Midtown Bleeds While City Hall Sleeps

Two sedans collided while making right turns on Avenue of the Americas in Manhattan. The crash caused upper arm injuries to one driver. Police cited improper turning and unsafe lane changing as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling east on Avenue of the Americas collided near West 58th Street at 18:10. Both drivers were making right turns when the collision occurred. The impact was between the left rear bumper of one vehicle and the right front bumper of the other. The report identifies 'Turning Improperly' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as the contributing factors to the crash. One 25-year-old male driver suffered upper arm and shoulder injuries and complained of whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness at the time of the crash. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors. The collision highlights driver errors in maneuvering and lane discipline on a busy Manhattan avenue.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790449 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

An e-bike traveling east on W 55 St struck a 30-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal. The collision caused upper leg and hip contusions. Police cite failure to yield right-of-way and unsafe lane changing as driver errors.

According to the police report, at 14:55 on W 55 St near Broadway in Manhattan, an e-bike traveling straight ahead eastbound failed to yield right-of-way and executed unsafe lane changing, striking a 30-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal. The pedestrian suffered contusions and bruises to her hip and upper leg, classified as injury severity 3. The report explicitly lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as contributing factors attributed to the e-bike driver. The pedestrian was conscious and injured at the intersection. The e-bike sustained no damage, indicating the impact was significant enough to injure the pedestrian without damaging the vehicle. This incident highlights driver errors in yielding and lane discipline as critical causes of harm to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784586 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Lawmakers face a $33 billion MTA budget gap. The new Manhattan congestion toll hits drivers, but it is not enough. Senate leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins objects to the unfunded plan. More taxes and fees loom. Riders wait. Streets stay dangerous.

On January 6, 2025, the MTA’s $33 billion budget shortfall dominated debate. The matter, titled "MTA eyes new taxes, fees to plug $33B budget hole — even after NYC’s $9 congestion toll!", landed in the spotlight after the new toll failed to close the gap. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, district 35, formally objected to the unfunded capital plan with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. Their joint letter blocked the plan’s January 1 start, forcing negotiations. Governor Hochul, who backs the $68 billion plan, promised no income tax hikes but left other taxes and fees on the table. Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger called for transparency. The MTA’s future—and the safety of those who rely on it—hangs in the balance. No direct safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• MTA eyes new taxes, fees to plug $33B budget hole — even after NYC’s $9 congestion toll!, nypost.com, Published 2025-01-06

Tony Simone pushes a bill to force the MTA to install platform barriers citywide. He cites a near-fatal shove in his district. The plan uses congestion pricing funds. The goal: stop deadly falls and attacks. Riders demand safety. Simone wants action, not talk.

Bill number pending. On January 6, 2025, Council Member Tony Simone announced a legislative push to require the MTA to install platform screen doors and gates system-wide within five years. The bill, still in proposal stage, will move through the relevant council committee. Simone’s proposal comes after a spate of subway violence, including a recent shove onto tracks in his district. The bill summary states: 'My legislation will require the MTA to install platform screen doors and gates system-wide within five years.' Simone urges the use of congestion pricing revenue for these safety upgrades, arguing, 'No priority is higher on any rider's mind, including mine, than safety on the system.' Simone is the primary sponsor. The measure aims to prevent fatal and dangerous falls and shoves, focusing on protecting riders from harm.

• Spate of violence in NYC subways prompts call for more train platform barriers, amny.com, Published 2025-01-06

A 36-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sedan struck her at West 36th Street. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, leaving the pedestrian in shock with visible trauma but no complaint of pain.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on West 36th Street in Manhattan struck a 36-year-old female pedestrian. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The vehicle was going straight ahead and impacted the pedestrian at the left rear quarter panel, yet the vehicle sustained no damage. The pedestrian was reported to be in shock but had no visible complaints of pain. There were no contributing factors listed related to the pedestrian’s actions or equipment. This incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving in urban environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783258 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 22-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and suffered a fractured elbow after a collision with a GMC SUV on West 44th Street in Manhattan. The impact hit the SUV’s left side doors, injuring the cyclist despite helmet use.

According to the police report, at 17:55 on West 44th Street in Manhattan, a 22-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a collision with a 2021 GMC SUV traveling eastbound. The SUV struck the bicyclist on its left side doors, causing the rider to be ejected from his bike. The bicyclist, who was wearing a helmet, sustained a fractured, distorted, and dislocated injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The bicyclist’s pre-crash action was going straight ahead, while the SUV’s pre-crash action was classified as 'Other*'. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the crash, but the impact location and injury severity highlight the danger posed by the SUV’s maneuver. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash, but the collision caused serious injury without any noted fault or error attributed to the victim.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785097 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan driver suffered a bruised elbow after colliding with a bus on West 42nd Street. The crash involved driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way. The bus showed no damage, while the sedan’s left side was impacted.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:20 on West 42nd Street near 5th Avenue in Manhattan. The sedan driver, a 32-year-old male, was injured with contusions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but was conscious and not ejected. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors on the sedan driver's part. The bus, traveling westbound, struck the sedan’s left side doors while the sedan was parked. The bus sustained no damage. The sedan driver was not using any safety equipment. This collision highlights driver errors involving inattention and yielding failures that led to injury and vehicle damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781625 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A taxi veered off Sixth Avenue, mounted the curb, and struck a crowd near Herald Square. Three pedestrians, including a child, landed in the hospital. The driver stayed at the scene. Metal, flesh, and concrete met in Midtown’s holiday rush.

Gothamist (2024-12-26) reports a Midtown crash where a taxi driver, experiencing a medical episode, drove onto the sidewalk at Sixth Avenue and West 34th Street, injuring a 9-year-old boy and two women. Police said, 'they did not suspect any criminality in the crash.' The driver, 58, remained at the scene and was taken for evaluation. Four others declined medical attention. The article notes, 'the driver was driving northbound on Sixth Avenue around 3 p.m. on Wednesday when he jumped the curb and plowed into a crowd.' The incident highlights the persistent risk posed by vehicles in crowded pedestrian zones, regardless of intent or driver health. No policy changes were announced.

• Taxi Jumps Curb, Hits Midtown Pedestrians, Gothamist, Published 2024-12-26

Sedan turned left on 8th Avenue, hit northbound motorcycle. Rider injured, knee and leg scraped. Police cite improper turn, bad lane use. Manhattan street, late night, danger in the dark.

According to the police report, a sedan making a left turn on 8th Avenue near West 47th Street in Manhattan struck a northbound motorcycle at 11:33 p.m. The motorcycle driver, a 47-year-old man, suffered abrasions to his knee and lower leg. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors attributed to the sedan driver. The point of impact was the sedan's left front bumper against the motorcycle's right front quarter panel. The motorcycle driver was wearing a helmet and remained conscious after the crash. This collision underscores the risk posed by improper turning and lane use by drivers on Manhattan streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781648 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 78-year-old man crossing outside a signal was struck by an eastbound bike in Manhattan. The impact caused a severe hip and upper leg injury, including fractures and dislocation. The bike hit the pedestrian center front, causing significant trauma.

According to the police report, a 78-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing outside a signal or crosswalk on West 38th Street in Manhattan. The pedestrian suffered a fracture, distortion, and dislocation to his hip and upper leg, classified as a severe injury (level 3). The collision involved a single bike traveling eastbound, which struck the pedestrian on its center front end. The report lists the pedestrian's contributing factors as unspecified, with no driver errors explicitly cited. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was crossing without a signal. The bike was going straight ahead at the time of impact. No helmet or other safety equipment was noted for the bike rider, and no driver license or jurisdiction information was provided. The incident highlights the dangers posed by bike-pedestrian collisions outside controlled crossings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790121 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A box truck making a right turn struck an SUV traveling straight on W 57 St in Manhattan. The SUV driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The crash involved improper turning and slippery pavement, highlighting driver error and hazardous conditions.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:46 on W 57 St near 7 Ave in Manhattan. A box truck was making a right turn southbound when it collided with an eastbound SUV going straight ahead. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of the truck and the center front end of the SUV. The SUV driver, a 37-year-old man wearing a lap belt, sustained neck injuries and complained of whiplash. The report cites 'Turning Improperly' by the box truck driver and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. The truck driver was licensed and operating the vehicle at the time. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. This crash underscores the dangers posed by improper vehicle maneuvers and hazardous road conditions in Manhattan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781673 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Congestion pricing stalled. Student OMNY cards left kids behind. E-vehicle crackdowns sparked debate. Police and National Guard flooded subways. Council Member Keith Powers fought for excluded students. Holden pushed e-bike licensing. Enforcement rose. Vulnerable riders faced shifting rules and uneven access.

This annual review covers 2024 NYC transit policy, with Council Member Keith Powers vocal about student OMNY card exclusions. The review, published December 23, 2024, highlights congestion pricing delays, e-vehicle crackdowns, and increased subway enforcement. The matter notes, 'parents in [Powers'] Manhattan district felt slighted that their kids were left out of the free transportation program.' Powers pressed for fair access, saying, 'we're still hearing from families whose children aren't receiving an OMNY card like their classmates.' Council Member Robert Holden pushed for e-bike licensing, drawing fire from advocates. The review documents a year of policy shifts, enforcement surges, and ongoing fights over who gets safe, affordable transit. Vulnerable riders—students, cyclists, pedestrians—remained at the mercy of city decisions.

• Rear view: A look back at the top NYC transit stories of 2024, amny.com, Published 2024-12-23

A police car crossed the line. Metal struck flesh. Samuel Williams, riding his dirt bike, was thrown and killed. Body cam footage shows the officer’s move. Another NYPD car tried the same. The city sent Williams’ family a bill.

NY Daily News (2024-12-23) reports that NYPD body camera footage shows an officer veering into the path of Samuel Williams, a 36-year-old dirt bike rider, during a pursuit on the University Heights Bridge. Williams was struck, thrown, and died from his injuries. The article states, “An officer pursuing dirt bikers suddenly crossed the double yellow line into Williams' path, causing a collision.” Another NYPD vehicle attempted a similar maneuver. The family’s attorney called it a “deadly maneuver” for a minor violation. The city later billed Williams’ family for police vehicle damages. The NYPD has not commented, citing litigation. The case raises questions about police pursuit tactics and accountability.

• NYPD Officer Veers Into Dirt Biker’s Path, NY Daily News, Published 2024-12-23

A box truck and sedan collided on 7th Avenue in Manhattan due to an improper turn. Two male occupants in the sedan suffered contusions and head and shoulder injuries. The crash highlights driver error as the primary cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:06 on 7th Avenue near West 41st Street in Manhattan. The collision involved a box truck and a sedan, both traveling west. The contributing factor cited was "Turning Improperly," indicating driver error. The sedan carried two male occupants: a 19-year-old rear passenger who sustained a head contusion and a 34-year-old driver with shoulder bruising. Both were conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The box truck showed no damage and had one licensed male driver. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victims' behavior. This incident underscores the dangers posed by improper vehicle maneuvers in dense urban traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785229 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 39-year-old woman suffered a severe elbow fracture after a cyclist traveling west struck her outside an intersection in Manhattan. The crash occurred at 10:17 p.m. The pedestrian was confused in the roadway, according to the police report.

According to the police report, a cyclist traveling west on a bike collided with a 39-year-old female pedestrian outside an intersection near West 43rd Street in Manhattan at 10:17 p.m. The pedestrian sustained a fractured, distorted, and dislocated lower arm and elbow injury. The point of impact was the center front end of the bicycle, which also sustained damage there. The report cites "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as the contributing factor, indicating the pedestrian's confusion in the roadway. No driver errors such as failure to yield or reckless operation are noted. The cyclist was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash but seriously injured. The report does not mention any safety equipment or crossing signals.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780289 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 76-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by a vehicle making a right turn on West 53rd Street. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive. The pedestrian suffered abdominal and pelvic contusions but remained conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:15 on West 53rd Street near Broadway in Manhattan. A 76-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a vehicle making a right turn struck her. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors on the driver's part. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her abdomen and pelvis, described as contusions and bruises, and was conscious at the scene. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian with its center front end but sustained no damage. This incident highlights driver errors—specifically failure to yield and distraction—as the primary causes of the collision, with no contributing factors attributed to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781295 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 24-year-old man was injured crossing with the signal on Avenue of the Americas. A 2023 Tesla sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and lower arm injuries. Driver errors remain unspecified.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Avenue of the Americas and West 57th Street in Manhattan at 8:03 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2023 Tesla sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, and remained conscious. The report lists no specific contributing factors related to the driver, and the pedestrian's actions were compliant, crossing with the signal. Vehicle damage was noted at the center front end, indicating a direct impact. The report does not specify driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding, but the collision itself highlights the dangers pedestrians face even when crossing legally.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781652 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council Member Holden’s e-bike registration bill faces fierce pushback. Advocates warn it targets immigrants and delivery workers. Business groups fear new costs. Supporters say it brings accountability. Streets remain deadly. Cars still kill most. Debate rages. No easy answers.

Intro. 606, known as Priscilla’s Law, was introduced by Council Member Robert F. Holden of District 30. The bill, debated on December 12, 2024, sits before the City Council. It would require all e-mobility devices not covered by the state DMV to register with the city’s Department of Transportation. The bill’s summary states it aims to increase accountability for e-bike riders after fatal crashes. Holden, the sponsor, cited dangers from unregulated e-vehicles and hit-and-runs. Advocacy groups, including Los Deliveristas Unidos and Open Plans, argue the bill would unfairly criminalize immigrants and delivery workers, and increase police stops for people of color. The NYC Hospitality Alliance warns of new financial and administrative burdens for small businesses. Both sides agree cars cause far more deaths, but the bill’s critics say better street design, not registration, would protect vulnerable road users.

• Immigrant, hospitality advocacy groups push back on NYC e-bike licensing bill, amny.com, Published 2024-12-12

Steel collided near Grand Army Plaza. Two vehicles turned right, metal grinding metal. A 27-year-old man’s arm crushed, pinned in the wreck. The street stilled, echoing with the weight of driver error and broken machinery.

According to the police report, a lift boom and a Lucid sedan both attempted right turns on 5th Ave near Grand Army Plaza. The vehicles collided, with 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Passing Too Closely' cited as contributing factors. The crash left a 27-year-old male driver with severe crush injuries to his arm, pinned in his seat but conscious. The report details that both vehicles sustained significant damage to their quarter panels. No mention is made of any pedestrian or cyclist involvement. The police report highlights improper lane usage as a primary driver error, underscoring the systemic danger when large vehicles and sedans maneuver tightly in Manhattan’s traffic. The focus remains on the hazardous driver actions that led to this violent collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778464 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Fifth Avenue turned car-free for its 200th birthday. Politicians cheered a $150 million redesign. Fewer lanes. Wider sidewalks. Thousands walked where cars once ruled. Council Member Keith Powers joined the call: make the street safer for people, not traffic.

On December 10, 2024, Council Member Keith Powers (District 4) joined Mayor Eric Adams, Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi, and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine to celebrate Fifth Avenue’s 200th anniversary and announce a major redesign. The event, held during the third annual Fifth Avenue Holiday Open Street, made the avenue car-free between 48th and 57th Streets. The $150 million plan, as described by Madelyn Wils, will reduce traffic lanes from five to three and widen sidewalks between Bryant Park and Central Park. Powers and other officials voiced strong support for prioritizing pedestrians, echoing Levine’s call to 'do better here' and make Fifth Avenue a true pedestrian destination. The redesign aims to reclaim space for people, not cars, and signals a shift toward safer, more vibrant streets for all vulnerable road users.

• 5th Avenue at 200: Magnificent Manhattan thoroughfare celebrates past while looking toward the future, amny.com, Published 2024-12-10