No More Bodies in the Road: Demand Safe Streets Now

StreetsPAC picks Brad Lander for mayor. They praise his sweeping plan for safer streets and better transit. The group rejects weak promises. They demand bold action to protect people outside cars. Lander vows real change for New Yorkers.

On June 11, 2025, StreetsPAC, a political action committee for livable streets, endorsed Brad Lander for New York City mayor. The endorsement, reported by Streetsblog NYC and covered by Gersh Kuntzman, followed a review of candidate plans. StreetsPAC called Lander’s proposal 'by far the most comprehensive blueprint ... we've ever seen from a candidate for any office.' Lander promised more protected bike lanes, a citywide Bus Rapid Transit network, and using congestion pricing revenue for busways and bikeways. He pledged six-minute service on subways and buses and action on street homelessness. StreetsPAC’s endorsement signals strong support for policies that prioritize vulnerable road users. Their safety analyst noted: 'A comprehensive plan for safer streets and better public transit typically prioritizes vulnerable road users, supports mode shift, and aligns with best practices for population-level safety improvements.'

• StreetsPAC Ranks Lander #1 for Mayor, Offers Other Picks for Comptroller, Beeps and Council, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-11

Council bill pushes cheaper bike share for students sixteen and up. City’s Department of Transportation must set new rates. More teens could ride. Bill sits in committee. Streets may see more young cyclists. Danger remains. System must protect them.

Int 1287-2025, introduced May 28, 2025, sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older,” would require the Department of Transportation to set a discounted rate for eligible students. Council Member Christopher Marte leads as primary sponsor, joined by Gale A. Brewer, Shahana K. Hanif, Sandy Nurse, Linda Lee, Keith Powers, Lincoln Restler, Chi A. Ossé, Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Althea V. Stevens, and Farah N. Louis. The measure aims to make cycling more accessible for youth, but the city must ensure safe streets as more young riders join traffic. The bill remains under committee review.

• File Int 1287-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-28

Two crew died when the Cuauhtemoc’s masts hit the Brooklyn Bridge. Injured sailors returned home. The ship waits for repairs and towing. Officials probe the crash. The city mourns the lost. Steel, wind, and error met on the river.

NY Daily News reported on May 21, 2025, that the Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtemoc struck the Brooklyn Bridge, killing two crew members when its masts collided with the structure. The article notes, 'All injured crew have been discharged from the hospital and are now safely back in Mexico.' Authorities, including the US Coast Guard and NTSB, are investigating, with the NTSB checking for 'data recorders holding pivotal evidence of how the crash occurred.' The ship sustained no hull damage and will be towed for repairs. The incident highlights the risks of navigating large vessels near city infrastructure and the need for clear protocols. A vigil was planned for the fallen crew. The cause—whether navigational error, miscommunication, or systemic oversight—remains under review.

• Mexican Navy Ship Strikes Brooklyn Bridge, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-21

Steel and wood crashed. Masts snapped. Crew thrown down. Three critical, more hurt. Water churned with rescue. The bridge stood, but bodies broke. The city watched, helpless. No warning. No escape. Just impact and aftermath.

According to the New York Post (published May 18, 2025), a Mexican navy tall ship struck the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night. The Cuauhtémoc, carrying about 200 people, collided with the bridge's road deck, toppling its 147-foot masts. The article reports, 'Three people are in critical condition, with about a dozen others seriously injured.' A search and rescue operation pulled victims from the water. The incident unfolded during a promotional visit for a future tall ship event. Harrowing footage showed masts crashing down as onlookers fled. The cause of the crash is not detailed, but the collision highlights risks when large vessels navigate city waterways near critical infrastructure.

• Tall Ship Slams Into Brooklyn Bridge, New York Post, Published 2025-05-18

Steel snapped. Two fell. Nineteen hurt. The ship lost power, drifted, struck the bridge. Masts broke. Hundreds watched. The river ran cold. The Coast Guard hauled the wreck away. The city waits for answers.

According to West Side Spirit (May 17, 2025), the Mexican Navy training ship Cuauhtemoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge after losing power and drifting backward on the East River. The crash occurred near Brooklyn Bridge Park, crowded with tourists. The article states, "Social media showed the vessel appearing to lose power and drift backwards, striking the underside of the historic, 140-year-old bridge." Two people died after falling from the masts; nineteen others were injured. Nearly 300 were on board. The US Coast Guard towed the vessel to Pier 36. An investigation is underway. The incident highlights the risks of large vessels operating near city infrastructure and the need for robust safety protocols.

• Ship Hits Brooklyn Bridge, Two Dead, West Side Spirit, Published 2025-05-17

A young cyclist suffered head wounds on Canal Street. An SUV struck him. Police cite driver inattention and inexperience. The crash left the rider bleeding, conscious, and partially ejected. The street stayed dangerous. The system failed to protect him.

A 23-year-old cyclist was injured in a crash with an SUV at Canal Street and Lafayette Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, the cyclist suffered severe lacerations to the head and was partially ejected but remained conscious. The SUV was traveling west, going straight, while the cyclist was making a left turn eastbound. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The SUV driver was licensed and uninjured. No helmet or signaling issues were cited for the cyclist. The report shows the impact fell hardest on the vulnerable road user, exposing the ongoing risks faced by people outside cars.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4811770, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Three dead in two weeks. Cyclist crushed in Soho. Pedestrian killed crossing Woodhaven. Another cyclist struck by fire truck in Queens. Protected lanes grow, but streets remain perilous. City claims progress. The toll mounts. The danger persists.

amNY reported on May 4, 2025, that a surge in deadly collisions has struck New York City as spring brings more cyclists and pedestrians to the streets. On May 1, a cyclist died after hitting a van's open door and being thrown under a truck at Broome and Centre Streets. On April 25, a motorcyclist struck and killed Breanna Henderson as she crossed Woodhaven Boulevard. On April 19, a fire truck responding to an emergency collided with a cyclist, who died at the scene. The article notes, 'each of which is under investigation by the NYPD.' The city’s Department of Transportation points to expanded protected bike lanes—87.5 miles added in three years—and new barriers, but the recent deaths highlight ongoing systemic risks for vulnerable road users.

• Spring Collisions Expose Street Dangers, amny, Published 2025-05-04

A van door swung open. The cyclist struck it. He fell. A truck crushed him. Medics rushed him to Bellevue. He died. The street stayed busy. The drivers waited. The city moved on.

According to NY Daily News (May 3, 2025), Georgios Smaragdis, 44, was killed while riding his e-bike west on Broome Street in Soho. The article states, "he slammed into the door of a Mercedes van that its driver had just flung open," sending him into the path of a red delivery truck that ran him over. Both drivers remained at the scene. The van driver told the outlet, "I opened the door. I didn’t even see the guy." Police have not announced charges. The crash highlights the persistent danger of dooring and the lethal consequences for cyclists when drivers fail to check for oncoming traffic before opening doors. The incident underscores ongoing risks for vulnerable road users in Manhattan’s dense traffic.

• E-Bike Rider Killed After Dooring in Soho, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-03

A cyclist died on Broome Street. A box truck and SUV stood in the mix. The crash hit hard. The man, 44, was ejected. Head trauma ended his ride. No driver errors listed. The street claimed another life.

A 44-year-old male bicyclist was killed in a crash involving a box truck and a parked SUV on Broome Street at Centre Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, the cyclist was ejected and suffered fatal head injuries. The crash involved a box truck traveling west and a parked SUV. The police report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors such as failure to yield or distraction are noted in the data. The cyclist's use of safety equipment is listed as 'Unknown,' but this is not cited as a contributing factor. The collision resulted in the death of a vulnerable road user while all vehicle occupants reported only unspecified or no injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4809521, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A man on an e-bike struck a van door on Broome Street. The door swung open. He fell into the path of a box truck. The truck ran him over. Medics tried to save him. He died at Bellevue Hospital.

NY Daily News reported on May 1, 2025, that an e-bike rider died in Manhattan after being doored by a Mercedes van and then run over by a box truck. The crash happened around 10:10 a.m. on Broome Street near Centre Street. The van driver told the outlet, "I opened the door. I didn’t even see the guy. I only saw the accident." The collision forced the cyclist into the path of a red delivery truck, which then struck him. The 54-year-old truck driver stayed at the scene. Police had not determined if charges would be filed. The article highlights the lethal risk of dooring and the vulnerability of cyclists in mixed traffic. The incident underscores systemic dangers at curbside and the consequences of inattentive door opening.

• E-Bike Rider Killed After Van Door Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-01

NYLCV backs Council Member Marte, who voted against City of Yes and weakened congestion pricing. Critics say these moves fuel car use and sprawl. Endorsement ignores Marte’s record on housing and traffic, putting vulnerable road users at risk.

On April 28, 2025, the New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) endorsed Council Member Christopher Marte. Marte was the only Manhattan council member to vote against the 'City of Yes' housing package and pushed for exemptions to congestion pricing. Charles Komanoff, a noted analyst, criticized NYLCV’s endorsement, arguing, 'Both City of Yes and congestion pricing will generate huge environmental dividends.' Komanoff said NYLCV’s scorecard ignored Marte’s record on housing and transportation, which should have disqualified him. NYLCV President Julie Tighe admitted to a slight incumbent bias and highlighted Marte’s park work, but could not confirm if congestion pricing was discussed. Critics argue the endorsement rewards actions that increase car use and danger for pedestrians and cyclists.

• League of What Now? ‘Conservation’ Group’s Endorsement Criteria Are Bizarre, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-04-28

Including Thursday's deadly crash, 25 people have been killed in New York City sightseeing helicopter accidents in the last 40 years.

• Lawmakers aim to make changes after New York City sightseeing helicopter crash, ABC7, Published 2025-04-11

Steel shrieked at Lafayette and Grand. Two Toyotas collided. A 67-year-old woman crossing the intersection fell, her leg torn open. Blood pooled. Drivers licensed, but distraction ruled. She left with pain and silence, flesh split by careless hands.

A 67-year-old woman was seriously injured at the intersection of Lafayette Street and Grand Street in Manhattan when two Toyotas, a sedan and an SUV, collided. According to the police report, both vehicles were traveling south and 'struck' at the corner, resulting in the woman being knocked down with 'severe lacerations' to her lower leg. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed and remained at the scene. The pedestrian was crossing at the intersection when the crash occurred. The police report does not list any pedestrian behavior as a contributing factor. The focus remains on driver distraction and inexperience, which led to the violent impact and left the woman with lasting injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794593, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A man on a bike, unlicensed, sped through the night at Delancey and Norfolk. His head struck hard, blood pooling on the asphalt. The city watched, silent. He survived, conscious, but the street bore the mark.

A 47-year-old man riding a bike was severely injured at the corner of Delancey Street and Norfolk Street in Manhattan, according to the police report. The crash occurred at 1:35 a.m. The report states the cyclist was traveling at 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' is listed as a contributing factor. The man was unlicensed and wore no helmet. The narrative notes, 'Head split, blood on asphalt. Conscious. Unlicensed. The front end crumpled.' The impact caused severe bleeding from the head, but the cyclist remained conscious. The police report explicitly cites 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. No mention is made of any other vehicles or external hazards. The focus remains on the cyclist’s actions and the systemic dangers present at this intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794690, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A Toyota sedan hit an 88-year-old man crossing Canal Street. Blood pooled on the asphalt. The driver kept straight. The man lay silent, head wounded, as traffic pulsed around him in the cold Manhattan dusk.

According to the police report, an 88-year-old pedestrian was struck by a Toyota sedan while crossing Canal Street near Centre Street in Manhattan. The incident occurred at 5:35 p.m. The narrative states, 'An 88-year-old man stepped into the street, no signal, no crosswalk. A Toyota sedan struck him head-on. He fell, bleeding from the head, silent on the cold asphalt. The driver kept going straight.' The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. The sedan's point of impact was the right front bumper, and the driver was traveling straight ahead. The victim suffered severe head bleeding and was in shock. The police report does not cite any driver errors or violations, but emphasizes the pedestrian's location and action at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788957, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Council bill Int 1138-2024 would ban parking and standing within 20 feet of crosswalks. It forces the city to install daylighting barriers at 1,000 intersections each year. The bill sits in committee. Sponsors include Bottcher, Won, and the Public Advocate.

Int 1138-2024, introduced December 5, 2024, is under review by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill is 'Laid Over in Committee.' Its title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting standing or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.' Council Member Erik D. Bottcher is the primary sponsor, joined by Julie Won, Jumaane Williams, and others. The bill prohibits standing or parking within 20 feet of crosswalks and mandates the Department of Transportation to install daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections per year. The law also requires citywide outreach and reporting. This measure aims to keep sightlines clear at crossings, a known danger zone for people on foot and bike. The bill has not yet received a vote.

• File Int 1138-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-05

A taxi slammed into a slowing sedan inside the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel. Steel collided. Airbags burst. A 37-year-old man gripped his crushed arm, pain sharp in the echoing dark. Engines idled. Breath held. The tunnel swallowed the aftermath.

A crash occurred inside the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel when a taxi struck the rear of a slowing sedan, according to the police report. The report states, 'A taxi struck a slowing sedan. Steel kissed steel. The airbag burst.' The collision left a 37-year-old man, identified as the driver of one of the vehicles, with crush injuries to his arm. He remained conscious at the scene, clutching his injured limb. Both vehicles were traveling north and slowing or stopping when the impact happened. The taxi sustained center front-end damage, while the sedan was hit at the center back end. The police report lists the contributing factor as 'Unspecified,' and does not cite any victim behavior as a cause. The event underscores the persistent danger of rear-end collisions in confined, high-traffic tunnels.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774896, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A 69-year-old cyclist collided with an open BMW door near Church Street. Blood streaked his face. The driver, distracted, looked away. The street froze. The wound cut deep. Silence hung heavy in Manhattan’s morning air.

According to the police report, a 69-year-old male cyclist was injured on Park Place near Church Street when he struck the open door of a parked BMW sedan. The incident occurred at 8:50 a.m. in Manhattan. The cyclist suffered severe facial lacerations, with blood running down his face as described in the narrative. The report explicitly lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors. The BMW driver, licensed in New Jersey, was present and reportedly looked away at the moment of impact. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but helmet use is not cited as a contributing factor in the police report. The focus remains on the driver’s inattention and the systemic danger posed by inattentive dooring in dense city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773079, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Steel met flesh at Bowery and Delancey. A flatbed swung left. A man, crossing against the light, took the blow. Blood spilled on the crosswalk. He stayed conscious, head split, the truck untouched, danger written in daylight.

A flatbed truck turning left at the corner of Bowery and Delancey in Manhattan struck a 45-year-old man in the crosswalk, according to the police report. The report states the pedestrian suffered severe head lacerations but remained conscious at the scene. Police cited 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the driver, who was making a left turn when the collision occurred. The narrative details, 'Steel struck skull. Blood ran on the crosswalk. He stayed awake, bleeding.' The truck sustained no damage. The report also notes the pedestrian was 'crossing against the light,' but this is listed after the primary driver error. The impact and injury underscore the lethal consequences when drivers fail to yield to vulnerable road users in busy intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4764799, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A sedan cut through Clinton Street’s darkness. A man, forty, played in the road. The car kept straight. His head struck metal. Blood pooled. Lacerations deep. He stayed conscious. The Honda showed no mark. The city’s danger pressed on.

A 40-year-old man was struck and injured by a sedan on Clinton Street near 99th in Manhattan, according to the police report. The crash occurred at 22:57. The narrative states, 'Clinton Street near 99th—night air split by a sedan’s path. A man, 40, playing in the road. The car kept straight. His head struck. Blood pooled. Lacerations deep. He stayed conscious. The Honda bore no mark.' The police report lists the pedestrian’s injury as severe lacerations to the head, with the victim remaining conscious at the scene. The sedan, identified as a 2018 Honda, was traveling straight northbound and showed no damage. The police report marks both contributing factors as 'Unspecified,' offering no further detail on driver error or additional causes. The focus remains on the impact and the vulnerability of those outside the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4762764, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14