East Midtown Bleeds While Leaders Stall

Feb 7 - A 52-year-old female bicyclist was ejected and injured in a collision with an SUV making a left turn on 2 Avenue. The impact caused a concussion and back injury. Driver inattention was cited as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 2 Avenue near East 54th Street in Manhattan at 3:25 pm. A 2023 SUV traveling south was making a left turn when it struck a southbound bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 52-year-old woman, was ejected from her bike and sustained a concussion and back injuries. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for the SUV driver. The point of impact was the left front quarter panel of the SUV and the center front end of the bike. The bicyclist was conscious but injured, with no contributing factors attributed to her behavior. The collision highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction during turning maneuvers in busy Manhattan streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791072 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Feb 6 - A 61-year-old man died on FDR Drive before dawn. Two southbound vehicles collided—one taxi’s side ripped, one SUV’s front crushed. The street claimed him. Metal and speed left no mercy. The city’s road marked another loss.

A 61-year-old man was killed on FDR Drive in the early morning, according to the police report. The narrative describes a scene where 'a taxi's side [was] torn open' and 'a Ford SUV's front [was] crushed,' both vehicles traveling south. The report states the pedestrian was 'outside the crosswalk' and engaged in 'other actions in roadway,' but does not list any pedestrian behavior as a contributing factor. Both vehicle drivers were licensed and headed straight, with the taxi sustaining damage to its left side and the SUV to its center front end. According to the police report, contributing factors are 'unspecified.' The focus remains on the lethal interaction between two large vehicles and a vulnerable pedestrian, with no evidence cited of pedestrian error. The street, speed, and vehicle mass combined to end a life.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791148 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Feb 6 - A 90-year-old woman died on York Avenue. A cab made a U-turn and struck her. Another car hit her moments later. She was rushed to the hospital. Both drivers stayed. She did not survive.

According to the New York Post (published February 6, 2025), Frances Rickard, 90, was crossing York Avenue at East 72nd Street around 5:40 p.m. when a yellow taxi, driven by a 68-year-old man, made a U-turn and struck her. Police said, “Moments later, a 35-year-old woman driving a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer also struck her.” Rickard was taken to Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she died. Both drivers remained at the scene and have not been charged. The sequence highlights the dangers of U-turns and multi-lane crossings for pedestrians. The intersection saw two vehicles collide with a vulnerable road user in quick succession, underscoring persistent risks in city street design and driver behavior.

• Elderly Pedestrian Killed Crossing York Avenue, New York Post, Published 2025-02-06

Feb 4 - Tesla tore north on FDR. It struck a guardrail, flipped, split, burned. The woman driver died at the scene. Her passenger flew from the wreck. Firefighters battled battery flames. Northbound lanes shut. Metal, fire, speed, and loss marked the night.

NY Daily News (2025-02-04) reports a deadly crash on Manhattan's FDR Drive. A Tesla, traveling at high speed—witnesses estimated 'at least 120, 130 [mph]'—lost control near E. 70th St. The car struck a guardrail, overturned, and caught fire. Both occupants were ejected. The driver died at the scene; her passenger survived. Firefighters and a hazmat team responded to extinguish the burning lithium-ion battery. The crash shut down northbound lanes. The article highlights excessive speed and the dangers of high-performance vehicles in urban settings. Emergency response was extensive, with 60 firefighters on scene.

• Tesla Crash Kills Woman On FDR Drive, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-04

Jan 29 - A 22-year-old man was struck at an intersection on East 57th Street in Manhattan. The impact hit the vehicle’s right front quarter panel. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries, remaining conscious after the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 5:06 AM on East 57th Street near 2nd Avenue in Manhattan. A 22-year-old male pedestrian was injured when struck by a vehicle impacting its right front quarter panel. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal at the intersection, which is noted in the report as his action. The report does not cite any contributing factors related to the driver or vehicle. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with a contusion and bruise, and remained conscious. No driver errors such as failure to yield or reckless driving were documented in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789676 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jan 28 - A man crossing with the signal was hit by a sedan making a left turn on East 57th Street. The pedestrian suffered head injuries and shock. The vehicle showed no damage. Driver errors were unspecified in the report.

According to the police report, a male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of East 57th Street and Park Avenue in Manhattan at 5:25 p.m. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2018 Cadillac sedan, traveling southwest and making a left turn, struck him with the vehicle's left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The sedan showed no damage. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted, but no contributing factors were assigned to his actions. The incident highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790410 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jan 28 - New York opens its e-bike trade-in. Four hundred delivery workers can swap dangerous, uncertified bikes for safe, legal models. The program targets deadly battery fires. But 400 is a drop in the bucket. Tens of thousands remain at risk. The danger lingers.

On January 28, 2025, the Department of Transportation launched New York City's e-bike and moped trade-in program, born from a 2023 law introduced by Council Member Keith Powers. The program, praised by Council Member Oswald Feliz, allows 400 delivery workers to exchange uncertified, fire-prone bikes for certified, street-legal models. The law followed a spike in lithium-ion battery fires—277 in 2024, killing six. The $2 million program offers bikes and spare batteries, but only scratches the surface for the city’s estimated 80,000 delivery workers. Ligia Guallpa of the Worker’s Justice Project called the effort a step toward safer, cleaner mobility. Applications close February 17. The program’s reach is small, leaving most workers exposed to the same deadly risks.

• Apply Yourself: Tiny Number of Delivery Workers Will Get Safe E-Bikes in City Program, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-28

Jan 27 - Senate bill S 3387 demands complete street design in all DOT projects with state or federal funds. Streets must serve walkers, cyclists, and riders. No more car-first roads. Sponsors push for safer, fairer streets.

Senate bill S 3387, now in sponsorship, sits before the New York State Senate. The bill, titled 'Relates to requiring inclusion of complete street design for state and local transportation projects subject to oversight by the department of transportation,' would force all DOT projects using state or federal funds to include complete street design. Senator Andrew Gounardes leads as primary sponsor, joined by Patricia Fahy, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Liz Krueger. Their action aims to end car dominance and put vulnerable road users first. The bill was introduced January 27, 2025. No safety analyst note is available.

• File S 3387, Open States, Published 2025-01-27

Jan 26 - A 25-year-old woman suffered back contusions after a sedan made a left turn and struck her at an intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. Police cite pedestrian confusion as a contributing factor; the vehicle showed no damage.

According to the police report, a 25-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of E 52 St and 3 Ave in Manhattan around 14:58. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2016 Mercedes sedan, traveling northwest and making a left turn, struck her. The pedestrian sustained back contusions and was conscious at the scene. The vehicle showed no damage and the driver was licensed in New Jersey. The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are cited in the report. The pedestrian was not ejected and was not using any safety equipment. The focus remains on the pedestrian's confusion during crossing as noted by the police.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791385 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jan 19 - Two sedans traveling south on FDR Drive collided head-to-back. Both drivers suffered upper arm and chest injuries. Police cite driver inattention and distraction as the cause. Passengers were not ejected but experienced shock and injury.

According to the police report, at 11:46 AM on FDR Drive, two sedans traveling south collided with the front of one striking the center back end of the other. The driver of the Honda sedan was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' a key contributing factor. Both drivers were injured, with the Honda driver sustaining upper arm and shoulder injuries and the Nissan passenger suffering chest injuries. Neither occupant was ejected from their vehicles, but both experienced shock. The report lists no contributing factors related to the passengers or any pedestrian involvement. The collision impact was centered on the front and back ends of the vehicles, indicating a rear-end crash caused by driver error.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787239 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jan 18 - A 21-year-old man suffered head injuries and abrasions after a BMW SUV struck him while he crossed outside an intersection in Manhattan. The driver failed to yield and was inattentive, hitting the pedestrian with the vehicle’s center front end.

According to the police report, at 4:15 AM in Manhattan near East 57th Street, a BMW SUV traveling east struck a 21-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing the road outside an intersection. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and abrasions and remained conscious. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors to the crash. The SUV was going straight ahead and impacted the pedestrian with its center front end. The pedestrian’s actions were noted as 'Other Actions in Roadway,' but the report attributes the crash to driver errors. No pedestrian behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The vehicle suffered other damage, and the driver was the sole occupant.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786494 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jan 16 - Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16

Jan 13 - Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 803 aims to keep cars out of bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Streets could clear. Cyclists might breathe easier. Lawmakers back the crackdown. The fight for safe passage continues.

Assembly bill A 803, now in sponsorship, proposes a bicycle lane safety program for New York City. It would enforce restrictions on bike lane use with photo devices. The bill summary reads: 'Establishes in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and/or protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Primary sponsor Zohran Mamdani leads, joined by Brian Cunningham, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Harvey Epstein, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill was introduced January 8, 2025. No safety analyst note was provided. The measure targets drivers who block or endanger cyclists.

• File A 803, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 324 demands complete street design for state- and federally-funded projects. Sponsors push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars. Safety for all hangs in the balance.

Assembly Bill A 324 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, drivers—when building or upgrading roads. Didi Barrett leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Amy Paulin, and many others. The bill also directs the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note yet, but the measure’s intent is clear: streets should protect the most vulnerable, not just move traffic.

• File A 324, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 6 - Lawmakers face a $33 billion MTA budget gap. The new Manhattan congestion toll hits drivers, but it is not enough. Senate leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins objects to the unfunded plan. More taxes and fees loom. Riders wait. Streets stay dangerous.

On January 6, 2025, the MTA’s $33 billion budget shortfall dominated debate. The matter, titled "MTA eyes new taxes, fees to plug $33B budget hole — even after NYC’s $9 congestion toll!", landed in the spotlight after the new toll failed to close the gap. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, district 35, formally objected to the unfunded capital plan with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. Their joint letter blocked the plan’s January 1 start, forcing negotiations. Governor Hochul, who backs the $68 billion plan, promised no income tax hikes but left other taxes and fees on the table. Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger called for transparency. The MTA’s future—and the safety of those who rely on it—hangs in the balance. No direct safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• MTA eyes new taxes, fees to plug $33B budget hole — even after NYC’s $9 congestion toll!, nypost.com, Published 2025-01-06

Dec 26 - A taxi veered off Sixth Avenue, mounted the curb, and struck a crowd near Herald Square. Three pedestrians, including a child, landed in the hospital. The driver stayed at the scene. Metal, flesh, and concrete met in Midtown’s holiday rush.

Gothamist (2024-12-26) reports a Midtown crash where a taxi driver, experiencing a medical episode, drove onto the sidewalk at Sixth Avenue and West 34th Street, injuring a 9-year-old boy and two women. Police said, 'they did not suspect any criminality in the crash.' The driver, 58, remained at the scene and was taken for evaluation. Four others declined medical attention. The article notes, 'the driver was driving northbound on Sixth Avenue around 3 p.m. on Wednesday when he jumped the curb and plowed into a crowd.' The incident highlights the persistent risk posed by vehicles in crowded pedestrian zones, regardless of intent or driver health. No policy changes were announced.

• Taxi Jumps Curb, Hits Midtown Pedestrians, Gothamist, Published 2024-12-26

Dec 23 - Congestion pricing stalled. Student OMNY cards left kids behind. E-vehicle crackdowns sparked debate. Police and National Guard flooded subways. Council Member Keith Powers fought for excluded students. Holden pushed e-bike licensing. Enforcement rose. Vulnerable riders faced shifting rules and uneven access.

This annual review covers 2024 NYC transit policy, with Council Member Keith Powers vocal about student OMNY card exclusions. The review, published December 23, 2024, highlights congestion pricing delays, e-vehicle crackdowns, and increased subway enforcement. The matter notes, 'parents in [Powers'] Manhattan district felt slighted that their kids were left out of the free transportation program.' Powers pressed for fair access, saying, 'we're still hearing from families whose children aren't receiving an OMNY card like their classmates.' Council Member Robert Holden pushed for e-bike licensing, drawing fire from advocates. The review documents a year of policy shifts, enforcement surges, and ongoing fights over who gets safe, affordable transit. Vulnerable riders—students, cyclists, pedestrians—remained at the mercy of city decisions.

• Rear view: A look back at the top NYC transit stories of 2024, amny.com, Published 2024-12-23

Dec 23 - A police car crossed the line. Metal struck flesh. Samuel Williams, riding his dirt bike, was thrown and killed. Body cam footage shows the officer’s move. Another NYPD car tried the same. The city sent Williams’ family a bill.

NY Daily News (2024-12-23) reports that NYPD body camera footage shows an officer veering into the path of Samuel Williams, a 36-year-old dirt bike rider, during a pursuit on the University Heights Bridge. Williams was struck, thrown, and died from his injuries. The article states, “An officer pursuing dirt bikers suddenly crossed the double yellow line into Williams' path, causing a collision.” Another NYPD vehicle attempted a similar maneuver. The family’s attorney called it a “deadly maneuver” for a minor violation. The city later billed Williams’ family for police vehicle damages. The NYPD has not commented, citing litigation. The case raises questions about police pursuit tactics and accountability.

• NYPD Officer Veers Into Dirt Biker’s Path, NY Daily News, Published 2024-12-23