Blood on the Pavement, Silence in City Hall

Council passed a law forcing taxis and for-hire cars to post bold warnings on doors. The signs tell passengers: look for cyclists before you open up. A small step. The city hands out the decals. No cost to drivers.

Int 0193-2024 became law on May 31, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' was sponsored by Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by over twenty council members, including Gutiérrez, Hudson, and Rivera. The law mandates clear warning decals on all rear passenger doors of taxis and for-hire vehicles. The Taxi and Limousine Commission will provide the signs at no cost. The measure aims to cut down on 'dooring'—a threat to cyclists citywide. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it became law.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

A truck killed Danielle Aber in a Greenpoint crosswalk. The driver had a record of speeding. Kristen Gonzalez demanded tougher laws for repeat offenders and urgent safety fixes on Nassau Avenue. Officials say policy failure and missing infrastructure left Aber exposed.

On February 27, 2024, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez responded to the death of Danielle Aber, who was struck and killed by a truck in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The driver, Stanley Manel, was charged with failure to yield and failure to exercise due care. Gonzalez, representing District 59, called for the state to pass stricter traffic laws targeting drivers with multiple school zone speed camera violations, noting Manel's history of speeding. Assembly Member Emily Gallagher joined Gonzalez, highlighting the lack of traffic calming on Nassau Avenue, where Aber was killed. Gallagher stated, 'Nothing to slow traffic on Nassau: no signal, stop sign, even a painted crosswalk.' The officials urged immediate installation of pedestrian safety measures and renewed calls for policy changes to protect vulnerable road users. The incident marks the first traffic fatality in Northern Brooklyn in 2024, underscoring systemic failures in street design and enforcement.

• Greenpoint woman dies of injuries after being hit by truck in crosswalk, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-02-27

Danielle Aber died on Nassau Avenue. The driver, Stanley Manel, had 26 speed camera tickets. He faced minor charges. Officials demand action: lower speed limits, force repeat offenders to install speed controls, and redesign deadly streets. The city’s inaction kills.

On February 25, 2024, after Danielle Aber was killed by a repeat speeding driver in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, a coalition of elected officials demanded sweeping changes. The group—Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, Council Member Lincoln Restler, and U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez—called for passage of two state bills: one mandating intelligent speed assistance devices for drivers with six or more speeding tickets in a year, and 'Sammy’s Law,' which would let the City Council lower speed limits. Their statement read, 'We’re calling on the New York State legislature to pass two critical bills that would lead to fewer incidents of traffic violence.' They also urged the Department of Transportation to install raised crosswalks and daylighting at intersections, and to convert Nassau and Norman avenues to one-way streets. The officials’ push highlights the deadly gap in accountability and infrastructure that leaves vulnerable road users at risk.

• Greenpoint Woman Dies from Injuries Sustained in Crash, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-25

A truck hit a woman crossing Sutton Street in Greenpoint. She lies in critical condition. The driver, with a long record of violations, faces charges. Council Member Restler and others demand safer streets, calling out reckless driving and deadly intersections.

On February 23, 2024, Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33) joined other officials in a public statement after a truck struck a pedestrian at Sutton Street and Nassau Avenue in Greenpoint. The incident left a 49-year-old woman in critical condition. The driver, Stanley Manel, was arrested and charged with failure to yield and failure to exercise due care. The officials' statement read: 'We’re deeply saddened and outraged at the news of yet another pedestrian being struck by an unsafe driver in Greenpoint.' Restler and colleagues highlighted the intersection's dangers and the driver's history—35 tickets since 2019, including 26 speed camera violations. They urged support for bills requiring speed control devices for repeat offenders and for Sammy’s Law, which would let NYC set its own speed limits. The group called on the Department of Transportation to install raised crosswalks and daylighting to protect pedestrians.

• Driver arrested after crash that left Greenpoint pedestrian in critical condition, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-02-23

A reckless driver with a long record struck a woman in a Greenpoint crosswalk. She clings to life. Officials demand action: lower speed limits, mandate speed devices, redesign streets. The city’s system failed to stop a repeat offender. Streets remain deadly.

On February 22, 2024, a woman was struck and critically injured by Stanley Manel, a driver with 26 prior speed camera violations, at Sutton Street and Nassau Avenue in Greenpoint. Manel was charged with failure to yield and failure to exercise due care. Nassau Avenue, a two-way street used by cyclists, lacks protective infrastructure. Following the crash, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, Council Member Lincoln Restler, and U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez called for passage of two state bills: one requiring repeat speeding offenders to install intelligent speed assistance devices, and Sammy's Law, which would let the City Council lower speed limits. They also urged the Department of Transportation to install raised crosswalks and daylighting at intersections. Their statement reads: “Lowering the speed limit and enforcing real accountability for dangerous drivers are urgent steps we must take to protect New Yorkers.”

• Serious Crash in Greenpoint Again Reveals Flaws in City Design, Enforcement Against Reckless Drivers, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-22

More delivery workers now register their mopeds. Police crackdowns and ticket threats push them to comply. Advocates step in, guiding new immigrants through red tape. Sellers rarely warn buyers about legal requirements. Workers pay steep fees to keep earning and avoid losing their rides.

This report, published February 21, 2024, details the surge in moped registrations among New York City delivery workers. DMV data show ZIP codes with many deliveristas now lead in registered mopeds. The article quotes workers like Junior Pichardo, who says, 'If you have plates, [the police] won’t summons you.' Eric Macario and William Medina, both delivery workers, highlight confusion and lack of information about registration and insurance. Medina blames sellers for failing to inform buyers. State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assembly Member Alex Bores have introduced a bill to require sellers to register mopeds before sale, but it remains pending. For now, advocates help workers navigate the system. Ligia Guallpa of the Worker’s Justice Project says many only learn the rules after police seize their mopeds or issue tickets. The crackdown exposes systemic gaps, leaving vulnerable workers to bear the cost and risk.

• Data Dive: More Delivery Workers are Registering Their Mopeds, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-21

A sedan changing lanes struck an e-scooter traveling north on East 44th Street. The e-scooter driver, a 62-year-old man, suffered hip and upper leg contusions. Police cite driver inattention and inexperience as key factors in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:14 on East 44th Street near 3 Avenue in Manhattan. A sedan traveling north was changing lanes when it impacted the center front end of an e-scooter also traveling north. The e-scooter driver, a 62-year-old man, sustained injuries to his hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors, specifically linked to the sedan driver. The sedan's point of impact was the right front quarter panel, indicating the collision occurred during the lane change maneuver. The e-scooter driver was conscious and not ejected from his vehicle. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703554 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Two sedans collided on FDR Drive. The rear driver, alone, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cite distraction and tailgating. Four people rode in the front car. Impact struck center to back, exposing the danger.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed on FDR Drive at 17:01. The rear sedan, driven by a 44-year-old man, struck the back of another sedan carrying four people. The rear driver suffered head trauma, whiplash, and shock. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The injured driver wore a lap belt and was not ejected. The rear driver held only a permit license. The collision hit the center back end of the front car and the center front end of the rear car. No actions by the front car’s occupants contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703356 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A northbound SUV and sedan collided on 3rd Avenue in Manhattan late at night. The sedan driver suffered a severe head injury and lost consciousness. Police cited unsafe lane changing and driver distraction as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:15 PM on 3rd Avenue near East 36th Street in Manhattan. A 45-year-old male sedan driver was injured, sustaining a severe head injury and becoming unconscious. The report identifies 'Unsafe Lane Changing' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The sedan was changing lanes when it struck the right front bumper of a northbound SUV traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the sedan's left front quarter panel. Both vehicles were registered in New York and operated by licensed male drivers. The SUV had one occupant, while the sedan had two. The sedan driver was not ejected but suffered significant injury. The police report highlights driver errors, specifically unsafe lane changing and distraction, as the primary causes of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703213 - 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 2024-02-13

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 2024-02-13

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 2024-02-13

An SUV making a left turn struck a northbound e-scooter on 1 Avenue. The e-scooter driver, a 38-year-old woman, suffered knee and lower leg abrasions. Police cited driver inattention as a key factor in the collision’s impact and injuries.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:00 AM on 1 Avenue when a 2015 SUV, traveling north and making a left turn, collided with an e-scooter also traveling north. The point of impact was the SUV's left side doors and the e-scooter's center front end. The e-scooter driver, a 38-year-old woman wearing a helmet, sustained abrasions to her knee and lower leg and was conscious after the crash. The report explicitly cites "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to properly observe the e-scooter. No other contributing factors were noted for the victim. The SUV driver was licensed and operating the vehicle during the maneuver. This collision highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction during turning movements in mixed traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700988 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 24-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after an SUV struck him at a Manhattan intersection. The driver failed to yield and was distracted, hitting the pedestrian who was crossing with the signal. The victim remained conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:47 AM on East 34 Street near 2 Avenue in Manhattan. A 2019 Ford SUV was making a right turn when it struck a 24-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian with its center front end. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The incident highlights driver failure to yield and distraction as the primary causes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699830 - 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 2024-01-30

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 2024-01-30

A bus traveling north on FDR Drive struck the right rear bumper of a parked sedan. Two occupants in the sedan suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Driver inattention and distraction caused the crash, according to the police report.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:36 on FDR Drive when a bus traveling north struck the right rear bumper of a parked 2017 Chevrolet sedan. The bus driver was licensed and driving straight ahead. The sedan had two occupants, both injured with neck injuries and complaints of whiplash. Both occupants were conscious and not ejected. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both injured occupants. The bus driver’s inattention or distraction led to the collision with the parked vehicle. There is no indication of victim fault or contributing victim behavior in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699476 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A sedan struck the rear of a taxi on East 42 Street, injuring the sedan driver. The impact damaged both vehicles’ center sections. The driver suffered neck injuries and shock, restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, at 1:32 AM on East 42 Street, a 2022 Acura sedan traveling north struck the center back end of a 2023 Toyota taxi also traveling north. The sedan’s center front end and the taxi’s center back end sustained damage. The sedan driver, a 47-year-old man, was injured with neck trauma and experienced shock. He was not ejected and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report cites driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor to the collision. There are no indications of victim fault or contributing behaviors. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles going straight ahead. This crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to rear-end collisions in busy city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694646 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A sedan crashed on FDR Drive. Two passengers suffered head and neck injuries. Police cite driver distraction and slick pavement. Metal twisted. No blame for those hurt.

According to the police report, a 2016 Toyota sedan heading north on FDR Drive crashed at 20:49. The sedan struck with its left front bumper. Four people were inside. Two passengers were injured: a 31-year-old woman in the front seat with neck injuries and whiplash, and a 37-year-old man in the rear with head injuries and whiplash. Both were conscious and not ejected. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Pavement Slippery' as causes. The sedan’s left front bumper was damaged. No fault is placed on the injured passengers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4693868 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Assembly bill A 8423 orders complete street design on all DOT projects with state or federal cash. Lawmakers push for safer roads. No loopholes. No half-measures. Streets must serve all, not just cars.

Assembly bill A 8423, now in sponsorship, sits before the New York State Assembly. The bill requires 'inclusion of complete street design for state and local transportation projects undertaken by DOT or which receive both federal and state funding and are subject to DOT oversight.' Dana Levenberg leads as primary sponsor, joined by Patricia Fahy, MaryJane Shimsky, Harvey Epstein, Fred Thiele, Albert A. Stirpe, Jonathan Jacobson, Keith Brown, David McDonough, and Chris Burdick. The measure aims to force every qualifying project to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders—not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 8423, Open States, Published 2023-12-29