Hell’s Kitchen Bleeds: City Stalls, Bodies Fall

Sep 1 - Two sedans collided on West 39th Street in Manhattan. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered neck injuries and shock. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Both vehicles were traveling westbound when the crash occurred.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:56 AM on West 39th Street, Manhattan. Two sedans traveling westbound collided when the rear vehicle struck the right rear bumper of the front vehicle. The driver of the rear sedan, a 32-year-old male wearing a lap belt, was injured with neck pain and experienced shock. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The front vehicle was stopped in traffic, while the rear vehicle was going straight ahead before impact. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision caused damage primarily to the right rear bumper of the rear vehicle and the left front bumper of the front vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4752565 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 28 - SUV door swung open. Cyclist struck. Head bruised. Driver distracted. Manhattan street. No helmet listed. Crash left cyclist conscious, hurting. Metal missed damage. Human did not.

According to the police report, a 49-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a parked SUV struck him on the left side doors near West 49th Street in Manhattan at 17:40. The cyclist, traveling west, was passing the SUV when the impact occurred. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the SUV driver. The bicyclist suffered a head contusion but remained conscious and was not ejected. No safety equipment was noted for the cyclist, but this was not listed as a contributing factor. The SUV showed no damage. The crash highlights the danger distracted drivers pose to people on bikes in city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4753192 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 27 - An 81-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by a northbound sedan making a left turn on West 40 Street. The driver’s inattention and improper lane usage caused a hip and upper leg injury, leaving the pedestrian in shock and pain.

According to the police report, an 81-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of West 40 Street and 8 Avenue in Manhattan at 16:12. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a northbound sedan, making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The report cites driver errors including "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as contributing factors. The pedestrian suffered a hip and upper leg injury, was in shock, and complained of pain or nausea. The vehicle sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2009 Cadillac sedan with two occupants. The report does not attribute any fault or contributing factor to the pedestrian’s actions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4752005 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 22 - 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

Aug 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

Aug 18 - A bus turned left at West 42nd and 8th. Steel met flesh. A young woman’s leg split open. Blood pooled on the concrete. Neon lights flickered overhead. The bus rolled on, unscathed. She lay in shock, pain radiating through her broken limb.

A young woman, age 20, was struck and severely injured by a bus making a left turn at the intersection of West 42nd Street and 8th Avenue in Manhattan, according to the police report. The report states the bus was traveling east and turning left when it hit the pedestrian, resulting in a severe leg injury and significant bleeding. The victim lay in shock beneath the neon lights, her injury described as 'knee-lower leg foot' trauma. The bus sustained no damage, and the driver, licensed in Virginia, was the sole occupant. The police report lists 'unspecified' as the contributing factors for both the driver and the pedestrian. The narrative notes the woman was 'crossing against the light,' but no driver errors such as 'Failure to Yield' are cited in the report. The focus remains on the impact and the systemic risks at busy intersections where large vehicles and pedestrians converge.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4748679 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 17 - Sedan veered, struck parked box truck in Manhattan. Driver hurt, neck and whiplash. Police cite improper lane use. Truck stood still, metal bent. Morning crash, sharp impact.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 10th Avenue collided with a parked box truck near 610 10 Avenue in Manhattan at 5:47 AM. The sedan, while changing lanes, struck the truck's right front quarter panel. The sedan driver, a 39-year-old man, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error by the sedan operator. The box truck was stationary before the crash. No other contributing factors or victim actions were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4748649 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 15 - 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

Aug 14 - Two buses collided on 12 Avenue. Unsafe lane change by a bus driver sent three children and a driver to the hospital with head injuries. Metal crumpled. No one was ejected. The street bore the mark.

According to the police report, two buses collided on 12 Avenue in Manhattan at 16:35. One bus made an unsafe lane change. Four people were hurt: three children, ages 5, 6, and 8, and a 42-year-old male driver. All suffered head injuries, including contusions, whiplash, and abrasions. No one was ejected. The report lists 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as the driver error. Vehicle damage hit the left rear bumper of one bus and the right front bumper of the other. No contributing factors were attributed to the passengers. The crash shows the danger of reckless maneuvers by heavy vehicles on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4748808 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 10 - 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 2025-09-19

Aug 10 - 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 2025-09-19

Aug 10 - 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 2025-09-19

Aug 8 - 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 2025-09-19

Jul 27 - 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 2025-09-19

Jul 23 - An 18-year-old bicyclist suffered abrasions and arm injuries after a NJ-licensed SUV made a left turn and struck him on West 57 Street. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, impacting the bike’s front and the SUV’s right side doors.

According to the police report, a 2018 Mazda SUV, driven by a licensed male driver from New Jersey, was making a left turn on West 57 Street in Manhattan around 16:05 when it collided with an 18-year-old male bicyclist traveling eastbound. The point of impact was the right side doors of the SUV and the center front end of the bike. The bicyclist sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity 3. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from the bike. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers making left turns in busy city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4742495 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 23 - An inattentive SUV driver struck a 31-year-old man crossing West 40 Street at a marked crosswalk. The pedestrian suffered full-body injuries and shock. The crash exposed the deadly consequences of driver distraction in Manhattan’s busy streets.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old male pedestrian was crossing West 40 Street at a marked crosswalk without a signal when he was struck by a 2011 Dodge SUV traveling eastbound. The point of impact was the vehicle’s center front end. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his entire body and was in shock at the scene. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor, repeated twice, highlighting the driver’s failure to maintain focus. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. No pedestrian behaviors were listed as contributing factors. This collision underscores the lethal risk posed by distracted driving in Manhattan intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4742607 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 19 - 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

Jul 16 - A 66-year-old woman suffered upper arm injuries and shock after a taxi struck her on 12 Avenue near West 48 Street. The pedestrian was injured with no reported vehicle damage. Police report lists no contributing factors from either party.

According to the police report, a taxi with three occupants struck a 66-year-old female pedestrian on 12 Avenue near West 48 Street in Manhattan at 9:30 AM. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her shoulder and upper arm, experienced shock, and complained of pain or nausea. The taxi showed no damage and the point of impact was recorded as 'No Damage.' The report does not list any contributing factors such as failure to yield or driver error, nor does it indicate any pedestrian actions contributing to the crash. The victim was not ejected and no safety equipment or crossing signals were noted as factors. The incident highlights the vulnerability of pedestrians even when no clear driver fault is documented.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4744628 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 13 - A sedan making a left turn collided with an e-bike rider traveling west on West 57th Street in Manhattan. The 38-year-old bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg contusions. The sedan sustained damage to its left front quarter panel.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:50 near West 57th Street in Manhattan. A sedan traveling southwest was making a left turn when it struck an e-bike rider traveling west. The point of impact was the left front quarter panel of the sedan and the right front quarter panel of the e-bike. The 38-year-old male bicyclist was injured, sustaining contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He was conscious and not ejected from his vehicle. The sedan driver was licensed in New York. The report does not specify contributing factors but indicates the sedan was turning left, a maneuver often associated with failure to yield to oncoming traffic. No safety equipment was reported on the bicyclist, but no contributing factor was assigned to that. The sedan sustained damage to its left front quarter panel, while the e-bike showed no damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4741389 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 12 - 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