No More Blood on Canal Street: Demand Safer Roads Now

Jul 5 - A woman on a bike dodged a car at Canal and Forsyth. She crashed. Blood pooled from her head. She lay conscious, alone, ejected on the pavement. No other injuries reported. The night swallowed the scene.

A 32-year-old woman riding a bike on Canal Street in Manhattan swerved to avoid a car and crashed. According to the police report, she was ejected from her bike and suffered severe bleeding from the head. The report states, 'A 32-year-old woman swerved her bike to dodge a car that never touched her. No helmet. She hit the pavement hard. Head bleeding. Conscious. Ejected. Alone in the dark.' The contributing factor listed is 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle.' No driver errors are cited in the data. The report notes the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but this is mentioned only after the primary cause. No other people were injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4643318 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 19 - A tractor truck struck a parked sedan on Canal Street. The sedan’s driver, a 28-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. The truck driver was distracted. The impact damaged the sedan’s left rear quarter panel. No ejections occurred.

According to the police report, a tractor truck traveling west on Canal Street collided with a parked sedan. The sedan was stationary when the truck hit its left rear quarter panel. The sedan’s driver, a 28-year-old woman, was injured with back pain and whiplash but remained conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The truck driver was licensed in New York and driving straight ahead. The sedan driver’s injuries were serious enough to be noted but she was not ejected from the vehicle. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4640754 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 18 - A 55-year-old man was struck while crossing Market Street with the signal. The sedan driver was inattentive and had limited view. The pedestrian suffered bruises and abdominal-pelvic injuries. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a 55-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Market Street at an intersection with the signal. The driver of a 2022 BMW sedan traveling north was distracted and inattentive, contributing to the crash. The report also notes limited or obstructed view as a factor. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to the abdomen and pelvis but remained conscious. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver held a valid New York license. The crash highlights driver inattention and limited visibility as key causes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4640987 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 15 - A 20-year-old male motorcyclist crashed while merging northeast on FDR Drive. The bike struck with its left front quarter panel. The rider suffered a fractured and dislocated lower leg and foot. He wore a helmet and remained conscious after the crash.

According to the police report, a 20-year-old male motorcycle driver was injured on FDR Drive while merging northeast. The crash involved impact to the motorcycle's left front quarter panel, causing center front end damage. The rider sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists driver errors as contributing factors: "Driver Inexperience" and "Turning Improperly." The rider was wearing a motorcycle helmet at the time. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4639580 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 8 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-08

Jun 6 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Jun 1 - A 27-year-old male bicyclist was ejected after colliding with a parked SUV on Grand Street in Manhattan. The rider suffered upper arm injuries and bruising. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old male bicyclist riding an e-bike collided with a parked 2011 Honda SUV on Grand Street in Manhattan. The bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained upper arm injuries and contusions. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. The SUV was stationary at the time of impact, and the collision occurred on the left side doors of both vehicles. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet. No other contributing factors were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634019 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 1 - Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-06-01

May 31 - Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2023-05-31

May 23 - A 31-year-old female bicyclist was ejected and injured in a crash on Grand Street. The bike struck the right side of a Ford SUV traveling east. The rider suffered facial abrasions but remained conscious. Driver distraction was a factor.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old female bicyclist was injured after a collision with a Ford SUV on Grand Street in Manhattan. The bicyclist was ejected and sustained abrasions to her face. The bike impacted the right side doors of the SUV, which had damage to its center front end. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. The bicyclist was traveling south, going straight ahead, as was the SUV traveling east. No other contributing factors were specified. The bicyclist remained conscious after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4631951 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 20 - An 84-year-old man was struck on Cherry Street in Manhattan. He suffered a hip and upper leg contusion. The crash occurred away from an intersection. No driver errors or contributing factors were recorded in the police report.

According to the police report, an 84-year-old male pedestrian was injured on Cherry Street in Manhattan. He sustained contusions to his hip and upper leg. The crash happened away from an intersection. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The vehicle involved is unspecified, and no details about the driver or vehicle condition were provided. The pedestrian’s injury severity was moderate, but no further information about the circumstances or cause of the crash was recorded.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4631777 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 16 - Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

May 12 - A 38-year-old male bicyclist was partially ejected and injured in Manhattan’s Grand Street. The SUV driver made a right turn and struck the cyclist head-on. Both drivers were distracted. The bicyclist suffered chest injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 38-year-old male bicyclist traveling south on Grand Street was struck by a northbound SUV making a right turn. The impact occurred at the front center of both vehicles. The bicyclist was partially ejected and sustained internal chest injuries but remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both the SUV driver and the bicyclist. The SUV’s right front bumper and the bike’s front center were damaged. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction in interactions between turning vehicles and straight-moving cyclists.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628999 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 4 - A 63-year-old woman was hit by a sedan while crossing Canal Street with the signal. The driver was inattentive and distracted. The pedestrian suffered bruises over her entire body but remained conscious. Limited view contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Canal Street struck a 63-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection near Mulberry Street in Manhattan. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises over her entire body but remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. Additionally, the pedestrian's view was obstructed or limited, which played a role in the collision. The sedan's point of impact was the left front bumper, and no vehicle damage was reported. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4627004 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 12 - A parked SUV struck a stopped sedan on Pike Slip in Manhattan. Two sedan occupants suffered neck injuries and incoherence. The SUV hit the sedan’s left front quarter panel, causing left side door damage. Driver distraction was cited as a factor.

According to the police report, a 1999 Ford SUV, parked on Pike Slip, collided with a 2019 Honda sedan stopped in traffic. The SUV impacted the sedan’s left front quarter panel, damaging the sedan’s left side doors. Two sedan occupants, a 42-year-old male and a 59-year-old female, were injured. The female suffered neck injuries and whiplash, while the male was incoherent. Both were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4620075 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 23 - MTA will retrofit over 1,000 buses on 57 routes with open stroller spaces by fall. Parents can board without folding strollers. Grace Lee, Assemblymember, praised the move. No safety incidents reported. Riders with disabilities keep priority seating. Accessibility grows.

On March 23, 2023, the MTA announced an expansion of its Open Stroller Pilot, aiming to retrofit more than 1,000 buses across 57 routes by fall 2023. The program, described as creating 'a seamless boarding experience for parents,' will allow strollers to remain open on buses, ending the need for parents to fold them before boarding. Assemblymember Grace Lee, representing District 65, voiced strong support, sharing her own struggles as a parent navigating transit with strollers. The expansion follows positive feedback and no reported safety incidents during the pilot’s first phase. The designated stroller spaces will not compromise wheelchair access, ensuring continued priority for riders with disabilities. The move marks a step toward safer, more accessible transit for families and vulnerable riders.

• MTA to expand bus stroller pilot to over 1,000 buses over 57 routes by fall 2023, amny.com, Published 2023-03-23

Mar 21 - Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Mar 20 - A 70-year-old woman suffered a head contusion after a bike hit her on Hester Street. The cyclist was distracted and failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was conscious but injured. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a bike traveling south on Hester Street struck a 70-year-old female pedestrian. The pedestrian sustained a head contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists driver errors including Driver Inattention/Distraction and Failure to Yield Right-of-Way. The bike had no damage and was going straight ahead at the time of impact. The pedestrian's location and actions are unknown. No safety equipment or other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4614341 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 20 - A 76-year-old woman was struck while crossing Catherine Slip with the signal. The driver, making a right turn, failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The driver was inattentive and distracted.

According to the police report, a 76-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Catherine Slip and South Street in Manhattan. She was crossing with the signal when a vehicle making a right turn struck her. The point of impact was the vehicle's center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. No other vehicle details or driver information were provided. The pedestrian was conscious and suffered moderate injuries. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver errors at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4614467 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 18 - A sedan making a right turn struck a southbound e-bike on Chrystie Street in Manhattan. The e-bike rider, a 28-year-old man, suffered facial abrasions. Police cited driver inattention and unsafe speed as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Chrystie Street attempted a right turn and collided with a southbound e-bike. The e-bike rider, a 28-year-old male, was injured with abrasions to his face but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and unsafe speed as the contributing factors to the crash. The sedan's point of impact was its left rear quarter panel, while the e-bike was struck at its center front end. The e-bike rider was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash occurred near Grand Street in Manhattan's 10002 zip code.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4613835 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19