Dragged to Death: City Lets Kids Bleed for Parking Spots

Assembly Bill 4637 would use cameras to keep cars out of bike lanes. The bill targets drivers who block protected lanes. Sponsors say it will protect cyclists from deadly crashes.

Assembly Bill A 4637, now in the sponsorship stage, aims to create a bicycle lane safety program in New York City. The bill, introduced on February 21, 2023, enforces restrictions on protected bike lanes using photo devices. The matter title reads: 'Establishes in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani leads as primary sponsor, joined by Brian Cunningham, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Harvey Epstein, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill targets drivers who endanger cyclists by blocking protected lanes. No safety analyst note is available.

• File A 4637, Open States, Published 2023-02-21

A 38-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman were injured in a multi-vehicle crash on Albany Avenue. Two SUVs collided with parked vehicles. Both drivers suffered neck and head injuries. Defective brakes contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, the crash involved two station wagons/SUVs traveling south on Albany Avenue. One SUV, driven by a 54-year-old woman, struck multiple parked vehicles. Both drivers were injured—one with neck whiplash, the other with a head contusion. The report lists "Brakes Defective" as a contributing factor for both drivers. The impact points included center front and center back ends of the vehicles. Both drivers were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The crash caused moderate injuries but no pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4607641 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 34-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries as a rear passenger in a sedan traveling east on Atlantic Avenue. The vehicle's right front bumper struck an unspecified object. The passenger was conscious and bruised but not ejected.

According to the police report, a 2016 Honda sedan traveling east on Atlantic Avenue struck an unspecified object with its right front bumper. The injured party was a 34-year-old female occupant seated in the left rear passenger position. She sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors. The vehicle sustained damage to its center front end. No other vehicles or pedestrians were identified as involved or injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4606622 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 33-year-old male SUV driver lost consciousness and suffered facial injuries after rear-ending a concrete mixer. The crash happened at 9 a.m. on Utica Avenue. The SUV’s airbag deployed. Illness was a contributing factor in the collision.

According to the police report, a 33-year-old male driver of a 2013 Jeep SUV traveling south on Utica Avenue rear-ended a concrete mixer truck also traveling south. The SUV sustained front-end damage; the truck had damage to its rear. The driver was injured, unconscious, and suffered facial contusions. The SUV’s airbag deployed. The report lists illness as a contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were licensed. No other driver errors were noted. The injured party was the SUV driver, who was not ejected from the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4606700 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A Nissan SUV struck a slowing sedan from behind on Bergen Street. The sedan’s front passenger, a 48-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing the crash. Both vehicles traveled westbound.

According to the police report, a 2019 Nissan SUV stopped in traffic on Bergen Street when it rear-ended a 2011 Nissan sedan that was slowing or stopping. The SUV driver, a licensed female, failed to maintain a safe distance, contributing to the collision. The sedan’s front passenger, a 48-year-old woman wearing a lap belt, sustained neck injuries described as whiplash. She was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The point of impact was the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the sedan. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4605775 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 27-year-old man on an e-scooter was injured on Bedford Avenue. The sedan driver made a right turn. The e-scooter rider suffered knee and lower leg bruises. The crash involved driver inattention. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Bedford Avenue involving a sedan and an e-scooter. The e-scooter rider, a 27-year-old male, was injured with contusions to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The sedan driver was making a right turn while the e-scooter was traveling north, going straight ahead. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. Neither vehicle sustained damage. The e-scooter rider was wearing a helmet. The crash highlights the dangers when drivers fail to maintain attention during maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4606623 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

A sedan struck a stopped SUV from behind on Atlantic Avenue. The SUV driver, a 56-year-old man, was injured and semiconscious. The crash caused center back-end damage to the SUV and front-end damage to the sedan. The driver lost consciousness.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Atlantic Avenue rear-ended a stopped SUV, also westbound. The SUV driver, a 56-year-old man, was injured and semiconscious after the impact. The report notes the contributing factor as "Lost Consciousness" but does not specify driver errors. The sedan sustained front-end damage, and the SUV suffered center back-end damage. Both vehicles were stopped or moving straight ahead before the crash. No other contributing factors or victim actions were listed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4604669 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Assembly bill A 4057 orders new safety tech in cars. DMV must set rules. Lawmakers push for machines to see, sense, and stop. Streets demand more than hope. The bill stands at sponsorship.

Assembly bill A 4057, sponsored by Brian Cunningham and co-sponsored by Steven Raga, Chris Burdick, Tony Simone, Manny De Los Santos, Jen Lunsford, and Jo Anne Simon, was introduced on February 9, 2023. The bill is in the sponsorship stage. It 'mandates the use of advanced safety technology in vehicles in the state; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles to promulgate certain rules and regulations.' No vote has been held yet. The bill aims to force carmakers and drivers to adopt new tech, shifting the burden from flesh to steel. No safety analyst note is available.

• File A 4057, Open States, Published 2023-02-09

A 28-year-old man was struck while crossing Bergen Street. The impact hit his knee and lower leg, causing bruises. The pedestrian was conscious but injured. The vehicle struck the pedestrian head-on while traveling westbound straight ahead.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Bergen Street outside an intersection. The vehicle, traveling westbound and going straight ahead, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The pedestrian suffered contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists the pedestrian's contributing factors as unspecified, and no driver errors or contributing factors were noted. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The vehicle had damage to its center front end, indicating a direct collision. No further details on the vehicle or driver were provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4604710 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Assembly bill A 3180 demands complete street design on state and federally funded projects. Sponsors push for safer roads. The bill calls for public guidance. Streets must serve people, not just cars.

Assembly Bill A 3180 was introduced on February 2, 2023, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to think of people first. Didi Barrett leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill also orders the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note is available, but the bill’s intent is clear: streets must protect all users, not just drivers.

• File A 3180, Open States, Published 2023-02-02

A developer pushes a new housing plan after his truck depot faces backlash. Council Member Richardson Jordan stands firm. She demands more affordable units and community input. Pollution from trucks draws fire. The fight pits profit against people in Harlem.

On February 2, 2023, Council Member Kristin Richardson Jordan opposed a developer's push to swap a polluting truck depot for a new housing plan in Harlem. The developer, Bruce Teitelbaum, offered 'One45 Harlem for ALL,' promising 50% below-market-rate units. Richardson Jordan wants deeper affordability: 60% of units at 60% AMI, 30% at 30% AMI. She rejects private deals and insists on community-led negotiations. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Attorney General Letitia James joined calls to shut the truck depot, citing pollution. Richardson Jordan's spokesperson said, 'Right now, the truck stand cannot be on the table whatsoever. That is not good faith.' The council member stands with her community, demanding clean air and real affordability.

• Truck Depot Developer Wants to Restart His Bid for ‘Affordable’ Housing — But How Affordable?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-02

NYPD cleared Officer Michael Kovalik after he threatened Senator Zellnor Myrie with pepper spray at a 2020 protest. Despite video and a civilian board’s finding of abuse, an NYPD judge found no misconduct. Myrie calls the system rotten. No officers face charges.

On January 31, 2023, the NYPD declined to charge Officer Michael Kovalik for threatening Brooklyn State Senator Zellnor Myrie with pepper spray during a 2020 George Floyd protest. The case, reviewed internally by Assistant Trial Commissioner Josh Kleiman, ended with Kovalik cleared of wrongdoing. The Civilian Complaint Review Board had found Kovalik abused his authority, but Kleiman ruled, 'The evidence fails to support either of the specifications with which Respondent is charged.' NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell signed off on the decision. Senator Myrie, who testified about being shoved and threatened, condemned the ruling: 'This ruling is EXACTLY why New Yorkers have zero faith in the system.' Myrie and then-Assembly Member Diana Richardson, both detained at the protest, have filed a federal lawsuit. The NYPD’s internal process shielded officers from accountability, leaving vulnerable protesters exposed to unchecked force.

• NYPD Declines to Charge Cop who Threatened Brooklyn State Senator During 2020 Protests, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-31

Attorney General Letitia James called out a Harlem truck depot for endangering health and safety. Trucks bring noise, fumes, and danger to streets. Council Member Richardson Jordan and advocates rallied to stop it. The depot stands accused of harming a vulnerable community.

On January 30, 2023, Attorney General Letitia James issued a statement warning that a new truck depot at W. 145th Street and Lenox Avenue in Harlem may violate state law. James called the depot a potential 'public nuisance,' citing 'increased traffic, noise, vibrations, and local air pollution from trucks.' The matter, described as 'Attorney General James Says Harlem Truck Depot May Violate State Law,' centers on developer Bruce Teitelbaum’s project, which followed failed rezoning for affordable housing. Council Member Kristin Richardson Jordan and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams joined community members and Transportation Alternatives in opposition, arguing the depot 'will make our streets more dangerous.' Richardson Jordan thanked James for her support. The Attorney General’s office is considering legal action, echoing past interventions against similar depots. No formal council bill is attached, but the case highlights systemic threats to vulnerable road users in Harlem.

• Attorney General James Says Harlem Truck Depot May Violate State Law, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-30

Assembly bill A 2610 targets bus lane cheaters. Sponsors back cameras and owner liability. The goal: keep bus lanes clear, speed up buses, cut crashes. No votes yet. The fight for safer streets rolls on.

Assembly bill A 2610, now in sponsorship, aims to extend bus rapid transit camera enforcement. The bill, titled "Relates to owner liability for failure of operator to comply with bus operation-related local law or regulation traffic restrictions," was introduced January 26, 2023. Primary sponsor Alicia Hyndman leads, joined by Deborah Glick, Sarahana Shrestha, Manny De Los Santos, Zohran Mamdani, and others. The bill would hold vehicle owners liable for bus lane violations and expand photo enforcement. No votes have been recorded. The measure seeks to keep bus lanes clear, speed up transit, and reduce risk for those outside cars.

• File A 2610, Open States, Published 2023-01-26

A 19-year-old male bicyclist was injured on Kingston Avenue. The crash involved a vehicle making a left turn and the cyclist traveling north. The rider suffered a facial abrasion and remained conscious. Driver inattention was cited as a factor.

According to the police report, a 19-year-old male bicyclist traveling north on Kingston Avenue was injured when a vehicle making a left turn struck the left side doors of the bike. The bicyclist sustained a facial abrasion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor to the crash. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were specified. The collision caused damage to the left side doors of the vehicle and other damage to the bike. The bicyclist was not ejected and was the sole occupant of the bike.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4600530 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-01-24

A 34-year-old e-bike rider was ejected after a head-on crash with a sedan on Rochester Avenue. The rider suffered severe leg injuries, including fractures and dislocations. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield as causes.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Rochester Avenue involving a sedan and an e-bike. The 34-year-old male e-bike driver was ejected from his vehicle and sustained serious injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including fractures and dislocations. The report lists driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead when the crash happened, impacting center front ends. The e-bike rider was wearing a helmet. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling south, while the e-bike rider traveled east. The crash highlights critical driver errors without assigning fault to the injured rider.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4597905 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14