Midtown Bleeds While City Hall Sleeps

A 22-year-old man driving a 2017 Hyundai sedan took a right turn too fast at W 49th Street and 8th Avenue. The car's front center struck a fixed object. He suffered head injuries and was found semi-conscious behind the wheel.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male driver was injured in a crash at 5:28 a.m. on W 49th Street and 8th Avenue in Manhattan. The 2017 Hyundai sedan was making a right turn when it struck a fixed object with the center front end. The report explicitly cites 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The driver was alone, suffered severe head lacerations, and was found half-awake behind the wheel. The narrative states, 'A 2017 Hyundai turned too fast. Metal struck stone. A young man, 22, slumped behind the wheel, head bleeding, half-awake.' No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The crash highlights the dangers of excessive speed during turns, as documented by the police.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797761 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A male driver lost consciousness while operating a sedan on 8th Avenue in Manhattan. The vehicle overturned, causing severe whole-body injuries and shock. Police report cites loss of consciousness as the primary contributing factor in this violent crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:18 on 8th Avenue near West 54th Street in Manhattan. The driver, a male occupant of a sedan, lost consciousness while driving, which led to the vehicle overturning. The report identifies 'Lost Consciousness' as the sole contributing factor. The driver sustained injuries to his entire body, including contusions and bruises, and was not ejected from the vehicle but experienced shock. The overturned sedan and damage to other parked vehicles indicate a violent impact. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were cited. The crash underscores the dangers posed when a driver becomes incapacitated behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796324 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Assembly bill A 6225 drops the speed for owner liability to seven miles over the limit. Drivers face penalties sooner. Carroll and Simone sponsor. Aimed at curbing reckless speed. Streets may get safer. No safety analyst note yet.

Assembly bill A 6225 was introduced on February 27, 2025, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Relates to reducing the speed for owner liability for failure of operator to comply with certain posted maximum speed limits,' lowers the threshold for owner liability to more than seven miles per hour over the posted limit. Assembly Members Robert C. Carroll (primary sponsor, District 44) and Tony Simone (co-sponsor, District 75) back the measure. The bill seeks to hold drivers accountable at lower speeds. No safety analyst note is available yet.

• File A 6225, Open States, Published 2025-02-27

A motorcycle struck an e-scooter on East 59th Street in Manhattan. The e-scooter driver, a 44-year-old man, suffered a severe back injury including fracture and dislocation. Both vehicles showed no damage, highlighting the vulnerability of the rider.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:03 PM on East 59th Street near Madison Avenue in Manhattan. The collision involved a motorcycle traveling northwest and an e-scooter traveling north. The e-scooter driver, a 44-year-old man, was injured with a fractured and dislocated back, classified as injury severity 3. The report notes the e-scooter driver was not ejected and was conscious after the crash. Both vehicles sustained no damage, with the point of impact recorded as the right front bumper of the e-scooter. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not attribute fault to the victim. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were explicitly cited in the data. The focus remains on the collision's impact and the serious injury to the vulnerable e-scooter rider.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794757 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Assembly Bill 5857 orders state agencies to fit their fleets with speed control tech. No loopholes. No delay. Sponsor Tony Simone pushes to keep state drivers in check. Machines will obey the law. Streets may breathe easier.

Assembly Bill A 5857, introduced on February 24, 2025, sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, from Assemblymember Tony Simone (District 75), demands every state agency plan for and install active intelligent speed assistance systems in all agency vehicles. The bill summary reads: 'Requires state agencies to prepare an active intelligent speed assistance system plan for the equipment of all state agency vehicles with active intelligent speed assistance systems, and to equip state agency vehicles with such systems by certain dates.' Simone leads the charge. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 5857, Open States, Published 2025-02-24

Two SUVs collided on W 45 St in Manhattan. The rear vehicle struck the front vehicle’s center back end. Both drivers and a passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited improper lane usage and disregarded traffic control as causes.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on W 45 St near 8 Ave in Manhattan at 8:53 PM. Two SUVs traveling north were involved. The rear SUV, occupied by a licensed male driver and one passenger, was stopped in traffic when the following SUV struck its center back end. The front SUV’s right front bumper was damaged. Both drivers and the front passenger sustained neck injuries and reported whiplash. The police report lists the contributing factors as "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" and "Traffic Control Disregarded," indicating driver errors in lane management and failure to obey traffic signals. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The collision caused shock and injury but no ejections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794833 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 67-year-old man pedaled west on W 51st. The door of a parked SUV swung open. His bike crashed. His head struck hard. Blood pooled. The SUV stood untouched. The man died on the street, another life ended by steel and carelessness.

According to the police report, a 67-year-old man riding a bike westbound on W 51st Street at 5th Avenue collided with the door of a parked SUV. The narrative states, 'A 67-year-old man on a bike hit the door of a parked SUV. No helmet. His head struck hard. He flew, then fell. Blood spread. The SUV was untouched. He died.' The police report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors, marking them as 'Unspecified.' The SUV was parked, and the cyclist was ejected upon impact, suffering fatal head injuries. The report notes the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but does not cite this as a contributing factor to the crash. The focus remains on the lethal interaction between vulnerable road users and parked vehicles in Manhattan’s dense streetscape.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796322 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senators move to guard bike lanes. Cameras will catch drivers who block or invade. The city’s cyclists and walkers get a shot at safer streets. No more hiding behind the wheel.

Senate bill S 5008, now in sponsorship, aims to launch a bicycle lane safety program in New York City. The bill, introduced February 18, 2025, sits in committee. Its summary reads: 'Establishes in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and/or protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal leads, joined by Jabari Brisport, Kristen Gonzalez, Liz Krueger, Jessica Ramos, and Julia Salazar. The bill targets drivers who block or misuse bike lanes, using cameras to enforce the rules. The move puts pressure on the city to protect cyclists and pedestrians from daily danger.

• File S 5008, Open States, Published 2025-02-18

Assembly bill A 5440 targets reckless drivers. It makes car owners pay when their vehicles run red lights. Cameras catch the lawbreakers. The aim: fewer crashes, safer streets for all.

Assembly bill A 5440 was introduced on February 14, 2025, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled "Imposes owner liability for failure of an operator to comply with traffic control indicators within the city of New York," seeks to hold vehicle owners accountable when their cars violate traffic signals, using camera enforcement. Assembly Member Steven Raga sponsors the bill, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Tony Simone, Yudelka Tapia, Karines Reyes, and Marcela Mitaynes as co-sponsors. No safety analyst note is available. The bill aims to curb dangerous driving and protect vulnerable road users by making owners answer for violations caught on camera.

• File A 5440, Open States, Published 2025-02-14

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

A 35-year-old male bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries after an SUV struck him on W 35th Street. The crash involved driver inattention and failure to yield. The cyclist was not ejected but experienced shock and pain.

According to the police report, the collision occurred at 8:30 PM on W 35th Street near 7th Avenue in Manhattan. A Nissan SUV traveling east struck a southbound bicyclist on the left side doors. The bicyclist, a 35-year-old man, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing any safety equipment. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. Vehicle damage was not reported. This crash highlights driver errors, specifically inattention and failure to yield, as critical causes of injury to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792865 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

An SUV turned left on W 58th Street and crushed an 83-year-old woman crossing with the signal. The left bumper struck her head. She died in the crosswalk, beneath the city’s cold lights. The street swallowed her name.

An 83-year-old woman was killed while crossing W 58th Street at Avenue of the Americas in Manhattan. According to the police report, she was 'crossing with the signal' when a northbound SUV made a left turn and struck her with its left front bumper. The impact crushed her head, and she died at the scene, in the crosswalk. The vehicle involved was a 2020 Mazda SUV, operated by a licensed male driver. The police report lists the driver’s pre-crash action as 'making left turn.' No driver errors are explicitly cited beyond the vehicle’s movement, but the victim’s lawful crossing is clear. The report notes her position as 'Pedestrian at Intersection' and her action as 'Crossing With Signal.'

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792095 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 90-year-old woman died on York Avenue. A cab made a U-turn and struck her. Another car hit her moments later. She was rushed to the hospital. Both drivers stayed. She did not survive.

According to the New York Post (published February 6, 2025), Frances Rickard, 90, was crossing York Avenue at East 72nd Street around 5:40 p.m. when a yellow taxi, driven by a 68-year-old man, made a U-turn and struck her. Police said, “Moments later, a 35-year-old woman driving a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer also struck her.” Rickard was taken to Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she died. Both drivers remained at the scene and have not been charged. The sequence highlights the dangers of U-turns and multi-lane crossings for pedestrians. The intersection saw two vehicles collide with a vulnerable road user in quick succession, underscoring persistent risks in city street design and driver behavior.

• Elderly Pedestrian Killed Crossing York Avenue, New York Post, Published 2025-02-06

Tesla tore north on FDR. It struck a guardrail, flipped, split, burned. The woman driver died at the scene. Her passenger flew from the wreck. Firefighters battled battery flames. Northbound lanes shut. Metal, fire, speed, and loss marked the night.

NY Daily News (2025-02-04) reports a deadly crash on Manhattan's FDR Drive. A Tesla, traveling at high speed—witnesses estimated 'at least 120, 130 [mph]'—lost control near E. 70th St. The car struck a guardrail, overturned, and caught fire. Both occupants were ejected. The driver died at the scene; her passenger survived. Firefighters and a hazmat team responded to extinguish the burning lithium-ion battery. The crash shut down northbound lanes. The article highlights excessive speed and the dangers of high-performance vehicles in urban settings. Emergency response was extensive, with 60 firefighters on scene.

• Tesla Crash Kills Woman On FDR Drive, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-04

Taxi swung a U-turn. Bicyclist rode straight. Metal met flesh. The cyclist, 22, took the hit. Knee and leg bruised. Driver failed to yield. Manhattan street, morning rush. System failed the vulnerable.

A taxi making a U-turn hit a 22-year-old woman riding her bike straight east on West 57th Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, the taxi driver failed to yield right-of-way and disregarded traffic control. The cyclist suffered contusions to her knee and lower leg. The crash occurred at 9:15 AM. The point of impact was the taxi's right rear quarter panel and the bike's left rear bumper. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. The cyclist was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. The crash left the cyclist injured and exposed the danger of driver negligence.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792618 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Transit advocates and officials rallied at Grand Central. They demanded Governor Hochul fill a $33 billion gap in the MTA capital plan. Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal called transit vital for the region. Advocates stressed accessibility and equity. The state’s budget leaves riders exposed.

On February 2, 2025, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal joined transit advocates at Grand Central Terminal to push for full funding of the MTA’s 2025-2029 capital plan. The rally targeted Governor Hochul’s $252 billion budget, which omits $33 billion needed for transit upgrades. The event, covered by amny.com, highlighted the matter: 'NYC transit advocates urge Hochul to fully fund MTA Capital Plan with guaranteed state budget revenue.' Hoylman-Sigal said, 'This is about the economic engine for the entire region.' Assembly Member Tony Simone and others demanded investment in transportation deserts and accessible stations. Advocates cited the MTA’s ADA settlement, noting only a quarter of stations are wheelchair-accessible, with the fewest in low-income areas. The rally underscored that without full funding, vulnerable riders—especially those with disabilities—face continued barriers and danger.

• NYC transit advocates urge Hochul to fully fund MTA Capital Plan with guaranteed state budget revenue, amny.com, Published 2025-02-02

A 34-year-old man was injured walking along a Manhattan highway near East 46th Street. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries. Multiple vehicles were stopped or backing, contributing to the collision’s chaotic conditions.

According to the police report, a 34-year-old male pedestrian was injured while walking along the highway in Manhattan near East 46th Street at 12:20. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists the pedestrian’s location as "Pedestrian Not at Intersection" and his action as "Riding/Walking Along Highway With Traffic." Multiple vehicles were involved: a 2021 Chevrolet truck stopped in traffic, a 2022 Ford taxi backing, and a 2006 Mazda sedan stopped in traffic. The taxi’s backing movement and the stopped vehicles created hazardous conditions. The report does not specify driver errors or contributing factors but notes unspecified factors related to the pedestrian. The collision’s impact points and vehicle damage centered on the back ends of the truck and taxi and the front of the sedan, indicating complex vehicle interactions around the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788904 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

New York opens its e-bike trade-in. Four hundred delivery workers can swap dangerous, uncertified bikes for safe, legal models. The program targets deadly battery fires. But 400 is a drop in the bucket. Tens of thousands remain at risk. The danger lingers.

On January 28, 2025, the Department of Transportation launched New York City's e-bike and moped trade-in program, born from a 2023 law introduced by Council Member Keith Powers. The program, praised by Council Member Oswald Feliz, allows 400 delivery workers to exchange uncertified, fire-prone bikes for certified, street-legal models. The law followed a spike in lithium-ion battery fires—277 in 2024, killing six. The $2 million program offers bikes and spare batteries, but only scratches the surface for the city’s estimated 80,000 delivery workers. Ligia Guallpa of the Worker’s Justice Project called the effort a step toward safer, cleaner mobility. Applications close February 17. The program’s reach is small, leaving most workers exposed to the same deadly risks.

• Apply Yourself: Tiny Number of Delivery Workers Will Get Safe E-Bikes in City Program, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-28

A taxi, parked and facing west, struck a 33-year-old male bicyclist traveling west on East 53rd Street. The cyclist suffered injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, experiencing shock and minor bleeding. The taxi showed no damage on impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:30 near East 53rd Street in Manhattan. A licensed male taxi driver was parked when the collision happened. The bicyclist, a 33-year-old man, was traveling straight ahead westbound when the taxi struck him on the right side doors. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the taxi driver. The bicyclist was injured with trauma to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was not ejected from his bike. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The taxi sustained no damage. No other contributing factors were noted. The report highlights driver error as the cause, with no blame placed on the bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788902 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate bill S 3387 demands complete street design in all DOT projects with state or federal funds. Streets must serve walkers, cyclists, and riders. No more car-first roads. Sponsors push for safer, fairer streets.

Senate bill S 3387, now in sponsorship, sits before the New York State Senate. The bill, titled 'Relates to requiring inclusion of complete street design for state and local transportation projects subject to oversight by the department of transportation,' would force all DOT projects using state or federal funds to include complete street design. Senator Andrew Gounardes leads as primary sponsor, joined by Patricia Fahy, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Liz Krueger. Their action aims to end car dominance and put vulnerable road users first. The bill was introduced January 27, 2025. No safety analyst note is available.

• File S 3387, Open States, Published 2025-01-27