Blood on the Pavement, Silence in City Hall

G train rolls again. After months of silence, trains run from Queens to Brooklyn. Riders endured shuttle buses, slow streets, no dedicated lanes. Council Member Restler praises upgrades, slams city for missing bus lanes. Modern signals promise speed, but funding future hangs in balance.

On September 3, 2024, the G train returned to full service after a summer shutdown for signal modernization. The $368 million project, led by the MTA, replaced century-old signals with Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC), aiming for faster, more reliable service. Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33) praised the MTA’s handling and shuttle bus communication but criticized the city for not creating dedicated bus lanes during the closure, saying, 'They expressed dismay, however, that the city had not constructed a dedicated lane so shuttle buses could move faster.' Restler called for renewed investment in the MTA, including the resumption of congestion pricing, to fund future upgrades. The project continues through 2027, but no more full shutdowns are planned. The lack of bus lanes during the outage left vulnerable riders exposed to slow, crowded streets.

• Back on track: G train returns to full service following summer shutdown, amny.com, Published 2024-09-03

A northbound bicyclist was struck by an SUV making a left turn on 1 Avenue. The collision caused abrasions and injuries to the cyclist’s lower leg and foot. Police cited the SUV driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as the cause.

According to the police report, at 23:42 on 1 Avenue near East 28 Street, a 25-year-old female bicyclist traveling north was hit by a 2016 Honda SUV making a left turn westbound. The point of impact was the SUV’s left front bumper striking the cyclist’s center front end. The bicyclist sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report explicitly lists the SUV driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor. The cyclist was not ejected and was conscious after the crash. No safety equipment was noted on the bicyclist, but the report does not cite this as a contributing factor. Vehicle damage was minimal on the bike, and no driver license details were provided for the SUV operator.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4752937 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 37-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by a taxi making a right turn on East 36 Street in Manhattan. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing contusions to the pedestrian’s elbow and lower arm.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling south on Lexington Avenue was making a right turn onto East 36 Street at 7:32 PM when it struck a 37-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian suffered contusions and bruises to her elbow and lower arm, classified as injury severity level 3. The report explicitly cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor attributed to the taxi driver. The vehicle sustained no damage, and the driver was licensed and operating legally. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal is noted but not identified as a contributing factor. This collision highlights the systemic danger posed by drivers failing to yield to pedestrians at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4752980 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Randy Mastro, Adams’ pick for top city lawyer, faced council grilling. He pledged to recuse himself from cases tied to past clients—congestion pricing, rent rules, emissions laws. Councilmember Keith Powers questioned if a lawyer with so many conflicts should serve.

On August 27, 2024, the City Council held a confirmation hearing for Randy Mastro, Mayor Eric Adams’ nominee for Corporation Counsel. The hearing, covered by Councilmember Keith Powers (District 4), focused on Mastro’s promise to recuse himself from major cases involving former clients, including lawsuits against Local Law 97, rent regulations, and congestion pricing. The matter summary states Mastro would step aside from any city-related case, even if the city is not a direct party. Powers pressed Mastro on whether a top attorney with so many conflicts could serve the city’s interests. Mastro insisted his experience makes him fit for the role, while Adams praised his record but acknowledged the council’s authority to confirm. No formal safety analysis was provided regarding impacts on vulnerable road users.

• Mayor Adams' pick for top lawyer says he would recuse himself in some big cases, gothamist.com, Published 2024-08-27

Two sedans collided on East 28th Street in Manhattan. A 65-year-old female passenger suffered a back injury and shock. Police cited the driver's failure to maintain safe distance as the cause. Both vehicles were making right turns at impact.

According to the police report, at 14:16 on East 28th Street near 2 Avenue in Manhattan, two sedans traveling eastbound collided while both were making right turns. The impact occurred at the center front end of the striking vehicle and the center back end of the struck vehicle. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, indicating a failure by the trailing driver to maintain a safe distance. A 65-year-old female passenger in the struck vehicle, seated in the middle front seat or lying across a seat and restrained by a lap belt, sustained a back injury and was in shock. The collision caused damage to both vehicles' front and back ends. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4751240 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A bicyclist traveling south on East 42nd Street was injured when a taxi door opened into his path. According to the police report, driver inattention caused the collision, resulting in abrasions and upper arm injuries to the rider.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on East 42nd Street near Park Avenue in Manhattan at 6:45 PM. A southbound bicyclist collided with the right side doors of a parked taxi. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The bicyclist, a 25-year-old male, suffered abrasions and an upper arm injury but was conscious and not ejected from his bike. The taxi was stationary before the crash, and the impact was on the taxi's right side doors and the bike's center front end. No safety equipment was reported on the bicyclist. The collision resulted directly from the taxi driver's failure to maintain awareness, creating a hazardous condition for the vulnerable rider.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4752022 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A bus hit a 26-year-old cyclist on 3rd Avenue. The rider suffered bruises to his knee and leg. Police cited driver inattention and inexperience. The cyclist wore a helmet and stayed conscious.

According to the police report, a bus struck a 26-year-old male bicyclist on 3rd Avenue in Manhattan. The crash left the cyclist with bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot. Police identified driver inattention and driver inexperience as contributing factors. The bus hit the back of the bike with its right front bumper. The cyclist was wearing a helmet and remained conscious after the collision. No vehicle damage was reported. The incident underscores the risks vulnerable road users face when drivers are inattentive or inexperienced.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4750161 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A northbound SUV starting from parking hit a 24-year-old male bicyclist on East 33rd Street. The cyclist was partially ejected, suffering abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. Police cited failure to yield and improper lane usage by the SUV driver.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:57 on East 33rd Street in Manhattan. A Station Wagon/SUV was starting from parking when it struck a northbound bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 24-year-old male riding without safety equipment, was partially ejected and sustained abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report identifies the SUV driver's failure to yield right-of-way and improper passing or lane usage as contributing factors. The SUV impacted the bicyclist on its left side doors, while the bike's front center end sustained damage. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash and injured but not fatally. The report highlights driver errors, specifically failure to yield and lane misuse, as central causes of this collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4751638 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Locals and leaders want the parking lot under the FDR Drive gone. They demand public space, not car storage. The city brought cars back after flood wall work. Residents call it a missed chance. They want a waterfront for people.

On August 19, 2024, Manhattan’s Community Board 6 and Council Member Keith Powers pushed to convert the parking lot under the FDR Drive, between E. 18th and E. 23rd streets, into public space. The lot, closed for years during flood wall construction, reopened for parking despite calls for change. The matter summary reads: 'An underused parking lot below the FDR Drive should finally turn into a community space instead of car storage, according to residents and politicians.' Sandy McKee, CB6 chair, said, 'If we took away the cars, it would be a visible connection through to the waterfront.' Powers backed the move, stressing the need for public access. The board sent a resolution to the Economic Development Corporation. The city claims it still needs the space for construction and right-of-way management. No formal bill number or committee is listed. The push echoes similar highway conversions in Toronto and Brooklyn.

• Parking Lot Under the FDR Should Become Public Space: Locals, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-19

City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

DOT cuts Bedford Slip’s car-free hours. The plaza, once open all week, will now close to cars only on weekends. Locals and advocates wanted more. Businesses pushed back. Most neighbors don’t own cars. The fight for safe space continues.

On August 13, 2024, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced it would end 24/7 pedestrianization of Bedford Slip in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The decision, not a council bill but a DOT action, follows a six-week trial during the G train shutdown. DOT will allow car-free hours only on weekends from late September through year’s end. The matter summary: 'DOT Rejects 24-7 Open Street for ‘Bedford Slip,’ Preferring Weekend-Only Hours.' Council Member Lincoln Restler, State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, and Rep. Nydia Velázquez supported a permanent plaza. Katie Denny Horowitz of the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance vowed to keep pushing for full-time closure. DOT spokeswoman Mona Bruno said the agency is working with residents on a long-term vision. Most local households rely on transit, biking, or walking. The decision leaves vulnerable road users with less protection during the week.

• DOT Rejects 24-7 Open Street for ‘Bedford Slip,’ Preferring Weekend-Only Hours, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-13

North Brooklyn residents and lawmakers demand DOT keep Bedford Slip car-free. The plaza, born of subway repairs, became a haven for pedestrians. Over 3,100 back it. Officials urge permanence. Opponents’ safety fears never came true. The fight for public space continues.

On August 10, 2024, North Brooklynites rallied to keep the temporary pedestrian plaza at Bedford Slip, a half-block offshoot of Bedford Avenue north of Nassau Avenue, car-free. The Department of Transportation (DOT) had closed the street to traffic during G train repairs, but plans to reopen it to vehicles. The matter, described as a push to 'continue this vital public space project as a permanent fixture,' drew support from Rep. Nydia Velázquez and State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, who sent letters urging DOT to make the plaza permanent. Local organizations, businesses, and over 3,100 petitioners back the effort, citing increased community use and safety. Previous concerns about traffic and safety did not materialize. The plaza is part of a broader movement to reclaim streets for pedestrians in Greenpoint and Williamsburg.

• ‘Save the Slip’: North Brooklynites Urge DOT to Keep Temporary Plaza, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-10

A 75-year-old pedestrian was struck by an SUV making a left turn on 2 Avenue. The vehicle failed to yield right-of-way, hitting the pedestrian at an intersection while she crossed with the signal. She suffered leg injuries and shock.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 2 Avenue near East 30 Street in Manhattan at 9:47 AM. A 2015 SUV, driven by a licensed male driver, was making a left turn when it struck a 75-year-old female pedestrian crossing the intersection with the signal. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor by the driver. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in shock and complaints of pain or nausea. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian at the center front end, yet the SUV showed no damage. The pedestrian was not at fault; the collision was caused by the driver's failure to yield to a crossing pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4746552 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 65-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by an SUV making a right turn on East 34 Street. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:23 on East 34 Street near 2 Avenue in Manhattan. A 65-year-old female pedestrian, crossing with the signal at the intersection, was injured when a 2016 Ford SUV, traveling east and making a right turn, struck her. The point of impact was the vehicle's right front quarter panel. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, but remained conscious. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. This incident highlights the dangers posed by driver errors such as failure to yield and distraction in urban intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4746216 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 25-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn on East 36 Street in Manhattan. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, causing abrasions and shock.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:03 AM on East 36 Street near Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. A 2015 Kia SUV, driven by a licensed female driver traveling south and making a right turn, struck a 25-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing the intersection with the signal. The point of impact was the right front quarter panel of the SUV. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, including abrasions, and was reported to be in shock. The police report cites the primary contributing factor as the driver's failure to yield the right-of-way. Alcohol involvement was also noted as a contributing factor. The vehicle sustained no damage. The report focuses on the driver's error in yielding, with no indication of fault or error on the pedestrian's part.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4746554 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan collided with an e-bike on East 31st Street in Manhattan. The 39-year-old bicyclist suffered head abrasions but remained conscious. Police cited the sedan driver for disregarding traffic control, causing the crash and serious injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:46 on East 31st Street near 2 Avenue in Manhattan. A 2017 Ford sedan traveling south struck a westbound e-bike. The bicyclist, a 39-year-old man, sustained head abrasions and was conscious after the collision. The report identifies "Traffic Control Disregarded" as the primary contributing factor, implicating the sedan driver in failing to obey traffic signals or signs. The sedan's left front bumper impacted the e-bike, causing injury to the cyclist. The bicyclist was not ejected and wore no safety equipment, but no victim behavior was cited as contributing. The sedan driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead before the crash. This incident highlights driver error in ignoring traffic controls, resulting in serious harm to a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4751556 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A southbound SUV struck a bicyclist traveling the same direction on 2 Avenue in Manhattan. The cyclist suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The SUV’s right front bumper impacted the bike’s rider, causing injury without visible bike damage.

According to the police report, at 13:29 on 2 Avenue near East 39 Street, a GMC SUV traveling south struck a bicyclist also heading south. The SUV’s right front bumper made contact with the cyclist, causing right front quarter panel damage to the vehicle. The bicyclist, a 41-year-old male, was injured with neck trauma and whiplash but was not ejected. The bike showed no damage. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The cyclist was not wearing safety equipment. The collision occurred while both vehicles were going straight ahead. The report does not attribute fault to the bicyclist or note any victim behavior contributing to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4744646 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

City will let property owners install e-bike charging stations on sidewalks. The move aims to stop deadly basement charging and bring safety to delivery workers. A new battery trade-in program will target dangerous lithium-ion batteries and mopeds. Community resistance remains.

On July 23, 2024, the Department of Transportation announced a new initiative to permit private sidewalk e-bike and moped charging stations. The program, previewed at a press conference with Mayor Adams, will open for applications by year’s end after a public hearing on August 21. The matter, described as making it 'easier and faster for property owners to install public battery charging and swapping cabinets,' seeks to replace illegal, hazardous charging hubs with regulated infrastructure. Council Member Keith Powers, who sponsored last year’s battery trade-in law, said, 'No one wants to use—or be anywhere near—batteries that aren't safe to charge.' Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh called current illegal charging 'effectively death traps.' The city will also fund a $2 million battery and moped trade-in program. Delivery worker advocates want the new stations to be free or low-cost. Community board opposition has slowed previous efforts. The mayor remains neutral on state e-bike registration proposals.

• DOT Will Fast-Track Private Sidewalk E-Bike Charging Stations, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-23

A 50-year-old male bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries after an SUV made a left turn in Manhattan. Both drivers had limited views, contributing to the collision. The bicyclist remained conscious and was not ejected from his bike.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:19 in Manhattan near 1st Avenue and 491. A 2016 Ford SUV was making a left turn westbound when it collided with a northbound bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 50-year-old male, sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor for both the SUV driver and the bicyclist. The SUV's point of impact was the center front end, indicating the driver failed to yield or adequately check for the bicyclist while turning. No safety equipment was reported on the bicyclist, but this was not listed as a contributing factor. Vehicle damage was minimal, but the bicyclist was injured, underscoring the danger posed by limited visibility and driver errors during left turns.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4742325 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

New state law forces moped and e-bike sellers to register vehicles, educate buyers, and ban unsafe batteries. Lawmakers say this closes loopholes, shifts blame from workers, and aims to cut rising crashes. Streets see more mopeds, more injuries, more tension.

On July 12, 2024, Governor Hochul signed a package of eight bills into law, including new moped and e-bike safety regulations. The legislation, sponsored by State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Alex Bores, requires retailers to register mopeds at the point of sale, provide safety information, and prohibit the sale of substandard lithium-ion batteries. The law also mandates crash reporting and new safety training for first responders. Hoylman-Sigal said, 'I've received more complaints about the hazards these mopeds cause than just about any other issue.' Bores added, 'By requiring the registration of mopeds at point of sale and the collection of e-bike collision data, we are making our streets safer and increasing accountability.' The law shifts accountability to retailers, aiming to improve street safety without penalizing delivery workers. Council Member Shekar Krishnan and State Senator Liz Kruger also voiced support, highlighting the dangers of unregistered mopeds and the need for better buyer education. The law responds to a sharp rise in moped-related injuries and community complaints across New York City.

• Moped and E-Bike Safety Legislation Becomes State Law, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-12