Blood on the Asphalt: NYC Streets Still Killing

A sedan turned left on 8th Avenue. A 62-year-old man biked north. Metal met flesh. His head struck hard. Blood pooled. The car was untouched. The man was not.

According to the police report, a sedan making a left turn at 8th Avenue and West 35th Street struck a northbound cyclist at 12:04 p.m. The 62-year-old man on the bike suffered a head injury, was partially ejected, and bled severely but remained conscious. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors, both attributed to driver error. The sedan was undamaged, while the cyclist lay half-thrown beside his frame. The police report notes the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but this detail follows the primary driver errors. The crash underscores the lethal consequences when drivers disregard traffic controls and fail to yield to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701573 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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

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

An e-scooter driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a collision with a taxi on West 36 Street. The driver was partially ejected and sustained bruises. Police cited driver inexperience as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 20:25 on West 36 Street in Manhattan involving an e-scooter and a taxi. The e-scooter driver, a 56-year-old female, was partially ejected and sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruises. The taxi, traveling south, struck the left side doors of the e-scooter, which was traveling west. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor to the collision. The e-scooter driver was licensed but wore no safety equipment. The taxi driver was also licensed and driving straight ahead. Vehicle damage was noted on the taxi's left side doors, while the e-scooter showed no damage. The report does not attribute any fault or contributing factors to the victim beyond driver inexperience.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700182 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 34-year-old woman was injured crossing West 21 Street with the signal. A taxi making a left turn struck her at the intersection. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive, causing a contusion to the pedestrian's arm.

According to the police report, at 6:45 AM on West 21 Street, a taxi traveling northeast was making a left turn when it struck a 34-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian suffered a contusion and bruising to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was reported to be in shock. The report identifies the taxi driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factors to the crash. The vehicle sustained no damage, indicating the impact was likely at low speed but sufficient to cause injury. The pedestrian was not at fault; the crash resulted from the driver’s errors in yielding and attention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698952 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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 2024-01-30

A 36-year-old woman was injured when a BMW SUV, traveling east, struck her on West 23rd Street. The impact hit her left elbow and lower arm. The driver’s inattention and unsafe lane change caused the collision outside an intersection.

According to the police report, a 36-year-old female pedestrian was injured on West 23rd Street in Manhattan at 5:45 AM. The pedestrian was struck by a 2024 BMW SUV traveling east. The point of impact was the vehicle’s left rear quarter panel. The pedestrian suffered contusions and bruises to the elbow, lower arm, and hand, with injury severity rated as moderate. The report cites driver errors including "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Unsafe Lane Changing" as contributing factors. The pedestrian was located outside an intersection, performing other actions in the roadway. The vehicle sustained no damage, indicating the impact was likely minor but sufficient to cause injury. The report does not attribute any fault or contributing behavior to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698313 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

An SUV changing lanes struck a moped traveling straight on West 42nd Street in Manhattan. The moped driver suffered head abrasions but remained conscious. Police cite unsafe speed as a key factor in the collision’s violent impact.

According to the police report, at 23:10 on West 42nd Street in Manhattan, a 2023 SUV driven by a licensed male driver from New Jersey was changing lanes when it collided with a moped traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV’s left side doors and the moped’s center front end. The moped driver, a 42-year-old male occupant, sustained head abrasions and was conscious at the scene. The report identifies unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The SUV driver’s lane change maneuver combined with unsafe speed created a hazardous situation resulting in injury to the moped operator.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699140 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A southbound taxi distracted by a passenger struck a bicyclist on 11 Avenue. The cyclist suffered facial contusions but was conscious and not ejected. The taxi showed no damage despite impact on its right side doors.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 11 Avenue in Manhattan at 16:11. A taxi traveling southbound was impacted by passenger distraction, a contributing factor cited in the report. The taxi collided with a southbound bicyclist, who sustained facial contusions and was injured but conscious. The cyclist was not ejected from the bike and was riding without safety equipment. The point of impact on the taxi was the right side doors, yet the vehicle sustained no damage. The report highlights the driver error of passenger distraction as the primary cause, with no other contributing factors listed. The bicyclist’s injury severity was rated as moderate, and no fault or blame is assigned to the victim.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697715 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Electeds launched 'Bike Safe' to urge cyclists to respect pedestrians. They named cars as the main killers. Delivery workers face pressure from apps. The campaign puts blame where it belongs: on reckless drivers and the systems that push workers to risk lives.

On January 19, 2024, Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Council Member Erik Bottcher launched the 'Bike Safe' public safety campaign in Council District 47. The campaign, titled 'Slow Your Roll, Respect The Stroll,' urges cyclists to stop at red lights and avoid sidewalks, but Bottcher stressed, 'the vast majority of deaths and injuries are caused by cars.' Bottcher and Hoylman-Sigal both called out reckless drivers as the real threat. Assembly Member Tony Simone joined, pushing for statewide laws to curb dangerous delivery app practices. Ligia Guallpa of the Workers Justice Project highlighted how apps force delivery workers into risky behavior, but noted that new minimum pay rates help slow things down. The campaign focuses on education, not punishment, and centers the voices of workers and vulnerable road users. No direct safety impact assessment was provided.

• Electeds Roll Out 'Bike Safe' Campaign While Admitting Cars are the Real Source of Danger, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-01-19

Council Member Bottcher and colleagues launched ‘Slow Your Roll, Respect The Stroll’ to urge cyclists to respect pedestrians. They admit cars are the main killers. Five died in Bottcher’s district last year—three were pedestrians hit by drivers. The campaign runs citywide.

On January 19, 2024, Council Member Erik Bottcher unveiled the ‘Slow Your Roll, Respect The Stroll’ campaign. The effort, joined by Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assembly Member Tony Simone, aims to remind cyclists to stop at red lights and avoid sidewalks. Bottcher’s district saw 2,215 crashes last year, injuring 267 pedestrians and 218 cyclists; three of five fatalities were pedestrians killed by drivers. Bottcher said, 'the vast majority of deaths and injuries are caused by cars.' Simone highlighted delivery app pressure on workers to break laws. Ligia Guallpa of the Workers Justice Project noted delivery workers face daily risks and exploitation. The campaign, first in English and Spanish, will expand citywide. The focus remains: cars are the real threat, but all street users must be considered.

• Electeds Roll Out ‘Bike Safe’ Campaign While Admitting Cars are the Real Source of Danger, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-19

Electeds launched 'Bike Safe' to urge cyclists to respect pedestrians. They named cars as the main killers. Delivery workers face pressure from apps. The campaign puts blame where it belongs: on reckless drivers and the systems that push workers to risk lives.

On January 19, 2024, Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Council Member Erik Bottcher launched the 'Bike Safe' public safety campaign in Council District 47. The campaign, titled 'Slow Your Roll, Respect The Stroll,' urges cyclists to stop at red lights and avoid sidewalks, but Bottcher stressed, 'the vast majority of deaths and injuries are caused by cars.' Bottcher and Hoylman-Sigal both called out reckless drivers as the real threat. Assembly Member Tony Simone joined, pushing for statewide laws to curb dangerous delivery app practices. Ligia Guallpa of the Workers Justice Project highlighted how apps force delivery workers into risky behavior, but noted that new minimum pay rates help slow things down. The campaign focuses on education, not punishment, and centers the voices of workers and vulnerable road users. No direct safety impact assessment was provided.

• Electeds Roll Out 'Bike Safe' Campaign While Admitting Cars are the Real Source of Danger, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-01-19

Council Member Bottcher and colleagues launched ‘Slow Your Roll, Respect The Stroll’ to urge cyclists to respect pedestrians. They admit cars are the main killers. Five died in Bottcher’s district last year—three were pedestrians hit by drivers. The campaign runs citywide.

On January 19, 2024, Council Member Erik Bottcher unveiled the ‘Slow Your Roll, Respect The Stroll’ campaign. The effort, joined by Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assembly Member Tony Simone, aims to remind cyclists to stop at red lights and avoid sidewalks. Bottcher’s district saw 2,215 crashes last year, injuring 267 pedestrians and 218 cyclists; three of five fatalities were pedestrians killed by drivers. Bottcher said, 'the vast majority of deaths and injuries are caused by cars.' Simone highlighted delivery app pressure on workers to break laws. Ligia Guallpa of the Workers Justice Project noted delivery workers face daily risks and exploitation. The campaign, first in English and Spanish, will expand citywide. The focus remains: cars are the real threat, but all street users must be considered.

• Electeds Roll Out ‘Bike Safe’ Campaign While Admitting Cars are the Real Source of Danger, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-19

Four occupants suffered injuries in a multi-vehicle crash involving three SUVs traveling north on West 29 Street. Impact points included rear quarter panels and a front bumper. All injured were in shock, wearing lap belts, and reported pain or nausea.

According to the police report, at 4:16 AM on West 29 Street in Manhattan, three SUVs collided while traveling northbound. The vehicles impacted each other at the left rear quarter panel, right rear quarter panel, and right front bumper. Four occupants were injured: two drivers and two passengers, all wearing lap belts and experiencing shock. Injuries ranged from head and chest trauma to entire body pain, with all complaining of pain or nausea. The report lists 'Lost Consciousness' as a contributing factor but does not specify driver errors such as Failure to Yield or speeding. Contributing factors for the injured occupants were marked as 'Unspecified.' The crash highlights the dangers of multi-vehicle collisions involving SUVs in dense urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695174 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 24-year-old woman was injured when an SUV making a left turn failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at an intersection on 9 Avenue. Impact to the pedestrian’s hip and upper leg caused contusions and bruises.

According to the police report, a 2017 Hyundai SUV traveling east on 9 Avenue was making a left turn at 12:15 a.m. when it struck a 24-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The point of impact was the vehicle’s left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and remained conscious after the collision. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as the primary contributing factor. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights the danger posed by driver errors in yielding at intersections, placing vulnerable pedestrians at risk.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694894 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A motorcycle stopped in traffic was struck from behind by a sedan on 10th Avenue in Manhattan. The motorcyclist, partially ejected and wearing a helmet, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Driver inattention caused the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:04 on 10th Avenue near West 31st Street in Manhattan. A sedan traveling north, starting in traffic, struck a motorcycle also traveling north but stopped in traffic. The point of impact was the sedan's center front end and the motorcycle's center back end. The motorcyclist, a 53-year-old male, was partially ejected from his vehicle and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in contusions and bruises. He was conscious at the scene and was wearing a helmet. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating the sedan driver failed to maintain proper attention. No other contributing factors related to the victim were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694571 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Subway derailments hit a decade high. Five crashes since January 2023. Two dozen hurt in one. Assemblyman Tony Simone demands hearings. Riders lose trust. MTA claims safety, but investigations mount. Danger rides the rails. Riders wait for answers.

On January 11, 2024, Assemblyman Tony Simone (District 75) responded to a surge in NYC subway derailments—five incidents from January 2023 to January 2024, the most since 2011. Simone called for hearings into MTA safety, saying, 'At this point, I’ve got concerns about the MTA’s ability to build the public trust in their system.' The incidents include a Bronx work train derailment, an F train crash in Brooklyn, and a No. 1 line collision that injured two dozen. Riders Alliance spokesman Danny Pearlstein warned, 'each derailment has repercussions across the entire system.' The MTA, led by Transit President Rich Davey, denies systemic failure but faces probes from the NTSB after recent accidents and a track worker’s death. Simone’s push for oversight comes as congestion pricing nears, raising the stakes for public safety and trust.

• Troubling Post analysis reveals NYC subway derailments are at a decade-high, with three in just the last month, nypost.com, Published 2024-01-11

Council calls for state action on Sammy’s Law and SAFE Streets Act. The bills would let New York City lower speed limits and give crash victims new rights. Lawmakers push to curb deadly driving and protect those on foot and bike.

Resolution 0549-2023, filed by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, urges Albany to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law') and A.1901, part of the SAFE Streets Act. The resolution, introduced April 11, 2023, and filed December 31, 2023, calls for 'allowing New York City to establish a lower speed limit, and enacting a crash victims bill of rights.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led sponsorship, joined by Gutiérrez, Restler, and others. The package aims to cut speeds, redesign streets, and support crash victims. It would let the city set safer limits, require safe passing for cyclists, and mandate complete street design. The council’s action spotlights the urgent need to protect people walking, biking, and riding in New York.

• File Res 0549-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-31

A 73-year-old man was struck while crossing West 20 Street. The driver, a woman, was distracted. He suffered a hip injury. The impact was severe. Emergency services responded quickly.

A pedestrian, 73, was injured while crossing West 20 Street with the signal. According to the police report, the driver, a licensed woman, was making a left turn when she struck him. The crash was attributed to 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The pedestrian sustained a hip injury and reported pain and nausea. The driver was traveling east in a sedan at the time of the incident. No safety equipment was noted as a contributing factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691232 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 74-year-old man was struck by a taxi making a left turn on West 24 Street in Manhattan. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. He suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver impacted the left front bumper.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling east on West 24 Street in Manhattan made a left turn and struck a 74-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The point of impact was the taxi's left front bumper. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the taxi's maneuver of making a left turn while the pedestrian was crossing indicates a failure to yield or inadequate caution by the driver. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but not ejected. No safety equipment or other factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4688977 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06