Blood on the Asphalt: NYC Streets Still Killing

A bicyclist struck a parked taxi on West 17 Street in Manhattan. The rider wore a helmet and suffered bruises. Police cited passenger distraction as a contributing factor. The taxi showed no damage. The cyclist remained conscious after impact.

According to the police report, a 41-year-old male bicyclist collided with a parked taxi on West 17 Street in Manhattan. The bicyclist was injured, sustaining contusions and bruises but remained conscious. The taxi was stationary at the time of the crash and showed no damage. The report lists "Passenger Distraction" as a contributing factor to the crash. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet. The taxi driver was licensed and operating legally. No other driver errors were noted. The bicyclist was not ejected and was the sole occupant of the bike. The crash occurred at 12:02 PM.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4520542 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 17-year-old bicyclist was ejected and injured on 9 Avenue near West 35 Street in Manhattan. The sedan struck the bike on the right side doors. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was left in shock.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on 9 Avenue collided with a southbound bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 17-year-old male, was ejected from his bike and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor to the crash. The sedan struck the bicyclist on the right side doors, but neither vehicle showed damage. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The driver of the sedan was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash left the bicyclist in shock and injured, with no visible complaints noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4518513 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 34-year-old man was struck by an SUV while crossing 7th Avenue in Manhattan. The impact hit his knee and lower leg, causing bruises. The pedestrian was conscious and injured outside an intersection. The SUV showed no damage after the collision.

According to the police report, a 34-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2019 Ford SUV traveling south on 7th Avenue struck him with its left front bumper. The pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal and suffered contusions to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. The SUV driver was licensed and driving straight ahead. No vehicle damage was noted. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. The report does not indicate any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4517648 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 49-year-old man on an e-scooter collided with a northbound bike on West 15th Street in Manhattan. The e-scooter driver suffered a head injury and minor bleeding. Both vehicles showed no damage. The e-scooter driver was unlicensed and in shock.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on West 15th Street involving an e-scooter traveling west and a bike traveling north. The e-scooter driver, a 49-year-old man, sustained a head injury with minor bleeding and was in shock. The report notes the e-scooter driver was unlicensed, which is a critical driver error. Both vehicles showed no damage, and the point of impact was the center front end of the e-scooter and the center back end of the bike. No contributing factors were specified beyond the unlicensed status. The injured party was not ejected and wore no safety equipment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4520531 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A sedan hit a bicyclist on West 29 Street near 8 Avenue. The cyclist was ejected and suffered leg and foot fractures. The crash left the rider injured and conscious on the street.

According to the police report, a 2019 Audi sedan traveling north on West 29 Street struck a bicyclist who was changing lanes westbound near 8 Avenue. The sedan's left front bumper hit the bike's center front end. The 45-year-old male cyclist was ejected and sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted in the data. The cyclist was wearing a helmet. The report does not assign fault to the injured rider.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4513032 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 22-year-old woman was struck by a taxi making a right turn on West 42 Street. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The driver failed to yield and was inattentive. The victim suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was left in shock.

According to the police report, a taxi making a right turn on West 42 Street in Manhattan struck a 22-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing with the signal. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot and was reported to be in shock. The report lists driver errors as 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The taxi showed no visible damage, and the driver was licensed. The pedestrian was not at fault and had no visible complaints at the scene.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4515679 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A sedan slammed into the back of another car on 12 Avenue. The driver, a 31-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely. No pedestrians or cyclists were hurt.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old woman driving a sedan rear-ended another vehicle on 12 Avenue near West 34 Street in Manhattan. She suffered neck injuries and whiplash, and was in shock at the scene. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The crash happened at 18:08. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The impact struck the center back end of the car ahead. Systemic danger remains for all on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4511708 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A Toyota sedan sliced across lanes on 11th Avenue. Metal shrieked. The driver, 36, took a burn to the eye. Blood ran. Smoke rose from the wreck. He stayed awake. The city moved on.

A Toyota sedan crashed near 11th Avenue and West 22nd Street in Manhattan. The driver, a 36-year-old man, suffered a severe burn and eye injury. According to the police report, the crash involved 'Unsafe Lane Changing.' The report states, 'A Toyota sedan cut lanes. Metal screamed. The driver, 36, sat burned and bleeding from the eye.' No other injuries were specified. The data lists 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as the contributing factor. No mention of helmet or signal use appears in the report. The crash left the driver conscious but hurt, as smoke curled from the crumpled front of the car.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4509583 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

City wants to loosen idling rules. Community Board 4 says no. Advocates warn of dirtier air, sicker kids. DEP claims clarity, but enforcement already weak. Spectrum wants a break. No one supports it. Drivers idle near playgrounds, hospitals. Danger grows.

On March 4, 2022, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) held a public hearing on a proposed rule change to New York City's vehicle idling law. The change would broaden the definition of 'processing device,' letting more vehicles idle legally. Manhattan Community Board 4 voted unanimously to reject the change, warning, 'These exemptions... would create an argument that just about any activity that requires power in a vehicle is an idling defense.' State Sen. Brad Hoylman testified, 'Drivers most often idle in front of highly trafficked pedestrian areas... those that live near large roadways face serious health repercussions.' Advocates, residents, and Dr. Patrick Schnell all opposed the proposal, citing health and environmental harm. Spectrum requested a variance, but all testimony opposed it. The DEP claims the change clarifies the law, but enforcement is already weak and large companies are frequent violators. No safety analyst assessment was provided.

• AIRBORNE ASSAULT: City Considers Weakening Idling Law that Will Lead to More Pollution, Advocates Say, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-04

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 2022-03-02

A sedan struck a bicyclist from behind on West 42 Street in Manhattan. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited the sedan driver for following too closely. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from the bike.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on West 42 Street rear-ended a bicyclist also traveling east. The bicyclist, a 49-year-old man, sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the sedan driver failed to maintain a safe distance. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The sedan showed no damage, while the bike sustained front-end damage. The bicyclist remained conscious and was not ejected from the vehicle. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4505920 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A man on West 22 Street was struck by a parked bike at night. He suffered a head injury and minor bleeding. The crash caused shock and confusion. The bike showed no damage. The pedestrian’s actions contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured after colliding with a bike on West 22 Street in Manhattan. The pedestrian sustained a head injury with minor bleeding and was in shock. The bike was parked before the crash and showed no damage after impact. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. No driver errors were noted. The pedestrian’s role and actions at the intersection remain unknown. The driver was licensed and the bike was traveling north. The crash highlights confusion or error on the pedestrian’s part, with no damage to the bike or driver fault indicated.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4505931 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

Kwok Kwan, an e-cyclist, died after a taxi passenger doored him on 11th Avenue. No summons issued. The strip is notorious for crashes. Council Member Bottcher and Senator Hoylman rallied for protected bike lanes. The city’s deadly streets claim more lives.

On February 16, 2022, e-bike rider Kwok Kwan died after being doored by a taxi passenger on Manhattan’s 11th Avenue near 37th Street. No summons was issued to the driver or passenger for the illegal act. The area, plagued by 913 crashes in three years, has injured dozens of cyclists and pedestrians. Council Member Erik Bottcher and State Senator Brad Hoylman responded by rallying with advocacy groups, demanding protected bike lanes on 10th and 11th avenues. Hoylman tweeted, 'The City must make the streets of the West Side safer!' The Hudson River Greenway, a nearby bike path, bans legal e-bikes, forcing riders like Kwan onto dangerous streets. This was the city’s first cyclist death of 2022, amid a rising toll of road fatalities.

• E-Cyclist Dies After Being Doored On Deadly West Side Strip, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-02-16

A sedan turning right on West 34 Street hit a 40-year-old woman crossing with the signal. The impact injured her knee, lower leg, and foot. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as the cause. The pedestrian suffered bruises but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 2021 Alfa sedan was making a right turn on West 34 Street in Manhattan when it struck a 40-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruises. The report lists failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor for the crash. The driver was licensed and traveling eastbound. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4503561 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

Manhattan lawmakers call for seats at Moynihan Train Hall. Passengers sit on floors. Seniors left standing. Officials say exclusionary design punishes transit users. They demand benches for all, not just ticketed riders. Amtrak stays silent. The hall remains bare.

On February 4, 2022, a group of Manhattan elected officials, including State Senator Brad Hoylman, sent a letter demanding public seating at Moynihan Train Hall. The matter, titled 'Legislators Demand Public Seating at the Moynihan Train Hall,' highlights the lack of benches in the busy transit hub. The letter states, 'To ensure everyone can enjoy this public good, we request the installation of additional seating.' Lawmakers Hoylman, Nadler, Jackson, Gottfried, Levine, and Bottcher signed the letter. They note that the small waiting area for ticketed passengers is not enough, forcing travelers—especially seniors—to sit on the floor or wander in search of a seat. The officials reject exclusionary design that targets unhoused people, urging services and outreach instead. Amtrak has not responded. The push for seating centers the needs of all passengers, especially the vulnerable.

• STANDING ORDER: Legislators Demand Public Seating at the Moynihan Train Hall, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-02-04

State lawmakers push to end mandatory parking in new buildings. The bill targets car dominance, aims to cut congestion, and free space for homes. Sen. Hoylman leads the charge. The move could shift city streets, making room for people, not just cars.

Senate Bill, introduced by Sen. Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan), would ban cities from forcing developers to build off-street parking in new projects. The bill, considered as of January 31, 2022, is under review by the state legislature. The measure, described as aiming to 'encourage public transit use, reduce car ownership, and address climate change,' would give New York City 180 days to update zoning if passed. Sen. Hoylman, the sponsor, calls parking minimums 'backwards' and a barrier to affordable housing. Sen. Alessandra Biaggi (D-Bronx) has shown support for similar efforts. The Department of City Planning and the governor's office will review the legislation if it advances. The bill does not ban parking outright, but removes the mandate, letting developers decide. Advocates say this could lower costs and open space for housing or community needs.

• State Bill Would Eliminate Parking Minimums in the City, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-01-31

A 23-year-old bicyclist was ejected and injured after a collision with a sedan starting from parking on West 34th Street. The cyclist suffered abrasions and lower arm injuries. The crash involved driver distraction and inattention on both sides.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male bicyclist was injured and ejected after colliding with a sedan on West 34th Street in Manhattan. The sedan was starting from parking while the bicyclist was traveling eastbound. The point of impact was the sedan's left front bumper and the bike's right rear bumper. The bicyclist suffered abrasions and injuries to the elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both the bicyclist and the sedan driver. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4496741 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 66-year-old man rode south on West 37th. His bike hit broken pavement. He flew off, struck his head, and died on the street. Blood marked the spot. The nearby taxi never touched him. The city’s streets claimed another life.

A 66-year-old cyclist was killed on West 37th Street near 11th Avenue in Manhattan. According to the police report, the man hit broken pavement, was ejected from his bike, and suffered a fatal head injury. The report states, 'The nearby taxi never touched him. He died where he fell.' The only contributing factor listed is 'Pavement Defective.' No driver errors or vehicle contact were reported. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, which is noted after the primary cause. This crash highlights the lethal danger of neglected street conditions for vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4495187 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A Nissan SUV struck a Volkswagen sedan from behind on West 19 Street in Manhattan. The sedan’s driver, a 29-year-old man, suffered upper arm injuries and shock. Police cited alcohol involvement and traffic control disregard by the sedan driver.

According to the police report, a Nissan SUV traveling west collided with the rear left side of a Volkswagen sedan heading north on West 19 Street. The sedan’s 29-year-old male driver, restrained by a lap belt, sustained upper arm injuries and was in shock. The report lists alcohol involvement and traffic control disregard as contributing factors linked to the sedan driver. The SUV driver was licensed and driving straight ahead. The sedan driver held only a permit. The impact damaged the sedan’s center front end and the SUV’s left rear quarter panel. No ejections occurred. Four occupants were in the sedan; one was in the SUV.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4495185 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A sedan making a left turn struck an 18-year-old male bicyclist going north on West 20 Street. The cyclist was ejected and suffered abrasions and hip-upper leg injuries. Both drivers were unlicensed. The sedan’s right front bumper was damaged.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west made a left turn and collided with a northbound bicycle on West 20 Street. The bicyclist, an 18-year-old male, was ejected from his bike and sustained abrasions and injuries to his hip and upper leg. The sedan’s right front bumper and center front end were damaged. Both drivers were unlicensed at the time of the crash. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the crash, but the sedan’s left turn and unlicensed status are notable. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No blame is assigned to the victim.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4494121 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16