Harlem’s Streets Bleed—It’s Time to End the Killing Field

Two sedans collided on West 155 Street in Manhattan. A 5-year-old passenger suffered a facial abrasion. The crash involved driver distraction and lane changing. The child was conscious and not ejected. Damage hit the right front bumper and left side doors.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on West 155 Street in Manhattan. The first vehicle was traveling straight south when it was struck on the right front bumper by a second sedan changing lanes. The crash injured a 5-year-old female passenger seated in the middle rear seat of the first vehicle. She sustained a facial abrasion but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The male driver of the second sedan was changing lanes at the time of impact. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the first sedan and the left side doors of the second.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4643977 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

Two sedans collided on 7 Avenue in Manhattan. The crash left a driver with pelvic fractures and a passenger with whiplash. Both men stayed inside their cars. Driver reaction to another vehicle triggered the wreck.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on 7 Avenue near West 145 Street in Manhattan. The crash injured a 32-year-old male driver, who suffered fractures to his abdomen and pelvis, and a 35-year-old male front passenger, who sustained whiplash. The report lists "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle" as the main contributing factor, highlighting a driver error in response to other traffic. Both injured men remained inside their vehicles. The driver wore no safety equipment, while the passenger used a lap belt and harness. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4644576 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A moped traveling east struck a westbound SUV making a left turn on Macombs Dam Bridge. Two men on the moped suffered knee and lower leg abrasions. The moped driver was unlicensed. Police cited driver inattention as a factor.

According to the police report, a 2023 moped carrying two male occupants collided with a 2015 Ford SUV making a left turn on Macombs Dam Bridge. The moped struck the SUV’s center front end with its right front bumper. Both moped occupants, ages 21 and 22, were injured with abrasions to their knees and lower legs. The moped driver was unlicensed. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a contributing factor. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling westbound. Neither occupant was ejected. The report does not indicate any safety equipment used or other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4646212 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A 14-year-old boy on a bike was hit by an SUV traveling south on Edgecombe Avenue. The boy suffered bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The driver was distracted. The cyclist wore a helmet and remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 14-year-old bicyclist was injured when a southbound SUV struck him on Edgecombe Avenue in Manhattan. The boy sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. The SUV impacted the left side doors of the bike, while the SUV’s right front bumper made contact. The cyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. No damage was reported to the SUV, which was driven by a licensed male driver. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4644291 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A pick-up truck crowded a teenage cyclist on 8th Avenue. The boy fell. Blood pooled on the pavement. Deep cuts tore his leg. He stayed awake, staring up into the sun. The truck kept going. The street stayed hot.

A 16-year-old boy riding a bike on 8th Avenue was injured when a pick-up truck passed too closely. According to the police report, the truck's action caused the cyclist to fall hard, resulting in severe lacerations to his leg. The report lists 'Passing Too Closely' as a contributing factor. The narrative describes blood on the pavement and the boy remaining conscious after the crash. The police report also notes 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a factor, but the primary driver error remains the truck's dangerously close pass. No helmet or signaling issues are cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4644580 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A limo jumped from the curb in Harlem. It struck a woman crossing 8th Avenue. Her leg was crushed. She stayed conscious. The driver showed no sign of care. The street was quiet. The city’s danger was clear.

A 28-year-old woman was crossing the intersection near 2850 8th Avenue in Manhattan when a limo lurched from the curb and struck her. According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:51 a.m. and left the pedestrian with crush injuries to her knee and lower leg. The report lists 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors. The woman remained conscious after the impact. The data shows no mention of helmet or signal use as a factor. The driver’s aggressive actions stand out as the primary cause. The street remained silent as another New Yorker suffered under the weight of reckless driving.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4677493 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

Assembly Member Inez Dickens stands firm against Sammy’s Law, lower speed limits, and more bike lanes in Harlem. She rejects congestion pricing, bus upgrades, and traffic calming. Her stance leaves vulnerable road users exposed. Other candidates back safety. Dickens does not.

Assembly Member Inez Dickens, leading the Harlem Council race, opposes bill 'Sammy’s Law,' which would let New York City set its own speed limits. At a June 2023 NY1 debate, Dickens said, 'I do not support it,' arguing that speeders will speed regardless. She also rejected more bike lanes, congestion pricing, bus improvements, and traffic calming. The matter summary states: 'Assembly Member Inez Dickens...does not support lowering the speed limit.' Her challengers, Assembly Member Al Taylor and Yusef Salaam, support Sammy’s Law and more bike lanes. Mayor Adams, a supporter of Sammy’s Law, has endorsed Dickens. Dickens’s stance blocks proven safety measures for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. No safety analyst note was provided.

• Assembly Member in Harlem Council Race Opposes ‘Sammy’s Law,’ More Bike Lanes, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-20

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

Mothers starve for Sammy’s Law. Hochul offers sympathy, not action. Heastie keeps the bill off the floor. The law would let New York City lower speed limits. Assembly support grows. Vulnerable road users wait. Streets stay deadly. Lawmakers stall. Lives hang in the balance.

Sammy’s Law, stalled in the New York State Assembly, would let New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. On June 7, 2023, Governor Hochul expressed sympathy for hunger-striking mothers but refused to pressure Speaker Carl Heastie, who blocks the bill from a vote. The bill passed the Senate and has City Council and mayoral support. The matter summary: 'Hochul has previously expressed support for Sammy's Law, which would allow New York City to set its speed limits below 25 miles per hour.' Amy Cohen, a mother and advocate, demanded action, showing Heastie photos of victims. Seven new Assembly members, including Yudelka Tapia, Al Taylor, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, and Brian Cunningham, now back the bill, giving it majority support among NYC Assembly members. Still, the Speaker’s inaction leaves vulnerable road users exposed to speeding drivers and systemic danger.

• Hunger Strike Day 2: Gov. Hochul is ‘Sympathetic,’ But Won’t Pressure Heastie on Sammy’s Law, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-07

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 2023-06-06

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 2023-06-06

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 2023-06-06

A 7-year-old boy suffered facial abrasions in a crash on 8 Avenue. An SUV traveling north struck a parked sedan’s left rear quarter panel. The child, a rear-seat passenger, was conscious and restrained. Defective brakes contributed to the collision.

According to the police report, an SUV traveling north on 8 Avenue collided with a parked sedan, impacting its left rear quarter panel. The crash injured a 7-year-old male occupant seated in the right rear of the sedan. He sustained facial abrasions but remained conscious and was secured by a lap belt and harness. The report lists defective brakes as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The sedan was stationary at the time of impact. No other driver errors were noted. The child was not ejected and suffered moderate injury. The collision highlights vehicle maintenance issues as a key factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634935 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A man was struck by a Jeep SUV on West 128th Street in Manhattan. He suffered a back injury and internal complaints. The pedestrian was in the roadway at the time. No driver errors or contributing factors were reported.

According to the police report, a male pedestrian was injured after being hit by a 2016 Jeep SUV on West 128th Street in Manhattan. The pedestrian suffered a back injury and internal complaints. The report notes the pedestrian was engaged in other actions in the roadway. No contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were listed in the data. The vehicle had no occupants other than the driver, whose details were not provided. No safety equipment or helmet use was mentioned. The report does not assign fault or blame to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4640598 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

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

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

A sedan struck a 29-year-old male bicyclist on West 137 Street in Manhattan. The cyclist was ejected and suffered neck injuries. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The bicyclist was left in shock with complaints of pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a sedan parked on West 137 Street in Manhattan collided with a bicyclist traveling south. The 29-year-old male bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained neck injuries, resulting in complaints of pain and nausea. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor, indicating the driver did not yield to the bicyclist. The sedan was damaged on its right side doors, and the bike was damaged at the center front end. The bicyclist was the victim of the crash and was not cited for any contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633065 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

Two SUVs crashed head-to-head on Harlem River Drive. Both drivers were heading north. One driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The collision struck the left and right side doors. Unsafe lane changing caused the crash.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Harlem River Drive, both traveling north. The impact occurred on the left side doors of one SUV and the right side doors of the other. One driver, a 42-year-old man wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained neck injuries and whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists unsafe lane changing as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles straight ahead before the crash. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4631307 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A moped struck an e-bike from behind on West 145 Street. Three males, including two ejected from the moped, suffered abrasions and injuries to limbs and head. Both vehicles traveled east. Following too closely caused the crash.

According to the police report, a moped traveling east on West 145 Street collided with an e-bike also moving east. The moped's right front bumper hit the e-bike's left rear quarter panel. Three males were injured: the 19-year-old moped driver and a 17-year-old passenger were ejected, sustaining abrasions and injuries to the elbow and head. The 23-year-old e-bike rider suffered abrasions and leg injuries. The report lists "Following Too Closely" and "Other Vehicular" as contributing factors. None of the injured wore safety equipment. The crash resulted from the moped failing to maintain a safe distance behind the e-bike.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629930 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

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