East Midtown Bleeds While Leaders Stall

Jul 20 - A taxi driver hit a 24-year-old bicyclist on E 56th near 3rd Avenue. The rider was ejected and suffered an abrasion to the elbow and lower arm. Police recorded driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way.

A taxi driver struck a 24-year-old bicyclist on E 56th Street at 3rd Avenue. The cyclist was ejected and suffered an abrasion to the elbow and lower arm. According to the police report, driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way caused the crash. Police recorded failure to yield by the driver. The taxi driver was traveling straight north; the bicyclist was merging north. Point of impact was the taxi’s right rear quarter panel and the bike’s left front quarter panel. The police report lists Driver Inattention/Distraction and Failure to Yield Right-of-Way as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4828972 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jul 20 - A cyclist pedaled through Bowery and Canal. A speeding car lost control. Metal struck flesh. The rider died. Streets stayed loud. Danger lingered.

CBS New York (2025-07-20) reports that Kevin Cruickshank, 55, was killed while cycling at Bowery and Canal. Police said a 'speeding car lost control and struck him.' The crash highlights the ongoing risk to cyclists at busy intersections. The article notes the victim's identity and the circumstances but does not detail any charges. The incident underscores the threat posed by speeding vehicles and the need for stronger street safety measures.

• Cyclist Killed By Speeding Car In Chinatown, CBS New York, Published 2025-07-20

Jul 19 - A Chevy sedan struck a cyclist and a pedestrian at Canal and Bowery. Both died at the scene. The drivers tried to flee but were caught. Metal twisted. Lives ended. The street stayed dangerous.

Gothamist (2025-07-19) reports a Chevy Malibu killed a cyclist and a pedestrian near the Manhattan Bridge at 7:30 a.m. Police say the car 'slammed into the two victims.' Two women driving the car tried to flee but were detained. No charges were filed by Saturday afternoon. The crash also damaged an NYPD van. The deaths follow recent city claims of record-low traffic fatalities, highlighting persistent risk at busy crossings.

• Chevy Sedan Kills Two Near Manhattan Bridge, Gothamist, Published 2025-07-19

Jul 17 - A DOT worker fixing a sign near a bike lane was slashed by an e-bike rider with a box cutter. Blood on Broadway. The rider fled. The worker survived. No arrests. The city keeps moving.

According to amny (2025-07-17), a DOT worker was attacked by an e-bike rider at Broadway and Cedar Street while repairing a street sign. Police said the worker backed up his truck, nearly causing a crash with the cyclist. The rider then "whipped out a box cutter and slashed the worker in his left arm and back." The assailant fled. DOT condemned the attack, calling it "abhorrent." No arrests have been made. The incident highlights tensions at work sites near bike lanes and underscores the need for safe conditions for street workers.

• DOT Worker Slashed By E-Biker Downtown, amny, Published 2025-07-17

Jul 16 - A driver failed to yield on Vanderbilt. A woman crossing with the signal was hit. She suffered a shoulder injury. The street stayed loud. The danger stayed real.

A 48-year-old woman was injured while crossing Vanderbilt Avenue at East 44th Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, she was struck while crossing with the signal. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, as listed in the report. The pedestrian suffered an abrasion and an upper arm injury. The driver’s failure to yield is the only contributing factor noted. No other errors or factors are listed in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4828009 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jul 14 - The driver of a taxi hit a 59-year-old woman working in the roadway at Park Avenue and E 49th. She suffered a contusion to her arm and was conscious at the scene. Police list no driver errors.

The driver of a taxi was traveling south on Park Avenue and went straight through the intersection with E 49th. The driver hit a 59-year-old woman who was working in the roadway at the intersection. According to the police report, “the pedestrian suffered a contusion to her arm and was conscious at the scene.” Police list the point of impact as the taxi’s right front bumper. The driver and two passengers were unhurt. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. Pre-crash movement is recorded as going straight ahead and the injured woman was evaluated for an elbow/lower-arm/hand contusion.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4827786 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jul 10 - A driver at unsafe speed hit a 66-year-old woman on Second Avenue in Manhattan. She suffered abrasions to her arm and was in shock. Police recorded 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The crash occurred off an intersection.

According to the police report, the driver was traveling south and going straight ahead when the driver hit a 66-year-old pedestrian on Second Avenue in Manhattan. The pedestrian was not at an intersection. She suffered abrasions to her elbow/lower arm/hand and was listed in shock. Police recorded the contributing factors as "Unsafe Speed" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction." The report lists the vehicle type as unspecified and notes one vehicle occupant. The crash record does not assign fault beyond the listed contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4827310 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jul 8 - A taxi hit a 70-year-old woman crossing with the signal on E 50th. She suffered a head injury. Police cite driver inattention. The street stayed loud. The pain stayed real.

A taxi making a left turn on E 50th Street in Manhattan struck a 70-year-old woman as she crossed with the signal. According to the police report, the pedestrian suffered a head injury and was in shock. The driver was cited for inattention and distraction. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No other errors or factors were noted in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4826182 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

• Fatally Injured Teenager Is Discovered on Top of a N.Y.C. Subway Car, The New York Times, Published 2025-07-04

Jul 3 - A sedan hit a cyclist on Lexington Avenue. The cyclist was ejected and suffered arm injuries. Police cite driver inattention. The crash left the cyclist hurt, the car’s bumper dented.

A sedan making a left turn on Lexington Avenue at E 43rd Street struck a southbound cyclist. The 28-year-old cyclist was ejected and suffered a fractured arm. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The sedan’s right front bumper hit the bike’s back end. The cyclist was injured; the driver was not. No other factors were listed in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4825572 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jul 3 - Mayor Adams halts 34th Street busway. Streets stay clogged. Pedestrians and bus riders lose. Car dominance remains. Safety and equity stalled.

""The 14th Street busway is a great example of what happens when you do deep public engagement but also remain committed to the goal of speeding up bus service. Elected officials representing this area have come out in support of it. We have a great example from 14th Street that proves out this kind of project, and we do not want to find out another example from this administration of them making last minute decisions to pull important projects without consulting with the elected officials or giving us an alternative plan."" -- Keith Powers

On July 3, 2025, the Adams administration paused the 34th Street busway project, as reported by Streetsblog NYC. The matter, described as a 'highly-anticipated 34th Street busway,' had support from Council Members Erik Bottcher, Keith Powers, and others. Bottcher called it 'transformative,' promising fewer crashes and faster buses. Powers slammed the last-minute reversal. Safety analysts warn: canceling the busway preserves car dominance, discourages transit, and keeps streets unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists. The project’s future is uncertain. Vulnerable New Yorkers pay the price.

• Anti-Miracle On 34th Street: Adams Administration Pauses Work On 34th Street Busway, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-03

Jun 30 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-30

Jun 29 - Two SUVs crashed at E 46th and 3rd. One passenger suffered back injuries. Police cite failure to yield. Metal struck metal. The city’s danger showed its teeth.

Two SUVs collided at E 46th Street and 3rd Avenue in Manhattan. A 25-year-old male passenger was injured, suffering back pain and whiplash. According to the police report, the crash involved a failure to yield right-of-way. Both vehicles were traveling north, one going straight, the other turning right. The impact hit the left front bumper of one SUV and the right front quarter panel of the other. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4823917 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 28 - A cyclist riding south on E 56th Street struck and hurt. Arm scraped. No vehicle damage. Police list cause as unspecified. Night in Manhattan, danger in the dark.

A 21-year-old male bicyclist was injured on E 56th Street at 2nd Avenue in Manhattan. According to the police report, the cyclist suffered an abrasion to his arm. The crash involved a bike and an unspecified vehicle making a left turn. Police list the contributing factor as 'Unspecified.' No vehicle damage was reported. The cyclist was conscious at the scene. No further details on driver actions or safety equipment were provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4823781 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 20 - A parked Ford and a bronze Toyota touched in Manhattan. An investigator cuffed the young driver on the spot. The arrest was later voided. The Attorney General’s office is investigating. No injuries reported. Tension hung in the air.

According to the New York Post (2025-06-20), a minor collision occurred in Manhattan when a civilian's Toyota touched a parked Ford Expedition belonging to New York Attorney General Letitia James’ security detail. The investigator, Nelson Yu, a retired NYPD detective, immediately confronted and handcuffed the young woman driver, demanding identification. A witness described, 'He jumped out and cuffed her on the spot. No questions, no warning.' The woman was reportedly driving without a license. The arrest was later voided. The Attorney General’s office stated, 'OAG is investigating this matter internally and will not have further comment at this time.' The incident highlights the use of force and protocol in minor traffic incidents involving law enforcement personnel.

• Security Detail Cuffs Woman After Fender-Bender, New York Post, Published 2025-06-20

Jun 19 - A cyclist swerved to avoid a pedestrian in Central Park. He fell. His head struck the curb. He died at the hospital. The pedestrian suffered minor injuries. The crash happened at a crosswalk near 96th Street. The case is under investigation.

ABC7 reported on June 19, 2025, that Salvador Nico-Garcia, 43, died after colliding with a pedestrian while riding an e-bike in Central Park. According to police, Nico-Garcia swerved to avoid a 41-year-old pedestrian crossing at the crosswalk near 96th Street and East Drive. He fell, struck his head on the curb, and was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital. The pedestrian sustained minor abrasions. ABC7 notes, 'Officials say Nico-Garcia was on an e-bike and was not wearing a helmet at the time he was thrown.' New York City does not require cyclists over 14 to wear helmets. In Central Park, pedestrians have the right of way at all times. The incident remains under investigation, highlighting ongoing risks at crosswalks and the lack of helmet mandates for adult cyclists.

• Cyclist Killed Dodging Pedestrian In Park, ABC7, Published 2025-06-19

Jun 18 - A distracted driver hit a stopped sedan on 2nd Avenue. One passenger suffered abdominal injuries. The crash left pain, shock, and broken metal in Manhattan’s Midtown.

Two sedans collided on 2nd Avenue at East 50th Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' caused the crash. One 26-year-old female passenger suffered abdominal and pelvic injuries and was in shock. Four other occupants, including both drivers, reported unspecified injuries. The impact struck the left rear bumper of a stopped sedan. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The police report lists driver distraction as the sole contributing factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4821552 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 17 - Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.

Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-17

Jun 17 - A woman tried to climb from the tracks. The L train struck her. She died at the scene. The platform offered no barrier. Safety reforms came too late. The train ran again after three hours. Her name is not yet known.

West Side Spirit reported on June 17, 2025, that a 24-year-old woman was killed by an L train at Union Square station. According to the article, 'witnesses said the woman stepped onto the tracks shortly before the collision, but then attempted to climb back onto the platform.' She could not escape in time. Police found no suspected criminality. The incident occurred months after a state initiative promised new platform barriers at over 100 stations, but these had not yet been installed at Union Square. The tragedy highlights the ongoing risk to subway riders in stations without protective infrastructure. The investigation continues.

• Woman Killed by L Train at Union Square, West Side Spirit, Published 2025-06-17

Jun 16 - White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.

Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 7678, Open States, Published 2025-06-16