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

Jul 24 - Two buses collided on a Port Authority ramp. The rear bus hit hard. Thirty injured. Passengers left on stretchers, necks braced. Steel and glass, pain and confusion. The ramp remains a danger.

ABC7 reported on July 24, 2025, that a New Jersey Transit bus rear-ended another on the Port Authority ramp near Dyer Avenue and West 39th Street. Surveillance video showed the rear bus 'zooming up the ramp and ramming the rear of the bus in front of it so hard that it physically pushed the bus forward.' At least 30 people suffered minor injuries, with 27 hospitalized. FDNY cited 'musculoskeletal injuries, neck pain, back pain.' The ramp, a known bottleneck, is set for replacement by 2032. The crash highlights risks in current bus terminal infrastructure and driver speed on crowded ramps.

• Rear Bus Slams Into Another At Port, ABC7, Published 2025-07-24

Jul 22 - A moped struck a cyclist head-on on the Williamsburg Bridge Outer Roadway. The cyclist flew from his bike, arm fractured. Failure to yield and improper turn listed. Steel met flesh. The system failed.

A moped and a bicycle collided head-on on the Williamsburg Bridge Outer Roadway. The 33-year-old male cyclist was ejected and suffered a fractured arm. According to the police report, 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' were contributing factors. The moped, traveling west and passing, struck the cyclist heading east. The crash left the cyclist conscious but injured. No helmet use or signaling was listed as a factor. The report highlights driver errors, not victim actions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4830260 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jul 22 - A rented sedan sped off the Manhattan Bridge. It struck a cyclist and a pedestrian on Canal Street. Both died at the scene. Police found alcohol and guns in the car. The driver tried to flee. The city failed to keep them safe.

Gothamist (2025-07-22) reports a Staten Island driver, Autumn Ascencio Romero, faces murder and other charges after killing a cyclist and a pedestrian in Chinatown. Prosecutors say she lost control of a rented car at high speed, striking Kevin Cruickshank and May Kwok. Police found 'an open bottle of tequila in the car’s passenger area' and two pistols in the trunk. Witnesses saw the driver and a passenger try to flee. Romero had been charged in a prior Brooklyn crash involving a suspended license. The case highlights repeated driver offenses and gaps in enforcement.

• Driver Held After Chinatown Crash Kills Two, Gothamist, Published 2025-07-22

Jul 21 - A stolen car tore through Bowery and Canal. It struck Kevin Cruickshank, a cyclist, and May Kwok, seated on a bench. Both died. The driver fled. Canal Street remains a deadly corridor for walkers and riders.

According to the New York Post (2025-07-21), a stolen Chevy Malibu sped through a median at Bowery and Canal, killing cyclist Kevin Cruickshank and May Kwok, who sat on a bench. The driver, Autumn Donna Ascencio Romero, and a passenger fled but were caught. Police found drugs and alcohol in the car. The article quotes Families for Safe Streets: 'Canal Street is one of the most dangerous streets in all of Manhattan—notorious for pedestrian and cyclist fatalities—and a comprehensive redesign is needed to prioritize safety.' The crash highlights ongoing risks from reckless driving and the urgent need for safer street design.

• Stolen Car Kills Cyclist, Bench Sitter, New York Post, Published 2025-07-21

Jul 20 - A cyclist pedaled through Bowery and Canal. A speeding car lost control. Metal struck flesh. The rider died. Streets stayed loud. Danger lingered.

CBS New York (2025-07-20) reports that Kevin Cruickshank, 55, was killed while cycling at Bowery and Canal. Police said a 'speeding car lost control and struck him.' The crash highlights the ongoing risk to cyclists at busy intersections. The article notes the victim's identity and the circumstances but does not detail any charges. The incident underscores the threat posed by speeding vehicles and the need for stronger street safety measures.

• Cyclist Killed By Speeding Car In Chinatown, CBS New York, Published 2025-07-20

Jul 19 - A Chevy sedan struck a cyclist and a pedestrian at Canal and Bowery. Both died at the scene. The drivers tried to flee but were caught. Metal twisted. Lives ended. The street stayed dangerous.

Gothamist (2025-07-19) reports a Chevy Malibu killed a cyclist and a pedestrian near the Manhattan Bridge at 7:30 a.m. Police say the car 'slammed into the two victims.' Two women driving the car tried to flee but were detained. No charges were filed by Saturday afternoon. The crash also damaged an NYPD van. The deaths follow recent city claims of record-low traffic fatalities, highlighting persistent risk at busy crossings.

• Chevy Sedan Kills Two Near Manhattan Bridge, Gothamist, Published 2025-07-19

Jul 17 - A DOT worker fixing a sign near a bike lane was slashed by an e-bike rider with a box cutter. Blood on Broadway. The rider fled. The worker survived. No arrests. The city keeps moving.

According to amny (2025-07-17), a DOT worker was attacked by an e-bike rider at Broadway and Cedar Street while repairing a street sign. Police said the worker backed up his truck, nearly causing a crash with the cyclist. The rider then "whipped out a box cutter and slashed the worker in his left arm and back." The assailant fled. DOT condemned the attack, calling it "abhorrent." No arrests have been made. The incident highlights tensions at work sites near bike lanes and underscores the need for safe conditions for street workers.

• DOT Worker Slashed By E-Biker Downtown, amny, Published 2025-07-17

Jul 14 - Council bill lets ambulettes drive and double-park in bus lanes. More vehicles in bus lanes mean more risk for people walking, biking, and waiting at curbs. Danger grows where curb chaos reigns.

Bill Int 1339-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since July 14, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...exempting ambulettes from certain bus lane restrictions and allowing them to double park to assist passengers,' would let ambulettes drive, stop, and double-park in bus lanes to help passengers. Council Member Julie Menin sponsors, joined by Linda Lee, Frank Morano, Eric Dinowitz, Lynn C. Schulman, Kamillah Hanks, Carlina Rivera, and Chris Banks. Allowing more vehicles to double-park and block bus lanes increases risk for pedestrians and cyclists at the curb. The city’s most vulnerable will face more conflict and less safe space.

• File Int 1339-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-07-14

Jul 13 - A sedan turned left on Delancey and hit a cyclist. The rider took a blow to the shoulder. Police cite failure to yield. Passengers in the car were shaken. The street stayed loud. The danger stayed real.

A sedan making a left turn on Delancey Street collided with a cyclist traveling straight. The cyclist, a 27-year-old woman, suffered a shoulder injury and bruising. According to the police report, 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' was the contributing factor. Four car occupants, all in their early twenties, were listed as uninjured or with unspecified injuries. The crash involved a Honda sedan and a bicycle. The report does not mention helmet use or signaling as factors. The impact highlights the risk faced by cyclists when drivers fail to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4827925 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jul 4 - SUV cut across Chrystie. Bike rider thrown. Arm gashed. Police cite improper passing and unsafe lane change. Metal against flesh. System failed to protect.

A 23-year-old cyclist was injured when an SUV collided with his bike at 229 Chrystie Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, the SUV was making a right turn while the cyclist was turning left. The cyclist was ejected and suffered an arm injury. Police list 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as contributing factors. The report does not mention any cyclist error. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to use lanes properly.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4825883 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 30 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-30

Jun 30 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-30

Jun 30 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-30

Jun 26 - A sedan struck a skater at 400 Grand Street. The skater took a hit to the chest. Police cite driver inattention. The street stayed busy. The crash left one injured and two shaken.

A sedan traveling east collided with a 45-year-old in-line skater at 400 Grand Street in Manhattan. The skater, wearing a helmet, suffered a chest injury and abrasions. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was a contributing factor. Two vehicle occupants were also involved but not seriously hurt. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to pay attention. The skater’s helmet is noted in the report, but the primary cause remains driver distraction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4823615 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 20 - A sedan hit another car on South Street. A seven-year-old boy suffered a face injury. Police cite reaction to an uninvolved vehicle. Three other occupants were also involved.

A sedan traveling south on South Street collided with another vehicle. According to the police report, a seven-year-old boy riding as a rear passenger was injured, suffering a facial contusion. Three other occupants, including a baby, a 33-year-old woman, and two 43-year-old men, were also involved but their injuries were unspecified. The police report lists 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' as the contributing factor. No other driver errors or contributing factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4822867 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 20 - SUV slammed into truck’s rear on FDR Drive. One passenger suffered neck injury. Police cite following too closely. Impact left scars on metal and flesh.

A pick-up truck carrying five people slowed on FDR Drive. An SUV struck its rear. According to the police report, one passenger, a 61-year-old woman, suffered a neck injury and whiplash. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both vehicles were traveling north. The SUV’s front hit the truck’s back. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The injured passenger wore a lap belt and harness. The crash highlights the danger of tailgating, as noted by police.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4821847 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 20 - A parked Ford and a bronze Toyota touched in Manhattan. An investigator cuffed the young driver on the spot. The arrest was later voided. The Attorney General’s office is investigating. No injuries reported. Tension hung in the air.

According to the New York Post (2025-06-20), a minor collision occurred in Manhattan when a civilian's Toyota touched a parked Ford Expedition belonging to New York Attorney General Letitia James’ security detail. The investigator, Nelson Yu, a retired NYPD detective, immediately confronted and handcuffed the young woman driver, demanding identification. A witness described, 'He jumped out and cuffed her on the spot. No questions, no warning.' The woman was reportedly driving without a license. The arrest was later voided. The Attorney General’s office stated, 'OAG is investigating this matter internally and will not have further comment at this time.' The incident highlights the use of force and protocol in minor traffic incidents involving law enforcement personnel.

• Security Detail Cuffs Woman After Fender-Bender, New York Post, Published 2025-06-20

Jun 19 - A motorcycle slammed into a car’s side on E Houston and Essex. The rider, thirty-one, bled badly from his leg. The crash left him conscious but hurt. No driver errors listed. The street stayed busy. Metal and blood marked the scene.

A motorcycle and a car collided at E Houston Street and Essex Street in Manhattan. The motorcycle struck the left side doors of the car. According to the police report, the thirty-one-year-old motorcycle driver suffered severe bleeding to his knee, lower leg, and foot, but remained conscious. No contributing factors or driver errors were listed in the report. The car, a Porsche, was traveling south while the motorcycle moved east. The police report notes the motorcyclist wore a helmet. No other injuries were reported. The crash left the intersection marked by injury and damage, underscoring the risks faced by those outside cars.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4821837 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 19 - A cyclist swerved to avoid a pedestrian in Central Park. He fell. His head struck the curb. He died at the hospital. The pedestrian suffered minor injuries. The crash happened at a crosswalk near 96th Street. The case is under investigation.

ABC7 reported on June 19, 2025, that Salvador Nico-Garcia, 43, died after colliding with a pedestrian while riding an e-bike in Central Park. According to police, Nico-Garcia swerved to avoid a 41-year-old pedestrian crossing at the crosswalk near 96th Street and East Drive. He fell, struck his head on the curb, and was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital. The pedestrian sustained minor abrasions. ABC7 notes, 'Officials say Nico-Garcia was on an e-bike and was not wearing a helmet at the time he was thrown.' New York City does not require cyclists over 14 to wear helmets. In Central Park, pedestrians have the right of way at all times. The incident remains under investigation, highlighting ongoing risks at crosswalks and the lack of helmet mandates for adult cyclists.

• Cyclist Killed Dodging Pedestrian In Park, ABC7, Published 2025-06-19

Jun 17 - A cyclist struck a child crossing with the signal on Delancey. The child suffered a back injury. Police cite driver inattention. The crash exposes danger at Manhattan intersections.

A cyclist traveling north on Delancey Street struck a young pedestrian who was crossing with the signal at Allen Street. The child suffered a back injury, described as a contusion. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was a contributing factor. The cyclist was unlicensed. The report lists no other contributing factors. The crash highlights the risks faced by pedestrians, especially children, even when following the rules at Manhattan intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4822236 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18