East Midtown Bleeds While Leaders Stall

New York legalized cannabis. No reliable test exists for marijuana-impaired drivers. The state scrambles to train officers and find solutions. Crashes rise in states with legal weed. Senator Liz Krueger says tax revenue will fund enforcement. Vulnerable road users face new risks.

On October 9, 2022, New York State, under Governor Hochul, accelerated cannabis legalization and opened retail shops. The Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act passed in March 2021. The state now faces a gap: 'there are concerns of increased incidences of driving while impaired after cannabis use,' the Department of Health said. Senator Liz Krueger, a key architect, stated, 'Revenue from our legalized system will be used to pay these ongoing costs.' The Department of Health seeks new technology to detect cannabis impairment, as no standard test exists. Nearly 400 officers are trained as drug recognition experts, with thousands more in training. Critics warn DWI issues should have been solved before legalization. As enforcement lags, vulnerable road users face greater danger from impaired drivers.

• Hochul hunts for marijuana DWI test as NY opens cannabis shops, nypost.com, Published 2022-10-09

A 72-year-old man was injured crossing 2 Avenue near East 56 Street in Manhattan. A bike traveling south struck him. The pavement was slippery. The pedestrian suffered internal injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The bike showed no damage.

According to the police report, a 72-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing 2 Avenue near East 56 Street in Manhattan. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was crossing without a signal or crosswalk. A bike traveling south struck him with its center front end. The report lists slippery pavement as a contributing factor. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are noted. The pedestrian suffered internal injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The bike sustained no damage. The report does not mention helmet use or signaling by the cyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4571843 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 63-year-old man was hit by an SUV while crossing East 47th Street in Manhattan. The impact fractured his shoulder and upper arm. The pedestrian was conscious but seriously injured. The crash happened mid-block, away from intersections or signals.

According to the police report, a 63-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2021 SUV traveling west struck him with its right front bumper on East 47th Street in Manhattan. The pedestrian suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder and upper arm. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. The pedestrian was crossing mid-block, not at an intersection or crosswalk. The driver was licensed and driving straight ahead. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted in the data. The pedestrian’s injury severity was rated as serious but he remained conscious. No mention of helmet or signaling factors was included.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4570018 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Manhattan’s Community Board 8 voted 38-3 for protected crosstown bike lanes and a two-way bikeway around Central Park. The move follows a cyclist’s death on E. 85th. Advocates demanded action. The board, once resistant, now shifts toward safety for riders.

On September 22, 2022, Manhattan Community Board 8 (CB8) voted 38-3 to request 'fully protected crosstown bike lanes approximately every 10 blocks between 60th and 110th streets on both sides of Central Park, and a two-way protected bikeway around Central Park.' The resolution had earlier cleared the Transportation Committee 12-2. The measure follows the killing of cyclist Carling Mott by a truck driver on E. 85th Street, where a bike lane had been rejected in 2016. Council Members Julie Menin and Keith Powers, along with Borough President Mark Levine, backed the push. Advocates, including Mott’s boyfriend and parents of student cyclists, spoke out for safety, condemning the board’s past inaction. Only one board member, Marco Tamayo, opposed the resolution. The vote marks a sharp turn for CB8, which had long resisted protected lanes, citing security fears and local opposition. Now, the board calls for comprehensive, protected infrastructure to shield vulnerable road users.

• Upper East Side Community Board Votes for Crosstown Bike Lanes, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-22

An 80-year-old woman was struck while crossing East 59 Street with the signal. She suffered a head injury and shock. The sedan driver, a 30-year-old woman, was also in shock. Confusion and error by the pedestrian contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, an 80-year-old female pedestrian was injured on East 59 Street while crossing with the signal. She sustained a head injury and was in shock. The driver, a 30-year-old woman operating a 2019 Jeep sedan traveling south, was also in shock but not injured. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian at the right front quarter panel. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as the contributing factor for both the pedestrian and the driver. The driver was licensed in Florida and the vehicle was previously parked. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted. The pedestrian’s confusion was the primary factor in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4569196 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Manhattan Community Board 8 voted 12-2 for protected crosstown bike lanes after a truck killed cyclist Carling Mott on E. 85th Street. The board demanded urgent action from DOT. Local councilmembers joined the call. The city now faces pressure to act.

On September 7, 2022, Manhattan Community Board 8's Transportation Committee passed a resolution by a 12-2 vote urging the Department of Transportation to install protected bike lanes on every 10 cross streets along Central Park and a two-way protected lane around the park. The resolution followed the death of 28-year-old cyclist Carling Mott, killed by a truck driver on E. 85th Street. The matter, described as a push to 'bring safe bike routes to the neighborhood,' saw support from councilmembers Keith Powers and Julie Menin, who called on DOT to revisit the 85th Street lane and improve safety infrastructure. Advocates and residents backed the plan, demanding action to prevent more deaths. DOT is reviewing the location for possible upgrades. The board's vote renews a fight stalled since 2016 by political opposition.

• Upper East Side Panel Supports Crosstown Bike Lanes — Again, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-12

A bicyclist traveling south on East 58 Street hit a 44-year-old man crossing outside a crosswalk. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. Unsafe speed by the cyclist caused the crash.

According to the police report, a male bicyclist traveling south on East 58 Street in Manhattan struck a 44-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing outside a crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists "Unsafe Speed" as a contributing factor to the crash. The point of impact was the center front end of the bicycle. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision and did not have any safety equipment listed. The crash highlights the dangers posed by bicyclists traveling at unsafe speeds in areas with pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4562814 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 51-year-old woman was hit while crossing East 53 Street against the signal. The driver, heading north in a 2021 Ford truck, struck her with the left front bumper. She suffered abrasions to her elbow and lower arm. No vehicle damage reported.

According to the police report, a 51-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of East 53 Street and 3 Avenue in Manhattan. She was crossing against the signal when a northbound 2021 Ford truck struck her with its left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained abrasions to her elbow and lower arm and remained conscious after the collision. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. No vehicle damage was noted. The report lists no driver contributing factors, but the pedestrian's action of crossing against the signal is recorded. No other contributing factors or safety equipment were mentioned.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4567722 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

City Hall stalls on a council-approved plan for school bus stop-arm cameras. Streets near schools stay dangerous. Children walk past risk. Council Member Keith Powers urges action. Advocates press for automated enforcement. The mayor keeps the tool unused.

On September 7, 2022, the Adams administration declined to implement a City Council-approved program allowing cameras on school bus stop arms to catch drivers who illegally pass stopped buses. The bill, sponsored by then-Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez and co-sponsored by Keith Powers (District 4), aimed to protect children near schools. The matter summary states the law was 'an innovative way to further our goal of promoting street safety.' Powers urged the mayor and DOT to act. Despite evidence from other cities and strong support from advocates like StreetsPAC and Transportation Alternatives, City Hall cited a lack of recent deaths and continued to evaluate the program. The Council bill permitted, but did not require, the enforcement program. Advocates argue the city is missing a proven tool to hold reckless drivers accountable and keep children safe.

• As School Returns, Mayor Adams Keeps a Street Safety Tool in the Drawer, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-09-07

Mayor Adams shelved a council-approved plan for school bus stop-arm cameras. The law lets the city catch drivers who pass stopped buses. Streets near schools stay dangerous. Advocates push for action. City Hall stalls. Children remain exposed.

Bill number not specified. The City Council passed a law allowing a school bus stop-arm camera program. The measure, sponsored by then-Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez and co-sponsored by Keith Powers, empowers the city to install cameras to catch drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses. On September 7, 2022, Mayor Adams’s administration chose not to implement the program, citing ongoing evaluation and a lack of recent deaths from such incidents. Council Member Powers urged the mayor and DOT to use this tool, calling it 'an innovative way to further our goal of promoting street safety.' Activists from StreetsPAC and Transportation Alternatives criticized the delay, noting that streets near schools are especially dangerous for children, particularly in Black and brown neighborhoods. Evidence from other cities shows stop-arm cameras catch hundreds of violations quickly. The law leaves the program to mayoral discretion. City Hall supports speed cameras but has not acted on stop-arm enforcement.

• As School Returns, Mayor Adams Keeps a Street Safety Tool in the Drawer, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-07

A southbound MTA bus struck a 97-year-old woman near Lexington Avenue. The right front bumper hit her head. She was not in the street. Blood pooled. She lay silent, in shock. The bus’s defective accelerator was the cause.

A 97-year-old woman was struck and severely injured by a southbound MTA bus on East 58th Street near Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. According to the police report, 'A southbound MTA bus with a faulty accelerator struck a 97-year-old woman. She was not in the street. The right front bumper hit her head. She lay bleeding, silent, in shock.' The police report lists 'Accelerator Defective' as the primary contributing factor. The pedestrian suffered severe head lacerations and was in shock. The bus driver, a 45-year-old woman, also reported pain in her arm. No other injuries were specified. The crash highlights the danger posed by vehicle defects to people outside the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4559501 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

The city tore down an award-winning outdoor dining space in Koreatown. Officials promised plazas or bike racks, not more parking. But the site became car storage. Council Member Powers wants something better. The city’s promise to reimagine public space rings hollow.

On August 25, 2022, New York City removed an unused outdoor dining structure in Koreatown. The Department of Transportation, led by Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, claimed, "the future of New York City is reimagining the use of public space." Mayor Eric Adams said he was open to plazas, bike racks, or curb extensions—anything but more car storage. Despite these statements, the site became street parking. Council Member Keith Powers, representing the district, said, "I would love something more interesting here than parking," and called for renewed discussion on a permanent outdoor dining program. The city’s action contradicts its stated vision. No safety analyst assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• NYC Transforms Site of Award-Winning Outdoor Dining Space Into Street Parking, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-25

Two sedans collided on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. Four occupants suffered back injuries and whiplash. The crash involved a stopped vehicle hit from behind. All injured remained conscious and restrained by lap belts and harnesses.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling south on Lexington Avenue collided when one vehicle stopped in traffic and was struck from behind. Four occupants, including the driver and three passengers aged 5 to 53, sustained back injuries and whiplash. All were conscious and not ejected, secured by lap belts and a harness. The report lists "Following Too Closely" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as contributing factors. The point of impact was the center back end of the stopped vehicle and the center front end of the striking vehicle. The crash caused injuries but no fatalities.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4557938 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 43-year-old woman was struck at an intersection on 3 Avenue in Manhattan. She suffered a head abrasion but remained conscious. The SUV hit her head-on while traveling north. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal. No driver errors were listed.

According to the police report, a 43-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 3 Avenue and East 45 Street in Manhattan. She was crossing against the signal when a northbound SUV struck her in the center front end. The pedestrian sustained a head abrasion and was conscious at the scene. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The report lists no contributing driver errors. The pedestrian’s crossing against the signal is noted, but no other factors such as helmet use or signaling were recorded.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4551709 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A proposed bike lane on E. 85th Street died after pressure from Rep. Carolyn Maloney and Madeline Cuomo. Local fears and political muscle won. Cyclist Carling Mott was killed nearby. The street remains unprotected. The city investigates. Riders stay exposed.

On July 29, 2022, a proposed bike lane for E. 85th Street in Manhattan was halted after political and community opposition. The plan, discussed by the Department of Transportation and supported by then-Council Member Ben Kallos, faced strong resistance from Rep. Carolyn Maloney and Madeline Cuomo, sister of former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Maloney relayed school security concerns to Community Board 8, citing local opposition. Cuomo lobbied city officials directly. The matter summary states, 'The lack of bike infrastructure is linked to the recent death of cyclist Carling Mott.' Despite Maloney's later claims of general support for protected bike lanes, her intervention helped kill this project. Current Council Member Keith Powers has shown interest in revisiting the plan. The DOT is reviewing the fatal crash and street design. No safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Cuo-no! Andrew’s Sis and Rep. Carolyn Maloney Helped Kill Proposed E. 85th Bike Lane, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-07-29

A 55-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured in a collision with a sedan on East 57 Street near Lexington Avenue. The rider suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention as a contributing factor.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on East 57 Street in Manhattan involving a 2019 sedan and an e-bike. The 55-year-old male bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The bicyclist was conscious at the scene. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor to the crash. The sedan was traveling east, and the e-bike was traveling south, both going straight ahead before impact. The point of impact was the right rear quarter panel of the sedan. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4563678 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

The city will redraw Third Avenue. Fewer car lanes. More bus lanes. A protected bike path. Wider sidewalks. Advocates and Council Member Gale Brewer pushed for change. DOT’s Ed Pincar says a proposal is coming. NYPD and Sen. Krueger focus on bike enforcement.

On July 27, 2022, city officials announced at a virtual town hall that a long-awaited redesign of Manhattan’s Third Avenue is in the works. The event, hosted by State Senator Liz Krueger, featured DOT Manhattan Borough Commissioner Ed Pincar, who said, “We are looking very closely… we may be able to present a proposal maybe even later this year.” The redesign aims to transform Third Avenue into a safer boulevard with fewer car lanes, more bus lanes, a separated bike path, and wider sidewalks. Council Member Gale Brewer and advocates like Paul Krikler have long demanded these changes. Krueger and the NYPD, however, focused on enforcement against cyclists and e-bike riders, citing constituent concerns. Krueger has previously pushed for harsher penalties for electric-vehicle riders. NYPD data shows more enforcement against cyclists than drivers, even though drivers cause most injuries. No formal safety analysis was provided.

• ACTIVISTS GET ACTION: City Pledges to Redesign Manhattan’s Third Avenue This Year, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-07-27

A truck driver killed Carling Mott, a Citi Bike rider, on East 85th Street. No protected bike lane. No charges. Community Board 8 had blocked a bike lane years before. Advocates blame city inaction. Council Member Powers demands protected lanes and enforcement.

On July 26, 2022, a truck driver struck and killed cyclist Carling Mott on East 85th Street, Upper East Side. The area lacks protected crosstown bike lanes. Community Board 8 had voted down a bike lane in 2016. Police did not charge the driver. The matter, described as 'Truck Driver Kills a Woman on a Bike on the Upper East Side,' drew swift response. Council Member Keith Powers called for 'immediate attention,' demanding protected bike lanes and better enforcement. Transportation Alternatives called the absence of safe infrastructure 'deadly.' The Department of Transportation is reviewing the street design. The crash exposes the lethal cost of city inaction and failed infrastructure.

• SEE IT: Truck Driver Kills a Woman on a Bike on the Upper East Side, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-07-27

A taxi parked on 2 Avenue struck a southbound bicyclist. The rider was partially ejected and suffered shoulder abrasions. The crash involved passenger distraction in the taxi. The cyclist remained conscious despite upper arm injuries.

According to the police report, a taxi was parked on 2 Avenue in Manhattan when it collided with a southbound bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 33-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained abrasions and upper arm injuries. The taxi had two occupants, and the driver was licensed in New York. The report lists passenger distraction as a contributing factor to the crash. The bicyclist was riding straight ahead and impacted the left side doors of the taxi. The cyclist was wearing a helmet but was still injured. There is no indication of failure to yield or other driver errors beyond passenger distraction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4546499 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A taxi struck an e-scooter traveling north on East 55 Street in Manhattan. The e-scooter driver, a 58-year-old man, suffered whole-body injuries and shock. The taxi’s left front bumper was damaged. Driver distraction caused the crash.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling west on East 55 Street collided with an e-scooter going north. The e-scooter driver, a 58-year-old man, was injured with whole-body trauma and experienced shock. The taxi sustained damage to its left front bumper. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for the crash. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead before the collision. The e-scooter driver was not ejected and was wearing a lap belt. No other contributing factors were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction in Manhattan’s busy streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4549590 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08