Crash Count for Lower East Side
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 1,608
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 868
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 221
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 15
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 8
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Jul 30, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Lower East Side?

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

Lower East Side: Jan 1, 2022 - Jul 17, 2025

The Toll in Flesh and Blood

Eight dead. Fourteen left with injuries so severe they may never walk the same. In just over three years, the Lower East Side has seen 1,525 crashes. Cars, trucks, bikes, and mopeds—steel against skin. Pedestrians and cyclists take the brunt.

A pickup truck on Water Street crushed four people on July 4, 2024. Three women and a man, all pedestrians, died where they stood. An eleven-year-old boy survived with his face torn open. No warning. No time to run. Crash data from NYC Open Data.

A city worker, fixing a street sign at dawn, was slashed by a delivery cyclist after a near miss. “They weren’t even in the bike lane, they were parked on the corner, fixing the light or the sign or something,” a witness said. The worker bled on the sidewalk. The cyclist fled.

Leadership: Promises and Delays

Local leaders have moved, but not fast enough. Council Member Marte co-sponsored a bill to ban parking near crosswalks, aiming to clear sightlines and protect those on foot. The bill sits in committee, waiting. Council records on Legistar.

Senator Kavanagh voted yes on the Stop Super Speeders Act, a bill to force repeat dangerous drivers to install speed-limiting devices. The law targets the worst offenders, but the carnage continues while the process drags on. Bill details on Open States.

On Canal Street, Council Member Marte said, “The time is long overdue to take action in response to the dire conditions of Canal Street. He pledged his support to take action.”

The Cost of Waiting

Every delay is another body on the pavement. The city has started daylighting intersections and lowering speed limits, but the pace is glacial. The Fifth Avenue redesign cut bike and bus lanes to keep car lanes wide. “We want a real solution to the bike and pedestrian safety issue,” said a community board leader.

The dead cannot wait.

Call your council member. Call your senator. Demand safer streets now.

Citations

Citations

Other Representatives

Grace Lee
Assembly Member Grace Lee
District 65
District Office:
Room 302, 64 Fulton St., New York, NY 10038
Legislative Office:
Room 429, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
Christopher Marte
Council Member Christopher Marte
District 1
District Office:
65 East Broadway, New York, NY 10002
212-587-3159
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1815, New York, NY 10007
212-587-3159
Twitter: ChrisMarteNYC
Brian Kavanagh
State Senator Brian Kavanagh
District 27
District Office:
Room 2011, 250 Broadway, New York, NY 10007
Legislative Office:
Room 512, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
Other Geographies

Lower East Side Lower East Side sits in Manhattan, Precinct 7, District 1, AD 65, SD 27, Manhattan CB3.

See also
Boroughs
City Council Districts
Community Boards
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Lower East Side

Moped Rider’s Leg Torn Open on Rivington

Steel met flesh on Rivington Street. A moped and a sedan collided in the dark. The moped rider’s leg split open. Blood on the asphalt. No helmet. Three in the sedan, unhurt. The street fell silent after the crash.

A moped and a sedan collided near 135 Rivington Street in Manhattan just before 1 a.m. The moped rider, a 35-year-old man, suffered severe lacerations to his leg. According to the police report, 'His leg split open on the asphalt. No armor. No mercy. Just flesh, steel, and silence.' The rider wore no helmet. Three people in the sedan, including a 15-year-old and a 29-year-old passenger, were not injured. The police report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The data shows both vehicles were traveling west and going straight ahead at the time of the crash. The moped rider was the only person injured.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4574269 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Unlicensed Bicyclist Injured on Rivington Street

A 17-year-old male bicyclist was injured on Rivington Street in Manhattan. The crash involved a single bike traveling south. The rider suffered a head injury and minor burn. Police cited traffic control disregard as a contributing factor.

According to the police report, a 17-year-old male bicyclist traveling south on Rivington Street was injured in a crash. The bicyclist was the only occupant and driver of the bike. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor. The rider sustained a head injury and a minor burn, and was not ejected from the vehicle. The bicyclist was in shock at the scene. The driver was unlicensed. No other vehicles or persons were involved. The point of impact was the center front end of the bike. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's actions or safety equipment.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4570139 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Pedestrian Injured in Left-Turn Sedan Crash

A 21-year-old man was struck while crossing Gouverneur Street with the signal. The sedan, making a left turn, hit him at the center front end. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and leg injuries. The driver was distracted at the time.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Gouverneur Street made a left turn and struck a 21-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The vehicle's point of impact was the center front end, indicating the pedestrian was hit directly by the front of the car. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4569928 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Bicyclist Ejected in Manhattan Sedan Crash

A 26-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured in a collision with a sedan near Delancey Street in Manhattan. The rider suffered head abrasions and was conscious at the scene. The bike's left side doors took the impact.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male bicyclist traveling west was struck on the left side doors by a sedan near 104 Delancey Street in Manhattan. The bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained head injuries with abrasions. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the crash. No details about the sedan's driver or actions were provided. The bicyclist remained conscious after the collision and was injured seriously enough to be noted in the report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4568921 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
E-Bike Driver Ejected, Head Injured Manhattan

A 60-year-old man riding an e-bike was ejected and suffered a head injury in Manhattan. The crash occurred near Pitt Street. The driver was conscious but sustained contusions and bruises. No other vehicles or pedestrians were reported injured.

According to the police report, a 60-year-old male e-bike driver was injured and ejected during a crash in Manhattan near 128 Pitt Street. The driver suffered a head injury and contusions but remained conscious. The report lists the contributing factors as unspecified, with no clear driver errors identified. The e-bike was traveling north, going straight ahead at the time of the crash. No other vehicles or persons were reported injured or involved. The report does not specify helmet use or other safety equipment. The crash resulted in other vehicle damage, but details are not provided.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4566569 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Moped Hits Pedestrian Off Roadway Manhattan

A moped traveling west struck a 39-year-old female pedestrian on Williamsburg Bridge near Clinton Street. The pedestrian was not in the roadway but suffered a fractured knee and lower leg. The driver was inattentive, causing the collision.

According to the police report, a moped traveling west on Williamsburg Bridge struck a 39-year-old female pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The pedestrian sustained a fractured and dislocated knee and lower leg injury. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor to the crash. The point of impact was the moped's left front bumper. The moped showed no vehicle damage. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4562896 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Two Sedans Collide on Stanton Street

Two sedans crashed on Stanton Street in Manhattan. Both drivers failed to yield right-of-way. One driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The collision struck center back end and left front bumper. Shock and pain followed the impact.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Stanton Street in Manhattan. Both drivers were traveling east and failed to yield right-of-way, contributing to the crash. One driver, a 47-year-old man, was injured with knee, lower leg, and foot trauma and experienced shock and pain. The impact occurred at the center back end of one vehicle and the left front bumper of the other. Driver errors included failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction. Neither driver was ejected from their vehicle. The report does not mention any contributing factors related to the injured driver’s safety equipment.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4562391 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
3
SUV U-Turn Hits Sedan on Left Side

A BMW SUV made a U-turn on East Houston Street and struck a westbound Infiniti sedan on its left side. Three women inside the vehicles suffered bruises and upper arm injuries. Airbags deployed. Police cited traffic control disregard and driver distraction.

According to the police report, a 2022 BMW SUV was making a U-turn northeast on East Houston Street when it collided with a 2018 Infiniti sedan traveling west. The point of impact was the left side doors of the sedan and the left front bumper of the SUV. Three female occupants were injured: the SUV driver, the sedan driver, and a front passenger in the sedan. Injuries included chest contusions and shoulder bruises. Airbags deployed in both vehicles. The report lists driver errors as 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' No victims were ejected. The injuries were classified as moderate contusions and bruises.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4561445 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Kavanagh Opposes Inaction Supports Legal Basement Apartment Safety

Senator Brian Kavanagh calls out city and state leaders for failing basement tenants. He slams piecemeal fixes and urges full legalization and safety upgrades. Storms kill. Inaction kills. Kavanagh says: bring these homes into the light, or more will die.

On September 1, 2022, Senator Brian Kavanagh (District 27) published an editorial demanding urgent action to legalize and regulate basement apartments. The piece, titled 'Basement apartments shouldn’t be death traps,' criticizes government inaction after deadly floods from Hurricane Ida and Sandy. Kavanagh, a sponsor of recent state legislation, writes: 'New York City needs to immediately move to legalize and regulate basement apartments to ensure the safety of their tens of thousands of tenants.' He condemns defunded pilot programs and failed bills, calling for a full-scale mobilization to prevent more deaths. Kavanagh’s editorial highlights the deadly consequences of neglect and urges leaders to prioritize safety for vulnerable tenants living in basement units.


E-Scooter Strikes Manhattan Pedestrian

A 66-year-old man crossing Grand Street was hit by an e-scooter traveling south. The rider’s unsafe speed and inattention caused the collision. The pedestrian suffered elbow and lower arm injuries with minor bleeding and shock.

According to the police report, an e-scooter traveling south on Grand Street struck a 66-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing without a signal or crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, resulting in minor bleeding and shock. The report lists the e-scooter driver’s unsafe speed and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The collision caused bodily harm but no ejection or helmet use was noted. The pedestrian was not at fault; the crash stemmed from the rider’s failure to control speed and maintain attention.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4562031 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Sedan Rear-Ends Stopped Car on Williamsburg Bridge

Two sedans collided on the Williamsburg Bridge in Manhattan. A westbound driver struck a stopped vehicle from behind. The striking driver, a 27-year-old man, suffered a neck injury. Both drivers were licensed. Driver distraction caused the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on the Williamsburg Bridge in Manhattan. The striking vehicle was traveling westbound and hit the rear of a stopped sedan. The driver of the striking vehicle, a 27-year-old man, sustained a neck injury but was conscious and not ejected. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles legally. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a contributing factor for the crash. The impact occurred at the center front end of the striking vehicle and the center back end of the stopped vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4558508 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
SUV Turns Improperly, Injures Pedestrian

A 68-year-old man crossing Avenue B with the signal was struck by an SUV making a left turn. The vehicle hit the pedestrian’s left arm, causing minor bleeding and shock. The driver’s improper turn caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 68-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Avenue B with the signal. The driver of a 2019 Nissan SUV was making a left turn when the vehicle struck the pedestrian at the left front quarter panel. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, with minor bleeding and shock. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' as the primary driver error. The pedestrian’s confusion or error is also noted but does not assign blame. The driver was licensed and traveling eastbound before the collision. Vehicle damage was limited to the left front quarter panel.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4558833 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Two Sedans Collide on Allen Street

Two sedans crashed on Allen Street just after midnight. One driver was injured, suffering bruises and leg wounds. Both drivers disregarded traffic controls. The impact hit the right rear quarter panel of one car and the front bumper of the other.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Allen Street at 12:10 a.m. Both drivers disregarded traffic controls, contributing to the crash. One 21-year-old male driver, wearing a lap belt, was injured with contusions and wounds to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The collision involved the right rear quarter panel of a 2019 Ford sedan and the left front bumper of a 2007 Toyota sedan. The injured driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the primary driver error for both vehicles. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4558270 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Pedestrian Injured Crossing Broome Street

A 32-year-old man was struck while crossing Broome Street at Essex Street. The driver, making a right turn, hit the pedestrian in the center front end. The victim suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was left in shock.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured on Broome Street at Essex Street in Manhattan. The 32-year-old male pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a vehicle making a right turn struck him. The point of impact was the vehicle's center front end. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot and was reported to be in shock. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The vehicle type and driver details were unspecified.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4551917 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Two Sedans Collide on Delancey Street

Two sedans crashed head-to-tail on Delancey Street in Manhattan. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles were traveling west. The crash was caused by driver inattention. No one was ejected from the vehicles.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Delancey Street in Manhattan. Both vehicles were traveling west when the rear sedan struck the back of the front sedan. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 26-year-old man, was injured with back pain and whiplash but remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles straight ahead. The impact occurred at the center back end of the front vehicle and the center front end of the rear vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4551916 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Bicyclist Injured in Manhattan SUV Collision

A 31-year-old male bicyclist was injured on Delancey Street in Manhattan. The SUV and bike collided head-on, both striking with their left front bumpers. The cyclist suffered a shoulder contusion and bruising. Driver distraction was a key factor.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Delancey Street involving a 2020 Toyota SUV and a bicycle, both traveling westbound. The bicyclist, a 31-year-old man, sustained injuries to his shoulder and upper arm, including contusions and bruises. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both drivers. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The SUV driver was licensed in Pennsylvania, and the bicyclist was licensed in California. Both vehicles impacted at their left front bumpers while going straight ahead. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from his bike. Driver inexperience and distraction were noted as causes, with no mention of victim fault or helmet use as contributing factors.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4549523 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Cyclist Thrown, Head Injured on Essex Street

A young man rode south on Essex. He was thrown from his bike. His head struck the ground. Blood pooled fast. He lay semiconscious, sirens echoing. The crash left him bleeding and broken on the asphalt.

A 25-year-old man riding a bike southbound near 105 Essex Street in Manhattan was ejected from his bike and suffered a severe head injury. According to the police report, 'A 25-year-old man, no helmet, thrown from his bike. Head struck hard. Blood pooled on the asphalt. He lay semiconscious, southbound ride ended in sirens and silence.' The cyclist was listed as semiconscious with severe bleeding from the head. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No other vehicles or persons were identified as involved in the crash. The report notes the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but this is mentioned only after the contributing factors.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4550445 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Distracted Sedan Driver Hits Pedestrian Crossing

A sedan turning left on East Houston struck a 28-year-old man crossing with the signal. Driver was distracted and failed to yield. The man suffered abrasions to his arm but stayed conscious.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old male pedestrian was crossing East Houston Street at an intersection with the signal when a 2020 Nissan sedan, driven by a licensed woman, made a left turn and struck him with its left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm and remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The pedestrian was following traffic signals and was not at fault.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4548948 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
2
E-Scooter Hits Pedestrian on Delancey Street

An e-scooter driver struck a pedestrian on Delancey Street in Manhattan. Both men suffered abrasions to their lower legs and feet. The driver was distracted. The pedestrian was left in shock. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old male e-scooter driver traveling west on Delancey Street collided with a 35-year-old male pedestrian engaged in other actions in the roadway. Both sustained abrasions to their knees, lower legs, and feet. The driver was wearing a helmet. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor. The driver was not ejected and had a permit license status. The vehicle showed no damage despite impact at the center front end. The pedestrian was conscious but in shock. No other contributing factors were specified.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4547701 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06
Chin Supports Safety Boosting Financial District Pedestrianization Plan

Financial District streets choke on cars and placards. City drags its feet. Council set aside funds. DOT stalls. Pedestrians and cyclists wait. Business objections ring hollow. The mayor ignores the crisis. The call is clear: clear the streets for people, not cars.

This is an opinion piece published July 11, 2022, titled 'Pedestrianize the Financial District Now!' It urges immediate action on the 'Make Way for Lower Manhattan' plan, which would turn streets below Chambers into shared spaces for walkers and cyclists. The Financial District Neighborhood Association backs the plan. Former Council Member Margaret Chin allocated $500,000 for early work in 2019. The Department of Transportation has not moved forward. The piece states, 'Any pedestrianization plan worth its salt will curtail the space for government-subsidized 'free' car storage.' The author slams the mayor for ignoring placard abuse and calls business objections a smokescreen. The plan’s delay keeps narrow, dangerous streets clogged with government vehicles, putting vulnerable road users at risk.