Hell’s Kitchen Bleeds: City Stalls, Bodies Fall

A 22-year-old male bicyclist suffered a severe arm fracture after a collision on 11 Avenue. The cyclist was unhelmeted and injured but conscious. The motorist was unlicensed, traveling southbound, and struck the cyclist’s right front quarter panel.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:50 on 11 Avenue near West 51 Street in Manhattan. A 22-year-old male bicyclist, traveling southbound without a helmet, was injured with a fractured elbow, lower arm, and hand. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from the bike. The collision involved a vehicle traveling straight ahead southbound that impacted the bicyclist on the vehicle’s right front quarter panel. The driver of the vehicle was unlicensed in New York, indicating a critical driver error contributing to the crash. No other contributing factors were specified. The bicyclist’s lack of helmet use was noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The report highlights the dangers posed by unlicensed drivers to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4722668 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

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

A moped rider crashed headfirst into a parked SUV on Ninth Avenue. Blood pooled beneath his helmet. He stayed conscious, wounded and dazed, as streetlights flickered onto the cold Manhattan night.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old moped rider traveling south on 9th Avenue near West 58th Street struck the left side doors of a parked SUV. The narrative states, 'A moped struck a parked SUV. The rider, 29, hit headfirst. Blood seeped from his helmet. He stayed conscious.' The report lists 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' as a contributing factor, indicating the moped rider responded to another vehicle's actions before the crash. The SUV was stationary at the time, with no damage reported. The injured rider suffered severe head bleeding but remained conscious. The police report notes the use of a helmet by the rider. No driver errors from the parked SUV are cited; the focus remains on the chain of events triggered by traffic conditions and the presence of large, stationary vehicles on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700582 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 76-year-old woman suffered facial contusions when an SUV backing south on West 44th Street hit her. The driver’s unsafe backing and limited view caused the collision. The pedestrian remained conscious but injured in Manhattan’s busy streets.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:01 on West 44th Street in Manhattan. A 2009 Hyundai SUV, driven by a licensed female driver from New Jersey, was backing south when it struck a 76-year-old female pedestrian. The report cites 'Backing Unsafely' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained facial contusions and bruises but remained conscious. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicle. No vehicle damage was reported. The collision underscores the dangers posed by driver errors during backing maneuvers in crowded urban environments, especially when visibility is compromised.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700573 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A van backing east collided with a westbound bicyclist on West 53rd Street in Manhattan. The 25-year-old cyclist was ejected and suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The crash involved confusion or error by the bicyclist, according to police.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:15 on West 53rd Street in Manhattan. A 2013 van was backing east when it struck a 25-year-old male bicyclist traveling westbound. The bicyclist, wearing a helmet, was ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor, indicating the cyclist's actions played a role. The van's point of impact was the center back end, confirming it was backing at the time of collision. The driver held a valid New York license. The report does not assign fault to the bicyclist but highlights the van driver's backing maneuver and the bicyclist's confusion as central to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700571 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A male cyclist traveling east on West 43rd Street struck a 58-year-old female pedestrian. The pedestrian suffered an upper arm injury. The bike showed no damage. Contributing factors remain unspecified according to the police report.

According to the police report, a licensed male cyclist riding a bike eastbound on West 43rd Street collided with a 58-year-old female pedestrian. The pedestrian was injured, sustaining an upper arm injury classified as internal and moderate severity. The point of impact was the center front end of the bike. The bike sustained no damage. The report lists contributing factors for the pedestrian as unspecified, and no driver errors or violations are explicitly cited. The pedestrian’s location and actions are marked as not applicable, and no safety equipment or behavioral factors are noted. The report focuses on the collision details without attributing fault or specifying driver errors such as failure to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700426 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Sedan and box truck collided on West 54 Street. Sedan driver suffered neck injury and whiplash. Both vehicles moved south. Truck undamaged. Sedan’s front quarter crushed. Police list no driver errors.

According to the police report, a sedan and a box truck collided at 7:10 AM on West 54 Street near 10 Avenue in Manhattan. Both vehicles traveled south and struck left front quarter panels. The sedan driver, a 37-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. The box truck showed no damage. The sedan’s left front quarter panel was crushed. Police list contributing factors as unspecified, with no driver errors identified. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention any victim actions contributing to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701729 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

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

Three sedans traveling north on 12 Avenue collided near West 51 Street. Two men suffered moderate injuries, including bruises and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as key factors in the crash’s cause.

According to the police report, at 11:40 p.m., three sedans traveling northbound on 12 Avenue near West 51 Street collided. The vehicles involved were a 2011 BMW, a 2019 Honda, and a 2012 BMW. The report identifies "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a contributing factor to the crash. Two male occupants were injured: a 34-year-old driver with contusions to his elbow and lower arm, and a 43-year-old passenger suffering whiplash and shock. Both were conscious and not ejected from their vehicles. The 2012 BMW driver was unlicensed, adding to the systemic danger. The point of impact for the vehicles was the center front and back ends, indicating a chain-reaction collision. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement was reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698075 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A southbound SUV struck the right rear bumper of a sedan on West 44th Street in Manhattan. The sedan’s 23-year-old female driver suffered hip and upper leg injuries, experiencing shock. Both vehicles were damaged at impact points.

According to the police report, at 18:20 on West 44th Street in Manhattan, a 2019 Toyota SUV traveling south collided with the right rear bumper of a southbound sedan. The SUV’s left front bumper and the sedan’s right rear bumper sustained damage. The sedan’s driver, a 23-year-old woman, was injured with internal complaints and hip-upper leg injuries, and was not ejected from the vehicle. She was wearing a lap belt and experienced shock. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the sedan driver but does not specify driver errors or contributing factors for the SUV driver. The collision occurred while both vehicles were going straight ahead. The report does not indicate any pedestrian or cyclist involvement.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698659 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

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

A 56-year-old man suffered a head injury inside a van on 9th Avenue. The van showed no damage. The passenger was conscious but hurt. No driver errors listed. Harm came even without a wreck.

According to the police report, a crash took place at 14:25 on 9th Avenue in Manhattan involving a 2014 van traveling south. The van, registered in Indiana and driven by a licensed New Jersey driver, showed no visible damage. A 56-year-old male passenger inside the van suffered a head contusion and bruising but remained conscious. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The injury occurred inside the vehicle, with no external collision damage noted. This case highlights the risk of injury to vehicle occupants even when no crash damage is apparent.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697224 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

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

A city meeting on curb space in the Upper West Side erupted. Residents, fueled by rumors, demanded parking rights. City officials denied plans to remove all parking. The DOT sought input for safer, smarter curb use. Tension filled the room. No consensus reached.

On January 9, 2024, the Department of Transportation (DOT) hosted a public meeting on the Upper West Side to discuss the 'Smart Curbs' pilot program. The event, held at a W. 84th Street school, was the first outreach for a study on curb management. The DOT described the meeting as a chance to 'help craft a proposal' and denied any plan to eliminate all parking. Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'We wanted to start here, in this pilot project, listening from the community on how we reimagine the community.' Residents, spurred by misinformation, confronted officials and voiced fears over losing parking. Some, like Andy Rosenthal, supported loading zones. Others, like activist Andrew Fine, rejected the process outright. The meeting highlighted deep divides over curb use, but also the urgent need to address double parking and blocked bike lanes that endanger pedestrians and cyclists.

• Upper West Side Meeting on Curb Space Management Turns Into Heated Dispute, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-09

A 29-year-old bicyclist suffered full-body injuries and minor bleeding after a collision with a parked sedan on 9th Avenue in Manhattan. The sedan was damaged on its left side doors. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet and experienced shock.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:34 on 9th Avenue near zip code 10036 in Manhattan. A 29-year-old male bicyclist, traveling south, collided with a 2023 BMW sedan that was parked before the crash. The point of impact was the sedan's left side doors and the bike's center front end. The bicyclist sustained injuries to his entire body, including minor bleeding, and was reported to be in shock. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet at the time. The report lists the bicyclist's contributing factors as unspecified, and no driver errors or contributing factors were explicitly cited for the sedan driver. The sedan driver was licensed and from New Jersey. The crash highlights the danger posed by parked vehicles and the vulnerability of bicyclists in such collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692281 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

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