District 7: Five Dead, No More Excuses

Nov 12 - 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 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Oct 24 - 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 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Oct 21 - A man lay torn and bleeding on Manhattan Avenue, struck at the intersection. No car stopped. Blood pooled as lights stayed green. Sirens came late. The driver vanished, leaving the victim semiconscious on the pavement.

According to the police report, a 34-year-old man was struck at the intersection of Manhattan Avenue. The narrative states, 'Face torn, blood pooling. Semiconscious on the pavement. No car stopped. No name given. The lights stayed green. Sirens came late.' The pedestrian suffered severe bleeding and facial injuries and was left semiconscious. The report does not identify the vehicle or driver, but makes clear that the driver failed to remain at the scene, constituting a hit-and-run. No contributing factors are listed for the pedestrian. The report centers on the immediate, violent impact and the absence of any driver accountability.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4765473 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Oct 21 - 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 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Sep 26 - Council bill slashes legal parking time for big rigs. Ninety minutes max for tractor-trailers. Three hours for other commercial trucks. Streets clear faster. Heavy metal moves on.

Int 1069-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced September 26, 2024. The bill reads: "reducing the maximum time commercial vehicles may park." Sponsored by Kevin C. Riley and 23 others, it limits parking to three hours for most commercial vehicles, and 90 minutes for tractor-trailers, unless signs say otherwise. The law takes effect 120 days after passage. Council aims to keep streets less clogged by oversized trucks. No safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets long-term truck storage on city streets.

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

Sep 26 - Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

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

Sep 25 - 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

Sep 21 - 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 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Sep 5 - 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

Sep 5 - 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

Aug 31 - 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 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Aug 24 - 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 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Aug 24 - 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 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Aug 15 - City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

Aug 8 - Sanitation will roll out 1,500 Spanish-made trash bins in West Harlem, taking over parking spots. Councilmember Shaun Abreu hails the pilot’s success. The bins cut sidewalk trash and rats. Streets change. Cars lose ground. Pedestrians and residents gain cleaner, safer space.

On August 8, 2024, Councilmember Shaun Abreu, chair of the City Council's sanitation committee, announced the expansion of a sanitation pilot in District 7. The Department of Sanitation will install up to 1,500 large, Madrid-made bins in West Harlem parking spaces, targeting buildings with more than 31 units. The pilot, launched last year, replaces sidewalk trash bags with secure, stationary bins. Abreu said, 'I couldn’t be more thrilled that Barcelona is making its way to New York City – but unfortunately for the rats, that means no tapas for them.' The bins, emptied by new trucks, have already reduced rat complaints and cleaned up streets. Some residents worry about lost parking, but others, like Esther Yoon, praise the cleaner, safer sidewalks. The city will spend up to $700,000 annually on the program, aiming to expand across all boroughs.

• Spanish armada of garbage bins to invade NYC parking spaces as part of 'trash revolution', gothamist.com, Published 2024-08-08

Jul 20 - 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 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Jun 21 - Council grilled delivery apps on June 21. Seven bills target reckless e-bike riding, battery fires, and low pay. Lawmakers want apps to answer for worker traffic violations and vehicle safety. Pedestrians and cyclists face daily danger. Councilmember Schulman called for accountability.

On June 21, 2024, the NYC Council's Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection held a hearing on seven bills regulating delivery apps. The bills aim to address 'myriad health and safety concerns' from e-bike crashes, battery fires, and low pay. Councilmember Lynn Schulman, District 29, spoke out: 'Right now, delivery workers are essentially incentivized for speed... This often results in driving recklessly, often putting the lives of pedestrians at risk.' Three bills would make apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash responsible for vehicle safety and compliance, require them to provide safety-compliant e-bikes, and ensure mopeds are registered. Other bills target pay transparency and tip protections. Councilmembers Shaun Abreu and Rafael Salamanca also spoke in support. The measures seek to hold companies accountable for dangers faced by vulnerable road users and delivery workers alike.

• Delivery apps in NYC could be held responsible for workers following traffic laws, gothamist.com, Published 2024-06-21

Jun 10 - An SUV struck an 18-year-old cyclist on West 123rd Street. The driver’s inattention split the night and the rider’s head. Blood pooled. Four sat in the car. The cyclist, alone, was ejected and left with severe bleeding.

According to the police report, an 18-year-old male cyclist riding alone on West 123rd Street was struck by a westbound Ford SUV near midnight. The report states the SUV had four occupants and was traveling straight ahead when it collided with the cyclist, who was also moving straight. The cyclist was ejected on impact, suffering a severe head injury and heavy bleeding. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for the crash, placing responsibility on the SUV driver’s lack of focus. The report also notes the cyclist was listening to headphones and not wearing a helmet, but these details are cited only after the driver’s error. The collision’s violence and aftermath underscore the dangers faced by vulnerable road users when drivers fail to pay attention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4733137 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Jun 4 - Lawmakers blasted city officials for letting trash haulers with deadly records win new contracts. Council grilled DSNY for picking low bids over safety. Victims’ lives lost in the math. Oversight weak. Dangerous firms keep rolling. Streets stay risky for all.

On June 4, 2024, the City Council held an oversight hearing on commercial waste zone implementation and contractor selection. The hearing spotlighted the Commercial Waste Zones law, which aims to cut crashes by limiting private trash haulers in each zone. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, author of the 2019 reform, and Council Member Shaun Abreu led the charge, questioning why companies like Cogent Waste Solutions—with poor safety records—were awarded contracts. Reynoso declared, "Saving $20 for a business is not worth five human lives." DSNY Commissioner Jessica Tisch defended the process, promising to terminate contracts after multiple at-fault fatalities. BIC Commissioner Liz Crotty admitted, "Safety is not a factor" in license denial. Lawmakers condemned the city for putting cost before safety, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.

• Pols Slam City For Giving Rogue Carters Permits for New Zones, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-04

Jun 3 - Sanitation named a monitor for Cogent Waste Solutions after fatal crashes and hundreds of violations. Council members question why a company with such a record still hauls trash in city zones. The city’s new waste program promises stricter oversight, but danger remains.

On June 3, 2024, the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) appointed an independent monitor for Cogent Waste Solutions, a private carting firm with a deadly safety record. The move comes before the city’s new Commercial Waste Zone program launches this fall. Council Members Shaun Abreu and Sandy Nurse raised alarms, asking, 'how the city awarded a contract to a company with a history of endangering workers to begin with.' Cogent’s trucks have killed one, injured four, and racked up hundreds of violations. Despite this, DSNY allowed Cogent to win contracts in four waste zones. DSNY Deputy Commissioner Joshua Goodman defended the process, stating, 'Safety was absolutely one of the weighted factors,' and promised, 'there will be consequences for lack of compliance.' The oversight hearing exposes a system that lets reckless firms operate, even as new rules loom.

• Exclusive: Sanitation Dept. Appoints Monitor for Carting Firm with Spotty Safety Record, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-03