East Midtown Bleeds While Leaders Stall

Council Member Keith Powers and allies demand Broadway’s full pedestrianization. They cite 429 injuries, four deaths. They want a corridor-wide plan, not scattered fixes. Business leaders now back the move. Recent crashes fuel urgency. The city promises action.

On July 12, 2022, Council Member Keith Powers (District 4) joined Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and Council Members Carlina Rivera and Erik Bottcher to urge the Department of Transportation to pedestrianize Broadway from 14th to 34th streets, with plans to extend up to 42nd Street. Their letter cites 429 injuries and four pedestrian deaths along Broadway between August 2011 and May 2022. The officials wrote, 'This stretch of Broadway needs to be made safer, and we believe pedestrianization, with limited necessary entries for vehicles that must access certain points along Broadway, could be a way to positively transform the area and benefit all New Yorkers.' Business leaders, including Dan Biederman of the 34th Street Partnership, now support the plan, calling it good for economic development. The push follows a recent taxi crash at Broadway and 29th Street that injured six. The city’s Broadway Vision plan promises to pedestrianize much of the corridor from Union Square to Columbus Circle.

• ANALYSIS: Electeds Seek Much More than Piecemeal Pedestrianization on Broadway, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-07-12

Manhattan’s leaders want Broadway closed to cars. They cite 429 injuries and four deaths from 14th to 42nd streets. They demand a real plan, not piecemeal fixes. The city’s slow pace angers them. Victims wait. Traffic keeps killing.

On July 12, 2022, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and Council Members Carlina Rivera, Erik Bottcher, and Keith Powers urged the Department of Transportation to declare Broadway from 14th to 34th streets a 'limited access open street.' They called for a comprehensive pedestrianization plan, referencing 429 injuries and four pedestrian deaths along the corridor since 2011. Their letter states, 'This stretch of Broadway needs to be made safer, and we believe pedestrianization... could be a way to positively transform the area.' The officials want a tangible plan by fall and concrete actions by early 2023. Business leaders, including Dan Biederman, now support the move, citing economic benefits. The recent taxi crash at Broadway and 29th, injuring six, has fueled urgency. The city’s Broadway Vision plan promises pedestrianization from Union Square to Columbus Circle, but advocates and victims’ families demand more, faster.

• ANALYSIS: Electeds Seek Much More than Piecemeal Pedestrianization on Broadway, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-07-12

A 22-year-old woman driving a sedan suffered a neck contusion after a sport utility vehicle passed too closely and collided with her on East 52 Street near Park Avenue in Manhattan. The SUV struck the sedan’s front center while going straight north.

According to the police report, a sport utility vehicle traveling north on East 52 Street passed too closely and collided with a sedan making a U-turn. The sedan’s 22-year-old female driver, wearing a lap belt, sustained a neck contusion and was conscious after the crash. The SUV’s left front bumper struck the sedan’s center front end. The report lists contributing factors as "Other Vehicular" and "Passing Too Closely," indicating driver error by the SUV operator. No other safety equipment or victim actions were cited. The crash caused moderate injury to the sedan driver but no ejection occurred.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4543751 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

After a taxi struck a cyclist on Broadway, Council Member Keith Powers and others demand the city close Midtown’s busiest stretch to cars. They say DOT’s plan is weak. They want Broadway for people, not traffic. The push follows blood on the street.

On July 1, 2022, Council Member Keith Powers and Manhattan officials called for the pedestrianization of Broadway in Midtown. The proposal urges the Department of Transportation to close Broadway to most vehicles between 14th and 34th Streets next year, with future expansion to 42nd Street. The matter follows a severe June 20 crash where a taxi hit a cyclist. The politicians’ letter states: 'A safer, more pedestrian-friendly corridor must be achieved quickly.' Powers, along with Mark Levine, Carlina Rivera, and Erik Bottcher, argue the city’s current plan—limited to small plazas and traffic restrictions—is not enough. They demand bold action to protect pedestrians and cyclists. The city’s response: their plans already include many changes, but the council members say it falls short.

• Manhattan pols call for DOT to give pedestrians busiest parts of Midtown stretch of Broadway after horrific crash, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-07-01

A taxi, parked facing west, collided with a 19-year-old male bicyclist traveling east on East 53 Street in Manhattan. The cyclist suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. No vehicle damage was reported. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected.

According to the police report, a taxi was parked facing west on East 53 Street when it struck a 19-year-old male bicyclist traveling east. The bicyclist sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm but remained conscious and was not ejected. The taxi's point of impact was its left front quarter panel, while the bike was hit on its right side doors. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors for either party. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No damage was reported to either vehicle. The taxi driver held a valid license, and the bicyclist had a permit license status.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4555242 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Two SUVs crashed on 1st Avenue in Manhattan. One driver made a U-turn, hitting the other going straight. A 54-year-old female passenger suffered a facial contusion. The crash involved driver distraction and left front bumper impact. Injured but conscious.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided near 899 1st Avenue in Manhattan. One driver was traveling north, going straight ahead, while the other was making a U-turn southbound. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the northbound vehicle and the center front end of the southbound vehicle. A 54-year-old female passenger in the northbound SUV was injured, sustaining a facial contusion. She was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles legally. No other contributing factors were noted. The crash caused vehicle damage primarily to the front ends of both SUVs.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4540524 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A sedan traveling south struck a westbound bicyclist on East 49 Street. The cyclist, a 29-year-old woman, suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The impact hit the bike’s front center and the sedan’s left front bumper.

According to the police report, a sedan and a bicycle collided on East 49 Street. The bicyclist, a 29-year-old female wearing a helmet, was injured with abrasions and trauma to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The sedan was traveling south, and the bike was going west. Both vehicles were moving straight ahead before the crash. The point of impact was the bike’s center front end and the sedan’s left front bumper. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from her bike. The sedan driver was licensed and operating a 2014 Toyota. The crash caused damage to both vehicles at the points of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4541447 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A bus traveling east on East 57 Street hit a pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk. The man suffered a bruised elbow and lower arm. The bus showed no damage. The pedestrian was conscious but injured. Confusion led to the crash.

According to the police report, a bus moving straight ahead on East 57 Street in Manhattan struck a pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk. The pedestrian, a man, sustained contusions and bruises to his elbow and lower arm. The bus had no visible damage and was driven by a licensed male driver. The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as the contributing factor. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The crash occurred away from an intersection, highlighting risks outside marked crossings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4540550 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 54-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured in a crash with a sedan on East 56 Street near Park Avenue. The cyclist suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. Driver distraction was cited as the cause.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on East 56 Street in Manhattan involving a southbound bicyclist and an eastbound sedan. The bicyclist, a 54-year-old man, was ejected from his bike and sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both vehicles. The sedan struck the bike at the left front bumper, impacting the bike's center front end. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The driver of the sedan was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction in interactions between motor vehicles and vulnerable cyclists.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4537577 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 34-year-old woman was struck by a motorcycle on Lexington Avenue while crossing with the signal. The rider showed inattention and failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee and lower leg.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling east on Lexington Avenue struck a 34-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors including inattention and failure to yield right-of-way. The motorcycle showed no damage, indicating impact at the center front end. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash and suffered moderate injuries. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or pedestrian fault were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4535504 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A taxi struck a motor scooter on 1 Avenue near East 56 Street in Manhattan. The scooter driver was ejected and suffered chest injuries and fractures. The taxi’s right side doors were damaged. Driver distraction was a factor.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling east on 1 Avenue collided with a motor scooter traveling north near East 56 Street. The motor scooter driver, a 46-year-old man, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained chest injuries, including fractures and dislocations. The taxi’s right side doors were damaged at the point of impact. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The scooter driver was conscious after the crash but seriously injured. The taxi driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4535083 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-06-01

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-31

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-25

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-25

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-05-25

Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.

Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.

• File S 3897, Open States, Published 2022-05-25

Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-05-23

A man on an e-scooter struck a bicyclist from behind on East 56 Street in Manhattan. The bicyclist suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee and lower leg. Both were traveling north. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old male bicyclist wearing a helmet was injured when an e-scooter traveling north struck him from behind on East 56 Street near 1 Avenue in Manhattan. The bicyclist sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. Both vehicles were moving straight ahead. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. Neither vehicle showed damage, and the bicyclist was not ejected and remained conscious. The e-scooter driver was licensed in New York. No other details about driver actions or violations were provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4530490 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Senate and Assembly passed S 1078. New drivers must now learn how to avoid hitting people on foot or bike. Law aims to cut crashes at the root—before drivers get the keys.

Bill S 1078, introduced in the Senate on April 27, 2021, requires pedestrian and bicyclist safety instruction in the drivers pre-licensing course. The bill moved through committee and passed the Senate and Assembly, with key votes on May 20, 2021, February 1, 2022, May 16, 2022, and May 23, 2022. The matter summary reads: 'Requires instruction in pedestrian and bicyclist safety as part of the drivers pre-licensing course.' Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, joined by Bailey, Biaggi, Brisport, Cleare, Comrie, and others. The measure targets driver ignorance, a root cause of deadly crashes, by putting vulnerable road users at the center of driver education.

• File S 1078, Open States, Published 2022-05-16