Blood on the Pavement, Silence in City Hall

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 2025-08-09

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 2025-08-09

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 2025-08-09

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 2025-08-09

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 2025-08-09

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

A 40-year-old woman was struck while crossing 1 Avenue. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield. She suffered facial injuries and abrasions. The driver was distracted.

A pedestrian was injured in a collision on 1 Avenue in Manhattan. According to the police report, the 40-year-old woman was crossing with the signal when a sedan making a left turn struck her. The driver was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The pedestrian sustained facial injuries and abrasions but remained conscious after the impact. No damage was reported to the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4690570 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A sedan traveling north struck a parked sedan on 3rd Avenue near East 28th Street. The driver of the moving vehicle suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles sustained damage to their bumpers. The crash was caused by driver distraction.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 3rd Avenue collided with a parked sedan. The driver of the moving vehicle, a 31-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor. The moving vehicle impacted the right rear bumper of the parked car, damaging both vehicles. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4688141 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Upper West Side’s board voted 8-1 to demand crackdowns on unregistered mopeds. The resolution urges city and state to punish illegal dealers, enforce laws, and back Albany’s registration bill. Lawmakers say loopholes fuel chaos. Immigrants often misled. Streets stay dangerous.

On December 14, 2023, Community Board 7’s transportation committee passed a resolution, 8-1, demanding action against unregistered mopeds. The board called on the Department of Motor Vehicles to impose civil penalties on unregistered dealers and urged city and state officials to enforce laws against selling non-street-legal mopeds. The resolution also asks the city to consider a buy-back program for gas-powered mopeds. The matter, titled 'Upper West Side Panel Backs Resolution to Rein in Dangerous Mopeds,' supports Albany legislation requiring sellers to register mopeds with the DMV before sale. State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assembly Member Alex Bores sponsor the bill. Bores said, 'We need to cut off the flow of these vehicles before they get onto these streets.' The board’s move aims to close loopholes, protect vulnerable road users, and address the chaos caused by unregistered mopeds.

• Upper West Side Panel Backs Resolution to Rein in Dangerous Mopeds, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-12-14

A 63-year-old man crossing East 42nd Street was hit by a westbound SUV. The impact fractured his knee and lower leg. He was left unconscious at the scene. The vehicle showed no damage. Police list no driver errors.

According to the police report, a 63-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing East 42nd Street in Manhattan. The pedestrian was struck by a 2019 Ford SUV traveling westbound, impacting the center front end of the vehicle. The victim suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was found unconscious. The report notes no contributing driver factors such as failure to yield or speeding. The SUV sustained no damage. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was crossing without a signal or crosswalk. No helmet or signaling issues were recorded. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead at the time of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4689018 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Council axed a decade-old rule that stalled bike lanes. Restler led the charge. The vote was 32 to 15. Now, bike lanes face just 14 days of delay, not months. DOT and advocates cheered. Cyclists need protection. The city moves faster.

""2023 is sadly on track to be the deadliest year in decades for cyclists, underscoring the need for a cohesive network of bike lanes across New York City. Unfortunately, current rules mean that bike lanes are often stuck in unnecessary red tape that delays their construction by months or even years. Intro. 417 will significantly streamline the approval process and I am happy to support its passage."" -- Keith Powers

On December 7, 2023, the City Council passed Bill 417, repealing a law that delayed bike lane construction. The bill, sponsored by Council Member Lincoln Restler, cleared the Council with a 32-15 vote. It reduces the waiting period after community board notification from 90 days plus 45 after a hearing, to just 14 days. The matter summary reads: 'The City Council repealed a decade-old law that imposed lengthy delays on the city before it could break ground on new bike lanes.' Restler said, 'No other transportation project in New York City...requires this type of extended dead period.' Council Member Keith Powers backed the bill, citing rising cyclist deaths. The Department of Transportation called bike lanes 'life-saving infrastructure.' The amended bill now covers all bike lanes, regardless of length. Advocates say this will help install more lanes and protect vulnerable road users.

• Council Repeals Decade-Old Law that Stalled Bike Lane Installation, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-12-07

A taxi struck a 29-year-old male e-bike rider on 3rd Avenue near East 42nd Street. The rider was ejected and suffered fractures to his knee and lower leg. The crash happened at night with the taxi traveling east and the e-bike slowing southbound.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling east on 3rd Avenue collided with a southbound e-bike that was slowing or stopping. The 29-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The taxi driver was licensed and going straight ahead at the time of impact. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. The e-bike rider was wearing a helmet. The point of impact was the center front end of both vehicles. No driver errors by the taxi were explicitly noted in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691086 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Mayor Adams gutted the McGuinness Blvd. safety plan. Two lanes each way remain. Bike lanes go unprotected. Crossing distances stretch. Local leaders say nothing changed for people on foot. Cyclists dodge cars and illegal parking. The danger stays. The fight continues.

On November 29, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams’s administration scaled back the Department of Transportation’s original McGuinness Boulevard redesign. The DOT’s first plan would have cut traffic lanes and added a parking-protected bike lane. Adams ordered a weaker version after business pushback. The compromise left two car lanes in each direction during the day. Elected officials—U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, and Council Member Lincoln Restler—sent a letter urging DOT to restore the full safety plan, writing, “Nothing has been done to improve conditions for pedestrians.” Advocates say the new design increases crossing distances and leaves cyclists and pedestrians exposed. DOT says work will continue into 2024. The boulevard remains dangerous for vulnerable road users.

• Eric Adams’s McGuinness Blvd. Capitulation Did ‘Nothing’ for Pedestrians, Greenpoint Pols Charge, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-11-29

Red Hook chokes on truck fumes. Lawmakers move. The Clean Deliveries Act aims to cut emissions from sprawling e-commerce warehouses. Kristen Gonzalez and others demand action. Diesel trucks crowd narrow streets. Pollution and danger rise. Residents pay the price.

Bill: Clean Deliveries Act. Announced November 29, 2023. Status: Proposed. Committee: Not specified. Lawmakers, including State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez (District 59), call for strict regulation of emissions from last-mile e-commerce warehouses. The bill would require environmental reviews for warehouses over 50,000 square feet, mandate plans to cut air pollution, and push for zero-emission delivery vehicles. Gonzalez said, 'The unchecked growth of large warehouses in neighborhoods across NYC has worsened air quality, noise pollution, and traffic safety for everyday New Yorkers.' Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes, a co-sponsor, highlighted the link between warehouse traffic, pollution, and traffic violence. The Red Hook Business Alliance and community advocates back the bill, citing heavy truck traffic, poor air, and threats to safety in working-class neighborhoods. The legislation aims to hold warehouse operators accountable and protect residents from the mounting toll of delivery-driven pollution and danger.

• Lawmakers say influx of e-commerce warehouses has spiked greenhouse gas emissions in Red Hook, urge regulation, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-11-29

City Council bans uncertified e-bike batteries. Landlords fear fires, block storage. Riders lose access. Powers vows to clear dangerous gear. Advocates demand safe parking, charging. E-bikes remain vital for workers and families. Enforcement rises. Sales drop. Streets stay tense.

""We're going to get into the business of getting the dangerous equipment off the street and set up a fund to do that."" -- Keith Powers

On November 27, 2023, the NYC Council, with Council Member Keith Powers (District 4) speaking out, took legislative action on e-bike battery safety and storage. The Council passed laws banning uncertified lithium-ion batteries and launched a trade-in program for unsafe batteries. The matter, titled 'NYC e-bike owners wonder where to store them as landlords fear battery fires,' highlights the tension: 'We're going to get into the business of getting the dangerous equipment off the street and set up a fund to do that,' Powers said. Advocacy groups, including Danny Harris, called for expanded safe bike parking and charging, stressing that e-bikes are a lifeline for many New Yorkers. The crackdown has led to stricter landlord policies, increased enforcement, and declining bike shop sales. The Council aims to improve safety without cutting off access for vulnerable road users who depend on e-bikes.

• NYC e-bike owners wonder where to store them as landlords fear battery fires, gothamist.com, Published 2023-11-27

Manhattan’s Community Board 6 slammed Council Member Holden’s e-bike registration bill. The panel voted 8-1 against it. They called it punitive and harmful. Critics say it burdens cyclists and delivery workers, while failing to address illegal mopeds or improve street safety.

Council bill drafted by Bob Holden, backed by 32 co-sponsors, would require registration and license plates for all e-bikes, e-scooters, and other legal motorized vehicles. On November 8, 2023, the transportation committee of Manhattan’s Community Board 6 voted 8-1 to oppose the measure, calling it 'harmful and unnecessarily punitive.' The matter’s summary: 'require license and registration for all types of e-bikes.' Council Members Keith Powers and Julie Menin support the bill; Carlina Rivera has not signed on. The committee’s resolution states the proposal would negatively impact all cyclists, especially delivery workers, and fails to address illegal mopeds or require point-of-sale registration. Critics argue the bill is regressive, ineffective, and would not improve safety for vulnerable road users.

• Manhattan Panel Pans City Council E-Bike Registration Bill, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-11-08

A 64-year-old woman was struck while crossing East 42 Street at 3 Avenue. She suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The crash left her conscious but hurt. The vehicle involved was unspecified.

According to the police report, a 64-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of East 42 Street and 3 Avenue in Manhattan. She was crossing against the signal when the crash occurred. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The vehicle involved is unspecified, and no driver errors or contributing factors were listed in the report. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No safety equipment or helmet use was noted. The report does not assign fault to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675602 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 67-year-old woman crossing East 37 Street with the signal was hit by an SUV making a left turn. The driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations to her lower leg and foot.

According to the police report, a 67-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing East 37 Street at the intersection with 1 Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2019 Ford SUV, traveling north and making a left turn, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors including "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673829 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09