East Midtown Bleeds While Leaders Stall

Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.

Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.

• File S 5130, Open States, Published 2022-05-16

A 32-year-old male driver suffered a back contusion after his SUV rear-ended a moped traveling east on East 52 Street near Park Avenue. The impact struck the moped’s center back end. The SUV driver was following too closely. No ejections occurred.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on East 52 Street in Manhattan involving a sport utility vehicle and a moped. The 32-year-old male moped driver was injured, sustaining a back contusion but remained conscious and was not ejected. The SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, struck the moped at its center back end while traveling north. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors, indicating driver error on the part of the SUV operator. The moped driver was not at fault, and no helmet or signaling issues were noted. The crash caused damage to both vehicles’ front and rear ends respectively.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4527701 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A sedan turning right struck a bicyclist going straight on 3 Avenue. The cyclist was ejected and suffered an upper arm injury. The driver was distracted. The bike showed no damage. The rider wore a helmet and remained conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 3 Avenue made a right turn and collided with a bicyclist traveling north. The bicyclist was ejected and sustained an upper arm abrasion injury. The driver’s contributing factor was listed as driver inattention or distraction. The bike showed no damage, while the sedan’s right front quarter panel was damaged. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet and remained conscious after the crash. The report does not indicate any fault on the bicyclist’s part. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers turning across bike lanes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4527235 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Senate bill S 8992 cracks down on drivers blocking bus lanes. Cameras catch violators. Owners pay. Streets clear for buses, safer for those on foot and bike.

Senate bill S 8992, sponsored by Senator Krueger, sits at the sponsorship stage as of May 3, 2022. The bill's title: 'Relates to owner liability for failure of operator to comply with bus operation-related local law or regulation traffic restrictions and to the adjudication of certain parking infractions.' It extends a bus rapid transit demonstration, using cameras to enforce bus lane rules. Krueger pushes for owner accountability. The measure aims to keep bus lanes clear, targeting those who block transit and endanger vulnerable road users.

• File S 8992, Open States, Published 2022-05-03

Two SUVs slammed together at East 55th and Lexington. A young woman behind the wheel took a hit to the neck. Shock followed. Metal twisted. No one else hurt.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided at the intersection of East 55th Street and Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. The crash left a 22-year-old female driver with neck injuries and shock. Both vehicles struck each other's front quarter panels while traveling straight. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the drivers. No pedestrians or passengers were involved or injured. The injured driver wore a harness and lap belt, and airbags deployed. The crash damaged the front ends of both SUVs.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4521117 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 23-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and suffered whole-body injuries after colliding with a sedan on 2 Avenue near East 49 Street. The driver’s inattention and disregard for traffic control caused the violent impact. The cyclist was unhelmeted.

According to the police report, a collision occurred between a sedan and a bicycle on 2 Avenue in Manhattan. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old man, was ejected from his bike and sustained injuries to his entire body, including whiplash. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with disregard for traffic control. The sedan driver was traveling west, and the bicyclist was heading south. The cyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The impact damaged the left side doors of the sedan and the front center of the bike. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver errors in busy city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4521002 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

The Fifth Avenue busway remains stuck. Promised in 2020, it faces business pushback and city silence. Riders wait. Speeds drop. Advocates fume. DOT offers no answers. The city drags its feet while vulnerable road users pay the price.

""My office has been actively asking the Department of Transportation for an update for months, most recently last week, but have yet to receive a new timeline or details... we shouldn’t miss a big opportunity to transform Fifth Avenue."" -- Keith Powers

Bill: Fifth Avenue busway implementation. Status: Delayed. Committee: Not specified. Key dates: Announced 2020, stalled as of April 8, 2022. The project, described as a 'car-free busway between 57th and 34th streets,' aimed to speed up commutes for 110,000 bus riders. Council Member Keith Powers pressed DOT for updates, saying, 'we shouldn’t miss a big opportunity to transform Fifth Avenue.' Danny Pearlstein of Riders Alliance called it 'one of the most important busways in the City.' Despite proven success elsewhere, business interests stalled progress. The current plan offers a protected bike lane and pedestrian improvements, but no dedicated bus lane. DOT has not provided a timeline. Advocates and local officials remain frustrated. Vulnerable road users—bus riders, cyclists, pedestrians—are left exposed as the city delays.

• City DOT Still Mum on Long-Delayed Fifth Avenue Busway, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-04-08

An 87-year-old man rode south on 2nd Avenue. He struck head-on, thrown from his bike. Blood pooled on the street. His face was torn open. He lay incoherent, confusion in his eyes. The crash left him battered and broken.

An 87-year-old cyclist was injured while riding south on 2nd Avenue at East 55th Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, he struck head-on and was thrown from his bike, suffering severe lacerations to his face and lying incoherent at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The crash involved only the cyclist, with no other vehicles reported. Witnesses and a notified person were present. The data highlights inattention as the primary cause, underscoring the dangers faced by vulnerable road users on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4513096 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Two SUVs collided on East 59 Street. A 57-year-old front passenger suffered a shoulder injury. Driver distraction and unsafe lane change led to the impact. The passenger was in shock.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided on East 59 Street. One driver was making a left turn while the other traveled straight. The crash left a 57-year-old front passenger with a shoulder and upper arm injury and in shock. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as contributing factors. The impact struck the right front bumper of the turning SUV and the left front quarter panel of the straight-moving SUV. The injured passenger wore a lap belt and was not ejected. No other injuries or violations were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4510965 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A box truck backed into a parked van on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. The van’s occupant, a 59-year-old man, suffered bruises. The truck driver was unlicensed and distracted. The van was damaged at the rear. No ejections occurred.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling east on Lexington Avenue was backing up when it collided with a parked van. The van occupant, a 59-year-old male, was injured with contusions and bruises but remained conscious and was not ejected. The truck driver was unlicensed and contributed to the crash through inattention and distraction, as well as inexperience. The van sustained damage to its center back end, while the truck showed no damage. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The injured party was a passenger in the van and did not contribute to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4508104 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

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 2022-03-02

Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.

Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.

• File S 5130, Open States, Published 2022-03-02

A taxi struck an SUV at East 57th Street and Lexington Avenue. Both drivers suffered head injuries and concussions. The taxi hit the SUV’s right front bumper with its right rear quarter panel. Traffic control was disregarded, causing the crash.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling south collided with an eastbound SUV at East 57th Street near Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. The taxi impacted the right front bumper of the SUV with its right rear quarter panel. Both drivers, a 56-year-old man and a 24-year-old female passenger in the SUV, sustained head injuries and concussions. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs. The taxi driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. Both occupants were conscious and not ejected. The crash caused visible damage to both vehicles' right sides.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4504056 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A Jeep SUV struck a Toyota sedan from behind on East 58th Street in Manhattan. The sedan driver, a 42-year-old man, suffered internal injuries to his abdomen and pelvis. The SUV driver was distracted. Both vehicles traveled eastbound.

According to the police report, a 2020 Jeep SUV rear-ended a 2018 Toyota sedan on East 58th Street in Manhattan. The sedan's 42-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining internal injuries to his abdomen and pelvis. He was conscious and wearing a lap belt at the time. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain proper attention. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead eastbound. The impact occurred at the center back end of the sedan and the center front end of the SUV. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4501928 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 74-year-old man crossing East 51 Street was struck by a vehicle backing unsafely near Lexington Avenue. He suffered a head injury and internal complaints. The crash happened late at night. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 74-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing East 51 Street at an intersection near Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. The vehicle involved was backing unsafely, which the report lists as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained a head injury and internal complaints but remained conscious. The report does not specify the vehicle type or driver details. The pedestrian was crossing without mention of signal or crosswalk status. The driver’s error of backing unsafely caused the collision. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4498112 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Park Avenue faces a reckoning. The city plans to slice car lanes, double medians, and open space for people. Advocates demand bike lanes, car-free stretches, and green space. Council Member Keith Powers backs the shift. The street’s future hangs in the balance.

On January 25, 2022, Council Member Keith Powers (District 4) spotlighted a city plan to reclaim car space on Park Avenue. The Department of Transportation aims to cut vehicle lanes and expand the median between East 46th and 57th streets. The proposal, discussed in the council and supported by Powers, seeks to create more open, accessible public space. The matter summary calls it a 'shift toward a more pedestrian-friendly experience.' Advocates like Jon Orcutt (Bike New York) and Danny Harris (Transportation Alternatives) urge the city to add a median-side bikeway and maximize pedestrian and green space. The project aligns with the NYC 25x25 plan to convert 25 percent of car space for people by 2025. Private interests, including the local Business Improvement District and Fisher Brothers, are helping fund the effort. The plan’s final shape remains undecided, but the push for safer, people-first streets is clear.

• Park Avenue Plan Will Reclaim Car Space — But How Much … and for What?, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-01-25

DOT will cut a car lane on Park Avenue. The median will grow, swallowing asphalt. Advocates want bike lanes and car-free stretches. Council Member Powers calls it a shift in city priorities. Private money backs the plan. Final design still unknown.

On January 25, 2022, the city Department of Transportation advanced a proposal to reclaim car space on Park Avenue. The plan, discussed in committee and supported by Council Member Keith Powers, aims to expand the median from 20 to 48 feet by removing one of three vehicle lanes. The project, described as a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' by Alfred Cerullo of the Grand Central Partnership, seeks to create more open, accessible public space for people and businesses in East Midtown. Advocates like Jon Orcutt (Bike New York) and Danny Harris (Transportation Alternatives) urge the city to maximize space for people, calling for fully car-free stretches and a bike lane, since Park Avenue has no bus routes. The plan aligns with the NYC 25x25 initiative to convert 25% of car space to people space by 2025. Private commercial interests, including the local Business Improvement District and Fisher Brothers, are supporting and funding the project. The final design will be set by a landscape architect’s master plan.

• Park Avenue Plan Will Reclaim Car Space — But How Much … and for What?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-01-25

Fifth Avenue stays dangerous. DOT stalls on promised redesign. Bike lane, busway, and pedestrian fixes remain on paper. Local business pressure blocks progress. Community Board 5 approved. Crashes and injuries mount. Council Member Powers urges action. Vulnerable road users wait.

The Fifth Avenue redesign, announced in 2020 under former Mayor de Blasio, remains stalled as of January 10, 2022. The project, once a bold car-free busway, was scaled back to a protected bike lane and minor pedestrian upgrades. No new bus lane. Community Board 5 approved the plan, but DOT has not started work. Council Member Keith Powers supports the full plan and calls for immediate action on the bike lane, urging the Adams administration and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez to move forward. Local business interests, led by the Fifth Avenue Association, oppose the project, citing pandemic recovery concerns. Transportation Alternatives’ Cory Epstein says, 'Busways and bike lanes are good for the economy, good for our climate, and good for our Vision Zero goals.' Since the project’s announcement, crashes and injuries continue on the corridor. Vulnerable road users remain at risk as the city delays.

• Despite End of Holiday Season, DOT Has No Update on Long-Stalled Fifth Ave. Project, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-01-10

A 63-year-old man was hit by an SUV making a right turn on Lexington Avenue. The pedestrian suffered a severe head injury and lost consciousness. Police cited the driver for disregarding traffic control. The victim was not at fault.

According to the police report, a 63-year-old male pedestrian was injured when an Audi SUV making a right turn on Lexington Avenue struck him. The pedestrian suffered a severe head injury and was found unconscious. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the contributing factor, indicating the driver failed to obey traffic signals or signs. The SUV's front center end was damaged in the collision. No contributing factors were attributed to the pedestrian. The driver was licensed and traveling east at the time of the crash. This incident highlights the dangers posed by drivers ignoring traffic controls in Manhattan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4491530 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

An SUV hit a taxi at Lexington and 53rd. The SUV driver and taxi passenger suffered bruises. Both were conscious and restrained. Metal met metal. Injuries followed. No driver errors listed.

According to the police report, a 2017 Ford SUV traveling south on Lexington Avenue struck a westbound 2015 Audi taxi at East 53 Street. The SUV driver, a 30-year-old man, suffered contusions to his elbow and lower arm. The taxi passenger, a 42-year-old man, was bruised on his knee and lower leg. Both were conscious and wore lap belts and harnesses. The SUV's center front end hit the taxi's right rear quarter panel. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed and driving straight ahead at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4491191 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08