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

Feb 28 - Council passed a law forcing taxis and for-hire cars to post bold warnings on doors. The signs tell passengers: look for cyclists before you open up. A small step. The city hands out the decals. No cost to drivers.

Int 0193-2024 became law on May 31, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' was sponsored by Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by over twenty council members, including Gutiérrez, Hudson, and Rivera. The law mandates clear warning decals on all rear passenger doors of taxis and for-hire vehicles. The Taxi and Limousine Commission will provide the signs at no cost. The measure aims to cut down on 'dooring'—a threat to cyclists citywide. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it became law.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 26 - An SUV making a U-turn collided with an eastbound e-scooter on Madison Street. The e-scooter rider was ejected and suffered back injuries and bruises. Driver inattention was cited as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Madison Street in Manhattan at 6:20 a.m. The SUV, traveling east, was making a U-turn when it struck the e-scooter rider who was going straight ahead in the same direction. The point of impact was the SUV's left side doors and the e-scooter's center front end. The e-scooter rider, a 34-year-old male, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained back injuries and contusions. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the collision. The e-scooter rider was not wearing any safety equipment and was riding alone. The SUV driver was licensed and operating a 2015 Lincoln SUV. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705333 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 20 - A sedan making a left turn on red collided with a bicyclist riding straight. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries. According to the police report, failure to yield right-of-way by the driver caused the crash. The cyclist remained conscious.

According to the police report, at 11:15 p.m. on East Houston Street, a 2005 Honda sedan was making a left turn on red when it struck a 38-year-old male bicyclist traveling straight south. The point of impact was the sedan’s center front end hitting the cyclist. The bicyclist sustained contusions and bruises to the knee, lower leg, and foot but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor, citing it twice in relation to the bicyclist and the vehicle. The sedan showed no damage, while the bike sustained other damage. The cyclist was not using any safety equipment. The crash highlights the danger posed by drivers turning on red without yielding to cyclists proceeding straight.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4722555 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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 19 - A 64-year-old woman crossing Clinton Street was struck by a taxi backing unsafely. She suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow. The taxi showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The driver’s unsafe backing caused the injury.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling north on Clinton Street was backing unsafely when it struck a 64-year-old female pedestrian. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk at the time of the collision. The report lists "Backing Unsafely" as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained a fractured, distorted, and dislocated injury to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The taxi sustained no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The driver’s failure to back safely directly caused the pedestrian’s injury. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703946 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 15 - Taxi swung a U-turn on East Houston. Struck a 25-year-old man walking with traffic. Pedestrian hit, body scraped. Night in Manhattan, street danger clear. No vehicle damage. Impact left a mark.

According to the police report, a taxi making a U-turn on East Houston Street near Allen Street struck a 25-year-old male pedestrian who was walking along the roadway with traffic. The pedestrian suffered abrasions to his entire body and was injured. The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. The taxi sustained no damage. The crash happened at 11 p.m. in Manhattan. The police report centers on the U-turn maneuver and the pedestrian's presence on the street as factors in the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703062 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 13 - A taxi traveling west struck a sedan making a U-turn eastbound on 1 Avenue. The sedan driver, a 24-year-old man, suffered hip and upper leg injuries. Police cite traffic control disregard as the cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:31 on 1 Avenue. A taxi traveling westbound collided with a sedan making a U-turn eastbound. The point of impact was the left front bumper on both vehicles, indicating a side collision. The sedan driver, a 24-year-old male occupant, was injured with contusions and bruises to his hip and upper leg. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt at the time. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the contributing factor, highlighting a driver error related to ignoring traffic signals or rules. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. Both vehicles sustained damage to their left front bumpers. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead, while the sedan driver was executing a U-turn when the collision occurred.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709111 - 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

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

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 3 - An 81-year-old man steps into the crosswalk at Delancey and Willett. A Ford SUV turns right, driver fails to yield. Head trauma, internal bleeding. He dies beneath the streetlights. No damage to the car. The city keeps moving.

According to the police report, an 81-year-old pedestrian was killed at the corner of Delancey Street and Willett Street in Manhattan. The crash occurred at 23:06, when the man entered a marked crosswalk. A Ford SUV, registered in New York and driven by a licensed New Jersey man, made a right turn without signaling. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The pedestrian suffered fatal head trauma and internal bleeding. The police report notes there was no damage to the vehicle. The victim was crossing with no signal, in a marked crosswalk, but the report attributes the crash to driver errors. No mention is made of any victim behavior contributing to the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700193 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 3 - A sedan hit a 31-year-old woman on Essex Street. She suffered fractures and dislocation to her leg and foot. Police cite driver inattention and inexperience. The woman was conscious but badly hurt.

According to the police report, a Tesla sedan heading north on Essex Street struck a 31-year-old female pedestrian at 8:45 PM. The impact hit her knee, lower leg, and foot, causing fractures, dislocation, and distortion. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. Her exact location and actions at the moment of impact are unknown. The driver’s lack of attention and experience directly led to the woman’s severe injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700979 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 30 - A van and sedan crashed on East Houston in Manhattan. The sedan’s front passenger suffered neck injuries. Police cited unsafe lane changing and driver distraction. Metal twisted. One man hurt.

According to the police report, a sedan starting from parking collided with a van traveling west on East Houston Street in Manhattan at 15:56. The sedan struck the van’s right side doors with its left front bumper. The front passenger in the sedan, a 35-year-old man, suffered neck injuries and whiplash but remained conscious. Police listed 'Unsafe Lane Changing' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The sedan’s driver failed to maintain safe lane control, leading to the crash. Damage hit the sedan’s left front quarter panel and the van’s right side doors. No victim actions contributed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4702062 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 19 - A moped driver was ejected and suffered severe leg injuries after colliding with a sedan making a left turn on Delancey Street. The crash involved disregard of traffic control and failure to yield right-of-way by the moped driver.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:00 PM on Delancey Street in Manhattan involving a sedan and a moped. The moped driver, a 25-year-old male, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors attributed to the moped driver. The sedan, traveling east and making a left turn, struck the moped on its left front bumper. Despite the collision, no visible damage was reported on either vehicle. The moped driver was wearing a helmet, but the report emphasizes driver errors, specifically the moped driver's failure to yield and disregard of traffic signals, as central to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4696318 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 13 - A taxi struck a sedan on Avenue D in Manhattan as both vehicles made right turns. The taxi driver, following too closely and turning improperly, caused the collision. The sedan driver suffered knee and leg injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:11 on Avenue D near East Houston Street in Manhattan. Both vehicles were traveling south and making right turns when the taxi struck the sedan's right rear quarter panel with its left front bumper. The taxi driver was cited for 'Following Too Closely' and 'Turning Improperly,' contributing factors to the crash. The sedan driver, a 32-year-old male occupant, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and complained of whiplash. He was not ejected and remained conscious. The taxi driver was the sole occupant of his vehicle. No other contributing factors related to the sedan driver were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695586 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 9 - A sedan making a left turn struck a 58-year-old pedestrian crossing with the signal on Madison Street. The victim suffered chest contusions and bruises. Limited driver visibility contributed to the collision at a slippery intersection.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:32 on Madison Street in Manhattan. A sedan traveling north was making a left turn when it struck a 58-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained chest injuries classified as contusions and bruises and remained conscious. The report identifies 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor, indicating the driver’s limited visibility played a role in the crash. Additionally, the pavement was slippery, further complicating the situation. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front quarter panel. No driver license issues were noted. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal is recorded but not cited as a contributing factor. This collision highlights the dangers posed by obstructed driver views and hazardous road conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694014 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 6 - A distracted driver making a U-turn struck a pedestrian crossing East Houston Street at 1 Avenue. The 39-year-old man suffered a bruised elbow and lower arm injury. The crash exposed dangers from driver inattention in busy Manhattan intersections.

According to the police report, the crash occurred around 7:30 PM on East Houston Street near 1 Avenue in Manhattan. The driver was making a U-turn when the collision happened, impacting the pedestrian on the left side doors of the vehicle. The pedestrian, a 39-year-old man, was crossing with the signal and was not ejected from the scene. He sustained contusions and bruises to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The report explicitly lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' twice as contributing factors, highlighting the driver's failure to maintain focus during the maneuver. There is no mention of pedestrian fault or contributing victim behavior. Vehicle damage was reported as none, indicating the impact was likely at low speed but sufficient to cause injury. This incident underscores the systemic danger posed by distracted driving in pedestrian-heavy areas.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4693611 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 3 - A sedan making an improper U-turn struck a northbound e-scooter in Manhattan. The 26-year-old female rider suffered a contusion to her elbow and lower arm. The impact damaged the sedan’s left rear quarter panel and the scooter’s front end.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at Essex Street in Manhattan around midnight. The sedan was making a U-turn when it collided with the e-scooter traveling northbound. The report cites "Turning Improperly" as the contributing factor, highlighting driver error by the sedan operator. The e-scooter rider, a 26-year-old female, was injured with contusions to her elbow and lower arm but was conscious and not ejected. The sedan sustained damage to its left rear quarter panel, while the e-scooter’s center front end was damaged. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The rider was not wearing any safety equipment and was positioned riding or hanging on the outside of the scooter.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692453 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19