Seven Dead, City Stalls—Demand 20 MPH Now

Upper West Side residents and Council Member Shaun Abreu push back on a 96th Street bus lane. DOT aims to speed up slow buses for 15,000 daily riders. Locals cite residential concerns. Debate pits transit needs against curb access. No clear resolution.

On September 5, 2024, Council Member Shaun Abreu of District 7 joined Upper West Side residents in questioning the Department of Transportation's plan for a 24/7 offset bus lane on 96th Street. The DOT proposal, intended to speed up the M96 bus for 15,000 daily riders, would repurpose a travel lane in each direction while preserving curb parking. Abreu stated, "I wouldn’t say I’m opposed or in favor at this point," but called for more clarity and adjustments from DOT. The matter, described as a push to 'torpedo planned bus lane on 96th Street,' has drawn support from East Side's Community Board 8 and opposition from West Side locals and Council Member Gale Brewer, who suggested alternatives like bus signal priority. The debate centers on balancing transit improvements with residential curb access. No formal committee action or safety analysis has been reported.

• Upper West Side locals seek to torpedo planned bus lane on 96th Street, amny.com, Published 2024-09-05

Council Member Gale Brewer stood with opponents against a 96th Street bus lane. She cited parking and speed concerns. DOT said parking stays. Advocates called her out for ignoring slow buses and 15,000 daily riders. Brewer claimed support for bus lanes elsewhere.

On September 5, 2024, Council Member Gale Brewer publicly opposed a dedicated bus lane on West 96th Street at a rally. The matter, described as a 'City Council member public statement/rally regarding bus lane project,' saw Brewer call on DOT to remove two blocks from the crosstown bus lane plan, citing the area's 'residential character' and questioning the need due to 'current bus speeds.' Brewer, who once backed bus lanes on 14th, 34th, and 181st Streets, now argued for alternatives and said, 'I'm a bus rider who takes this bus every day. It's not slow.' DOT countered that parking would be preserved and loading zones added. Transit advocates criticized Brewer for ignoring data on slow westbound buses and the needs of 15,000 daily riders. Council Member Shaun Abreu, who represents the district, did not attend and stated he does not oppose the bus lane. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Self-Proclaimed Bus Lane Champion Gale Brewer Tries To Tank Bus Lane, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-05

Council Member Gale Brewer stood with opponents against a 96th Street bus lane. She cited parking and speed concerns. DOT said parking stays. Advocates called her out for ignoring slow buses and 15,000 daily riders. Brewer claimed support for bus lanes elsewhere.

On September 5, 2024, Council Member Gale Brewer publicly opposed a dedicated bus lane on West 96th Street at a rally. The matter, described as a 'City Council member public statement/rally regarding bus lane project,' saw Brewer call on DOT to remove two blocks from the crosstown bus lane plan, citing the area's 'residential character' and questioning the need due to 'current bus speeds.' Brewer, who once backed bus lanes on 14th, 34th, and 181st Streets, now argued for alternatives and said, 'I'm a bus rider who takes this bus every day. It's not slow.' DOT countered that parking would be preserved and loading zones added. Transit advocates criticized Brewer for ignoring data on slow westbound buses and the needs of 15,000 daily riders. Council Member Shaun Abreu, who represents the district, did not attend and stated he does not oppose the bus lane. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Self-Proclaimed Bus Lane Champion Gale Brewer Tries To Tank Bus Lane, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-05

Councilmember Gale Brewer stands with Upper West Siders against a new 96th Street bus lane. Residents rally. DOT wants faster buses. Brewer demands alternatives. The fight pits transit speed against curb access. DOT vows to move forward. Riders wait.

On September 5, 2024, Councilmember Gale A. Brewer (District 6) joined Upper West Side residents to oppose the Department of Transportation’s plan for dedicated bus lanes on 96th Street. The proposal, announced in May, would convert a traffic lane in each direction to bus-only use between First and West End avenues, aiming to speed up the M96 and M106 routes. Brewer, who previously supported bus lanes elsewhere, told the crowd, 'There are concerns that we have. I think that you have to look at alternatives to making the bus go faster.' The matter, titled by Gothamist as 'Yet another NYC bus lane plan faces big fight, this time from angry Upper West Siders,' highlights tension between transit improvements and local access. DOT officials say the lanes will help over 15,000 daily bus riders. No formal safety analysis was provided.

• Yet another NYC bus lane plan faces big fight, this time from angry Upper West Siders, gothamist.com, Published 2024-09-05

Upper West Side residents and Council Member Shaun Abreu push back on a 96th Street bus lane. DOT aims to speed up slow buses for 15,000 daily riders. Locals cite residential concerns. Debate pits transit needs against curb access. No clear resolution.

On September 5, 2024, Council Member Shaun Abreu of District 7 joined Upper West Side residents in questioning the Department of Transportation's plan for a 24/7 offset bus lane on 96th Street. The DOT proposal, intended to speed up the M96 bus for 15,000 daily riders, would repurpose a travel lane in each direction while preserving curb parking. Abreu stated, "I wouldn’t say I’m opposed or in favor at this point," but called for more clarity and adjustments from DOT. The matter, described as a push to 'torpedo planned bus lane on 96th Street,' has drawn support from East Side's Community Board 8 and opposition from West Side locals and Council Member Gale Brewer, who suggested alternatives like bus signal priority. The debate centers on balancing transit improvements with residential curb access. No formal committee action or safety analysis has been reported.

• Upper West Side locals seek to torpedo planned bus lane on 96th Street, amny.com, Published 2024-09-05

A 35-year-old male cyclist was ejected and injured on West 79 Street. The crash involved a single bike traveling south. Defective pavement caused the rider to lose control, resulting in chest injuries and internal complaints.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old male bicyclist riding south on West 79 Street was ejected from his bike due to defective pavement. The report lists 'Pavement Defective' twice as contributing factors, indicating road conditions caused the crash. The cyclist sustained chest injuries and internal complaints, classified as injury severity level 3. The bike's point of impact was the center front end, and the vehicle damage was noted as 'Other.' The rider was not wearing any safety equipment. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were cited, as this was a single-vehicle crash. The defective pavement created a hazardous condition that led directly to the bicyclist's ejection and injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4753608 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A taxi making a right turn collided with a southbound e-bike on Central Park West. The bicyclist was ejected and suffered head injuries and whiplash. The crash involved improper lane usage by the taxi driver, according to the police report.

At 6:09 AM on Central Park West near West 65 Street in Manhattan, a taxi driver made a right turn and struck a southbound e-bike, according to the police report. The point of impact was the center front end of both vehicles. The bicyclist, a 55-year-old man wearing a helmet, was ejected and sustained head injuries and whiplash, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as the contributing factor, indicating the taxi driver's error. The bicyclist's helmet use is noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The taxi was occupied by a licensed male driver. This collision highlights the dangers posed by improper lane usage during turning maneuvers in dense urban traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4751721 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Three new elevators now run at 14th Street. Riders with disabilities can reach platforms once blocked. The overhaul cost $300 million. More elevators are coming. But 23 other stations wait, stalled by lost congestion pricing funds. Access remains uneven. Riders pay the price.

On August 22, 2024, construction finished on three new elevators at the 14th Street subway complex, serving the F, M, and L lines, with connections to the 1, 2, and 3. The project, a $300 million overhaul, is part of ongoing MTA accessibility efforts. State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who represents District 47, praised the work: "There is a fundamental right to access mass transit. And today we are taking an important step forward in making that right real to all New Yorkers." The upgrades will make the complex fully accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Still, 23 other stations remain on hold after congestion pricing was paused, freezing $15 billion in planned improvements. Only 30% of stations are accessible. The future for vulnerable riders is uncertain without new funding.

• Construction finished on three new elevators at 14th Street subway complex, amny.com, Published 2024-08-22

State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal stands firm. He says New York needs congestion pricing. The governor paused the $15 toll. Lawmakers debate lower fees and exemptions. The MTA’s future hangs in the balance. Vulnerable road users wait for action. Streets stay dangerous.

On August 22, 2024, State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (District 47) joined the debate over New York’s congestion pricing plan. The original $15 toll was paused by Governor Hochul in June. Now, officials consider a lower toll or alternatives to fund the MTA. Hoylman-Sigal said, 'we need congestion pricing.' The matter, titled 'MTA boss ‘thrilled’ Kathy Hochul eyeing lower congestion toll after NY gov indefinitely paused controversial scheme,' highlights the urgency of MTA financing. Assemblywoman Deborah Glick noted Hochul’s commitment to a replacement plan. The bill’s status remains in flux, with no committee or vote recorded. The safety impact for vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, passengers—was not assessed. The city’s most at-risk remain exposed as leaders argue over dollars and cars.

• MTA boss ‘thrilled’ Kathy Hochul eyeing lower congestion toll after NY gov indefinitely paused controversial scheme, nypost.com, Published 2024-08-22

City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

A 68-year-old woman suffered full-body abrasions after a moped traveling south on Columbus Avenue hit her at the intersection with West 72 Street. The driver’s unsafe speed and inattention caused the collision, leaving the pedestrian injured but conscious.

According to the police report, a moped traveling southbound on Columbus Avenue struck a 68-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection with West 72 Street around 12:55 PM. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when the collision occurred. The pedestrian sustained abrasions over her entire body and was conscious at the scene. The report identifies the moped driver's unsafe speed and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors in the crash. The point of impact was the center front end of the moped, which was going straight ahead at the time. The pedestrian's crossing against the signal is noted but the primary causes cited are the driver's unsafe speed and inattention, emphasizing the systemic danger posed by driver errors in this incident.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4747296 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Sanitation will roll out 1,500 Spanish-made trash bins in West Harlem, taking over parking spots. Councilmember Shaun Abreu hails the pilot’s success. The bins cut sidewalk trash and rats. Streets change. Cars lose ground. Pedestrians and residents gain cleaner, safer space.

On August 8, 2024, Councilmember Shaun Abreu, chair of the City Council's sanitation committee, announced the expansion of a sanitation pilot in District 7. The Department of Sanitation will install up to 1,500 large, Madrid-made bins in West Harlem parking spaces, targeting buildings with more than 31 units. The pilot, launched last year, replaces sidewalk trash bags with secure, stationary bins. Abreu said, 'I couldn’t be more thrilled that Barcelona is making its way to New York City – but unfortunately for the rats, that means no tapas for them.' The bins, emptied by new trucks, have already reduced rat complaints and cleaned up streets. Some residents worry about lost parking, but others, like Esther Yoon, praise the cleaner, safer sidewalks. The city will spend up to $700,000 annually on the program, aiming to expand across all boroughs.

• Spanish armada of garbage bins to invade NYC parking spaces as part of 'trash revolution', gothamist.com, Published 2024-08-08

Two men riding as passengers suffered neck and shoulder injuries when two SUVs crashed on Broadway. The impact struck doors and quarter panel. Both victims remained conscious. Serious injuries. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, two SUVs traveling south on Broadway near West 86 Street collided at 13:35. The crash hit the left side doors of a 2011 Nissan SUV and the right front quarter panel of a 2022 Porsche SUV. Two male passengers, both 32, were injured—one in the front passenger seat, the other in the left rear. Both suffered serious injuries: whiplash and upper arm trauma. The report lists no contributing factors for the victims. No ejections occurred. The police report does not cite specific driver errors or contributing factors, but the force of the crash left both passengers hurt. The data shows the ongoing risk for those riding inside vehicles on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4746963 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A Chevy SUV hit a 31-year-old woman at West End Avenue and West 64th Street. She fell, blood pooling beneath her head. The front grill bore the mark. The street held her silence. Shock widened her eyes as sirens approached.

A 31-year-old woman was struck by a Chevy SUV while in the crosswalk at West End Avenue and West 64th Street in Manhattan, according to the police report. The report describes the woman lying in shock, bleeding from the head, with severe lacerations. The SUV's center front end bore visible damage. Police note the pedestrian was at the intersection, engaged in 'other actions in roadway.' The driver was traveling straight ahead in an eastbound direction. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified,' offering no further details on driver behavior. The narrative underscores the violence of the impact and the vulnerability of the pedestrian, who suffered significant head injuries. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior are cited beyond her presence in the intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743942 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A sedan driver suffered whole-body injuries after colliding with a taxi on Amsterdam Avenue. The impact struck the sedan’s left front bumper and the taxi’s right rear quarter panel. Driver inattention caused the crash, leaving the driver in shock and pain.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Amsterdam Avenue near West 83 Street in Manhattan at 10:30 AM. The collision involved a sedan traveling west and a taxi heading north. The sedan’s left front bumper struck the taxi’s right rear quarter panel. The sedan driver, an 18-year-old female, was injured with bodily trauma affecting her entire body and experienced shock and complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' twice as contributing factors to the crash. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead before impact. The sedan driver was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. The data highlights driver distraction as the primary cause of the crash, with no contributing factors attributed to the victim’s behavior.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743205 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A bicyclist was ejected and suffered a severe shoulder injury after a sedan collided with him on Amsterdam Avenue. The crash occurred during northbound travel. Driver inattention caused the impact, leaving the cyclist fractured and dislocated.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling northwest on Amsterdam Avenue struck a bicyclist heading north at approximately 17:18. The point of impact was the sedan's left front bumper hitting the bike's right side doors. The bicyclist, a 35-year-old male, was ejected from his bike and sustained a fractured, distorted, and dislocated upper arm injury, classified as severity level 3. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. There were no other occupants in the sedan, and the driver’s license status was not reported. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy Manhattan streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743782 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 78-year-old man crossing with the signal on West 104 Street was struck by a northbound sedan making a left turn. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. Driver failure to yield and distraction caused the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Amsterdam Avenue made a left turn onto West 104 Street at 8:00 AM when it struck a 78-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors on the driver's part. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but not ejected. The driver’s errors in yielding and distraction directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers at this intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743664 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Council Speaker Adams wavers on using new power to lower speed limits. She calls for district input. Advocates warn: patchwork rules endanger lives. Uniform 20 mph limit saves people. Council delays action as streets stay deadly.

On July 19, 2024, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams addressed the Council’s authority under Sammy’s Law, which lets New York City lower its speed limit. The matter, discussed in Streetsblog, quotes Adams: “Each Council member is going to have to weigh in on how they feel it should be enacted or should not be enacted in their district.” Adams hesitated to commit to a citywide 20 mph limit, instead suggesting community-by-community decisions. Eric McClure of StreetsPAC called this approach “chaotic and dangerous,” pushing for a uniform 20 mph limit to save lives. Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives urged a comprehensive, data-driven plan. State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Brad Hoylman-Sigal pressed the Council to use its new powers. The Department of Transportation clarified its limited authority. The Council’s delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk.

• Speaker Adams: Council May Not Use its ‘Sammy’s Law’ Power to Lower Speed Limits, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-19

A cyclist, distracted and speeding, struck a 51-year-old woman crossing West 61 Street with the signal. She suffered bruises and leg injuries. The crash exposes the danger of inattention on Manhattan streets.

According to the police report, a cyclist traveling south on West 61 Street collided with a 51-year-old woman who was crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian suffered contusions and trauma to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The cyclist's bike was damaged at the center front end, marking the point of impact. The pedestrian remained conscious after the crash. No contributing factors were attributed to the pedestrian. The report highlights the cyclist's inattention and speed as the direct causes of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4739922 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07