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

A 21-year-old male e-bike driver was ejected and injured on West 173 Street near Audubon Avenue. The rider suffered abrasions and arm injuries. The crash involved a Nissan vehicle impacting the bike’s front end. The rider wore no safety equipment.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old male e-bike driver was injured and ejected during a collision on West 173 Street in Manhattan. The e-bike was making a left turn when it was struck on the right front bumper by a Nissan vehicle. The rider sustained abrasions and injuries to the elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the driver. The e-bike driver wore no safety equipment at the time of the crash. The Nissan’s point of impact was the left front bumper. The crash caused center front end damage to the e-bike. No pedestrian involvement was reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628913 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 40-year-old man was struck on West 207 Street. The driver, heading east, hit the pedestrian at the left rear quarter panel. The man suffered back contusions and bruises. The driver showed inattention and inexperience. The victim was conscious.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured on West 207 Street after being struck by a vehicle traveling east. The impact occurred at the vehicle's left rear quarter panel. The pedestrian, a 40-year-old man, sustained back injuries including contusions and bruises and remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention and driver inexperience as contributing factors to the crash. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was engaged in other actions in the roadway at the time of the collision. No other vehicle or driver details were provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629052 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

NYC DOT opened a portal for public reports on double-parking and blocked lanes. Councilmember Amanda Farías called double-parking chronic and dangerous. The city seeks data to target problem spots. No cash reward, just a shot at safer streets.

On May 3, 2023, the NYC Department of Transportation launched a public reporting portal for double-parking and blocked lanes. The initiative, not tied to a specific bill number, follows a 2021 law requiring DOT to consider public feedback when creating new loading zones. The portal lets users pinpoint and describe street obstructions. Councilmember Amanda Farías of District 18, who is mentioned in connection with the launch, stated, 'Double-parking is a chronic issue throughout our city, and is one of the largest quality of life issues facing my district everyday.' She added, 'It is not only illegal to double-park your car, but it puts others in danger when neighbors are unable to cross traffic safely, congestion is added to our streets, crossways and bike lanes are blocked, and emergency vehicles cannot respond in time.' The portal aims to collect data on dangerous spots, focusing city attention on hazards that threaten pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency response.

• Hate double-parking in NYC? You can now snitch on offenders., gothamist.com, Published 2023-05-03

A 53-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected on Sherman Avenue in Manhattan. He suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow and lower arm. The crash involved a reaction to an uninvolved vehicle. The rider wore a helmet but sustained serious injuries.

According to the police report, a 53-year-old male motorcycle driver traveling south on Sherman Avenue was ejected after impact. The crash was caused by the driver's reaction to an uninvolved vehicle, listed twice as contributing factors. The motorcyclist suffered a fracture and dislocation to his elbow and lower arm. The motorcycle's left front bumper was damaged. The rider was wearing a helmet at the time. The driver held a permit license from New York. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The report highlights the driver's reaction to an uninvolved vehicle as the key error leading to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4631434 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

City Council passed a bill forcing DOT to daylight 100 intersections a year. The law follows child deaths and demands clear sight lines. Council Member Brooks-Powers led the charge. Seven voted no. DOT must study effects before rollout in 2025.

Bill number not specified. Passed by City Council on April 28, 2023, after review by the transportation committee. Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Queens), committee chair, sponsored the bill. The measure requires the Department of Transportation to study daylighting—removing parking near corners to improve visibility—and then install it at 100 intersections each year starting in 2025. The bill’s matter title: 'The Department of Transportation must study the safety benefits of 'daylighting' and implement the street safety measure that helps improve visibility at a minimum of 100 intersections each year.' Brooks-Powers said, 'Daylighting is a proven safety measure that expands sight lines at intersections, where traffic violence often seems to take place.' The Council voted 40-7. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez initially objected, citing concerns about driver speed, but supported the amended bill requiring physical barriers. The law comes after the death of 7-year-old Dolma Naadhun at a non-daylighted intersection.

• New Law Requires ‘Daylighting’ At 100 Intersections Each Year — After ‘Study’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-28

Two SUVs crashed on Sherman Avenue. One driver turned improperly. A front passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles took heavy damage. The street saw pain and metal twisted by error.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Sherman Avenue. One driver attempted a U-turn while the other traveled straight west. The crash was caused by 'Turning Improperly,' as listed in the report. The front passenger in the westbound Jeep SUV was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The Jeep struck the Toyota’s left side doors. No other contributing factors were noted. The passenger was not ejected and was treated for moderate neck injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4637992 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Council bill Intro 417 aims to cut red tape. It slashes the waiting period for new bike lanes from months to weeks. DOT backs the move. Advocates say delays cost lives. The bill puts safety over bureaucracy. The fight for safer streets continues.

Intro 417, sponsored by Council Member Lincoln Restler, was discussed at a City Council hearing on April 26, 2023. The bill seeks to repeal an old law that forces the Department of Transportation (DOT) to give extended notice to community boards before installing bike lanes. The current rule requires a 90-day notice and a 45-day wait after a hearing. Intro 417 would cut this to just 14 days. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez told the Council, 'We love Lincoln Restler's bill,' and called the old law 'unnecessarily burdensome.' The bill's summary states it would 'put bike lanes on the same community outreach and installation schedule as other street projects.' Council Member Farah Louis raised concerns about less community input, but DOT officials stressed that the process would still involve boards and electeds—just faster. Bike advocates and DOT say the change is vital to meet safety targets and reduce cyclist injuries, which drop by over 30 percent where bike lanes are built.

• DOT: We ‘Love’ Repeal of the Notorious Law that Delays Bike Lane Installation, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-26

Council wrangles over citizen power to report cars blocking bike and bus lanes. NYPD resists, citing risk. DOT softens stance. Bill drops bounties, expands near schools. Advocates split. Streets stay deadly. Cyclists and walkers pay the price.

On April 25, 2023, the City Council Transportation Committee debated Intro. 501, a bill to let citizens report drivers blocking bike and bus lanes. The bill, sponsored by Council Member Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by a Council majority, was revised to remove cash bounties and require cars be unoccupied when reported. It now covers more area near schools. The NYPD, represented by Director of Legislative Affairs Michael Clarke, opposed the bill, warning of possible assaults and harassment. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said his agency is open to talks after earlier resistance. Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, committee chair, voiced concerns about public conflict. Restler insisted, 'People are dying on our streets. This will save lives.' Advocates remain divided. NYPD’s rare enforcement leaves bike lanes blocked, endangering vulnerable road users.

• NYPD Opposes Watered-Down Citizen Enforcement Bill, But DOT is Now ‘Open’ to It, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-25

A driver killed Katherine Harris on Atlantic Avenue. Restler and local leaders demand the city act. Four deaths, hundreds injured. They want slower traffic, new crossings, curb extensions. DOT promises a study. The community mourns and waits for change.

On April 24, 2023, Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33) and a coalition of local officials called for urgent safety improvements on Atlantic Avenue after a pedestrian was killed by a speeding driver. The group sent a letter to DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, stating: 'Over the last decade, we have lost four neighbors to traffic violence on this very block.' The letter demands mid-block crossings, curb extensions, and traffic calming. Restler led DOT on a tour and announced a traffic study for mid-block crossings this summer. He said, 'We can't wait any longer. For whatever reason we've seen inaction for decades along Atlantic Avenue. Now is the time for substantial changes.' The push follows 94 pedestrian injuries, 72 cyclist injuries, and over 500 crashes in five years. The community will hold a safety walk to honor victims and press for action.

• After another pedestrian death on Atlantic Avenue, local leaders demand change, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-04-24

Two vehicles crashed head-on on Henry Hudson Parkway. An 11-year-old girl riding as a rear passenger in the SUV suffered abrasions and full-body injuries. The crash involved unsafe speed and slippery pavement, causing serious harm without ejection.

According to the police report, a 2021 BMW SUV and a 2010 Audi sedan collided head-on on Henry Hudson Parkway. The SUV carried two occupants, including an 11-year-old female passenger in the right rear seat who was injured with abrasions and full-body trauma. The report lists unsafe speed and slippery pavement as contributing factors. The SUV's driver was licensed in New York. The point of impact was the center front end of both vehicles. No ejections occurred. The crash caused serious injury to the child passenger. Unsafe speed was the primary driver error noted. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629949 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 33-year-old woman crossing West 157 Street with the signal was struck by a southbound moped. The impact injured her knee and lower leg, causing abrasions. The driver disregarded traffic control, leading to the collision at the intersection.

According to the police report, a moped traveling south on West 157 Street struck a 33-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing the street with the signal. The pedestrian suffered injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, including abrasions. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as the contributing factor, indicating the driver failed to obey traffic signals. The point of impact was the center front end of the moped. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene and was injured at the intersection. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4624103 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Mayor Adams unveiled PlaNYC, aiming to cut car use and boost transit. The plan promises more protected bike and bus lanes, congestion pricing, and secure bike parking. Critics warn the city has missed past goals. Streets remain dangerous for walkers and riders.

""A network of secure bike parking facilities will continue encouraging the historic growth in cycling we’ve seen in recent years."" -- Ydanis A. Rodriguez

On April 21, 2023, Mayor Adams announced PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done, a sweeping policy blueprint to reverse New York’s rising car ownership. The plan, detailed in a new sustainability report, sets a target for 80 percent sustainable transportation mode share by 2050. Key measures include expanding protected bike and bus lanes, growing e-scooter and e-bike share, implementing congestion pricing, and adding thousands of secure bike parking spots starting in 2025. The city also aims to halve transportation emissions by 2030 and remove polluting trucks from streets. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, “New Yorkers must continue to adopt safe, sustainable, and efficient transportation.” Advocates, including Jolyse Race, pressed the administration to prioritize bus riders and meet legal mandates for bus lane mileage. The plan’s success will hinge on meeting these promises, as past benchmarks have been missed.

• Mayor Adams Wants to Hit the Brakes on New York’s Car Boom, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-21

A sedan crash on Riverside Drive injured a 41-year-old female driver. The vehicle's defective accelerator led to the collision. She suffered bruises and arm injuries but was conscious and restrained. Two parked sedans were damaged in the impact.

According to the police report, a sedan driven by a 41-year-old woman was involved in a crash on Riverside Drive in Manhattan. The driver was injured, sustaining contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The report lists a defective accelerator as a contributing factor to the crash. The collision involved damage to two parked sedans, one struck on the left rear quarter panel and the other on the left front bumper. No other driver errors were specified in the report. The injured driver was not ejected from the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4623038 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Two SUVs collided on Harlem River Drive. A northbound SUV struck another stopped in traffic. The striking driver, a 56-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash but was not ejected. Illness was cited as a contributing factor.

According to the police report, a 2019 Nissan SUV traveling north on Harlem River Drive rear-ended a stopped 2003 Chevrolet SUV. The driver of the striking vehicle, a 56-year-old man, was injured with back pain and whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists illness as a contributing factor but does not specify driver errors such as failure to yield or distraction. Both vehicles sustained center-end damage. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead before the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4620685 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

SUV hit motorcycle head-on. Rider thrown, left with fractured leg and knee. Police cite driver distraction, improper lane use, and bad turn. Crash tore metal. No other injuries reported.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling north on Saint Nicholas Avenue collided with a westbound SUV at West 191 Street. The motorcyclist, a 41-year-old man, was ejected and suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. The SUV struck the motorcycle's front end, damaging its left front bumper. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper,' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4621180 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A sedan making a left turn collided with a northbound motorcycle on West 188 Street. The motorcyclist was ejected and suffered serious leg injuries. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way and improper turning as factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old male motorcyclist was injured after a 2020 sedan made an improper left turn on West 188 Street and struck the motorcycle head-on. The motorcyclist was ejected from his vehicle and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The sedan driver, licensed in Pennsylvania, was making a left turn when the collision occurred. The motorcyclist, unlicensed in New York, was traveling straight north. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. The motorcyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash caused significant front-end damage to both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4623677 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Two SUVs collided in Manhattan. A 27-year-old woman driving one SUV suffered knee and leg injuries. Police cited traffic control disregard. Both vehicles took heavy front and side hits.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles crashed at West 181 Street and Wadsworth Avenue in Manhattan. A 27-year-old female driver was injured, suffering trauma to her knee and lower leg with minor bleeding. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor. One SUV, driven by a male with a permit, struck the right side doors of the other SUV, which was hit on its left front bumper. The injured driver was in shock at the scene. No other contributing factors or victim errors were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4621175 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

After the city cut lanes on the BQE, crashes dropped. Injuries fell. Now, officials consider adding lanes back. Advocates warn this will bring more danger and pollution. The city claims safety comes from modern standards, not fewer lanes. The fight continues.

This debate centers on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE), where a 2021 lane reduction under ex-Mayor Bill de Blasio led to a 65% drop in Queens-bound crashes and a 44% drop Staten Island-bound, according to DOT data. The matter, reported April 10, 2023, highlights the city’s consideration of widening the highway to meet federal guidelines. Advocates like Kathy Park Price argue, 'Fewer lanes on the BQE is better for people who use it and leads to safer streets.' Elizabeth Goldstein and Sam Schwartz also oppose expansion, warning it will increase capacity and risk. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez says the city hopes to build 'as narrow a structure as possible.' The Adams administration faces pressure to keep the BQE narrow to protect vulnerable road users.

• Stats Show That a Narrower BQE is Safer, Yet City is Considering Widening the Highway, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-10

City hands Verra Mobility a $367 million contract for traffic cameras. The firm faced past overbilling claims. Councilwoman Gale Brewer calls the move bewildering. Cameras cut speeding by 73% in school zones. City oversight remains under scrutiny.

On April 10, 2023, New York City awarded a $367 million traffic camera contract to Verra Mobility, despite the firm’s prior overbilling allegations. The deal follows a $1.3 million settlement over unnecessary work, including extra electrical poles and poor training. The contract was approved under Mayor Adams and Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, while Verra was under Department of Investigation monitorship. Manhattan Councilwoman Gale A. Brewer questioned the decision, stating, 'It is bewildering how you end up with a $1.3 million settlement... and then you get a new contract for more than $300 million.' The city comptroller’s office reviewed the settlement before approval. City data shows a 73% drop in speeding in camera-monitored school zones, but Brewer’s concerns highlight ongoing doubts about oversight and accountability.

• NYC has awarded nearly $1B in traffic camera contracts to firm accused of overbilling city for unnecessary work, nydailynews.com, Published 2023-04-10

A sedan traveling east struck multiple parked vehicles on West 212 Street in Manhattan. The front passenger was partially ejected and suffered facial bruising. The driver’s distraction outside the car and unsafe speed caused the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on West 212 Street collided with several parked vehicles, including a pick-up truck and other sedans. The front passenger, a 30-year-old man, was partially ejected and sustained facial contusions. The report lists the driver’s contributing factors as "Outside Car Distraction" and "Unsafe Speed." The impact damaged the sedan’s right front bumper and the rear ends of the parked vehicles. No other occupants were reported injured. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction and excessive speed in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4641426 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14