Blood on the Asphalt: NYC Streets Still Killing

Two bicyclists collided on 12 Avenue in Manhattan. One, a 22-year-old man wearing a helmet, suffered facial abrasions. The crash happened during a passing maneuver and a left turn. Driver inexperience was cited as a contributing factor.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 12 Avenue near West 34 Street in Manhattan at 9:56 AM. Two bicycles were involved. One bicyclist, a 22-year-old male wearing a helmet, was injured with abrasions to his face but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor. The first bike was traveling south and was passing when the collision occurred, impacting the center front end of the bike. The second bike was making a left turn and sustained no damage. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash highlights the risks posed by inexperienced drivers operating bicycles in busy urban environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721330 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A bicyclist was ejected and injured after a collision with a parked SUV in Manhattan. The SUV struck the bike’s left side doors. The cyclist suffered back contusions but the SUV showed no damage. Driver errors remain unspecified.

According to the police report, at 12:20 PM in Manhattan near 77 7 Avenue, a 28-year-old female bicyclist traveling south was struck by a 2023 Tesla SUV that was parked. The point of impact was the left side doors of the SUV and the center front end of the bike. The bicyclist was ejected and sustained back contusions, classified as injury severity 3. The SUV sustained no damage. The report lists the bicyclist’s contributing factors as unspecified and does not identify specific driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The SUV driver was licensed and the vehicle was stationary prior to impact. No helmet use or victim behavior was cited as a factor. The collision highlights risks posed by parked vehicles and unclear driver responsibility.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719820 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Two passengers, ages 5 and 17, suffered hip and upper leg injuries while hanging outside a moving SUV in Manhattan. The driver’s aggressive driving and road rage caused the crash, leaving both with contusions and bruises but no ejection from the vehicle.

According to the police report, the crash occurred in Manhattan near West 19th Street at 4:34 AM. The vehicle involved was a 2022 Toyota SUV traveling west, with three occupants. Two passengers, a 17-year-old and a 5-year-old male, were riding or hanging on the outside of the vehicle when injured. Both sustained hip and upper leg contusions and bruises, classified as injury severity level 3. The report explicitly cites 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. There was no vehicle damage or point of impact noted, and neither passenger was ejected. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors. The driver’s aggressive conduct behind the wheel directly endangered vulnerable passengers exposed outside the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719628 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 48-year-old female bicyclist suffered a head contusion after a collision with a sedan traveling east on West 34th Street. The impact struck the bike's right front quarter panel and the sedan’s center front end, causing injury without ejection.

According to the police report, a 48-year-old female bicyclist was injured in a crash with a 2022 Toyota sedan on West 34th Street in Manhattan at 11:30 AM. The sedan was traveling east, going straight ahead, and struck the bicyclist on the right front quarter panel, impacting the center front end of the vehicle. The bicyclist suffered a head contusion and was conscious after the crash. The report cites 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor, indicating confusion on the part of the bicyclist. There is no mention of driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment. The sedan driver was licensed and female. Vehicle damage was limited to the sedan's center front end, while the bike sustained no damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718748 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Albany lawmakers clear the way for New York City to lower speed limits to 20 mph. The bill, named for Sammy Cohen Eckstein, follows years of parent-led advocacy. The measure excludes major multi-lane roads but targets most city streets. Lives hang in the balance.

On April 18, 2024, state lawmakers advanced legislation enabling New York City to reduce its default speed limit to 20 mph. The measure, known as Sammy’s Law, is part of the state budget deal and awaits final publication. Sponsored by Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal and Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, the bill allows the City Council to set lower limits on most streets, but excludes roads with three or more lanes in one direction. The bill’s title honors Sammy Cohen Eckstein, a 12-year-old killed by a speeding driver in 2013. Rosenthal said, “This is about trying to eliminate all unnecessary deaths, and one of the ways you do that is by making the speed limit lower.” Hoylman-Sigal credited persistent advocacy by Sammy’s mother and Families for Safe Streets. The City Council and Mayor must still approve the change. Advocates and city officials say the law gives New York City a vital tool to prevent traffic violence and protect vulnerable road users.

• Lawmakers to allow NYC to lower speed limit to 20 mph, gothamist.com, Published 2024-04-18

Two sedans crashed head-on on 7th Avenue in Manhattan at 4:23 a.m. The drivers, both licensed men, collided front center. One driver, 22, suffered head injuries and shock but was not ejected. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 7th Avenue near West 21st Street in Manhattan at 4:23 a.m. Two sedans, one traveling south and the other west, collided head-on with impact centered on their front ends. Both drivers were licensed men from New York, each alone in their vehicles. The 22-year-old driver of the Hyundai sedan suffered head injuries and was in shock but was not ejected from the vehicle and was restrained by a lap belt. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the injured driver but does not specify any driver errors or pedestrian involvement. Both vehicles sustained damage to their center front ends. The collision highlights the dangers of vehicle-to-vehicle impacts in busy Manhattan streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717923 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 21-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries when a taxi failed to yield while making a left turn. The impact caused pain and shock, highlighting dangerous driver errors at a busy Manhattan intersection near West 30th Street.

According to the police report, a taxi driver making a left turn at the intersection near West 30th Street in Manhattan failed to yield the right-of-way, striking a 21-year-old male pedestrian. The pedestrian was injured in the knee, lower leg, and foot, and experienced shock and complaints of pain or nausea. The point of impact was the taxi's left front quarter panel. The taxi driver was licensed and operating a 2015 Ford vehicle. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. No pedestrian behavior was listed as contributing. The taxi sustained no damage despite the collision. This crash underscores the risks posed by driver failures to yield at intersections, endangering vulnerable pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717924 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

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

A box truck traveling east struck the left side doors of a northbound SUV on 8 Avenue in Manhattan. Two female passengers in the SUV suffered head injuries and shock. Both were restrained with lap belts and not ejected from the vehicle.

According to the police report, a 2020 box truck registered in New Jersey was traveling east on 8 Avenue when it collided with a 2020 SUV heading north. The point of impact was the center front end of the truck striking the left side doors of the SUV. The SUV carried four occupants; two female passengers, aged 63 and 40, were injured with head injuries and shock. Both passengers were restrained with lap belts and were not ejected. The truck driver was licensed in New Jersey and was going straight ahead before the crash. The SUV driver was licensed and also traveling straight ahead. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not specify pedestrian or cyclist involvement. The collision of the truck's front center with the SUV's left side doors indicates a failure in vehicle interaction, highlighting the danger of side-impact crashes involving large trucks and SUVs in Manhattan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715789 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

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

A 32-year-old woman was injured crossing with the signal on West 33 Street. A vehicle making a right turn struck her with its left front bumper. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing abrasions to the pedestrian’s elbow and lower arm.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:45 on West 33 Street near 9 Avenue in Manhattan. A vehicle traveling south was making a right turn when it struck a 32-year-old female pedestrian crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained abrasions to her elbow and lower arm, classified as injury severity level 3. The report explicitly cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The point of impact was the vehicle’s left front bumper. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were indicated in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4711912 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 31-year-old woman suffered head injuries and minor bleeding after an SUV struck her at a West 33rd Street intersection. The driver was making a left turn and failed to yield right-of-way, distracted at the moment of impact.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of West 33rd Street while crossing with the signal. The driver, a licensed male operating a 2019 Nissan SUV traveling south, was making a left turn when the collision occurred. The point of impact was the vehicle's left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and minor bleeding, and was reported to be in shock. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. No vehicle damage was noted. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is recorded but not cited as a contributing factor. The incident highlights driver errors in yielding and attention as central to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4711947 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-03-20

A sedan traveling south at unsafe speed struck a pedestrian crossing 9 Avenue with the signal. The pedestrian suffered upper arm injuries and bruising. The driver disregarded traffic control, causing a violent impact at the vehicle's front center.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling southbound on 9 Avenue struck a 29-year-old pedestrian who was crossing at the intersection with the signal. The collision occurred at 6:12 AM in Manhattan's 10011 zip code. The pedestrian sustained upper arm injuries and contusions, remaining conscious after the crash. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors attributed to the driver. The vehicle's point of impact was the center front end, indicating a direct collision. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The driver's failure to obey traffic controls and excessive speed created the conditions for this violent collision, underscoring systemic dangers posed by driver errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4710132 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 29-year-old male bicyclist suffered a contusion to his lower arm after a crash in Manhattan. The cyclist was conscious and not ejected. The driver was unlicensed, traveling north, and impacted the bike’s center front end.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a crash at 7th Avenue in Manhattan around 4:00 p.m. The bicyclist sustained a contusion to the elbow, lower arm, and hand and remained conscious throughout the incident. The vehicle involved was a bike driven by a male operating without a valid license in New York. The driver was traveling straight ahead northbound when the collision occurred, impacting the center front end of the bicycle. The report lists the driver’s license status as unlicensed, a critical factor in the crash. Both contributing factors for the bicyclist are unspecified, placing the focus on the driver’s failure to hold a valid license. No victim behaviors or helmet use were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4710124 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Assembly bill A 9462 would hike fines for drivers caught speeding by cameras more than once. The aim is clear: hit repeat offenders in the wallet. Glick and Simone sponsor. No safety analyst review yet.

Assembly bill A 9462 was introduced on March 14, 2024, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Relates to increasing fines for certain speed camera violations,' would impose higher fines for drivers who rack up multiple speed camera tickets in New York City. Assembly Members Deborah Glick (District 66, primary sponsor) and Tony Simone (District 75, co-sponsor) back the measure. The bill's summary states: 'Imposes increasing fines for subsequent speed camera violations in the city of New York.' No safety analyst has yet assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• File A 9462, Open States, Published 2024-03-14

A taxi slammed into the back of a sedan on 11th Avenue in Manhattan. The sedan driver, a 25-year-old man, suffered a head injury and shock. Police cited the taxi driver's failure to maintain safe distance as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:34 AM on 11th Avenue near West 20 Street in Manhattan. A taxi traveling north struck the rear center end of a BMW sedan also traveling north. The sedan driver, a 25-year-old male occupant wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained a head injury and was in shock but was not ejected from the vehicle. The report identifies "Following Too Closely" as the primary contributing factor, indicating the taxi driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the sedan. Both vehicles were slowing or stopping before impact. The taxi's rear center end and the sedan's front center end sustained damage. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708660 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Council wants every e-bike and scooter tagged and tracked. Plates on wheels. Riders face new rules. Lawmakers say it’s about order. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait.

Int 0606-2024 was introduced on March 7, 2024, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring that every bicycle with electric assist, electric scooter and other legal motorized vehicle be licensed and registered," would force all e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles not covered by DMV rules to register with DOT and display visible plates. Council Member Inna Vernikov is the primary sponsor, joined by 26 co-sponsors including Holden, Farías, Riley, and others. The bill was laid over in committee and has not advanced. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• File Int 0606-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council aims to ban moving billboards. These rolling ads distract drivers. The bill locks in an existing rule. Streets need fewer distractions. Safety for walkers and riders comes first.

Bill Int 0541-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced March 7, 2024, by Council Members Bottcher (primary), Brannan, Brewer, and Restler, it seeks to ban moving billboards. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to banning moving billboards.' These billboards are already illegal under city rules. The bill would codify 34 RCNY 4-12(j), making the ban law. Bottcher and co-sponsors want to cut visual clutter and driver distraction. The bill was referred to committee on March 7, 2024.

• File Int 0541-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Drivers rack up tickets for blocking street sweepers. Fines are low. Many ignore them. Council Member Restler and Assembly Member Simone push bills to hike penalties. The city’s old crackdown expired. Lawmakers want real consequences for repeat scofflaws.

Council Member Lincoln Restler introduced a bill to raise fines for drivers who fail to move cars during alternate-side parking. The bill would increase the penalty to $100 for a second offense within a year and require towing after three violations in 12 months. Assembly Member Tony Simone submitted a state bill to double fines after the tenth violation, up to five times the current cap. The matter targets 'the worst repeat offenders of parking tickets.' Manhattan safe streets activist Jehiah Czebotar analyzed city data, finding that 77 percent of street-sweeping tickets go to repeat offenders, with 37 percent to drivers who got at least six tickets. The Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program expired last year, leaving a gap in enforcement. Lawmakers say fines must deter, not just be a cost of doing business.

• ‘Cheaper than a Garage’: Meet the Drivers Who Get Repeat Tickets for Not Moving Their Cars, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-05