No More Blood on Canal Street: Demand Safer Roads Now

Feb 29 - A distracted driver struck a 25-year-old cyclist on Eldridge Street. The crash broke and dislocated the rider’s arm. The cyclist stayed conscious. No vehicle damage. Driver inattention and failure to yield caused the harm.

According to the police report, a crash on Eldridge Street in Manhattan at 3:30 pm left a 25-year-old male bicyclist injured. The cyclist suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow and lower arm. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The driver was heading east, the cyclist north. Both vehicles were hit at the center front end. No vehicle damage was reported. The cyclist was not ejected and remained conscious. The police report highlights driver distraction and failure to yield as the causes. No cyclist actions contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707606 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 28 - Council moves to outlaw fake plates. Fraud hides reckless drivers. Bill targets sellers, sets fines. Streets need truth. Law aims to strip shields from danger.

Bill Int 0178-2024 sits with the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting the sale or distribution of fraudulent license plates," makes it illegal to sell or distribute fake or temporary plates, with civil penalties for violators. Council Member Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Feliz, Schulman, Ung, Marte, Hudson, Brewer, Brannan, and Avilés. The bill was referred to committee the same day. Fraudulent plates let reckless drivers vanish. This measure aims to close that escape, exposing those who endanger lives.

• File Int 0178-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council wants DOT to study how street design can keep commercial trucks out of residential blocks. The bill sits in committee. Streets should shelter people, not heavy traffic.

Int 0114-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to report on 'the utility and feasibility of using street design as a means to limit or reduce the use by commercial vehicles of streets in residential neighborhoods.' Jennifer Gutiérrez leads as primary sponsor, joined by Avilés, the Public Advocate, and others. The bill was referred to committee on the day of introduction. It demands a clear look at how design can push trucks off streets where people walk, bike, and live.

• File Int 0114-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council targets fake and expired plates. Bill sets fines. Ten-day grace for expired tags. Crackdown aims at cars that dodge law and endanger streets. Committee on Public Safety holds the measure.

Int 0177-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle with fraudulent or expired license plates,' makes it illegal to drive with fake or expired plates, including temporary ones. Civil penalties apply, but drivers with expired plates get a 10-day cure period. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Feliz, Salamanca, Powers, Restler, Won, Brewer, Schulman, Ung, Marte, Hudson, Avilés, De La Rosa, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The bill targets drivers who hide behind illegal plates, a tactic often linked to hit-and-runs and reckless driving.

• File Int 0177-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council moves to create a DOT parking squad. The bill targets illegal parking. Sponsors say it will enforce rules. Streets choke on blocked lanes. Pedestrians and cyclists pay the price.

Bill Int 0264-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it would require the Department of Transportation to form a unit focused on parking violations. The matter title reads: 'Establishment of a parking enforcement unit within the department of transportation.' Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Crystal Hudson, Erik D. Bottcher, and others. The bill aims to crack down on illegal parking, a known threat to people on foot and bike. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but blocked lanes endanger all who travel outside a car.

• File Int 0264-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council bill orders speed humps on roads beside parks over one acre. DOT can skip spots if safety or rules demand. Law aims to slow cars where families walk, run, and play.

Int 0262-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill reads: “requiring the installation of speed humps on roadways adjacent to any park equal or greater than one acre.” Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by eighteen co-sponsors. The Department of Transportation must install speed humps unless the commissioner finds a risk to safety or a conflict with DOT guidelines. The law would take effect 180 days after passage. The measure targets streets where parks meet traffic, aiming to slow cars and shield people outside vehicles.

• File Int 0262-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council bill targets private car permits. Only elected officials, disabled drivers, and union contracts keep parking perks. Streets may clear. Danger shifts. Committee weighs next step.

Int 0411-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after its February 28, 2024 introduction. The bill, sponsored by Julie Won, Lincoln Restler, Gale Brewer, Christopher Marte, Erik Bottcher, Alexa Avilés, and the Brooklyn Borough President, aims to 'prohibit any city agency from issuing parking permits to private vehicles that do not have an elected official license plate, and would provide for the revocation of such parking permits.' Exemptions remain for people with disabilities and collective bargaining agreements. The bill seeks to cut back on private car privileges, a move that could reshape curb space and city streets.

• File Int 0411-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council urges Albany to pass SAFE Streets Act. Lower speed limits. Rights for crash victims. Safe passing for cyclists. Complete streets. City demands action as deaths rise. Streets remain deadly. Lawmakers must act.

Resolution 0090-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it calls on the state to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law') and A.1901, part of the SAFE Streets Act. The matter title: 'Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.2422... allowing New York city to establish a lower speed limit, and A.1901, enacting a crash victims bill of rights.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif leads, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Nurse, and others. The resolution demands lower speed limits, crash victim rights, safe passing for cyclists, and complete street design. It cites rising traffic deaths and the failure of current measures. The Council wants Albany to give the city real power to protect people on its streets.

• File Res 0090-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 20 - At a Manhattan forum, MTA officials defended congestion pricing. Council Member Marte and Assembly Member Glick pressed for answers. Residents doubted government motives. The toll’s impact on traffic, revenue, and safety hung in the air. No easy answers. Streets stay dangerous.

On February 20, 2024, a public forum at Borough of Manhattan Community College brought congestion pricing to the front lines. The event, covered by Charles Komanoff, featured MTA specialists Julia Kite-Laidlaw and Daniel Randell, with State Senator Brian Kavanagh moderating. Council Member Christopher Marte questioned the zone’s boundaries. Assembly Member Deborah Glick demanded action on toll theft. The MTA repeated the need for revenue and warned that exemptions would push more traffic into environmental-justice neighborhoods. The forum’s matter title: 'What Was Left Unsaid to Congestion Pricing Opponents.' The debate exposed deep mistrust and skepticism about government promises. No direct safety analysis was provided, but the stakes for vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders—remain high as congestion pricing inches forward.

• Komanoff: What Was Left Unsaid to Congestion Pricing Opponents, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-20

Feb 14 - A 23-year-old male bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg abrasions after an SUV made a right turn on Madison Street. The crash involved failure to yield right-of-way and following too closely. The bicyclist remained conscious and was not ejected.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:10 on Madison Street in Manhattan. The involved vehicles were a 2023 Jeep SUV making a right turn northwest and a bicyclist traveling south straight ahead. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old male, sustained abrasions to his knee and lower leg and was conscious after the collision. The report cites the SUV driver's failure to yield right-of-way and the bicyclist following too closely as contributing factors. Neither vehicle showed damage or point of impact damage. The bicyclist was not ejected from his bike. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors. This incident highlights driver errors in yielding during turns as a critical factor in vulnerable road user injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4702582 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 13 - 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 2024-02-13

Feb 8 - Council bill targets cars blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, and hydrants near schools. Civilian complaints trigger fines. Streets clear, danger cut. Council moves to protect the vulnerable.

Int 0080-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 8, 2024, the bill creates a $175 penalty for vehicles blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants within 2,640 feet of schools. The Department of Transportation must set up a civilian reporting program. If a civilian complaint leads to a fine, the complainant gets 25 percent of proceeds. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to hazardous obstruction by vehicles and civilian complaints.' Council Member Carlina Rivera leads, joined by Restler, Ayala, Joseph, Menin, and others. The bill aims to keep paths clear for those most at risk.

• File Int 0080-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Feb 8 - Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Jan 6 - A 61-year-old e-bike driver crashed at unsafe speed on Pearl Street. He suffered a fractured, dislocated head injury. Police cite unsafe speed and distraction. No other parties were hurt.

According to the police report, a 61-year-old male e-bike driver was injured at 5:17 AM near 374 Pearl Street in Manhattan. The driver, unlicensed and traveling southeast, struck an object with the center front end of his e-bike. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The driver sustained a head injury, described as a fracture and dislocation, with an injury severity level of 3. He was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No safety equipment was used. No other people were injured. The report highlights unsafe speed and distraction as driver errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4693145 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 27 - A 73-year-old man was struck while crossing East Broadway. He suffered a knee injury. The driver was making a left turn. The impact was severe.

A 73-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing East Broadway in Manhattan. He was in a marked crosswalk but had no signal. According to the police report, the driver, a licensed male operating a 2016 Chevrolet sedan, was making a left turn when the collision occurred. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists unspecified contributing factors related to the driver’s actions. There is no mention of safety equipment or other factors contributing to the pedestrian's injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4690520 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 23 - A 9-year-old girl was struck while emerging from behind a parked vehicle on Grand Street in Manhattan. She suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The bike rider was traveling east, with no reported damage to the bike.

According to the police report, a 9-year-old female pedestrian was injured on Grand Street in Manhattan after emerging from in front of or behind a parked vehicle. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The vehicle involved was a bike traveling east, with no damage reported. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. No driver errors were noted. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The bike rider was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4681532 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 17 - A 65-year-old man on a bike hit a parked sedan on Canal Street. He suffered arm injuries and shock. Police cite driver inattention and failure to yield. The bike was damaged. The sedan was not.

According to the police report, a 65-year-old male bicyclist traveling west on Canal Street collided with a parked sedan. The bicyclist suffered injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was in shock. Police list driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The report notes the bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment. The bike sustained damage to its right side. The sedan, a 2019 Honda, was parked and showed no damage. The bicyclist was not ejected but complained of pain and nausea.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4684269 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 12 - A 35-year-old woman driving a Jeep SUV southbound on FDR Drive suffered whiplash and full-body injuries after rear-ending another vehicle. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The impact struck the center back end of the SUV.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old female driver in a 2016 Jeep SUV traveling south on FDR Drive collided with the rear of another vehicle. The impact occurred at the center back end of the SUV. The driver was injured, sustaining whiplash and injuries to her entire body. She was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness at the time of the crash. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or distraction. No other persons were reported injured in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4679813 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 26 - A 69-year-old woman was struck on Grand Street in Manhattan. She crossed against the signal and was hit by an eastbound SUV. The impact caused a shoulder and upper arm contusion. The driver was licensed and traveling straight. No vehicle damage reported.

According to the police report, a 69-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Grand Street at an intersection in Manhattan. The pedestrian crossed against the signal and was struck by a 2022 Dodge SUV traveling eastbound. The point of impact was the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered a contusion and bruising to her shoulder and upper arm but remained conscious. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead with no reported vehicle damage. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. No other driver errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673944 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 15 - A southbound SUV struck a parked sedan on FDR Drive. The impact hit the sedan’s rear center. A front-seat passenger in the SUV suffered injuries, incoherent and complaining of pain. Unsafe speed was cited as a contributing factor.

According to the police report, a 2019 SUV traveling south on FDR Drive collided with a parked 2018 sedan. The SUV’s right front bumper struck the sedan’s center back end. The SUV carried four occupants; a 26-year-old male front-seat passenger was injured, incoherent, and complained of pain or nausea. The passenger was restrained with a lap belt and protected by an airbag. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The parked sedan had one occupant, the driver, who was not injured. The crash highlights the dangers posed by speeding vehicles striking stationary cars and injuring passengers inside.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4670478 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19