Manhattanville Bleeds While City Sleeps—Who Will Stop the Killing?

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

A sedan veered on Henry Hudson Parkway. It hit a motorcycle. The rider took a back abrasion. Both vehicles damaged. Driver inattention led to the crash. The rider stayed conscious. No ejection.

According to the police report, a sedan changing lanes on Henry Hudson Parkway struck a northbound motorcycle. The crash happened at 2 p.m. The motorcycle driver, a 51-year-old man, suffered a back abrasion but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the cause for the sedan driver. The point of impact was the sedan’s right rear bumper and the motorcycle’s center front. Both drivers were licensed. No other contributing factors or victim actions were noted. The crash underscores the danger when drivers fail to pay attention during lane changes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727260 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A sedan collided with a parked sedan on West 138 Street, striking the left side doors. The driver of the moving vehicle suffered injuries to his elbow and lower arm, experiencing shock and pain. No ejections occurred; driver errors remain unspecified.

According to the police report, at 13:01 on West 138 Street, a 2013 Toyota sedan traveling west struck a parked sedan on its left side doors. The driver, a 60-year-old man, was injured with elbow and lower arm trauma and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report lists the driver's contributing factors as unspecified, with no mention of failure to yield or other explicit driver errors. The parked vehicle was stationary before the crash. No occupants were ejected. The collision caused damage to the left front quarter panel of the moving sedan. The report does not indicate any contributing victim behaviors or additional factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725628 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Council moves to light up step streets. At least 25 stairways each year will get new lamps. Dark paths become visible. Pedestrians gain ground. Shadows shrink. Danger loses its cover.

Int 0875-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on May 16, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the installation of pedestrian lighting on step streets.' Prime sponsor Joann Ariola, joined by sixteen co-sponsors, pushes for at least 25 step streets to be lit each year until all are covered. Step streets are open-air staircases linking streets at different heights. The bill aims to strip darkness from these paths, making them safer for people on foot. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0875-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

A southbound motorcycle struck the rear of a sedan on West 125 Street. The motorcycle driver, a 22-year-old man, was ejected and suffered a fractured arm. Police cited driver inattention and unsafe speed as contributing factors.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on West 125 Street at 15:43. A 22-year-old male motorcycle driver traveling south collided with the center back end of a southbound sedan. The motorcycle driver was ejected and sustained a fracture and dislocation to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as a severe injury (level 3). The sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, was going straight ahead when the motorcycle struck it. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors to the crash. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The impact point and vehicle damage were both at the center back end of the sedan and the center front end of the motorcycle, indicating a rear-end collision caused by the motorcycle driver’s errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721002 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A sedan driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a collision during a left turn on West 136 Street. The crash caused abrasions and shock. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors in the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 20:55 on West 136 Street involving a 2023 Tesla sedan making a left turn. The driver, a 56-year-old male, was injured with abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and experienced shock. The point of impact was the sedan's right front bumper. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the collision. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle southwestbound. Another vehicle was traveling northbound and struck the sedan's right front bumper. No victim blame is noted; the focus remains on the driver's failure to maintain attention while executing the turn, which led to the crash and subsequent injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719487 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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

A northbound SUV stopped in traffic rear-ended a sedan also traveling north on Amsterdam Avenue. The impact injured a 38-year-old female passenger in the SUV, causing neck whiplash. Driver inattention was cited as the crash’s contributing factor.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Amsterdam Avenue at 15:25. A 2017 Nissan SUV traveling north was stopped in traffic when it rear-ended a 2016 Ford sedan also heading north. The point of impact was the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the sedan. The report cites "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor to the collision. A 38-year-old female occupant seated in the right rear passenger position of the SUV suffered neck injuries described as whiplash and was conscious at the scene. She was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the passenger or other road users. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to rear-end collisions in traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714577 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Taxi and sedan collided on West 127 Street. Three men inside suffered back injuries and shock. Police cite driver inattention and inexperience. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a crash took place at 16:50 on West 127 Street in Manhattan. A taxi and a sedan collided, with impact to the vehicles' sides. Three men—two drivers and a front passenger—were injured, each suffering back pain and shock. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. All injured parties were inside the vehicles at the time. No pedestrians were involved. The police report makes clear that driver errors led to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714830 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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 2024-03-27

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 2024-03-20

Columbia will widen escalators at 125th Street but refuses to fund elevators. Disabled riders face long detours. Politicians and students demand action. The university’s $13-billion endowment stays untouched. Public money must fill the gap. Progress stalls. Riders wait. Access denied.

This debate centers on Columbia University’s refusal to pay for elevators at the 125th Street 1 train station, despite its West Harlem campus expansion. The project is not a council bill but a protracted standoff, with the MTA and local officials pressing Columbia to fund full ADA accessibility. The university will pay to widen escalators but insists public funds should cover elevators, citing project approval before the Zoning for Accessibility law (October 2021). Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine calls elevator access 'the top priority among station accessibility projects in the borough.' Assembly Member Daniel O’Donnell’s office slams Columbia’s lack of transparency and urges investment, noting the school’s $13-billion endowment and $179 million in tax breaks. Students and disabled riders face daily hardship. The MTA, Council Member Shaun Abreu, and advocates push for progress, but Columbia stalls. No elevator, no access. Vulnerable users remain shut out.

• Columbia U. Wants Public to Pay for Transit Improvements on Campus, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-14

Council bill demands DOT fix NYCHA sidewalks first. Seniors come before all. Broken walks trip, injure, kill. Law forces city to show its work. No more hiding behind red tape.

Bill Int 0504-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced March 7, 2024. It orders the DOT to prioritize sidewalk repairs at NYCHA sites, with senior housing first. The bill summary reads: 'establishing priority for sidewalk repairs at developments operated by the New York city housing authority.' Sponsors include Alexa Avilés (primary), Shaun Abreu, Shahana K. Hanif, Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Sandy Nurse, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Pierina Ana Sanchez, Lincoln Restler, Rafael Salamanca, Jr., and Farah N. Louis. The law also requires public reporting of repairs and timelines. Sidewalk neglect endangers NYCHA residents—this bill aims to force action and transparency.

• File Int 0504-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council wants every e-bike and scooter tagged and tracked. Plates on wheels. Riders face new rules. Lawmakers say it’s about order. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait.

Int 0606-2024 was introduced on March 7, 2024, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring that every bicycle with electric assist, electric scooter and other legal motorized vehicle be licensed and registered," would force all e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles not covered by DMV rules to register with DOT and display visible plates. Council Member Inna Vernikov is the primary sponsor, joined by 26 co-sponsors including Holden, Farías, Riley, and others. The bill was laid over in committee and has not advanced. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• File Int 0606-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council moves to force DOT to post clear bus lane signs on every block. Riders and walkers need to know when cars must stay out. The bill demands public, block-by-block rules. No more guessing. Streets reveal their rules.

Int 0647-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on March 7, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to bus lane restrictions," orders DOT to post signs on each block with bus lane rules and to publish hours online. Sponsors include Althea V. Stevens (primary), Chris Banks, Chi A. Ossé, Nantasha M. Williams, Carmen N. De La Rosa, Amanda Farías, Yusef Salaam, and Kevin C. Riley. The measure aims to end confusion and make bus lane rules plain for all. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0647-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council bill demands NYPD track every time cops use cars as weapons. No more hiding behind vague stats. Each crash, each injury, must be counted. The city moves closer to truth.

Int 0255-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by Hudson, Won, Hanif, Bottcher, Brewer, Avilés, Abreu, Ossé, Krishnan, Williams, Cabán, Nurse, Sanchez, and at the Brooklyn Borough President's request. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to use of force incidents involving police department use of a motor vehicle.' It forces the NYPD to report every use of a car to control a subject. No more lumping these acts with other force. The bill aims for hard numbers and real accountability. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, passengers—will no longer be invisible in police data.

• File Int 0255-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council urges Albany to pass SAFE Streets Act. Lower speed limits. Rights for crash victims. Safe passing for cyclists. Complete streets. City demands action as deaths rise. Streets remain deadly. Lawmakers must act.

Resolution 0090-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it calls on the state to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law') and A.1901, part of the SAFE Streets Act. The matter title: 'Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.2422... allowing New York city to establish a lower speed limit, and A.1901, enacting a crash victims bill of rights.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif leads, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Nurse, and others. The resolution demands lower speed limits, crash victim rights, safe passing for cyclists, and complete street design. It cites rising traffic deaths and the failure of current measures. The Council wants Albany to give the city real power to protect people on its streets.

• File Res 0090-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill pushes DOT to let schools, centers, and institutions use streets outside their doors. More people, less traffic. Streets shift from cars to community. Still in committee.

Int 0450-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 28, 2024. The bill orders DOT to create a program letting community centers, schools, arts, and religious institutions use adjacent outdoor spaces. The matter title reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to establish a program to allow community centers, schools, arts and cultural institutions and religious institutions to use adjacent outdoor spaces.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads, joined by Stevens, Restler, Won, and others. The bill has not yet passed. If enacted, it could reclaim space from cars, giving it to people. No formal safety analysis yet, but the measure could mean safer, more vibrant streets for all.

• File Int 0450-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to form a board on school crossing guard deployment. NYPD, DOT, and DOE must report twice a year. The aim: more eyes on street danger where kids cross.

Bill Int 0448-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to an advisory board on crossing guard deployment," calls for NYPD, DOT, and DOE to join an advisory board. The board must send biannual reports on crossing guard needs to the Mayor, Council Speaker, and Police Commissioner. Council Member Kamillah Hanks leads as primary sponsor, joined by Stevens, Schulman, Salaam, and others. The Bronx Borough President requested the bill. The board’s reports could spotlight gaps and push for better protection at dangerous crossings.

• File Int 0448-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to expand Open Streets on busy holidays. More hours. More car-free blocks. Pedestrians and cyclists get space when crowds surge. Streets shift from traffic to people. Danger drops. The city listens to neighborhoods.

Bill Int 0270-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it amends city code to require the Department of Transportation to expand Open Streets hours on holidays with heavy foot traffic—Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day, Halloween, and others. The bill reads: 'special activation of the Open Streets program on certain holidays and time periods with significant pedestrian traffic.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rivera, Brooks-Powers, Louis, Nurse, Ossé, Sanchez, Cabán, Banks, Avilés, Riley, Salaam, Hanif, Feliz, Won, Restler, and Joseph. Community groups can suggest more dates. The city must review all requests under the same standards as regular Open Streets. This bill aims to give people the street when they need it most.

• File Int 0270-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28