Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 324 demands complete street design for state- and federally-funded projects. Sponsors push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars. Safety for all hangs in the balance.

Assembly Bill A 324 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now 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 consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, drivers—when building or upgrading roads. Didi Barrett leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Amy Paulin, and many others. The bill also directs the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note yet, but the measure’s intent is clear: streets should protect the most vulnerable, not just move traffic.

• File A 324, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Dec 26 - A taxi veered off Sixth Avenue, mounted the curb, and struck a crowd near Herald Square. Three pedestrians, including a child, landed in the hospital. The driver stayed at the scene. Metal, flesh, and concrete met in Midtown’s holiday rush.

Gothamist (2024-12-26) reports a Midtown crash where a taxi driver, experiencing a medical episode, drove onto the sidewalk at Sixth Avenue and West 34th Street, injuring a 9-year-old boy and two women. Police said, 'they did not suspect any criminality in the crash.' The driver, 58, remained at the scene and was taken for evaluation. Four others declined medical attention. The article notes, 'the driver was driving northbound on Sixth Avenue around 3 p.m. on Wednesday when he jumped the curb and plowed into a crowd.' The incident highlights the persistent risk posed by vehicles in crowded pedestrian zones, regardless of intent or driver health. No policy changes were announced.

• Taxi Jumps Curb, Hits Midtown Pedestrians, Gothamist, Published 2024-12-26

Dec 23 - 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

Dec 17 - SUV crashed into rear of another SUV on West Street. Driver in front suffered facial bruises. Police cite following too closely. Metal twisted. Night air split by impact.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided at 1:05 AM on West Street near Christopher Street in Manhattan. The Jeep SUV was stopped in traffic when the Oldsmobile SUV, traveling north, struck its right rear bumper. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor. The driver of the Oldsmobile, a 61-year-old woman, suffered a facial contusion but remained conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The crash damaged the front of the Oldsmobile and the rear of the Jeep. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779440 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 14 - A 2024 SUV struck the center back end of a parked vehicle on Gansevoort Street in Manhattan. Two male occupants suffered head and face injuries with whiplash. Both were conscious and restrained by lap belts at the time of impact.

According to the police report, a 2024 Toyota SUV traveling north on Gansevoort Street rear-ended a parked vehicle, impacting the center back end. The SUV carried five occupants. The driver, a 33-year-old male, sustained head injuries and whiplash but was conscious and wearing a lap belt. A 29-year-old male passenger in the right rear seat also suffered facial injuries and whiplash, was conscious, and restrained by a lap belt. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The collision occurred at 3:28 AM in Manhattan's 10014 zip code. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the dangers of rear-end collisions involving stationary vehicles in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778762 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 10 - A 76-year-old woman suffered a serious hip injury after being struck by an SUV on Greenwich Street. The driver’s inattention caused the collision at a marked crosswalk where the pedestrian was crossing without a signal. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, at 16:35 on Greenwich Street in Manhattan, a 76-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2022 Volkswagen SUV traveling north struck her at the center front end. The pedestrian was crossing at a marked crosswalk without a signal. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor, repeated twice, indicating the driver failed to maintain proper attention. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and a hip-upper leg injury classified as severity 3. The vehicle showed no damage, suggesting impact at low speed but with significant harm to the vulnerable pedestrian. The driver was licensed and driving straight ahead. The collision highlights the systemic danger posed by distracted driving in crosswalk zones.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777958 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 7 - A 22-year-old woman was injured crossing Clarkson Street with the signal when a northbound vehicle making a left turn struck her. The driver failed to yield and was inattentive, causing abrasions to the pedestrian’s elbow and lower arm.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Clarkson Street and Hudson Street in Manhattan at 13:34. The 22-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a northbound vehicle making a left turn struck her. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian suffered abrasions to her elbow and lower arm and remained conscious after the collision. The vehicle showed no damage and had no occupants other than the driver. This crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers failing to yield to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783026 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 5 - Council bill bars cars from blocking crosswalks. No standing or parking within 20 feet. City must install daylighting barriers at 1,000 intersections yearly. Streets clear. Sightlines open. Danger cut.

Int 1138-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced December 5, 2024. The bill states: “prohibiting standing or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.” Council Member Erik D. Bottcher leads, joined by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and over two dozen co-sponsors. The law orders the Department of Transportation to install daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections each year, up from 100. The city must also run outreach and education. The bill aims to keep crosswalks clear, improve visibility, and protect people on foot and bike. No more hiding behind parked cars. The committee laid the bill over on April 21, 2025.

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

Oct 29 - An SUV making a left turn struck a northbound e-scooter on Hudson Street. The e-scooter driver, a 53-year-old woman, suffered neck contusions and was semiconscious. The SUV driver showed signs of inattention, causing the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:05 on Hudson Street in Manhattan. A GMC SUV was making a left turn westbound when it collided with an e-scooter traveling northbound. The point of impact was the SUV's left front quarter panel and the e-scooter's center front end. The e-scooter driver, a 53-year-old woman, was injured with neck contusions and was semiconscious at the scene. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for the SUV driver, indicating a failure to yield or properly observe the e-scooter. The SUV driver was licensed and operating the vehicle alone. There is no mention of any contributing factors related to the e-scooter driver. Vehicle damage was noted on the e-scooter's left front bumper, while the SUV sustained no damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4767525 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 25 - A 67-year-old man suffered head injuries and shock after a sedan struck him at an intersection on Leroy Street. The driver, making a left turn, was inattentive and distracted. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the impact occurred.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:56 on Leroy Street in Manhattan. A 2019 Ford sedan, traveling south and making a left turn, struck a 67-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and was in shock, with minor bleeding reported. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the vehicle. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the collision. There was no damage to the vehicle, and the driver was the sole occupant. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This incident highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in intersections, where vulnerable pedestrians are at risk despite following crossing signals.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4767512 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 18 - A taxi struck a vehicle changing lanes on Hudson Street just after midnight. The driver of the other vehicle suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cited improper lane usage by the other driver as a contributing factor to the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:01 AM on Hudson Street. The taxi was traveling southbound, going straight ahead, when it collided with another vehicle that was changing lanes. The point of impact was the taxi's right front quarter panel and the other vehicle's left front quarter panel. The driver of the vehicle changing lanes, a 34-year-old male occupant, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash. The police report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor to the crash, explicitly pointing to the lane change maneuver as a driver error. The taxi driver was licensed and traveling straight, while the other driver’s improper lane usage led to the collision. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4765127 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 13 - A 39-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by a sedan making a left turn. The driver’s inattention and improper turning caused the collision. The pedestrian suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 39-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at the intersection of West 13 Street and 7 Avenue in Manhattan at 2:54 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2017 Ford sedan, traveling south and making a left turn, struck him. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors to the crash. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm and remained conscious. The vehicle sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally, but his failure to maintain attention and execute a proper turn directly led to the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4763362 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 26 - Council pushes Albany to let New York City ticket drivers who block bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Cyclists face deadly risk. Lawmakers demand action. Streets must protect the vulnerable.

Resolution 0574-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced September 26, 2024, it urges passage of S.5008A/A.803A. The measure calls for a 'bicycle lane safety program' using cameras to enforce bike lane rules. Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, and Erik D. Bottcher back the resolution. The text states: 'enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' The council demands Albany act. Cyclists die while drivers block lanes. The bill aims to hold motorists accountable and protect those most at risk.

• File Res 0574-2024, 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 26 - Council pushes Albany to let New York City ticket drivers who block bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Cyclists face deadly risk. Lawmakers demand action. Streets must protect the vulnerable.

Resolution 0574-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced September 26, 2024, it urges passage of S.5008A/A.803A. The measure calls for a 'bicycle lane safety program' using cameras to enforce bike lane rules. Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, and Erik D. Bottcher back the resolution. The text states: 'enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' The council demands Albany act. Cyclists die while drivers block lanes. The bill aims to hold motorists accountable and protect those most at risk.

• File Res 0574-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Sep 26 - Council pushes Albany to let New York City ticket drivers who block bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Cyclists face death and injury. Lawmakers want action. Streets remain dangerous. The fight for safety continues.

Resolution 0574-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced September 26, 2024, it urges passage of S.5008A/A.803A. The resolution calls for a 'bicycle lane safety program...to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, and Erik D. Bottcher back the measure. The bill would let New York City use cameras to fine drivers who invade bike lanes. Cyclists are killed and injured when cars block their space. The council demands Albany act to protect vulnerable road users.

• File Res 0574-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Sep 26 - Council pushes Albany to let New York City ticket drivers who block bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Cyclists face death and injury. Lawmakers want action. Streets remain dangerous. The fight for safety continues.

Resolution 0574-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced September 26, 2024, it urges passage of S.5008A/A.803A. The resolution calls for a 'bicycle lane safety program...to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, and Erik D. Bottcher back the measure. The bill would let New York City use cameras to fine drivers who invade bike lanes. Cyclists are killed and injured when cars block their space. The council demands Albany act to protect vulnerable road users.

• File Res 0574-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Sep 26 - E-bike use surges. Streets stay deadly. Calls for licensing miss the mark. Advocates demand protected lanes, clear intersections, and employer accountability. Restrictive rules push riders to riskier modes. Real safety comes from design, not blame.

This opinion, published September 26, 2024, argues against e-bike licensing and for street redesign. The article, titled 'Opinion: Worried About E-Bike Safety? Make the Roads Safer First,' highlights the dangers faced by cyclists and pedestrians due to poor infrastructure. It supports Council Member Lincoln Restler’s bill to enforce bike and bus lane obstruction rules and backs state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal’s proposal for employer-based delivery worker licensing. The piece states: 'Such proposals are heavy-handed and will deter and discourage e-bike ridership without effectively ensuring their safe operations on the street.' The author urges protected bike lanes, daylighted intersections, and moving Citi Bike docks off sidewalks. The message is clear: systemic fixes, not punitive measures, protect vulnerable road users.

• Opinion: Worried About E-Bike Safety? Make the Roads Safer First, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-26

Sep 23 - Streetsblog calls out the Times for ignoring car culture’s deadly toll. Anti-bike voices rage as double-parked cars and reckless drivers menace Long Island City. A cyclist is struck in Brooklyn. Universal daylighting advances. The city’s streets remain dangerous for the vulnerable.

On September 23, 2024, Streetsblog NYC published a media commentary titled 'Monday’s Headlines: ‘It’s the Car Culture, Stupid’ Edition.' The piece criticizes The New York Times for failing to address the harm car culture inflicts on public health and urban safety, quoting, 'The Times is so blind to car culture that it can't even blame the automobile for sedentary lifestyles.' The article highlights ongoing dangers for pedestrians and cyclists, including a cyclist struck by a driver in Brooklyn and persistent double-parking in Long Island City. It notes an Upper Manhattan community board’s vote for universal daylighting, a proven safety measure. No council members are directly named, but the commentary centers the systemic risks cars pose to vulnerable road users and the media’s failure to confront these dangers.

• Monday’s Headlines: ‘It’s the Car Culture, Stupid’ Edition, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-23

Sep 23 - Manhattan crawls. UN General Assembly brings gridlock. Streets close. Traffic drops below 4 mph. DOT urges mass transit. Cyclists get a temporary lane. Permanent fix in the works. Emergency response slows. Hoylman-Sigal sounds alarm. No relief in sight.

On September 23, 2024, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and the New York City Department of Transportation announced the slowest Manhattan traffic of the year as the United Nations General Assembly convenes. The DOT warns, 'motorists should expect the slowest traffic of the year in Midtown,' with average speeds dipping below 4 mph and key streets closed. Hoylman-Sigal, co-author of a new traffic report, highlights that Midtown speeds are the slowest since records began—20% slower than a decade ago. The report notes emergency response times have suffered. DOT continues a temporary bike lane for cyclists and micro-mobility users, with plans for a permanent design. Hoylman-Sigal supports congestion pricing and safer streets, but Governor Hochul has paused the plan. The city expects more gridlock days through December. Vulnerable road users face narrowed space and slower emergency help as cars choke Midtown.

• Brace for the slowest Manhattan traffic of the year. The UN is in town., gothamist.com, Published 2024-09-23