Blood on the Pavement, Silence in City Hall

A taxi struck a sedan on Park Avenue. The sedan’s front passenger took the hit, suffering knee and leg bruises. Police blamed driver distraction. The city’s streets remain unforgiving for the unwary.

According to the police report, a taxi and a sedan collided at 2:34 AM on Park Avenue near East 36th Street in Manhattan. The taxi hit the sedan’s right rear quarter panel. The front passenger in the sedan, a 31-year-old woman, suffered contusions and bruises to her knee and lower leg. She was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. Police cited 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' for both vehicles as the cause. No victim actions contributed to the crash. The report highlights driver distraction as the key factor in this early-morning collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719232 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A taxi struck the rear of a slowing SUV on 1 Avenue in Manhattan shortly after midnight. The SUV driver, a 39-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention as the cause of the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:10 a.m. on 1 Avenue near East 30 Street in Manhattan. A 2023 taxi traveling north struck the center back end of a 2022 SUV that was slowing or stopping. The SUV driver, a 39-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but was conscious and wearing a lap belt. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the taxi driver. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The taxi's front end and the SUV's rear end sustained damage. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction in urban traffic and the resulting harm to vehicle occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718729 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2024-04-15

Mayor Adams dodged questions on e-bike registration and battery swap rollout. City Hall offered no answers. Delivery workers wait. Council Member Powers grows impatient. Advocates warn registration could hurt cycling. The city stalls. Streets stay dangerous for riders and walkers.

On April 2, 2024, Mayor Adams faced questions about Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar's bill to require e-bike registration and the city’s delay in launching a mandated battery swap program. The mayor called both topics 'off topic' at a press conference. City Hall later said it is reviewing the Rajkumar bill and that the Department of Transportation would oversee the battery swap program, but provided no timeline. The bill, based on disputed injury statistics, has drawn criticism from street safety advocates who argue registration would suppress cycling and sustainable transit. Local Law 131, sponsored by Council Member Keith Powers, requires the battery swap program, but the city has not acted. Powers voiced frustration, noting the Council plans to allocate $3 million for the program. Vulnerable road users remain at risk as city action stalls.

• Mayor Mum on E-Bike Registration Bill, Battery Swap Program, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-04-02

A 54-year-old man suffered a concussion and upper leg injury after being struck outside an intersection on East 42nd Street. The pedestrian was conscious but injured. The crash involved a Nissan SUV with no reported driver errors or contributing factors.

According to the police report, a 54-year-old male pedestrian was injured on East 42nd Street in Manhattan around 16:45. The pedestrian sustained a concussion and upper leg injury while located outside an intersection, described as "Other Actions in Roadway." The involved vehicle was a Nissan SUV registered in New York. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No pedestrian behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The absence of driver error in the report highlights systemic dangers pedestrians face even when no explicit fault is recorded.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717489 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2024-03-27

A 29-year-old bicyclist suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a sedan struck him on East 44th Street. The crash involved driver inexperience and inattention, causing significant impact to the cyclist’s front center and left side of the sedan.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:56 AM on East 44th Street in Manhattan. A sedan and a bicycle collided, with the sedan impacting the left side doors and the bicycle sustaining damage to its center front end. The bicyclist, a 29-year-old male, was injured with contusions and bruises to his hip and upper leg but was conscious and not ejected from his bike. The report cites 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors to the collision. The sedan driver was licensed and operating the vehicle at the time. The bicyclist was not using any safety equipment. The evidence points to driver error as the primary cause of the crash, with no contributing fault attributed to the bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4711641 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A sedan traveling north struck a parked SUV on 1 Avenue. The sedan driver, a 45-year-old man, suffered injuries and incoherence. Police cited illness as a contributing factor. The impact damaged the front of the sedan and rear of the SUV.

According to the police report, a 2009 sedan driven by a 45-year-old licensed male driver traveling north on 1 Avenue collided with a parked 2016 SUV. The point of impact was the center front end of the sedan and the center back end of the SUV. The sedan driver was injured and incoherent following the crash, wearing a lap belt at the time. The report lists illness as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating a possible medical event affecting the driver's control. The SUV was stationary before impact, with its driver licensed and female. Vehicle damage was consistent with a rear-end collision. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4711416 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-03-20

A sedan making a left turn hit a 17-year-old bicyclist traveling straight. The cyclist was ejected and suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation. The crash happened at night in Manhattan, with failure to yield right-of-way cited as the cause.

According to the police report, a 2018 Hyundai sedan was making a left turn on East 34th Street in Manhattan at 9:15 p.m. when it struck a 17-year-old male bicyclist traveling straight north. The point of impact was the sedan's left front quarter panel and the bike's center front end. The bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained a fractured, distorted, and dislocated injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor in the collision. The sedan driver was licensed in Florida and the crash occurred in Council District 4. No other contributing factors related to the bicyclist were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4711766 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Assembly bill A 9415 orders $90 million for faster, more reliable buses and fare-free rides. Sponsors demand the MTA report every dollar. Streets could shift. Riders wait.

Assembly bill A 9415, introduced March 14, 2024, sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Enacts the get congestion pricing right act,' directs the MTA to spend $45 million to improve bus frequency and reliability, and another $45 million to expand fare-free bus pilots in New York City. Sponsors Zohran Mamdani (36), Yudelka Tapia (86), Jo Anne Simon (52), and Alex Bores (73) back the move. The bill requires the MTA to report on these investments. No safety analyst has yet assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• File A 9415, Open States, Published 2024-03-14

Two sedans collided head-on on East 25 Street. The female driver of one vehicle suffered back injuries and whiplash, left in shock. The crash involved driver inattention, causing significant front-end damage to both cars.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling on East 25 Street collided at 9:30 AM. Both vehicles were going straight ahead when the collision occurred. The point of impact was the left front bumper of one sedan and the center front end of the other. The female driver of the northbound sedan, aged 60, was injured with back pain and whiplash and was reported to be in shock. She was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were licensed in New York. Vehicle damage was significant on the front ends, indicating a forceful impact. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708367 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 65-year-old man suffered severe full-body injuries after an SUV struck him at a Manhattan intersection. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was distracted. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the impact occurred.

According to the police report, a 65-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and East 33rd Street in Manhattan at 9:50 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2022 Toyota SUV traveling south struck him with the center front end. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian suffered internal injuries affecting his entire body and was in shock. The SUV sustained damage to its center front end. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. The report focuses on the driver’s errors as the cause of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709323 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A taxi making a left turn collided with a westbound bicyclist on East 37 Street. The cyclist suffered upper leg injuries and shock. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a 25-year-old male bicyclist traveling westbound on East 37 Street was struck by a taxi making a left turn. The point of impact was the taxi's left rear quarter panel and the bike's center front end. The bicyclist sustained injuries to his hip and upper leg, experienced shock, and complained of pain or nausea. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' twice as contributing factors, indicating the taxi driver failed to maintain proper attention during the maneuver. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing any safety equipment. The taxi driver was licensed and operating a 2021 Tesla. No other contributing factors related to the bicyclist were noted. The collision highlights driver error during turning maneuvers as a systemic danger to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707918 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A moped and sedan collided on East 38 Street in Manhattan. The moped driver, unlicensed and traveling north, struck the sedan’s left front quarter panel. The sedan driver suffered a fractured knee and lower leg injuries amid driver distraction.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:58 on East 38 Street near 3 Avenue in Manhattan. A moped traveling north struck the left front quarter panel of a parked 2018 Audi sedan. The moped driver was unlicensed and the sedan driver was licensed from New Jersey. The sedan driver, a 36-year-old male occupant, sustained serious injuries including a fractured knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for the sedan driver, indicating failure to maintain attention. The moped driver was also noted for driver inattention or distraction. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The collision caused damage to the left front quarter panel of the sedan and the center front end of the moped. The sedan driver was not ejected and remained conscious.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707361 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 48-year-old man suffered a hip and upper leg injury after an SUV struck him at an intersection on 2 Avenue. The driver failed to yield and was inattentive, causing a collision despite the pedestrian crossing with the signal.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:30 AM on 2 Avenue in Manhattan. A 48-year-old male pedestrian was crossing the intersection with the signal when he was struck by a southbound 2012 Toyota SUV making a left turn. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle, which sustained damage in the same area. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and bruising to his hip and upper leg, classified as injury severity level 3, and remained conscious. The report identifies the driver’s contributing factors as inattention and failure to yield the right-of-way. The pedestrian’s compliance with the crossing signal is noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The collision highlights driver errors and systemic risks at intersections involving turning vehicles and pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707587 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Council calls for five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The move aims to slow cars where people walk, bike, and gather. Resolution adopted. Streets may breathe easier. Danger may shrink.

Resolution 0079-2024, adopted June 6, 2024 by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, urges Albany to let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The matter title reads: 'authorize New York City to set a five mile per hour speed limit on streets participating in the Open Streets program.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Crystal Hudson, Julie Won, and Carlina Rivera. The Council's action follows rising traffic deaths and growing use of Open Streets. The bill targets streets where people walk, bike, and gather, aiming to cut speed and risk for all vulnerable users.

• File Res 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council calls for five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. Streets slow. Danger drops. Pedestrians and cyclists get space. Resolution adopted. Albany must act.

Res 0079-2024, adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 6, 2024, urges Albany to let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The resolution states: "authorize New York City to set a five mile per hour speed limit on streets participating in the Open Streets program." Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Crystal Hudson, Julie Won, and Carlina Rivera. The measure passed committee and full council on June 6. The bill aims to cut speed and risk where people walk, bike, and gather. The council's push now waits for state lawmakers and the governor.

• File Res 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council calls for five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. Streets slow. Danger drops. Pedestrians and cyclists get space. Resolution adopted. Albany must act.

Res 0079-2024, adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 6, 2024, urges Albany to let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The resolution states: "authorize New York City to set a five mile per hour speed limit on streets participating in the Open Streets program." Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Crystal Hudson, Julie Won, and Carlina Rivera. The measure passed committee and full council on June 6. The bill aims to cut speed and risk where people walk, bike, and gather. The council's push now waits for state lawmakers and the governor.

• File Res 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council targets fake and expired plates. Bill sets fines. Ten-day grace for expired tags. Crackdown aims at cars that dodge law and endanger streets. Committee on Public Safety holds the measure.

Int 0177-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle with fraudulent or expired license plates,' makes it illegal to drive with fake or expired plates, including temporary ones. Civil penalties apply, but drivers with expired plates get a 10-day cure period. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Feliz, Salamanca, Powers, Restler, Won, Brewer, Schulman, Ung, Marte, Hudson, Avilés, De La Rosa, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The bill targets drivers who hide behind illegal plates, a tactic often linked to hit-and-runs and reckless driving.

• File Int 0177-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28