Blood on the Pavement, Silence in City Hall

A sedan hit a 28-year-old woman crossing with the signal at 2nd Avenue. She suffered a head injury. The driver and another occupant were not hurt. The street saw shock and blood. The system failed her.

A sedan traveling south on 2nd Avenue struck a 28-year-old woman as she crossed at the intersection with the signal. According to the police report, the pedestrian suffered a head injury and was in shock. The driver, a 67-year-old woman, and another occupant were not injured. The police report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors were identified in the data. The crash left a pedestrian hurt while the vehicle showed no damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4805932 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A stolen car slammed into a Manhattan building. Flames followed. The driver, Francisco Guzman Parra, died on impact. His family waited days for answers. Police actions now face scrutiny. The city counts another life lost to speed and steel.

The New York Times (April 12, 2025) reports on the death of Francisco Guzman Parra after a stolen Honda CRV crashed into a building in Inwood, Manhattan. The crash followed a police chase; two officers involved were suspended pending investigation. The article notes, "The police are investigating whether the officers left the scene without reporting the crash." The medical examiner found Guzman Parra died from blunt impact and thermal injuries. The NYPD force investigation unit and state attorney general are reviewing the incident. The police have not disclosed why the chase began or details about the pursuit. The case highlights ongoing questions about police pursuit policies and the dangers that follow high-speed chases through city streets.

• Police Chase Ends Inwood Crash Death, The New York Times, Published 2025-04-12

Including Thursday's deadly crash, 25 people have been killed in New York City sightseeing helicopter accidents in the last 40 years.

• Lawmakers aim to make changes after New York City sightseeing helicopter crash, ABC7, Published 2025-04-11

Council passed a law forcing DOT to post sharp, regular updates on street safety projects. Progress on bike lanes, bus lanes, and signals must go public. No more hiding delays or cost overruns. The city must show its work.

Bill Int 1105-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced November 13, 2024, it passed Council on April 10, 2025, and became law May 10, 2025. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' Council Member Julie Won led sponsorship, joined by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others. The law demands DOT post annual and monthly updates on every project tied to the master plan—listing details, timelines, funding, and setbacks. This law brings sunlight to street safety work, making the city answer for every mile and missed deadline.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-04-10

Seven lawmakers demand Mayor Adams open the Queensboro Bridge pedestrian path. The project sits finished. Cyclists and walkers still cram into a narrow, crash-prone lane. Delays keep thousands at risk. City Hall stalls. Advocates plan protest. Danger lingers.

On April 9, 2025, seven elected officials—including Council Members Julie Won and Julie Menin—sent a public letter demanding Mayor Adams open the long-promised Queensboro Bridge pedestrian path. The Department of Transportation had planned to open the dedicated walkway on March 16, but the mayor's office intervened, citing the need for a briefing. The lawmakers wrote, 'The reasons given for this delay are not satisfactory, as all communications from the DOT have indicated that the project is complete and ready to open to the public.' They warned, 'Any further delays to this project that is otherwise ready to open will unnecessarily put at risk the thousands of New Yorkers who cycle and walk the current shared path every day.' The project, in the works since at least 2017, remains stalled. Cyclists and pedestrians are forced to share a cramped, hazardous lane. City Hall insists on more review, while advocates plan a protest ribbon-cutting.

• Pols Demand Adams Open Queensboro Bridge Pedestrian Path, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-04-09

Seven lawmakers demand Mayor Adams open the Queensboro Bridge pedestrian path. The project sits finished. Cyclists and walkers still cram into a narrow, crash-prone lane. Delays keep thousands at risk. City Hall stalls. Advocates plan protest. Danger lingers.

On April 9, 2025, seven elected officials—including Council Members Julie Won and Julie Menin—sent a public letter demanding Mayor Adams open the long-promised Queensboro Bridge pedestrian path. The Department of Transportation had planned to open the dedicated walkway on March 16, but the mayor's office intervened, citing the need for a briefing. The lawmakers wrote, 'The reasons given for this delay are not satisfactory, as all communications from the DOT have indicated that the project is complete and ready to open to the public.' They warned, 'Any further delays to this project that is otherwise ready to open will unnecessarily put at risk the thousands of New Yorkers who cycle and walk the current shared path every day.' The project, in the works since at least 2017, remains stalled. Cyclists and pedestrians are forced to share a cramped, hazardous lane. City Hall insists on more review, while advocates plan a protest ribbon-cutting.

• Pols Demand Adams Open Queensboro Bridge Pedestrian Path, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-04-09

A box truck struck a man sitting in the street at West 40th and 9th. The man died at the scene. The driver stayed. Police are investigating. No arrests. The victim’s name is not known.

Patch reported on April 7, 2025, that a man was killed by a box truck at West 40th Street and 9th Avenue in Manhattan. The article states, “Police determined that a box truck, operated by a 75-year-old man, was traveling southbound on 9 Avenue when the vehicle collided with the victim, who was sitting in the roadway.” The driver remained at the scene and was not injured. No arrests have been made. The victim’s identity has not been released. The incident highlights the persistent risk to people in city streets and the need for scrutiny of how large vehicles interact with vulnerable road users. The investigation is ongoing.

• Box Truck Kills Man In Hell's Kitchen, Patch, Published 2025-04-07

Taxi struck van from behind on Third Avenue. Two people hurt. Police cite following too closely. Metal and glass. Neck and head injuries. Streets unforgiving. No room for error.

A taxi crashed into the rear of a van at 447 3rd Avenue in Manhattan. Two occupants were injured: a 38-year-old male driver suffered neck whiplash, and a 49-year-old female rear passenger sustained a head contusion. According to the police report, the primary contributing factor was 'Following Too Closely.' Both vehicles were traveling north and struck at the center front and back ends. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806369 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

E-bike slammed into taxi’s rear on Park Ave South. Two cyclists injured. Police cite unsafe lane changing. Metal, flesh, shock. Manhattan night, danger rides the street.

Two men riding an e-bike crashed into the rear of a stopped taxi on Park Avenue South in Manhattan. According to the police report, the crash was caused by unsafe lane changing. Both e-bike riders, aged 30 and 26, suffered injuries to the shoulder and abdomen. The taxi driver and a listed occupant were not reported injured. The police report lists 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as the contributing factor. No other factors were cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803689 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Luis Cruz stepped from his car. An e-bike delivery worker flew through a stop sign. The crash was sudden. Cruz died on the street. The rider stayed. The intersection is known for danger. Delivery speed and city policy collide.

Gothamist reported on March 23, 2025, that Luis Cruz, 49, died after being struck by an e-bike delivery worker who "sped through a stop sign" at Franklin and India streets in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Witness Jack Collins said, "He died basically on the spot." The e-bike rider remained at the scene; no arrests were made as the investigation continued. The article notes that the intersection is a known trouble spot, with Collins stating, "It's not a unicorn incident. It's happened a lot." The report highlights systemic issues: delivery app pressures, lack of regulation, and a street design that encourages risky moves. City data shows e-bikes account for a small share of traffic deaths, but the policy debate continues.

• E-Bike Rider Runs Stop, Kills Man, Gothamist, Published 2025-03-23

A 24-year-old male driver suffered upper arm injuries after his sedan overturned on Franklin D Roosevelt Drive. Alcohol involvement was a key factor. The driver was trapped in the vehicle but conscious, sustaining whiplash and shoulder trauma.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male driver was involved in a crash on Franklin D Roosevelt Drive in Manhattan at 2:40 AM. The vehicle, a 2019 Honda sedan traveling north, overturned during the incident. The driver was trapped inside the vehicle and sustained upper arm and shoulder injuries, including whiplash. The report explicitly cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead before the overturn. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The report does not list any victim behaviors contributing to the crash. The primary cause identified is the driver’s alcohol involvement, which led to the loss of control and vehicle overturn.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799156 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Dodge Charger struck a street sweeper, spun out, and pinned an NYPD officer against his patrol car in the West Village. Both the officer and the driver landed in the hospital. The street saw chaos, metal, and speed.

NY Daily News (March 14, 2025) reports a crash at W. 13th St and Seventh Ave. A Dodge Charger, heading south, changed lanes and hit a street sweeper. The car spun several times and pinned a uniformed officer between vehicles. Surveillance footage showed the Charger 'appeared to be speeding,' according to a witness. The officer tried to escape but was struck. Both the officer and driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries. No charges have been filed. The incident highlights the dangers of lane changes and speed on city streets, raising questions about enforcement and street design.

• Officer Pinned By Spinning Dodge Charger, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-14

Dozens gathered in Midtown. They demanded e-bike registration and license plates. Priscilla’s Law, named for a pedestrian killed by an e-bike, drove the call. Council Member Holden and Assembly Member Rajkumar led. Advocates want accountability. They say e-bike chaos endangers walkers and cyclists.

On March 12, 2025, Council Member Robert F. Holden (District 30) joined Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar and advocates in Midtown to rally for Priscilla’s Law (A339). The bill would require all e-bikes to have license plates and be registered with the DMV or DOT. The rally, held near Governor Hochul’s office, drew support from the NYC E-Vehicle Safety Alliance. The matter title: 'New Yorkers rally in Midtown to combat “lawless” e-bike riding in NYC.' Holden supports both city and state versions, stating, 'We need the state DMV to issue license plates for e-bikes.' Rajkumar declared, 'We will usher in a new era free of e-bikes blasting through red lights.' The bill is named for Priscilla Loke, killed by an e-bike in 2023. Advocates say e-bike collisions often end in hit-and-runs. They demand rules and consequences to protect pedestrians and cyclists.

• New Yorkers rally in Midtown to combat “lawless” e-bike riding in NYC, amny.com, Published 2025-03-12

SUV plowed into a stopped van on East 35th. The SUV driver took a blow to the head and whiplash. Rear-end force crushed metal. Police cite driver error. No pedestrians or cyclists hurt.

According to the police report, a westbound SUV struck a van stopped in traffic at 350 East 35th Street in Manhattan. The SUV's front end hit the van's rear, injuring the SUV driver with head trauma and whiplash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors, noting the van was stopped while the SUV was moving straight ahead. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to stop in time, as seen in the rear-end impact and resulting injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797116 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Community Board 1 voted 18-15 to cut speed limits in Greenpoint and Williamsburg to 20 mph. Residents and officials demand action after deadly crashes. DOT has yet to respond. The fight pits safety against drivers. Lives hang in the balance.

On March 6, 2025, Brooklyn Community Board 1 voted 18-15 to request a 20 mph speed limit for Greenpoint and Williamsburg. The measure, supported by 40 groups and nearly all local elected officials, marks the first neighborhood-wide slow zone request since the passage of Sammy's Law. The board's action follows letters from Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, Council Member Jennifer Gutierrez, and U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez to DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. They cited CB1's high fatality rate—3.27 deaths per 10,000 residents, above the city average. The board's vote was contentious, with pro-driving members opposing the change. DOT spokesperson Mona Bruno acknowledged the support and promised more information on slow zones for outer boroughs. Council Member Lincoln Restler later joined the call for lower speeds. The measure now awaits DOT action.

• Greenpoint and Williamsburg Beg DOT for 20MPH Slow Zone, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-03-06

A stolen minivan tore through Harlem. The driver ran from police. He struck Devon Hughley on a scooter. Hughley died at Harlem Hospital. The driver fled. Police used facial recognition. They arrested Enesin Delarosa. Grief lingers. Memorials remain.

According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-06), Enesin Delarosa, 26, was arrested for fatally striking Devon Hughley, 45, while fleeing an NYPD car stop in Harlem on November 2. The article reports Delarosa was driving a stolen minivan and "allegedly hit Hughley near W.155th St. and St. Nicholas Ave. while fleeing a traffic stop." Delarosa faces charges of manslaughter, leaving the scene, fleeing police, and possession of stolen property. The crash highlights the lethal risk of high-speed police pursuits and the dangers posed by stolen vehicles in dense urban areas. Memorial posters for Hughley remain in his building. The article quotes Hughley's sister, Yvette Palmer: "the arrest brought some peace."

• Scooter Rider Killed Fleeing Traffic Stop, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-06

Two SUVs collided on Franklin D Roosevelt Drive at night. Unsafe speed and improper lane usage caused the crash. A 26-year-old female driver and a 2-year-old passenger suffered contusions. Both were conscious and injured in the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:21 on Franklin D Roosevelt Drive involving two SUVs traveling south. One driver, a 26-year-old female, was changing lanes with unsafe speed and improper lane usage, which contributed to the collision. The other SUV was going straight ahead. The point of impact was the right front bumper of one vehicle and the left front bumper of the other. The female driver sustained contusions to her knee, lower leg, and foot, while a 2-year-old passenger in the rear left seat suffered a head contusion. Both occupants were conscious and injured but not ejected. The report highlights driver errors of unsafe speed and improper passing or lane usage as the primary factors in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796011 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan turning left collided with a southbound bicyclist at 2nd Avenue in Manhattan. The cyclist was ejected and suffered abrasions to the elbow and lower arm. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing serious injury without vehicle damage.

According to the police report, a 55-year-old male bicyclist traveling south on 2nd Avenue was struck by a 2023 Tesla sedan making a left turn eastbound. The point of impact was the sedan's center front end and the bike's left front bumper. The bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' by the sedan driver as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash. No helmet or victim behavior was listed as contributing factors. The sedan sustained no damage despite the collision. This crash highlights the danger posed by drivers failing to yield to vulnerable road users during turning maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795327 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two taxis and an SUV slammed together on East 42nd. Both taxi drivers hurt—one with neck wounds, one with arm abrasions. Metal twisted. Shock set in. Police list no driver errors.

According to the police report, two taxis and an SUV collided at 22:22 on East 42nd Street in Manhattan. The first taxi, a 2021 Tesla, was struck at its right front bumper. The SUV, a 2024 Land Rover, took impact on its left side doors. The second taxi, a 2016 Nissan, was hit at its center front end and left front bumper. Both taxi drivers were injured: a 33-year-old man suffered neck injuries and shock; a 65-year-old man had abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, also in shock. Both were restrained by lap belt and harness. According to the police report, contributing factors are unspecified. No driver errors are listed. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795510 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Federal attack on congestion pricing draws fire in Queens. Rep. Velázquez vows court fight. Council Member Julie Won joins call for activism. Panel slams rollback of protections. The crowd demands action to defend New Yorkers from federal threats.

On February 20, 2025, Rep. Nydia Velázquez led a Queens town hall to rally opposition against Trump Administration policies, including the federal move to block New York City's congestion pricing plan. The event, held at Sunnyside Community Services, featured Council Member Julie Won (District 26) and other local officials. The panel condemned the rollback of protections for immigrants and the firing of NLRB board member Gwynne A. Wilcox. Velázquez declared, 'We’ll see him in court,' after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy revoked federal approval for congestion pricing. She pledged to fight budget cuts targeting vulnerable communities and criticized tax breaks for the wealthy. Julie Won joined the call for grassroots activism. The town hall spotlighted the threat to New York’s sovereignty and the urgent need to defend city streets and programs from federal interference.

• Velázquez leads Queens town hall against Trump policies, calls for activism, amny.com, Published 2025-02-20