Crash Count for Lower East Side
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 1,609
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 31, 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

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 2025-08-07
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 2025-08-07
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 2025-08-07
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 2025-08-07
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 2025-08-07
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.


Chin Supports FiDi Shared Streets Despite Slow DOT Pace

Advocates want Lower Manhattan streets safer for people, not cars. DOT drags its feet. Residents and business owners clash over urgency. The plan sits in study. Cyclists and pedestrians wait. The city’s slow pace keeps danger alive on narrow streets.

This update covers the 'Make Way for Lower Manhattan' shared streets proposal, discussed July 1, 2022. The Department of Transportation (DOT) briefed Manhattan Community Board 1 on the plan, which aims to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists in the Financial District. The project, funded by $500,000 from then-Council Member Margaret Chin, remains in the study phase, delayed by the pandemic. DOT Project Manager Jenny Leung said the city is updating conditions and planning stakeholder engagement. Community Board 1 and the Financial District Neighborhood Association (FDNA) have backed the plan since 2015 and 2016, respectively. FDNA Board Member Catherine Hughes pressed for urgency, saying, 'It's time for a pilot project now.' Business leader Jessica Lappin voiced logistical concerns. The plan envisions shared streets with 5 mph speed limits and a future pedestrian plaza. Progress is slow. The city’s delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk.


Rear Sedan Slams Into Another on Delancey

A sedan struck another from behind on Delancey Street. The rear driver, a 60-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely. Both cars were damaged.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Delancey Street in Manhattan when one struck the other from behind. The 60-year-old female driver of the rear sedan was injured, suffering back pain and whiplash. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, showing the rear driver failed to maintain distance. Both vehicles were traveling straight at the time of the crash. The front sedan was hit on its left front bumper, while the rear sedan took damage to its right rear bumper. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt. No other contributing factors were listed.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4541361 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07
Sedan Strikes Cyclist on Chrystie Street

A sedan hit a cyclist on Chrystie Street. The rider suffered arm abrasions. Police cite driver distraction. Both vehicles showed no damage. The cyclist stayed conscious after the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan stopped in traffic on Chrystie Street collided with a bicyclist traveling north. The impact struck the sedan's left side doors and the bike's front end. The 39-year-old cyclist was injured, suffering abrasions to his elbow and lower arm, but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No damage was reported to either vehicle. The cyclist's safety equipment status is unknown.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4543220 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07
SUV Hits Bicyclist on Delancey Street

A 29-year-old male bicyclist was struck by a northbound SUV on Delancey Street. The rider suffered a head contusion and bruising. The SUV’s right front bumper hit the bike’s front center. Driver distraction caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a 2020 BMW SUV traveling north on Delancey Street collided with him. The SUV struck the bike’s center front end with its right front bumper. The bicyclist suffered a head contusion and bruising but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The SUV driver was licensed in New York. The bicyclist was riding westbound and was not wearing safety equipment. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in Manhattan.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4538482 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07
Grace Lee Prioritizes Public Transit Upgrades and MTA Reform

StreetsPAC backs challengers and some incumbents in the 2022 Assembly primaries. The group slams officials who ignore street safety. They praise candidates who push for bike lanes, better buses, and less car dominance. Endorsements target real change for vulnerable road users.

""She will make upgrading public transit a priority, especially improving bus service and subway accessibility on the Lower East Side, and she's also interested in reforming the MTA board and making sure the agency is focused on enhancing service."" -- Grace Lee

On June 17, 2022, StreetsPAC, a political action committee for safer streets, released endorsements for the 2022 New York State Assembly primary season. The guide, titled 'DECISION 2022: The StreetsPAC Guide to the Assembly Primary Season,' highlights support for expanding bike lanes, improving bus service, and reducing car culture. StreetsPAC criticizes incumbents who fail on street safety and uplifts new candidates who promise safer streets and better transit. Endorsed candidates include Juan Ardilla, Grace Lee, Tony Simone, Anthony Andrews, and Ryder Kessler, all praised for prioritizing vulnerable road users. StreetsPAC calls for reforms like protected bike lanes, dedicated busways, and DMV accountability. Their endorsements aim to shift city policy toward pedestrian and cyclist safety, away from car-centric streets.


Distracted Driver Injures Female Bicyclist

A 29-year-old woman bicyclist suffered abrasions to her elbow and lower arm on East Houston Street in Manhattan. The crash involved driver inattention. The cyclist was conscious and not ejected. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old female bicyclist was injured on East Houston Street in Manhattan. She sustained abrasions to her elbow and lower arm but remained conscious and was not ejected from her bike. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The bicyclist was traveling eastbound, going straight ahead, and was unlicensed. No damage was reported to the bike or any other vehicle involved. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers to vulnerable road users.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4538516 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07
SUV Strikes 60-Year-Old Manhattan Pedestrian

A 60-year-old woman was hit by an SUV while crossing outside a crosswalk in Manhattan. She suffered bruises and injuries to her elbow and lower arm. The driver was licensed and traveling straight. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a 60-year-old female pedestrian was injured when struck by a 2020 Collins Bus SUV traveling south on Columbia Street in Manhattan. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk and suffered contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. The driver, a licensed male, was going straight ahead at the time of impact. The vehicle sustained no damage, and the pedestrian was not ejected. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious and sustained moderate injuries. No safety equipment was noted.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4536102 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07
E-Scooter Rider Injured in Manhattan SUV Crash

An e-scooter collided with an SUV on East Houston Street. The 52-year-old rider was partially ejected and suffered neck injuries. The crash caused whiplash and shock. The driver’s distraction was a key factor in the collision.

According to the police report, a 52-year-old male e-scooter driver was partially ejected after colliding with a Jeep SUV on East Houston Street in Manhattan. The rider sustained neck injuries and complained of whiplash, experiencing shock at the scene. The e-scooter was traveling east and struck the center front end of the SUV, which was also moving east. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. The rider wore a helmet, but no other contributing factors were noted. The collision caused damage to the center back end of the e-scooter and the center front end of the SUV.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4534399 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07
A 8936
Kavanagh votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.

Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.


S 5602
Kavanagh votes yes to extend school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.


Bicyclist Partially Ejected on Delancey Street

A 35-year-old male bicyclist was partially ejected and injured on Delancey Street in Manhattan. The cyclist suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The SUV and bike collided with no vehicle damage reported. The cyclist remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old male bicyclist was partially ejected during a collision with a 2021 Kia SUV on Delancey Street, Manhattan. The bicyclist sustained abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but remained conscious. The SUV was traveling west going straight ahead, while the bicyclist was changing lanes westbound. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV and the center back end of the bike. No vehicle damage was reported. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the bicyclist but does not specify driver errors or helmet use. The SUV driver held a permit license from New York.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4532591 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07
S 5602
KAVANAGH co-sponsors bill extending school zone speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.


S 5602
Kavanagh votes yes to extend school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.


A 8936
Kavanagh votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.

Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.