No More Waiting—Lower the Speed, Save a Life

MTA stalls on a delivery worker hub at W. 72nd and Broadway. Residents and Community Board 7 oppose the plan. The Parks Department pushes forward. Delivery workers wait. The street stays hostile. No rest. No charge. No safety for the most exposed.

The proposed delivery worker hub, announced in October 2022 by Sen. Chuck Schumer and Mayor Adams, would convert old newsstands at W. 72nd Street and Broadway into rest stops with bike parking, seating, and charging stations. Community Board 7 voted against the plan, citing safety and congestion fears. Katina Ellison of the West 71st Street Block Association called the idea 'clearly terrible and dangerous.' CB 7’s Andrew Albert, also on the MTA board, supports charging stations but wants a different site. Ken Coughlin of CB 7 called the opposition hypocritical, noting the neighborhood’s reliance on delivery workers. Council Member Gale Brewer supports smaller, less invasive infrastructure. The Parks Department plans to proceed, but no timeline is set. Vulnerable road users—delivery workers—remain exposed, with no safe place to rest or recharge.

• MTA Reviewing Proposed Upper West Side Delivery Worker Hub Amid Ongoing Pushback, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-12-20

State lawmakers push Sammy’s Law after a deadly year. The bill gives New York City power to set its own speed limits. Advocates cite 257 lives lost to reckless drivers. Lower speeds mean fewer deaths. The fight continues in Albany.

Sammy’s Law, a state bill, would let New York City control its own speed limits. The measure stalled last year when Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie blocked a vote, despite support from Governor Hochul, the state Senate, Mayor Adams, and the City Council. Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, who sponsors the bill, rallied outside Heastie’s office, saying, 'Last year, 257 people were killed on New York City streets by reckless and speeding drivers. Each of these deaths was preventable.' Amy Cohen, whose son Sammy was killed in 2013, called for urgent action: 'We can’t wait any longer. People like Sammy, and so many others are dying on our streets.' Advocates point to a 36-percent drop in pedestrian deaths after the city lowered speed limits in 2014. The bill would not set new limits automatically, but would give the city the power to act.

• New Year, New Opportunity to Pass ‘Sammy’s Law’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-12-18

Council Member Gale Brewer pushes a bill to allow some street vendors on wide bridge paths. The measure rejects a total ban. It sets strict limits: only on spans at least 16 feet wide, with 20 feet between sellers. Enforcement remains a challenge.

On December 15, 2023, Council Member Gale Brewer introduced a bill in the New York City Council to regulate street vending on bridges. The bill, debated in committee, would permit vendors only on bridge walkways at least 16 feet wide and require 20 feet between each seller. Bridge approaches would remain off-limits. Brewer stated, 'I believe strongly that a full ban on vendors is not necessary,' and argued for clear, enforceable rules. The Department of Transportation had proposed a total ban on vending across all city-owned bridges, citing overcrowding. Brewer’s bill seeks a middle ground, allowing limited vending while addressing safety and crowding. Vendor advocates welcomed relief from a total ban but warned the spacing rule would be hard to enforce. The bill’s fate remains undecided.

• New Bill Would Allow Some Street Vendors on Bridges Amid Push for Total Ban, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-12-15

Upper West Side’s board voted 8-1 to demand crackdowns on unregistered mopeds. The resolution urges city and state to punish illegal dealers, enforce laws, and back Albany’s registration bill. Lawmakers say loopholes fuel chaos. Immigrants often misled. Streets stay dangerous.

On December 14, 2023, Community Board 7’s transportation committee passed a resolution, 8-1, demanding action against unregistered mopeds. The board called on the Department of Motor Vehicles to impose civil penalties on unregistered dealers and urged city and state officials to enforce laws against selling non-street-legal mopeds. The resolution also asks the city to consider a buy-back program for gas-powered mopeds. The matter, titled 'Upper West Side Panel Backs Resolution to Rein in Dangerous Mopeds,' supports Albany legislation requiring sellers to register mopeds with the DMV before sale. State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assembly Member Alex Bores sponsor the bill. Bores said, 'We need to cut off the flow of these vehicles before they get onto these streets.' The board’s move aims to close loopholes, protect vulnerable road users, and address the chaos caused by unregistered mopeds.

• Upper West Side Panel Backs Resolution to Rein in Dangerous Mopeds, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-12-14

A 28-year-old woman working in the roadway was struck by a southbound cyclist on Columbus Avenue near West 72nd Street. She suffered a head contusion and remained conscious. The bike showed no damage. Police list unspecified factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a male cyclist traveling south on Columbus Avenue struck a 28-year-old female pedestrian who was working in the roadway. The pedestrian sustained a head injury classified as a contusion and remained conscious after the collision. The bike showed no damage and the point of impact was the center front end of the bicycle. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified, with no clear driver errors identified. The pedestrian was not at an intersection at the time of the crash. No safety equipment or helmet use was noted. The incident highlights the dangers faced by pedestrians working in traffic lanes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4685539 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 33-year-old man suffered a head injury after a taxi hit him at West 72 Street and Columbus Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal. The taxi driver failed to yield right-of-way, distracted by a passenger. The victim sustained a concussion.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling west on West 72 Street struck a 33-year-old male pedestrian crossing against the signal at the intersection with Columbus Avenue. The pedestrian suffered a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion. The report lists the taxi driver's failure to yield right-of-way and passenger distraction as contributing factors. The point of impact was the center front end of the taxi. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead at the time of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4685346 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A Jeep struck a parked Toyota on Broadway. The Jeep fled. Inside the wreck, a nine-year-old girl bled from the eye. Her face was cut deep. She stayed conscious. The street ran south. The light still held. Metal and blood marked the scene.

A Jeep crashed into a parked Toyota sedan at Broadway and West 61st Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, the Jeep vanished after impact. A nine-year-old girl, riding as a passenger in the Toyota, suffered severe lacerations to her face and eye but remained conscious. The report states, 'A parked Toyota, front crushed. A Jeep vanished. Inside the wreck, a 9-year-old girl, bleeding from the eye, stayed conscious. Her face cut deep.' The contributing factor listed is 'Other Vehicular.' No driver errors such as speeding or failure to yield are specified in the data. The girl’s use of safety equipment is unknown. The crash left the street marked by violence and loss.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4684172 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 36-year-old man was struck by a southbound sedan on West End Avenue. The pedestrian crossed against the signal and suffered fractures and dislocations to his lower leg and foot. The sedan hit the pedestrian with its right front bumper.

According to the police report, a 36-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing West End Avenue against the signal. The pedestrian was struck by a 2019 Ford sedan traveling southbound, which impacted him with the right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. No specific driver errors or contributing factors were listed in the report. The pedestrian’s action of crossing against the signal was noted, but no blame is assigned. The vehicle sustained damage to its center front end.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4684134 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 38-year-old woman was struck by a backing SUV on 9th Avenue in Manhattan. The vehicle’s right rear bumper hit her outside an intersection. She suffered a back contusion and remained conscious. Limited view contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a 38-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2022 Nissan SUV backed up on 9th Avenue in Manhattan. The vehicle struck her with its right rear bumper while traveling south. The pedestrian was located outside an intersection and suffered a back contusion. The report lists "View Obstructed/Limited" as a contributing factor, indicating the driver’s limited visibility during the backing maneuver. Additionally, "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" was noted, but no driver license issues or vehicle damage were reported. The pedestrian remained conscious after the impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4686851 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Gale Brewer rejects Holden’s e-bike registration push. She calls it ineffective and burdensome. Brewer backs bills for safer batteries and worker training. Thirty-one groups join her. Critics warn registration means more stops, fewer bikes, and more danger for riders.

On November 13, 2023, Council Member Gale Brewer (D-Upper West Side) publicly opposed Council Member Bob Holden’s proposed e-bike registration bill. The bill, not yet passed, would require every e-bike in New York City to be registered with the Department of Transportation. Brewer stated, “I do not believe a blanket e-bike registration rule will make streets safer, nor is NYC DOT equipped to establish, manage or enforce it.” She instead sponsors Intro. 1168, mandating safe lithium-ion batteries for delivery workers, and Intro. 1163, requiring worker training and identification. Thirty-one organizations endorsed Brewer’s approach, calling Holden’s bill “ineffective, dangerous, expensive, short-sighted, and bureaucratically complicated.” Council Members Rita Joseph and Sandy Nurse also withdrew support. Opponents argue the registration bill could suppress e-bike use, increase police stops in communities of color, and worsen traffic violence. Holden dismissed these concerns, insisting his bill is vital for safety.

• Key Upper West Side Pol Gale Brewer Comes Out Against E-Bike Registration Bill, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-11-13

A 30-year-old woman was struck by an SUV entering a parked position on West 65th Street in Manhattan. She suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The vehicle showed no damage. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 30-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing West 65th Street outside an intersection. The SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was entering a parked position when it struck the pedestrian. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The vehicle sustained no damage. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk. No helmet or signaling factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4676124 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 59-year-old man crossing West 65 Street with the signal was hit by an SUV making a left turn. The driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations to his entire body.

According to the police report, a 59-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing West 65 Street at the intersection with Columbus Avenue in Manhattan. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2023 SUV, driven by a licensed male driver, made a left turn and struck him at the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations affecting his entire body. The report lists the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No other safety equipment or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675386 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A moped collided with a pick-up truck on West End Avenue. The 22-year-old moped driver was partially ejected and suffered a head injury. The truck made a left turn. Improper lane usage caused the crash. The moped driver was unlicensed but helmeted.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male moped driver traveling north on West End Avenue was partially ejected and sustained a head injury after colliding with a pick-up truck making a left turn eastbound. The moped's left front bumper struck the truck, which showed no damage. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as the contributing factor, indicating driver error related to lane control. The moped driver was unlicensed but wore a helmet. The truck driver was licensed and showed no vehicle damage. The crash caused internal complaints and a serious head injury to the moped driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4674163 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Albany lawmakers move to force moped registration before sale. The bill aims to block illegal, unregistered mopeds from city streets. Dealers, not riders, would handle paperwork. Advocates say this targets bad actors and protects pedestrians from rogue machines.

On October 23, 2023, State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-Manhattan) introduced a bill in Albany to require moped dealers to register vehicles with the DMV before buyers leave the shop. The bill, supported by Assembly Member Alex Bores (D-Upper East Side), seeks to close a loophole that lets illegal mopeds flood city streets. The matter summary states: 'New legislation in Albany seeks to eliminate the use of illegal mopeds by requiring sellers to register them with the DMV before buyers can take them out of the shop.' Hoylman-Sigal said, 'This common-sense bill would simply ensure that the registration happens at the point of sale, before someone rides out of the shop.' Ligia Guallpa of the Worker's Justice Project backs the move, stressing manufacturer responsibility. Attorney Daniel Flanzig says the law could clear streets of unregistered, dangerous vehicles. The bill is not yet law, but enforcement actions against illegal mopeds are already underway.

• State Lawmaker Seeks to Close Moped-Registration Loophole, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-23

Council Member Holden’s e-bike license bill piles red tape on riders but leaves pedestrians exposed. The proposal skips real fixes—wider sidewalks, protected lanes, safer work rules. It targets e-bikes, not the cars and street chaos that truly endanger walkers.

Council Member Robert Holden introduced a bill, co-sponsored by a Council majority, to require licenses for all e-bikes. The bill, discussed in October 2023, has not specified a streamlined process for licensing. The matter’s summary states: 'Holden's bill does nothing to rectify the fundamental issues of inadequate space and dangerous workplace practices.' Holden and his colleagues push regulation, but critics say the bill ignores the real threats: narrow sidewalks, blocked crosswalks, and unsafe delivery work. The proposal would burden riders and discourage micromobility, while failing to address illegal mopeds or car dominance. State Senator Brad Hoylman’s employer-provided ID plan is cited as a better alternative. The opinion calls for protected bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and fair enforcement, not more bureaucracy. Holden’s bill, critics argue, misses the mark for pedestrian safety.

• Opinion: Holden’s E-Bike License Proposal Misses the Mark on Pedestrian Safety, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-11

A cyclist lies in critical condition after a crash at Fifth Avenue and Union Street. Councilmember Shahana Hanif calls out the city’s inaction. The intersection has claimed lives before. The community rallies, but danger remains. Cyclists keep dying. The city stalls.

On September 26, 2023, Councilmember Shahana Hanif (District 39) issued a statement following a severe crash at Fifth Avenue and Union Street in Park Slope. The incident left Jacob Priley, a cyclist and advocate, critically injured. Hanif highlighted the intersection’s deadly history, referencing the 2021 death of Arcellie Muschamp. She pressed the Department of Transportation for urgent safety upgrades, saying, 'How many more crashes until the DOT pays attention?' Hanif noted the recent completion of a protected bike lane on Ninth Street but stressed that more action is needed. She thanked neighbors for their support and vowed to work with the DOT. So far in 2023, 3,702 cyclists have been injured and 22 killed on New York City streets. The city’s pace on safety remains too slow for those at risk.

• Brooklyn rallies behind biker critically injured in Park Slope crash, raises funds for medical bills, amny.com, Published 2023-09-26

A sedan hit a bicyclist traveling south on West 71 Street near Amsterdam Avenue. The 26-year-old cyclist was ejected and suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention and inexperience as factors. The cyclist wore a helmet.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male bicyclist was injured after a collision with a 2021 Porsche sedan on West 71 Street in Manhattan. The bicyclist was ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with driver inexperience. The sedan was traveling west, and the bike was traveling south when the collision occurred. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the bike and the center front end of the sedan. The cyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4665958 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 19-year-old motorcyclist hit a sedan from behind on Henry Hudson Parkway. He was thrown from his bike, suffering leg and foot injuries. Police cite reaction to another vehicle and close following.

According to the police report, a 19-year-old male motorcyclist traveling south on Henry Hudson Parkway struck the rear of a sedan. The rider was partially ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors as "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle" and "Following Too Closely." The sedan had no occupants and showed no damage. The motorcyclist wore a helmet. The crash underscores the risks when drivers react suddenly to other vehicles and follow too closely.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4665100 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

City Council passed a battery buy-back bill. Delivery workers can swap unsafe batteries for certified ones. New rules target deadly lithium-ion fires. Lawmakers demand delivery companies step up. Fourteen dead, over 100 hurt this year. Enforcement on uncertified sales begins soon.

"My bill will make sure the situation changes." -- Gale A. Brewer

On September 14, 2023, the New York City Council passed a package of bills to fight lithium-ion battery fires. The main bill, introduced by Council Member Keith Powers, creates a city-funded buy-back program for delivery workers to exchange faulty batteries and devices for safe, certified ones. The matter summary states the program aims to address the high cost of certified batteries, which can be prohibitive for low-paid workers. Council Members Oswald Feliz and Gale Brewer sponsored additional bills: Feliz's requires safe bikes and batteries for deliveries, while Brewer's mandates delivery apps provide safety training and equipment. Brewer also called for the Department of Transportation to update its safety course. Powers said, "We will provide them the opportunity to surrender that unsafe equipment and receive a safe replacement." The Council's action follows 180 battery fire incidents, 14 deaths, and over 100 injuries this year. Lawmakers push for delivery companies to take responsibility for worker safety and equipment standards. Enforcement against uncertified battery sales will begin soon.

• Council Passes Battery ‘Buy-Back’ Program and Other Bills to Curb Lithium-Ion Fires, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-14

A box truck struck a 29-year-old female bicyclist on Broadway. She was ejected and suffered knee and lower leg fractures. The truck showed no damage. Police cited bicyclist confusion as a contributing factor. The rider wore no safety equipment.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling south on Broadway collided with a bicyclist also moving southwest. The bicyclist, a 29-year-old woman, was ejected from her bike and sustained fractures and dislocations to her knee and lower leg. The truck impacted the left side doors but showed no damage. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as the contributing factor, indicating the bicyclist's confusion played a role. No driver errors by the truck operator were noted. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4659878 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05