Morningside Heights: Drivers Keep Hitting. Officials Keep Waiting.

Sep 5 - Upper West Side residents and Council Member Shaun Abreu push back on a 96th Street bus lane. DOT aims to speed up slow buses for 15,000 daily riders. Locals cite residential concerns. Debate pits transit needs against curb access. No clear resolution.

On September 5, 2024, Council Member Shaun Abreu of District 7 joined Upper West Side residents in questioning the Department of Transportation's plan for a 24/7 offset bus lane on 96th Street. The DOT proposal, intended to speed up the M96 bus for 15,000 daily riders, would repurpose a travel lane in each direction while preserving curb parking. Abreu stated, "I wouldn’t say I’m opposed or in favor at this point," but called for more clarity and adjustments from DOT. The matter, described as a push to 'torpedo planned bus lane on 96th Street,' has drawn support from East Side's Community Board 8 and opposition from West Side locals and Council Member Gale Brewer, who suggested alternatives like bus signal priority. The debate centers on balancing transit improvements with residential curb access. No formal committee action or safety analysis has been reported.

• Upper West Side locals seek to torpedo planned bus lane on 96th Street, amny.com, Published 2024-09-05

Sep 5 - 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

Aug 22 - A 36-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and suffered a head injury, including a concussion, while traveling north on Riverside Drive. The crash caused no vehicle damage. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet and was conscious after impact.

According to the police report, a 36-year-old male bicyclist was injured and ejected while riding northbound on Riverside Drive near West 116 Street in Manhattan at 8:26 p.m. The bicyclist sustained a head injury and concussion and was conscious after the crash. The report notes no damage to the bike or other vehicles involved. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The contributing factors are listed as unspecified, and no driver errors or other vehicle involvement are detailed in the report. The crash highlights the dangers bicyclists face even without clear external vehicle impact or damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4750644 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Aug 15 - City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

Aug 8 - Sanitation will roll out 1,500 Spanish-made trash bins in West Harlem, taking over parking spots. Councilmember Shaun Abreu hails the pilot’s success. The bins cut sidewalk trash and rats. Streets change. Cars lose ground. Pedestrians and residents gain cleaner, safer space.

On August 8, 2024, Councilmember Shaun Abreu, chair of the City Council's sanitation committee, announced the expansion of a sanitation pilot in District 7. The Department of Sanitation will install up to 1,500 large, Madrid-made bins in West Harlem parking spaces, targeting buildings with more than 31 units. The pilot, launched last year, replaces sidewalk trash bags with secure, stationary bins. Abreu said, 'I couldn’t be more thrilled that Barcelona is making its way to New York City – but unfortunately for the rats, that means no tapas for them.' The bins, emptied by new trucks, have already reduced rat complaints and cleaned up streets. Some residents worry about lost parking, but others, like Esther Yoon, praise the cleaner, safer sidewalks. The city will spend up to $700,000 annually on the program, aiming to expand across all boroughs.

• Spanish armada of garbage bins to invade NYC parking spaces as part of 'trash revolution', gothamist.com, Published 2024-08-08

Aug 2 - A 36-year-old cyclist was hit while riding east on Morningside Avenue. He suffered abrasions and leg injuries. Both bike and vehicle moved straight. The cyclist stayed conscious. No driver errors listed.

According to the police report, a 36-year-old male cyclist was injured in a crash on Morningside Avenue at 16:20. Both the cyclist and an unspecified vehicle traveled eastbound, going straight. The vehicle struck the bike's right front quarter panel. The cyclist suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No victim actions are cited as causes. The cyclist was not wearing safety equipment, but this was not listed as a contributing factor. The crash resulted in injury severity level 3 for the cyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4745649 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Jun 30 - A motorcycle rider was ejected and suffered head injuries after a rear-end collision with a sedan on West 119 Street. The sedan driver’s inattention caused the crash, leaving the motorcyclist incoherent and bleeding from a head wound.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on West 119 Street at 18:33 involving a sedan and a motorcycle both traveling south. The sedan struck the motorcycle at the center back end, causing the motorcyclist to be ejected. The motorcycle rider, a 30-year-old male, sustained head injuries and was incoherent with minor bleeding. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, implicating the sedan driver’s failure to maintain focus. The sedan had three occupants, with the driver licensed in New York. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The impact and ejection highlight the severe consequences of driver distraction in multi-vehicle crashes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737155 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Jun 21 - Council grilled delivery apps on June 21. Seven bills target reckless e-bike riding, battery fires, and low pay. Lawmakers want apps to answer for worker traffic violations and vehicle safety. Pedestrians and cyclists face daily danger. Councilmember Schulman called for accountability.

On June 21, 2024, the NYC Council's Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection held a hearing on seven bills regulating delivery apps. The bills aim to address 'myriad health and safety concerns' from e-bike crashes, battery fires, and low pay. Councilmember Lynn Schulman, District 29, spoke out: 'Right now, delivery workers are essentially incentivized for speed... This often results in driving recklessly, often putting the lives of pedestrians at risk.' Three bills would make apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash responsible for vehicle safety and compliance, require them to provide safety-compliant e-bikes, and ensure mopeds are registered. Other bills target pay transparency and tip protections. Councilmembers Shaun Abreu and Rafael Salamanca also spoke in support. The measures seek to hold companies accountable for dangers faced by vulnerable road users and delivery workers alike.

• Delivery apps in NYC could be held responsible for workers following traffic laws, gothamist.com, Published 2024-06-21

Jun 10 - An SUV struck an 18-year-old cyclist on West 123rd Street. The driver’s inattention split the night and the rider’s head. Blood pooled. Four sat in the car. The cyclist, alone, was ejected and left with severe bleeding.

According to the police report, an 18-year-old male cyclist riding alone on West 123rd Street was struck by a westbound Ford SUV near midnight. The report states the SUV had four occupants and was traveling straight ahead when it collided with the cyclist, who was also moving straight. The cyclist was ejected on impact, suffering a severe head injury and heavy bleeding. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for the crash, placing responsibility on the SUV driver’s lack of focus. The report also notes the cyclist was listening to headphones and not wearing a helmet, but these details are cited only after the driver’s error. The collision’s violence and aftermath underscore the dangers faced by vulnerable road users when drivers fail to pay attention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4733137 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Jun 8 - A 27-year-old woman crossing Amsterdam Avenue with the signal was struck by a northbound taxi. The impact caused injury to her elbow and lower arm, leaving her in shock and bleeding. The taxi sustained front-end damage.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old female pedestrian was crossing Amsterdam Avenue at an intersection with the crossing signal when she was hit by a northbound taxi. The taxi, a 2014 Nissan operated by a licensed male driver, struck the pedestrian at the center front end, causing injury to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. The pedestrian suffered minor bleeding and was reported to be in shock. The taxi sustained damage to its center front end. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors beyond unspecified ones. The pedestrian was crossing legally with the signal, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4732881 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Jun 7 - Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

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 4 - Lawmakers blasted city officials for letting trash haulers with deadly records win new contracts. Council grilled DSNY for picking low bids over safety. Victims’ lives lost in the math. Oversight weak. Dangerous firms keep rolling. Streets stay risky for all.

On June 4, 2024, the City Council held an oversight hearing on commercial waste zone implementation and contractor selection. The hearing spotlighted the Commercial Waste Zones law, which aims to cut crashes by limiting private trash haulers in each zone. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, author of the 2019 reform, and Council Member Shaun Abreu led the charge, questioning why companies like Cogent Waste Solutions—with poor safety records—were awarded contracts. Reynoso declared, "Saving $20 for a business is not worth five human lives." DSNY Commissioner Jessica Tisch defended the process, promising to terminate contracts after multiple at-fault fatalities. BIC Commissioner Liz Crotty admitted, "Safety is not a factor" in license denial. Lawmakers condemned the city for putting cost before safety, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.

• Pols Slam City For Giving Rogue Carters Permits for New Zones, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-04

Jun 3 - A female driver, impaired by alcohol, crashed her sedan in Manhattan near 75 LaSalle Street. The impact struck the right front bumper, causing head injuries and incoherence. The driver was the sole occupant and was not ejected from the vehicle.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:32 a.m. in Manhattan near 75 LaSalle Street. The driver, a 33-year-old female, was the only occupant of a 2019 Nissan sedan traveling northbound. The vehicle's right front bumper struck an unspecified object or surface, damaging the right front quarter panel. The report cites 'Alcohol Involvement' as a contributing factor twice, indicating impairment played a key role in the crash. The driver sustained head injuries with an injury severity level of 3 and was incoherent after the collision. She was not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not list any other contributing factors or victim behaviors, focusing on the driver's alcohol impairment as the critical cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729711 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Jun 3 - Sanitation named a monitor for Cogent Waste Solutions after fatal crashes and hundreds of violations. Council members question why a company with such a record still hauls trash in city zones. The city’s new waste program promises stricter oversight, but danger remains.

On June 3, 2024, the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) appointed an independent monitor for Cogent Waste Solutions, a private carting firm with a deadly safety record. The move comes before the city’s new Commercial Waste Zone program launches this fall. Council Members Shaun Abreu and Sandy Nurse raised alarms, asking, 'how the city awarded a contract to a company with a history of endangering workers to begin with.' Cogent’s trucks have killed one, injured four, and racked up hundreds of violations. Despite this, DSNY allowed Cogent to win contracts in four waste zones. DSNY Deputy Commissioner Joshua Goodman defended the process, stating, 'Safety was absolutely one of the weighted factors,' and promised, 'there will be consequences for lack of compliance.' The oversight hearing exposes a system that lets reckless firms operate, even as new rules loom.

• Exclusive: Sanitation Dept. Appoints Monitor for Carting Firm with Spotty Safety Record, Streetsblog NYC, 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 3 - A 40-year-old unlicensed sedan driver struck a stopped taxi on West 125th Street. The impact caused neck injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention and following too closely as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:39 on West 125th Street in Manhattan. A 40-year-old male sedan driver, who was unlicensed, rear-ended a stopped taxi. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The sedan's point of impact was the left front bumper, striking the taxi’s right rear bumper, which sustained damage. The sedan driver suffered neck injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The taxi driver was licensed and stopped in traffic at the time. The report highlights driver errors by the sedan operator, with no contributing victim behaviors noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4724356 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Apr 9 - SUV slammed into motorcycle’s rear. Rider ejected. Arm shattered. Distraction behind the wheel. Blood on Henry Hudson Parkway.

According to the police report, at 11:37 AM on Henry Hudson Parkway, a GMC SUV traveling north struck a motorcycle from behind. The impact threw the 53-year-old motorcyclist from his bike. He suffered a fractured, dislocated arm and hand. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the cause. The SUV driver’s lack of focus led to the crash. The motorcyclist wore a helmet, as noted in the report. No other contributing factors or victim actions are mentioned.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716265 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Apr 9 - Councilmember Shaun Abreu introduced a bill to force delivery apps to restore tipping at checkout. The measure aims to stop app companies from hiding tips and cutting worker pay. Delivery workers say lost tips mean lost meals. The fight is on.

On April 9, 2024, Councilmember Shaun Abreu (District 7) introduced a bill targeting delivery app tipping practices. The bill, now before the City Council, would require apps to let customers tip at checkout and set a minimum gratuity suggestion of 10%. The measure responds to recent app changes that made tipping harder, slashing delivery workers’ earnings. Abreu called it 'the most common sense bill for not only Deliveristas but consumers.' The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection stated it does not endorse the app companies’ decisions and will review the legislation. Abreu is also working on a pay transparency bill. The legislation seeks to restore lost income for delivery workers, who rely on tips to survive.

• NYC delivery workers say apps are making it harder to tip. A new bill could change that., gothamist.com, Published 2024-04-09

Apr 6 - A sedan backed into a woman crossing West 125th. She suffered a fractured arm. Police cite unsafe backing and driver distraction. The car was undamaged. The street bore the cost.

According to the police report, a 40-year-old woman was crossing at the intersection of West 125th Street in Manhattan when a sedan struck her while backing into a parked position. The report lists 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The pedestrian suffered a fracture and dislocation to her lower arm and hand. The sedan, a 2014 Volvo, showed no damage. This crash highlights the danger when drivers reverse without regard for people moving through city intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718295 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17