Hell’s Kitchen Bleeds: City Stalls, Bodies Fall

A bus and a bicyclist collided on West 54th Street in Manhattan. The 25-year-old male cyclist was ejected and suffered bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. Both vehicles were traveling north and impacted on their sides.

According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle collided on West 54th Street near 12 Avenue in Manhattan. The bicyclist, a 25-year-old man, was ejected from his bike and sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead northbound when the collision occurred, impacting the left side doors of the bike and the right side doors of the bus. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4660560 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 26-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured in a collision with a sedan on West 46th Street in Manhattan. The cyclist suffered bruises and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The sedan’s front center hit the bike’s left side doors.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on West 46th Street struck a bicyclist also traveling east. The bicyclist, a 26-year-old man, was ejected from his bike and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor to the crash. The sedan’s front center impacted the left side doors of the bike. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The driver of the sedan was licensed and driving straight ahead at the time of the crash. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4660055 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

SUV turned right, struck e-bike on West 53rd. Rider, 23, suffered arm abrasions. Police cite driver distraction. Impact hit bike’s front, SUV’s right quarter. Cyclist stayed conscious. Manhattan street, broad daylight.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male e-bike rider was injured when a 2016 SUV turned right and struck him on West 53rd Street in Manhattan. The cyclist suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. He remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The SUV’s right front quarter hit the bike’s center front end. The report also notes pedestrian or bicyclist confusion. Driver distraction stands out as a key error in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4657972 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A sedan made a left turn on West 53 Street and struck a westbound e-bike. The bicyclist, a 57-year-old man, suffered bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The driver showed signs of inattention and distraction. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a sedan was making a left turn on West 53 Street when it collided with an e-bike traveling straight west. The bicyclist, a 57-year-old man wearing a helmet, was injured with contusions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan's point of impact was the left front bumper, while the e-bike was hit at its center back end. Neither vehicle sustained damage. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from his bike. The driver held a valid New York license. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4657192 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Delivery workers ride mopeds on dangerous streets. Tech giants profit. City infrastructure lags. Cars and trucks kill most. Enforcement is scattershot. Officials call for safe lanes, charging stations, and real accountability. The crisis demands a fix beyond punishing workers.

This policy debate, published August 23, 2023, analyzes New York City’s 'moped crisis.' The article, reviewed by Streetsblog NYC, highlights systemic failures: unsafe streets, lack of charging infrastructure, and tech companies shifting risk onto underpaid delivery workers. Council Member Alexa Aviles urges rapid expansion of e-bike charging stations and blames corporate greed. State Senators Jessica Ramos and Brad Hoylman-Sigal call for industry accountability and a standardized, safe delivery vehicle. The matter summary states, 'The city needs a systemic fix, justice for workers and accountability by tech giants.' Advocacy groups reject punitive crackdowns on workers, pushing instead for expanded bike lanes and public infrastructure. The piece concludes that only a multi-pronged, structural approach—never just enforcement—will protect vulnerable road users and delivery workers alike.

• The Moped Crisis — An Analysis: The City Needs a Systemic Fix, Justice for Workers and Accountability by Tech Giants, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-23

Assembly bill A 7979 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets triggers a speed limiter. Lawmakers move to curb repeat danger. No more unchecked speeding. Streets demand it.

Assembly bill A 7979, now in sponsorship, sits before the New York State Assembly. Introduced August 18, 2023, it 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during an eighteen month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Assemblymember Emily Gallagher leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, Tony Simone, Jo Anne Simon, and others. The bill aims to force chronic speeders to slow down. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear: rein in repeat offenders, protect those outside the car.

• File A 7979, Open States, Published 2023-08-18

A 35-year-old man crossing at a marked crosswalk was hit by a southbound moped. The rider was unlicensed and distracted. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was left in shock, complaining of pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a moped traveling south struck a pedestrian crossing at a marked crosswalk near 621 9 Avenue in Manhattan. The pedestrian, a 35-year-old male, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock with complaints of pain and nausea. The report lists the primary contributing factor as driver inattention or distraction. The moped driver was unlicensed and traveling straight ahead when the collision occurred, impacting the pedestrian on the left front quarter panel of the vehicle. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or pedestrian error were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655167 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A man on a Bravo motorcycle crashed northbound on 8th Avenue before dawn. He flew headfirst, helmeted, into the dark. The front end crushed. He lay bleeding, unconscious, ejected from the wreck. One rider. One silence.

A 36-year-old man riding a 2016 Bravo motorcycle was severely injured in a crash on 8th Avenue near 47th Street in Manhattan at 4:06 a.m. According to the police report, the rider was ejected, suffered a head injury, and was found unconscious and bleeding. The report states, 'A man on a 2016 Bravo motorcycle flew headfirst into the dark. Helmeted, bleeding, unconscious. The front crushed, the rear torn.' The motorcycle was traveling northbound when the crash occurred. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The rider was wearing a helmet, as noted in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653274 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

An SUV backing from a parked position struck a southbound sedan on 8th Avenue in Manhattan. The sedan driver, a 28-year-old man, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited unsafe lane changing and unsafe speed as contributing factors.

According to the police report, a 2018 Ford SUV backing out from a parked position on 8th Avenue collided with a 2020 Mercedes sedan traveling south. The sedan's driver, a 28-year-old male occupant, sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report identifies unsafe lane changing and unsafe speed as the driver errors contributing to the crash. The sedan driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The SUV sustained damage to its left front quarter panel, while the sedan's right front bumper and right side doors were impacted. No other injuries or contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653610 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A northbound driver hit a 62-year-old man crossing 10 Avenue with the signal. The man suffered a shoulder bruise. Police cite driver inattention. The pedestrian was left conscious but hurt.

According to the police report, a 62-year-old man was struck while crossing 10 Avenue with the signal. The northbound passenger vehicle hit him with its center front end. The pedestrian suffered a contusion and bruise to his upper arm and shoulder. He remained conscious after the crash. Police list driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No other driver errors or victim factors were reported. The vehicle showed no visible damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653950 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 43-year-old male bicyclist was injured on West 55 Street. The sedan, traveling south, made a left turn and hit the bike’s center front end. The cyclist suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on West 55 Street made a left turn and collided with a westbound bicyclist. The point of impact was the left side doors of the sedan and the center front end of the bike. The bicyclist, a 43-year-old man, was injured with abrasions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The cyclist was conscious and not ejected. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but notes the sedan driver was making a left turn, a common driver action linked to crashes with cyclists. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No other driver errors or victim actions are specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4652621 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A box truck struck a parked sedan on West 55 Street in Manhattan. The impact hit the sedan’s left rear bumper. A 49-year-old female passenger in the sedan suffered neck injuries and whiplash. No ejections occurred. Both drivers were licensed.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling west on West 55 Street collided with a parked sedan. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of the sedan and the right front bumper of the truck. The sedan carried two occupants, including a 49-year-old female passenger who was injured with neck pain and whiplash. She was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. The crash caused damage to both vehicles but no further injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4652291 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A BMW SUV struck a Toyota sedan from behind on West 41st Street in Manhattan. The sedan’s driver, a 30-year-old man, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The crash happened at 2:05 a.m. Driver distraction was a factor.

According to the police report, a 2022 BMW SUV rear-ended a 2015 Toyota sedan traveling west on West 41st Street in Manhattan. The sedan’s driver, a 30-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The point of impact was the center back end of the sedan and the right front bumper of the SUV. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4651730 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Senate bill S 7621 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets trigger mandatory speed control tech. Sponsors push to curb repeat danger. No votes yet. Streets stay tense.

Senate bill S 7621, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed August 2, 2023, it 'relates to requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Jeremy Cooney, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill forces drivers with eleven points in eighteen months, or six speed/red light camera tickets in a year, to install speed-limiting devices. No safety analyst note yet. The measure aims to cut repeat speeding and protect those outside the car.

• File S 7621, Open States, Published 2023-08-02

Manhattan lawmakers want electric cars to pay less under congestion pricing. They argue EVs cut smog, so drivers deserve a break. Critics warn this move keeps streets clogged. Fewer cars mean fewer crashes. The fight pits clean air against crowded roads.

On July 31, 2023, a group of Manhattan elected officials—including Assembly Members Alex Bores, Eddie Gibbs, Deborah Glick, Harvey Epstein, Rebecca Seawright; State Senators Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Liz Krueger, Kristen Gonzalez; and Borough President Mark Levine—sent a letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board. They urged a congestion pricing discount for electric vehicles, claiming EVs 'do not contribute significantly to the smog and pollution of the Central Business District.' Assembly Member Bores led the effort, stating, 'when it comes to the environmental case, an electric vehicle is just a different profile than a gas-guzzling one.' The officials oppose credits for bridge and tunnel crossings. Congestion pricing advocates and environmental groups counter that EV discounts undermine the core goal: fewer cars, less traffic, safer streets. They note other cities are ending such breaks. The proposal highlights a tension—cleaner air versus safer, less crowded roads for all.

• Manhattan Elected Officials Urge Congestion Pricing Discount For Electric Cars, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-07-31

A woman crossed West 42nd Street with the signal. A driver did not yield. Metal struck flesh. Her hip broke. Blood streaked her leg. She stayed awake on the pavement. The light kept blinking. The city moved on.

A 37-year-old woman was struck while crossing West 42nd Street with the signal. According to the police report, the driver failed to yield the right-of-way and made an improper lane usage or passing maneuver. The impact broke her hip and left her with severe lacerations. She remained conscious at the scene. The report states: 'She crossed with the signal. A driver did not yield. Her hip broke. Blood streaked her leg.' The listed contributing factors are 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper.' No information about the vehicle or driver was provided. The pedestrian was in the crosswalk, following the signal, when the crash occurred.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4648974 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A motorscooter slammed into a sedan at West 55th and 10th. Two riders flew off, struck hard, and lay broken in the street. Blood pooled. The city’s lights blinked on. No helmets. No mercy. The night swallowed the sound.

Two people riding a motorscooter were ejected after a violent crash with a sedan at the corner of West 55th Street and 10th Avenue in Manhattan. According to the police report, the motorscooter hit the sedan at 3:02 a.m. Both riders, a 28-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman, suffered severe crush injuries and were found unconscious or semiconscious, sprawled on the pavement. The report notes neither wore helmets. The sedan’s left front bumper and the motorscooter’s right side took the impact. No specific driver errors were listed in the data; contributing factors are marked as "Unspecified." The city moved on as the injured lay in the street.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4647628 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A car tore down West 42nd. A woman crossed. The driver did not slow. Metal struck flesh. Her leg split open. Blood stained the street. The driver vanished into the night. The city kept moving.

A 27-year-old woman was struck while crossing West 42nd Street near Times Square. She suffered severe lacerations to her lower leg and remained conscious at the scene. According to the police report, the driver was traveling at an unsafe speed and was inexperienced. The driver did not stop after the crash. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The woman was crossing without a signal, but the data highlights driver actions as the primary causes. No information is provided about the vehicle or the driver’s identity.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4647718 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A bike traveling south hit an 8-year-old boy walking outside an intersection on 9th Avenue. The child suffered bruises and a lower arm injury. Police cited the cyclist’s failure to yield right-of-way. The boy remained conscious after the impact.

According to the police report, a bike traveling south on 9th Avenue struck an 8-year-old pedestrian who was not at an intersection. The child sustained a contusion and injury to his elbow and lower arm. The report lists the cyclist’s failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor. The pedestrian was conscious and suffered a bruise but no severe trauma. The bike showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. No other contributing factors or safety equipment were noted. The incident highlights the dangers posed by cyclists failing to yield to pedestrians outside crosswalks.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4647611 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Cops seized mopeds from Brooklyn delivery workers. Police claim safety, but data show cars and trucks cause most harm. App companies profit. Immigrant workers pay. Advocates say crackdowns punish the vulnerable, not the reckless. The city misses the real threat.

On July 14, 2023, NYPD officers from Brooklyn’s 78th Precinct seized illegal mopeds from delivery workers outside fast-food chains. The enforcement action follows years of crackdowns dating back to Mayor Bloomberg, ramped up under Mayor de Blasio. Police say the seizures make streets safer, but city crash data show cars and trucks—not e-bikes or mopeds—cause most pedestrian injuries. Delivery worker Roziev Akmal warned, 'Livelihoods will be ruined because of the seizure.' Ligia Guallpa of the Worker’s Justice Project called it 'another example where you see deliveristas being economically impacted.' State Sen. Brad Hoylman and Council Member Gale Brewer cited constituent complaints, but advocates and legal experts argue enforcement targets workers, not the root causes. The crackdown leaves low-paid, mostly immigrant workers exposed to fines, lost income, and road danger, while app companies escape responsibility.

• Latest Cop Crackdown on Deliveristas Misses the Point: Advocates, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-07-14