Blood on Cabrini: Manhattan’s Streets Still Built for the Kill

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

Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Two sedans collided head-on on the Harlem River Drive ramp. The 20-year-old male driver suffered a head injury and was unconscious with a concussion. The crash involved improper lane usage and other vehicular errors, causing severe trauma to the driver.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling in opposite directions collided on the Harlem River Drive ramp at 5:15. The 20-year-old male driver of one vehicle was injured, sustaining a head injury and losing consciousness, with a concussion reported. The report cites 'Other Vehicular' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors, indicating driver errors related to lane control and vehicle operation. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage at the left front bumper, confirming a direct impact. The injured driver was not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors. The collision highlights critical driver mistakes leading to severe injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783792 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A collision in Manhattan sent four vehicle occupants into shock with back injuries. The crash involved a bus and a sedan, with unsafe speed and aggressive driving cited as causes. No pedestrians were involved; all injured were vehicle occupants.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:20 near 3959 Broadway in Manhattan. The collision involved a bus and a sedan, with the sedan driver cited for unsafe speed and aggressive driving/road rage. Four occupants, including two drivers and two front passengers, suffered back injuries and were in shock. None were ejected or visibly bleeding. The report explicitly lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as contributing factors for the drivers involved. The injured were all vehicle occupants; no pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not attribute any contributing factors to the victims themselves, focusing on driver errors that led to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784766 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A northbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on W 175 St in Manhattan. The SUV driver, traveling at unsafe speed, caused a collision that injured the sedan driver, who suffered back pain and shock. Both vehicles sustained front and rear damage.

According to the police report, at 9:26 AM on W 175 St near Audubon Ave in Manhattan, a 2021 Chevrolet SUV traveling north rear-ended a northbound sedan. The SUV was initially parked but then moved and struck the sedan with its left rear bumper impacting the sedan's right front bumper. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor to the crash. The sedan driver, a 31-year-old male, was injured with back pain and experienced shock, wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The driver was not ejected and complained of pain or nausea. The collision caused damage to the SUV's left rear quarter panel and the sedan's right front bumper. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783126 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 19-year-old woman was injured when an SUV traveling west on W 171 St struck her at the intersection with St Nicholas Ave. The pedestrian suffered contusions and shock. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact.

According to the police report, a 2018 SUV driven by a licensed male driver was traveling straight west on W 171 St near St Nicholas Ave in Manhattan at 6:30 p.m. The vehicle struck a 19-year-old female pedestrian located at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained contusions and was in shock, with injury severity rated as moderate (3). The vehicle's point of impact was the center front end, yet no vehicle damage was reported. The report lists the pedestrian's contributing factors as unspecified and does not identify any driver errors or contributing factors. The absence of identified driver errors in the report leaves the circumstances of the collision unclear, but the impact and injuries confirm a serious incident involving a vulnerable road user at a busy intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783125 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Three sedans crashed late at night. One driver’s arm shattered. Metal twisted at front and rear bumpers. No one thrown from cars. The parkway stayed deadly and fast.

According to the police report, three sedans collided at 11:00 PM on Henry Hudson Parkway. One sedan changed lanes and was struck on the left rear bumper by a second sedan traveling straight. A third sedan, also going straight, hit the center front of the second car. The driver changing lanes, a 37-year-old man, suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified, but highlights lane changing as a key pre-crash action. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. All drivers were licensed. No ejections occurred.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782071 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A sedan tore down W 204th Street, the driver distracted. Metal shrieked as it struck a parked truck. The driver’s head hit hard. Blood pooled. He was conscious, but crushed and silent. Distraction behind the wheel left only pain and wreckage.

According to the police report, a 69-year-old man drove his sedan southbound on W 204th Street near 9th Avenue and crashed straight into a parked truck. The report states the driver was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered head injuries and crush injuries, though he remained conscious at the scene. The police report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The parked truck was unoccupied at the time. The impact crumpled metal and left the sedan’s front end destroyed. No other injuries were reported. The report makes clear that distraction behind the wheel was the direct cause of this violent collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782808 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Box truck turned wrong on W 207 St. Hit taxi. Rear passenger hurt—abdomen, pelvis, shock, pain. Police cite improper turn, driver distraction. System failed to shield the vulnerable.

According to the police report, a box truck making a right turn on W 207 St near Vermilyea Ave in Manhattan struck a taxi traveling straight at 10:00. The taxi’s left rear passenger, a 26-year-old woman, suffered abdominal and pelvic injuries, shock, and pain. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors from the box truck driver. The passenger was not ejected. No contributing actions are attributed to the injured passenger. The crash underscores driver error as the cause, with no victim fault reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782786 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Mayor Adams broke the law. His team built too few bus lanes and bike paths. Commutes drag. Riders and cyclists pay the price. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams called out DOT’s failure. The city’s poorest wait longer. Streets stay dangerous. Promises broken.

On December 27, 2024, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (District 28) condemned the Adams administration for failing to meet the 2019 Streets Plan’s legal requirements. The Department of Transportation installed only about five miles of protected bus lanes and 22 miles of protected bike lanes—far below the mandated 30 and 50 miles. The matter, titled 'Worst Mayor Ever for Bus Riders? Adams's Streets Plan Failure Means Longer Commutes for the Poorest New Yorkers,' highlights how DOT’s underperformance has slowed bus speeds and left vulnerable road users exposed. Speaker Adams, through spokesperson Mara Davis, called the Streets Plan benchmarks 'critical for street safety' and criticized DOT for 'consistently fall[ing] short of complying with the law.' Pending legislation seeks more transparency. The city’s neglect leaves riders and cyclists in danger, with no relief in sight.

• Worst Mayor Ever for Bus Riders? Adams's 'Streets Plan' Failure Means Longer Commutes for the Poorest New Yorkers, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-12-27

A bicyclist was injured after a sedan struck him from behind on Amsterdam Avenue. The cyclist was ejected and suffered abrasions and upper leg injuries. The crash involved a failure to maintain safe distance by the sedan driver, causing serious harm.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:04 on Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan. A 34-year-old male bicyclist was injured and ejected from his bike, sustaining abrasions and upper leg injuries. The report identifies the contributing factor as "Following Too Closely" by the sedan driver, who was passing the cyclist traveling southbound. Both vehicles showed no damage, but the impact caused the bicyclist to be ejected. The sedan driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the cyclist, directly leading to the collision. There are no listed contributing factors related to the bicyclist's behavior or equipment. The incident highlights the dangers posed by driver errors such as tailgating in interactions with vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783127 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A taxi veered onto the sidewalk near Herald Square. Metal struck flesh. Three pedestrians and the driver landed in hospitals. Blood on the pavement. No charges. The city’s danger, undiminished.

Gothamist (2024-12-26) reports a taxi crashed onto the sidewalk at Sixth Avenue and West 34th Street, striking several pedestrians. NYPD said the driver experienced a medical episode before jumping the curb and 'plowed into a crowd.' Four people, including a 9-year-old boy and two women, were hospitalized with injuries; all were in stable condition. The driver remained at the scene and was also hospitalized. Police did not suspect criminality and declined to specify the medical issue, citing confidentiality. Four additional people refused medical attention. The incident underscores persistent risks for pedestrians in Midtown, as vehicles continue to mount curbs and invade spaces meant for people.

• Taxi Jumps Curb, Hits Midtown Pedestrians, Gothamist, Published 2024-12-26

On Christmas, Streetsblog and Streetfilms released a film showing the year’s wins for livable streets. The montage honors advocates and city leaders. It marks progress for safer roads. The message is clear: change is possible. The fight for safer streets continues.

This advocacy piece, published December 25, 2024, by Streetsblog NYC, is not a council bill but a year-end reflection on the livable streets movement. The article, titled 'On Christmas, Let’s Consider the Successes of the Livable Streets Movement,' features a short film by Clarence Eckerson Jr. and highlights the work of groups like OpenPlans, Streetfilms, and StreetsblogNYC. Mayor Adams, Zohran Mamdani, Vickie Paladino, Ydanis Rodriguez, and Governor Kathy Hochul are named as figures in the year’s news. The film and article celebrate progress in street safety and sustainable transportation, showing that advocacy can bring real change for vulnerable road users. No direct safety analyst note is included, but the message is one of hope and continued struggle for safer streets.

• On Christmas, Let’s Consider the Successes of the Livable Streets Movement, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-25

A sedan collided with a merging tractor truck on the Cross Bronx Expressway. The sedan driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing impact to the truck’s left rear bumper and the sedan’s right side. Two occupants in the sedan suffered whiplash injuries.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:16 on the Cross Bronx Expressway near the Alexander Hamilton Bridge in Manhattan. A tractor truck traveling southwest was merging when it was struck on its left rear bumper by a sedan traveling southeast. The sedan driver, a 38-year-old female, was cited for Failure to Yield Right-of-Way. The collision caused damage to the right side doors of the sedan and the left rear bumper of the truck. Both occupants of the sedan, the driver and a 46-year-old male front passenger, were injured with whiplash and bodily injuries to the back and shoulder-upper arm. Both were conscious and restrained with lap belts. The report identifies the driver’s failure to yield as the primary contributing factor. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781037 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

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

Four occupants suffered neck and back injuries in a multi-vehicle collision on Broadway. The crash involved three sedans, with driver inattention cited as a key factor. All injured remained conscious but sustained whiplash and back pain.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Broadway in Manhattan at 17:55 involving three sedans traveling north. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the collision. Four occupants were injured: a 53-year-old male driver, two 22-year-old female passengers, and a 53-year-old female front passenger. All sustained neck injuries described as whiplash, with one passenger also complaining of back pain. None were ejected from their vehicles, and all remained conscious. The vehicles involved were a 2019 BMW sedan, a 2005 Subaru sedan, and a 2012 Kia sedan. The impact points were primarily at the center back end and center front end of the vehicles. The report does not attribute any contributing factors to the victims, focusing instead on driver distraction as the cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781071 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Council moves to test bold pavement markings at crash sites. Five spots per borough. Focus: places where drivers have killed or maimed. Report to follow. Streets marked for danger.

Int 1154-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced December 19, 2024. The bill orders a pilot for high visibility pavement markings—at least five locations per borough. The city must target streets with high injury or fatality counts from bad driving. The matter title reads: 'establishing a high visibility pavement marking pilot program.' Council Member Yusef Salaam leads, joined by Menin, De La Rosa, Brooks-Powers, Cabán, Brannan, and Hanif. The law demands a report on results and challenges. The aim: mark danger, force drivers to see, and push the city to act where blood has already been spilled.

• File Int 1154-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-19

A black sedan, fleeing police, tore the wrong way down West Third. The driver struck a 44-year-old cyclist. The car did not stop. Medics took the cyclist to Bellevue. The suspect vanished. The city’s pursuit toll grows.

According to the NY Daily News (2024-12-18), a driver fleeing police in Greenwich Village struck a cyclist while speeding the wrong way on West Third Street. The article states, “A wrong-way driver fleeing from police struck a bicyclist in Greenwich Village during a chase.” The suspect, pursued on foot by officers, entered a black sedan and hit the cyclist before escaping. Emergency services brought the 44-year-old victim to Bellevue Hospital; he survived. The suspect remains at large. The piece notes a sharp rise in injuries from police pursuits: 398 crashes and 315 injuries in the first eleven months of 2024, up 47% from the previous year. The NYPD is revising its pursuit policy after ten deaths in cases where “no drugs or guns were found.”

• Wrong-Way Driver Hits Cyclist in Chase, NY Daily News, Published 2024-12-18

A corruption probe toppled Ingrid Lewis-Martin, City Hall’s top aide and a key road safety foe. Her resistance stalled the McGuinness Blvd. redesign, leaving pedestrians and cyclists at risk. Only after investigators seized phones did the city revive its safety plan.

This story centers on the McGuinness Boulevard safety redesign, a project to protect pedestrians and cyclists on a deadly Brooklyn street. No council bill number applies, but the saga unfolded across 2023 and 2024, with City Hall’s powerful aide Ingrid Lewis-Martin at the center. The matter: 'What role did a single bike lane play in Ingrid Lewis-Martin's undoing?' Lewis-Martin, Mayor Adams’s closest advisor, fought the road diet and bike lane, siding with Broadway Stages and its CEO Gina Argento, who opposed the plan. Under their pressure, Adams abandoned the Department of Transportation’s safety design. After both women’s phones were seized in a corruption probe, City Hall reversed course and advanced the safety project. The episode exposes how political interference delayed life-saving street changes, leaving vulnerable road users exposed to ongoing danger.

• The Lewis-Martin Probe and McGuinness Blvd.: What We Know, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-17

Power and money stalled safety on McGuinness Boulevard. A teacher died. Eleven pedestrians and three cyclists killed since 1995. City Hall caved to donors. Bike lanes and road diets delayed. Vulnerable road users paid the price. The fight continues.

This controversy centers on the McGuinness Boulevard safety redesign, with Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn (District 42) mentioned at a pivotal June 15, 2023, town hall. The saga unfolded as City Hall, under pressure from Broadway Stages and its donors, repeatedly stalled or watered down the Department of Transportation’s plan to calm the deadly Brooklyn roadway. The matter’s summary: 'Under pressure from Broadway Stages, Mayor Adams abandoned his own Department of Transportation's plan to calm the notoriously dangerous Brooklyn roadway.' Despite neighborhood support and a history of fatal crashes, City Hall intervened, delaying life-saving changes. Bichotte Hermelyn appeared alongside DOT Commissioner Rodriguez at a meeting dominated by project opponents. The watered-down redesign, installed north of Calyer Street, did 'nothing' for pedestrian safety, according to local officials. The pattern: political influence trumped safety, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.

• The Lewis-Martin Probe and McGuinness Blvd.: What We Know, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-12-17