Morningside Heights: Drivers Keep Hitting. Officials Keep Waiting.

May 3 - A van door swung open. The cyclist struck it. He fell. A truck crushed him. Medics rushed him to Bellevue. He died. The street stayed busy. The drivers waited. The city moved on.

According to NY Daily News (May 3, 2025), Georgios Smaragdis, 44, was killed while riding his e-bike west on Broome Street in Soho. The article states, "he slammed into the door of a Mercedes van that its driver had just flung open," sending him into the path of a red delivery truck that ran him over. Both drivers remained at the scene. The van driver told the outlet, "I opened the door. I didn’t even see the guy." Police have not announced charges. The crash highlights the persistent danger of dooring and the lethal consequences for cyclists when drivers fail to check for oncoming traffic before opening doors. The incident underscores ongoing risks for vulnerable road users in Manhattan’s dense traffic.

• E-Bike Rider Killed After Dooring in Soho, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-03

May 1 - Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.

Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-01

Apr 29 - Two SUVs slammed together on Broadway. One driver suffered a fractured arm. Police cite unsafe speed and traffic control ignored. Passengers hurt. Metal twisted. Sirens followed.

Two sport utility vehicles crashed on Broadway at West 125th Street in Manhattan. One driver, age 25, suffered a shoulder fracture and dislocation. Two passengers, including an infant, were also hurt. According to the police report, the crash was caused by unsafe speed and drivers disregarding traffic control. Both vehicles were traveling north. The impact struck the left side doors of one SUV. No mention of helmet or signal use as contributing factors. The crash left injuries and damage in its wake.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808984 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Apr 29 - A woman crossed Amsterdam Avenue. An ambulance turned left. Metal struck flesh. Bones broke. Blood spilled. She died in the hospital. The driver stayed, but charges followed. The street remains wide, busy, and dangerous.

NY Daily News reported on April 29, 2025, that Juan Santana, an ambulance driver, was arrested months after fatally striking Miriam Reinharth, 69, in Manhattan. Police said Santana failed to yield as Reinharth crossed Amsterdam Avenue at West 96th Street. The NYPD Collision Investigation Squad found Santana turned left into her path. He was charged with failure to yield and failure to exercise due care. Reinharth died from severe injuries, including a broken leg and pelvis fractures. The article notes, 'The police officer said the accident was not Miriam's fault at all.' The crash occurred on a double-wide, truck route artery, highlighting ongoing risks for pedestrians at busy intersections.

• Ambulance Driver Charged After Fatal Turn, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-29

Apr 27 - Francisco Guzman Parra died in a burning car after a police chase in Inwood. Officers left the scene unreported. Family demands answers. Two investigations run. Streets stay dangerous. System failed to protect. The dead remain silent.

CBS New York reported on April 27, 2025, that Francisco Andres Guzman Parra, 31, died after crashing a stolen vehicle on Dyckman Street in Manhattan following an NYPD pursuit. The article states, "NYPD sources said the two officers in pursuit returned to their stationhouse without reporting the crash." The FDNY later found Guzman Parra dead in the burning car. Patrick Hendry of the Police Benevolent Association claimed officers "lost sight of the car and did not know it crashed," but the family's attorney, Jeremy Feigenbaum, said their investigation "has not corroborated the officers' claim." The officers remain on leave as both the NYPD and the New York attorney general's office investigate. The case raises questions about police pursuit protocols and reporting failures.

• NYPD Pursuit Ends In Fatal Crash, CBS New York, Published 2025-04-27

Apr 26 - A young woman crossing Riverside Drive in a marked crosswalk was hit and left bleeding from the head. Shock followed. The crash left her hurt at the intersection, danger plain as day.

A 23-year-old woman was injured while crossing Riverside Drive at Tiemann Place in Manhattan. According to the police report, she was in a marked crosswalk with no signal when a vehicle struck her, causing head injuries and minor bleeding. The report lists no driver errors or contributing factors. The victim was left in shock. No details about the vehicle or driver were provided in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808800 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Apr 25 - SUV veered on Morningside Ave. Struck 18-year-old crossing in marked crosswalk. Pedestrian bruised arm. Unsafe lane change and driver distraction listed. System failed to protect the walker.

An SUV traveling south on Morningside Avenue hit an 18-year-old pedestrian who was crossing in a marked crosswalk. According to the police report, the crash involved 'Unsafe Lane Changing' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The pedestrian suffered a contusion to the arm but remained conscious. The report lists no injuries for the vehicle occupant. The data shows driver error as the primary cause. No mention of pedestrian error or safety equipment is made.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808832 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Apr 23 - A distracted sedan driver hit a pedestrian and a cyclist on Riverside Drive. Both women, age 65, suffered shoulder injuries. Police cite driver inattention and failure to yield.

A sedan traveling north on Riverside Drive struck a pedestrian and a cyclist, both women aged 65. According to the police report, both victims suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries and were in shock. The cyclist was wearing a helmet. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The sedan showed no damage, but the bike was hit on its left side. The crash happened as the victims moved along the street, not at an intersection. The police report makes clear: driver error led to these injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807703 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Apr 13 - A sedan passed too close on Old Broadway. The impact left a 24-year-old e-bike rider with an eye abrasion. Streets stayed silent. Metal moved on. Flesh paid.

A sedan and an e-bike collided on Old Broadway at West 125th Street in Manhattan. The crash injured a 24-year-old male e-bike rider, who suffered an abrasion to his eye. According to the police report, 'Passing Too Closely' was listed as the contributing factor for both vehicles. The sedan struck with its right front bumper. No vehicle damage was reported. The data does not mention any helmet use or other cyclist actions as contributing factors. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to leave safe space for vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4805291 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Apr 12 - A stolen car slammed into a Manhattan building. Flames followed. The driver, Francisco Guzman Parra, died on impact. His family waited days for answers. Police actions now face scrutiny. The city counts another life lost to speed and steel.

The New York Times (April 12, 2025) reports on the death of Francisco Guzman Parra after a stolen Honda CRV crashed into a building in Inwood, Manhattan. The crash followed a police chase; two officers involved were suspended pending investigation. The article notes, "The police are investigating whether the officers left the scene without reporting the crash." The medical examiner found Guzman Parra died from blunt impact and thermal injuries. The NYPD force investigation unit and state attorney general are reviewing the incident. The police have not disclosed why the chase began or details about the pursuit. The case highlights ongoing questions about police pursuit policies and the dangers that follow high-speed chases through city streets.

• Police Chase Ends Inwood Crash Death, The New York Times, Published 2025-04-12

Apr 11 - Including Thursday's deadly crash, 25 people have been killed in New York City sightseeing helicopter accidents in the last 40 years.

• Lawmakers aim to make changes after New York City sightseeing helicopter crash, ABC7, Published 2025-04-11

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 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 - Two SUVs and a sedan collided on Riverside Drive. Three people hurt. Head and shoulder injuries. Police cite reaction to another vehicle. Metal twisted. Sirens wailed.

Two SUVs and a sedan collided on Riverside Drive near West 119th Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, three people were injured: two drivers suffered head injuries and a rear passenger reported shoulder pain. The crash involved a reaction to an uninvolved vehicle, as noted in the police report. No driver-specific errors like speeding or failure to yield were listed. The report does not mention helmet or signal use as contributing factors. The impact left metal bent and lives disrupted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803732 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Apr 4 - A police chase tore through Upper Manhattan. The Honda crashed, flames swallowed it. The driver died inside. Officers were suspended. The street fell silent. Charred metal marked the spot. The city’s pursuit rules failed to stop the wreck.

The New York Times (2025-04-04) reports two NYPD officers were suspended after chasing a stolen Honda CRV that crashed and burned on Dyckman Street, killing its driver. The article notes the police are investigating if officers left the scene without reporting the crash. The incident came three months after NYPD restricted car chases for low-level offenses. Commissioner Tisch said, “Our officers deserve clear guidance and smart protocols when determining whether to engage in a vehicle pursuit on our streets.” The pursuit was reportedly justified under new policy, which still allows chases for serious crimes. The fatal fire highlights the ongoing risks of police pursuits and questions the effectiveness of recent reforms.

• Police Chase Ends In Fatal Fire, The New York Times, Published 2025-04-04

Apr 1 - Sedans collided on Henry Hudson Parkway. One driver suffered back injury and concussion. Police cite following too closely. Metal, glass, pain. System failed to protect.

Two sedans collided on Henry Hudson Parkway in Manhattan. According to the police report, one driver suffered a back injury and concussion. The crash involved a rear-end impact, with the front of one sedan striking the back of another. Police list 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. No other errors or factors are cited. The toll: one injured, others shaken. The system left a gap, and the gap closed fast.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802973 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Mar 26 - Albany has no plan. The MTA faces a $35-billion hole. City lawmakers reject a payroll tax hike unless suburbs pay too. Federal officials blast subway decay. Riders wait. The capital plan hangs in limbo. Danger grows with every delay.

On March 26, 2025, state budget talks stalled over the MTA's 2025-29 capital plan. The $35-billion gap remains. The matter, described as a 'lack of a concrete plan from New York State leaders,' sits unresolved. Assembly Member Micah Lasher calls for regional funding, arguing suburbs benefit most. City lawmakers oppose a payroll tax hike limited to New York City. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie offers only vague assurances. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber warns the capital plan is as vital as Medicare. Federal officials, including U.S. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy, criticize subway neglect and demand improvements before aid. Gov. Hochul’s office claims progress and urges fair federal funding. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users. The system’s decay puts riders at risk. The clock ticks. Lawmakers stall.

• CAPITOL DISPATCH: Albany Has No Plan, the Feds are Fuming and Transit Riders Are Facing a True ‘Shithole’ If MTA Cash Isn’t Raised, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-03-26

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

Feb 24 - Upper Manhattan will swap sidewalk garbage bags for curbside bins. Nearly 80% of apartments join the pilot. Parking gives way to cleaner streets. Council Member Abreu backs the move. Advocates say bins clear paths for walkers. The city aims for citywide rollout.

On February 24, 2025, Council Member Shaun Abreu announced support for a pilot in Manhattan’s Community Board 9, replacing sidewalk garbage bags with curbside containers. The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will launch the program by June 1, 2025, with nearly 80% of apartments participating. The pilot, which follows earlier bin tests, repurposes parking spots for stationary bins. Abreu, co-sponsoring a bill with Council Member Crystal Hudson, called the shift 'a necessary public good' despite the loss of parking. The bill would require on-street containers for buildings with 10 or more units citywide by 2032. Advocates and DSNY officials highlight the benefit for pedestrians: 'People don’t want garbage on the sidewalk, and it makes perfect sense to put it in the roadway.' The pilot will run for a year, aiming to clear sidewalks and improve safety for those on foot.

• ‘Trash Revolution’: Curbside Containers Coming to Most Apartments in Uptown Pilot, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-24

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