of Transportation and replaces a traffic lane in each direction between West End Avenue and 2nd Avenue. The matter aims to 'speed up crosstown buses like the M96 and M106.' Council Member Gale A. Brewer, representing District 6, has sided with residents opposing the change, though she did not comment for the record. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez claims the new lane will make commutes 'faster, more reliable, and safer for everyone.' The bus lane will operate 24/7, except for a short eastbound stretch. DOT notes that 74% of 96th Street residents do not own cars, and most commute by transit, bike, or foot. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Construction begins on new 96th Street bus lane in Manhattan, amny.com, Published 2024-10-01

DOT broke ground on new bus lanes along Manhattan’s 96th Street. The redesign will stretch 1.7 miles. Councilmember Gale Brewer raised curb space concerns. Officials say the project will speed up buses and slow down cars. Work finishes later this year.

On September 30, 2024, the Department of Transportation began construction of new bus lanes along Manhattan’s 96th Street, a project stretching from West End to Second Avenue. The matter, titled 'DOT begins construction of new bus lanes along Manhattan’s 96th Street,' aims to improve service for 15,500 weekday riders. Councilmember Gale A. Brewer, representing District 6, held a rally earlier in the month expressing concerns about lost curb space and pushed for alternative solutions. Brewer sent a letter to DOT on behalf of residents, stating, 'All I can say is that I did what I did to represent them.' DOT officials countered that the redesign will reduce congestion and retain curb access. The project includes dedicated bus lanes, left-turn bays, and treatments to slow drivers. Most residents in the area rely on transit, walking, or cycling. The city expects the redesign to make commutes faster and safer for all road users.

• DOT begins construction of new bus lanes along Manhattan’s 96th Street, gothamist.com, Published 2024-09-30

A taxi struck a 23-year-old woman crossing West 83rd. She suffered knee, leg, and foot injuries. She was conscious, complained of whiplash. The crash happened at night. No driver errors listed.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling westbound on West 83rd Street in Manhattan struck a 23-year-old female pedestrian. She was crossing against the signal and was hit by the taxi's left front bumper. The woman suffered injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, and complained of whiplash. She was conscious at the scene. The report lists no driver errors or violations. The only contributing factor noted is the pedestrian crossing against the signal. The taxi had no damage and the driver was licensed and operating legally. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4760170 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Council bill slashes legal parking time for big rigs. Ninety minutes max for tractor-trailers. Three hours for other commercial trucks. Streets clear faster. Heavy metal moves on.

Int 1069-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced September 26, 2024. The bill reads: "reducing the maximum time commercial vehicles may park." Sponsored by Kevin C. Riley and 23 others, it limits parking to three hours for most commercial vehicles, and 90 minutes for tractor-trailers, unless signs say otherwise. The law takes effect 120 days after passage. Council aims to keep streets less clogged by oversized trucks. No safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets long-term truck storage on city streets.

• File Int 1069-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Council pushes Albany to let New York City ticket drivers who block bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Cyclists face deadly risk. Lawmakers demand action. Streets must protect the vulnerable.

Resolution 0574-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced September 26, 2024, it urges passage of S.5008A/A.803A. The measure calls for a 'bicycle lane safety program' using cameras to enforce bike lane rules. Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, and Erik D. Bottcher back the resolution. The text states: 'enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' The council demands Albany act. Cyclists die while drivers block lanes. The bill aims to hold motorists accountable and protect those most at risk.

• File Res 0574-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Council pushes Albany to let New York City ticket drivers who block bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Cyclists face death and injury. Lawmakers want action. Streets remain dangerous. The fight for safety continues.

Resolution 0574-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced September 26, 2024, it urges passage of S.5008A/A.803A. The resolution calls for a 'bicycle lane safety program...to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, and Erik D. Bottcher back the measure. The bill would let New York City use cameras to fine drivers who invade bike lanes. Cyclists are killed and injured when cars block their space. The council demands Albany act to protect vulnerable road users.

• File Res 0574-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Council pushes Albany to let New York City ticket drivers who block bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Cyclists face death and injury. Lawmakers want action. Streets remain dangerous. The fight for safety continues.

Resolution 0574-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced September 26, 2024, it urges passage of S.5008A/A.803A. The resolution calls for a 'bicycle lane safety program...to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, and Erik D. Bottcher back the measure. The bill would let New York City use cameras to fine drivers who invade bike lanes. Cyclists are killed and injured when cars block their space. The council demands Albany act to protect vulnerable road users.

• File Res 0574-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

E-bike use surges. Streets stay deadly. Calls for licensing miss the mark. Advocates demand protected lanes, clear intersections, and employer accountability. Restrictive rules push riders to riskier modes. Real safety comes from design, not blame.

This opinion, published September 26, 2024, argues against e-bike licensing and for street redesign. The article, titled 'Opinion: Worried About E-Bike Safety? Make the Roads Safer First,' highlights the dangers faced by cyclists and pedestrians due to poor infrastructure. It supports Council Member Lincoln Restler’s bill to enforce bike and bus lane obstruction rules and backs state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal’s proposal for employer-based delivery worker licensing. The piece states: 'Such proposals are heavy-handed and will deter and discourage e-bike ridership without effectively ensuring their safe operations on the street.' The author urges protected bike lanes, daylighted intersections, and moving Citi Bike docks off sidewalks. The message is clear: systemic fixes, not punitive measures, protect vulnerable road users.

• Opinion: Worried About E-Bike Safety? Make the Roads Safer First, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-26

City detour shoves cyclists onto steep, dangerous streets. No warning. No protection. Riders dodge cars, cross highway ramps, and face confusion. Injuries mount. Signs offer little help. Council Member Abreu calls plan shortsighted. Cyclists forced to risk lives or break rules.

On September 25, 2024, the city rerouted the Hudson River Greenway, sending 7,000 daily cyclists onto hilly, crash-prone streets. The detour, implemented with scant notice, lacks protected bike lanes and clear signage. Cyclists must share space with cars, cross highway ramps, and navigate steep slopes. The matter, described as 'shortsighted' by Council Member Shaun Abreu, repeats failures from a similar closure four years ago. Abreu urged the city to create a 'sustainable, workable detour' for vulnerable riders. Cyclists voiced frustration and fear, with some riding on pedestrian paths or even the highway to avoid danger. The city’s reliance on 'Share the Road' signs and sharrows leaves riders exposed. The detour has led to nearly one injury per week, highlighting the city’s disregard for cyclist safety during infrastructure work.

• Eyes On The Street: Greenway Detour is a Hilly, Confusing Danger Zone, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-25

Streetsblog calls out the Times for ignoring car culture’s deadly toll. Anti-bike voices rage as double-parked cars and reckless drivers menace Long Island City. A cyclist is struck in Brooklyn. Universal daylighting advances. The city’s streets remain dangerous for the vulnerable.

On September 23, 2024, Streetsblog NYC published a media commentary titled 'Monday’s Headlines: ‘It’s the Car Culture, Stupid’ Edition.' The piece criticizes The New York Times for failing to address the harm car culture inflicts on public health and urban safety, quoting, 'The Times is so blind to car culture that it can't even blame the automobile for sedentary lifestyles.' The article highlights ongoing dangers for pedestrians and cyclists, including a cyclist struck by a driver in Brooklyn and persistent double-parking in Long Island City. It notes an Upper Manhattan community board’s vote for universal daylighting, a proven safety measure. No council members are directly named, but the commentary centers the systemic risks cars pose to vulnerable road users and the media’s failure to confront these dangers.

• Monday’s Headlines: ‘It’s the Car Culture, Stupid’ Edition, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-23

Manhattan crawls. UN General Assembly brings gridlock. Streets close. Traffic drops below 4 mph. DOT urges mass transit. Cyclists get a temporary lane. Permanent fix in the works. Emergency response slows. Hoylman-Sigal sounds alarm. No relief in sight.

On September 23, 2024, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and the New York City Department of Transportation announced the slowest Manhattan traffic of the year as the United Nations General Assembly convenes. The DOT warns, 'motorists should expect the slowest traffic of the year in Midtown,' with average speeds dipping below 4 mph and key streets closed. Hoylman-Sigal, co-author of a new traffic report, highlights that Midtown speeds are the slowest since records began—20% slower than a decade ago. The report notes emergency response times have suffered. DOT continues a temporary bike lane for cyclists and micro-mobility users, with plans for a permanent design. Hoylman-Sigal supports congestion pricing and safer streets, but Governor Hochul has paused the plan. The city expects more gridlock days through December. Vulnerable road users face narrowed space and slower emergency help as cars choke Midtown.

• Brace for the slowest Manhattan traffic of the year. The UN is in town., gothamist.com, Published 2024-09-23

A distracted driver struck a pedestrian working in the roadway on West 77 Street in Manhattan. Both the pedestrian and a vehicle occupant suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The crash involved two sedans and occurred in the evening rush hour.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:21 on West 77 Street near Columbus Avenue in Manhattan. The collision involved two sedans traveling westbound. The driver of one sedan was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' a primary contributing factor. The pedestrian, a 51-year-old woman working in the roadway, sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. A 51-year-old male occupant riding outside one of the vehicles also suffered similar injuries. The report notes the point of impact as the center front end of the moving sedan striking the pedestrian. No contributing factors were assigned to the pedestrian. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving and its severe impact on vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4756680 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Two SUVs collided on West 110th Street in Manhattan. The female driver of one SUV suffered full-body injuries and shock. Police cited unsafe lane changing as the cause. The injured driver was restrained and not ejected from the vehicle.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:20 on West 110th Street near Broadway in Manhattan. Two sport utility vehicles, both Kia models, collided. The female driver of the northbound SUV was injured with full-body trauma and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. The point of impact was the right side doors of her vehicle. The other SUV, driven by a male driver without a license, struck the center front end of the female driver's vehicle. The police report identifies 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as the contributing factor to the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4754930 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07