Blood on Broadway: Slow the Cars, Save the Living

Defective brakes sent SUVs and sedans crashing on Henry Hudson Parkway. Three men, all drivers, suffered whiplash and full-body trauma. Metal twisted. Mechanical failure ruled the morning. No pedestrians or cyclists hurt.

According to the police report, a multi-vehicle crash struck Henry Hudson Parkway at 6:00 AM. Seven vehicles, mostly SUVs and sedans, collided while heading south. Three male drivers, ages 35, 39, and 40, were injured with whiplash and trauma to their entire bodies. All remained conscious and were not ejected. The report lists 'Brakes Defective' as the key contributing factor, pointing to mechanical failure as the cause. No driver behaviors or victim actions are cited. The impact crushed front and rear ends of several vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774124 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Central Park Conservancy urges protected bike lanes on all crosstown transverses. The study calls for fewer car lanes, more space for cyclists, and safer crossings. Advocates cite deadly crashes. City DOT backs the plan. Safety for walkers and riders comes first.

""These recommendations will update the park's drives to prioritize pedestrian safety while also better accommodating cyclists and legal e-mobility options both traveling within the park or through it across Manhattan,"" -- Ydanis A. Rodriguez

On November 20, 2024, the Central Park Conservancy released a study proposing protected bike lanes on the park’s four crosstown transverses—66th, 79th, 86th, and 96th Streets—starting with both directions on 86th. The study, endorsed by the Conservancy and supported by the Department of Transportation, recommends reducing vehicle lanes to expand space for cyclists. The matter title reads: "Central Park Study Calls for Bike Lanes on the Transverses." The report also suggests a two-way protected lane on Fifth Avenue, converting Central Park West’s lane to two-way, and adding protected crosstown lanes on 59th and 110th. Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, "These recommendations will update the park's drives to prioritize pedestrian safety while also better accommodating cyclists and legal e-mobility options." Advocates and city officials point to past deaths, like Daniel Cammerman’s in 2019, as evidence of urgent need. The plan aims to shield the most vulnerable from harm.

• Central Park Study Calls for Bike Lanes on the Transverses, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-11-20

A sedan making an improper turn struck a moped traveling straight on Riverside Drive in Manhattan. The moped driver, a 66-year-old man, suffered severe leg injuries. The crash highlights dangerous turning maneuvers and their toll on vulnerable riders.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:31 on Riverside Drive near West 163rd Street in Manhattan. A 2018 Kia sedan was making a U-turn when it collided with a moped traveling southbound. The point of impact was the sedan's left front quarter panel and the moped's center front end. The moped driver, a 66-year-old man, was injured with fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites 'Turning Improperly' as a contributing factor to the crash. The sedan driver was licensed and operating the vehicle eastbound before the turn. The moped driver was not at fault, and no victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. This collision underscores the dangers posed by improper turning maneuvers to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4772805 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Queens Boulevard, once the Boulevard of Death, now boasts protected bike lanes and safer crossings. Pedestrian injuries dropped 35 percent. Traffic deaths fell 68 percent. Cyclists fill the lanes. Concrete upgrades loom, but mountable curbs may let cars intrude.

On November 13, 2024, the Department of Transportation celebrated a decade of safety improvements on Queens Boulevard. The event marked the completion of protected bike lanes along nearly the entire corridor, except for one block. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, "Several elements of this redesign aim at enhancing safety for all road users: Curbside bike lanes to enhance cyclist safety, pedestrian islands to shorten crossing distances while encouraging slower, safe turns, and additional adjustments to traffic signal timing to allow more time for pedestrians to cross before the lights turn green." The project, begun in 2015 under Mayor Bill de Blasio, faced local opposition and political delays but persisted. The city reports a 68 percent drop in traffic fatalities and a 35 percent reduction in pedestrian injuries since the redesign began. Cyclist numbers surged by 450 percent. DOT plans to upgrade bike lanes with concrete, but mountable curbs could leave lanes exposed to cars. Families for Safe Streets activist Lizi Rahman called the redesign a model for dangerous roads everywhere.

• DOT Celebrates A Decade of Safety Improvements on Queens Blvd., Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-11-13

DOT finished the Queens Boulevard redesign. Protected bike lanes, pedestrian islands, and new signals now line seven miles. Fatalities dropped 68 percent. Injuries fell 35 percent. Julie Won helped fund the next phase. Concrete upgrades will harden safety. Streets remember every life.

On November 12, 2024, the Department of Transportation announced the completion of the final phase of the Queens Boulevard Redesign. The project, part of Vision Zero, was celebrated in Council District 26 with Council Member Julie Won present and helping secure $1.5 million for future upgrades. The redesign stretches from Queens Plaza to Hillside Avenue, creating the city’s longest protected bike lane. The DOT reports a 68% drop in fatalities and a 35% reduction in injuries since 2015. The redesign adds parking-protected bike lanes, pedestrian islands, and improved signals. The next phase, funded in part by Won, will replace painted lanes with concrete, add raised medians, and increase accessibility. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called it a milestone, saying, 'Queens Boulevard is not the Boulevard of Death anymore, but the Boulevard of Life.'

• A ‘Boulevard of Life’ transformation: DOT announces completion of Queens Boulevard Redesign, amny.com, Published 2024-11-12

A sedan and an e-bike collided on St. Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan. The e-bike rider suffered knee and lower leg injuries, wearing a helmet. The sedan driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing impact to the bike’s front end and injuring the cyclist.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:48 on St. Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan. A sedan traveling southeast struck an e-bike going straight ahead. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front quarter panel and the bike’s center front end. The sedan driver, a 35-year-old male, was cited for Failure to Yield Right-of-Way. The e-bike rider, a 29-year-old male, was injured with knee and lower leg trauma and minor bleeding, and was wearing a helmet. Both drivers experienced shock. The sedan driver was parked before the crash. The collision caused unspecified injuries to the sedan driver and injuries to the cyclist, highlighting the danger posed by driver failure to yield in interactions with vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4770063 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 46-year-old man suffered upper arm injuries after a BMW sedan struck him at a Manhattan intersection. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, hitting the pedestrian who was crossing with the signal. The impact damaged the vehicle’s front right bumper.

According to the police report, a BMW sedan traveling west on W 179 St in Manhattan struck a 46-year-old male pedestrian at an intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor, indicating the driver did not yield to the pedestrian. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and bruising to the shoulder and upper arm, classified as injury severity 3. The vehicle, a 2021 BMW sedan, sustained damage to the right front bumper and center front end. The driver was licensed and the vehicle was previously parked before the crash. The report does not attribute any contributing factors to the pedestrian beyond the driver’s failure to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768936 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A driver making a right turn on Riverside Drive rear-ended an SUV, causing back injuries and whiplash. The crash involved driver inattention and following too closely. The SUV driver was conscious and restrained, sustaining moderate injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 13:31 on Riverside Drive near the Henry Hudson Parkway exit in Manhattan. A 25-year-old male driver of a 2024 SUV was injured with back pain and whiplash after being struck on the left rear bumper. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. Both vehicles were making right turns when the collision happened. The SUV driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected, remaining conscious throughout. The other vehicle, a 2016 Ram pickup, sustained damage to its right front bumper. The report highlights driver errors—specifically distraction and inadequate following distance—as the cause, with no victim fault noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4769286 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A helmeted bicyclist was ejected and injured when a sedan turning right collided with him on West 165th Street. The cyclist suffered abrasions and leg injuries. The sedan’s right front quarter panel hit the bike’s left front quarter panel.

According to the police report, a 53-year-old male bicyclist wearing a helmet was injured after being struck by a 2023 Chrysler sedan making a right turn on West 165th Street in Manhattan. The collision occurred at 3:45 PM. The sedan, traveling northwest, impacted the bike’s left front quarter panel with its right front quarter panel. The bicyclist was ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the sedan’s maneuver as the critical action preceding the crash. The driver’s right turn movement directly led to the collision, underscoring driver error in vehicle operation. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768310 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A moped rider suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a collision with an SUV on West 159 Street. The SUV driver’s inattention caused the crash. Both vehicles struck front-to-front, leaving the moped rider in shock and bleeding.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:38 on West 159 Street near Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan. A 40-year-old male moped driver was injured, sustaining knee, lower leg, and foot injuries with minor bleeding and shock. The collision involved a 2011 Toyota SUV and a 2024 moped, both traveling south and impacting center front ends. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor twice, indicating the SUV driver’s failure to maintain focus caused the crash. The moped rider was wearing a helmet, but no other victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The victim was not ejected from the vehicle. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in urban traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766054 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A distracted SUV driver slammed into the back of a taxi on West 176 Street in Manhattan. The SUV driver suffered back injuries and whiplash but was not ejected. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound when the crash occurred late at night.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:20 p.m. on West 176 Street in Manhattan. The collision involved a 2020 Jeep SUV and a 2020 Toyota taxi, both traveling eastbound. The SUV driver, a 35-year-old man, was injured with back pain and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for the SUV driver. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV striking the center back end of the taxi. The SUV driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. The taxi driver’s condition and injuries were not reported. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to rear-end collisions in Manhattan’s busy streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4765203 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

The Adams administration gutted a safety plan for Ashland Place. Cyclists now face chaos and injury on a block left out of the protected bike lane network. Crashes rose after the compromise. Activists demand the city finish the job before winter sets in.

No bill number exists for this matter; it is an advocacy campaign sparked by the Adams administration’s 2023 decision to water down the Department of Transportation’s Ashland Place safety project. The city left the southernmost block, between Hanson Place and Lafayette Avenue, without a protected bike lane. As activists from Transportation Alternatives wrote, this block 'does not work for anyone on the street and is the missing link in an otherwise protected bike lane.' Council members are not named, but the campaign targets Mayor Adams and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. Residents supported the full plan, but the city caved to real estate and institutional pressure, keeping two-way car traffic and exposing cyclists to danger. Crash data shows injuries persist. Activists urge the city to close the gap before the painting season ends.

• The Mayor’s Ashland Pl. Compromise Remains a Safety Menace, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-10-16

Two sedans collided at the intersection of W 178 St and Audubon Ave. A 26-year-old front passenger suffered head injuries and shock. The crash involved a left turn and a vehicle traveling straight, causing significant front-left bumper damage to both cars.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on W 178 St near Audubon Ave in Manhattan at 11:25. A 2015 Volkswagen sedan, driven by a licensed female from Virginia, was making a left turn when it collided with a 2004 Honda sedan traveling north, driven by a male with a New York permit license. Both vehicles sustained left front bumper damage. The front passenger in the Honda, a 26-year-old male, was injured with head trauma and shock, and was restrained with a lap belt and protected by an airbag. The report lists no specific contributing factors, but the collision dynamics indicate driver error related to the left turn maneuver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The injured passenger was not ejected but complained of pain and nausea.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4763669 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 48-year-old man riding an e-scooter was ejected and suffered severe hip and upper leg injuries after a crash on Amsterdam Avenue. Driver inattention and following too closely caused the impact, highlighting dangers of distracted riding at night.

According to the police report, a 48-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured and ejected during a crash on Amsterdam Avenue near West 180th Street in Manhattan at 9 PM. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as the primary contributing factors. The driver was traveling straight ahead when the collision occurred, impacting the center back end of the e-scooter. The victim sustained a fractured, distorted, and dislocated injury to his hip and upper leg, classified as injury severity level 3. The report also notes 'Other Lighting Defects,' which may have contributed to the crash environment. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. This incident underscores the risks posed by distracted vehicle operation and close following distances in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4764008 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A bicyclist was ejected and injured after a sedan made a left turn and struck him from behind on Fort Washington Avenue. The driver’s failure to maintain distance caused abrasions and lower leg injuries to the helmeted cyclist.

According to the police report, at 8:19 AM on Fort Washington Avenue in Manhattan, a 2023 Mazda sedan was making a left turn when it collided with a bicyclist traveling straight ahead. The bicyclist, a 30-year-old male wearing a helmet, was ejected from his bike and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor, indicating the sedan driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the cyclist. The point of impact was the sedan’s center front end striking the bike’s center back end. The sedan sustained no damage. The cyclist remained conscious but injured, highlighting the dangers posed by driver errors such as tailgating in urban traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4765210 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 72-year-old man suffered leg injuries and shock after a collision near West 179 Street. He was not in the roadway. The crash left him bruised, underscoring the risks pedestrians face even off the street.

According to the police report, a 72-year-old male pedestrian was injured near 529 West 179 Street in Manhattan around 3 PM. He was not in the roadway at the time of the crash. The man suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with contusions and shock reported. The report does not specify vehicle type, driver actions, or contributing factors. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are listed. No mention of helmet use or victim behavior appears as a contributing factor. The incident highlights the vulnerability of pedestrians, even when they are not in the roadway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4762710 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Work started on a new 96th Street bus lane. The city will cut car lanes for buses. Council Member Gale Brewer stands with opponents. DOT says most locals don’t drive. The bus lane aims to speed up slow, crowded crosstown rides.

On October 1, 2024, construction began on a dedicated bus lane along 96th Street in Manhattan. The project, not tied to a specific bill number, is led by the Department of Transportation and replaces a traffic lane in each direction between West End Avenue and 2nd Avenue. The matter aims to 'speed up crosstown buses like the M96 and M106.' Council Member Gale A. Brewer, representing District 6, has sided with residents opposing the change, though she did not comment for the record. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez claims the new lane will make commutes 'faster, more reliable, and safer for everyone.' The bus lane will operate 24/7, except for a short eastbound stretch. DOT notes that 74% of 96th Street residents do not own cars, and most commute by transit, bike, or foot. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Construction begins on new 96th Street bus lane in Manhattan, amny.com, Published 2024-10-01

DOT broke ground on new bus lanes along Manhattan’s 96th Street. The redesign will stretch 1.7 miles. Councilmember Gale Brewer raised curb space concerns. Officials say the project will speed up buses and slow down cars. Work finishes later this year.

On September 30, 2024, the Department of Transportation began construction of new bus lanes along Manhattan’s 96th Street, a project stretching from West End to Second Avenue. The matter, titled 'DOT begins construction of new bus lanes along Manhattan’s 96th Street,' aims to improve service for 15,500 weekday riders. Councilmember Gale A. Brewer, representing District 6, held a rally earlier in the month expressing concerns about lost curb space and pushed for alternative solutions. Brewer sent a letter to DOT on behalf of residents, stating, 'All I can say is that I did what I did to represent them.' DOT officials countered that the redesign will reduce congestion and retain curb access. The project includes dedicated bus lanes, left-turn bays, and treatments to slow drivers. Most residents in the area rely on transit, walking, or cycling. The city expects the redesign to make commutes faster and safer for all road users.

• DOT begins construction of new bus lanes along Manhattan’s 96th Street, gothamist.com, Published 2024-09-30

Two vehicles collided at West 173 Street and Audubon Avenue in Manhattan. The sedan driver’s inattention caused the crash. Both drivers suffered neck and back injuries, were not ejected, and experienced shock. Damage hit front ends of both vehicles.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at West 173 Street and Audubon Avenue involving a 2014 Honda sedan traveling west and a 2022 Ford SUV traveling north. The sedan’s female driver was cited for Driver Inattention/Distraction, which was the primary contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were injured: the sedan driver suffered neck injuries and the SUV driver sustained back injuries. Both occupants were wearing lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected from their vehicles. The sedan sustained damage to its left front bumper, while the SUV’s right front bumper was damaged. Both drivers reported complaints of pain or nausea and were in shock. The report highlights driver distraction as the key cause, with no contributing factors attributed to the victims.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4759890 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

SUV slammed into a northbound cyclist on West 165 Street. The rider took a blow to the upper arm, left with abrasions. Metal met flesh. The street showed no mercy. The SUV’s front end crumpled.

According to the police report, a 2019 Ford SUV with seven people inside was heading west on West 165 Street when it struck a northbound bicyclist. The crash hit both vehicles at the center front. The cyclist, a 24-year-old man, suffered upper arm injuries and abrasions but stayed conscious and was not ejected. The SUV’s front end was damaged. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The collision underscores the danger when heavy vehicles cross paths with cyclists in city traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4759512 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06