No More Waiting—Lower the Speed, Save a Life

A driver turned left on Broadway, failed to yield, and struck a 23-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She suffered full-body injuries and shock. The crash left her in pain. The car showed no damage.

According to the police report, a vehicle making a left turn on Broadway at West 66th Street in Manhattan failed to yield right-of-way and struck a 23-year-old woman. She was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian suffered injuries to her entire body and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the sole contributing factor, repeated twice, underscoring driver error. The vehicle showed no visible damage, suggesting a low-speed impact. No other factors, such as pedestrian behavior or safety equipment, were cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773076 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A taxi making a right turn struck a bicyclist traveling straight east on Broadway near Columbus Circle. The 24-year-old cyclist suffered a hip and upper leg contusion. The impact occurred on the taxi's right rear quarter panel late at night.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:58 PM on Broadway near Columbus Circle. A 2019 Nissan taxi, traveling south and making a right turn, collided with a bicyclist going straight east. The point of impact was the taxi's right rear quarter panel and the bike's center front end. The bicyclist, a 24-year-old male, was injured with a contusion to his hip and upper leg but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists no specific contributing factors, but the taxi driver's maneuver—making a right turn into the path of a bicyclist traveling straight—indicates a failure to yield or inadequate awareness. The cyclist was not wearing safety equipment, though no police report factors cite this as contributing. The crash highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles failing to yield to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771276 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council demands DOT show its work. The law forces public updates on every street safety project. No more hiding delays. No more silent cost overruns. Progress for bus riders, cyclists, and walkers must be tracked and posted.

Int 1105-2024 became law on May 10, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, sponsored by Julie Won and co-sponsored by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others, amends the city code to require the Department of Transportation to post annual and monthly updates on all projects tied to the streets master plan. The law’s title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' It forces transparency on protected bike lanes, bus lanes, pedestrian signals, and upgrades. The public will see delays, costs, and status. No more secrets. The mayor returned it unsigned, but the law stands.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-11-13

An SUV making a U-turn struck a 29-year-old woman crossing Broadway at W 63rd Street. The pedestrian, crossing with the signal, suffered knee and lower leg abrasions. The driver’s failure to yield and inexperience caused the collision.

According to the police report, a 2016 Nissan SUV was making a U-turn on Broadway near W 63rd Street in Manhattan at 9:36 p.m. The vehicle struck a 29-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained abrasions to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and driver inexperience as contributing factors. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV, which sustained damage in the same area. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. The report does not indicate any contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s actions beyond crossing with the signal.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4770867 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Taxi hit a 26-year-old bicyclist on Columbus Avenue. The cyclist was thrown, suffering abrasions to his knee, leg, and foot. Police cite failure to yield. Bike overturned. Cyclist in shock. System failed to protect.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling southbound collided with a northbound bicyclist near 284 Columbus Avenue in Manhattan at 3:08 PM. The 26-year-old male cyclist was thrown from his bike, which overturned on impact. He suffered abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock. The police report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' by the taxi driver as the contributing factor. The taxi showed no damage; the bike was overturned. No other contributing factors or victim actions were noted. The crash underscores the danger cyclists face when drivers fail to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4769021 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

An 81-year-old woman pedaled east on Columbus. A taxi turned, struck her rear wheel, sent her flying. Blood pooled. She stayed conscious. Distraction behind the wheel. The street did not stop. Metal met flesh. The city moved on.

According to the police report, an 81-year-old woman riding a bike eastbound on Columbus Avenue at West 65th Street was struck from behind by a taxi making a left turn. The report states the taxi's right front bumper collided with the rear wheel of the cyclist, ejecting her from the bike. She suffered severe bleeding but remained conscious at the scene. Police cite 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the crash. The narrative describes the cab striking the cyclist from behind, emphasizing distraction behind the wheel as a key element. No contributing factors are attributed to the cyclist. The report details the impact and injury, highlighting the systemic danger posed by inattentive drivers operating large vehicles in busy city corridors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768024 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 30-year-old female bicyclist suffered upper arm injuries and shock after colliding with two sedans near West 72 Street in Manhattan. The sedans impacted her bike’s left and right sides, causing pain and confusion at the scene.

According to the police report, a 30-year-old female bicyclist traveling eastbound was injured in a collision involving two sedans near West 72 Street in Manhattan at 11:30 AM. The bicyclist sustained upper arm injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report notes the bicyclist was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. The sedans, both operated by licensed male drivers, had points of impact on their left and right side doors respectively, with one sedan parked and the other traveling straight ahead. Contributing factors cited include 'Other Vehicular' errors and 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion,' highlighting driver-related failures in managing the interaction with the bicyclist. Vehicle damage was noted on one sedan's right side doors, while the bike showed no damage. The report emphasizes driver errors without attributing fault to the bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766469 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 60-year-old woman crossing a marked crosswalk in Manhattan was struck by an SUV backing eastward. The vehicle hit her at the center back end, causing knee and lower leg injuries. The driver’s unsafe backing led to the collision.

According to the police report, a 60-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing a marked crosswalk at an intersection near 10 Avenue in Manhattan. The crash occurred at 16:55 when a 2011 Nissan SUV, traveling east, was backing unsafely. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in shock and an injury severity rating of 3. The report explicitly cites "Backing Unsafely" as the contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was licensed and operating the vehicle alone. There was no vehicle damage reported. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal but within a marked crosswalk. The report does not list any pedestrian behaviors as contributing factors, focusing solely on the driver’s unsafe backing maneuver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766398 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

City Council arms FDNY with power to shut repeat e-bike battery offenders. New laws target shops selling illegal lithium-ion batteries. Enforcement ramps up. Fires drop, but uncertified batteries still threaten. Online sales remain unchecked. City pushes inspections, but incentives lag.

On September 21, 2024, the City Council enacted Local Law 49 and Local Law 50, empowering officials to padlock businesses that repeatedly violate lithium-ion battery safety rules. The Committee on Consumer Affairs advanced the bills, with Council Member Gale Brewer introducing both. The laws allow FDNY to close retailers who breach Local Law 39 three times in three years. The official matter summary states: 'The city can now forcibly close repeat offender shops that sell illegal lithium-ion batteries and micromobility devices.' Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Vera Mayuga called the issue urgent. Baruch Herzfeld, CEO of Pop Wheels, backed the law but urged more incentives for certified batteries and safe charging. While fires have dropped since last year, uncertified batteries still pose danger. The city has inspected over 650 shops and issued 275 violations, but online sales remain a loophole.

• Power Play: City Can Now Padlock Businesses Violating Lithium-Ion Battery Rules, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-10-10

Gale Brewer, once a bike ally, now supports state e-bike registration and park bans. She cites pressure and rising complaints. Critics say these moves target delivery workers, not danger. Data shows cars, not e-bikes, drive most injuries. Streets grow harsher for the vulnerable.

On October 8, 2024, Council Member Gale Brewer publicly reversed her stance, now supporting state-level e-bike registration and a blanket ban on e-bikes in city parks, as proposed in Intro 60. Brewer, speaking at an E-Vehicle Safety Alliance town hall, said, "I will sign on to that bill. That's not an issue." She attributes her change to the existence of state bills and constituent pressure, but refuses to back Council Member Bob Holden's city bill. Julie Menin also endorsed strict registration and park bans. Critics, including advocacy groups, warn these measures will hit low-wage, immigrant delivery workers hardest and undermine efforts to reduce car use. Data shows pedestrian injuries from e-bikes remain flat, while cars cause most harm. Brewer's shift marks a retreat from policies that protect vulnerable road users.

• Gale Brewer Flips on E-Bike Registration Due To ‘Nasty’ Pressure, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-10-08

Work started on a new 96th Street bus lane. The city will cut car lanes for buses. Council Member Gale Brewer stands with opponents. DOT says most locals don’t drive. The bus lane aims to speed up slow, crowded crosstown rides.

On October 1, 2024, construction began on a dedicated bus lane along 96th Street in Manhattan. The project, not tied to a specific bill number, is led by the Department of Transportation and replaces a traffic lane in each direction between West End Avenue and 2nd Avenue. The matter aims to 'speed up crosstown buses like the M96 and M106.' Council Member Gale A. Brewer, representing District 6, has sided with residents opposing the change, though she did not comment for the record. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez claims the new lane will make commutes 'faster, more reliable, and safer for everyone.' The bus lane will operate 24/7, except for a short eastbound stretch. DOT notes that 74% of 96th Street residents do not own cars, and most commute by transit, bike, or foot. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Construction begins on new 96th Street bus lane in Manhattan, amny.com, Published 2024-10-01

DOT broke ground on new bus lanes along Manhattan’s 96th Street. The redesign will stretch 1.7 miles. Councilmember Gale Brewer raised curb space concerns. Officials say the project will speed up buses and slow down cars. Work finishes later this year.

On September 30, 2024, the Department of Transportation began construction of new bus lanes along Manhattan’s 96th Street, a project stretching from West End to Second Avenue. The matter, titled 'DOT begins construction of new bus lanes along Manhattan’s 96th Street,' aims to improve service for 15,500 weekday riders. Councilmember Gale A. Brewer, representing District 6, held a rally earlier in the month expressing concerns about lost curb space and pushed for alternative solutions. Brewer sent a letter to DOT on behalf of residents, stating, 'All I can say is that I did what I did to represent them.' DOT officials countered that the redesign will reduce congestion and retain curb access. The project includes dedicated bus lanes, left-turn bays, and treatments to slow drivers. Most residents in the area rely on transit, walking, or cycling. The city expects the redesign to make commutes faster and safer for all road users.

• DOT begins construction of new bus lanes along Manhattan’s 96th Street, gothamist.com, Published 2024-09-30

Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Council pushes Albany to let New York City ticket drivers who block bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Cyclists face deadly risk. Lawmakers demand action. Streets must protect the vulnerable.

Resolution 0574-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced September 26, 2024, it urges passage of S.5008A/A.803A. The measure calls for a 'bicycle lane safety program' using cameras to enforce bike lane rules. Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, and Erik D. Bottcher back the resolution. The text states: 'enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' The council demands Albany act. Cyclists die while drivers block lanes. The bill aims to hold motorists accountable and protect those most at risk.

• File Res 0574-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Council pushes Albany to let New York City ticket drivers who block bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Cyclists face death and injury. Lawmakers want action. Streets remain dangerous. The fight for safety continues.

Resolution 0574-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced September 26, 2024, it urges passage of S.5008A/A.803A. The resolution calls for a 'bicycle lane safety program...to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, and Erik D. Bottcher back the measure. The bill would let New York City use cameras to fine drivers who invade bike lanes. Cyclists are killed and injured when cars block their space. The council demands Albany act to protect vulnerable road users.

• File Res 0574-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Council pushes Albany to let New York City ticket drivers who block bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Cyclists face death and injury. Lawmakers want action. Streets remain dangerous. The fight for safety continues.

Resolution 0574-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced September 26, 2024, it urges passage of S.5008A/A.803A. The resolution calls for a 'bicycle lane safety program...to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, and Erik D. Bottcher back the measure. The bill would let New York City use cameras to fine drivers who invade bike lanes. Cyclists are killed and injured when cars block their space. The council demands Albany act to protect vulnerable road users.

• File Res 0574-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

E-bike use surges. Streets stay deadly. Calls for licensing miss the mark. Advocates demand protected lanes, clear intersections, and employer accountability. Restrictive rules push riders to riskier modes. Real safety comes from design, not blame.

This opinion, published September 26, 2024, argues against e-bike licensing and for street redesign. The article, titled 'Opinion: Worried About E-Bike Safety? Make the Roads Safer First,' highlights the dangers faced by cyclists and pedestrians due to poor infrastructure. It supports Council Member Lincoln Restler’s bill to enforce bike and bus lane obstruction rules and backs state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal’s proposal for employer-based delivery worker licensing. The piece states: 'Such proposals are heavy-handed and will deter and discourage e-bike ridership without effectively ensuring their safe operations on the street.' The author urges protected bike lanes, daylighted intersections, and moving Citi Bike docks off sidewalks. The message is clear: systemic fixes, not punitive measures, protect vulnerable road users.

• Opinion: Worried About E-Bike Safety? Make the Roads Safer First, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-26

Streetsblog calls out the Times for ignoring car culture’s deadly toll. Anti-bike voices rage as double-parked cars and reckless drivers menace Long Island City. A cyclist is struck in Brooklyn. Universal daylighting advances. The city’s streets remain dangerous for the vulnerable.

On September 23, 2024, Streetsblog NYC published a media commentary titled 'Monday’s Headlines: ‘It’s the Car Culture, Stupid’ Edition.' The piece criticizes The New York Times for failing to address the harm car culture inflicts on public health and urban safety, quoting, 'The Times is so blind to car culture that it can't even blame the automobile for sedentary lifestyles.' The article highlights ongoing dangers for pedestrians and cyclists, including a cyclist struck by a driver in Brooklyn and persistent double-parking in Long Island City. It notes an Upper Manhattan community board’s vote for universal daylighting, a proven safety measure. No council members are directly named, but the commentary centers the systemic risks cars pose to vulnerable road users and the media’s failure to confront these dangers.

• Monday’s Headlines: ‘It’s the Car Culture, Stupid’ Edition, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-23

Manhattan crawls. UN General Assembly brings gridlock. Streets close. Traffic drops below 4 mph. DOT urges mass transit. Cyclists get a temporary lane. Permanent fix in the works. Emergency response slows. Hoylman-Sigal sounds alarm. No relief in sight.

On September 23, 2024, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and the New York City Department of Transportation announced the slowest Manhattan traffic of the year as the United Nations General Assembly convenes. The DOT warns, 'motorists should expect the slowest traffic of the year in Midtown,' with average speeds dipping below 4 mph and key streets closed. Hoylman-Sigal, co-author of a new traffic report, highlights that Midtown speeds are the slowest since records began—20% slower than a decade ago. The report notes emergency response times have suffered. DOT continues a temporary bike lane for cyclists and micro-mobility users, with plans for a permanent design. Hoylman-Sigal supports congestion pricing and safer streets, but Governor Hochul has paused the plan. The city expects more gridlock days through December. Vulnerable road users face narrowed space and slower emergency help as cars choke Midtown.

• Brace for the slowest Manhattan traffic of the year. The UN is in town., gothamist.com, Published 2024-09-23

Council Member Gale Brewer stood with opponents against a 96th Street bus lane. She cited parking and speed concerns. DOT said parking stays. Advocates called her out for ignoring slow buses and 15,000 daily riders. Brewer claimed support for bus lanes elsewhere.

On September 5, 2024, Council Member Gale Brewer publicly opposed a dedicated bus lane on West 96th Street at a rally. The matter, described as a 'City Council member public statement/rally regarding bus lane project,' saw Brewer call on DOT to remove two blocks from the crosstown bus lane plan, citing the area's 'residential character' and questioning the need due to 'current bus speeds.' Brewer, who once backed bus lanes on 14th, 34th, and 181st Streets, now argued for alternatives and said, 'I'm a bus rider who takes this bus every day. It's not slow.' DOT countered that parking would be preserved and loading zones added. Transit advocates criticized Brewer for ignoring data on slow westbound buses and the needs of 15,000 daily riders. Council Member Shaun Abreu, who represents the district, did not attend and stated he does not oppose the bus lane. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Self-Proclaimed Bus Lane Champion Gale Brewer Tries To Tank Bus Lane, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-05