Seven Dead, City Stalls—Demand 20 MPH Now

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-01-30

A southbound SUV and westbound taxi collided on Broadway at dawn. The SUV driver, a 24-year-old woman, suffered back contusions. Police cite driver inattention as the cause. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage in the impact.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Broadway at 5:53 a.m. involving a 2018 Ford SUV traveling south and a 2015 Toyota taxi traveling west. The SUV driver, a 24-year-old female occupant, was injured with back contusions and remained conscious. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the SUV and the center front end of the taxi. The report identifies driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers held valid New York licenses and were going straight ahead before the collision. The SUV had two occupants, and the taxi had one. The SUV driver was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction in multi-vehicle collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697869 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 67-year-old man was struck by an e-bike while crossing West 98 Street. The impact caused head injuries and left him semiconscious. The e-bike, traveling north, hit the pedestrian at the center front end, causing bruising and serious injury.

According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being struck by an e-bike on West 98 Street at 7:45 p.m. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk when the collision occurred. The e-bike, operated by a male driver traveling north and going straight ahead, impacted the pedestrian at the center front end. The pedestrian suffered head injuries, including contusions and bruising, and was found semiconscious at the scene. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not cite any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The collision caused damage to the e-bike's center front end, highlighting the severity of the impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698618 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

An e-scooter struck a 77-year-old man crossing Columbus Avenue. The impact shattered his lower leg and foot. He stayed conscious. The scooter rolled on, undamaged. The street marked another victim.

According to the police report, a 77-year-old male pedestrian was crossing Columbus Avenue outside a crosswalk when a southbound e-scooter hit him head-on. The man suffered serious injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including fractures and dislocations. He remained conscious after the crash. The e-scooter showed no visible damage. The report lists unspecified contributing factors and does not cite any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No pedestrian actions were listed as contributing factors. The crash highlights the threat motorized vehicles pose to pedestrians in Manhattan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697020 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A Jeep SUV traveling south on Henry Hudson Parkway injured its 17-year-old front passenger during an unsafe lane change. The passenger suffered facial contusions while the vehicle’s front end collided with another vehicle’s rear center.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 2:15 AM on Henry Hudson Parkway. The Jeep SUV, driven by a male with a learner's permit, was traveling south and going straight ahead when it collided with another vehicle changing lanes unsafely. The point of impact was the SUV's center front end striking the center back end of the other vehicle. The report cites "Unsafe Speed" and "Unsafe Lane Changing" as contributing factors. The injured party was a 17-year-old female front passenger in the SUV, who sustained facial contusions and was conscious after the crash. Safety equipment deployed included an airbag and lap belt harness. The driver’s unsafe lane change was a critical factor in causing the collision and subsequent injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4696969 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Electeds launched 'Bike Safe' to urge cyclists to respect pedestrians. They named cars as the main killers. Delivery workers face pressure from apps. The campaign puts blame where it belongs: on reckless drivers and the systems that push workers to risk lives.

On January 19, 2024, Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Council Member Erik Bottcher launched the 'Bike Safe' public safety campaign in Council District 47. The campaign, titled 'Slow Your Roll, Respect The Stroll,' urges cyclists to stop at red lights and avoid sidewalks, but Bottcher stressed, 'the vast majority of deaths and injuries are caused by cars.' Bottcher and Hoylman-Sigal both called out reckless drivers as the real threat. Assembly Member Tony Simone joined, pushing for statewide laws to curb dangerous delivery app practices. Ligia Guallpa of the Workers Justice Project highlighted how apps force delivery workers into risky behavior, but noted that new minimum pay rates help slow things down. The campaign focuses on education, not punishment, and centers the voices of workers and vulnerable road users. No direct safety impact assessment was provided.

• Electeds Roll Out 'Bike Safe' Campaign While Admitting Cars are the Real Source of Danger, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-01-19

Council Member Bottcher and colleagues launched ‘Slow Your Roll, Respect The Stroll’ to urge cyclists to respect pedestrians. They admit cars are the main killers. Five died in Bottcher’s district last year—three were pedestrians hit by drivers. The campaign runs citywide.

On January 19, 2024, Council Member Erik Bottcher unveiled the ‘Slow Your Roll, Respect The Stroll’ campaign. The effort, joined by Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assembly Member Tony Simone, aims to remind cyclists to stop at red lights and avoid sidewalks. Bottcher’s district saw 2,215 crashes last year, injuring 267 pedestrians and 218 cyclists; three of five fatalities were pedestrians killed by drivers. Bottcher said, 'the vast majority of deaths and injuries are caused by cars.' Simone highlighted delivery app pressure on workers to break laws. Ligia Guallpa of the Workers Justice Project noted delivery workers face daily risks and exploitation. The campaign, first in English and Spanish, will expand citywide. The focus remains: cars are the real threat, but all street users must be considered.

• Electeds Roll Out ‘Bike Safe’ Campaign While Admitting Cars are the Real Source of Danger, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-19

Thousands of cars without plates clog New York streets. City agencies barely act. Drivers dodge tickets and accountability. Council Members Nurse and Abreu demand action. The city shrugs. Plateless cars stay. Vulnerable road users pay the price.

Council Member Shaun Abreu introduced a bill in September 2023 to streamline the Department of Sanitation’s (DSNY) towing of plateless vehicles. The bill remains stalled after DSNY Commissioner Jessica Tisch testified against it, citing operational and legal hurdles. The matter, discussed in the Sanitation Committee led by Council Member Sandy Nurse, highlights a citywide crisis: over 51,000 complaints about plateless cars in 2023, but only 1,821 removals. The article quotes Nurse—'Cars with ghost plates are a risk to public safety'—and Abreu, who calls the city’s inaction a repurposing of public space for dumping. Despite a DSNY/NYPD task force, enforcement remains weak. The city’s failure leaves reckless drivers unaccountable and endangers everyone outside a car.

• No License Plates? No Problem! Scofflaw Drivers Remove Tags Yet Rarely Get Caught, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-16

Thousands of cars without plates clog city streets. Enforcement is weak. Only a fraction get towed. Council Member Sandy Nurse calls ghost plates a public safety risk. The city’s response is slow. Vulnerable road users pay the price for inaction.

On January 16, 2024, the City Council held an oversight hearing on traffic enforcement for plateless vehicles. The Sanitation Committee, chaired by Council Member Sandy Nurse (District 37), led the debate. The hearing focused on the city’s failure to remove unregistered, plateless cars. In 2023, over 51,000 complaints were filed, but only 1,821 cars were towed. Nurse said, 'Cars with ghost plates are a risk to public safety.' Council Member Shaun Abreu pushed for a bill to streamline the Department of Sanitation’s towing process, but DSNY Commissioner Jessica Tisch opposed it, citing legal and operational hurdles. The NYPD and DSNY formed a task force, but advocates and councilmembers say it is not enough. The city’s lack of action leaves vulnerable road users exposed to reckless, untraceable drivers.

• No License Plates? No Problem! Scofflaw Drivers Remove Tags Yet Rarely Get Caught, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-01-16

Taxi plows into cyclist on Broadway. Rider thrown, back shattered. Driver distracted. Streets unforgiving. System failed the vulnerable.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old male bicyclist was struck by a northbound taxi while riding east on Broadway at 17:24. The taxi hit the bike at its left front bumper, ejecting the cyclist and causing severe back injuries, including fractures and dislocations. The cyclist was semiconscious after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No cyclist errors or helmet issues were cited. This crash shows the grave risk distracted drivers pose to people moving through New York City streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694954 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

SUV turned left, struck a 67-year-old man crossing with the signal on West 105 Street. The impact caused head injuries and bleeding. Driver failed to yield. Pedestrian left incoherent in the street.

According to the police report, a 2010 Ford SUV traveling south on West 105 Street made a left turn and struck a 67-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian suffered head injuries, minor bleeding, and was incoherent after the crash. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. The SUV's center front end hit the pedestrian and sustained damage. No pedestrian errors contributed to the crash. The driver was licensed in New York. This collision highlights the danger when drivers fail to yield to people crossing legally.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698822 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A city meeting on curb space in the Upper West Side erupted. Residents, fueled by rumors, demanded parking rights. City officials denied plans to remove all parking. The DOT sought input for safer, smarter curb use. Tension filled the room. No consensus reached.

On January 9, 2024, the Department of Transportation (DOT) hosted a public meeting on the Upper West Side to discuss the 'Smart Curbs' pilot program. The event, held at a W. 84th Street school, was the first outreach for a study on curb management. The DOT described the meeting as a chance to 'help craft a proposal' and denied any plan to eliminate all parking. Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'We wanted to start here, in this pilot project, listening from the community on how we reimagine the community.' Residents, spurred by misinformation, confronted officials and voiced fears over losing parking. Some, like Andy Rosenthal, supported loading zones. Others, like activist Andrew Fine, rejected the process outright. The meeting highlighted deep divides over curb use, but also the urgent need to address double parking and blocked bike lanes that endanger pedestrians and cyclists.

• Upper West Side Meeting on Curb Space Management Turns Into Heated Dispute, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-09

Vendors vanished from the Brooklyn Bridge. City workers swept the span at midnight. Tourists walked free of tables and hawkers. The walkway opened up. No ducking, weaving, or crowding. The city seized eight vendor tables. The bridge stayed packed, but clear.

On January 3, 2024, the city implemented a total vendor ban on the Brooklyn Bridge. The Department of Transportation and NYPD cleared all souvenir stands and food sellers at midnight. A sign now reads, 'No vending allowed.' Councilmember Gale A. Brewer, District 6, was mentioned for introducing a related bill last month to restrict sales only on narrow sections. Mayor Eric Adams said, 'Tourists and New Yorkers alike deserve to walk across it and enjoy its beauty without being packed together like sardines or risking their safety.' The ban aims to improve pedestrian flow on the crowded bridge, which sees over 34,000 walkers on a fall weekend. Supporters of vendors mourned the loss of affordable food and art. Tourists welcomed the extra space and easier passage.

• Tourists enjoy vendor-free Brooklyn Bridge as ban goes into effect, gothamist.com, Published 2024-01-03

A taxi and a sedan collided head-on on Broadway. The taxi driver, an 82-year-old man, suffered injuries and shock. Police cite driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage in the crash.

According to the police report, at 10:56 AM on Broadway, a 2016 Ford taxi traveling east and a 2013 Chrysler sedan traveling south collided. The point of impact was the center front end of the taxi and the right front bumper of the sedan. The taxi driver, an 82-year-old male occupant, was injured and experienced shock but was not ejected. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were licensed in New York, with the sedan driver holding a permit. The taxi driver was restrained by a lap belt. There is no mention of victim fault or contributing victim behaviors in the report. Vehicle damage was concentrated on the front ends, indicating a frontal collision caused by driver error.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692437 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

City Hall will ban all street vendors from bridges like the Brooklyn Bridge starting January 3. Officials claim the move will ease crowding and reduce danger for walkers. Vendors, many disabled or veterans, say the ban guts their livelihoods overnight.

On January 2, 2024, City Hall announced a blanket ban on street vendors from city bridges, effective January 3. The policy, not a council bill but a mayoral action, follows months of warnings and public debate. Mayor Adams said, "Tourists and New Yorkers alike deserve to walk across it and enjoy its beauty without being packed together like sardines or risking their safety." The Department of Transportation cited overcrowding and safety risks on the Brooklyn Bridge, where daily pedestrian numbers have doubled since 2021. Vendors and advocates, including Mohamed Attia of the Street Vendor Project, condemned the ban for stripping workers—many disabled or veterans—of income with no safety net. Upper West Side Council Member Gale Brewer proposed a compromise bill to allow regulated vending on wider bridge sections, but the administration pushed ahead with a total ban. The city claims the measure will protect pedestrians, but offers no new space or support for displaced vendors.

• New Year’s Leave! City To Kick Vendors Off Bridges Tomorrow, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-02

A collision on Henry Hudson Parkway injured two occupants. Both suffered neck injuries. The driver of the SUV was distracted. The crash left both vehicles damaged.

A crash occurred on Henry Hudson Parkway involving a Ford SUV and an Audi sedan. Two occupants, a 36-year-old male driver and a 29-year-old female passenger, sustained neck injuries and were conscious at the scene. According to the police report, the contributing factor was 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' Both individuals were wearing lap belts and harnesses. The SUV was stopped in traffic when it was struck by the sedan, which was traveling straight ahead. The impact occurred at the left rear bumper of the SUV and the right front bumper of the sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691280 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Council calls for state action on Sammy’s Law and SAFE Streets Act. The bills would let New York City lower speed limits and give crash victims new rights. Lawmakers push to curb deadly driving and protect those on foot and bike.

Resolution 0549-2023, filed by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, urges Albany to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law') and A.1901, part of the SAFE Streets Act. The resolution, introduced April 11, 2023, and filed December 31, 2023, calls for 'allowing New York City to establish a lower speed limit, and enacting a crash victims bill of rights.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led sponsorship, joined by Gutiérrez, Restler, and others. The package aims to cut speeds, redesign streets, and support crash victims. It would let the city set safer limits, require safe passing for cyclists, and mandate complete street design. The council’s action spotlights the urgent need to protect people walking, biking, and riding in New York.

• File Res 0549-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-31

A passenger was injured in a collision involving a Ford SUV in Manhattan. The driver was unlicensed. The impact was severe, causing back injuries and whiplash.

A 32-year-old male passenger sustained injuries in a crash involving a Ford SUV in Manhattan. According to the police report, the driver was unlicensed and was involved in improper lane usage. The passenger, seated in the front, suffered back injuries and whiplash. The vehicle was traveling east when it collided with another vehicle, resulting in damage to the left front bumper. The driver was licensed, but the other vehicle's driver was not. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4690907 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 24-year-old man was injured crossing West 96 Street against the signal. The SUV, driven by a woman with a permit, hit him at the intersection. He suffered abrasions and arm injuries. The vehicle’s left front quarter panel was damaged.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing West 96 Street at the intersection with Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when struck by a 2012 Chevrolet SUV traveling east. The SUV was driven by a female driver holding a permit from Connecticut. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle, causing damage to the left front quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors, but notes the pedestrian crossed against the signal. No helmet or signaling factors were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694199 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Two SUVs slammed together on Amsterdam Avenue. A rear passenger took a blow to the head. Police blamed driver inattention and speed. Metal twisted. One man hurt. The street stayed loud.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Amsterdam Avenue near West 62 Street in Manhattan. Both vehicles were heading north when one changed lanes and struck the other. The left rear passenger in one SUV, a 56-year-old man, suffered a head contusion and bruising. Police cited driver inattention and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The impact hit the right front bumper of one SUV and the left front quarter panel of the other. The injured passenger was conscious and not ejected. No other contributing factors, such as helmet use or signaling, were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4690539 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08