Hamilton Heights: Three Dead, Hundreds Hurt—Why Won’t the City Act?

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

A cyclist crashed into the rear of a parked sedan on Amsterdam Avenue. Blood streaked his face. He stayed upright, then slumped. The car never moved. The street was silent except for the sound of breathing.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old man riding a bike struck the rear of a parked sedan near 1785 Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan at 1:23 a.m. The sedan, registered in New Jersey, was stationary and unoccupied at the time of the crash. The report notes the cyclist suffered severe bleeding to his face but remained conscious. The narrative states, 'He stayed upright, then slumped. The car never moved.' The police report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as the primary contributing factor. No driver errors or vehicle movement were cited in this incident. The focus remains on the collision's impact and the resulting injury to the cyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4752337 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 50-year-old woman suffered arm injuries and shock after an SUV struck her at a Manhattan intersection. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, hitting the pedestrian as she crossed legally. The impact caused center front-end damage to the vehicle.

According to the police report, a 50-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Saint Nicholas Avenue and West 145 Street in Manhattan at 16:17. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2023 Tesla SUV traveling north struck her. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor, explicitly attributing fault to the vehicle driver. The impact occurred at the vehicle's center front end, causing damage there. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead. The report does not list any pedestrian errors or contributing factors beyond the driver’s failure to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4752342 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 35-year-old man suffered abrasions and arm injuries after being struck by an SUV on West 145 Street in Manhattan. The vehicle was parked before impact. The pedestrian remained conscious amid the chaotic scene of colliding vehicles.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on West 145 Street in Manhattan involving multiple vehicles, including a 2024 SUV registered in New Jersey. The SUV was parked prior to the collision and sustained damage to its right front bumper. A 35-year-old male pedestrian was injured, suffering abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as a contributing factor, indicating driver-related errors, but does not specify the pedestrian's actions as contributing factors. The collision involved multiple vehicles, including a moped and a sedan, but the primary impact to the pedestrian was with the SUV. The data highlights vehicle driver errors without attributing fault to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4751387 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A cyclist traveling straight struck a 28-year-old pedestrian on West 148 Street. The pedestrian suffered bruises and arm injuries. Police cited unsafe speed and failure to yield right-of-way by the cyclist as contributing factors in the collision.

According to the police report, a bicycle traveling straight on West 148 Street in Manhattan struck a 28-year-old female pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, with an injury severity rated at level 3. The report explicitly identifies the cyclist's unsafe speed and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors to the crash. The bicycle showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely at moderate speed but sufficient to cause injury. The pedestrian was conscious and did not contribute to the crash by any listed factor. This incident highlights the dangers posed by cyclists traveling at unsafe speeds and failing to yield to pedestrians outside intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4756909 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A man’s skull split on Harlem asphalt before dawn. Blood pooled beneath the streetlight. The city silent, the crosswalk absent. He lay in shock, wounded and alone, the impact echoing through empty streets.

A 63-year-old man was struck head-on by a vehicle on West 145th Street near Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan at 4:10 a.m., according to the police report. The victim suffered severe head injuries and was found semiconscious, lying on the cold asphalt with blood pooling beneath a flickering streetlight. The crash occurred away from any intersection or crosswalk, with the vehicle’s center front end striking the pedestrian directly. The police report does not list any driver errors or contributing factors, nor does it indicate any victim behaviors as factors. The absence of safe crossing infrastructure and the direct collision highlight systemic dangers faced by pedestrians in this area.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4750337 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

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

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

A motorcycle hit a woman crossing Broadway at West 144th. She suffered hip and leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention and unsafe speed. The crash left the pedestrian in shock.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling south on Broadway at West 144th Street struck a 51-year-old woman crossing at a marked crosswalk. The pedestrian suffered injuries to her hip and upper leg and was reported to be in shock. Police identified driver inattention, distraction, and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The motorcycle’s center front end hit the pedestrian. The report notes the pedestrian crossed without a signal, but this was not listed as a contributing factor. The crash underscores driver errors—specifically lack of attention and unsafe speed—resulting in serious injury to a pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4744523 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A sedan traveling east on West 145 Street hit a pedestrian crossing against the signal. The man suffered head injuries and incoherence, bleeding minorly. The crash happened off intersection near Saint Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan’s 10030 zip code.

According to the police report, a 2017 Toyota sedan was traveling straight ahead eastbound on West 145 Street near Saint Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan when it struck a male pedestrian. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal and was located off intersection at the time of impact. The pedestrian sustained head injuries, was incoherent, and had minor bleeding. The vehicle’s point of impact was the center front end, indicating a direct collision. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The report lists the pedestrian’s crossing against the signal as a contributing factor but does not cite any driver errors such as failure to yield. The pedestrian’s error is noted, but the focus remains on the collision caused by the vehicle’s movement through the area.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4741341 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Two sedans traveling north on Henry Hudson Parkway collided in the early morning hours. The impact struck the right front bumper of one vehicle and the left rear quarter panel of the other. A 25-year-old female driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Henry Hudson Parkway around 12:08 a.m. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead northbound when the crash occurred. The point of impact was the right front bumper of a 2013 Kia and the left rear quarter panel of a 2024 Chevrolet sedan. The 25-year-old female driver of one vehicle was injured, sustaining abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The airbag deployed in her vehicle. The report identifies driver inattention and distraction as the contributing factor to the collision. There is no indication of victim fault or other contributing factors. The crash highlights the dangers of distracted driving on this busy parkway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4741040 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 59-year-old male driver lost consciousness and became semiconscious after a crash involving multiple SUVs on Saint Nicholas Avenue. The impact damaged front and rear bumpers. Police report cites loss of consciousness as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Saint Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan at 2:36 AM involving multiple SUVs. The 59-year-old male driver, who was semiconscious and injured, lost consciousness during the incident. The report notes the driver was not ejected and suffered an injury severity rated at level 3. Vehicle damage was recorded on the left front quarter panel, right front bumper, and left rear bumper of the involved SUVs. The police report highlights 'Lost Consciousness' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating a critical driver impairment. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4740131 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

SUV speeding, changing lanes, crashed into sedan. Both drivers injured. Chest trauma, whiplash, shock. SUV demolished. Unsafe speed listed. Parkway danger clear.

According to the police report, a crash occurred at 2:30 a.m. on Henry Hudson Parkway. An SUV, driven by a 21-year-old man, was changing lanes at unsafe speed when it struck a sedan traveling straight. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor. The SUV was demolished at the point of impact. Both drivers, men in their early twenties, suffered injuries—chest trauma and whiplash—and were in shock. Neither was ejected. The sedan was hit on its left front quarter panel. This crash highlights the danger of speeding during lane changes on busy city parkways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4739613 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 76-year-old woman suffered a severe head injury after a taxi struck her while crossing West 155 Street at a marked crosswalk without a signal. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, leaving the pedestrian unconscious with a concussion.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling east on West 155 Street struck a 76-year-old female pedestrian at a marked crosswalk without a crossing signal. The point of impact was the taxi’s right front bumper. The pedestrian was crossing when the collision occurred and was rendered unconscious with a head injury classified as a concussion. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' twice as the contributing factor to the crash, highlighting the driver’s failure to maintain attention. The pedestrian’s actions or safety equipment were not listed as contributing factors. The taxi was occupied by a single male driver and sustained damage to its right front bumper. This crash underscores the deadly consequences of driver distraction in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4738074 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Two SUVs collided on Henry Hudson Parkway at dusk. A front passenger suffered a serious head injury. Police cited failure to yield and unsafe lane changing by one driver as key factors in the crash. Impact damaged both vehicles’ front quarter panels.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:43 on Henry Hudson Parkway involving two sport utility vehicles traveling south. One driver was changing lanes while the other proceeded straight ahead. The collision impacted the left front quarter panel of the lane-changing SUV and the right front quarter panel of the other vehicle. The front passenger in the lane-changing SUV, a 20-year-old male, sustained a serious head injury and was conscious but injured. The report identifies 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as contributing factors attributed to the lane-changing driver. The injured passenger was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing on driver errors and vehicle maneuvers that led to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4736239 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

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

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

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

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 2024-06-07

Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07