Gramercy Bleeds While Leaders Stall: Demand 20 MPH Now

Jan 24 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-01-24

Jan 23 - An 85-year-old woman was struck while crossing 1 Avenue at East 23 Street. The SUV failed to yield and was distracted. She suffered fractures and dislocations to her abdomen and pelvis. The driver hit her with the right front bumper.

According to the police report, an 85-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 1 Avenue and East 23 Street in Manhattan. She was crossing with the signal when a 2021 Ford SUV making a right turn struck her with its right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to her abdomen and pelvis and remained conscious. The report lists driver errors as Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The vehicle showed no damage. No other contributing factors were noted. The victim was not at fault and was crossing legally.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4605993 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 17 - Senate bill S 1952 orders advanced safety tech in all New York vehicles. DMV must set rules. Hoylman-Sigal leads. Gianaris and Gonzalez back him. No safety analyst review yet. Action at sponsorship stage.

Senate bill S 1952, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 17, 2023, it 'mandates the use of advanced safety technology in vehicles in the state; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles to promulgate certain rules and regulations.' Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal sponsors, joined by Michael Gianaris and Kristen Gonzalez. No safety analyst has reviewed the bill's impact on vulnerable road users. The bill awaits further action and committee assignment.

• File S 1952, Open States, Published 2023-01-17

Jan 13 - Assembly bill A 1280 pushes for streets built for all. Dozens of lawmakers back the plan. The bill demands roads that protect walkers, cyclists, and riders. It calls for design, not luck, to keep people safe.

Assembly bill A 1280, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 13, 2023, the bill sits with the Assembly. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 70 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Kenny Burgos, and Catalina Cruz. Their action signals strong legislative momentum. The bill’s focus: force planners to build streets for people, not just cars. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear—systemic change for vulnerable road users. The bill’s progress can be tracked at the New York Assembly website.

• File A 1280, Open States, Published 2023-01-13

Jan 5 - A cement truck driver turned right and struck a woman on a Citi Bike in Astoria. She died at the scene, less than a mile from home. This marks the fourth cyclist killed in the area in under three years. Streets remain deadly.

On January 5, 2023, a cement truck driver fatally struck 62-year-old Tamara Chuchi Kao as she rode a Citi Bike in Astoria, Queens. The driver turned right from 24th Avenue onto 29th Street, hitting Kao and killing her instantly. Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani called the crash 'absolutely heartbreaking,' noting Kao was the fourth cyclist killed in Astoria in 2.5 years. State Senator Kristen Gonzalez blamed 'poorly designed streets,' saying, 'traffic violence is the outcome of poorly designed streets and is a solvable problem.' The area has almost no protected bike lanes. In 2022, Community Board 1 saw 1,979 crashes, injuring 120 cyclists and 163 pedestrians. Politicians and residents demand safer streets, better enforcement, and an end to car dominance. The deadly toll continues.

• BREAKING: Cement Truck Driver Fatally Strikes Woman on Citi Bike in Astoria, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-05

Jan 4 - An e-bike driver was ejected and injured in a collision with a taxi stopped in traffic on East 19th Street. The rider suffered fractures and dislocations to the lower leg and foot. The taxi sustained right side door damage.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old male e-bike driver traveling west collided with a taxi stopped in traffic on East 19th Street in Manhattan. The e-bike struck the taxi's right side doors, causing the rider to be ejected and sustain fractures and dislocations to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The taxi, carrying two occupants, suffered damage to its right side doors. The report lists "Passenger Distraction" as a contributing factor but does not specify driver errors for the e-bike rider. The e-bike driver held a permit license, and no safety equipment status was noted. The taxi driver was licensed and traveling west while stopped in traffic. No blame is assigned to the injured rider.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4595541 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 4 - Senate bill S 100 demands complete street design in state and federally funded projects. Lawmakers push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars.

Senate bill S 100 was introduced on January 4, 2023, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Jeremy Cooney, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 100, Open States, Published 2023-01-04

Dec 15 - A 23-year-old woman was struck while crossing with the signal at 2 Avenue. The driver made a right turn, hitting her with the vehicle’s right front bumper. She suffered bruises and a lower arm injury. The driver failed to yield and was distracted.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 2 Avenue in Manhattan. She was crossing with the signal when the driver, making a right turn, struck her with the vehicle’s right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her elbow and lower arm. The report lists driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage. The pedestrian was conscious and suffered a bruise but was not ejected. No other safety equipment or factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4590339 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 11 - A sedan hit a 17-year-old male bicyclist on East 23 Street in Manhattan. The cyclist suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. The driver was distracted, causing the collision. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on East 23 Street collided with a northbound bicyclist. The 17-year-old male bicyclist sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from his bike. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The sedan's point of impact was the left front quarter panel, and the bike was struck at the center front end. No other contributing factors were noted. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The driver was licensed in New York and was traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4583062 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 2 - SUV hit a 31-year-old man crossing 3 Avenue. Impact crushed his knee and leg. Blood on the street. No driver errors listed. Manhattan intersection, midday. System failed to protect the walker.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old male pedestrian was struck by a northbound SUV at the intersection of 3 Avenue and East 22 Street in Manhattan. The SUV's right front bumper hit the man as he crossed. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists no driver errors or contributing factors. The driver, licensed in New Jersey, was alone in the vehicle. The crash left the pedestrian hurt in the crosswalk, with no violations recorded for the driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4578559 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 10 - An e-scooter rider struck the right side of a parked taxi on East 19 Street in Manhattan. The rider suffered bruises and an elbow injury. The taxi showed damage on its right side doors. The rider remained conscious and was not ejected.

According to the police report, a 30-year-old male e-scooter driver traveling straight ahead collided with the right side doors of a parked taxi on East 19 Street near 3 Avenue in Manhattan. The rider sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but was conscious and not ejected. The taxi, a 2020 Toyota car, was occupied by a licensed male driver and showed damage on the right side doors. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors for the crash. The e-scooter showed no damage, and the rider's safety equipment status is unknown.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4578918 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 19 - A taxi struck a 32-year-old man crossing 3 Avenue at East 23 Street. The pedestrian was semiconscious with head injuries and minor bleeding. The driver was distracted. The crash happened late at night in Manhattan.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling north on 3 Avenue struck a pedestrian crossing with the signal at East 23 Street. The 32-year-old male pedestrian suffered head injuries and was semiconscious with minor bleeding. The point of impact was the center front end of the taxi. The driver, a licensed male, was going straight ahead but was inattentive and distracted at the time of the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The pedestrian was not at fault and was following the traffic signal when struck.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4566048 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 15 - A 38-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured in a collision with a taxi stopped in traffic on Park Avenue South. The bike struck the taxi’s right side doors. The rider suffered abdominal and pelvic contusions despite wearing a helmet.

According to the police report, a bicyclist traveling north collided with a taxi stopped in traffic on Park Avenue South in Manhattan. The impact occurred at the taxi’s right side doors, causing the bicyclist to be ejected and sustain injuries to the abdomen and pelvis. The bicyclist was conscious and wearing a helmet at the time. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor, indicating driver error related to lane use. The taxi driver was licensed and stopped in traffic. The bicyclist suffered contusions and bruises but was not at fault for the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4564792 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 15 - Two men on bikes crashed on East 18 Street. One was turning left, the other rode straight. The collision hit the left side doors and front ends. A 31-year-old rider suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. Confusion caused the crash.

According to the police report, two bicyclists collided on East 18 Street. One bicyclist was making a left turn while the other was traveling straight ahead. The impact occurred on the left side doors and center front ends of the bikes. A 31-year-old male bicyclist was injured, sustaining abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted. The injured bicyclist was not ejected and was conscious at the scene. No safety equipment was reported. The crash involved only the two bicyclists and resulted in moderate injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4564553 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 2 - A northbound SUV struck the right rear quarter panel of a parked station wagon on 1st Avenue in Manhattan. The station wagon’s 72-year-old female driver suffered head injuries and minor bleeding. Police cited driver inattention as the cause.

According to the police report, a 2022 SUV was parked when it was hit on the right rear quarter panel by a northbound 2013 SUV traveling straight ahead. The 72-year-old female driver of the station wagon was injured, sustaining head trauma and minor bleeding. She was not ejected but experienced shock. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The collision caused damage to the left front quarter panel of the moving SUV and the right rear quarter panel of the parked vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4561095 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 1 - A 27-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured on East 22 Street near 3 Avenue. The rider suffered abrasions over his entire body. The crash involved a left turn and impact to the bike’s left rear quarter panel.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old male bicyclist was injured and ejected from his bike on East 22 Street near 3 Avenue in Manhattan. The bicyclist sustained abrasions over his entire body. The crash occurred as the bicyclist was making a left turn and the point of impact was the bike’s left rear quarter panel. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved or injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4561097 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 1 - Senator Brian Kavanagh calls out city and state leaders for failing basement tenants. He slams piecemeal fixes and urges full legalization and safety upgrades. Storms kill. Inaction kills. Kavanagh says: bring these homes into the light, or more will die.

On September 1, 2022, Senator Brian Kavanagh (District 27) published an editorial demanding urgent action to legalize and regulate basement apartments. The piece, titled 'Basement apartments shouldn’t be death traps,' criticizes government inaction after deadly floods from Hurricane Ida and Sandy. Kavanagh, a sponsor of recent state legislation, writes: 'New York City needs to immediately move to legalize and regulate basement apartments to ensure the safety of their tens of thousands of tenants.' He condemns defunded pilot programs and failed bills, calling for a full-scale mobilization to prevent more deaths. Kavanagh’s editorial highlights the deadly consequences of neglect and urges leaders to prioritize safety for vulnerable tenants living in basement units.

• Basement apartments shouldn’t be death traps, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-09-01

Aug 25 - A 22-year-old man was struck by an SUV on East 22 Street near 3 Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when the vehicle, traveling east, hit him center front. He suffered a head abrasion but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being struck by a 2021 Toyota SUV traveling east on East 22 Street in Manhattan. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal and was not at an intersection when the collision occurred. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian at the center front end. The pedestrian suffered a head abrasion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists the pedestrian's error and confusion as contributing factors. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4560850 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 19 - A 30-year-old woman riding a bike was injured on East 17 Street near Irving Place in Manhattan. She suffered a head contusion and bruises. The crash involved a collision impacting the center back end of her bike. No driver errors were reported.

According to the police report, a 30-year-old female bicyclist was injured on East 17 Street in Manhattan. She sustained a head contusion and bruises but was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The crash involved a collision impacting the center back end of her bicycle while she was traveling west, going straight ahead. No contributing factors or driver errors were listed in the report. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the crash. The report does not specify other vehicles involved or their actions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4556982 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 9 - StreetsPAC called for voters to oust State Sen. Kevin Parker. They backed Kaegan Mays-Williams for her push on protected bike lanes and bus network redesign. Parker ignored safety questions. StreetsPAC praised other candidates who fight for safer streets and transit.

On August 9, 2022, StreetsPAC, New York City's safe streets political action committee, issued an endorsement urging Central Brooklyn voters to retire State Sen. Kevin Parker. The group backed Kaegan Mays-Williams, citing her support for redesigning Brooklyn's bus network and expanding protected bike lanes. StreetsPAC Executive Director Eric McClure said, 'She supports redesigning Brooklyn's bus network to simplify routes and speed commutes.' Parker did not respond to StreetsPAC's request for information and has a record of negative incidents. Mays-Williams stressed the need for dependable public transit and safer cycling. StreetsPAC also highlighted the safety records of Andrew Gounardes, Angel Vasquez, Jabori Brisport, Rajiv Gowda, Christian Amato, and Kristen Gonzalez, noting their support for speed cameras, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and transit improvements. The endorsement signals a clear push for candidates who prioritize vulnerable road users.

• StreetsPAC to Central Brooklyn Voters: Retire State Sen. Kevin Parker Now!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-09