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

A sedan turned right on Dyckman. Glare blinded the driver. He struck a 27-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She stayed conscious. Hip and leg scraped. The street stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old woman was crossing Dyckman Street at Broadway with the signal when a northbound sedan made a right turn and struck her. The report lists glare as a contributing factor, noting the driver’s vision was impaired. The pedestrian suffered abrasions to her hip and upper leg but remained conscious after the crash. No pedestrian errors were cited. The sedan, a 2021 Chevrolet, showed no damage. The driver was licensed. The report highlights the danger when drivers fail to respond to visual hazards like glare.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708978 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 4-year-old girl was injured crossing West 187 Street with the signal. A sedan making a left turn failed to yield right-of-way, striking her at the intersection. The child suffered bruises and lower leg injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on West 187 Street was making a left turn at 18:07 when it failed to yield right-of-way to a 4-year-old pedestrian crossing with the signal. The child, a female pedestrian at the intersection, sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruises. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the driver. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s actions beyond crossing with the signal. The incident highlights a critical driver error in yielding to a vulnerable road user at an intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4710503 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Council moves to force DOT to post clear bus lane signs on every block. Riders and walkers need to know when cars must stay out. The bill demands public, block-by-block rules. No more guessing. Streets reveal their rules.

Int 0647-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on March 7, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to bus lane restrictions," orders DOT to post signs on each block with bus lane rules and to publish hours online. Sponsors include Althea V. Stevens (primary), Chris Banks, Chi A. Ossé, Nantasha M. Williams, Carmen N. De La Rosa, Amanda Farías, Yusef Salaam, and Kevin C. Riley. The measure aims to end confusion and make bus lane rules plain for all. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0647-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

A 72-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by an SUV making a left turn on Broadway. The driver, holding a permit, showed inattention and inexperience. The pedestrian suffered a fractured arm and remained conscious after impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:41 on Broadway near West 204 Street in Manhattan. A 72-year-old male pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when a 2006 Chevrolet SUV, traveling south and making a left turn, struck him with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained a fracture and dislocation to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but remained conscious. The report cites the driver’s inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with driver inexperience. The driver held a permit license, indicating limited driving experience. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. Vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front end, consistent with the point of impact. This collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted and inexperienced drivers making turns in busy intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4711304 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Ten community boards demand the city ban parking at corners. They want daylight at every intersection. They cite dead children and blind corners. City drags its feet. DOT promises 1,000 fixes a year. Boards say that’s not enough. Danger remains.

On March 6, 2024, ten New York City community boards endorsed a citywide ban on parking at intersections—a practice called daylighting. The boards urge the city to stop exempting itself from state law requiring no parking within 20 feet of crosswalks. The resolution follows fatal crashes involving children at poorly visible corners. The matter summary reads: 'Ten community boards representing nearly 1.5 million New Yorkers have voted to endorse a ban on parking at intersections (daylighting) to improve street safety.' Ken Coughlin of Community Board 7 said, 'You’re losing parking [that causes] serious injury and death—that’s pretty indefensible.' Carl Mahaney of StreetopiaUWS added, 'Improving the crosswalk experience really resonates with New Yorkers.' Despite support from Brooklyn and other borough officials, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez hesitates, citing cost and limited data. DOT pledges to daylight 1,000 intersections yearly, but no full safety analysis exists. Boards and advocates say the city’s pace leaves vulnerable road users at risk.

• Ten Community Boards Back Parking Ban at Corners for Safety, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-06

DOT will shift the Second Avenue bus lane away from the curb. NYPD cars blocked buses. The new lane runs 24/7. Cyclists get a wider path. Pedestrians get refuge islands. Community Board 6 backed the plan. DOT promises faster, safer commutes.

On March 4, 2024, the Department of Transportation announced a major change for Second Avenue. The plan, presented to Manhattan Community Board 6's Transportation Committee, moves the rush-hour bus lane one lane off the curb, where NYPD and other cars often blocked buses. The bus lane will now run 24/7, not just during rush hours. DOT will widen the bike lane from six to up to ten feet in places. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said the project will 'make commutes faster' and 'better protect the increasing number of cyclists,' putting 'people first on Manhattan’s avenues.' The committee unanimously approved the plan. Pedestrians will get new concrete refuge islands. DOT aims to finish the work in spring 2024.

• To Combat NYPD Lawlessness, DOT Will Move Second Ave. Bus Lane, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-04

The city opened its first public e-bike charging station in Cooper Square. The pilot targets safer lithium-ion battery charging for delivery workers. One hundred riders get free, FDNY-reviewed charging. More sites are planned. Progress on e-bike safety lags behind car infrastructure.

On March 1, 2024, the Department of Transportation launched a six-month pilot for public e-bike charging, as part of the 'Charge Safe Ride Safe Action Plan.' The pilot, announced by Mayor Adams, opened its first station in Cooper Square. The matter summary states the pilot 'aims to improve the safety of recharging lithium-ion batteries and counter the demonization of e-bikes.' Mayor Adams led the announcement, stating, 'delivery workers should be able to count on the city for fair pay and safer jobs.' DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'We’re going to be working to address any area where we can make an improvement.' Three companies—Swobbee, Popwheels, and Swiftmile—operate the FDNY-reviewed stations. The pilot brings 102 charging points, slightly more than the city’s first round of electric car chargers. Plans for more locations are in motion, but e-bike infrastructure still trails behind car-focused projects.

• DOT Debuts Public E-bike Charging for Deliveristas, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-01

DOT opened its first public e-bike charging station in Cooper Square. The six-month pilot gives 100 delivery workers safe, outdoor battery charging. Three companies run FDNY-reviewed stations. More sites will open soon. City lags on e-bike infrastructure, but pushes forward.

On March 1, 2024, NYC DOT launched a public e-bike charging pilot for delivery workers. The pilot, part of the 'Charge Safe Ride Safe Action Plan,' opened its first station in Cooper Square. The program, highlighted by Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33), offers 102 charging points for 100 delivery workers, many of them immigrants, at no cost. Three companies—Swobbee, Popwheels, and Swiftmile—operate the FDNY-reviewed stations. The official summary states the pilot 'aims to improve the safety of recharging lithium-ion batteries and counter the demonization of e-bikes.' Mayor Adams said, 'This pilot program ... will give delivery workers the ability to access safe, accessible, outdoor battery-charging that will undoubtedly save lives.' The city faces delays and pushback on e-bike infrastructure, with faster progress for electric cars. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'We’re going to be working to address any area where we can make an improvement.'

• DOT Debuts Public E-bike Charging for Deliveristas, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-03-01

Council Member Bottcher slammed city agencies for slow action on electrified Citi Bike docks. Riders face dead batteries, empty docks, and mounting frustration. The city promised a pilot last year. Still, the streets wait. The delay leaves e-bike users stranded.

On February 29, 2024, Council Member Erik Bottcher called out the Department of Transportation and Con Edison for failing to deliver electrified Citi Bike docks in his Manhattan district. The electrified dock pilot, meant to launch late last year, is months behind schedule. Bottcher wrote, 'I urge the Department of Transportation and Con Edison to expedite the electrification of [Citi Bike] stations for the purpose of charging the pedal-assist bikes.' Council Member Lincoln Restler of Greenpoint echoed the demand, calling the project 'an exciting opportunity' for better reliability. DOT claims to be working on it; ConEd says their role is limited. The delay leaves e-bike riders without charged bikes, as workers must swap batteries by hand. The new Lyft contract will double e-bikes, making efficient charging urgent. No formal safety analysis was provided, but the lack of charged bikes keeps vulnerable riders off the street and in harm's way.

• Manhattan Pol Upset at Delayed Rollout of Electrified Citi Bike Docks, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-29

Council targets fake and expired plates. Bill sets fines. Ten-day grace for expired tags. Crackdown aims at cars that dodge law and endanger streets. Committee on Public Safety holds the measure.

Int 0177-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle with fraudulent or expired license plates,' makes it illegal to drive with fake or expired plates, including temporary ones. Civil penalties apply, but drivers with expired plates get a 10-day cure period. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Feliz, Salamanca, Powers, Restler, Won, Brewer, Schulman, Ung, Marte, Hudson, Avilés, De La Rosa, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The bill targets drivers who hide behind illegal plates, a tactic often linked to hit-and-runs and reckless driving.

• File Int 0177-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill orders speed humps on roads beside parks over one acre. DOT can skip spots if safety or rules demand. Law aims to slow cars where families walk, run, and play.

Int 0262-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill reads: “requiring the installation of speed humps on roadways adjacent to any park equal or greater than one acre.” Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by eighteen co-sponsors. The Department of Transportation must install speed humps unless the commissioner finds a risk to safety or a conflict with DOT guidelines. The law would take effect 180 days after passage. The measure targets streets where parks meet traffic, aiming to slow cars and shield people outside vehicles.

• File Int 0262-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

DOT missed legal targets for protected lanes. Council mostly silent. Mayor cut funds. Projects stalled. Streets stay deadly. Vulnerable New Yorkers left exposed. Leadership absent. Promises broken. Change delayed. The city’s most fragile pay the price.

On February 28, 2024, the conflict between the City Council and Department of Transportation over the Streets Master Plan erupted. The DOT failed to meet 2023’s legal benchmarks: just 5.2 miles of protected bus lanes built out of 30 required, and 32 miles of protected bike lanes out of 50 mandated by 2019 law. Council Member Chi Ossé (District 36) was mentioned, but only six of 51 council members responded to DOT’s call for safety project suggestions. The matter centers on the DOT’s report and council inaction: 'Out of 51 City Council members, only six responded to a request from DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez for recommended locations where street safety improvements should be made in their districts.' Mayor Adams slashed DOT’s budget and weakened projects, while council leaders deflected responsibility. Advocates like Jon Orcutt and Elizabeth Adams demanded decisive action, warning that delays and excuses cost lives. More than half of New Yorkers remain far from protected bike lanes as daily cycling surges. The city’s vulnerable road users remain at risk while officials pass the buck.

• Divorce NY Style: The Council and DOT Have Moved to Splitsville, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-02-28

Council and DOT are at war. Bike lanes stall. Bus lanes stall. Six of 51 council members respond to DOT’s call for safety ideas. Most ignore it. Mayor Adams shrugs off legal mandates. Projects stall. Streets stay dangerous. Vulnerable road users pay.

On February 28, 2024, the New York City Council and Department of Transportation (DOT) faced off over street safety project implementation. The matter, described as a conflict over 'the implementation of street safety improvements, particularly protected bike lanes and bus lanes,' exposes deep rifts. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez asked council members for input; only six of 51 replied. Council Member Gale Brewer cited ignored past outreach. Joe Borelli dismissed bike lanes and DOT’s efforts. Speaker Adrienne Adams and Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers insisted the agency, not lawmakers, must pick locations. The city is failing to meet legal benchmarks for new lanes. Mayor Adams has sidelined mandates for community feedback. Advocates blame both the council and mayor for delays, missed projects, and rising danger. Decisive leadership is missing. The city’s legal obligations for street safety remain unmet.

• Divorce NY Style: The Council and DOT Have Moved to Splitsville, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-28

DOT missed legal targets for bike and bus lanes. Only 58.2 miles of bike lanes and 9.6 miles of bus lanes built. Council and advocates slam the agency. Vulnerable road users left exposed. The law demands more. DOT promises effort, not results.

On February 26, 2024, the Department of Transportation released its status report on the NYC Streets Plan, a law passed in 2019. The plan required 80 miles of protected bike lanes and 50 miles of protected bus lanes in the first two years of the Adams administration. DOT delivered only 58.2 miles of bike lanes (72%) and 9.6 miles of bus lanes (19%). Only 68 of 1,000 bus stop upgrades were completed. Transportation Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers said, "The Streets Plan is the law, and the Department of Transportation is still failing to fulfill its legal obligations." DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called the benchmarks "aggressive" but promised to keep trying. Mayor Adams has refused to be bound by the law’s targets. Riders Alliance demanded a real plan for bus lanes. The city’s failure leaves pedestrians, cyclists, and bus riders at risk.

• DOT Spins Bus- and Bike-Lane Failure as ‘Streets Plan’ Success, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-26

A sedan traveling east struck two parked SUVs on West 160 Street in Manhattan. The driver lost consciousness during the crash and was injured. The collision caused damage to the sedan’s left front bumper and the SUVs’ right panels.

According to the police report, a 38-year-old male driver operating a 2019 Honda sedan was traveling east on West 160 Street when he collided with two parked SUVs. The report identifies the driver’s loss of consciousness as a contributing factor to the crash. The sedan impacted the left front bumper, damaging both the sedan and the right front quarter panel of one SUV and the right rear bumper of the other. The driver was injured and unconscious at the scene, with injury severity rated as moderate (3). Both SUVs were parked at the time of impact. The report does not list any driver errors beyond the loss of consciousness, nor does it cite any victim behaviors contributing to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704898 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 39-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured after a collision with a 2023 Tesla sedan on Broadway. The impact damaged the sedan’s left front bumper and the e-bike’s front end. Police cited failure to yield and bicyclist confusion as factors.

According to the police report, at 22:47 on Broadway, a 2023 Tesla sedan traveling south struck a southbound e-bike ridden by a 39-year-old male bicyclist. The bicyclist was ejected from the e-bike and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The sedan sustained damage to its left front bumper, while the e-bike’s center front end was damaged. The report identifies 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' by the sedan driver and 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as contributing factors. The bicyclist’s improper lane usage was also noted. The sedan driver was licensed and operating the vehicle southbound from a parked position. The report does not assign fault to the bicyclist but highlights driver error and systemic danger in yielding and lane management.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704835 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A northbound SUV making a left turn collided head-on with a southbound sedan going straight. Three occupants suffered injuries including abrasions and full-body pain. Driver failure to yield and inattention caused the crash on Amsterdam Avenue.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Amsterdam Avenue around 12:57 a.m. The SUV, traveling north and making a left turn, failed to yield right-of-way to the southbound sedan moving straight ahead. The point of impact was the center front end of both vehicles, with the SUV sustaining damage to its left front bumper. The SUV driver was cited for failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention/distraction. Three occupants were injured: the SUV driver, a 52-year-old male with back abrasions; a 40-year-old female front passenger with full-body injuries and complaints of pain or nausea; and a 46-year-old female rear passenger with facial injuries and similar complaints. None were ejected. The injuries and shock reported highlight the severity of the collision caused by the SUV driver's errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703754 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Two sedans collided near Audubon Avenue in Manhattan late at night. The male driver of one vehicle suffered head injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles sustained damage to their right sides. The crash involved no ejections and left one occupant injured.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:49 PM on West 171 Street near Audubon Avenue in Manhattan. Two sedans, a 2011 BMW traveling south and a 2016 Ford traveling west, collided with impact on the BMW's center front end and the Ford's right rear quarter panel. The male driver of the BMW, aged 25, was injured with head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the injured driver but does not specify any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The collision resulted in damage primarily to the right front bumper of the BMW and the right rear quarter panel of the Ford.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703696 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Councilwoman Brooks-Powers, head of the Transportation Committee, backs speed cameras and safer streets. Her family car racked up 25 tickets in 16 months—20 for speeding near schools. Critics call her actions hypocritical. Advocates say public trust and lives are at stake.

On February 17, 2024, Councilwoman Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (District 31), chair of the City Council’s Transportation Committee, came under fire after media reports revealed her family car received 25 traffic tickets in 16 months, including 20 for speeding near schools. The controversy centers on officials’ personal compliance with traffic laws while publicly supporting measures like speed cameras and congestion pricing. Brooks-Powers, who has promoted speed cameras and legislation to reward reporting hit-and-run drivers, claims her husband was responsible for the violations and that she has not used the car in over a year. Councilman Robert Holden called her a 'hypocrite,' while safe streets advocate Adam White stressed, 'Public officials and their families need to abide by speed cameras and red lights... people’s lives are at risk.' The incident highlights the gap between public safety advocacy and personal conduct, raising questions about accountability and public trust.

• NYC transportation bigwigs rack up speeding tickets, traffic violations while backing anti-car agenda, congestion pricing, nypost.com, Published 2024-02-17

A 52-year-old man was struck by a northbound SUV making a right turn on 10 Avenue. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause. The impact damaged the SUV’s front center end.

According to the police report, at 22:38 a 2020 Jeep SUV traveling north on 10 Avenue was making a right turn when it struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk or signal. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV, which also sustained damage there. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. No pedestrian fault or contributing behavior was noted. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving during turning maneuvers, resulting in serious injury to a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4702510 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08