Blood on the Pavement, Silence in City Hall

E-bike rider hit near East 26th. Head injury. Rider unconscious. Police cite driver inattention and failure to yield. No vehicle damage. Streets remain dangerous for those outside cars.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old man riding an e-bike eastbound near East 26th Street in Manhattan collided with a westbound vehicle. The rider suffered a head injury, lost consciousness, and had minor bleeding. Police list driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The e-bike struck the center front end of the other vehicle, which had no occupants at the time. Neither vehicle showed damage. No other contributing factors were reported. The rider was not ejected and safety equipment use is unknown.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4674140 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Albany lawmakers move to force moped registration before sale. The bill aims to block illegal, unregistered mopeds from city streets. Dealers, not riders, would handle paperwork. Advocates say this targets bad actors and protects pedestrians from rogue machines.

On October 23, 2023, State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-Manhattan) introduced a bill in Albany to require moped dealers to register vehicles with the DMV before buyers leave the shop. The bill, supported by Assembly Member Alex Bores (D-Upper East Side), seeks to close a loophole that lets illegal mopeds flood city streets. The matter summary states: 'New legislation in Albany seeks to eliminate the use of illegal mopeds by requiring sellers to register them with the DMV before buyers can take them out of the shop.' Hoylman-Sigal said, 'This common-sense bill would simply ensure that the registration happens at the point of sale, before someone rides out of the shop.' Ligia Guallpa of the Worker's Justice Project backs the move, stressing manufacturer responsibility. Attorney Daniel Flanzig says the law could clear streets of unregistered, dangerous vehicles. The bill is not yet law, but enforcement actions against illegal mopeds are already underway.

• State Lawmaker Seeks to Close Moped-Registration Loophole, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-23

A 47-year-old woman was hit by a sedan on East 29 Street in Manhattan. She suffered a head injury and concussion. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing legally with the signal.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on East 29 Street struck a 47-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection with 3 Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. She sustained a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion. The report lists the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact at the center front end. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No other vehicles or occupants were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4676761 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

An 18-year-old female e-scooter driver collided with a southbound SUV making a right turn on East 23 Street in Manhattan. She suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The SUV’s right side doors were damaged. The rider was conscious and bruised.

According to the police report, an 18-year-old female e-scooter driver traveling east on East 23 Street struck the right side doors of a southbound SUV making a right turn. The e-scooter driver sustained contusions and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. The SUV driver was licensed and operating legally. The e-scooter driver was unlicensed. The collision caused damage to the SUV’s right side doors and the e-scooter’s front end. No helmet or signaling factors were noted. The e-scooter driver was not ejected and remained conscious after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4671554 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A 23-year-old woman was struck by a tow truck making a left turn on 1 Avenue. She was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was left in shock. The driver failed to yield.

According to the police report, a tow truck traveling north on 1 Avenue made a left turn and struck a 23-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot and was reported to be in shock. The report lists driver errors including Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing factors. The impact occurred at the truck's left front bumper.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4672287 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A moped and sedan collided near East 30 Street in Manhattan. The moped driver was partially ejected and suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The sedan was making a right turn. Driver distraction and failure to yield caused the crash.

According to the police report, a moped traveling north and a sedan making a right turn collided near East 30 Street in Manhattan. The moped driver, a 45-year-old man, was partially ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors including "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as contributing factors. The sedan showed no damage, while the moped had damage to its left front bumper. The moped driver was conscious and injured but was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash highlights the dangers when drivers fail to yield and are distracted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4670072 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A motorcycle struck the left side of a parked sedan on East 42nd Street in Manhattan. The motorcycle driver, a 24-year-old man, suffered hip and upper leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention as a contributing factor to the crash.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male motorcycle driver collided with the left side doors of a parked sedan on East 42nd Street in Manhattan. The motorcycle was traveling east, while the sedan was stationary. The motorcyclist sustained contusions and bruises to his hip and upper leg but was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a contributing factor to the crash. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The sedan had two occupants but no injuries were reported. The motorcycle sustained damage to its left front bumper, and the sedan's left side doors were damaged.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4669313 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A 60-year-old woman was hit by a northbound bike on East 32 Street near Park Avenue. She suffered an eye contusion and bruising. The bike showed no damage. The crash stemmed from driver inattention and distraction.

According to the police report, a bike traveling north on East 32 Street struck a 60-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection near Park Avenue in Manhattan. The pedestrian sustained an eye contusion and bruising, classified as injury severity 3. The bike had no visible damage after impact. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The pedestrian's exact actions before the collision remain unknown. The incident highlights the dangers posed by distracted bike operators in busy city intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4685329 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A taxi door swung open on Park Avenue. A young cyclist slammed into steel. His arm crushed. Blood pooled on the midnight street. He lay conscious, hurt, under the city’s harsh lights. Driver inattention left him broken in Manhattan.

A cyclist, age 23, was injured when a taxi door opened into his path on Park Avenue near East 34th Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, 'A taxi door flung open. A young cyclist hit steel. His arm crushed.' The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his arm and was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the data, but the primary cause cited is driver inattention. The crash highlights the danger faced by cyclists when drivers or passengers fail to check for oncoming traffic before opening doors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4666719 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Over 200 Astoria residents packed a DOT workshop after a spike in traffic deaths. Cyclists and pedestrians have died. Drivers speed, double-park, and ignore signals. Councilwoman Cabán and others demand urgent action. DOT vows to return with a safety plan.

On September 14, 2023, the Department of Transportation held a public street safety workshop in Astoria, Queens, following a surge in traffic violence. The event, covered on September 18, 2023, drew over 200 residents and was organized by Western Queens elected officials. The workshop addressed a 'significant increase in traffic-related deaths, including several high-profile fatalities involving cyclists and pedestrians.' Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani called the deaths preventable and demanded urgent changes. Cabán stated, 'If it saves lives, it’s worth doing.' DOT officials, including Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia and senior program manager Kyle Gorman, presented plans for 31st Avenue and collected resident feedback on dangerous driving, lack of protected bike lanes, and unsafe intersections. The DOT pledged to return with a proposal. No formal bill number or committee was cited; the event focused on immediate community engagement and systemic change.

• Astoria residents turnout for DOT street safety workshop following surge in traffic violence this year, amny.com, Published 2023-09-18

City inspectors hit retailers this weekend. They target illegal lithium-ion batteries and mopeds. The law aims to curb deadly fires and street chaos. Delivery workers face new hurdles. Enforcement falls to DCWP, NYPD, and FDNY. Gaps in moped regulation remain.

On September 16, 2023, Local Law 39 takes effect in New York City. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will start enforcing the ban on uncertified lithium-ion battery sales. Inspectors will also check for illegal mopeds, issuing summonses and referring cases to NYPD and FDNY. DCWP spokesperson Michael Lanza said, 'While inspecting retailers for compliance with LL39, we will also check for illegal motorized scooters [mopeds], issue summonses and refer issues to NYPD and FDNY as appropriate.' Two days earlier, the City Council passed Council Member Keith Powers's bill for a citywide battery buyback program, letting delivery workers swap faulty batteries for certified ones. Powers acknowledged the ongoing problem of illegal mopeds, stating, 'We recognize that problem. We've been talking to the deputy mayor's office about further measures ahead.' The new law targets fire risk and unregulated vehicles, but loopholes in moped sales and enforcement persist.

• Enforcement of Illegal Batteries — and, Apparently, Mopeds — Starts on Saturday, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-15

City Council passed a battery buy-back bill. Delivery workers can swap unsafe batteries for certified ones. New rules target deadly lithium-ion fires. Lawmakers demand delivery companies step up. Fourteen dead, over 100 hurt this year. Enforcement on uncertified sales begins soon.

"We know there are folks who can't afford high-priced batteries and bikes, and we will provide them the opportunity to surrender that unsafe equipment and receive a safe replacement." -- Keith Powers

On September 14, 2023, the New York City Council passed a package of bills to fight lithium-ion battery fires. The main bill, introduced by Council Member Keith Powers, creates a city-funded buy-back program for delivery workers to exchange faulty batteries and devices for safe, certified ones. The matter summary states the program aims to address the high cost of certified batteries, which can be prohibitive for low-paid workers. Council Members Oswald Feliz and Gale Brewer sponsored additional bills: Feliz's requires safe bikes and batteries for deliveries, while Brewer's mandates delivery apps provide safety training and equipment. Brewer also called for the Department of Transportation to update its safety course. Powers said, "We will provide them the opportunity to surrender that unsafe equipment and receive a safe replacement." The Council's action follows 180 battery fire incidents, 14 deaths, and over 100 injuries this year. Lawmakers push for delivery companies to take responsibility for worker safety and equipment standards. Enforcement against uncertified battery sales will begin soon.

• Council Passes Battery ‘Buy-Back’ Program and Other Bills to Curb Lithium-Ion Fires, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-14

A 55-year-old woman was injured on East 33 Street in Manhattan. She was getting on or off a vehicle when struck by an e-scooter. The impact caused a shoulder and upper arm contusion. No driver errors were listed in the report.

According to the police report, a 55-year-old female pedestrian was injured while getting on or off a vehicle at an intersection on East 33 Street near 2 Avenue in Manhattan. The collision involved an e-scooter and resulted in a contusion and bruising to the pedestrian's shoulder and upper arm. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The pedestrian was not wearing any safety equipment, and no helmet or signaling issues were noted. The e-scooter was unoccupied at the time of the crash. The incident highlights the dangers faced by pedestrians near micromobility vehicles even without clear driver fault.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4663242 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A 15-year-old boy riding a bike east on East 42 Street was ejected after hitting defective pavement. He suffered head injuries and minor bleeding. The SUV ahead showed no damage. The crash left the cyclist in shock with a helmet on.

According to the police report, a 15-year-old bicyclist traveling east on East 42 Street in Manhattan was injured after being ejected from his bike. The report lists defective pavement as a contributing factor. The cyclist suffered head injuries and minor bleeding but was wearing a helmet. The SUV involved was also traveling east and showed no damage. The point of impact was the center back end of the bike and the center front end of the SUV. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted. The crash highlights the danger posed by road conditions rather than driver actions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4661159 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Delivery workers ride mopeds on dangerous streets. Tech giants profit. City infrastructure lags. Cars and trucks kill most. Enforcement is scattershot. Officials call for safe lanes, charging stations, and real accountability. The crisis demands a fix beyond punishing workers.

"We need to cut off the flow of these vehicles before they get onto these streets." -- Alex Bores

This policy debate, published August 23, 2023, analyzes New York City’s 'moped crisis.' The article, reviewed by Streetsblog NYC, highlights systemic failures: unsafe streets, lack of charging infrastructure, and tech companies shifting risk onto underpaid delivery workers. Council Member Alexa Aviles urges rapid expansion of e-bike charging stations and blames corporate greed. State Senators Jessica Ramos and Brad Hoylman-Sigal call for industry accountability and a standardized, safe delivery vehicle. The matter summary states, 'The city needs a systemic fix, justice for workers and accountability by tech giants.' Advocacy groups reject punitive crackdowns on workers, pushing instead for expanded bike lanes and public infrastructure. The piece concludes that only a multi-pronged, structural approach—never just enforcement—will protect vulnerable road users and delivery workers alike.

• The Moped Crisis — An Analysis: The City Needs a Systemic Fix, Justice for Workers and Accountability by Tech Giants, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-23

Mayor Adams approved a diluted redesign for McGuinness Boulevard. Protected bike lanes will come, but car lanes stay open during peak hours. The plan falls short of full safety measures. The road remains dangerous. Victims still count. No one is satisfied.

On August 16, 2023, Mayor Adams announced a compromise redesign for McGuinness Boulevard, a notorious Brooklyn corridor. The Department of Transportation will install curbside protected bike lanes and reduce car lanes from two to one in each direction on most of the strip. However, north of Calyer Street, two lanes for cars will remain open during weekdays, reverting to parking lanes at night and on weekends. The plan, shaped after lobbying by business interests and mayoral adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin, mixes two previous DOT proposals. Mayoral spokesman Charles Lutvak said, 'Traffic safety is a key priority for Mayor Adams, and we are delivering with a redesign of McGuinness Boulevard that will make this corridor safer for all road users.' Local officials, including Council Member Lincoln Restler, called it a 'critical step' but noted it lacks key safety elements. The compromise leaves gaps. Since 2021, 62 people have been injured on this stretch. The carnage continues.

• Mayor Adams Signs Off On Compromise for Deadly McGuinness Blvd.; No One Truly Happy, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-16

An e-bike traveling south struck a 57-year-old woman as she got on a vehicle near 2 Avenue in Manhattan. The pedestrian suffered a facial contusion. The crash involved failure to yield and driver distraction. The victim remained conscious.

According to the police report, an e-bike traveling straight ahead on 2 Avenue in Manhattan collided with a 57-year-old female pedestrian who was getting on or off a vehicle. The pedestrian sustained a facial contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists driver errors including Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction as contributing factors. The e-bike showed no damage after impact. The pedestrian was not at fault and no safety equipment or signals were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653466 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A sedan struck a bicyclist traveling south on East 26 Street near 2 Avenue. The cyclist suffered a head contusion but was conscious and not ejected. Police cited driver inattention as a contributing factor in the collision.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on East 26 Street collided with a bicyclist going south near 2 Avenue in Manhattan. The bicyclist, a 38-year-old man, sustained a head injury described as a contusion and remained conscious after the crash. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as the primary contributing factors to the crash. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment at the time. The sedan's left front bumper and the bike's center front end were damaged. No ejection occurred. The driver of the sedan was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction in interactions with vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653465 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A driver struck a moped rider on McGuinness Boulevard. The rider’s leg broke. Politicians and neighbors demand the mayor act. The city delays a safety plan. The street stays deadly. The call is clear: fix McGuinness now.

On August 11, 2023, Council Member Lincoln Restler and other Northern Brooklyn officials responded to a crash on McGuinness Boulevard, where a driver hit and injured a moped rider. The incident happened near Meeker Avenue, one block from where teacher Matthew Jensen was killed in 2021. The matter, titled 'Locals call for mayor to take immediate action after moped rider injured on McGuinness Boulevard,' highlights the urgent need for the Department of Transportation’s proposed safety redesign. Restler, along with U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, and State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, issued a joint statement: 'Lives are being put at risk. We need immediate action by the Mayor's office to implement the Department of Transportation's proposed safety improvements so that everyone in our community can feel confident that McGuinness Boulevard will not cause more tragedies.' The safety plan remains blocked, leaving vulnerable road users exposed to ongoing danger.

• Locals call for mayor to take ‘immediate action’ after moped rider injured on McGuinness Boulevard, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-08-11

A 24-year-old man on an e-scooter was partially ejected and injured at the knee and lower leg. The crash happened on 2 Avenue near East 40 Street. The sedan made a left turn and failed to yield right-of-way. No vehicle damage reported.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male e-scooter driver was partially ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The collision occurred on 2 Avenue in Manhattan at 6:30 a.m. The sedan was making a left turn while the e-scooter was traveling straight south. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The e-scooter rider wore a helmet but was still injured. Neither vehicle showed damage after the crash. The sedan's driver failed to yield, causing the collision and injury to the vulnerable e-scooter rider.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4651682 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10