Yorkville’s kill zone: four deaths, hundreds hurt, and silence at the corners

Jun 6 - Council members slam Hochul’s last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion pricing. Transit funding hangs in limbo. Liz Krueger says the tax lacks support. Riders and workers face uncertainty as lawmakers reject new burdens and demand fairer solutions.

On June 6, 2024, State Sen. Liz Krueger (District 28) and other lawmakers responded to a proposed New York City tax hike meant to replace the indefinitely postponed $15 congestion pricing tolls. The measure, debated as Bill 28, has not advanced in committee and faces strong opposition. The matter, described as 'a last-minute funding move that drew fierce opposition,' has Krueger stating, 'I think it does not have support.' Assemblyman Brian Cunningham echoed, 'No new taxes.' The proposal would raise the payroll mobility tax, already increased last year, to fund the MTA. Rep. Jerry Nadler and business groups argue the tax unfairly targets NYC, while congestion pricing would have spread costs regionally. With the legislative session ending, MTA projects remain at risk. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• Outrage mounts as Hochul pushes last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion tolls: ‘Insulting joke’, nypost.com, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 6 - Governor Hochul scrapped congestion pricing. The MTA lost a billion a year. Lawmakers scrambled. Senator Liz Krueger rejected a payroll tax hike. The MTA faces a funding cliff. Subway upgrades, elevators, and clean buses now hang in the balance.

On June 6, 2024, Governor Hochul’s sudden reversal on Manhattan congestion pricing sparked chaos in Albany. The plan, set to start June 30, would have charged drivers $15 to enter below 60th Street, raising $1 billion yearly for transit. Hochul proposed a payroll tax hike instead, but State Senator Liz Krueger opposed it, saying, "I do not think we have an appetite for that in the Senate." The bill’s fate is uncertain as the legislative session ends. The MTA board, city officials, and business groups all voiced concern. Projects like the Second Avenue Subway, subway accessibility, and zero-emission buses now face cancellation. No alternative funding plan exists. Vulnerable riders—those who rely on transit—stand to lose the most.

• Gov. Hochul’s congestion toll flip-flop spurs mad scramble at NY Capitol, gothamist.com, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 6 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 5 - A northbound SUV struck the rear of a parked SUV on FDR Drive. The driver of the moving vehicle suffered full-body injuries and shock. Police cited following too closely as the cause. The collision left one occupant injured and shaken.

According to the police report, a 65-year-old female driver in a 2016 Hyundai SUV traveling north on FDR Drive rear-ended a parked 2010 Honda SUV. The point of impact was the center back end of the parked vehicle and the center front end of the moving vehicle. The driver of the moving SUV was injured, experiencing full-body pain and nausea, and was reported to be in shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for the crash. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted. The parked vehicle had no occupants at the time. This collision highlights the dangers of insufficient vehicle spacing on busy roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4730443 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 5 - A rabbi crossing Third Avenue was struck by a wrong-way e-bike. His leg broke. The driver fled. Assemblywoman Seawright demanded stricter laws, registration, and penalties for reckless e-bike and moped use. City leaders promised a summer crackdown on illegal vehicles.

On June 5, 2024, Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright (District 76) called for increased regulation and enforcement of e-bikes and mopeds after Rabbi Michael Miller was hit and injured by a hit-and-run e-bike driver on Third Avenue. The incident sparked public outcry. Seawright visited Miller and advocated for a legislative package to increase penalties for leaving crash scenes and to require registration, inspection, insurance, and license plates for e-bikes. The matter summary states: 'No New Yorker should have to fear suffering collisions while walking in their own neighborhood from the epidemic of e-vehicles causing horrible injuries and even fatalities.' Mayor Eric Adams and the NYPD announced a summer enforcement blitz to seize illegal, unregistered vehicles. Seawright’s push centers on holding reckless drivers accountable and removing dangerous, unlicensed vehicles from city streets.

• NYC rabbi suffers broken leg after being run over by rogue e-bike driver: ‘Lucky to be alive’, nypost.com, Published 2024-06-05

Jun 4 - A moped driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a southbound SUV struck his vehicle’s left rear quarter panel. The crash, caused by driver inattention and following too closely, left the moped rider bruised but conscious.

According to the police report, at 5:02 AM on 2 Avenue near East 90 Street in Manhattan, a 50-year-old male moped driver was injured when a 2023 Lincoln SUV traveling southbound collided with the moped's right front quarter panel. The SUV struck the left rear quarter panel of the moped. The report cites driver errors including "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Following Too Closely" as contributing factors. The moped driver, who was wearing a helmet, sustained contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot but was not ejected and remained conscious. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead prior to impact. Vehicle damage was confined to the left rear quarter panel of the SUV and right front quarter panel of the moped.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729857 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 3 - Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03

Jun 3 - Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03

May 31 - A 45-year-old cyclist was ejected and hit his head on East 89th Street. Police cite driver inattention. The rider wore a helmet but left the scene incoherent and bleeding.

A 45-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured while riding north on East 89th Street near 1 Avenue in Manhattan. According to the police report, the crash was caused by "Driver Inattention/Distraction." The cyclist suffered head injuries, minor bleeding, and incoherence. The report notes he was wearing a helmet. The bike sustained damage to the center front end. No other vehicles or contributing factors were listed. The incident underscores the risk posed by distraction, even for helmeted riders.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729033 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 28 - Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

May 28 - Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

May 20 - A distracted driver struck a 45-year-old male bicyclist on East 95 Street in Manhattan. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg abrasions but was conscious. The crash involved driver inattention and occurred while both parties traveled northbound.

According to the police report, the crash happened at 20:54 on East 95 Street near 1 Avenue in Manhattan. A 45-year-old male bicyclist was injured, sustaining abrasions to his knee and lower leg. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from his bike. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. Both the bicyclist and the other vehicle, a 2022 Ford SUV, were traveling northbound and going straight ahead at the time of impact. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the bicyclist's bike and the center front end of the Ford. No damage was reported to either vehicle. The police report does not list any victim behavior as contributing factors. The driver’s inattention created a hazardous situation that resulted in injury to the vulnerable bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726584 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 20 - An 85-year-old woman suffered upper arm injuries and shock after a bike traveling south on East 89 Street struck her at the intersection. The cyclist failed to yield the right-of-way, causing a painful collision with visible vehicle damage.

According to the police report, a bike traveling south on East 89 Street struck an 85-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing with the signal at the intersection near 2 Avenue. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her shoulder and upper arm and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' by the bike rider as the contributing factor to the crash. The bike's center front end was damaged upon impact, confirming the collision point. The pedestrian was not at fault, as she was crossing legally with the signal. The incident highlights a failure of the cyclist to yield, resulting in injury to a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719108 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 15 - A 39-year-old man crashed his SUV on 3 Avenue after falling asleep at the wheel. He suffered a head injury and concussion. Fatigue drove the impact. No other people were hurt.

According to the police report, a 39-year-old male driving a 2021 Toyota SUV northbound on 3 Avenue near East 95 Street in Manhattan crashed at 1:53 AM. The report states the driver 'Fell Asleep' and was 'Fatigued/Drowsy,' which directly led to the collision. The SUV struck with its right front bumper. The driver, who wore a lap belt and harness, was not ejected but sustained a head injury and concussion. The police report cites driver fatigue as the sole contributing factor. No other people were injured. No other contributing factors or victim actions were listed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717587 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 12 - A 22-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a bicyclist traveling north at unsafe speed failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal and sustained contusions and shock at the intersection on East 88 Street.

According to the police report, a bicyclist traveling north on East 88 Street struck a 22-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing with the signal at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises, and was reported to be in shock. The report cites the bicyclist's unsafe speed and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors to the collision. The vehicle involved was a single-occupant bike going straight ahead with no reported vehicle damage. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The incident highlights driver errors—specifically unsafe speed and failure to yield—that led to injury without damage to the bike.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717581 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 11 - A 33-year-old woman was struck by a northbound sedan while crossing East 84 Street with the signal. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, resulting in contusions and lower leg injuries. The pedestrian remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:32 on East 84 Street in Manhattan. A BMW sedan traveling northbound struck a 33-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The point of impact was the vehicle’s right front quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises, and remained conscious. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. There are no indications of victim fault or contributing behaviors. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in pedestrian-heavy areas.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717565 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 7 - An 80-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a Ford SUV made a right turn and struck her while she crossed with the signal. The impact hit the vehicle’s right front quarter panel. The pedestrian remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 2017 Ford SUV traveling west in Manhattan made a right turn and struck an 80-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing with the signal at East 86 Street. The point of impact was the vehicle’s right front quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises, and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no contributing factors on the driver’s part, but the collision occurred during the vehicle’s turning maneuver, indicating a failure to avoid the pedestrian in the crosswalk. The pedestrian was not at fault, crossing legally with the signal. The SUV showed no damage despite the impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715395 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 2 - Two sedans collided on York Avenue. A woman crossing the street was struck down. Blood pooled on the asphalt. Head trauma ended her life beneath the streetlight. Engines ticked. Sirens wailed too late. The city claimed another pedestrian.

A deadly crash unfolded on York Avenue near East 87th Street in Manhattan, where, according to the police report, two sedans collided and a 30-year-old woman crossing the street was struck. The report states she suffered head trauma and severe bleeding, dying at the scene. The narrative describes, 'Blood pooled on the asphalt. She died beneath the streetlight. The cars sat still. Engines ticking. Sirens too late.' Police data lists 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor for one of the sedan drivers. The woman was at the intersection when struck. The report does not cite any victim behaviors as contributing factors. The tragedy centers on driver actions and the lethal consequences of speed on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714580 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 30 - Two sedans traveling south on FDR Drive collided head-to-tail just after midnight. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inexperience and distraction as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the collision occurred at 12:35 a.m. on FDR Drive involving two sedans traveling southbound. The rear sedan struck the front sedan at the center back end, causing damage to both vehicles' front and rear centers. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 43-year-old male occupant, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly lists 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors to the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision highlights the dangers posed by driver errors even on controlled roadways like FDR Drive.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713970 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 28 - An SUV making a left turn struck a northbound e-scooter in Manhattan. The e-scooter driver, a 39-year-old man, was ejected and injured in the hip and upper leg. Police cite driver inattention and failure to yield as causes.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 13:21 in Manhattan near 1845 1 Avenue. A station wagon/SUV was making a left turn when it collided with a northbound e-scooter. The e-scooter driver, a 39-year-old man, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained injuries to his hip and upper leg. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors attributed to the SUV driver. The e-scooter sustained damage to its center front end, while the SUV showed no damage. The e-scooter driver was conscious but injured, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. This crash highlights the dangers posed by driver errors during turning maneuvers in busy city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713245 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18