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

A pedestrian suffered upper arm injuries and shock after being struck by a sedan driven by an unlicensed driver. The collision occurred at 4:10 AM on West 211 Street. Alcohol involvement was cited as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 4:10 AM on West 211 Street involving two sedans. One vehicle was parked, and the other, driven by a female with an unlicensed New York driver’s license, was traveling westbound. The unlicensed driver’s sedan struck a 31-year-old male pedestrian, causing contusions and upper arm injuries, leaving him in shock. The point of impact was the left side doors of the parked vehicle and the right front bumper of the moving sedan. The report explicitly cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor and notes the driver’s unlicensed status. The pedestrian was engaged in unspecified actions in the roadway. No pedestrian behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The crash highlights systemic dangers posed by unlicensed and impaired drivers in the city.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719994 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

SUV driver, distracted, rear-ends convertible on West 220 Street. Convertible driver suffers neck injury and whiplash. Both cars moving straight. Police cite driver inattention as cause.

According to the police report, a 2015 SUV struck the left rear bumper of a 2021 convertible on West 220 Street at 11:00. Both vehicles were traveling straight. The SUV's driver was cited twice for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The convertible's driver, a 25-year-old man, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. He was conscious, not ejected, and properly restrained at the scene. The SUV was damaged on the right front quarter panel; the convertible on the left rear. The report lists no contributing factors for the victim. Driver distraction stands as the primary cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718641 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Council moves to hike fines for illegal ATVs and dirt bikes. First offense: $375–$750. Repeat: $750–$1,500. Law aims at reckless riders who menace city streets and endanger lives.

Bill Int 0856-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced April 18, 2024, it seeks to amend city code to raise fines for unlawful ATV and dirt bike use. The bill states: 'The first offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 375 dollars and up to 750 dollars. Any subsequent offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 750 dollars and up to 1500 dollars.' Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa leads as primary sponsor, joined by Salamanca Jr., Gennaro, Brannan, Louis, Ung, Restler, and Farías. The bill was referred to committee the same day. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0856-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

A 35-year-old bicyclist suffered a neck bruise and shock after colliding with a northbound moped on Amsterdam Avenue. No vehicle damage. No driver errors listed. Danger remains for those outside cars.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old male bicyclist traveling southbound collided with a northbound moped at 2301 Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan. The bicyclist suffered a neck contusion and was in shock. He was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. Both vehicles showed no damage. The report lists all contributing factors as unspecified. No driver errors or violations such as Failure to Yield or Reckless Driving were cited. The crash left a vulnerable road user injured, with no clear cause identified in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717713 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Two sedans collided on Nagle Avenue in Manhattan. The female driver of one vehicle suffered chest injuries and whiplash. Police cited failure to yield and disregarding traffic control as key factors. Both drivers were traveling straight before impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:45 on Nagle Avenue near Dyckman Street in Manhattan. Two sedans traveling straight ahead collided, with impact on the left front bumper of one vehicle and the right front quarter panel of the other. The female driver of the Maryland-registered sedan was injured, sustaining chest injuries and whiplash, and was reported to be in shock. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors, along with 'Unsafe Speed' for the injured driver. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles legally. The collision highlights driver errors in yielding and obeying traffic controls as central to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718220 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

An 82-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck from behind by a pick-up truck backing unsafely in Manhattan. The pedestrian suffered a back injury and shock. The driver was unlicensed and caused the crash by unsafe backing.

According to the police report, a pick-up truck driven by an unlicensed male driver was backing southwest near 3920 Broadway in Manhattan at 11:10. The vehicle's pre-crash action was backing, and the point of impact was the center back end of the truck. The report cites "Backing Unsafely" as the contributing factor to the crash. An 82-year-old male pedestrian, crossing with the signal but not at an intersection, was struck from behind. The pedestrian sustained a back injury and was in shock. The report explicitly identifies the driver’s unsafe backing maneuver as the cause, with no contributing fault attributed to the pedestrian. The vehicle sustained no damage, underscoring the severity of the pedestrian’s injury despite the low-impact collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715995 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 24-year-old male driver suffered arm abrasions and incoherence after a single-vehicle crash on Dyckman Street. The SUV's front center end was damaged. Police cited alcohol involvement as a key factor in the collision and injury.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male driver operating a 2020 Chevrolet SUV with a Florida permit license crashed on Dyckman Street near Harlem River Drive in Manhattan at 4:16 AM. The vehicle sustained damage to the center front end. The driver was injured with abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was incoherent at the scene. The report explicitly identifies alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The driver was not ejected and was the sole occupant. The report does not list any victim behaviors contributing to the crash, focusing on the driver’s impaired condition as the primary cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715328 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 29-year-old woman suffered hip and upper leg injuries while crossing Audubon Avenue with the signal. A northbound sedan made a right turn on red, striking her at the intersection. The vehicle showed no damage; the pedestrian was bruised and injured.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Audubon Avenue and Saint Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan around 17:17. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a northbound sedan, operated by a licensed female driver, made a right turn on red. The vehicle did not sustain any damage, and the point of impact showed no visible damage. The pedestrian suffered contusions and bruises to her hip and upper leg, classified as injury severity level 3. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the driver’s action of making a right turn on red directly preceded the collision. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal was noted but not cited as a contributing factor. This incident highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles at intersections even when pedestrians follow crossing signals.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715992 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A driver turned wrong on Wadsworth. Metal slammed metal. He took the hit—knee, leg, foot. Shock set in. Distraction and a bad turn did the damage. No one else hurt.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old male driver was injured while making a left turn on Wadsworth Avenue in Manhattan at 3:49 AM. The crash involved a sedan and another vehicle stopped in traffic. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the main contributing factors. The driver suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock with pain complaints. The impact struck the vehicle’s undercarriage. No other occupants or pedestrians were reported injured. The data highlights driver error as the cause, with no mention of victim fault or pedestrian involvement.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714553 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2024-03-27

DOT scrapped harsh limits. Now, longer cargo bikes roll legal. Four-wheelers, capped at 15 mph, can haul freight. Trucks choke streets and kill. Cargo bikes offer a safer, cleaner way. Industry pushed. DOT listened. Streets change. Pedestrians and cyclists breathe easier.

On March 27, 2024, the NYC Department of Transportation finalized new cargo bike rules after months of industry pushback. The rules, shaped by public comment, allow pedal-assist cargo bikes up to four feet wide and 192 inches long, with four wheels, and set a 15 mph speed cap. The original proposal would have banned most existing cargo bike-trailer setups with a 120-inch limit. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez promised to get it right. Mark Chiusano, CEO of Net Zero Logistics, praised the fix: "They did a really good job of fixing the original version and made good on their word." Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi said, "We are accommodating this change in consumer culture—encouraging environmental package delivery, away from cars and trucks." Ben Morris of Coaster Cycles warned the old cap would have wiped out the market. DOT's move aims to cut truck traffic, which causes 12% of pedestrian and 30% of cyclist deaths. The new rules create a legal path for safer, greener freight.

• Final Cargo Bike Rules are a Win For Safety and Sustainability: Experts, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-27

A box truck passing too closely struck a 23-year-old bicyclist on West 179 Street. The cyclist suffered an upper arm contusion but was conscious and not ejected. The truck was parked, and no vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on West 179 Street involving a box truck and a bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old male, was injured with a contusion and bruising to his shoulder and upper arm but remained conscious and was not ejected from his bike. The box truck was parked before the crash and had no reported damage. The primary driver error cited was "Passing Too Closely," indicating the truck driver failed to maintain a safe distance from the bicyclist. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment, but this was not listed as a contributing factor. The truck driver held a valid New York license, while the bicyclist was unlicensed. This crash underscores the dangers posed by vehicles passing vulnerable road users too closely.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4712936 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 45-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by an inattentive SUV driver on West 181 Street. The pedestrian suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The driver’s distraction caused the collision at a busy intersection.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on West 181 Street in Manhattan at 3:57 PM. A 45-year-old male pedestrian was crossing with the signal when he was hit by a 2022 SUV traveling west. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor, cited twice. The pedestrian sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm but remained conscious. The SUV had no visible damage and was initially parked before the incident. The driver, a licensed male from New York, impacted the pedestrian at the center front end of the vehicle. This collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in urban intersections, with no contributing factors attributed to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715313 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Three vehicles collided on Harlem River Drive in slippery conditions. A 37-year-old male driver suffered a shoulder injury and contusion. Police cite following too closely and slippery pavement as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a chain collision occurred on Harlem River Drive involving three vehicles traveling southbound. The 37-year-old male driver of one SUV was injured, sustaining a shoulder-upper arm injury and contusions. The report identifies 'Pavement Slippery' as a contributing factor for all involved vehicles. Additionally, the injured driver was noted for 'Following Too Closely,' a critical driver error that likely precipitated the crash. All drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. The collision points included the left front quarter panel, right front bumper, and center front end of the vehicles. The injured driver was restrained with a lap belt and remained conscious but was not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing instead on driver errors and hazardous road conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4712284 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 24-year-old woman suffered elbow abrasions after a sedan struck her on West 207 Street. The driver, unlicensed and aggressive, failed to yield right-of-way. The collision caused shock and injury, highlighting dangerous driver behavior in Manhattan.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old female pedestrian was injured on West 207 Street in Manhattan when a 2020 Honda sedan traveling west struck her on the left side doors. The driver, a male operating without a valid license, was engaged in aggressive driving and road rage. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as contributing factors to the crash. The pedestrian was located outside an intersection and suffered abrasions to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, resulting in shock and injury severity level 3. Vehicle damage was confined to the left side doors. This crash underscores the systemic danger posed by unlicensed, aggressive drivers who fail to respect pedestrian right-of-way.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4712516 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 29-year-old woman was struck by a bus on West 182 Street while walking outside an intersection. The bus driver failed to pay attention, hitting her with the right front bumper. She suffered facial bruising but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a bus traveling west on West 182 Street struck a 29-year-old female pedestrian who was walking outside an intersection. The point of impact was the bus's right front bumper, causing contusions and bruising to the pedestrian's face. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash, highlighting a failure by the bus driver to maintain focus. The pedestrian's location was described as 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Not at Intersection' with 'Other Actions in Roadway' noted, but no pedestrian behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The bus driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. This crash underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving in urban environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4711711 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

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 2024-03-20

Red-light running kills. Twenty-nine dead last year. Highest ever. Reckless drivers surge post-pandemic. City report demands more cameras—jump from 150 to 1,325 intersections. Officials back the bill. Victims’ families demand action. Cameras cut crashes. But the most dangerous drivers remain loose.

On March 20, 2024, the Department of Transportation released a report urging passage of a bill to expand New York City’s red-light camera program. The bill, supported by DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and sponsored by State Senator Andrew Goundardes, would boost camera coverage from 150 to 1,325 intersections—about 10% of the city’s 13,700 signals. The report states: “Expanding the number of intersections with red light cameras... could substantially enhance the deterrent effect of the program and return New York City to the consistently downward trend of red light-running behavior we had seen prior to the pandemic.” Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz also supports expansion, calling for cameras at every intersection. The DOT notes that cameras have slashed T-bone crashes by 65% and rear-end collisions by 49% at monitored sites, but the statutory cap blocks broader safety gains. Relatives of crash victims joined the call, demanding the city confront driver negligence and protect the community.

• DOT Report: Rise in Red Light Running Shows Need for More Cameras, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-20

Councilmember Rajkumar pushes for e-bike insurance and registration. Delivery workers push back. City launches campaign after fatal crashes spike. The fight over who pays for safety lands on the street. Riders, not corporations, face new penalties.

On March 19, 2024, Councilmember Jenifer Rajkumar announced new legislation requiring e-bikes to be insured and registered with the state Department of Motor Vehicles. The bill follows a surge in deadly e-bike crashes—23 deaths last year, up from nine in 2022. The city’s new campaign, 'get smart before you start,' aims to educate riders on safe operation. Rajkumar’s bill drew immediate opposition from delivery workers. Gustavo Ajche of Los Deliveristas Unidos said, 'We're deeply disappointed to see local and state leaders introduce legislation that would put the burden of penalty on delivery workers rather than trying to regulate the app companies.' The campaign and bill highlight a growing rift: who shoulders the cost of safety—workers or the corporations that profit from their labor?

• New campaign aims to stop deadly e-bike crashes in NYC, gothamist.com, Published 2024-03-19

A 31-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a 2022 SUV struck him on West 166 Street in Manhattan. The SUV driver was inattentive, causing a collision that injured the cyclist’s elbow and lower arm. The bicyclist remained conscious and was not ejected.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at 4:00 PM on West 166 Street near Saint Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan. A 2022 Volvo SUV, traveling westbound, struck a northbound bicyclist. The point of impact was the SUV’s left front quarter panel and the bike’s center front end. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The bicyclist, a 31-year-old male, sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but remained conscious and was not ejected. The bicyclist’s helmet use was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead when the collision occurred. This crash underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving in interactions with vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4710123 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08