Hell’s Kitchen Bleeds—Lower the Limit, Save a Life

Three new elevators now run at 14th Street. Riders with disabilities can reach platforms once blocked. The overhaul cost $300 million. More elevators are coming. But 23 other stations wait, stalled by lost congestion pricing funds. Access remains uneven. Riders pay the price.

On August 22, 2024, construction finished on three new elevators at the 14th Street subway complex, serving the F, M, and L lines, with connections to the 1, 2, and 3. The project, a $300 million overhaul, is part of ongoing MTA accessibility efforts. State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who represents District 47, praised the work: "There is a fundamental right to access mass transit. And today we are taking an important step forward in making that right real to all New Yorkers." The upgrades will make the complex fully accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Still, 23 other stations remain on hold after congestion pricing was paused, freezing $15 billion in planned improvements. Only 30% of stations are accessible. The future for vulnerable riders is uncertain without new funding.

• Construction finished on three new elevators at 14th Street subway complex, amny.com, Published 2024-08-22

State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal stands firm. He says New York needs congestion pricing. The governor paused the $15 toll. Lawmakers debate lower fees and exemptions. The MTA’s future hangs in the balance. Vulnerable road users wait for action. Streets stay dangerous.

On August 22, 2024, State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (District 47) joined the debate over New York’s congestion pricing plan. The original $15 toll was paused by Governor Hochul in June. Now, officials consider a lower toll or alternatives to fund the MTA. Hoylman-Sigal said, 'we need congestion pricing.' The matter, titled 'MTA boss ‘thrilled’ Kathy Hochul eyeing lower congestion toll after NY gov indefinitely paused controversial scheme,' highlights the urgency of MTA financing. Assemblywoman Deborah Glick noted Hochul’s commitment to a replacement plan. The bill’s status remains in flux, with no committee or vote recorded. The safety impact for vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, passengers—was not assessed. The city’s most at-risk remain exposed as leaders argue over dollars and cars.

• MTA boss ‘thrilled’ Kathy Hochul eyeing lower congestion toll after NY gov indefinitely paused controversial scheme, nypost.com, Published 2024-08-22

City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

A 22-year-old female bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries when an SUV making a left turn hit her on West 43rd Street in Manhattan. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing a collision that bruised the cyclist but left her conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:14 on West 43rd Street in Manhattan. A 2017 Honda SUV, driven by a licensed male driver, was making a left turn when it struck a 22-year-old female bicyclist traveling northwest. The point of impact was the right side doors of the SUV. The bicyclist sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver did not yield to the bicyclist. No other contributing factors were specified for the bicyclist. Vehicle damage was limited to the SUV's right side doors, and the bicycle showed no damage. This collision highlights the dangers posed by driver errors during turning maneuvers in shared traffic spaces.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4747173 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A taxi made an unsafe lane change on 11 Avenue, striking a 35-year-old woman crossing with the signal. The impact injured her knee and lower leg. The driver was making a left turn when the crash occurred, causing left front bumper damage.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling south on 11 Avenue was making a left turn when it executed an unsafe lane change. This driver error led to a collision with a 35-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The taxi's left front bumper was damaged at the center front end impact point. The report explicitly cites 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed and operating a 2016 Nissan taxi at the time. This incident highlights the dangers posed by improper lane maneuvers in busy Manhattan intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4750218 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan traveling north struck a pedestrian on West 47th Street in Manhattan. The driver, a 51-year-old man, suffered shock and injuries. The police report cites pedestrian confusion as a contributing factor, with no vehicle damage reported.

According to the police report, a 51-year-old male driver operating a 2021 Toyota sedan was traveling north on West 47th Street near 10 Avenue in Manhattan at 10:45 AM. The vehicle's left front bumper made contact with a pedestrian. The driver was restrained with a lap belt and was not ejected from the vehicle. The driver sustained injuries and was in shock. The report identifies 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor to the crash. There was no damage to the vehicle. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are cited in the report. The focus remains on the pedestrian's confusion as noted by the police, with no blame assigned to the victim.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4753644 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A pedestrian was injured at a Manhattan intersection when a pick-up truck backed unsafely. The truck struck the pedestrian with its left rear bumper. The victim was incoherent and suffered unknown injuries. The driver’s unsafe backing caused the crash.

According to the police report, a pick-up truck traveling west on West 50 Street in Manhattan was backing unsafely near 8 Avenue around 10:27 p.m. The vehicle struck a male pedestrian located at the intersection. The point of impact was the truck's left rear bumper, which also sustained damage. The pedestrian was injured and found incoherent at the scene, with injury severity rated as serious but unspecified. The report explicitly cites "Backing Unsafely" as the contributing factor to the collision. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle alone. No pedestrian actions or safety equipment were noted as contributing factors. This crash highlights the dangers posed by vehicle operators failing to back safely in busy urban intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4753531 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 53-year-old man crossing West 39th Street was struck by a sedan traveling west. The driver’s inattention caused impact to the pedestrian’s lower leg and foot. The victim suffered abrasions but remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling westbound on West 39th Street collided with a 53-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing outside of a signal or crosswalk. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, described as abrasions, and was conscious after the crash. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, repeated twice, highlighting the driver’s failure to maintain focus. No damage was reported to the vehicle, indicating the collision impact was primarily against the pedestrian. The pedestrian’s crossing behavior was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash underscores the deadly consequences of driver distraction in Manhattan’s streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743515 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council Speaker Adams wavers on using new power to lower speed limits. She calls for district input. Advocates warn: patchwork rules endanger lives. Uniform 20 mph limit saves people. Council delays action as streets stay deadly.

On July 19, 2024, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams addressed the Council’s authority under Sammy’s Law, which lets New York City lower its speed limit. The matter, discussed in Streetsblog, quotes Adams: “Each Council member is going to have to weigh in on how they feel it should be enacted or should not be enacted in their district.” Adams hesitated to commit to a citywide 20 mph limit, instead suggesting community-by-community decisions. Eric McClure of StreetsPAC called this approach “chaotic and dangerous,” pushing for a uniform 20 mph limit to save lives. Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives urged a comprehensive, data-driven plan. State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Brad Hoylman-Sigal pressed the Council to use its new powers. The Department of Transportation clarified its limited authority. The Council’s delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk.

• Speaker Adams: Council May Not Use its ‘Sammy’s Law’ Power to Lower Speed Limits, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-19

New state law forces moped and e-bike sellers to register vehicles, educate buyers, and ban unsafe batteries. Lawmakers say this closes loopholes, shifts blame from workers, and aims to cut rising crashes. Streets see more mopeds, more injuries, more tension.

On July 12, 2024, Governor Hochul signed a package of eight bills into law, including new moped and e-bike safety regulations. The legislation, sponsored by State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Alex Bores, requires retailers to register mopeds at the point of sale, provide safety information, and prohibit the sale of substandard lithium-ion batteries. The law also mandates crash reporting and new safety training for first responders. Hoylman-Sigal said, 'I've received more complaints about the hazards these mopeds cause than just about any other issue.' Bores added, 'By requiring the registration of mopeds at point of sale and the collection of e-bike collision data, we are making our streets safer and increasing accountability.' The law shifts accountability to retailers, aiming to improve street safety without penalizing delivery workers. Council Member Shekar Krishnan and State Senator Liz Kruger also voiced support, highlighting the dangers of unregistered mopeds and the need for better buyer education. The law responds to a sharp rise in moped-related injuries and community complaints across New York City.

• Moped and E-Bike Safety Legislation Becomes State Law, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-12

A 68-year-old woman was struck by an SUV making a left turn on West 49 Street in Manhattan. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle's left front bumper collided with her, causing knee and lower leg injuries.

According to the police report, a 68-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of West 49 Street and 9 Avenue in Manhattan at 16:23. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2023 Cadillac SUV, traveling south and making a left turn, struck her with the vehicle's left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated as 3. The report notes no contributing factors attributed to the pedestrian but indicates unspecified contributing factors. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The collision and resulting injuries highlight the dangers posed by vehicle maneuvers such as left turns at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4740382 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan ran a traffic control and struck a northbound cyclist on West 54th. The rider took the hit to the face. He stayed conscious. The crash left the bike and car scarred. System failed the vulnerable.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on West 54th Street near 11th Avenue in Manhattan struck a 31-year-old male bicyclist riding north. The cyclist suffered facial abrasions and remained conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a driver error, showing the sedan driver failed to obey signals or signs. 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' was also noted as a factor. The sedan's right front bumper and the bike's right front quarter panel were damaged. The cyclist wore a helmet. The report does not assign blame to the injured rider beyond the noted confusion.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4738329 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

State senators debate cutting the $15 congestion toll. Brad Hoylman-Sigal backs a lower fee if safety and transit gains hold. Liz Krueger wants $1 billion for the MTA. Jabari Brisport slams the rushed process. Trump vows to kill the tolls.

On July 2, 2024, state lawmakers, including Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (District 47), discussed reducing the $15 base congestion pricing fee. The debate, reported by Gothamist, centers on whether a lower toll could unfreeze the program while still funding the MTA. Hoylman-Sigal said, "Nobody's wedded to $15. We are wedded to the improvements that congestion pricing will provide for mass transit or safety on our streets for cleaner air." Sen. Liz Krueger is open to a new fee if it raises $1 billion yearly. Sen. Jabari Brisport criticized the lack of study and feedback in the process, calling it "irresponsible." Any change needs legislative, MTA, and federal approval. Trump has promised to end congestion pricing if elected. No formal safety analysis was provided for vulnerable road users.

• NY lawmakers weigh lower congestion pricing fee – but Trump could kill tolls if elected, gothamist.com, Published 2024-07-02

Albany stalls. The MTA faces a $15 billion hole. Lawmakers argue over reviving congestion pricing with a lower toll. Transit hangs in the balance. Streets stay clogged. Riders and walkers wait for answers. No fix. No funding. Danger lingers.

On July 2, 2024, state lawmakers, including Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (District 47), debated the future of congestion pricing and MTA funding. The matter, reported as 'MTA in dark over Gov. Hochul’s talks to revive congestion pricing with lower tolls,' highlights confusion and division. Hoylman-Sigal supports lowering the toll, saying, 'The goal should be mend it don’t end it.' He urges keeping the program alive to save mass transit. Sen. Liz Krueger is open to tweaks if goals are met. Assemblyman Gary Pretlow opposes any revival. The MTA faces a $15 billion shortfall after the program’s pause. Policy experts warn that lowering the toll could weaken congestion relief and transit funding. No clear plan exists. Vulnerable road users remain at risk as gridlock and uncertainty persist.

• MTA in dark over Gov. Hochul’s talks to revive congestion pricing with lower tolls: ‘I don’t know anything’, nypost.com, Published 2024-07-02

City leaders cut the ribbon on Plaza33. Once a car-choked block, now a pedestrian haven. Trees, tables, and open space replace exhaust and noise. Years of work. A new chapter for Midtown. People walk, sit, and breathe. Cars banished. Safety reclaimed.

On June 27, 2024, city officials and civic leaders marked the completion of Plaza33, a pedestrian plaza on 33rd Street by Penn Station. The event capped years of transformation, turning a block once 'full of cars and trucks' into a car-free space. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Assembly Member Tony Simone, and Council Member Erik Bottcher attended the ribbon-cutting. Levine recalled, 'I remember the battle over transforming this space and all the people who said that it would clog up traffic all over Midtown if we turned this street over to people and here we are and it's gorgeous.' Vornado Realty Trust funded the $65-million project with the Department of Transportation. The plaza, now permanent, offers 16,000 square feet for pedestrians, with trees, seating, and public programming. The change removes cars from a busy Midtown block, giving vulnerable road users safe, open ground.

• Penn Station Block Completes Years-Long Transformation into ‘Plaza33’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-27

E-scooter struck broken pavement on West 44 Street. Rider’s shoulder fractured, arm twisted. Helmet on. No ejection. Road defect, not rider, caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 41-year-old man riding an e-scooter east on West 44 Street near 11 Avenue in Manhattan was injured at 8:17 AM. The rider suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder and upper arm. The report lists 'Pavement Defective' and 'Shoulders Defective/Improper' as contributing factors. The e-scooter hit the defect and sustained center front end damage. The rider was licensed in New Jersey and wore a helmet, as noted in the report. No driver error was cited. The crash highlights the danger of defective road conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4736087 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A car moving east on West 58th Street struck a 29-year-old woman head-on before sunrise. Her body was crushed. She died alone in the street, unnamed, as the city slept. The impact left silence and loss in its wake.

According to the police report, a woman was walking in the roadway near West 58th Street and Ninth Avenue in Manhattan at 3:41 a.m. when an eastbound car struck her head-on. The report states her body was crushed and she died at the scene, 29 years old, alone in the dark. The vehicle's point of impact was the center front end, and the car was traveling straight ahead. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified' for both the driver and the pedestrian. No information is provided about the vehicle type or the driver. The victim's actions are described as 'Other Actions in Roadway,' but the report does not cite any pedestrian behavior as a contributing factor. The deadly force of the car and the lack of identified driver error in the report highlight the systemic dangers faced by pedestrians on city streets, especially in the early hours.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4735641 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 66-year-old man suffered abrasions and full-body injuries after an e-bike traveling east struck him while he crossed with the signal near West 58th Street. The e-bike showed no damage, highlighting the force of impact on the pedestrian.

According to the police report, an e-bike traveling eastbound on West 58th Street struck a 66-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing with the signal but not at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his entire body, classified as injury severity level 3. The e-bike had no reported damage, indicating a significant impact on the pedestrian. The report lists the pedestrian's contributing factors as unspecified, and no driver errors such as failure to yield or other violations were explicitly cited. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. This incident underscores the dangers posed by e-bikes to pedestrians, even when crossing legally.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4733798 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 29-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured with a shoulder contusion after colliding with an SUV making a right turn on West 51 Street. The SUV showed no damage. The bicyclist wore a helmet and remained conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:15 on West 51 Street in Manhattan. The SUV, driven by a licensed male driver, was making a right turn southwest when it collided with a bicyclist traveling straight ahead southbound. The bicyclist, a 29-year-old male wearing a helmet, was ejected from his bike and sustained an upper arm and shoulder contusion, classified as injury severity level 3. The SUV sustained no damage and had no occupants other than the driver. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any driver errors explicitly. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash. The impact point was noted as 'Other' on the bike, indicating a collision location not on the vehicle's front or side. No pedestrian or victim fault is indicated in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4733712 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07