Five Dead, Four Hundred Hurt: Abreu, Don’t Wait—Fix the Streets Now

A woman on an e-bike struck in the face by a Jeep at Amsterdam and 108th. Blood on asphalt, city silent. The SUV showed no damage. The cyclist suffered crushing facial injuries in the early morning dark.

A crash at the corner of West 108th Street and Amsterdam Avenue left a 39-year-old woman riding an e-bike with severe facial injuries, according to the police report. The collision occurred at 2:54 a.m. Both the Jeep SUV and the e-bike were traveling north. The report states the cyclist was 'crushed in the face,' her blood spreading on the asphalt, while the Jeep showed 'no damage.' Police cited 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor on the part of the SUV driver. The report also lists 'Other Vehicular' as a contributing factor. The cyclist was not ejected. The police report does not mention any cyclist behavior as a contributing factor. The focus remains on the SUV driver’s failure to maintain a safe distance, resulting in devastating injuries to the vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799968, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Upper Manhattan will swap sidewalk garbage bags for curbside bins. Nearly 80% of apartments join the pilot. Parking gives way to cleaner streets. Council Member Abreu backs the move. Advocates say bins clear paths for walkers. The city aims for citywide rollout.

On February 24, 2025, Council Member Shaun Abreu announced support for a pilot in Manhattan’s Community Board 9, replacing sidewalk garbage bags with curbside containers. The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will launch the program by June 1, 2025, with nearly 80% of apartments participating. The pilot, which follows earlier bin tests, repurposes parking spots for stationary bins. Abreu, co-sponsoring a bill with Council Member Crystal Hudson, called the shift 'a necessary public good' despite the loss of parking. The bill would require on-street containers for buildings with 10 or more units citywide by 2032. Advocates and DSNY officials highlight the benefit for pedestrians: 'People don’t want garbage on the sidewalk, and it makes perfect sense to put it in the roadway.' The pilot will run for a year, aiming to clear sidewalks and improve safety for those on foot.

• ‘Trash Revolution’: Curbside Containers Coming to Most Apartments in Uptown Pilot, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-24

A taxi slammed into a 92-year-old woman as she stepped from a car on West 95th. Her leg was crushed. The driver, distracted, failed to see her. The street bore witness. She stayed awake through the pain.

A 92-year-old woman was struck by a taxi on West 95th Street in Manhattan while stepping down from a vehicle, according to the police report. The impact crushed her leg, leaving her conscious but severely injured. The police report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The driver’s failure to pay attention directly led to the collision. The report also notes the pedestrian was 'Getting On/Off Vehicle Other Than School Bus' and lists 'Listening/Using Headphones' as an additional factor, but only after the driver’s distraction. The cab showed no visible damage, and the narrative underscores the pain left on the street. The crash highlights the danger posed when drivers fail to remain alert, especially around vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791904, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A police car crossed the line. Metal struck flesh. Samuel Williams, riding his dirt bike, was thrown and killed. Body cam footage shows the officer’s move. Another NYPD car tried the same. The city sent Williams’ family a bill.

NY Daily News (2024-12-23) reports that NYPD body camera footage shows an officer veering into the path of Samuel Williams, a 36-year-old dirt bike rider, during a pursuit on the University Heights Bridge. Williams was struck, thrown, and died from his injuries. The article states, “An officer pursuing dirt bikers suddenly crossed the double yellow line into Williams' path, causing a collision.” Another NYPD vehicle attempted a similar maneuver. The family’s attorney called it a “deadly maneuver” for a minor violation. The city later billed Williams’ family for police vehicle damages. The NYPD has not commented, citing litigation. The case raises questions about police pursuit tactics and accountability.

• NYPD Officer Veers Into Dirt Biker’s Path, NY Daily News, Published 2024-12-23

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 Ford SUV turned left on Amsterdam. Its bumper struck a 69-year-old woman crossing with the light. She fell. She died there, in the crosswalk, as traffic moved on. Outside distraction and driver error ended her life.

According to the police report, a 69-year-old woman was killed at the corner of Amsterdam Avenue and West 96th Street in Manhattan. The report states she was 'crossing with the light' in the crosswalk when a Ford SUV, making a left turn, struck her with its left front bumper. She suffered fatal injuries to her lower leg and died at the scene. The police report lists 'Outside Car Distraction' and 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' as contributing factors on the part of the driver. The victim’s actions—crossing with the signal—are noted, but the crash was precipitated by the driver’s failure to yield and inattention. The system allowed an ordinary turn to become deadly.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771114, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

An SUV slammed head-on into an e-bike on W 155th Street. The rider flew from his bike, struck the pavement, and died from head trauma. Police cite driver distraction. The crash left a man lifeless on Manhattan asphalt.

According to the police report, an SUV collided head-on with an e-bike at W 155th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan. The SUV struck the e-bike directly, throwing the male rider from his bike. The report states the victim suffered fatal head trauma and was found with no pulse. The narrative specifies, 'The driver was distracted.' The only contributing factor listed is 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The e-bike rider was ejected and killed on impact. The police report notes the rider was not wearing a helmet, but this detail is not cited as a contributing factor. The crash underscores the lethal consequences of driver distraction, with the SUV's actions directly leading to the cyclist's death.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768346, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A Toyota SUV traveling south on Manhattan Avenue struck a 13-year-old girl in the head with its left front bumper. She died on the pavement, her life ended in an instant beneath the autumn sun.

According to the police report, a 13-year-old girl was killed when a southbound Toyota SUV struck her on Manhattan Avenue near Cathedral Parkway. The report states the SUV's left front bumper hit the girl's head as she crossed the street. The incident occurred at 13:49, and the girl died at the scene. The police narrative specifies she 'stepped into the street without a signal.' The contributing factor listed in the report is 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion.' The data does not cite any driver-specific errors or violations, but the impact location and vehicle movement are clearly documented. The report notes the girl was crossing at an intersection but not in a crosswalk or with a signal, and lists her action as 'Crossing, No Signal, or Crosswalk.'

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766233, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A sedan’s left turn carved a path across West 96th. A motorcycle slammed its bumper. The rider, helmetless, soared and crashed down. His shoulder shattered. Blood pooled. He stared skyward, awake, pain radiating through the morning air.

According to the police report, a sedan was making a left turn at the corner of West 96th Street and Amsterdam Avenue when a motorcycle traveling straight struck the car’s left front bumper. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The impact ejected the 25-year-old motorcycle rider, who was not wearing a helmet, from his bike. He landed hard in the street, sustaining severe crush injuries to his shoulder and upper arm. The report describes the rider as conscious and bleeding at the scene. The collision underscores the danger posed when drivers turn improperly, cutting across the path of oncoming traffic. The police report notes the absence of a helmet only after citing driver errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4765459, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Council bill Int 1069-2024 slashes legal parking time for tractor-trailers and similar trucks to 90 minutes. Commercial vehicles clogging curbs will face tighter limits. The measure targets streets where hulking rigs linger, blocking sightlines and endangering walkers and riders.

Int 1069-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on September 26, 2024. The bill reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to reducing the maximum time commercial vehicles may park." It limits parking for tractor-trailer combinations, tractors, truck trailers, and semi-trailers to 90 minutes, down from three hours. Council Member Kevin C. Riley leads as primary sponsor, joined by Nantasha M. Williams, Darlene Mealy, Sandy Nurse, and others. The bill was referred to committee the day it was introduced. No safety analyst has yet assessed the direct impact on vulnerable road users, but the measure aims to keep large trucks from blocking curbs and crosswalks, where they threaten pedestrians and cyclists.

• File Int 1069-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Council passed a law letting pedestrians cross streets anywhere, at any time. Jaywalking is now legal. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks or against signals. The law shifts blame from walkers to drivers. Streets belong to people again.

Int 0346-2024, now Local Law 98 of 2024, was enacted by the City Council on October 26, 2024, after passing 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 pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way," lets pedestrians cross roadways at any point, even against traffic signals. It erases penalties for so-called jaywalking. Sponsors include Tiffany Cabán (primary), Lincoln Restler, Crystal Hudson, Shahana K. Hanif, Julie Won, Mercedes Narcisse, Darlene Mealy, Erik D. Bottcher, and Farah N. Louis. The Council voted overwhelmingly in favor. The law requires the Department of Transportation to educate all road users about these new rights. By ending jaywalking enforcement, the city removes a tool often used to blame victims and target the vulnerable. The law marks a shift: streets are for people, not just cars.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

City detour shoves cyclists onto steep, dangerous streets. No warning. No protection. Riders dodge cars, cross highway ramps, and face confusion. Injuries mount. Signs offer little help. Council Member Abreu calls plan shortsighted. Cyclists forced to risk lives or break rules.

On September 25, 2024, the city rerouted the Hudson River Greenway, sending 7,000 daily cyclists onto hilly, crash-prone streets. The detour, implemented with scant notice, lacks protected bike lanes and clear signage. Cyclists must share space with cars, cross highway ramps, and navigate steep slopes. The matter, described as 'shortsighted' by Council Member Shaun Abreu, repeats failures from a similar closure four years ago. Abreu urged the city to create a 'sustainable, workable detour' for vulnerable riders. Cyclists voiced frustration and fear, with some riding on pedestrian paths or even the highway to avoid danger. The city’s reliance on 'Share the Road' signs and sharrows leaves riders exposed. The detour has led to nearly one injury per week, highlighting the city’s disregard for cyclist safety during infrastructure work.

• Eyes On The Street: Greenway Detour is a Hilly, Confusing Danger Zone, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-25

A lone BMW tore north on West 125th, driver drunk and belted. Metal screamed. Concrete took the blow. The man behind the wheel wore the crash on his face. Night swallowed the rest. No passengers. No mercy.

A single-vehicle crash unfolded on West 125th Street near 12th Avenue when a 2015 BMW, traveling northbound, struck with force in the early morning darkness. According to the police report, the 38-year-old male driver was the only occupant. He suffered facial crush injuries and was described as incoherent at the scene. The report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors, highlighting clear driver errors. The sedan's left front bumper absorbed the impact, and no other vehicles or road users were involved. The narrative underscores the severity of the collision and the role of impaired driving. No mention is made of any victim behaviors contributing to the crash; the focus remains on the driver's actions and the systemic danger posed by driving under the influence.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4758247, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Council bill Int 1039-2024 would stop bike share operators from charging members more than a subway fare for short rides. The cap covers e-bikes up to one hour and regular bikes up to two hours. The bill sits in committee.

Int 1039-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on September 12, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to setting maximum amounts for certain member usage fees charged by a bike share operator.' Council Member Chi A. Ossé leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Marte, Hudson, Cabán, Brannan, Hanif, Brewer, and Abreu. The bill would prohibit bike share companies from charging members more than the base subway fare for e-bike rides of one hour or less, or regular bike rides of two hours or less. The law would take effect 120 days after passage and apply to new or renewed contracts. This measure aims to keep bike share affordable for New Yorkers, making cycling a more accessible option.

• File Int 1039-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-12

Upper West Side residents and Council Member Shaun Abreu push back on a 96th Street bus lane. DOT aims to speed up slow buses for 15,000 daily riders. Locals cite residential concerns. Debate pits transit needs against curb access. No clear resolution.

On September 5, 2024, Council Member Shaun Abreu of District 7 joined Upper West Side residents in questioning the Department of Transportation's plan for a 24/7 offset bus lane on 96th Street. The DOT proposal, intended to speed up the M96 bus for 15,000 daily riders, would repurpose a travel lane in each direction while preserving curb parking. Abreu stated, "I wouldn’t say I’m opposed or in favor at this point," but called for more clarity and adjustments from DOT. The matter, described as a push to 'torpedo planned bus lane on 96th Street,' has drawn support from East Side's Community Board 8 and opposition from West Side locals and Council Member Gale Brewer, who suggested alternatives like bus signal priority. The debate centers on balancing transit improvements with residential curb access. No formal committee action or safety analysis has been reported.

• Upper West Side locals seek to torpedo planned bus lane on 96th Street, amny.com, Published 2024-09-05

Council Member Gale Brewer stood with opponents against a 96th Street bus lane. She cited parking and speed concerns. DOT said parking stays. Advocates called her out for ignoring slow buses and 15,000 daily riders. Brewer claimed support for bus lanes elsewhere.

On September 5, 2024, Council Member Gale Brewer publicly opposed a dedicated bus lane on West 96th Street at a rally. The matter, described as a 'City Council member public statement/rally regarding bus lane project,' saw Brewer call on DOT to remove two blocks from the crosstown bus lane plan, citing the area's 'residential character' and questioning the need due to 'current bus speeds.' Brewer, who once backed bus lanes on 14th, 34th, and 181st Streets, now argued for alternatives and said, 'I'm a bus rider who takes this bus every day. It's not slow.' DOT countered that parking would be preserved and loading zones added. Transit advocates criticized Brewer for ignoring data on slow westbound buses and the needs of 15,000 daily riders. Council Member Shaun Abreu, who represents the district, did not attend and stated he does not oppose the bus lane. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Self-Proclaimed Bus Lane Champion Gale Brewer Tries To Tank Bus Lane, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-05

A cyclist crashed into the rear of a parked sedan on Amsterdam Avenue. Blood streaked his face. He stayed upright, then slumped. The car never moved. The street was silent except for the sound of breathing.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old man riding a bike struck the rear of a parked sedan near 1785 Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan at 1:23 a.m. The sedan, registered in New Jersey, was stationary and unoccupied at the time of the crash. The report notes the cyclist suffered severe bleeding to his face but remained conscious. The narrative states, 'He stayed upright, then slumped. The car never moved.' The police report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as the primary contributing factor. No driver errors or vehicle movement were cited in this incident. The focus remains on the collision's impact and the resulting injury to the cyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4752337, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A man’s skull split on Harlem asphalt before dawn. Blood pooled beneath the streetlight. The city silent, the crosswalk absent. He lay in shock, wounded and alone, the impact echoing through empty streets.

A 63-year-old man was struck head-on by a vehicle on West 145th Street near Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan at 4:10 a.m., according to the police report. The victim suffered severe head injuries and was found semiconscious, lying on the cold asphalt with blood pooling beneath a flickering streetlight. The crash occurred away from any intersection or crosswalk, with the vehicle’s center front end striking the pedestrian directly. The police report does not list any driver errors or contributing factors, nor does it indicate any victim behaviors as factors. The absence of safe crossing infrastructure and the direct collision highlight systemic dangers faced by pedestrians in this area.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4750337, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A Dodge sedan veered head-on into a southbound pickup on Henry Hudson Parkway. Steel folded. Two men in the truck died crushed. The Dodge driver held no license. The road stayed dark. Impact and error left only silence.

According to the police report, at 2:25 a.m. on Henry Hudson Parkway, a Dodge sedan veered and struck a southbound pickup truck head-on. The report states, "Steel folded. Two men inside the truck, ages 38 and 40, died crushed." The contributing factor cited is "Passing or Lane Usage Improper." The Dodge driver was unlicensed at the time of the crash, as documented in the vehicle data. The collision resulted in fatal crush injuries to both the driver and front passenger of the pickup. The police report makes no mention of any contributing actions by the victims. The report highlights the unlicensed status of the Dodge driver and improper lane usage as key factors in this deadly crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4750210, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A 29-year-old cyclist slammed into a parked Jeep on West 136th Street. Steel met bone. Blood pooled on the pavement. The SUV stood untouched. The cyclist stayed conscious, his arm shattered in the morning silence.

A 29-year-old cyclist was injured after striking a parked Jeep on West 136th Street near Riverside Drive in Manhattan. According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:25 a.m. The narrative states, 'A 29-year-old cyclist struck a parked Jeep. No helmet. His arm crushed against steel. The SUV stood untouched. He stayed conscious. Blood on the pavement. Silence in the morning light.' The police report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his arm and remained conscious at the scene. No injuries were reported for the SUV, which was parked and undamaged. The report notes the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but this is mentioned only after the contributing factors. The focus remains on the collision and the resulting harm to the vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4741682, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14