No More Blood on Canal Street: Demand Safer Roads Now

Oct 2 - Two sedans crashed on Pearl Street. Both drivers and a man riding outside a vehicle suffered full-body injuries. Police cite driver inattention and distraction. Metal twisted. No one was ejected.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Pearl Street in Manhattan. Both drivers, men aged 31 and 35, and a 40-year-old man riding outside a vehicle, were injured. All sustained whiplash and injuries to their entire bodies. No one was ejected. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a contributing factor. One sedan was damaged at the center front end, the other at the right side doors. The man riding outside wore a helmet, but the report does not list this as a cause. The crash left three people hurt and vehicles battered.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4667398 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 28 - Two bikes collided on Grand Street. A 22-year-old man was ejected and injured. Police cite improper turning. The rider suffered arm abrasions. No cars or pedestrians involved. The street stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured in a crash involving two bikes on Grand Street near Chrystie Street in Manhattan. The rider suffered abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. Police list 'Turning Improperly' as a contributing factor. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The collision happened when one bike traveled south, going straight, and another moved west. The impact struck the right front of the southbound bike. The report does not mention any other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4669683 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 24 - Council Member Marte and others push to exempt dollar vans from Manhattan congestion tolls. They argue the vans are vital for Asian communities. Without exemption, fares rise. Commutes get harder. The MTA has not taken a side.

On September 24, 2023, Council Member Christopher Marte joined eight other elected officials in urging the MTA to exempt dollar vans from the upcoming congestion pricing plan. The letter, signed by Marte and state legislators, was sent to the Traffic Mobility Review Board. The officials wrote, 'Commuter vans offer the Chinese communities in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn a much-needed service that is not being provided by other forms of public transportation: safe, language-accessible, and culturally competent means for people to access jobs, resources, and family.' They argue that tolling these vans—serving Flatbush Avenue, eastern Queens, and the city’s Chinatowns—would raise fares and cut off vital connections for Asian New Yorkers. Assembly Member Grace Lee said, 'They should be exempt from tolls under the congestion pricing plan.' The MTA has not taken a position on the exemption.

• Chinatown pols seek to exempt dollar vans from congestion pricing, amny.com, Published 2023-09-24

Sep 24 - Council Member Marte and others push to exempt dollar vans from Manhattan congestion tolls. They argue the vans are vital for Asian communities. Without exemption, fares rise. Commutes get harder. The MTA has not taken a side.

On September 24, 2023, Council Member Christopher Marte joined eight other elected officials in urging the MTA to exempt dollar vans from the upcoming congestion pricing plan. The letter, signed by Marte and state legislators, was sent to the Traffic Mobility Review Board. The officials wrote, 'Commuter vans offer the Chinese communities in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn a much-needed service that is not being provided by other forms of public transportation: safe, language-accessible, and culturally competent means for people to access jobs, resources, and family.' They argue that tolling these vans—serving Flatbush Avenue, eastern Queens, and the city’s Chinatowns—would raise fares and cut off vital connections for Asian New Yorkers. Assembly Member Grace Lee said, 'They should be exempt from tolls under the congestion pricing plan.' The MTA has not taken a position on the exemption.

• Chinatown pols seek to exempt dollar vans from congestion pricing, amny.com, Published 2023-09-24

Sep 20 - A 72-year-old woman was struck by a northbound tractor truck on Chrystie Street. She crossed against the signal and suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation. The truck showed no damage. The pedestrian was conscious after the impact.

According to the police report, a 72-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Chrystie Street against the signal. She was hit by a northbound tractor truck, which struck her with its left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained a fracture and dislocation to her lower arm and hand. The truck driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The report lists no contributing factors for the driver and no vehicle damage was noted. The pedestrian's action of crossing against the signal was recorded, but no other factors such as helmet use or signaling were mentioned. The pedestrian remained conscious after the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4663810 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 20 - A sedan backing out of parking struck a northbound e-bike on East Broadway. The e-bike rider was ejected, suffering abrasions and lower leg injuries. The sedan’s left front quarter panel was damaged. Unsafe speed was a factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old male e-bike rider was injured when a sedan, starting from parking, collided with him on East Broadway in Manhattan. The e-bike rider was ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The sedan’s left front quarter panel was damaged on impact. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling north. The e-bike was also traveling north, going straight ahead. No other contributing factors were noted. The e-bike rider was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver errors such as unsafe speed in interactions with vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4665998 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 20 - Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine wants to tear down FDR Drive south of the Brooklyn Bridge. He calls for federal funds to turn the highway into a bike and pedestrian haven. The plan faces legal and political hurdles but aims to reclaim space for people.

On September 20, 2023, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine revived a proposal to remove the FDR Drive viaduct south of the Brooklyn Bridge. The plan, not yet in committee or assigned a bill number, seeks federal support through the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods grant. Levine urges Mayor Adams to apply for funding, stating, 'We’re a perfect candidate for Reconnecting Communities.' State Senator Brian Kavanagh voiced support, saying, 'We will work with the borough president.' The proposal would transform the underused highway into a waterfront space for cyclists and pedestrians, echoing successful removals in cities like Seattle and Seoul. The project faces major legal, environmental, and jurisdictional obstacles, as the FDR is state-owned and exempt from congestion pricing. The city previously considered this removal for coastal resiliency, but dropped it from the final plan. No formal safety analysis was provided, but the plan centers vulnerable road users by reclaiming space from cars.

• Manhattan BP Wants To Raze FDR Drive South of Brooklyn Bridge, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-20

Sep 19 - A 67-year-old e-bike rider was partially ejected and suffered a head injury after colliding with a city bus on Madison Street. The rider was semiconscious with minor bleeding. The crash involved driver inattention and following too closely.

According to the police report, a 67-year-old male bicyclist riding an e-bike was injured in a collision with a city bus in Manhattan near 148 Madison Street. The bicyclist was partially ejected and sustained a head injury, resulting in semiconsciousness and minor bleeding. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with following too closely. Both vehicles were traveling south and going straight ahead at the time of the crash. No damage was reported to either vehicle. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The bus driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction and close following distances.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4664097 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 8 - A sedan and motorcycle crashed on Saint James Place in Manhattan. Both drivers were distracted. The sedan driver changed lanes unsafely. Two occupants on the motorcycle suffered abrasions. The crash caused damage to both vehicles’ front and side panels.

According to the police report, a sedan and a motorcycle collided on Saint James Place in Manhattan. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old male, was injured with abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The motorcycle carried two occupants, including a 22-year-old female passenger who also suffered abrasions to her knee and lower leg. Both drivers were cited for driver inattention and distraction. The sedan driver additionally committed unsafe lane changing. The sedan was entering a parked position when the crash occurred, impacting the right front quarter panel. The motorcycle was traveling straight north, sustaining damage to its left side doors. Neither occupant was ejected. The passenger wore a helmet, but no other safety equipment was noted. The injuries were moderate abrasions, and both victims remained conscious.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4661252 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 8 - A Ford bus turned right on Allen Street. The front struck an 88-year-old woman crossing with the light. She was crushed under the wheels. She died on the pavement. The bus showed no damage. The street stayed silent.

An 88-year-old woman was killed at the corner of Allen and Canal Streets in Manhattan. According to the police report, she was crossing with the signal when a Ford bus made a right turn and struck her with its front quarter panel. She was crushed beneath the wheels and died at the scene. The police report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. The bus showed no visible damage. The woman was following the signal. The crash highlights the lethal risk posed by turning vehicles when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4660648 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 5 - An e-bike struck a 69-year-old woman at Chrystie and Grand. She fell hard. Blood stained the street. She died there. The crash left a scar on the city’s morning.

A 69-year-old woman was killed at the corner of Chrystie Street and Grand Street in Manhattan when an e-bike hit her head-on. According to the police report, the crash happened as she crossed the intersection and the e-bike, traveling north, struck her. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor. The woman suffered fatal head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The e-bike’s front end was damaged in the impact. No helmet use or signaling issues were listed as contributing factors. The data shows the deadly result when traffic controls are ignored.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4659736 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 2 - A 33-year-old male motorcyclist was partially ejected after a front-end collision on South Street. He suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow and lower arm. The driver was wearing a helmet and remained conscious. Driver inattention caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 33-year-old male driver on a 2018 DUCA-MCL motorcycle was traveling north on South Street when the crash occurred. The motorcycle sustained center front end damage. The driver was partially ejected and sustained a fractured, distorted, and dislocated injury to his elbow and lower arm. He was conscious at the scene and wearing a helmet. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as the contributing factors to the crash. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The driver was licensed and operating the motorcycle going straight ahead at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4661595 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 24 - A 50-year-old man on an e-scooter was injured in Manhattan. The SUV made a left turn and struck the scooter head-on. The rider suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries. The driver was licensed. No helmet or signals noted.

According to the police report, a 50-year-old male e-scooter driver traveling east was struck by a westbound SUV making a left turn at Rutgers Street in Manhattan. The collision occurred at the front center of the scooter and the right front bumper of the SUV. The e-scooter rider sustained abrasions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The SUV driver was licensed in New York. The report lists no specific contributing factors, but the SUV's left turn movement and point of impact indicate a failure to yield or misjudgment during the turn. No helmet or signaling issues were recorded as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4656721 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 22 - A sedan making a U-turn struck a bicyclist traveling west on East Broadway in Manhattan. The cyclist suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver was inattentive and distracted at impact.

According to the police report, a 41-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a 2022 Honda sedan made a U-turn and collided with him on East Broadway in Manhattan. The bicyclist sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan's left front bumper struck the center front end of the bicycle. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The driver was licensed and traveling east while making the U-turn; the bicyclist was traveling west going straight ahead. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4656193 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 15 - A 46-year-old bicyclist was injured after a motorscooter struck him on South Street in Manhattan. The bicyclist was ejected and suffered bruises and leg injuries. The crash involved disregard for traffic control by one party.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on South Street in Manhattan between a bicyclist making a left turn and a motorscooter traveling west. The 46-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment at the time. The motorscooter impacted the right side doors of the bike with its center front end. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash but injured. No other driver errors or victim faults are noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4654753 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 12 - A sedan hit a 26-year-old male bicyclist on Grand Street in Manhattan. The cyclist suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver was distracted, causing the collision. The bicyclist wore a helmet and remained conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Grand Street collided with a southbound bicyclist at Forsyth Street. The bicyclist, a 26-year-old man, sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The sedan struck the right side doors of the bike with its center front end. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet at the time. No other contributing factors were noted. The driver’s distraction led to the impact, causing injury to the vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4656355 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 1 - A pick-up truck made a right turn and struck an e-scooter traveling straight. The e-scooter driver was ejected and suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. Both vehicles showed damage on the right side. Driver distraction was cited.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured when a 2011 Ford pick-up truck made a right turn and collided with him on South Street. The e-scooter driver was ejected from his vehicle and sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both drivers. The pick-up truck's right front quarter panel and right side doors were damaged. The e-scooter was traveling straight ahead while the truck was turning. No safety equipment was noted for the e-scooter driver. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction in interactions between motor vehicles and vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4650684 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 31 - A moped slammed into a diesel truck’s trailer on Canal Street. The unlicensed rider flew, struck the pavement, and suffered crushing injuries. No helmet. The moped shattered. The rider stayed conscious, broken on the hot asphalt.

A moped collided with the side of a diesel tractor truck’s trailer on Canal Street. The 24-year-old unlicensed moped rider was ejected and suffered severe crush injuries to his entire body. According to the police report, 'A moped struck the side of a diesel truck’s trailer. The unlicensed rider flew, hit the pavement, crushed. No helmet. No shield. He stayed awake, broken on the burning asphalt. The moped lay in pieces.' The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as contributing factors. The moped was demolished. The truck sustained damage to its trailer. The rider was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but driver errors were central to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4650906 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 25 - A 46-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a collision with a Ford SUV making a U-turn on Canal Street in Manhattan. The bicyclist suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries. The crash involved traffic control disregard and failure to keep right.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV making a U-turn on Canal Street collided with a westbound bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 46-year-old man wearing a helmet, was injured with abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors including traffic control disregard and failure to keep right. The bicyclist was not ejected and remained conscious. The SUV struck the bicyclist on its left side doors while the bicyclist impacted the center front end of his bike. No vehicle damage was reported. The contributing factors highlight driver mistakes without blaming the bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4648508 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 11 - A Tesla slammed into a Nissan’s back end on FDR Drive. Metal shrieked. A 36-year-old man behind the wheel bled from the chest. He wore a lap belt. He stayed awake. The road kept moving. The city did not stop.

A Tesla struck a Nissan from behind on FDR Drive, southbound. According to the police report, 'A Tesla struck a Nissan from behind. Metal screamed. A 36-year-old man behind the wheel bled from the chest. He wore a lap belt. He stayed awake.' The crash left the Nissan’s driver, a 36-year-old man, with severe chest bleeding. The police report lists 'Physical Disability' as a contributing factor in the crash. No other injuries were reported. The impact damaged the Nissan’s center back end and the Tesla’s right front bumper. The report does not mention any errors by the Nissan driver. The only listed contributing factor is on the part of the Tesla driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4645251 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19