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

DOT will roll out up to 20 micro-delivery hubs this summer. Trucks unload at hubs. Cargo bikes finish the job. The plan aims to clear streets, cut truck chaos, and curb pollution. Officials say it’s a step to safer, saner roads for all.

On April 7, 2023, the NYC Department of Transportation announced a pilot program to create up to 20 micro-delivery hubs. The program, mandated by a 2021 law, will run for three years in two phases. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'These hubs will help better organize last-mile deliveries and support small and large businesses’ economic recovery.' The hubs will be chosen for proximity to bike lanes, truck routes, and transit, with community input. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and Council Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers backed the plan, citing the need to reduce truck traffic and its deadly toll. Brooks-Powers noted, 'Every year roughly 1,400 lives are lost prematurely because of preventable air pollution exacerbated by the explosion of local truck traffic.' The council leadership supports the initiative as a move toward sustainable, safer streets for vulnerable road users.

• Hubba Lubba Dub Dub: DOT Announces Micro Delivery Hubs To Start This Summer, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-07

City crews laid down a double-lane protected bike lane on four blocks of Ninth Avenue. Cyclists now get a passing lane. The new design replaces the old single-lane setup. DOT will study the pilot for wider rollout. Change comes fast.

On April 7, 2023, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) unveiled a pilot double-lane protected bike lane on Ninth Avenue, Manhattan, stretching from 17th to 21st Street. The project, not tied to a council bill but a DOT initiative, follows the city's push for safer, more spacious cycling routes. The matter summary states: 'DOT crews laid down four blocks of 'double-lane' protected bike lane on Ninth Avenue in Manhattan this week, debuting a 'passing lane' design officials plan to rollout later this year at locations across the city.' Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'Wider bike lanes can make cycling more comfortable and social, encouraging the amazing growth we've seen in cycling and e-micromobility use.' The new design features a six-foot bike lane with a four-foot passing lane, separated from parked cars by an eight-foot buffer. DOT will monitor the pilot to guide future installations. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• Eyes on the Street: City Debuts ‘Double-Lane’ Protected Bike Lane on Four Blocks of Ninth Avenue, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-07

A 28-year-old man was struck while crossing Dyckman Street near Nagle Avenue. The vehicle hit him head-on, causing injuries to his entire body and minor bleeding. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered shock at the scene.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured on Dyckman Street at the intersection with Nagle Avenue in Manhattan. The 28-year-old male was crossing the street when a vehicle traveling east struck him with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his entire body and experienced minor bleeding and shock. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the crash. The vehicle was going straight ahead at the time of impact. No other contributing factors or safety equipment were noted. The driver’s failure to yield caused the collision, resulting in serious injury to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4621167 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A DOT worker drove a city car recklessly in Midtown. Council Member Holden saw it. He demanded discipline. DOT promised "appropriate action" but gave no details. The car has five camera tickets. DOT stays vague. Vulnerable road users remain at risk.

On April 6, 2023, Council Member Robert Holden called for discipline after witnessing a Department of Transportation (DOT) employee driving aggressively in Midtown, including misuse of a bus lane. Holden wrote to DOT demanding action. Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez replied that the employee was identified and that 'appropriate action' was taken, but did not specify what that meant. The city car involved has five enforcement camera tickets since 2018. Holden stated, 'the DOT should expect nothing less than exemplary behavior from its personnel.' He commended DOT for swift action but transparency is lacking. Holden has opposed Citi Bike expansion and the Streets Master Plan, but supports NYPD enforcement against illegal parking and some safety improvements. The lack of detail on discipline leaves questions about accountability and the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

• Discipline for Recklessly Driving DOT Employee — But <i>What </i> Discipline?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-06

The city will test up to 20 delivery microhubs this summer. Trucks will unload at these sites. Smaller vehicles will finish deliveries. The goal: fewer trucks clogging streets, less double parking, and cleaner air. Councilmember Brooks-Powers backs sustainable change.

On April 6, 2023, the city announced a Department of Transportation pilot program to launch up to 20 neighborhood delivery microhubs. This initiative, required by a 2021 City Council law, aims to reduce truck traffic and organize last-mile deliveries. The matter summary states: 'The city will launch a pilot program testing neighborhood delivery microhubs across the five boroughs, aimed at reducing the surge of truck traffic.' Councilmember Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, representing District 31, emphasized the need for sustainable infrastructure to curb environmental justice impacts from truck congestion. The program will allow large trucks to unload at designated hubs, shifting the final delivery leg to vans, cargo bikes, or carts. Details on locations and management are pending. After a year, DOT will review data and consider expansion, with a final report due in 2026. Environmentalists and advocates support the move but note it does not address warehouse siting in vulnerable communities.

• City to pilot local delivery ‘microhubs’ to curb truck congestion starting this summer, amny.com, Published 2023-04-06

A pick-up turned left. A motorcycle sped straight. Metal slammed metal. The rider flew, helmetless. His head struck pavement. Blood pooled. He lay conscious, bleeding, alone. The street bore the violence. He was 37.

A pick-up truck turned left on Audubon Avenue. A motorcycle came straight at unsafe speed. The two vehicles collided. According to the police report, 'A pick-up turned left. A motorcycle came fast, straight. They met hard. The rider flew, no helmet. Head split on pavement. Blood pooled. He was 37. He lay conscious, bleeding, alone on the street.' Unsafe speed was listed as a contributing factor. The 37-year-old motorcyclist was ejected and suffered a severe head injury, bleeding on the street. No helmet was worn, as noted in the report. No injuries were reported for the pick-up driver. The crash left the rider broken and bleeding on the asphalt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4618187 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 37-year-old man was hit by a Jeep SUV making a left turn on West 158 Street. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle’s left front bumper struck him. He suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was left in shock.

According to the police report, a Jeep SUV making a left turn on West 158 Street struck a 37-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock at the scene. The report lists driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The impact occurred at the vehicle’s left front bumper, damaging the center front end of the SUV. The pedestrian was not at fault and was legally crossing the street when the collision happened.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4617375 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A driver killed a 7-year-old girl at 45th Street and Newtown Road. The city will install a traffic signal. Local leaders and family demanded action. DOT promises more safety. Residents call for broader change. One light will not fix the corridor.

On April 1, 2023, NYC DOT announced a new traffic signal for 45th Street and Newtown Road in Queens. This follows the February death of Dolma Naadhun, age 7, struck by a driver with a learner’s permit. The matter, titled 'NYC to install a traffic signal at the site of Queens crash that killed 7-year-old,' drew support from State Sen. Michael Gianaris, who said, 'I am glad the city is installing a traffic signal at the site of Naadhun's tragic death, in accordance with her family’s wishes.' Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez stated, 'No loss of life on our streets is acceptable.' The DOT has already added curb extensions and new crosswalks. Community members, including Alex Duncan, argue that one signal is not enough and demand systemic safety changes along the corridor. The signal is set for installation in May.

• NYC to install a traffic signal at the site of Queens crash that killed 7-year-old, gothamist.com, Published 2023-04-01

Twenty-six council members urge Albany to pass Sammy’s Law. The bill lets New York City lower speed limits below 25 mph. Speaker Adams and the Transportation Chair stay silent. Advocates say lower speeds mean fewer deaths. The Assembly leaves the measure out.

On March 31, 2023, a majority of New York City Council members signed a letter supporting Sammy’s Law, which would let the city set speed limits below 25 mph. The letter, sent to state legislative leaders, declared, "We write as a majority of New York City Council Members to express our strong support for the passage of Sammy's Law." Twenty-six council members signed on, but Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Transportation Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers did not. Brooks-Powers argued, "Stricter speed limits must also be paired with investments in physical infrastructure as well that deter drivers from going too fast." Advocates, including DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Comptroller Brad Lander, rallied in support. Despite the push, the Assembly left the measure out of its budget. The bill remains stalled, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.

• Council (Minus Speaker Adams and Transportation Committee Chair) Tells State Lawmakers it Supports Sammy’s Law, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-31

A new traffic light will rise at a deadly Queens corner. A girl died here. Her brother begged for change. The city listened. Officials promise more: stop signs, curb extensions, clearer crosswalks. The driver who killed her ran a stop sign. He was unlicensed.

On March 30, 2023, the NYC Department of Transportation announced new safety measures at a Queens intersection where 7-year-old Dolma Naadhum was killed by an SUV. The agency will install a traffic light by May, following a petition from Dolma’s brother and pressure from local leaders. State Senator Michael Gianaris, representing District 12, pledged to honor the family's request, stating, 'We fix Newtown Road where this happened.' The DOT will also add all-way stop signs at a nearby crossing and has already improved crosswalks, extended curbs, and restricted parking for better visibility. The driver in the fatal crash ran a stop sign and lacked a proper license. The city’s action comes after years of complaints about dangerous driving at this intersection.

• NYC to install traffic light at corner where girl died after brother’s plea, nypost.com, Published 2023-03-30

Council Member Lincoln Restler joined advocates at City Hall. They pressed Albany to let New York City set its own speed limits. Families mourned children lost to speeding drivers. The Assembly remains the last barrier. The push is urgent. Lives hang in the balance.

On March 29, 2023, Council Member Lincoln Restler and other city officials rallied for Sammy’s Law, a bill allowing New York City to set its own speed limits without state approval. The bill, named for Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a speeding driver in 2013, would let the city lower limits to 20 mph. The matter, described as 'Let New York City lower its own speed limits,' has strong support from the mayor, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, and advocates like Families for Safe Streets. Restler’s action was public advocacy. The Assembly is the final hurdle; the bill is already in the governor’s and Senate’s budgets. Advocates cite a 36% drop in pedestrian deaths after the 2014 speed limit change. Families demand action to prevent more deaths.

• City polls, advocates call on Assembly to let NYC set its own speed limits, amny.com, Published 2023-03-29

City rips out a car lane on Ninth Avenue. Eleven feet of painted sidewalk now stretch for blocks. Pedestrians and cyclists claim more space. Locals breathe easier. But paint is no barrier. Drivers, even cops, still intrude. Enforcement remains a question.

On March 22, 2023, the Department of Transportation announced a major redesign on Ninth Avenue in Manhattan, following a decade-long utility overhaul. The project, not a council bill but a city initiative, expanded pedestrian space with 'super sidewalks'—painted sidewalk extensions between 50th and 59th streets. Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez pledged to bring this design citywide, stating, 'While we are excited to bring this improvement to Hells Kitchen, we look forward to expanding these efforts elsewhere.' Council member Erik Bottcher called for similar changes on 10th and 11th Avenues. Local advocate Christine Berthet called the new space 'just like having air to breathe.' The redesign removed a car lane in a neighborhood where most households lack cars. Still, the use of paint over concrete means drivers, including NYPD, sometimes park illegally on pedestrian space. DOT says it will work with police to protect these 'sacred spaces.'

• More is More: City Unveils Painted ‘Super Sidewalks’ Expansions in Hells Kitchen, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-22

A 69-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by an SUV backing unsafely on West 178 Street near Audubon Avenue. The pedestrian suffered a fractured and dislocated lower leg injury. The driver caused the crash by unsafe backing.

According to the police report, a 69-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing with the signal at an intersection on West 178 Street near Audubon Avenue in Manhattan. The driver of a 2018 Honda SUV was entering a parked position and backed unsafely, striking the pedestrian. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Backing Unsafely" as the contributing factor to the crash. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4614871 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

A driver killed Dolma Naadhun, age seven, on Newtown Road. The city offered a curb extension, not a stop light. Over 30,000 demanded more. Parents and advocates called for real change: plazas, enforcement, protection. The city’s answer fell short. The danger remains.

On March 20, 2023, after the death of 7-year-old Dolma Naadhun, the city faced pressure to act on Newtown Road. The Department of Transportation, led by Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, refused to commit to a stop light, promising only to study the site and add a curb extension. The matter, described as 'significant street safety improvements,' drew outrage. Over 30,000 signed a petition for a stop light. Community voices—Dolma’s family, local parents, advocates—demanded more: pedestrian plazas, Open Streets, enforcement. Sarah Chu said, 'And if the family wants a stop light, just give it to them.' Ivana Bologna called for ticketing drivers. The city’s limited response, with only signage and paint, was widely seen as inadequate. Advocates insisted on physical changes to protect lives, not half-measures.

• After a Child’s Death, Can Newtown Road Be Reimagined?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-20

A 2013 SUV made a left turn on West 178 Street in Manhattan. It collided with a southbound sedan. Two male passengers in the sedan suffered shoulder fractures and dislocations. The crash caused front bumper damage to both vehicles.

According to the police report, the crash occurred when a 2013 SUV, traveling north, made a left turn and disregarded traffic control. The SUV struck a southbound sedan going straight ahead on West 178 Street in Manhattan. Two male passengers, ages 22 and 29, in the sedan were injured with fractures and dislocations to their shoulders. Both were conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor. The SUV sustained damage to its left front bumper, and the sedan was damaged on its right front bumper. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4615687 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 24-year-old man was struck by an SUV on West 178 Street in Manhattan. The impact hit the pedestrian’s back, causing abrasions and shock. The driver disregarded traffic control, leading to the collision. The pedestrian was not at an intersection.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2019 Jeep SUV traveling east on West 178 Street struck him with its left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered back abrasions and was in shock. The crash involved two vehicles, including a sedan traveling north, but the primary cause was the SUV driver disregarding traffic control. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and did not contribute to the crash. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as the driver’s error. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4613616 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 73-year-old man rode his e-bike north on West 165th. He lost consciousness. He fell. His head struck the pavement. He died alone. No other vehicles. No impact. The street stayed quiet. The man did not get up.

A 73-year-old man riding an e-bike on West 165th Street at Saint Nicholas Avenue lost consciousness and fell, striking his head. According to the police report, 'A 73-year-old man riding an e-bike lost consciousness mid-ride. No crash. No impact. He fell, struck his head, and died alone on the pavement in the afternoon light.' No other vehicles were involved. The only listed contributing factor is 'Lost Consciousness.' No driver errors or external hazards are cited. The report notes the rider was not using any safety equipment, but this is mentioned only after the primary cause. The man died where he fell. The street remained unchanged.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4614269 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

DOT pushed back the Queensboro Bridge pedestrian path again. The city blames old timelines and deck repairs. Council Member Julie Won calls the delay unacceptable. Pedestrians wait. Cars still rule. Safety hangs in the balance. Promises break. Danger lingers.

At a City Council oversight hearing on March 17, 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOT) confirmed the Queensboro Bridge south outer roadway pedestrian path will not open until early 2024. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez blamed inaccurate timelines from the previous administration and ongoing upper deck reconstruction. Deputy Commissioner Eric Beaton said, 'We feel very committed to turn that south outer roadway into the pedestrian path,' but insisted the deck work must finish first. Council Member Julie Won, voicing frustration, declared, 'It is unacceptable that DOT continues delaying the timeline.' She demanded the city stop prioritizing cars over pedestrians and open the path by the end of 2023 as promised. The delay leaves vulnerable road users exposed, with Won warning, 'Every delay means more serious injuries from traffic violence.'

• Delay Ahead: Queensboro Bridge Pedestrian Path Now Put Off Til ‘Early 2024’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-17