Harlem (North): Streets That Take

Dec 23 - A police car crossed the line. Metal struck flesh. Samuel Williams, riding his dirt bike, was thrown and killed. Body cam footage shows the officer’s move. Another NYPD car tried the same. The city sent Williams’ family a bill.

NY Daily News (2024-12-23) reports that NYPD body camera footage shows an officer veering into the path of Samuel Williams, a 36-year-old dirt bike rider, during a pursuit on the University Heights Bridge. Williams was struck, thrown, and died from his injuries. The article states, “An officer pursuing dirt bikers suddenly crossed the double yellow line into Williams' path, causing a collision.” Another NYPD vehicle attempted a similar maneuver. The family’s attorney called it a “deadly maneuver” for a minor violation. The city later billed Williams’ family for police vehicle damages. The NYPD has not commented, citing litigation. The case raises questions about police pursuit tactics and accountability.

• NYPD Officer Veers Into Dirt Biker’s Path, NY Daily News, Published 2024-12-23

Dec 19 - Council moves to test bold pavement markings at crash sites. Five spots per borough. Focus: places where drivers have killed or maimed. Report to follow. Streets marked for danger.

Int 1154-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced December 19, 2024. The bill orders a pilot for high visibility pavement markings—at least five locations per borough. The city must target streets with high injury or fatality counts from bad driving. The matter title reads: 'establishing a high visibility pavement marking pilot program.' Council Member Yusef Salaam leads, joined by Menin, De La Rosa, Brooks-Powers, Cabán, Brannan, and Hanif. The law demands a report on results and challenges. The aim: mark danger, force drivers to see, and push the city to act where blood has already been spilled.

• File Int 1154-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-19

Dec 13 - Four vehicles collide at midnight on W 134th and Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd. Steel twists, glass shatters. Three men, belted in, suffer crushed necks and torn flesh. Sirens wail as blood pools on cold asphalt, the city’s silence shattered by chaos.

According to the police report, a violent multi-vehicle collision occurred at midnight at the intersection of W 134th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd in Manhattan. Four vehicles—a Volvo, Toyota, Mini, and NYC EMS truck—were all traveling straight ahead before impact. Three men driving sedans sustained serious crush injuries to the neck and abdomen. The report explicitly cites 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors for two of the drivers. The narrative describes the aftermath: 'Three men, belted in, crushed and bleeding. One groans through torn flesh. Alcohol on breath.' No pedestrian involvement or victim behavior was listed as a contributing factor. The crash centers on driver errors and systemic danger, with alcohol and distraction fueling the midnight wreck.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784020 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 6 - Two vehicles traveling south on Harlem River Drive collided front quarter panels. A female rear passenger in the SUV suffered an eye injury and bruising. Police cited driver inattention as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Harlem River Drive at 18:45 involving a 2024 Subaru SUV and a sedan, both traveling straight south. The point of impact was the left front quarter panel of the SUV and the right front quarter panel of the sedan. The report identifies driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the collision. A female occupant seated in the left rear passenger position of the SUV was injured, sustaining an eye injury and contusions. She was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness at the time of the crash. There is no indication of victim fault or contributing behaviors. The collision highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction on busy roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778923 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 5 - A 49-year-old man was injured crossing St Nicholas Ave with the signal when a sedan making a left turn struck him. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive, hitting the pedestrian with the vehicle’s right front bumper.

According to the police report, at 5:42 AM on St Nicholas Ave near W 141 St in Manhattan, a sedan traveling northwest made a left turn and struck a 49-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal. The pedestrian suffered upper arm and shoulder contusions and bruises but remained conscious. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian with its right front bumper, damaging the right front quarter panel. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian was not at fault and was crossing lawfully. The driver’s errors directly caused the collision and injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776533 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 27 - A 41-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sedan driver, distracted and inattentive, struck him while making a right turn on West 142nd Street. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection in Manhattan.

According to the police report, at 16:10 on West 142nd Street near Lenox Avenue in Manhattan, a sedan traveling east made a right turn and struck a 41-year-old male pedestrian. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when the collision occurred. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle's center front end was damaged, indicating the point of impact. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally, but failed to maintain attention, directly causing the injury. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775151 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 18 - A sedan turned left on W 130 St, hitting a 14-year-old e-scooter rider. The teen suffered facial bruises. Police cite driver inattention and traffic control disregard as causes.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on W 130 St near Lenox Ave in Manhattan made a left turn and struck a northbound 14-year-old e-scooter rider at 15:22. The rider was conscious but suffered facial contusions and bruises. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors for the sedan operator. The e-scooter rider wore a helmet, but helmet use was not cited as a factor. The sedan's right side doors and the e-scooter's front end were damaged, showing the point of impact. The crash underscores the danger of driver inattention and ignoring traffic controls.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773130 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 18 - Two sedans collided on W 135 St in Manhattan. The impact struck the left rear bumper of one vehicle and the right front bumper of the other. A 29-year-old male passenger suffered head abrasions and shock, remaining inside the vehicle.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on W 135 St near Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd in Manhattan at 4:40 AM. The crash involved a 2024 Toyota sedan traveling north, which was slowing or stopping before impact. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of this vehicle, struck by the right front bumper of another sedan. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error related to vehicle operation. A 29-year-old male occupant in the right rear passenger seat suffered head abrasions and was in shock but was not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim. Driver errors, including failure to maintain safe distance or attention, appear central to the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4772846 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 9 - A sedan rear-ended a stopped SUV on Harlem River Drive. The SUV driver suffered neck and internal injuries. Police cite following too closely and unsafe lane change by the sedan driver.

According to the police report, a northbound sedan struck a stopped SUV on Harlem River Drive at 12:08 AM. The 22-year-old woman driving the SUV was injured, suffering neck pain and internal complaints. The sedan hit the SUV's rear, damaging both vehicles. Police list 'Following Too Closely' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as contributing factors. The SUV driver was wearing a lap belt. No actions by the injured driver contributed to the crash. The report highlights driver errors by the sedan operator as the primary cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4770017 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 7 - A 66-year-old man suffered chest contusions after a vehicle failed to yield at a Manhattan intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when struck. The driver’s failure to yield right-of-way caused the impact and injury.

According to the police report, a 66-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Bradhurst Avenue and West 145th Street in Manhattan at 17:51. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a vehicle, described as unspecified type, failed to yield the right-of-way, striking him and causing chest contusions. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision and suffered a contusion bruise to the chest. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The driver’s failure to yield created a dangerous situation resulting in injury to a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4770147 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 29 - A motorcycle struck the rear of a sedan traveling south on W 144 St in Manhattan. The motorcycle driver, a 63-year-old man, was ejected and suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Both vehicles had front and rear center-end damage.

According to the police report, at 19:29 on W 144 St near Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, a motorcycle traveling south collided with the rear end of a sedan also traveling south. The motorcycle's point of impact and damage was the center front end, while the sedan's damage was to the center back end. The motorcycle driver, a 63-year-old male occupant, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The driver was conscious and reported contusions and bruises. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors for this collision, leaving the cause unspecified. No victim behaviors or helmet use were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771334 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 26 - SUV pulled from parking, struck sedan’s rear. Two male passengers bruised, hurt in head and hip. Both alert, both belted. Driver inattention fueled the crash. Steel met flesh on Edgecombe Avenue.

According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV started from parking and collided with a southbound sedan near 128 Edgecombe Avenue in Manhattan at 15:40. The SUV’s left front bumper hit the sedan’s right rear quarter panel. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor for both vehicles. Two male sedan passengers, ages 62 and 52, suffered contusions and bruises to the head and upper leg/hip. Both were conscious, not ejected, and wore lap belts and harnesses. The injuries were classified as severity 3. The report highlights driver distraction as the cause, with no mention of victim fault or contributing victim behavior.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4767188 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 24 - Taxi struck a woman outside the crosswalk. She took the hit on her upper arm. Driver failed to pay attention. Unsafe speed. The street stayed loud. The wound stayed deep.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old female pedestrian was struck by a taxi traveling east on West 137 Street at 12:52. The impact hit her upper arm and shoulder, causing a contusion and bruising. The crash happened outside an intersection. The report cites driver inattention, distraction, and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The point of impact was the taxi’s right front quarter panel. No damage was reported to the vehicle. The pedestrian was not ejected, and no safety equipment was noted. The report highlights driver failures and does not assign blame to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4767187 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 13 - Two SUVs collided on West 135 Street in Manhattan. The impact struck the right side doors of one vehicle and the front center of the other. A 70-year-old male driver suffered neck injuries and shock, reporting pain and nausea after the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 13:40 on West 135 Street near Lenox Avenue in Manhattan. Two station wagons/SUVs traveling westbound collided. The point of impact was the right side doors of the first vehicle and the center front end of the second. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. A 70-year-old male driver in the first vehicle was injured, sustaining neck injuries and experiencing shock, with complaints of pain and nausea. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The injured driver was restrained with a lap belt and was not ejected. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to side-impact collisions between SUVs.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768736 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 28 - An SUV struck a bike near West 141st. Two men thrown. Legs torn, blood on blacktop. The bike twisted, SUV front crushed. Both riders conscious. One was a child. Alcohol played its part. The city’s danger revealed in steel and flesh.

According to the police report, a Station Wagon/SUV traveling north on Saint Nicholas Avenue near West 141st Street collided with a bike, resulting in severe injuries to two male bicyclists, one of whom was a child. Both victims suffered severe lacerations to their legs and remained conscious at the scene. The report states, 'Alcohol Involvement' as a contributing factor in the crash. The SUV’s front end was crushed, and the bike was demolished. The narrative describes the SUV as having 'plowed into a bike,' with both riders thrown and blood slicking the asphalt. The police report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The collision underscores the lethal consequences when drivers operate vehicles under the influence, leaving vulnerable road users exposed to catastrophic harm.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4761533 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 26 - A taxi and van collided on 8 Avenue. Four male passengers suffered back, knee, and arm injuries. Police cite driver inattention and blocked views. All victims stayed conscious. No one was ejected.

According to the police report, a taxi and a van crashed at 8 Avenue and West 140 Street in Manhattan at 8:37 PM. Both vehicles were heading south. The van's left rear bumper struck the taxi's right side doors. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors. Four male passengers, aged 30 to 34, were injured, suffering internal complaints to the back, knee, and arm. All remained conscious and were not ejected. The report does not cite any passenger actions or safety equipment as factors. The crash underscores the dangers of distraction and limited visibility behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4759384 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 26 - Council bill slashes legal parking time for big rigs. Ninety minutes max for tractor-trailers. Three hours for other commercial trucks. Streets clear faster. Heavy metal moves on.

Int 1069-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced September 26, 2024. The bill reads: "reducing the maximum time commercial vehicles may park." Sponsored by Kevin C. Riley and 23 others, it limits parking to three hours for most commercial vehicles, and 90 minutes for tractor-trailers, unless signs say otherwise. The law takes effect 120 days after passage. Council aims to keep streets less clogged by oversized trucks. No safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets long-term truck storage on city streets.

• File Int 1069-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Sep 26 - Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Sep 24 - A moped collided head-on with a bicyclist traveling south on 8th Avenue in Manhattan. The bicyclist suffered elbow and lower arm injuries and minor bleeding. Driver inattention was cited as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a moped traveling north on 8th Avenue collided front-to-front with a southbound bicycle. The bicyclist, a 41-year-old man, sustained injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, and experienced minor bleeding and shock. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. Both vehicles were moving straight ahead at the time of impact, with damage concentrated at their center front ends. The bicyclist was not ejected and was the sole occupant of his vehicle. The moped driver was licensed in New York. No other contributing factors related to the bicyclist's behavior or safety equipment were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4759382 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 20 - A 28-year-old man was struck at a Manhattan intersection while crossing with the signal. The Jeep’s right front quarter panel hit him, causing knee and lower leg injuries. The pedestrian suffered shock and complained of pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of West 133 Street and Lenox Avenue in Manhattan. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2020 Jeep SUV struck him on the right front quarter panel. The impact caused injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in a severity level 3 injury. The pedestrian experienced shock and complained of pain and nausea. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior. No driver errors or contributing factors were explicitly cited in the data. The vehicle sustained damage to its right front quarter panel. This collision highlights the dangers pedestrians face even when crossing legally at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4760666 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19