Madison Avenue Bleeds: How Many More Must Fall?

Apr 10 - Council passed a law forcing DOT to post sharp, regular updates on street safety projects. Progress on bike lanes, bus lanes, and signals must go public. No more hiding delays or cost overruns. The city must show its work.

Bill Int 1105-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced November 13, 2024, it passed Council on April 10, 2025, and became law May 10, 2025. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' Council Member Julie Won led sponsorship, joined by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others. The law demands DOT post annual and monthly updates on every project tied to the master plan—listing details, timelines, funding, and setbacks. This law brings sunlight to street safety work, making the city answer for every mile and missed deadline.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-04-10

Apr 9 - Seven lawmakers demand Mayor Adams open the Queensboro Bridge pedestrian path. The project sits finished. Cyclists and walkers still cram into a narrow, crash-prone lane. Delays keep thousands at risk. City Hall stalls. Advocates plan protest. Danger lingers.

On April 9, 2025, seven elected officials—including Council Members Julie Won and Julie Menin—sent a public letter demanding Mayor Adams open the long-promised Queensboro Bridge pedestrian path. The Department of Transportation had planned to open the dedicated walkway on March 16, but the mayor's office intervened, citing the need for a briefing. The lawmakers wrote, 'The reasons given for this delay are not satisfactory, as all communications from the DOT have indicated that the project is complete and ready to open to the public.' They warned, 'Any further delays to this project that is otherwise ready to open will unnecessarily put at risk the thousands of New Yorkers who cycle and walk the current shared path every day.' The project, in the works since at least 2017, remains stalled. Cyclists and pedestrians are forced to share a cramped, hazardous lane. City Hall insists on more review, while advocates plan a protest ribbon-cutting.

• Pols Demand Adams Open Queensboro Bridge Pedestrian Path, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-04-09

Apr 9 - Seven lawmakers demand Mayor Adams open the Queensboro Bridge pedestrian path. The project sits finished. Cyclists and walkers still cram into a narrow, crash-prone lane. Delays keep thousands at risk. City Hall stalls. Advocates plan protest. Danger lingers.

On April 9, 2025, seven elected officials—including Council Members Julie Won and Julie Menin—sent a public letter demanding Mayor Adams open the long-promised Queensboro Bridge pedestrian path. The Department of Transportation had planned to open the dedicated walkway on March 16, but the mayor's office intervened, citing the need for a briefing. The lawmakers wrote, 'The reasons given for this delay are not satisfactory, as all communications from the DOT have indicated that the project is complete and ready to open to the public.' They warned, 'Any further delays to this project that is otherwise ready to open will unnecessarily put at risk the thousands of New Yorkers who cycle and walk the current shared path every day.' The project, in the works since at least 2017, remains stalled. Cyclists and pedestrians are forced to share a cramped, hazardous lane. City Hall insists on more review, while advocates plan a protest ribbon-cutting.

• Pols Demand Adams Open Queensboro Bridge Pedestrian Path, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-04-09

Apr 7 - A box truck struck a man sitting in the street at West 40th and 9th. The man died at the scene. The driver stayed. Police are investigating. No arrests. The victim’s name is not known.

Patch reported on April 7, 2025, that a man was killed by a box truck at West 40th Street and 9th Avenue in Manhattan. The article states, “Police determined that a box truck, operated by a 75-year-old man, was traveling southbound on 9 Avenue when the vehicle collided with the victim, who was sitting in the roadway.” The driver remained at the scene and was not injured. No arrests have been made. The victim’s identity has not been released. The incident highlights the persistent risk to people in city streets and the need for scrutiny of how large vehicles interact with vulnerable road users. The investigation is ongoing.

• Box Truck Kills Man In Hell's Kitchen, Patch, Published 2025-04-07

Apr 5 - A sedan hit a cyclist turning left on Park Avenue. The cyclist was ejected and injured. Police cite driver inattention and improper lane use. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

A sedan and a bike collided at Park Avenue and East 61st Street in Manhattan. The 23-year-old cyclist was ejected and suffered back injuries. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' contributed to the crash. The report also lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion.' The cyclist was the only person injured. Systemic danger remains for those outside cars.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803714 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 5 - Two SUVs slammed together on Lexington. A 61-year-old woman in the back seat took the hit. Police say drivers ignored traffic controls and lacked experience. Metal crumpled. Pain followed.

Two sport utility vehicles crashed at Lexington Avenue and East 90th Street in Manhattan. A 61-year-old female passenger suffered a back injury and shock. According to the police report, both drivers disregarded traffic controls and showed inexperience. The impact struck the left front bumper of one SUV and the left rear quarter panel of the other. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The injured passenger wore a lap belt and harness. No further details on the extent of injuries were provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4804029 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 3 - A stolen SUV crashed and burned in Inwood. Two NYPD officers chased it, then left the wreck. The driver died in the flames. The officers returned to their Bronx precinct. They did not report the crash. Both are now suspended.

According to the NY Daily News (April 3, 2025), two NYPD officers pursued a stolen Honda CR-V from the Bronx into Manhattan. The chase ended when the SUV crashed into a building near Dyckman St and burst into flames. The officers 'fled the scene,' leaving the driver, who died in the fire. Surveillance footage showed their patrol car leaving. The officers did not report the incident and finished their shift. Both were suspended as the NYPD Force Investigation Division launched a probe. This crash comes after the NYPD tightened pursuit policies, now allowing chases only for felonies or violent misdemeanors. The department aims to avoid pursuits that 'lead to crashes and injure other motorists and pedestrians.' NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said police would instead use 'advanced tools of modern-day policing' to track suspects.

• Officers Flee Scene After Fatal Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-03

Mar 31 - A distracted SUV driver struck a stopped sedan on 5th Avenue in Manhattan. The sedan’s driver suffered back injuries and bruising. The crash highlights the dangers of driver inattention and unsafe speed in dense city traffic.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 5th Avenue near East 62nd Street in Manhattan at midnight. A BMW SUV traveling southbound, driven by a 39-year-old male, rear-ended a stopped Nissan sedan. The SUV driver was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed,' contributing directly to the collision. The sedan driver, also male and licensed in New York, was injured with back contusions and bruises but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV striking the center back end of the sedan. Vehicle damage was consistent with a rear-end collision. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The report emphasizes driver errors—distraction and excessive speed—as the primary causes, with no contributing victim behaviors noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802848 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 26 - A taxi driver lost focus turning right on East 96th. The cab’s front end struck hard. A woman in the back seat took the blow. She suffered a head bruise. She stayed conscious. She wore a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a 2014 Toyota taxi was traveling east on East 96th Street in Manhattan at 7:38 p.m. The driver, a licensed man, was making a right turn when the vehicle’s center front end struck an object or surface. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" twice as the contributing factor, showing clear driver error. A 42-year-old female passenger in the rear seat was injured. She suffered a head contusion but remained conscious and was not ejected. She was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report does not cite any passenger actions as contributing factors. The crash and injury resulted from the driver’s distraction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802593 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 12 - Dozens gathered in Midtown. They demanded e-bike registration and license plates. Priscilla’s Law, named for a pedestrian killed by an e-bike, drove the call. Council Member Holden and Assembly Member Rajkumar led. Advocates want accountability. They say e-bike chaos endangers walkers and cyclists.

On March 12, 2025, Council Member Robert F. Holden (District 30) joined Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar and advocates in Midtown to rally for Priscilla’s Law (A339). The bill would require all e-bikes to have license plates and be registered with the DMV or DOT. The rally, held near Governor Hochul’s office, drew support from the NYC E-Vehicle Safety Alliance. The matter title: 'New Yorkers rally in Midtown to combat “lawless” e-bike riding in NYC.' Holden supports both city and state versions, stating, 'We need the state DMV to issue license plates for e-bikes.' Rajkumar declared, 'We will usher in a new era free of e-bikes blasting through red lights.' The bill is named for Priscilla Loke, killed by an e-bike in 2023. Advocates say e-bike collisions often end in hit-and-runs. They demand rules and consequences to protect pedestrians and cyclists.

• New Yorkers rally in Midtown to combat “lawless” e-bike riding in NYC, amny.com, Published 2025-03-12

Mar 6 - A stolen minivan tore through Harlem. The driver ran from police. He struck Devon Hughley on a scooter. Hughley died at Harlem Hospital. The driver fled. Police used facial recognition. They arrested Enesin Delarosa. Grief lingers. Memorials remain.

According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-06), Enesin Delarosa, 26, was arrested for fatally striking Devon Hughley, 45, while fleeing an NYPD car stop in Harlem on November 2. The article reports Delarosa was driving a stolen minivan and "allegedly hit Hughley near W.155th St. and St. Nicholas Ave. while fleeing a traffic stop." Delarosa faces charges of manslaughter, leaving the scene, fleeing police, and possession of stolen property. The crash highlights the lethal risk of high-speed police pursuits and the dangers posed by stolen vehicles in dense urban areas. Memorial posters for Hughley remain in his building. The article quotes Hughley's sister, Yvette Palmer: "the arrest brought some peace."

• Scooter Rider Killed Fleeing Traffic Stop, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-06

Mar 5 - A 26-year-old woman crossing with the signal was hit by a northbound SUV making a right turn on East 72nd Street. The vehicle failed to yield right-of-way, striking her in the head and causing a contusion. She remained conscious after the impact.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of East 72nd Street and Madison Avenue in Manhattan around 6:45 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a northbound 2024 Chevrolet SUV made a right turn and struck her with the right front bumper. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor, indicating the driver did not yield to the pedestrian legally crossing the street. The pedestrian sustained a head injury classified as a contusion and remained conscious after the collision. Vehicle damage was reported as none. The driver’s failure to yield created a hazardous situation resulting in the pedestrian’s injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798146 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 25 - Two sedans collided on East 65th Street in Manhattan. The rear vehicle struck the front car’s center back end. A 59-year-old female passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the driver error behind the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling eastbound on East 65th Street in Manhattan collided around 8:00 PM. The rear vehicle impacted the center back end of the front car. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating driver error by the trailing sedan. A 59-year-old female occupant seated in the right rear passenger position of the rear vehicle sustained neck injuries described as whiplash and was conscious at the scene. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the passenger's behavior or safety equipment. Vehicle damage was noted at the center back end of the rear sedan, while the front car showed no damage. The driver of the rear vehicle was licensed in New York. This crash highlights the dangers of insufficient following distance on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795227 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 18 - Senators move to guard bike lanes. Cameras will catch drivers who block or invade. The city’s cyclists and walkers get a shot at safer streets. No more hiding behind the wheel.

Senate bill S 5008, now in sponsorship, aims to launch a bicycle lane safety program in New York City. The bill, introduced February 18, 2025, sits in committee. Its 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.' Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal leads, joined by Jabari Brisport, Kristen Gonzalez, Liz Krueger, Jessica Ramos, and Julia Salazar. The bill targets drivers who block or misuse bike lanes, using cameras to enforce the rules. The move puts pressure on the city to protect cyclists and pedestrians from daily danger.

• File S 5008, Open States, Published 2025-02-18

Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

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 - A Tesla hit a guardrail on the FDR. The car flipped, burned. The driver died at the scene. Her passenger survived but was badly hurt. Debris scattered. Police closed lanes for hours. The cause is still under investigation.

According to the New York Post (2025-02-04), a Tesla crashed on Manhattan's FDR Drive near 70th Street early Tuesday. The car struck a guardrail, flipped, and caught fire. Both occupants were ejected. The article states, 'A female driver was killed and her passenger seriously injured after they were tossed from a Tesla that flipped and then burst into flames.' The driver died at the scene; the passenger was hospitalized in stable condition. Photos showed 'large pieces of the vehicle scattered across the road.' Police have not determined if speed was a factor and continue to investigate. The crash closed all northbound lanes for several miles as fire crews responded. The incident highlights the violent consequences of high-speed impacts and the dangers posed by vehicle ejection and fire.

• Tesla Crash Ejects Two On FDR Drive, New York Post, Published 2025-02-04

Feb 3 - A 50-year-old man suffered facial injuries and shock after a taxi struck him at an intersection on Park Ave. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The taxi was making a right turn at impact, with no reported vehicle damage.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling southeast on Park Ave was making a right turn when its right front bumper struck a 50-year-old male pedestrian crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained facial injuries and was in shock, with minor bleeding reported. The taxi driver was licensed and operating a 2019 Nissan vehicle. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not cite any driver errors explicitly. The pedestrian was crossing legally with the signal, and no vehicle damage was noted. The crash occurred at 7:39 PM in Manhattan's 10128 zip code. The data highlights the danger posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians even when crossing lawfully.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790241 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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