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

Gale Brewer backs tougher rules for delivery apps, not blanket e-bike crackdowns. She calls for speed limits, tracking, and safer batteries. Brewer rejects citywide licensing, focusing on big companies. Pedestrians stay at risk while apps dodge responsibility.

On December 15, 2024, Council Member Gale A. Brewer (District 6) took a public stance in an editorial titled, "NYC must curb the e-bikes: Regulations should be on the delivery apps." Brewer opposes citywide licensing and registration of all e-bikes, a measure supported by Councilman Bob Holden, calling it impractical. Instead, she urges the City Council to target commercial e-bike use by requiring delivery giants like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Amazon to track their contractors’ speed, direction, and sidewalk riding, and report violations to city regulators. Brewer also proposes a 15 mph speed limit for e-bikes and mandates running lights for visibility. She highlights the danger of unsafe lithium-ion batteries and calls for stricter oversight. Brewer’s approach shifts responsibility from individual riders to the corporations profiting from delivery, aiming to protect the city’s 8 million pedestrians from reckless riding and battery fires.

• NYC must curb the e-bikes: Regulations should be on the delivery apps, nydailynews.com, Published 2024-12-15

A man on a bike, helmeted, struck hard by a distracted driver on Broadway. He lay unconscious, blood on his face, as the car’s front quarter crumpled. The cold street carried the violence forward. The city did not yield.

A 38-year-old man riding a bike southbound on Broadway at West 220th Street was struck by a vehicle, according to the police report. The cyclist, who wore a helmet, was left unconscious with severe facial lacerations. The report states the crash occurred when a driver, traveling straight ahead, collided with the cyclist, crumpling the car’s right front quarter panel. Police explicitly cite 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The narrative describes the aftermath: the cyclist lying in the cold, bloodied and unmoving, while the street remained unchanged. No contributing factors are attributed to the cyclist’s behavior. The crash highlights the ongoing systemic danger faced by vulnerable road users when drivers fail to pay attention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792369 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Two council members withdrew support for Intro 606 after a fierce hearing. Critics warned the bill would harm immigrants and delivery workers. DOT found no proof it would make streets safer. The bill still has 29 co-sponsors. Debate rages on.

Intro 606, a New York City Council bill requiring e-bike registration, lost support from Council Members Chi Ossé and Yusef Salaam after a divisive December 12, 2024 hearing in committee. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring registration of certain bicycles with electric assist,' drew sharp criticism. Ossé cited fears of increased police enforcement and harm to immigrant communities: 'The hearing demonstrated concerns about the bill to be right: Beyond its sweeping consequences for green transit and healthy urbanism, Intro 606 could spell disaster for immigrant communities.' DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez opposed the bill, stating it would burden delivery workers and lacks evidence for improving safety. Civil rights groups warned of racial bias and criminalization. Despite withdrawals, 29 council members still co-sponsor the bill. Another measure, Intro 1131, proposing a task force to study e-bikes, received broad support.

• Two Council Members Abandon E-Bike Registration Bill After Divisive Hearing, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-12

A 53-year-old woman crossing with the signal suffered a severe leg fracture when an SUV making a left turn struck her on the left side. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, highlighting critical driver error and inexperience in Manhattan.

According to the police report, a 53-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Academy Street and Broadway in Manhattan at 17:36. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2021 Subaru SUV, traveling south and making a left turn, struck her on the left side doors. The pedestrian sustained a severe injury described as a fracture, distortion, and dislocation to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report identifies 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors on the driver's part. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely at low speed but forceful enough to cause serious injury. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not cited as a contributing factor. This crash underscores the dangers posed by driver errors, particularly failure to yield during turns.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778247 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Two SUVs collided on Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan. The impact struck the right side of one vehicle and the left side of the other. A front-seat passenger suffered a neck injury and shock. Driver errors contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:33 on Amsterdam Avenue near West 177th Street in Manhattan. Two SUVs, both traveling northbound, collided when one vehicle was merging and the other was going straight ahead. The point of impact was the right side doors of the Ford SUV and the left side doors of the Honda SUV. The report cites "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor, indicating driver error in lane management. A 49-year-old female front passenger in one SUV was injured, sustaining a neck injury and shock. She was not ejected and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The collision caused damage to the side doors of both vehicles. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement was reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783124 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

DOT Commissioner Rodriguez shot down the Council’s e-bike registration bill. He said enforcement tools already exist. He pointed to street redesigns that save lives. Council Member Holden pressed for plates. Rodriguez stood firm: cars, not e-bikes, drive the city’s blood toll.

On December 11, 2024, the City Council held a hearing on Intro 606, a bill to require registration and license plates for e-bikes and e-scooters. The bill, sponsored by Council Member Robert Holden, claims to address a 'public safety crisis.' DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez opposed the measure, stating, 'The administration already has the tools to enforce against illegal [cycling] behaviors; a license plate is not necessary for enforcement.' Rodriguez cited data: 105 pedestrians killed by cars this year, versus six by e-bikes, mopeds, and scooters combined. He argued that street redesigns, not new bureaucracy, cut deaths and injuries. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams echoed this, noting that registration backers often resist proven safety fixes like protected bike lanes. Rodriguez warned the bill would waste $19 million and slow adoption of sustainable transport. He called for holding delivery apps accountable and redesigning streets, not targeting vulnerable road users.

• DOT: Council E-Bike Registration Bill is Not Necessary to Make Streets Safer, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-11

Council grilled the Adams administration over a bill to license e-bikes and scooters. Supporters called it common sense. Critics warned it targets delivery workers. Tension ran high. Most deaths still come from cars, not bikes. The fight is far from over.

On December 11, 2024, the City Council held a hearing on a bill to require city-level licensing and registration for e-bikes and e-scooters not covered by state law. The bill, sponsored by Councilmember Bob Holden, claims to address 'the proliferation of these vehicles' and their impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety. Councilmember Vickie Paladino, District 19, insisted, 'This is a safety issue.' Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez countered, 'We agree with the intent, but we believe that mandating registration and licensing is not a solution.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams warned the bill would 'have a disparate impact on low-income individuals, people of color, and undocumented migrants.' A separate resolution from Councilmember Gale Brewer supports licensing only for commercial e-bikes. The hearing exposed deep rifts over enforcement, equity, and the real sources of street danger.

• NYC Council, Adams admin spar over license plates for e-bikes and e-scooters, gothamist.com, Published 2024-12-11

A 76-year-old woman crossing with the signal was injured when a southbound bike failed to yield right-of-way. She suffered lower arm injuries and shock. The crash exposed critical driver errors and intersection dangers in Manhattan.

According to the police report, a 76-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of St Nicholas Ave and W 181 St in Manhattan around 2 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a southbound bike struck her at the center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' by the bike rider as a primary contributing factor. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report also notes 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a secondary factor, but the primary fault lies with the bike operator's failure to yield. This collision highlights the dangers posed by driver errors at intersections, especially involving vulnerable pedestrians following crossing signals.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779630 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Council bill bars cars from blocking crosswalks. No standing or parking within 20 feet. City must install daylighting barriers at 1,000 intersections yearly. Streets clear. Sightlines open. Danger cut.

Int 1138-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced December 5, 2024. The bill states: “prohibiting standing or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.” Council Member Erik D. Bottcher leads, joined by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and over two dozen co-sponsors. The law orders the Department of Transportation to install daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections each year, up from 100. The city must also run outreach and education. The bill aims to keep crosswalks clear, improve visibility, and protect people on foot and bike. No more hiding behind parked cars. The committee laid the bill over on April 21, 2025.

• File Int 1138-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-05

DOT built just 5.3 miles of new bus lanes in 2024. The law demands 30. Commissioner Rodriguez called it a great job. Critics slammed the city for falling short. Riders wait. Streets stay clogged. Vulnerable New Yorkers pay the price.

On December 4, 2024, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez defended the agency’s bus lane record before critics. The Streets Master Plan requires 30 new miles of bus lanes each year. In 2024, DOT delivered only 5.3 miles—just 17 percent of the legal mandate. Rodriguez claimed, “We are doing a great job,” citing national comparisons and blaming delays on community board processes and local opposition, especially around the 96th Street project. State Sen. Jessica Ramos, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, and State Sen. Zellnor Myrie condemned the city’s self-praise and legal failure. The matter title reads: ‘We Are Doing A Great Job’ … Falling Short of Bus Lane Requirement. Several projects are planned for 2025, but completion is uncertain. The city’s slow pace leaves bus riders and other vulnerable road users exposed to dangerous, congested streets.

• DOT Commish: ‘We Are Doing A Great Job’ … Falling Short of Bus Lane Requirement, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-04

A 58-year-old man suffered neck injuries after a box truck traveling north on Post Ave struck him while he was working in the roadway outside an intersection. The pedestrian was left in shock with no visible complaints, according to the police report.

According to the police report, a box truck registered in New Jersey was traveling north on Post Ave near W 207 St in Manhattan at 11:20 AM when it struck a 58-year-old male pedestrian. The pedestrian was working in the roadway outside of an intersection at the time of the collision. The point of impact was the right side doors of the truck, which reportedly sustained no damage. The pedestrian suffered neck injuries and was classified with injury severity level 3, experiencing shock but no visible complaints. The report lists the pedestrian's contributing factors as unspecified. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were explicitly cited in the report. The incident underscores the dangers posed to vulnerable road users working in active traffic lanes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774815 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 21-year-old woman suffered upper arm injuries and shock after a bus driver distracted by inattention struck her at an intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the bus made a left turn, hitting her on the left side doors.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of W 207 St and Sherman Ave in Manhattan around 9:00 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a bus traveling west made a left turn and struck her on the left side doors. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained upper arm and shoulder injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The bus driver was licensed and operating a 2010 Micro bus. No vehicle damage was reported. The report explicitly identifies driver error—distraction and inattention—as the cause, with no contributing factors attributed to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774999 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

DOT’s e-bike charging pilot slashed risky home charging for delivery workers. Battery swaps doubled. Fewer spare batteries on the street. City eyes 173 new hubs near public housing. Federal money fuels the push. Officials hail safety gains. Expansion looms.

On November 25, 2024, the Department of Transportation announced results from its e-bike charging pilot. The program, launched in March, ran for six months and involved 118 delivery workers. According to DOT, 'the pilot illustrated the strong demand for safe and accessible outdoor e-bike charging.' Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez stated, 'Safer charging practices are integral to a cleaner and more sustainable future.' The pilot cut home charging by 35% and halved spare battery use. DOT will expand the program with 173 new charging hubs near 53 NYCHA complexes, funded by a $25 million federal grant. The next phase will open facilities to NYCHA residents and the public, aiming for up to 1,000 battery-swap stations in two years. Activists and company leaders praised the safety improvements for delivery workers.

• DOT E-Bike Charging Pilot is a Success as City Plans More, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-11-25

A moped driver suffered upper arm injuries after a collision with a sedan on Broadway. The crash involved improper lane usage by the moped driver. The driver, conscious and helmeted, was not ejected but sustained bruising and contusions.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 20:35 on Broadway near Nagle Avenue. A 23-year-old male moped driver, who was wearing a helmet, collided with a 2016 Audi sedan traveling south. The moped driver was injured with a shoulder and upper arm contusion but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the primary contributing factor, attributed to the moped driver. The sedan had damage to its center front end, while the moped sustained damage to its left front bumper. The moped driver was unlicensed, which is noted in the report but not listed as a contributing factor. No pedestrian or cyclist victims were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773798 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 78-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by a taxi making a right turn on W 183 St. The impact caused upper leg and hip injuries, leaving her in shock. The taxi showed no damage despite the collision.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling south on W 183 St made a right turn and struck a 78-year-old female pedestrian crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg and was reported to be in shock. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor on the part of the taxi driver. The vehicle's point of impact was the left front bumper, yet the taxi sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal was noted but did not contribute to the crash. This incident underscores the danger posed by driver failure to yield, directly causing injury to a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774118 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Defective brakes sent SUVs and sedans crashing on Henry Hudson Parkway. Three men, all drivers, suffered whiplash and full-body trauma. Metal twisted. Mechanical failure ruled the morning. No pedestrians or cyclists hurt.

According to the police report, a multi-vehicle crash struck Henry Hudson Parkway at 6:00 AM. Seven vehicles, mostly SUVs and sedans, collided while heading south. Three male drivers, ages 35, 39, and 40, were injured with whiplash and trauma to their entire bodies. All remained conscious and were not ejected. The report lists 'Brakes Defective' as the key contributing factor, pointing to mechanical failure as the cause. No driver behaviors or victim actions are cited. The impact crushed front and rear ends of several vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774124 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Central Park Conservancy urges protected bike lanes on all crosstown transverses. The study calls for fewer car lanes, more space for cyclists, and safer crossings. Advocates cite deadly crashes. City DOT backs the plan. Safety for walkers and riders comes first.

""These recommendations will update the park's drives to prioritize pedestrian safety while also better accommodating cyclists and legal e-mobility options both traveling within the park or through it across Manhattan,"" -- Ydanis A. Rodriguez

On November 20, 2024, the Central Park Conservancy released a study proposing protected bike lanes on the park’s four crosstown transverses—66th, 79th, 86th, and 96th Streets—starting with both directions on 86th. The study, endorsed by the Conservancy and supported by the Department of Transportation, recommends reducing vehicle lanes to expand space for cyclists. The matter title reads: "Central Park Study Calls for Bike Lanes on the Transverses." The report also suggests a two-way protected lane on Fifth Avenue, converting Central Park West’s lane to two-way, and adding protected crosstown lanes on 59th and 110th. Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, "These recommendations will update the park's drives to prioritize pedestrian safety while also better accommodating cyclists and legal e-mobility options." Advocates and city officials point to past deaths, like Daniel Cammerman’s in 2019, as evidence of urgent need. The plan aims to shield the most vulnerable from harm.

• Central Park Study Calls for Bike Lanes on the Transverses, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-11-20

A sedan making an improper turn struck a moped traveling straight on Riverside Drive in Manhattan. The moped driver, a 66-year-old man, suffered severe leg injuries. The crash highlights dangerous turning maneuvers and their toll on vulnerable riders.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:31 on Riverside Drive near West 163rd Street in Manhattan. A 2018 Kia sedan was making a U-turn when it collided with a moped traveling southbound. The point of impact was the sedan's left front quarter panel and the moped's center front end. The moped driver, a 66-year-old man, was injured with fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites 'Turning Improperly' as a contributing factor to the crash. The sedan driver was licensed and operating the vehicle eastbound before the turn. The moped driver was not at fault, and no victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. This collision underscores the dangers posed by improper turning maneuvers to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4772805 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 47-year-old female SUV driver suffered a head injury and lost consciousness after colliding with another SUV while making an improper turn. The crash occurred on 10 Avenue in Manhattan, highlighting driver inattention and turning errors as key factors.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:20 on 10 Avenue near West 201 Street in Manhattan. A 47-year-old female driver of a 2020 Honda SUV was making a U-turn when she collided with a northbound 2022 Mercedes SUV. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the Honda and the left front bumper of the Mercedes. The injured driver was unconscious with a head injury and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report cites 'Turning Improperly' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors to the crash. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles legally. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The collision underscores the dangers of improper turning maneuvers and driver distraction in Manhattan traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771778 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A westbound SUV struck the left rear bumper of a bus on W 181 St in Manhattan. A 2-year-old passenger in the SUV suffered a head abrasion. The crash stemmed from the SUV driver's reaction to an uninvolved vehicle, causing impact and injury.

According to the police report, at 7:51 a.m. on W 181 St near Amsterdam Ave in Manhattan, a 2015 SUV traveling westbound collided with the left rear bumper of a 2017 bus also traveling westbound. The report cites the SUV driver's contributing factor as "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle," indicating driver error in responding to conditions unrelated to the bus. The collision caused injury to a 2-year-old female occupant in the SUV, who sustained a head abrasion and was restrained in a child safety seat. The toddler was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The bus driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead. The impact damaged the SUV's front center and the bus's left rear bumper. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771857 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07