Rivera’s District: Hit, Run, Repeat. Demand 20 mph Now.

Council bill cracks down on property owners who ignore broken sidewalks. Fines reach $250 for failing to fix hazards. The measure aims at those who leave cracks and gaps where people walk. The city wants action before someone gets hurt.

Int 1320-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on June 11, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Council Members Oswald Feliz (District 15, primary) and Carlina Rivera (District 2, co-sponsor), would impose a civil penalty of up to $250 on property owners who fail to repair sidewalk defects as directed by the Department of Transportation. The bill summary states: 'This bill would subject owners of real property to a maximum civil penalty of $250 if they fail to complete sidewalk repairs as directed by the Department of Transportation.' Owners also face fines if they ignore sidewalk defects that pose immediate danger. The measure was referred to committee and awaits further action. The bill puts responsibility on owners to keep walking space safe for all.

• File Int 1320-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-11

A drunk driver tore through Gramercy. He struck Abdulhekim Esiyok in the crosswalk. Bars kept pouring drinks for the driver. Blood alcohol soared. Esiyok died at Bellevue. The driver hit more people before stopping. The city’s system failed again.

According to the New York Post (2025-06-07), Abdulhekim Esiyok, a 23-year-old Turkish immigrant, was killed while crossing Third Avenue after Mahbub Ali, allegedly intoxicated, drove into him. Prosecutors say Ali drank for nearly six hours at three Manhattan bars, reaching a blood alcohol content of .158, almost twice the legal limit. After hitting Esiyok, Ali continued, injuring a cyclist, two more pedestrians, and crashing into a van. The family’s lawsuit cites New York’s Dram Shop Act, which holds bars liable for serving visibly drunk patrons who later cause harm. The article quotes the family’s lawyer: “The family is devastated. They’re still in disbelief.” The case highlights failures in both driver responsibility and alcohol-serving oversight.

• Drunk Driver Kills Immigrant Pedestrian in Manhattan, New York Post, Published 2025-06-07

Hundreds rode through Manhattan. They protested NYPD’s push to criminalize minor bike infractions. Delivery riders, many undocumented, face court summonses for sidewalk riding and red lights. Judges toss charges. Police say it’s about compliance. Riders say it’s about targeting.

West Side Spirit reported on June 2, 2025, that hundreds of cyclists protested in Manhattan against the NYPD’s new policy of issuing criminal court summonses for minor bike infractions. The crackdown targets delivery workers, especially undocumented riders, for offenses like sidewalk riding and nonstandard bike setups. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch defended the move, stating, 'When it comes to traffic safety, compliance is not optional.' Protesters and advocates argue the policy is discriminatory and escalates minor violations, risking severe consequences for vulnerable workers. Ben Furnas of Transportation Alternatives called it 'really inappropriate escalation.' The article highlights confusion over traffic rules and the risk of criminalization for actions previously handled as civil matters, raising questions about enforcement priorities and the impact on immigrant communities.

• Cyclists Rally Against NYPD Crackdown, West Side Spirit, Published 2025-06-02

Hundreds rode through Manhattan. They called out harsh summonses for e-bike riders. Police target cyclists with criminal charges for minor traffic moves. Drivers get tickets. Riders face court. The city’s rules hit the vulnerable. The streets stay dangerous.

Gothamist (2025-05-31) reports on a protest in Lower Manhattan against the NYPD’s policy of issuing criminal summonses to e-bike riders for traffic violations like running red lights or riding against traffic. Cyclists and advocates argue the penalties are harsher than those faced by drivers for similar actions. As one protester said, “It seems unfair to me that cyclists should receive a higher penalty for doing the same thing that a person in a car would do.” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch defended the crackdown, citing the lack of licensing for e-bikes as a challenge for enforcement, but acknowledged the need for legislative reform. The article highlights inconsistent enforcement and the risks faced by vulnerable road users, especially delivery workers. Policy gaps and unequal penalties expose systemic danger on city streets.

• E-Bike Riders Protest NYPD Crackdown, Gothamist, Published 2025-05-31

A cyclist suffered crush injuries to his leg at E 23rd Street and 3rd Avenue. Two cars and a bike collided. The cyclist wore a helmet. Police cited confusion as a factor. The street saw pain and metal. The system failed to protect the vulnerable.

A crash on E 23rd Street at 3rd Avenue in Manhattan left a 61-year-old male cyclist injured with crush injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. According to the police report, a convertible, a pick-up truck, and a bicycle were involved. The cyclist was conscious and wore a helmet. The police report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. No driver-specific errors were cited in the data. Other vehicle occupants reported unspecified injuries. The crash underscores the risks faced by cyclists on city streets, where even routine turns can end in harm.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4816863, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A cyclist slammed into the back of a parked USPS truck on 2nd Avenue. The rider, 25, took the blow to the head. Blood ran. Unsafe speed played a role. The truck stood still. The street did not forgive.

A 25-year-old cyclist was injured after crashing into the rear of a parked USPS truck at 579 2nd Avenue in Manhattan. According to the police report, the cyclist suffered severe lacerations to the head and was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor in the crash. The USPS truck was parked and sustained no damage, while the bike's front end was damaged. No other persons were involved. The police report does not specify if safety equipment was used. The data highlights unsafe speed as the key driver error in this collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812789, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Council passed a bill forcing taxis and for-hire cars to post warnings on rear doors. The decals tell riders to watch for cyclists before swinging open. The law aims to cut dooring. Signs come free from the city. Cyclists face less risk.

Int 0193-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, moved through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed the Council on May 1, 2025. The bill reads: 'requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door.' Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Jennifer Gutiérrez and a long list of co-sponsors. The Council voted overwhelmingly in favor. The law orders all taxis and for-hire vehicles to post warning decals on rear passenger doors, alerting riders to check for cyclists before opening. The Taxi and Limousine Commission will provide the signs at no cost. The measure targets dooring, a common threat to cyclists. The bill takes effect 120 days after becoming law.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-01

A taxi turned left at First Avenue and East 22nd. Metal slammed into a woman crossing with the signal. Her body broke across the front end. Blood pooled on the asphalt. The driver remained seated. She left torn, bleeding, and in shock.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling north on 1st Avenue made a left turn at East 22nd Street and struck a 31-year-old woman who was crossing the intersection with the signal. The report states, 'Metal struck flesh. Her body broke across the front end. Blood on the asphalt.' The pedestrian suffered severe lacerations and injuries to her entire body, leaving the scene in shock. The driver, identified as licensed and operating a 2017 Toyota taxi, remained seated after the impact. The police report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor, underscoring the driver's responsibility in the collision. The report also cites 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor, but the woman was documented as crossing with the signal at the intersection. The impact point and vehicle damage were both at the center front end, consistent with a left-turn strike.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808952, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A pickup truck’s bumper caught an 87-year-old woman crossing Avenue C. She fell. Blood pooled on East 6th Street. The driver, unbelted, kept turning. The city’s streets remain hostile to its oldest walkers.

According to the police report, a pickup truck made a left turn at the corner of East 6th Street and Avenue C in Manhattan. Its left front bumper struck an 87-year-old woman who was crossing the intersection. The impact knocked her to the ground, causing severe head lacerations and visible bleeding. The report notes the driver, a 65-year-old man, was not wearing a seatbelt at the time. The pedestrian was listed as 'crossing against signal,' but the police report does not cite any specific driver error or contributing factor beyond the vehicle’s turning movement. The incident underscores the lethal consequences of turning vehicles at intersections, especially for elderly pedestrians. No vehicle damage was reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806893, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Council passed a law forcing DOT to post updates on every street safety project. Each month, the public will see which projects are planned, which are stalled, and which are done. No more hiding delays or cost overruns. Sunlight on every mile.

Bill Int 1105-2024, now on the Mayor's desk, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced November 13, 2024, and passed committee and full Council votes on April 10, 2025. The law, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan,' demands the Department of Transportation post annual and monthly updates on all benchmark projects—protected bike lanes, bus lanes, signals, and upgrades. Council Member Julie Won led as primary sponsor, joined by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others. The law requires public reporting on project status, funding, delays, and overruns. This measure brings hard oversight and transparency to the city’s street safety promises.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-04-10

A man lay bleeding in the crosswalk at Lafayette and Bleecker after a southbound cyclist hit him in the head and rode on. The street stayed quiet. The impact left the pedestrian semiconscious, blood pooling on the pavement.

A 54-year-old man was struck in the head by a southbound cyclist at the intersection of Lafayette Street and Bleecker Street in Manhattan, according to the police report. The pedestrian was left semiconscious and bleeding severely in the crosswalk. The report states the cyclist did not stop after the collision. Police cite 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The cyclist's bike showed no damage, but the impact left the pedestrian with a serious head injury. The report does not list any pedestrian behavior as a contributing factor. The incident underscores the ongoing danger to people on foot when drivers—regardless of vehicle type—fail to yield and pay attention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801050, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A Ford SUV swung right on Waverly Place. The driver, distracted, plowed into a 55-year-old man crossing with the light. Bone met bumper. The man stayed conscious. His knee and foot shattered. The SUV rolled on, undamaged.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV turned right on Waverly Place near Broadway and struck a 55-year-old man who was crossing with the signal. The report states the pedestrian was hit in the leg by the bumper, resulting in crush injuries to his knee and foot. The pedestrian remained conscious at the scene. Police explicitly cite 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor in the crash. The pedestrian was crossing with the light, as documented in the report, and was located at the intersection. The SUV sustained no damage. The report does not list any pedestrian behavior as a contributing factor, keeping the focus on the driver's failure to pay attention during the turn.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800189, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A taxi struck a baby boy crossing East 11th Street. The front end crumpled. Blood pooled from his head. He lay semiconscious on the pavement as dusk fell and the city watched, silent and still.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling west on East 11th Street near Third Avenue struck a baby boy who was crossing outside the crosswalk. The report describes the vehicle's center front end as the point of impact, with damage matching the collision. The child suffered a head injury, severe bleeding, and was found semiconscious on the pavement. The narrative notes, 'His head bled. He lay on the pavement, semiconscious, as the light dimmed and the street watched in silence.' The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are explicitly cited in the report, but the collision occurred as the taxi proceeded straight ahead and the pedestrian was not at an intersection. The focus remains on the impact and the systemic danger faced by vulnerable pedestrians in city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797705, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

City Council passed a law forcing DOT to repaint pavement markings within five days after resurfacing. Streets stripped bare by fresh asphalt must get lines back fast. Delays require public notice. The law aims to keep crosswalks and lanes visible, protecting walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced January 8, 2025, passed March 15, and became Local Law 28 of 2025. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law orders DOT to install pavement or temporary markings within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must post notices explaining the delay and set a new timeline. DOT must also report yearly on compliance. The law responds to a simple fact: missing markings mean danger for people on foot and bike. With this law, the city moves to close that deadly gap.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

A sedan sat parked on Avenue B. Inside, four people. The driver, distracted and speeding, struck something. Silence. A woman in the rear seat, her leg crushed, no belt. Metal untouched. Flesh broken. Night in Manhattan, danger in motion.

According to the police report, a sedan was parked on Avenue B near East 2nd Street in Manhattan with four occupants inside. At 21:50, the driver, described as distracted and traveling at an unsafe speed, caused the vehicle to strike while parked. The report states: 'Driver distracted. Speed too fast. Silence followed.' No damage was recorded to the vehicle’s metal, but a 34-year-old woman in the right rear passenger seat suffered crush injuries to her leg. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The injured passenger was not wearing a seatbelt, but this detail is only noted after the driver’s errors. The crash underscores the persistent threat posed by driver distraction and excessive speed, even when vehicles are not in motion.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790147, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Council calls for Albany to pass the PAWS Act. The bill adds pets to protected victims in traffic law. It hikes fines for drivers who hit animals and flee. Lawmakers push for real consequences when cars strike dogs, cats, and other companions.

Resolution 0723-2025 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced January 23, 2025, it urges the state to pass A10660/S9915, the Protecting Animals Walking on the Street (PAWS) Act. The resolution states: 'add the term companion animals to the list of possible victim classes should a driver fail to exercise due care to avoid striking pedestrians and to increase the fine for striking a pet with a vehicle and leaving the scene without reporting the incident.' Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Lynn C. Schulman, Carlina Rivera, and Justin L. Brannan back the measure. The PAWS Act would raise fines for drivers who hit pets and leave, and would recognize companion animals as protected victims under traffic law. The move targets a gap in current law, where penalties for striking animals are minor—on par with an illegal U-turn. The Council’s action signals a push for stronger accountability when vehicles harm the city’s most vulnerable, including its animals.

• File Res 0723-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-23

City Council passed a law forcing DOT to check with FDNY before approving open streets, bike lanes, or big street changes. Firehouses get notified. Council members and boards get updates. The law aims for more eyes, more voices, but adds hurdles for street redesigns.

Bill Int 0104-2024, now Local Law 6 of 2025, was enacted by the City Council on January 18, 2025, after passing both the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the full Council in December 2024. The law requires the Department of Transportation to consult with the Fire Department before approving open street applications, bicycle lane projects, or major transportation projects. The official matter title states the law amends the city code to require DOT to consult with FDNY and notify affected firehouses before moving forward. Primary sponsor Kalman Yeger, with co-sponsors including Joann Ariola, Robert Holden, Lynn Schulman, and others, pushed the bill through. The law expands notification and comment rights for firehouses and community boards, adding new steps before any street or lane changes. No safety analyst assessed the direct impact on vulnerable road users. The law’s effect: more agencies weigh in, but the process for safer streets grows longer and more complex.

• File Int 0104-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-19

A Ford sedan fleeing police tore through LaGuardia Place and struck a westbound cyclist. The man flew from his bike, blood pooling as he lay broken and incoherent. Sirens wailed. The car’s front end crumpled against the city’s cold pavement.

According to the police report, a Ford sedan, pursued by police, disregarded traffic control and struck a 44-year-old man riding a bicycle westbound on LaGuardia Place near West 3rd Street. The cyclist was ejected from his bike, suffering severe bleeding and injuries to his entire body. The report describes the victim as incoherent at the scene. The sedan's front end sustained significant damage. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors, underscoring driver error and systemic danger. No contributing factors are attributed to the cyclist. The crash unfolded in Manhattan's 10012 zip code, with the impact and aftermath described in stark, physical terms by responding officers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780933, 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

Council bill Int 1131-2024 would create a task force to study safer street design as e-bike use surges. The group must report back in 270 days. The bill sits in committee. Streets remain unchanged. Vulnerable road users wait for action.

Int 1131-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, calls for a task force to study street design and infrastructure safety in response to rising electric bicycle use and related collisions. The bill was introduced December 5, 2024, with Council Member Gale A. Brewer as primary sponsor and Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Julie Won, Julie Menin, Shekar Krishnan, Farah N. Louis, Chi A. Ossé, Nantasha M. Williams, Alexa Avilés, Crystal Hudson, Carlina Rivera, and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams as co-sponsors. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law in relation to the establishment of a task force to study options for making street design and infrastructure safer in consideration of increased use of electric bicycles and related collisions.' The committee laid the bill over on December 11, 2024. The task force, if created, must deliver recommendations for legislation and policy within 270 days. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, e-bike riders—remain at risk while the city studies its next move.

• File Int 1131-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-05