East Midtown Bleeds While Leaders Stall

Mar 20 - 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

Mar 18 - E-bike struck a 65-year-old man crossing 2 Avenue with the signal. The crash left the pedestrian with head wounds and shock. Failure to yield and distraction by the e-bike driver caused the impact.

According to the police report, a 65-year-old male pedestrian was crossing 2 Avenue with the signal when an e-bike traveling south struck him at the center front end. The pedestrian suffered head injuries, minor bleeding, and was in shock. The police report lists the e-bike driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The e-bike was going straight ahead at the time of the crash, and its center front end was damaged. The pedestrian's action—crossing with the signal—is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights the danger of driver errors, especially failure to yield and distraction, to people on foot.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4710811 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 17 - A 51-year-old man sped south on 1st Avenue, distracted and helmetless. He struck something head-on. His scooter stood unscathed. His head did not. Blood pooled. He remained conscious, alone, and bleeding on the pavement.

According to the police report, a 51-year-old male riding a Segway e-scooter was traveling south on 1st Avenue at East 58th Street in Manhattan. The report states he was 'distracted' and moving at an 'unsafe speed' when he struck an object head-on. The scooter itself showed no damage, but the rider suffered a severe head injury and was bleeding heavily. The police report explicitly lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors to the crash. The rider was not wearing any safety equipment. No other vehicles or persons were involved, and the man remained conscious at the scene. The incident underscores the dangers posed by inattention and excessive speed on New York City streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4710262 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 14 - A pick-up truck changed lanes unsafely on 2 Avenue in Manhattan, striking a sedan. The impact hit the sedan’s right side doors. A 23-year-old female front passenger suffered a back injury. The driver errors caused serious harm inside the vehicle.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 13:37 on 2 Avenue near East 59 Street in Manhattan. A pick-up truck traveling west was changing lanes when it collided with a sedan also traveling west. The point of impact was the right side doors of the sedan and the left front bumper of the truck. The report lists "Unsafe Lane Changing" as the contributing factor, indicating driver error by the truck operator. A 23-year-old female front passenger in the sedan was injured, sustaining a back injury classified as severity 3. She was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The collision and resulting injury highlight the dangers of improper lane changes in dense urban traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4710438 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 14 - 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

Mar 8 - A sedan traveling south on 2 Avenue hit a male in-line skater riding along the highway. The skater suffered knee and lower leg abrasions. Police cited the driver’s failure to maintain safe distance as the cause of the collision.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling southbound on 2 Avenue struck a 40-year-old male in-line skater who was riding along the highway, not at an intersection. The point of impact was the vehicle’s left front quarter panel, causing abrasions and injuries to the skater’s knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver was cited for 'Following Too Closely,' indicating failure to maintain a safe distance behind the skater. The skater was conscious and injured but not ejected from the vehicle. No other contributing factors related to the victim were noted. The collision occurred near East 58 Street in Manhattan at 8:00 PM. Vehicle damage was limited to the left front quarter panel, confirming the point of impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by driver errors in maintaining safe following distances on busy city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708125 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 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

Feb 28 - 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

Feb 24 - A 55-year-old man suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow after being struck on 3rd Avenue in Manhattan. The pedestrian was conscious but seriously injured, with no contributing driver errors or victim factors reported in the police data.

According to the police report, a 55-year-old male pedestrian was injured on 3rd Avenue near 712 in Manhattan at approximately 5:30 PM. The pedestrian sustained a fracture and dislocation to his lower arm and hand, described as a severe injury with a severity level of 3. The report lists the pedestrian's action as 'Other Actions in Roadway' but does not identify any contributing driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No vehicle details or driver license status were provided, and no contributing factors were attributed to either the driver or the pedestrian. The pedestrian remained conscious after the collision, indicating the impact was significant but survivable. This incident highlights the dangers pedestrians face even when no explicit driver fault is recorded.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705307 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 21 - 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

Feb 18 - A sedan struck a southbound cyclist on East 58th Street. The rider was ejected and suffered a head injury. Police cite driver inattention and unsafe speed as causes. The crash left the cyclist bruised and vulnerable.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a sedan traveling east on East 58th Street near 2nd Avenue struck him as he rode south. The impact hit the right side of the bike and the sedan's front. The cyclist was ejected and suffered a head contusion, classified as injury severity level 3. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Unsafe Speed" as contributing factors. The cyclist was not wearing safety equipment. The crash underscores the risk posed by distracted, speeding drivers to people on bikes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703556 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 8 - An 8-year-old girl crossing with the signal was struck by an SUV making a left turn. The driver’s inattention caused the collision. The child suffered facial injuries and minor bleeding, left in shock at the intersection on 1 Avenue.

According to the police report, at 18:07 an SUV traveling west on 1 Avenue was making a left turn when it struck an 8-year-old female pedestrian crossing the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian was injured, sustaining facial injuries and minor bleeding, and was reported to be in shock. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash, repeated twice, indicating the driver failed to maintain proper attention while turning. The vehicle showed no damage despite the collision. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This incident highlights the critical role of driver distraction in pedestrian injuries at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701226 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 7 - A southbound bus struck a bicyclist traveling the same direction on East 46 Street in Manhattan. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries with minor bleeding. Both vehicles sustained front bumper damage in the collision.

According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle were both traveling southbound on East 46 Street near Lexington Avenue in Manhattan when the collision occurred at 7:57 PM. The bus impacted the bicyclist with its right front bumper, while the bicycle's left front bumper was also damaged. The 45-year-old male bicyclist was injured, suffering knee, lower leg, and foot injuries with minor bleeding and was reported to be in shock. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not using any safety equipment. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not cite any explicit driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The bus driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead. The focus remains on the collision impact and resulting injuries without attributing fault to the bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704739 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 2 - A 59-year-old woman suffered facial contusions after an e-scooter traveling west struck her in the roadway on East 49th Street. The scooter showed no damage. The pedestrian was conscious but injured, with unspecified contributing factors noted by police.

According to the police report, an e-scooter traveling west on East 49th Street in Manhattan struck a 59-year-old female pedestrian who was located in the roadway but not at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained facial contusions and was conscious at the scene. The report lists the pedestrian's contributing factors as unspecified. The e-scooter driver, a licensed male from New York, was going straight ahead at the time of impact. The point of impact was the center front end of the scooter, which sustained no damage. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were explicitly cited in the report. The pedestrian's actions were described as 'other actions in roadway,' but no further details or contributing factors related to the pedestrian were provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699604 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 31 - A 6-year-old boy crossing with the signal was struck by a GMC pick-up truck making a left turn on East 57 Street in Manhattan. The child suffered facial injuries and minor bleeding. The driver’s inattention caused the collision.

According to the police report, a GMC pick-up truck traveling southwest on East 57 Street in Manhattan struck a 6-year-old male pedestrian at an intersection. The child was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred at 8:28 AM. The pedestrian sustained facial injuries and minor bleeding, resulting in shock. The driver was making a left turn and impacted the pedestrian with the center front end of the vehicle. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. No vehicle damage was reported. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers turning across intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699465 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 21 - Two sedans slammed together on East 49 Street. A driver took a blow to the head. A passenger suffered whiplash and leg injuries. Both stayed conscious. Metal twisted. No one was ejected.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on East 49 Street at 7:11 a.m. The crash left a 61-year-old male driver with a concussion and head injury. A 34-year-old female passenger suffered whiplash and lower leg injuries. Both were conscious after the impact. The 2004 Hyundai sedan took center front end damage. A 2021 Toyota sedan showed center back end damage. No ejections occurred. The report lists contributing factors as 'Unspecified' and does not cite any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The focus remains on the collision and the injuries to those inside the vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699965 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 19 - Three sedans collided northbound on FDR Drive. Driver inattention slammed metal into metal. A 38-year-old man suffered neck whiplash. Rear and front panels crumpled. Distraction ruled the night.

According to the police report, three northbound vehicles collided on FDR Drive at 22:05. All were sedans. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the sole contributing factor for each vehicle. A 38-year-old male driver was injured, suffering neck whiplash. He was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. The impact points were rear and front quarter panels, showing a chain-reaction crash. No pedestrians were involved. The police report attributes the crash to repeated driver distraction, with no mention of victim fault.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4696431 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 16 - A 59-year-old woman was struck at East 50 Street and 3 Avenue while crossing with the signal. The vehicle hit her with its left front bumper, causing contusions and injuries to her elbow and lower arm. She remained conscious after the impact.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured at the intersection of East 50 Street and 3 Avenue in Manhattan around 6:30 PM. The 59-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal when she was struck by a vehicle impacting her with the left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified with an injury severity level of 3. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the pedestrian's actions. The vehicle's driver errors are not explicitly cited, but the collision at a signalized intersection indicates a failure to yield or lack of proper caution. The pedestrian remained conscious throughout the incident. No helmet or other safety equipment was noted, and no driver license or vehicle details were provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699576 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 30 - A 57-year-old man on a bike was injured in a collision with an SUV in Manhattan. The driver was making a right turn when the crash occurred. The bicyclist suffered a head injury.

A 57-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a 2022 KIA SUV made a right turn on 3 Avenue. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Unsafe Speed.' The bicyclist, who was riding without safety equipment, sustained a head injury and complained of abrasions. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling north when the impact occurred on the right side doors of the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692108 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 17 - A northbound cyclist hit a sedan’s left doors on East 57th. He stayed conscious. His knee, leg, and foot were hurt. Abrasions marked the crash. The bike’s front end took the blow.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male bicyclist was injured when his bike struck the left side doors of a sedan on East 57 Street in Manhattan. The cyclist was traveling north. He suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists unspecified contributing factors and does not cite any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No helmet or signaling issues were noted as contributing factors. The crash involved a bike and a Honda sedan, with damage to the bike’s center front end.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4693902 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19