Blood on the Asphalt: NYC Streets Still Killing

A 69-year-old woman crossed with the light. A speeding e-scooter hit her. Blood pooled on the street. She lay semiconscious, head injured. The scooter’s front end was crushed. The signal kept blinking. The city’s danger was plain.

A 69-year-old woman was struck by an e-scooter at the corner of 9th Avenue and 29th Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, she was crossing with the signal when a 36-year-old man, driving south on an e-scooter, hit her at unsafe speed and disregarded traffic control. The woman suffered a head injury and severe bleeding, left semiconscious on the pavement. The e-scooter’s front end was crushed. The police report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The driver was ejected from the scooter. No mention of helmet use as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the lethal risk faced by pedestrians in the city’s crosswalks.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4546941 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 28-year-old male bicyclist crashed on West 23rd Street near Avenue of the Americas. He suffered bruises and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The crash involved failure to yield and following too closely. The rider was conscious and not ejected.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old male bicyclist was injured on West 23rd Street in Manhattan. The bicyclist sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors including failure to yield right-of-way and following too closely as contributing factors. The bicyclist was unlicensed and riding a bike traveling northwest. The collision involved impact to the left front bumper of an unspecified vehicle and the center front end of the bike. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from the bike. No other safety equipment or factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4540102 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

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.

""He believes fewer cars, better transit, and more people on bikes are key to a more livable city. He supports ... taking steps to speed up buses."" -- Tony Simone

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.

• DECISION 2022: The StreetsPAC Guide to the Assembly Primary Season, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-06-17

Albany lawmakers extended 24/7 speed cameras but stalled on key safety bills. Local control over speed limits failed. Some progress, much disappointment. Vulnerable road users remain exposed. Council Member Adrienne Adams was mentioned. The fight for safer streets continues.

""Of course, not as much as any of us would have wanted to see, but for the first time, speed cameras are normalized. The knee-jerk opposition to them has dissipated and now we can build on the success of the 24-hour camera bill to introduce and pass more legislation."" -- Brad Hoylman-Sigal

The 2022 New York State legislative session reviewed transportation and street safety policy, with Council Member Adrienne Adams (District 28) mentioned in coverage. Lawmakers extended New York City's school-zone speed camera program for three years, allowing 24/7 operation—a win for street safety. The bill, however, was watered down. Other measures under the 'Crash Victims Rights and Safety Act' saw mixed results: some passed, like upstate towns setting 25 mph speed limits and increased complete streets funding; others, like 'Sammy's Law' for NYC speed limits and expanded safe passing for cyclists, stalled. The matter title called the session 'historic, yet deeply disappointing.' Adams was not a sponsor but was referenced in the debate. Advocates and senators voiced frustration at the lack of progress on local speed limit control and measures against repeat reckless drivers. The session left vulnerable road users without key protections.

• THE ALBANY REPORT: A Historic, Yet Deeply Disappointing, Glass-Half-Empty Legislative Session, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-06-06

Albany extended 24/7 school-zone speed cameras for three years. Lawmakers failed to pass Sammy’s Law and other vital safety bills. Advocates called the session a partial victory, but vulnerable road users remain at risk. Progress, but not enough. Streets stay dangerous.

The 2022 New York State legislative session ended on June 6, 2022. Lawmakers extended and expanded New York City’s school-zone speed camera program to operate 24/7 for three more years. The bill passed, but was watered down from its original form. Other key street safety bills, including 'Sammy’s Law'—which would let NYC set its own speed limits—did not advance. Senator Andrew Gounardes called the speed camera win 'monumental,' while Senator Brad Hoylman said, 'not as much as any of us would have wanted to see, but for the first time, speed cameras are normalized.' Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives voiced disappointment over the failure of Sammy’s Law, calling it a top priority for Families for Safe Streets. Several other bills to protect pedestrians and cyclists stalled or died in committee. The session brought some progress, but left many dangers unaddressed.

• THE ALBANY REPORT: A Historic, Yet Deeply Disappointing, Glass-Half-Empty Legislative Session, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-06-06

Assemblyman Mamdani and Senator Hoylman push for cameras in 50 protected bike lanes. Drivers who block lanes face $50 fines. DOT backs the plan. Lawmakers say enforcement is needed. Cyclists face danger daily. Cameras promise real consequences for reckless drivers.

Assembly Bill, proposed June 2, 2022, by Zohran Mamdani (District 36) and co-sponsored by Brad Hoylman, seeks to deploy automated enforcement cameras at 50 protected bike lanes. The bill aims to fine drivers $50 for each infraction, targeting those who block or drive in bike lanes. The matter summary states: 'NYC pols propose traffic cameras to deter drivers from using bike lanes.' Mamdani and Hoylman argue that enforcement is critical, with Mamdani stating, 'You consistently see cars driving in the bike lane. We know that these cameras work to deter drivers from breaking the law.' DOT supports the measure, calling it 'life-saving automated enforcement technology.' The bill awaits City Council approval, with Mamdani pledging to advance it through the summer and fall.

• NYC pols propose traffic cameras to deter drivers from using bike lanes, nypost.com, Published 2022-06-02

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.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-06-01

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.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-31

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.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-25

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.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-25

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.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-05-23

A moped driver was ejected and seriously injured after colliding with an SUV on West 42nd Street. The moped struck the SUV’s right front bumper while the SUV made a left turn. The driver suffered fractures and dislocations to the lower leg.

According to the police report, a moped traveling east on West 42nd Street collided with a station wagon/SUV also traveling east. The SUV was making a left turn when the moped struck its right front bumper. The moped driver, a 26-year-old man, was ejected and sustained serious injuries including fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" and "Turning Improperly" as contributing factors. The moped driver was not wearing any safety equipment. The SUV showed no damage. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver errors during turning maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4530593 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

Senate and Assembly passed S 1078. New drivers must now learn how to avoid hitting people on foot or bike. Law aims to cut crashes at the root—before drivers get the keys.

Bill S 1078, introduced in the Senate on April 27, 2021, requires pedestrian and bicyclist safety instruction in the drivers pre-licensing course. The bill moved through committee and passed the Senate and Assembly, with key votes on May 20, 2021, February 1, 2022, May 16, 2022, and May 23, 2022. The matter summary reads: 'Requires instruction in pedestrian and bicyclist safety as part of the drivers pre-licensing course.' Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, joined by Bailey, Biaggi, Brisport, Cleare, Comrie, and others. The measure targets driver ignorance, a root cause of deadly crashes, by putting vulnerable road users at the center of driver education.

• File S 1078, Open States, Published 2022-05-16

Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.

Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.

• File S 5130, Open States, Published 2022-05-16

A 25-year-old woman crossing West 15 Street with the signal was struck by a northbound pickup truck making a right turn. The driver failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian suffered a neck contusion and remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 25-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing West 15 Street at an intersection with the signal. She was struck by a 2021 Chevrolet pickup truck traveling north that was making a right turn. The point of impact was the truck's left front quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained a neck contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists driver errors as contributing factors, specifically Driver Inattention/Distraction and Failure to Yield Right-of-Way. No safety equipment or victim fault is mentioned. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers failing to yield to pedestrians legally crossing the street.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4526154 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A GMC SUV struck a woman working on West 25th Street. The driver was distracted. Her leg was crushed. She stayed conscious. The SUV showed no damage. The street bore witness. The system failed to protect her.

A woman working in the roadway on West 25th Street in Manhattan was struck by a GMC SUV. According to the police report, the driver was inattentive and distracted. The impact crushed the woman’s leg, leaving her conscious but injured. The SUV, driven by a licensed man, showed no damage. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The woman suffered crush injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. She was not at an intersection when hit. The data does not mention any helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash highlights the danger faced by people working in city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4525032 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A motorscooter driver was partially ejected and injured in a collision with a box truck in Manhattan. The truck merged unsafely, striking the scooter’s right rear quarter panel. The rider suffered abdominal and pelvic contusions but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 25-year-old male motorscooter driver was partially ejected and injured when a box truck merged unsafely and passed too closely. The crash occurred near 204 9 Avenue in Manhattan. The truck’s left front bumper struck the scooter’s right rear quarter panel. The rider, wearing a helmet, sustained contusions to the abdomen and pelvis and was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Unsafe Lane Changing' and 'Passing Too Closely' as contributing factors. The truck driver was licensed and traveling south while merging. The scooter driver was going straight ahead. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4526412 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

Senator Hoylman pushes S 8916 to drop the speed for owner liability. Now, drivers face penalties for going just seven miles over the limit. The bill targets reckless speed, aims to close loopholes.

Senate bill S 8916 was introduced on April 28, 2022, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill 'reduces the speed for owner liability for failure of operator to comply with certain posted maximum speed limits to more than seven miles per hour over such posted maximum speed limits.' Senator Hoylman, the primary sponsor, seeks to tighten speed camera enforcement. The bill would hold more drivers accountable for speeding, a known threat to pedestrians and cyclists. No safety analyst note was provided, but the measure signals a move to protect vulnerable road users.

• File S 8916, Open States, Published 2022-04-28

A sedan struck a 23-year-old female bicyclist on 8 Avenue in Manhattan. The cyclist was ejected and suffered a head contusion. The driver was distracted. The crash caused serious injury and damage to the sedan’s right front quarter panel.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 8 Avenue collided with a bicyclist making a right turn westbound. The 23-year-old female bicyclist was ejected and sustained a head contusion, classified as a severe injury. The sedan’s right front quarter panel was damaged on impact. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No other contributing factors were specified. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The driver of the sedan was licensed and traveling straight ahead prior to the crash. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in interactions with vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4520604 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 33-year-old woman on a motorscooter was injured when an SUV making a right turn struck her. The impact hit the scooter’s front center and the SUV’s right front quarter panel. The rider suffered abrasions and leg injuries. Driver distraction was a factor.

According to the police report, a 33-year-old female motorscooter driver was injured on West 42 Street in Manhattan when a 2017 SUV making a right turn collided with her. The SUV struck the scooter at the center front end, damaging its front, while the SUV sustained damage to its right front quarter panel. The scooter driver was conscious and suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both drivers. The SUV driver was licensed; the scooter driver was unlicensed. No helmet or signaling factors were noted. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction in intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4520601 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16