Blood on the Crosswalks: How Many More Must Die Before They Act?

Jun 14 - A pick-up truck changing lanes on FDR Drive struck a sedan, injuring an 8-year-old passenger. The child suffered facial contusions but was conscious and restrained. The crash was caused by improper lane usage, according to the police report.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 20:50 on FDR Drive involving a pick-up truck and a sedan traveling southbound. The pick-up truck driver was changing lanes improperly, cited as 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper,' which led to a collision with the sedan. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the pick-up truck and the center front end of the sedan. An 8-year-old occupant in the pick-up truck, seated in the rear and secured with a harness, sustained facial contusions and was conscious after the crash. The police report explicitly identifies the driver's lane change error as the contributing factor. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The child was not ejected and suffered injury severity level 3.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4733876 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 14 - A northbound bicyclist was struck on East Houston Street by a southbound SUV making a left turn. The cyclist suffered hip and upper leg injuries with minor bleeding. Police cite failure to yield right-of-way by both parties as key factors.

According to the police report, at 11:50 AM on East Houston Street in Manhattan, a southbound Ford SUV making a left turn collided with a northbound bicyclist. The impact occurred on the left side doors of the bike and the center front end of the SUV. The 24-year-old male bicyclist sustained injuries to his hip and upper leg, with minor bleeding and shock reported. The report identifies 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor for both the SUV driver and the bicyclist. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing any safety equipment. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling southbound, while the bicyclist was traveling straight ahead northbound. The collision highlights critical driver errors in yielding right-of-way during turning maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4732831 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 13 - A taxi’s left front bumper struck a 51-year-old man walking against traffic on FDR Drive. His leg was torn away. He stayed conscious, pinned to the pavement, as headlights swept past. Metal, flesh, and speed collided in the city’s dark artery.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling southbound on FDR Drive struck a 51-year-old man with its left front bumper. The pedestrian was walking along the highway against traffic, not at an intersection. The impact resulted in a traumatic amputation of the man’s lower leg. The report notes the victim remained conscious after the crash. The collision occurred at 23:35. The police report lists 'Unspecified' as the contributing factor for both the driver and the pedestrian, offering no further detail on driver actions. The narrative describes the violence of the impact and the aftermath: 'His leg was torn away. He stayed conscious. The pavement held him. The lights kept moving.' The systemic danger of high-speed traffic corridors like FDR Drive is evident in the severity of this crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4732761 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 8 - A 49-year-old woman was struck while crossing Ludlow Street in a marked crosswalk. The sedan driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries but remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a sedan driver making a left turn on Ludlow Street struck a 49-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing in a marked crosswalk without a signal. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises, and was conscious after the collision. The report cites two driver errors: 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior were noted beyond crossing without a signal. This crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving and failure to yield to pedestrians at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4730968 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 7 - Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 6 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 6 - Council calls for five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. Streets slow. Danger drops. Pedestrians and cyclists get space. Resolution adopted. Albany must act.

Res 0079-2024, adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 6, 2024, urges Albany to let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The resolution states: "authorize New York City to set a five mile per hour speed limit on streets participating in the Open Streets program." Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Crystal Hudson, Julie Won, and Carlina Rivera. The measure passed committee and full council on June 6. The bill aims to cut speed and risk where people walk, bike, and gather. The council's push now waits for state lawmakers and the governor.

• File Res 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 3 - Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03

May 30 - A 47-year-old man was hit at East Houston and Ludlow. He suffered back injuries and shock. Pain and nausea followed. No driver errors listed. The street remains dangerous for those on foot.

According to the police report, a 47-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of East Houston Street and Ludlow Street in Manhattan at 1:30 p.m. The man suffered back injuries and was in shock, reporting pain and nausea. The report does not specify the type of vehicle involved or any driver actions. No contributing factors, such as failure to yield or driver error, are listed. No victim behavior is cited as a cause. The absence of vehicle and driver details highlights gaps in crash reporting and the persistent risks faced by pedestrians at city intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729674 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 20 - A sedan turned left on East Houston. It struck an 18-year-old pedestrian in the crosswalk. The young man suffered bruises and arm injuries. The car showed no damage. The street left the pedestrian hurt.

According to the police report, a 2013 Ford sedan made a left turn at East Houston Street and Chrystie Street in Manhattan at 13:03. The sedan struck an 18-year-old male pedestrian in the intersection. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal. He suffered a contusion and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists no driver errors or contributing factors for the sedan. The vehicle showed no damage, though the impact was at the right front quarter panel. The crash highlights the risk pedestrians face from turning vehicles at busy crossings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726850 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 18 - A westbound SUV stopped in traffic struck the rear of a sedan also traveling west on the Williamsburg Bridge. The sedan driver, a 61-year-old man, suffered neck injuries and shock. Alcohol involvement was noted as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 4:52 AM on the Williamsburg Bridge in Manhattan. A 2004 Chevrolet SUV was stopped in traffic when it was rear-ended by a 2017 Toyota sedan traveling westbound. The sedan's driver, a 61-year-old man, was injured with neck trauma and experienced shock but was not ejected from the vehicle. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor, indicating impaired driver performance. The SUV's point of impact was the center back end, while the sedan sustained damage to its center front end. Both drivers were licensed and male. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. This crash highlights the dangers of impaired driving and rear-end collisions in congested traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725391 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 7 - A sedan hit a cyclist on Pitt Street. The rider, 61, took abrasions to his arm. Both moved north. Metal met flesh. The street stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a 2019 Jeep sedan and a bicycle, both heading north on Pitt Street near Delancey Street, collided at their right side doors. The 61-year-old male cyclist suffered abrasions to his shoulder and upper arm but stayed conscious and was not ejected. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the bicyclist. No driver errors or violations are detailed. No helmet or signal use is noted as a factor. The crash shows the risk cyclists face when cars and bikes share tight city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726936 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 19 - An 11-year-old boy suffered head abrasions after a northbound SUV struck him as he emerged from behind a parked vehicle. The driver’s unsafe speed and inattention caused the collision, hitting the pedestrian with the vehicle’s left front bumper.

According to the police report, a 2023 Honda SUV traveling north on Attorney Street in Manhattan struck an 11-year-old pedestrian emerging from in front of or behind a parked vehicle. The impact occurred at the vehicle’s left front bumper, causing head abrasions to the boy, who remained conscious after the crash. The report lists the driver’s unsafe speed and inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian was not at an intersection at the time of the collision. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead. The crash highlights the dangers posed by speeding and distracted driving in urban environments, especially to vulnerable pedestrians emerging unexpectedly from parked vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719732 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 16 - Two sedans crashed on FDR Drive. A 20-year-old passenger suffered arm abrasions. Police cited improper turning and failure to yield. The crash left the passenger hurt and exposed the danger of driver error.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on FDR Drive at 1:14 a.m. One driver was changing lanes, the other going straight. The crash struck the left front bumper of one car and the right front of the other. Police listed 'Turning Improperly' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. A 20-year-old female front passenger was injured, suffering abrasions and an elbow-lower-arm-hand injury. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. Driver errors—improper turning and failure to yield—were central to this crash, exposing systemic risk on this Manhattan highway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717601 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 11 - Council targets hidden plates. Bill makes it a crime to park, stop, or drive with covered tags. Fines reach $1,000. Jail time possible. Committee weighs action. Streets demand accountability.

Int 0766-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on April 11, 2024. The bill reads: “prohibiting the parking, standing, stopping, or operation of a motor vehicle with obscured or defaced license plates.” Council Member Oswald Feliz leads, joined by Holden, Bottcher, Gennaro, Marte, Restler, Ung, and Paladino. The bill sets fines up to $1,000 and possible jail for violators. Each offense is a misdemeanor. The council aims to strip cover for reckless drivers, making it harder to dodge tickets and accountability. No safety analyst note yet, but the intent is clear: end the shield for lawless driving.

• File Int 0766-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-11

Apr 11 - Council orders DOT to reveal bike and micromobility numbers. Streets and bridges get counted. Riders’ paths mapped. City must show where safety fails and where it works. Data goes public. No more hiding the truth.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and became law September 14, 2024, as Local Law 88. The law’s title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Schulman, Hudson, Restler, and others. The law forces DOT to publish monthly and annual data on bike and micromobility use, plus crash and safety project details. The city must show where riders go, where danger lurks, and what it does to fix it. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it stands.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-11

Apr 1 - A 34-year-old bicyclist suffered a back injury and shock after a collision with an unlicensed SUV driver in Manhattan. The SUV was parked before impact; no vehicle damage was reported. The bicyclist was not ejected and wore no safety equipment.

According to the police report, the crash occurred in Manhattan near Pitt Street at 16:10. The collision involved a 2011 Honda SUV and a bicyclist traveling northbound. The SUV driver was unlicensed and had been parked prior to the crash. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV and the center back end of the bike. The bicyclist, a 34-year-old male, was injured with back trauma and experienced shock but was not ejected from his bike. The SUV sustained no damage. The report lists the SUV driver's license status as unlicensed, indicating a critical driver error. The bicyclist's contributing factors are unspecified, and no safety equipment was used. The data highlights systemic danger posed by unlicensed drivers operating vehicles in the city.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714064 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 27 - 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 2024-03-27