Children Die Waiting for Courage

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

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

A 64-year-old female bicyclist was ejected and suffered head injuries in a crash near Central Park West. The collision involved another vehicle and resulted in abrasions. Police cited other vehicular factors and bicyclist confusion as contributing causes.

According to the police report, a 64-year-old female bicyclist traveling south on Central Park West was involved in a collision at 14:30. The bicyclist was ejected from her bike and sustained head injuries classified as severity level 3, along with abrasions. The crash involved impact to the center front end of the bicycle and left side doors of another parked vehicle. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as a contributing factor, indicating driver or vehicle-related errors. Additionally, 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' was noted, reflecting some confusion on the bicyclist's part but not attributing fault. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash. The report does not specify helmet use or other safety equipment. The focus remains on the vehicular factors leading to the severe outcome.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781115 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council bill bars cars from blocking crosswalks. No standing or parking within 20 feet. City must install daylighting barriers at 1,000 intersections yearly. Streets clear. Sightlines open. Danger cut.

Int 1138-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced December 5, 2024. The bill states: “prohibiting standing or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.” Council Member Erik D. Bottcher leads, joined by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and over two dozen co-sponsors. The law orders the Department of Transportation to install daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections each year, up from 100. The city must also run outreach and education. The bill aims to keep crosswalks clear, improve visibility, and protect people on foot and bike. No more hiding behind parked cars. The committee laid the bill over on April 21, 2025.

• File Int 1138-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-05

A 72-year-old man on a bike was ejected and hit his head on Riverside Drive. Police cite following too closely. The rider wore a helmet. He stayed conscious. No other injuries reported.

According to the police report, a 72-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and suffered a head contusion after a crash on Riverside Drive at 20:43. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, indicating the bicyclist did not maintain enough distance from another vehicle or object. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet, but helmet use was not a contributing factor. He remained conscious after the crash. No other people were injured, and no vehicle damage was reported. The police note the bicyclist was unlicensed. This crash underscores the risk when safe distance is not kept on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776400 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

An SUV making a U-turn struck a bicyclist traveling east on Cathedral Parkway. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg abrasions. Police cited driver inattention and passing too closely as key factors in the collision that caused serious injury.

According to the police report, a 42-year-old female bicyclist was injured when a 2020 SUV, driven by a licensed male driver, made a U-turn and collided with her bike traveling eastbound on Cathedral Parkway at 8:07 a.m. The point of impact was the SUV's left front quarter panel and the bike's center front end. The bicyclist sustained abrasions to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report lists driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passing Too Closely' as contributing factors. The bicyclist was not ejected and was conscious after the crash. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers making U-turns and failing to maintain safe passing distances around cyclists.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775985 - 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

A 14-year-old boy riding a bike was injured when a northbound SUV struck him with its left front bumper on W 100 St near Amsterdam Ave. The boy suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The driver was distracted by headphones.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at 5:00 PM on W 100 St near Amsterdam Ave in Manhattan involving a northbound 2020 SUV and a bicyclist. The SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, impacted the bicyclist with its left front bumper. The bicyclist, a 14-year-old male passenger on the bike, sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies the SUV driver's use of headphones as a contributing factor, indicating distraction. No driver errors such as failure to yield were explicitly cited, but the distraction from listening to headphones likely impaired the driver's attention. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The bike sustained no damage, and the driver of the bike was unlicensed. The collision highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771381 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Toyota SUV traveling south on Manhattan Avenue struck a 13-year-old girl in the head with its left front bumper. She died on the pavement, her life ended in an instant beneath the autumn sun.

According to the police report, a 13-year-old girl was killed when a southbound Toyota SUV struck her on Manhattan Avenue near Cathedral Parkway. The report states the SUV's left front bumper hit the girl's head as she crossed the street. The incident occurred at 13:49, and the girl died at the scene. The police narrative specifies she 'stepped into the street without a signal.' The contributing factor listed in the report is 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion.' The data does not cite any driver-specific errors or violations, but the impact location and vehicle movement are clearly documented. The report notes the girl was crossing at an intersection but not in a crosswalk or with a signal, and lists her action as 'Crossing, No Signal, or Crosswalk.'

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766233 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A man lay torn and bleeding on Manhattan Avenue, struck at the intersection. No car stopped. Blood pooled as lights stayed green. Sirens came late. The driver vanished, leaving the victim semiconscious on the pavement.

According to the police report, a 34-year-old man was struck at the intersection of Manhattan Avenue. The narrative states, 'Face torn, blood pooling. Semiconscious on the pavement. No car stopped. No name given. The lights stayed green. Sirens came late.' The pedestrian suffered severe bleeding and facial injuries and was left semiconscious. The report does not identify the vehicle or driver, but makes clear that the driver failed to remain at the scene, constituting a hit-and-run. No contributing factors are listed for the pedestrian. The report centers on the immediate, violent impact and the absence of any driver accountability.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4765473 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV crashed into the back of another on Henry Hudson Parkway. A 29-year-old woman in the rear seat suffered neck whiplash. Police cite following too closely as the cause. Impact left her hurt, system failed to protect.

According to the police report, two SUVs were traveling north on Henry Hudson Parkway when one struck the rear of the other at 16:05. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error. A 29-year-old female passenger in the left rear seat of the lead SUV suffered a neck injury described as whiplash. She was conscious, not ejected, and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The collision damaged the center front end of the striking SUV and the right rear bumper of the lead vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4764943 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two bicycles collided head-on on West 107 Street. Both riders were unlicensed and traveling straight. One male bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg abrasions. Police cited unsafe speed and driver inattention as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, two bicyclists collided on West 107 Street at 15:10. Both riders were traveling straight ahead, one northbound and one westbound. The male bicyclist, age 23, sustained abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated as moderate. Both bicyclists were unlicensed, and the report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The collision impact was at the center front end of both bicycles. The male bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from his bike. There is no mention of helmet use or other victim behaviors contributing to the crash. The data highlights driver errors—unsafe speed and distraction—as central causes of this collision between vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4764965 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A taxi traveling south on Henry Hudson Parkway rear-ended a sedan, injuring a 43-year-old female passenger. The impact struck the sedan's center back end and the taxi's right front quarter panel. The passenger suffered head injuries and shock.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:10 on Henry Hudson Parkway. The taxi, driven by a licensed male driver, collided with the rear of a sedan driven by a licensed female driver. The point of impact was the taxi's right front quarter panel and the sedan's center back end. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' repeatedly as the contributing factor, indicating the taxi driver failed to maintain a safe distance. A 43-year-old female passenger in the sedan, seated in the left rear position, sustained head injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The passenger was not ejected. No other contributing factors related to the victim were listed. The crash involved multiple vehicles traveling southbound, but the primary cause was the taxi driver's failure to keep adequate distance.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4763214 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council bill slashes legal parking time for big rigs. Ninety minutes max for tractor-trailers. Three hours for other commercial trucks. Streets clear faster. Heavy metal moves on.

Int 1069-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced September 26, 2024. The bill reads: "reducing the maximum time commercial vehicles may park." Sponsored by Kevin C. Riley and 23 others, it limits parking to three hours for most commercial vehicles, and 90 minutes for tractor-trailers, unless signs say otherwise. The law takes effect 120 days after passage. Council aims to keep streets less clogged by oversized trucks. No safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets long-term truck storage on city streets.

• File Int 1069-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

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

City detour shoves cyclists onto steep, dangerous streets. No warning. No protection. Riders dodge cars, cross highway ramps, and face confusion. Injuries mount. Signs offer little help. Council Member Abreu calls plan shortsighted. Cyclists forced to risk lives or break rules.

On September 25, 2024, the city rerouted the Hudson River Greenway, sending 7,000 daily cyclists onto hilly, crash-prone streets. The detour, implemented with scant notice, lacks protected bike lanes and clear signage. Cyclists must share space with cars, cross highway ramps, and navigate steep slopes. The matter, described as 'shortsighted' by Council Member Shaun Abreu, repeats failures from a similar closure four years ago. Abreu urged the city to create a 'sustainable, workable detour' for vulnerable riders. Cyclists voiced frustration and fear, with some riding on pedestrian paths or even the highway to avoid danger. The city’s reliance on 'Share the Road' signs and sharrows leaves riders exposed. The detour has led to nearly one injury per week, highlighting the city’s disregard for cyclist safety during infrastructure work.

• Eyes On The Street: Greenway Detour is a Hilly, Confusing Danger Zone, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-25