Crash Count for Hamilton Heights-Sugar Hill
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 1,500
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 718
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 226
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 7
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 4
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Sep 15, 2025
Carnage in Hamilton Heights-Sugar Hill
Killed 4
Crush Injuries 1
Head 1
Severe Bleeding 3
Face 2
Head 1
Severe Lacerations 3
Face 1
Head 1
Lower leg/foot 1
Concussion 8
Head 5
Neck 2
Whole body 1
Whiplash 27
Back 11
+6
Neck 10
+5
Head 7
+2
Chest 2
Abdomen/pelvis 1
Shoulder/upper arm 1
Contusion/Bruise 41
Lower leg/foot 15
+10
Head 11
+6
Lower arm/hand 8
+3
Hip/upper leg 2
Shoulder/upper arm 2
Abdomen/pelvis 1
Back 1
Face 1
Whole body 1
Abrasion 36
Lower leg/foot 20
+15
Lower arm/hand 7
+2
Head 6
+1
Back 1
Face 1
Hip/upper leg 1
Pain/Nausea 16
Lower leg/foot 4
Hip/upper leg 3
Lower arm/hand 3
Chest 2
Head 2
Back 1
Shoulder/upper arm 1
Whole body 1
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Sep 15, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Hamilton Heights-Sugar Hill?

Preventable Speeding in Hamilton Heights-Sugar Hill School Zones

(since 2022)
Night falls. The blood doesn’t.

Night falls. The blood doesn’t.

Hamilton Heights-Sugar Hill: Jan 1, 2022 - Sep 3, 2025

A man on a bike went down at W 155th and St. Nicholas just before 11 PM on Nov 2, 2024. An SUV hit him. The record lists driver inattention and unsafe speed. He died (NYC Open Data crash records).

He was one of 3 people killed in Hamilton Heights–Sugar Hill since Jan 1, 2022. In that same span, 572 people were injured in 1,199 crashes here (NYC Open Data crash records).

The city already said why speed matters. “The city’s ability to control the speed limits on its streets plays a crucial role in delivering traffic safety,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez last year (Streetsblog NYC).

Nights take the worst

The deaths here stack up after dark. The deadliest hours cluster at 2 AM and 10 PM in this neighborhood’s crash log (NYC Open Data crash records).

Speed shows up. So does distraction. “Unsafe Speed” appears as a factor alongside “Driver Inattention/Distraction” in local injury records, including the W 155th fatal crash and other cases logged on Amsterdam and Broadway (NYC Open Data crash records).

A second death sits on Riverside Drive near W 147th. A pedestrian was struck at about 2:42 AM on Sep 4, 2022. He did not survive (NYC Open Data crash records).

Corners that don’t forgive

Crashes pile up on the long, fast runs: Henry Hudson Parkway. Amsterdam Avenue. West 145th Street. The city’s own entries tie injuries here to speed and inattention—things design can blunt and enforcement can catch (NYC Open Data crash records).

Simple fixes exist: daylight the crosswalks so drivers can see; harden left turns; give people a head start on the signal. Council Member Shaun Abreu co‑sponsors a bill to ban parking at crosswalks to open sightlines (Int 1138‑2024 noted in Council records). Use it. Aim it at these blocks.

Hold the line on speed

Albany handed New York City the tool to set safer limits. The city’s own leaders backed it. “The city’s ability to control the speed limits on its streets plays a crucial role in delivering traffic safety,” said DOT’s Rodriguez when the Council advanced the home‑rule message for Sammy’s Law (Streetsblog NYC). The charge now is simple: make 20 the norm on residential streets. Start on Amsterdam and 145th. Then keep going.

There’s another lever for the worst repeat offenders. In Albany, the Stop Super Speeders Act would require speed‑limiting tech for drivers who rack up offenses. State Senator Cordell Cleare co‑sponsored and voted yes in committee on the Senate bill S 4045 in June 2025 (Open States). Assembly Member Al Taylor co‑sponsors the Assembly version A 2299 (Open States).

Your block, their choices

This neighborhood’s log shows a steady harm: bikes and people on foot struck by cars and SUVs, late at night, on fast corridors. The tools sit on the table: open the corners, lower the limit, rein in repeat speeders. Council Member Shaun Abreu. Senator Cordell Cleare. Assembly Member Al Taylor. They have the files and the votes on record. The next move is to use them on your street.

A man on a bike died at W 155th and St. Nicholas. Don’t wait for another siren. Take one step today. Ask City Hall and Albany to act. Here’s how: Take action.

Frequently Asked Questions

What changed on W 155th and St. Nicholas?
On Nov 2, 2024, just before 11 PM, an SUV going straight struck a bicyclist at W 155th St and St. Nicholas Ave. The cyclist was killed. The crash record lists driver inattention and unsafe speed as contributing factors (NYC Open Data crash records).
How many people have been hurt here since 2022?
In Hamilton Heights–Sugar Hill from Jan 1, 2022 through Sept 3, 2025, crash logs show 3 people killed and 572 injured across 1,199 crashes (NYC Open Data crash records).
Where are the repeat trouble spots?
Henry Hudson Parkway, Amsterdam Avenue, West 145th Street, and Riverside Drive appear frequently in neighborhood crash records (NYC Open Data crash records).
Who can fix this now?
Locally: Council Member Shaun Abreu; State Senator Cordell Cleare; Assembly Member Al Taylor. Cleare co‑sponsored and voted yes on S 4045; Taylor co‑sponsors A 2299 (Open States; Streetsblog NYC).
How were these numbers calculated?
We used NYC’s Motor Vehicle Collisions datasets (Crashes, Persons, Vehicles) and filtered entries within Hamilton Heights–Sugar Hill (NTA MN0903) between 2022‑01‑01 and 2025‑09‑03. Counts of crashes, injuries, and deaths come from those filtered records, as compiled by CrashCount’s geocoding and time window. Data were accessed Sept 3, 2025. You can review the base datasets here.
What is CrashCount?
We’re a tool for helping hold local politicians and other actors accountable for their failure to protect you when you’re walking or cycling in NYC. We update our site constantly to provide you with up to date information on what’s happening in your neighborhood.

Citations

Citations

Other Representatives

Assembly Member Al Taylor

District 71

Council Member Shaun Abreu

District 7

State Senator Cordell Cleare

District 30

Other Geographies

Hamilton Heights-Sugar Hill Hamilton Heights-Sugar Hill sits in Manhattan, Precinct 30, District 7, AD 71, SD 30, Manhattan CB9.

See also
Boroughs
City Council Districts
Community Boards
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Hamilton Heights-Sugar Hill

13
Flatbed Truck Rear-Ends Taxi on St Nicholas Place

Jun 13 - A flatbed slammed into a taxi’s rear on St Nicholas Place. Three people hurt. Neck and back injuries. Police cite following too closely. Metal and glass. Sudden stop. Pain follows.

A flatbed truck struck the rear of a taxi on St Nicholas Place near W 155th Street in Manhattan. Three people were injured, including a 55-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl, both passengers, who suffered neck injuries, and a 46-year-old male driver with a back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Following Too Closely.' The taxi and flatbed were both traveling west when the collision occurred. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors before the driver error.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4824716 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
13
S 8344 Cleare votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.

Jun 13 - Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.

Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.


13
S 6815 Taylor is excused from committee vote on bus lane exemptions.

Jun 13 - Senate and Assembly clear S 6815. MTA workers get a pass for driving in bus lanes while on duty. Law shields agency vehicles from tickets. Streets grow more crowded. Vulnerable users face more risk.

Bill S 6815, titled 'Relates to bus lane restrictions in New York city,' passed the Senate on June 12, 2025, and the Assembly on June 13, 2025. The bill states, 'it shall be a defense to any prosecution for a violation of a bus lane restriction ... when an employee of the metropolitan transportation authority is performing authorized duties.' Sponsored by Senator Leroy Comrie and co-sponsored by Nathalia Fernandez, the measure exempts MTA employees from bus lane tickets while working. No safety analysis was provided. The bill opens bus lanes to more agency vehicles, crowding space meant for buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.


13
S 5677 Taylor misses committee vote on bill improving school zone safety.

Jun 13 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.

Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.


12
S 4045 Cleare votes yes in committee, boosting street safety by curbing repeat speeders.

Jun 12 - Senate backs S 4045. Repeat speeders face forced installation of speed assistance tech. Eleven points or six camera tickets triggers action. Law targets reckless drivers. Streets may get safer for those outside the car.

Senate bill S 4045, sponsored by Andrew Gounardes and co-sponsored by over two dozen senators, passed committee votes on June 11 and June 12, 2025. The bill, titled 'Relates to requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits,' mandates these devices for drivers who rack up eleven or more points in 24 months, or six speed or red light camera tickets in a year. The measure aims to curb repeat dangerous driving. Senators including Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, and others voted yes. The bill targets drivers with a pattern of violations, seeking to cut risk for pedestrians and cyclists by limiting repeat speeding.


12
S 5677 Cleare votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.

Jun 12 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.

Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.


12
S 6815 Cleare votes yes to exempt some employees from bus lane rules.

Jun 12 - Senate and Assembly clear S 6815. MTA workers get a pass for driving in bus lanes while on duty. Law shields agency vehicles from tickets. Streets grow more crowded. Vulnerable users face more risk.

Bill S 6815, titled 'Relates to bus lane restrictions in New York city,' passed the Senate on June 12, 2025, and the Assembly on June 13, 2025. The bill states, 'it shall be a defense to any prosecution for a violation of a bus lane restriction ... when an employee of the metropolitan transportation authority is performing authorized duties.' Sponsored by Senator Leroy Comrie and co-sponsored by Nathalia Fernandez, the measure exempts MTA employees from bus lane tickets while working. No safety analysis was provided. The bill opens bus lanes to more agency vehicles, crowding space meant for buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.


11
S 4045 Cleare co-sponsors bill to boost street safety with speed limiters.

Jun 11 - Senate backs S 4045. Repeat speeders face forced installation of speed assistance tech. Eleven points or six camera tickets triggers action. Law targets reckless drivers. Streets may get safer for those outside the car.

Senate bill S 4045, sponsored by Andrew Gounardes and co-sponsored by over two dozen senators, passed committee votes on June 11 and June 12, 2025. The bill, titled 'Relates to requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits,' mandates these devices for drivers who rack up eleven or more points in 24 months, or six speed or red light camera tickets in a year. The measure aims to curb repeat dangerous driving. Senators including Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, and others voted yes. The bill targets drivers with a pattern of violations, seeking to cut risk for pedestrians and cyclists by limiting repeat speeding.


11
S 7678 Cleare votes yes to expand school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.

Jun 11 - White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.

Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.


11
S 7785 Cleare votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.

Jun 11 - Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.

Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.


10
S 8117 Cleare votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.

Jun 10 - Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.

Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.


9
S 915 Cleare votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.

Jun 9 - Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.

Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.


8
City Eyes 34th Street Car Ban Plan

Jun 8 - City wants cars off 34th Street. Residents fear traffic will flood side streets. Bus riders crawl at five miles an hour. Officials tout safety gains from 14th Street. Tension rises between speed, safety, and neighborhood calm.

The New York Post (2025-06-08) reports that the city proposes restricting cars on 34th Street to create a busway between 3rd and 9th Avenues. Residents worry rerouted vehicles will jam local streets and worsen safety. Jessica Lavoie of the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association warns, "diverting traffic from this critical corridor onto narrow residential streets would lead to increased congestion, safety hazards, and diminished quality of life." The Department of Transportation aims to replicate the 14th Street busway, which "reduced congestion, sped up bus travel and curbed accidents." The article highlights the ongoing struggle to balance efficient transit, tunnel access, and neighborhood safety. No specific driver errors are cited, but the plan underscores the systemic risks of shifting car traffic onto residential blocks.


7
Drunk Driver Kills Immigrant Pedestrian in Manhattan

Jun 7 - A drunk driver tore through Gramercy. He struck Abdulhekim Esiyok in the crosswalk. Bars kept pouring drinks for the driver. Blood alcohol soared. Esiyok died at Bellevue. The driver hit more people before stopping. The city’s system failed again.

According to the New York Post (2025-06-07), Abdulhekim Esiyok, a 23-year-old Turkish immigrant, was killed while crossing Third Avenue after Mahbub Ali, allegedly intoxicated, drove into him. Prosecutors say Ali drank for nearly six hours at three Manhattan bars, reaching a blood alcohol content of .158, almost twice the legal limit. After hitting Esiyok, Ali continued, injuring a cyclist, two more pedestrians, and crashing into a van. The family’s lawsuit cites New York’s Dram Shop Act, which holds bars liable for serving visibly drunk patrons who later cause harm. The article quotes the family’s lawyer: “The family is devastated. They’re still in disbelief.” The case highlights failures in both driver responsibility and alcohol-serving oversight.


3
SUV Swerves, E-Bike Rider Injured on St. Nicholas

Jun 3 - An SUV cut lanes on St. Nicholas Avenue. The driver struck a 24-year-old e-bike rider. The cyclist took a hit to the head. Paramedics found him in shock. Unsafe lane changing and blocked views led to blood on the street.

A crash unfolded at 676 St. Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan. An SUV and an e-bike, both heading south, collided. According to the police report, the SUV made an unsafe lane change. The e-bike rider, a 24-year-old man, suffered a head injury and was left in shock. The report lists 'Unsafe Lane Changing' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors. The SUV’s left front quarter panel struck the e-bike’s center front end. No helmet use was noted for the cyclist, but the police report highlights driver error as the primary cause. No injuries were specified for the SUV occupants.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4817898 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
2
Cyclists Rally Against NYPD Crackdown

Jun 2 - Hundreds rode through Manhattan. They protested NYPD’s push to criminalize minor bike infractions. Delivery riders, many undocumented, face court summonses for sidewalk riding and red lights. Judges toss charges. Police say it’s about compliance. Riders say it’s about targeting.

West Side Spirit reported on June 2, 2025, that hundreds of cyclists protested in Manhattan against the NYPD’s new policy of issuing criminal court summonses for minor bike infractions. The crackdown targets delivery workers, especially undocumented riders, for offenses like sidewalk riding and nonstandard bike setups. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch defended the move, stating, 'When it comes to traffic safety, compliance is not optional.' Protesters and advocates argue the policy is discriminatory and escalates minor violations, risking severe consequences for vulnerable workers. Ben Furnas of Transportation Alternatives called it 'really inappropriate escalation.' The article highlights confusion over traffic rules and the risk of criminalization for actions previously handled as civil matters, raising questions about enforcement priorities and the impact on immigrant communities.


31
E-Bike Riders Protest NYPD Crackdown

May 31 - Hundreds rode through Manhattan. They called out harsh summonses for e-bike riders. Police target cyclists with criminal charges for minor traffic moves. Drivers get tickets. Riders face court. The city’s rules hit the vulnerable. The streets stay dangerous.

Gothamist (2025-05-31) reports on a protest in Lower Manhattan against the NYPD’s policy of issuing criminal summonses to e-bike riders for traffic violations like running red lights or riding against traffic. Cyclists and advocates argue the penalties are harsher than those faced by drivers for similar actions. As one protester said, “It seems unfair to me that cyclists should receive a higher penalty for doing the same thing that a person in a car would do.” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch defended the crackdown, citing the lack of licensing for e-bikes as a challenge for enforcement, but acknowledged the need for legislative reform. The article highlights inconsistent enforcement and the risks faced by vulnerable road users, especially delivery workers. Policy gaps and unequal penalties expose systemic danger on city streets.


30
NYPD Issues Criminal Summonses For E-Bikes

May 30 - An e-bike struck Renee Baruch on the Upper West Side. She woke in pain, face broken, spine injured. NYPD cracks down with criminal summonses. Cyclists protest. City Council stalls. Streets stay dangerous. Justice, tangled in policy.

NY1 reported on May 30, 2025, that the NYPD is issuing criminal summonses to e-bike riders for traffic infractions, citing a lack of City Council action on new regulations. Commissioner Tisch told the Council, "Pass e-bike regulations." Cyclists object to criminal charges for minor violations, arguing for civil penalties instead. The article highlights the case of Renee Baruch, hospitalized after an e-bike crash left her with facial fractures and a spinal injury. The NYPD’s new Quality of Life Division targets reckless e-bike use, but without updated laws, criminal summonses remain their only tool. The policy gap leaves vulnerable road users exposed and enforcement inconsistent.


27
Cyclists Collide on Amsterdam Avenue, One Injured

May 27 - Two bikes crashed head-on on Amsterdam Avenue. One rider, a 36-year-old man, suffered a fractured leg. Both traveled south. The crash left the injured cyclist partially ejected. No cars involved. The street bore the brunt. Blood on the asphalt.

Two cyclists collided on Amsterdam Avenue near West 145th Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, both were traveling south when their bikes struck head-on. One cyclist, a 36-year-old man, was partially ejected and sustained a fracture and dislocation to his lower leg. The report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No motor vehicles were involved. One cyclist was unlicensed, according to the data. The crash resulted in significant injury, with the victim conscious at the scene. No mention of helmet use or signaling appears in the report. The collision underscores the risks faced by cyclists, even in the absence of cars.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4816128 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19
27
Police Car Hits Diners In Manhattan Crash

May 27 - A police cruiser swerved from a taxi and slammed into two people eating outside. Sirens screamed. Metal struck flesh. Both diners and officers landed in the hospital. The street stayed open. The city kept moving. The system failed the vulnerable.

According to the New York Post (May 27, 2025), an NYPD squad car struck two people seated at an outdoor dining area on Broadway and West 112th Street. The crash happened when a taxi made a left turn, prompting the police car to swerve. The article states, “The 37-year-old cab driver was given a summons for failure to yield to oncoming traffic.” Both diners and police vehicle occupants were hospitalized in stable condition. The report notes, “It was not immediately clear if authorities were responding to a call when the incident unfolded.” The incident highlights risks at curbside dining areas and ongoing dangers from driver error and street design. The investigation continues.