No More Broken Bodies: Make Stuy Town Streets Safe Now

Aug 6 - A stolen car tore through Chinatown. Two lives ended in seconds. A cyclist thrown, a woman ripped from her bench. Metal twisted. Bodies broken. The driver sped, then fled. The street holds the scars.

According to NY Daily News (2025-08-06), a stolen Chevrolet Malibu driven at 100 mph struck and killed May Kwok and Kevin Cruickshank in Chinatown. Kwok sat on a bench; Cruickshank rode his bike. The article reports, "The driver hit Cruickshank first, throwing him off his bicycle and across the intersection. Kwok was then thrown from the bench." Prosecutors allege the driver and passenger tried to flee after the crash. Authorities found alcohol and firearms in the car. The case highlights the lethal risk of high-speed driving and the vulnerability of people outside vehicles.

• Speeding Driver Kills Two In Chinatown, NY Daily News, Published 2025-08-06

Aug 4 - A driver struck a cyclist in Washington Heights. The cyclist survived. Neighbors say the intersection breeds danger. The driver fled. NYPD searches. Streets remain unsafe.

CBS New York reported on August 4, 2025, that a driver hit a cyclist in Washington Heights and left the scene. The article notes, "local residents say the intersection has been a problem for some time." The NYPD is searching for the driver. The incident highlights ongoing risks at this location and points to persistent systemic hazards for cyclists and pedestrians. No mention of charges or arrests. The crash underscores the need for stronger street design and enforcement.

• Cyclist Hit By Driver In Washington Heights, CBS New York, Published 2025-08-04

Jul 29 - City, BIDs, and agencies plan a $3 million study to reshape 14th Street. The goal: safer space for walkers, cyclists, and buses. The busway may become permanent. Cars lose ground. Change moves slow.

New York Magazine - Curbed (2025-07-29) reports city officials and business groups will fund a $3 million, two-year study to redesign 14th Street. The plan aims for a 'complete street'—space for pedestrians, cyclists, transit, and limited cars. The article notes, 'Their (mostly) shared goal is to make 14th into what's often called a complete street.' The study will assess traffic flow and street dynamics. The busway, which restricts cars, may become permanent. No crash or injury data is cited, but the focus is on systemic street changes, not individual driver actions.

• City Eyes Overhaul For 14th Street, New York Magazine - Curbed, Published 2025-07-29

Jul 27 - A teen drove drunk, wrong-way, head-on into a car. Two men died. The driver fled. The city failed to stop him. A wedding became a funeral.

According to the New York Post (2025-07-27), a 17-year-old allegedly drank at a Midtown club, then drove the wrong way on the Henry Hudson Parkway. He crashed head-on into Kirk Walker and Rob McLaurin, killing both. The teen, Jimmy Connors, fled, leaving his injured passenger. The article states, “Walker, 38, was one day from his wedding when he and McLaurin were killed.” An off-duty NYPD officer pursued Connors but did not call 911. The lawsuit names the driver, club, NYPD, and city, raising questions about underage drinking enforcement and police response. Connors faces charges including second-degree murder.

• Wrong-Way Crash Kills Groom-To-Be, New York Post, Published 2025-07-27

Jul 22 - Two crashes. Two lives lost. Cyclist and pedestrian struck down at Canal and Bowery. City left the corridor wild. No fixes. Danger lingers. Blood stains the street. The city stalls. People pay.

Streetsblog NYC (2025-07-22) reports two deadly crashes at Canal Street and Bowery on consecutive days. A driver jumped a curb, killing May Kwon and cyclist Kevin Cruickshank. Another driver hit a food truck, injuring two. Advocates and officials blame the city for failing to act, quoting Ben Furnas: "City Hall knows that Canal Street is one of the most dangerous in our city, but they've stalled any improvements." Despite years of studies, no major safety upgrades have been made. The article highlights a lack of protected bike paths and safe pedestrian space, exposing systemic neglect.

• Canal Street Deaths Expose City Inaction, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-22

Jul 21 - A stolen car tore off the Manhattan Bridge, slammed into a plaza, and killed a cyclist and a woman on a bench. Metal, bodies, and lives shattered in seconds. The driver ran. Police caught her.

West Side Spirit (2025-07-21) reports a stolen Chevy Malibu sped off the Manhattan Bridge, crashing into Bowery plaza at Canal Street. The car struck and killed May Kwok, seated on a bench, and Kevin Scott Cruickshank, a cyclist. The driver and passenger fled but were caught. The article quotes Kwok's brother: "This is not a car accident. They committed a crime." The crash highlights the lethal risk of high-speed driving and stolen vehicles in dense city spaces. Memorials now mark the plaza where the impact ended two lives.

• Stolen Car Kills Two on Bowery Plaza, West Side Spirit, Published 2025-07-21

Jul 20 - A stolen car tore through Chinatown. Two dead. The driver, unlicensed, had fled a Brooklyn crash months before. System failed. Streets stayed deadly.

NY Daily News (2025-07-20) reports a 23-year-old, unlicensed driver killed two people in Chinatown while driving a stolen rental. Three months earlier, she allegedly hit a pedestrian in Brooklyn and fled. Police charged her with leaving the scene and aggravated unlicensed operation, but she was released without bail, as the charges were not bail-eligible under state law. The article notes, "The out-of-control driver... had been freed without bail in April after she was arrested for leaving the scene of a crash that badly injured a pedestrian." The case highlights gaps in bail policy and enforcement for unlicensed, repeat dangerous driving.

• Unlicensed Driver Kills Two In Chinatown, NY Daily News, Published 2025-07-20

Jul 17 - Two sedans crashed on East 23rd. Seven people hurt. Police cite driver inattention and inexperience. Metal and glass. Neck injury. Manhattan night. System failed them.

Two sedans collided at 510 East 23rd Street in Manhattan. Seven people were injured, including drivers and passengers. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' contributed to the crash. One driver suffered a neck injury and whiplash. The report lists no other contributing factors. Systemic danger persists when drivers lose focus behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4828689 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Jul 17 - A sedan struck a cyclist on E 21st. The cyclist was thrown, hurt in the shoulder. Police cite failure to yield. The street stayed loud. The wound stayed raw.

A sedan and a bike collided on E 21st Street at 1st Avenue in Manhattan. The cyclist, a 32-year-old man, was partially ejected and suffered a shoulder injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The driver held a permit. The cyclist was listed as having no safety equipment. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4828684 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Jul 17 - A food cart broke loose from a van packed with propane and fuel. It slammed into a parked car with a woman and child inside. Both went to the hospital. Police found 76 propane tanks. The driver faces charges.

According to NY Daily News (2025-07-17), police arrested a 31-year-old van driver after a food cart he was towing broke loose and struck a parked Kia Serrano with a woman and child inside. The article reports, "Firefighters forced entry into the van, removing 76 20-pound propane cylinders and 15 five-gallon fuel containers." The driver was charged with reckless endangerment. The incident highlights the dangers of unsecured loads and hazardous material transport on city streets. Both victims were hospitalized in stable condition. The driver attempted to withhold access to the van, further complicating the response.

• Loose Food Cart Strikes Parked Car in Manhattan, NY Daily News, Published 2025-07-17

Jul 3 - A cyclist and e-unicycle rider collided in Central Park. The cyclist stayed for paramedics. Police dropped charges. The crash left one man in critical condition. Enforcement against cyclists rises. Streets remain tense.

Streetsblog NYC (2025-07-03) reports that Manhattan prosecutors dropped charges against Carolyn Backus, a cyclist accused of fleeing after colliding with an electric unicycle rider in Central Park. The DA's office stated, "She also remained on scene for about 45 minutes after the crash and waited for paramedics to arrive." The NYPD initially charged Backus, but the law applies only to motor vehicles. The crash left the unicycle rider critically injured. The article highlights increased NYPD enforcement against cyclists and e-bike riders, raising questions about policy focus and the treatment of non-motorized road users.

• Charges Dropped In Central Park Collision, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-03

Jul 3 - Mayor Adams halts 34th Street busway. Streets stay clogged. Pedestrians and bus riders lose. Car dominance remains. Safety and equity stalled.

""The 14th Street busway is a great example of what happens when you do deep public engagement but also remain committed to the goal of speeding up bus service. Elected officials representing this area have come out in support of it. We have a great example from 14th Street that proves out this kind of project, and we do not want to find out another example from this administration of them making last minute decisions to pull important projects without consulting with the elected officials or giving us an alternative plan."" -- Keith Powers

On July 3, 2025, the Adams administration paused the 34th Street busway project, as reported by Streetsblog NYC. The matter, described as a 'highly-anticipated 34th Street busway,' had support from Council Members Erik Bottcher, Keith Powers, and others. Bottcher called it 'transformative,' promising fewer crashes and faster buses. Powers slammed the last-minute reversal. Safety analysts warn: canceling the busway preserves car dominance, discourages transit, and keeps streets unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists. The project’s future is uncertain. Vulnerable New Yorkers pay the price.

• Anti-Miracle On 34th Street: Adams Administration Pauses Work On 34th Street Busway, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-03

Jul 1 - A convertible hit a young boy crossing with the signal. He suffered a head injury and severe bleeding. The driver was in shock. The crash happened at East 14th in Manhattan.

A convertible struck a male child pedestrian at the intersection of East 14th Street in Manhattan. The boy was crossing with the signal when he was hit. According to the police report, the child suffered a head injury and severe bleeding, and was found unconscious. The driver, a 25-year-old woman, was making a left turn and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. No driver-specific errors were listed in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4825362 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Jun 30 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-30

Jun 25 - Voters chose candidates who back bike lanes, open streets, and transit. Opponents lost. The message is clear: New Yorkers want safer roads. No new laws yet, but the council’s direction is set. Vulnerable road users watch and wait.

On June 25, 2025, New York City held local elections with major implications for street safety. The event, covered by Streetsblog NYC, saw candidates who championed 'the importance of bike lanes, public transit, and open streets' win across the city. Council members Lincoln Restler, Shahana Hanif, Shekar Krishnan, Chi Oss, Crystal Hudson, and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams all prevailed on platforms supporting safer streets. Mark Levine, who called for bold highway changes, won the Comptroller race. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text is a vague statement of support for livable streets but does not describe a specific policy action or legislative change, so its direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists cannot be determined.' The victories signal a mandate for people-first streets, but concrete safety gains depend on future action.

• Down-Ballot Recap: A Great Night for the Livable Streets Movement, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-25

Jun 24 - SUV hit an 11-year-old boy crossing Avenue C. Driver was distracted. Child suffered leg fracture. Night, empty street, broken silence. Impact left pain and confusion.

An SUV struck an 11-year-old boy who was crossing Avenue C in Manhattan. According to the police report, the child was not at an intersection or crosswalk. The boy suffered a fractured leg and was described as incoherent at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The SUV’s right front quarter panel took the impact. No other injuries were reported. The driver was licensed and wearing a seatbelt. The crash highlights the danger when drivers lose focus, especially near vulnerable pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4822713 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Jun 20 - DOT pushes ahead. Protected bike lanes coming to 31st Street. Community board erupts. Lawmakers back the plan. Business owners protest. City stands with cyclists and pedestrians. Proven safety gains for vulnerable users. Change rolls forward. Streets shift. Lives may be spared.

On June 20, 2025, the Department of Transportation reaffirmed its plan to install protected bike lanes under the elevated tracks on 31st Street in Astoria. The proposal, discussed at a heated community board meeting, remains active and is set for installation after summer repaving. Council Member Tiffany Caban, State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, and Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas endorsed the plan in a letter, stating it would 'protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers while making our streets safer and less congested.' DOT spokesman Will Livingston said the design improves safety and supports local businesses. Despite opposition from some business owners, the plan moves forward. Safety analysts note: 'Protected bike lanes are proven to reduce injuries and fatalities for cyclists and pedestrians, encourage mode shift, and improve street equity by reallocating space from cars to vulnerable users.'

• DOT Stands By Astoria Bike Lane Plan Despite Foes’ ‘Childish’ Outbursts, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-20

Jun 19 - A cyclist swerved to avoid a pedestrian in Central Park. He fell. His head struck the curb. He died at the hospital. The pedestrian suffered minor injuries. The crash happened at a crosswalk near 96th Street. The case is under investigation.

ABC7 reported on June 19, 2025, that Salvador Nico-Garcia, 43, died after colliding with a pedestrian while riding an e-bike in Central Park. According to police, Nico-Garcia swerved to avoid a 41-year-old pedestrian crossing at the crosswalk near 96th Street and East Drive. He fell, struck his head on the curb, and was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital. The pedestrian sustained minor abrasions. ABC7 notes, 'Officials say Nico-Garcia was on an e-bike and was not wearing a helmet at the time he was thrown.' New York City does not require cyclists over 14 to wear helmets. In Central Park, pedestrians have the right of way at all times. The incident remains under investigation, highlighting ongoing risks at crosswalks and the lack of helmet mandates for adult cyclists.

• Cyclist Killed Dodging Pedestrian In Park, ABC7, Published 2025-06-19

Jun 17 - Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.

Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-17

Jun 16 - White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.

Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 7678, Open States, Published 2025-06-16