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

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 2024-02-13

Mayor Adams wants $56 million to shift Kimlau Square plaza across Bowery. No public design. No traffic study. Council Member Marte demands safety for elders. DOT says safety comes first. Community input promised. Chaotic intersection, but few recent crashes.

Mayor Adams has revived a Bloomberg-era plan to redesign Kimlau Square, a busy six-way intersection in Chinatown. The proposal, announced February 12, 2024, would move the plaza from the east to the west side of Bowery at a cost of $56 million. No public design exists yet, and the Department of Transportation (DOT) has not conducted a traffic study. Community outreach is set to begin. Council Member Chris Marte (D-Chinatown) stressed, 'It’s super dangerous to cycle, to walk, and with a rapidly growing aging population, it’s always scary to see aging people walk there with cars.' Marte noted the redesign could reduce traffic confusion. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'Improving safety in this area is going to be one of the top priorities.' Despite the intersection’s chaos, city data shows few recent crashes. The city promises to include community suggestions as the process unfolds.

• So Why Does Mayor Adams Want to Spend $56M to Move a Chinatown Plaza Across the Street?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-12

A 33-year-old woman suffered a fractured hip and dislocation after being struck while crossing with the signal on Audubon Avenue. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing serious injury at the intersection near West 189 Street in Manhattan.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:25 on Audubon Avenue near West 189 Street in Manhattan. A 33-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing the intersection with the signal. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor, repeated twice, indicating the driver did not yield to the pedestrian legally crossing. The pedestrian sustained a fractured and dislocated upper leg and hip, classified as a severe injury. The vehicle involved is unspecified in type and details, but the driver’s failure to yield is explicitly noted. No other contributing factors such as pedestrian error or helmet use were listed. The victim was conscious at the scene, highlighting the impact severity and driver error as central causes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701590 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

SUV slammed into sedan on Saint Nicholas Avenue. Two men hurt. Head and back injuries. Tinted windows blocked the driver’s view. Metal, glass, pain. Streets unforgiving.

According to the police report, a BMW SUV rear-ended an Acura sedan on Saint Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan at 16:24. The SUV’s driver, a 30-year-old man, suffered a head injury and was semiconscious. His 36-year-old front passenger had back injuries and whiplash. Both wore lap belts and harnesses. The police report lists tinted windows as a contributing factor, noting impaired visibility for the SUV driver. No other driver errors or victim actions were cited. The crash shows the risk when driver vision is blocked by tinted glass.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4702314 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A sedan lost control on a slick Henry Hudson Parkway. The car struck an object. The driver, alone, suffered a facial bruise. No others hurt. Pavement was slippery. No pedestrians or cyclists involved.

According to the police report, a 2016 Lexus sedan traveling south on Henry Hudson Parkway crashed at 23:06. The sedan struck an object with its left front bumper. The sole occupant, a 27-year-old male driver, suffered a facial contusion but remained conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Pavement Slippery' as a contributing factor, pointing to hazardous road conditions. No other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists were involved. No driver errors are cited beyond the environmental hazard.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700857 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Three new mid-block crossings now cut through Atlantic Avenue’s deadly stretch. Fresh paint and signals stand where drivers once sped unchecked. The city acts after a fatal crash, but danger lingers on blocks left untouched. Council calls for more.

On February 6, 2024, the Department of Transportation announced three new mid-block pedestrian crossings on Atlantic Avenue in downtown Brooklyn. The project, supported by Council Member Lincoln Restler, follows a deadly crash that killed a 31-year-old woman. DOT crews installed crossings between Bond and Nevins, Hoyt and Bond, and Smith and Hoyt streets. The official matter summary states: 'Freshly painted crosswalks and new traffic signals will help slow down drivers and encourage more foot traffic and safe crossings.' Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called the crossings vital for safety. Restler applauded the move but demanded further action, especially near the site of the fatal crash. He said, 'Mid-block crossings are a critical step in making this dangerous corridor safer.' The new measures do not cover all danger zones. Atlantic Avenue remains a threat for pedestrians.

• Eyes on the Street: DOT Rolls Out Three New Mid-Block Crossings on Atlantic Avenue, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-06

Three new mid-block crossings now cut across Atlantic Avenue. Signals, ramps, and paint force drivers to slow. Pedestrians gain a fighting chance on Brooklyn’s deadliest stretch. Local leaders push for more. The city’s hand finally moves after years of blood.

On February 5, 2024, Council Member Lincoln Restler announced new mid-block pedestrian crossings on Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn’s so-called 'Boulevard of Death.' The crossings, between Nevins and Bond, Bond and Hoyt, and Hoyt and Smith streets, add crosswalks, traffic lights, and ramps. Restler said, 'These new mid-block crossings will create a greater sense of safety and community for Boerum Hill.' The Department of Transportation acted after Restler and others demanded change following the death of Katherine Harris, killed by a speeding driver. DOT’s study found hundreds of people crossing mid-block every weekend. Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called the project a way to 'enhance safety by better managing traffic.' Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon called the improvements 'a great step forward.' The city has finished installing signals and is completing ramps and crosswalks. Leaders want more: curb extensions, redesigned crossings, and further traffic calming. Atlantic Avenue remains a battleground for the city’s most vulnerable.

• New mid-block crossings on Atlantic Avenue aim to slow cars, increase pedestrian safety on ‘Boulevard of Death’, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-02-05

A sedan traveling north on West 183 Street struck the rear of another vehicle. The driver of the sedan suffered a back injury and shock. Police cited unsafe speed as a contributing factor in the collision, which caused damage to both vehicles.

According to the police report, at 22:50 on West 183 Street, a 46-year-old male driver in a 2019 Volvo sedan traveling north struck the rear of another vehicle going straight ahead. The point of impact was the center back end of the struck vehicle and the right rear bumper of the Volvo. The driver of the Volvo sustained a back injury and was in shock but was not ejected from the vehicle. The report explicitly lists 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor to the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision caused damage to the right rear bumper of the Volvo and the right front bumper of the other vehicle. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700424 - 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 2024-01-30

Sedan slammed into stopped taxi on slick 10 Avenue. Both sedan occupants suffered back injuries and shock. Driver inattention and distraction fueled the crash. No blame for the injured.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 10 Avenue rear-ended a taxi that was stopped in traffic. The sedan's driver and front passenger both suffered back injuries and shock. The passenger also reported pain and nausea. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. Both injured occupants were restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The taxi driver was licensed and uninjured. The crash underscores the danger of driver distraction and hazardous road conditions, with no fault assigned to those hurt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699536 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

SUV hit a parked dump truck on Henry Hudson Parkway. Three SUV occupants bruised. Alcohol, distraction, and unlicensed driving fueled the crash. All stayed conscious. Metal and flesh took the blow.

According to the police report, an SUV traveling south on Henry Hudson Parkway struck a parked dump truck at 4:11 AM. The SUV's center front end hit the truck's right side doors. Three SUV occupants, including the unlicensed 31-year-old male driver and two female passengers, ages 23 and 28, suffered contusions to the knee, arm, hand, and head. All remained conscious and were not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The SUV driver was unlicensed. The dump truck driver was licensed and parked at the time. The crash underscores driver errors: alcohol use, distraction, and unlicensed operation.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694626 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 32-year-old male bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg abrasions after a vehicle disregarded traffic control and struck his bike’s left side doors. The collision occurred during a left turn, causing significant injury and damage to the bike.

According to the police report, the crash happened at 10:19 on Broadway near West 177 Street. The bicyclist, a 32-year-old male wearing a helmet, was injured with abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The vehicle involved was making a left turn when it impacted the left side doors of the bike. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error in failing to obey traffic signals or signs. The bicyclist was not ejected and remained conscious after the collision. The damage to the bike was concentrated on the left side doors, confirming the point of impact. No other contributing factors were noted for the bicyclist. This crash highlights the dangers posed by drivers disregarding traffic controls, leading to serious injuries for vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694923 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Concrete barriers on Park Avenue bike lanes promised safety. Drivers ignored them. Cars block both ends. Cyclists forced into traffic. Police rarely ticket. Council stalls on citizen reporting. The city’s fix failed. Cyclists pay the price.

On January 12, 2024, Streetsblog NYC reported on the failure of new concrete barriers meant to protect bike lanes on Park Avenue in the Bronx. The Department of Transportation, led by Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, installed these barriers in fall 2023, aiming to 'harden' bike lanes in a borough with few safe cycling routes. Cyclists like Joseph Rienti say the barriers are better than nothing, but drivers now park at both ends, forcing riders into car traffic. Rienti urges better design or enforcement, not removal. Police enforcement is almost nonexistent: less than 2 percent of 76,000 complaints led to tickets. City Council, including Transportation Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers, has not advanced a bill allowing citizen reporting of blocked lanes, despite majority support. DOT spokeswoman Mona Bruno promises to work with police, but for now, the barriers fail to protect vulnerable cyclists.

• Barriers Fail To Keep Drivers From Blocking Bronx Bike Lanes, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-12

A 38-year-old woman suffered head injuries and shock after a moped struck her while crossing a marked crosswalk on West 157 Street. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, leaving the pedestrian bleeding and injured at the intersection.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:26 AM on West 157 Street in Manhattan. A 38-year-old female pedestrian was crossing a marked crosswalk without a signal when she was struck by a southbound moped. The moped driver, licensed and traveling straight ahead, impacted the pedestrian at the center front end of the vehicle. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the collision. The pedestrian sustained head injuries, experienced shock, and had minor bleeding. The moped showed no damage. The report emphasizes the driver’s failure to maintain attention as the cause, with no contributing factors attributed to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694913 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

City finished the Livingston Street busway. Two-way bus lanes now run where cars once clogged. Concrete islands keep buses moving. Councilmember Restler says the era of endless traffic is over. Riders get speed. Streets get order. Danger shifts.

On January 10, 2024, the city completed a new busway on Livingston Street in Brooklyn. The project, not tied to a specific bill number, was led by the Department of Transportation and praised by Councilmember Lincoln Restler (District 33). The redesign turned a congested, two-way street into a one-way westbound corridor with two directions of physically-separated, dedicated bus lanes. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said the project 'transformed what was a congested, double-parked corridor into two-way fully protected and dedicated bus lanes.' Restler declared, 'Those days are over with the new Livingston Busway!' The project aims to speed up service for 50,000 daily riders and keep cars out of bus lanes with concrete boarding islands. While the article notes ongoing issues with illegal parking and citywide delays, the Livingston Street busway stands as a rare win for bus riders and vulnerable street users.

• City completes ‘transformative’ new busway on Brooklyn’s Livingston Street, amny.com, Published 2024-01-10

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

Two sedans traveling south collided on West 220 Street. The driver of one vehicle suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was in shock. Police cited following too closely and passing too closely as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling south on West 220 Street collided at 8:49 PM. The driver of one sedan, a 54-year-old female, sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot and was reported to be in shock. The point of impact was the left front bumper of a 2023 BMW and the right rear quarter panel of a 2022 Alfa sedan. The report explicitly lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Passing Too Closely' as contributing factors to the crash. The injured driver was not ejected and was not using any safety equipment at the time. This collision highlights driver errors related to unsafe vehicle spacing and passing maneuvers as central causes of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692310 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A taxi collided with an E-Bike in Manhattan. The E-Bike driver, 27, suffered injuries. He was partially ejected and conscious after the crash. The impact was severe, causing a moderate burn to his knee.

A taxi struck an E-Bike in Manhattan, injuring the 27-year-old E-Bike driver. According to the police report, the driver was partially ejected and sustained injuries to his knee and lower leg. The E-Bike was traveling straight ahead when the collision occurred at the right rear quarter panel of the taxi. The taxi had two occupants and sustained damage to its right rear quarter panel. No safety equipment was reported for the E-Bike driver. The police report does not list any contributing factors for the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691765 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 50-year-old woman was injured while crossing Sherman Avenue. A Ford SUV failed to yield, striking her. She suffered a head injury and remains conscious. The driver was making a right turn at the time.

A pedestrian was injured in Manhattan when a Ford SUV failed to yield while making a right turn. According to the police report, the 50-year-old woman was crossing with a signal when she was struck by the vehicle. She sustained a head injury classified as a severity level 3 and was conscious at the scene. The driver, a licensed male, did not report any damage to the vehicle. The contributing factors listed include 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and an unspecified factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691643 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Advocates fought City Hall all year. They demanded safer streets for cyclists, walkers, and bus riders. Bureaucrats stalled. Politicians caved. Still, activists won scraps—bike lanes, traffic calming, wage gains for delivery workers. The fight for vulnerable road users never stopped. The city resisted. Advocates pushed back.

This advocacy campaign, highlighted in the December 27, 2023 Streetsblog NYC article, reviews the relentless push by New York City activists for safer streets. The piece, titled '2023 in Review: Who is the Activist of the Year?', details how groups like Make McGuinness Safe, Worker's Justice Project, Riders Alliance, and Astoria's r/MicromobilityNYC subredditors challenged City Hall's pro-car inertia. Despite setbacks—canceled bus lanes, watered-down bike projects—advocates secured protected bike lanes, traffic calming, and a minimum wage for delivery workers. Council members and city officials often opposed or delayed these measures, but activists, including Bronwyn Breitner and Ligia Guallpa, kept pressure on. The article underscores that every gain for vulnerable road users came from organized, persistent advocacy, not government initiative.

• 2023 in Review: Who is the Activist of the Year?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-12-27