Morningside Heights: Drivers Keep Hitting. Officials Keep Waiting.

Jun 8 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-08

Jun 4 - Two sedans crashed on Broadway. One overturned. A 51-year-old driver suffered back bruises. Police cited illness and unsafe lane change. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

According to the police report, two sedans collided near 3133 Broadway in Manhattan. One sedan overturned. The 51-year-old driver of the overturned car was injured with back contusions. Police listed illness and unsafe lane changing as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed men traveling southbound. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the overturned sedan and the left rear quarter panel of the other. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634668 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 3 - A northbound SUV struck a parked SUV on Broadway in Manhattan. The driver of the moving vehicle suffered back injuries and shock. Police cited following too closely and driver inexperience as causes. Both vehicles sustained damage to their bumpers.

According to the police report, a 53-year-old male driver in a northbound SUV collided with a parked SUV on Broadway near 2864 Broadway in Manhattan. The moving vehicle's right front bumper hit the left rear bumper of the parked SUV. The driver was injured, complaining of back pain and nausea, and was not ejected. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. Both vehicles were SUVs, with the moving vehicle starting from parking and the parked vehicle stationary. The driver was wearing a lap belt. The collision caused damage to both vehicles' bumpers and left the driver in shock.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634447 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 1 - Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-06-01

May 31 - Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2023-05-31

May 24 - Council backs home rule for Sammy’s Law. The move lets New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. Lawmakers and advocates say lower speeds mean fewer deaths. The bill honors Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a reckless driver. The vote puts safety first.

Bill: Home rule message for Sammy’s Law. Status: Poised for passage by the City Council on May 24, 2023. Committee: State and Federal Legislation, chaired by Council Member Shaun Abreu. The measure, titled 'City Council Poised to Pass ‘Home Rule’ Message for Sammy’s Law on Thursday,' lets New York City lower speed limits below 25 mph. Council Member Jen Gutierrez announced the Council’s intent to pass it, calling it crucial for safety. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'The city's ability to control the speed limits on its streets plays a crucial role in delivering traffic safety.' Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Mayor Eric Adams, and State Senator Andrew Gounardes all support the move. The bill honors Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a reckless driver. Data cited shows lower speed limits increase pedestrian survival. Advocates stress urgency to protect New Yorkers.

• City Council Poised to Pass ‘Home Rule’ Message for Sammy’s Law on Thursday, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-24

May 19 - A sedan collided head-on with an e-bike on Broadway. The 24-year-old male cyclist suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The driver disregarded traffic control and was inattentive. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male bicyclist riding an e-bike westbound on Broadway was struck by a northbound sedan. The cyclist sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists the sedan driver's errors as 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The collision caused front-end damage to both vehicles. The cyclist was wearing a helmet only for motorcycles, which was not noted as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the dangers when drivers ignore traffic signals and fail to pay attention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4631093 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 18 - A motorcycle traveling south struck the right side doors of a parked taxi on West 116 Street in Manhattan. A 30-year-old female passenger on the motorcycle suffered back injuries and shock. Confusion by the motorcycle passenger contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling south collided with the right side doors of a parked taxi on West 116 Street in Manhattan. The motorcycle carried two occupants, including a 30-year-old female passenger who was injured with back pain and shock. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" twice as contributing factors, indicating confusion by the motorcycle passenger played a role. The taxi driver was licensed and parked at the time of impact. The motorcycle's front center end struck the taxi's right side doors, causing damage. No driver errors by the taxi driver are noted. The injured passenger was not ejected but suffered complaint of pain or nausea.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629990 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 16 - Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

May 12 - A 15-year-old boy riding a bike was partially ejected after a collision with a sedan at Morningside Avenue. The boy suffered facial bruises. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way and unsafe speed as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south and a bicyclist traveling east collided at Morningside Avenue in Manhattan. The 15-year-old bicyclist was partially ejected and sustained facial contusions. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The sedan struck the bike on its right front quarter panel, damaging the sedan's right side doors and the bike's center front end. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash but injured. The driver of the sedan was licensed and traveling straight ahead. No helmet or other safety equipment was noted for the bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628242 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 12 - A 22-year-old woman was hit by a westbound SUV making a left turn on Broadway. She suffered a head injury and lost consciousness. The vehicle showed no damage. Police list unspecified factors but no clear driver error. The pedestrian bled slightly.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2023 BMW SUV, traveling west on Broadway in Manhattan, made a left turn and struck her. The impact occurred at the vehicle's left rear quarter panel. The pedestrian suffered a head injury and was unconscious with minor bleeding. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The vehicle sustained no damage. No safety equipment or pedestrian actions were noted as contributing factors. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The circumstances of the pedestrian's location and movement remain unknown.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628406 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 8 - Sanitation wants to box up trash. That means tearing up 150,000 parking spots. The city will spend big. Car owners howl. Advocates call it bold. A pilot starts in Manhattan. Council Member Abreu backs it. Change comes slow, but the city may never look the same.

On May 8, 2023, the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) released a sweeping proposal to containerize New York City’s sidewalk trash. The plan, not yet a formal bill, launches with a pilot in Manhattan’s Community Board 9, supported by Council Member Shaun Abreu, who declared, “We’re going to start containerizing our trash.” The DSNY report claims containerization could work in 89% of the city but demands a major overhaul: 150,000 curbside parking spots repurposed, hundreds of millions spent on new trucks and bins. The matter summary notes, 'New York City can containerize its sidewalk garbage, but doing so will require a major overhaul of the sanitation system.' Advocates like Christine Berthet call it transformative; others, like car owners, bristle at lost parking. The plan faces political headwinds, but if realized, it could mark a historic shift for city streets.

• ANALYSIS: Waste Containerization Will Be Big Lift, But Could Be Historic Change for Trash City, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-08

May 4 - Two sedans crashed head-to-tail on West 129 Street in Manhattan. The female driver in the rear suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and following too closely as causes. Both vehicles traveled westbound at impact.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling westbound on West 129 Street collided when the rear vehicle struck the front vehicle's center front end. The female driver of the rear sedan, age 39, sustained neck injuries and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver errors including "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Following Too Closely." The rear driver was licensed, while the front driver held a permit. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. The crash caused damage to the center front end of the front vehicle and the center back end of the rear vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4626035 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 3 - New York City will cut 150,000 free parking spots for trash containers. The pilot starts in West Harlem this fall. The plan clears sidewalks, targets rats, and reclaims space for people. Council member Abreu and advocates back the move. Change is coming.

The Department of Sanitation announced a pilot to eliminate 150,000 free residential parking spaces for trash containerization. The program, starting fall 2023 in West Harlem, covers up to 10 residential blocks and 14 public schools. The DSNY report, with McKinsey input, finds containerization viable for most neighborhoods. The matter aims to 'remove garbage bags from sidewalks' and address public health. Council member Shaun Abreu supports the initiative, calling current practices 'backwards' and endorsing large-scale containerization. Advocates like CHEKPEDS founder Christine Berthet support repurposing parking for trash containers, citing sidewalk access. The city will double trash collection in the pilot area, with $5.7 million allocated. The plan faces challenges in dense areas, but signals a shift toward safer, cleaner streets for all.

• Sanitation: Trash Containerization Can Be Done With a Historic Reuse of Parking; Pilot to Start This Fall, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-03

Apr 23 - A 44-year-old male driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries when his SUV overturned on Henry Hudson Parkway. Tire failure caused the crash. The driver was conscious and not ejected. Damage was severe, with the vehicle landing on its roof.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old male driver was injured when his 2003 SUV overturned on Henry Hudson Parkway. The driver sustained moderate burns and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The vehicle was traveling south, going straight ahead, when the center front end impacted and the SUV overturned. The report lists tire failure as a contributing factor. No other driver errors were specified. The driver remained conscious and was not ejected from the vehicle. The crash caused significant vehicle damage, overturning the SUV. No information on safety equipment use was provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4622801 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 13 - Two sedans collided on West 125 Street near Amsterdam Avenue. One driver was injured, suffering knee and lower leg bruises. The crash happened at night as one vehicle made a U-turn and struck the side of the other. Both drivers were licensed men.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on West 125 Street in Manhattan at 11:15 p.m. A 2019 Dodge sedan was making a U-turn southbound when it struck the left side doors of a northbound 2023 Kia sedan. The Kia's driver, a 26-year-old man, was injured with contusions to his knee and lower leg but was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The report lists no specific contributing factors but notes the Dodge driver was making a U-turn, which led to the collision. The impact was on the right front bumper of the Dodge and the left side doors of the Kia.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4620409 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 13 - A 27-year-old woman riding north on Broadway crashed near West 125th. She suffered bruises. Police cite inattention and alcohol. No other vehicles. No helmet. The street stayed busy. The danger stayed real.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old female bicyclist was injured while riding north on Broadway near West 125th Street in Manhattan. The cyclist suffered contusions and remained conscious. Police list driver inattention and alcohol involvement as contributing factors. No other vehicles were involved. The report notes no damage to the bicycle and confirms the rider wore no safety equipment. The crash highlights the risks faced by cyclists on city streets. No further contributing factors were recorded.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4621814 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 7 - A moped rider was injured on West 125 Street in Manhattan. The SUV made an improper turn and struck the moped’s right front bumper. The rider suffered abrasions and leg injuries while hanging on outside the vehicle.

According to the police report, a 46-year-old male moped rider was injured when a station wagon/SUV made an improper turn on West 125 Street in Manhattan. The SUV was making a U-turn westbound when it collided with the moped traveling eastbound. The point of impact was the SUV’s center front end and the moped’s right front bumper. The moped rider, who was riding/hanging on outside the vehicle, sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Turning Improperly" as the contributing factor. The SUV driver was licensed and operating the vehicle during the crash. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4618989 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 2 - SUV hit a 35-year-old man ejected onto Amsterdam Avenue. He suffered abrasions and leg injuries. No driver errors listed. The man wore no safety equipment. The crash left him conscious but hurt.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old male driver was ejected from his vehicle and struck by a southbound SUV on Amsterdam Avenue. The SUV's right front bumper hit the man, causing abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The injured man was not using safety equipment at the time. The SUV driver was licensed and driving straight ahead. The report documents the impact and injuries but does not assign fault.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4617594 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 28 - A taxi making a left turn struck a southbound motorcycle on Broadway near West 116th Street. The motorcyclist was ejected, suffered head injuries, and lost consciousness. Police cited traffic control disregard and failure to yield as causes.

According to the police report, a 52-year-old male motorcyclist was injured when a taxi making a left turn on Broadway collided with his motorcycle traveling south. The motorcyclist was ejected and sustained head injuries, resulting in unconsciousness. The report lists the driver's errors as "Traffic Control Disregarded" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The taxi was damaged on its right side doors, while the motorcycle sustained front-end damage. The taxi carried three occupants, and the driver was licensed in New York.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4616936 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18