Blood on Broadway: Slow the Cars, Save the Living

A 40-year-old man suffered head injuries and shock after an SUV failed to yield at an intersection on Audubon Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when struck, sustaining minor bleeding and serious injury to the head.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:00 PM on Audubon Avenue near West 168th Street in Manhattan. A 2024 SUV traveling south struck a 40-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing the street with the signal at the intersection. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors attributed to the vehicle driver. The pedestrian suffered head injuries and was in shock, with minor bleeding noted. The vehicle sustained damage at an unspecified point of impact. No information about driver license status or pre-crash actions was provided. The report clearly identifies driver error in failing to yield and disregarding traffic control as the cause of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4752885 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

New York will close 71 streets to cars outside schools this fall. The city adds more car-free zones for kids. Streets once deadly will now be safer for walking, play, and learning. The move targets neighborhoods hit hardest by crashes.

""Through our Open Streets program, we have created a new framework to give this space back to our school children to safely learn, develop new skills, and make pick-ups and drop-offs much easier for parents and guardians."" -- Ydanis A. Rodriguez

On August 29, 2024, the Department of Transportation announced a record 71 school streets will close to cars this fall. The expansion, not tied to a specific council bill, builds on the Open Streets program, made permanent in 2021. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodríguez said, 'We have created a new framework to give this space back to our school children.' Councilwoman Vickie Paladino celebrated the new open street at PS 129, calling it a win for safe pick-up, drop-off, and play. Funding comes from the Public Space Equity Program, with $30 million focused on under-resourced areas. Street Lab will provide programming and street furniture. The program responds to past investigations showing higher crash and injury rates outside schools, especially in poorer neighborhoods. The city will directly fund management and operations starting in 2025, aiming to make these safety gains permanent.

• More Safe School Streets Coming To NYC This Fall, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-29

City plans to widen Park Avenue medians north of Grand Central. Officials promise greenery and safety. No commitment yet on protected bike lanes. Advocates push for cycling space. Public input will follow. The corridor remains dangerous for riders and walkers.

On August 27, 2024, the city announced a plan to redesign and widen Park Avenue medians between 46th and 57th Streets. The project, not yet assigned a bill number, is led by Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. The plan aims to make Park Avenue 'greener, safer and more welcoming,' but leaves out key details: 'All ideas are welcome,' Rodriguez said, refusing to commit to a protected bike lane. Rep. Jerry Nadler voiced support for sustainable transit, including Citi Bike. Advocates like Jon Orcutt highlighted the lack of bike lanes in the area, calling for urgent action. The Request for Proposals is open for four weeks to women and minority-owned firms, with public input to follow. The absence of a protected bike lane keeps vulnerable road users at risk.

• City Will Put the ‘Park’ Back in Park Ave., But Details (Bike Lane? Road Diet?) Are Left Out, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-27

Two sedans collided head-on and rear-end on West 170 Street in Manhattan. The driver of one vehicle suffered chest injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the cause. Both drivers were licensed men traveling westbound.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling westbound on West 170 Street in Manhattan collided, with impact at the center back end of one vehicle and the center front end of the other. The crash occurred at 5:10 am. The driver of the 2011 Honda sedan, a 43-year-old man, sustained chest injuries and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the collision. Both drivers were licensed men from New York. The report does not indicate any contributing factors related to the victims' actions or safety equipment. The crash highlights the systemic danger posed by driver distraction in urban traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4751179 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

SUV struck a bicyclist on Audubon Avenue. The rider hit the ground. Blood on the knee and leg. Both moved straight. Police blame confusion. No driver errors listed. No vehicle damage. Manhattan street, early morning.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Audubon Avenue near West 172 Street in Manhattan at 2:05 AM. An SUV and a bicyclist, both traveling straight, collided. The 44-year-old male bicyclist suffered abrasions to his knee and lower leg. The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as the only contributing factor. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are cited. No damage was reported to either vehicle. The bicyclist was not ejected. The use of safety equipment is unknown.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4751234 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A Dodge sedan veered head-on into a southbound pickup on Henry Hudson Parkway. Steel folded. Two men in the truck died crushed. The Dodge driver held no license. The road stayed dark. Impact and error left only silence.

According to the police report, at 2:25 a.m. on Henry Hudson Parkway, a Dodge sedan veered and struck a southbound pickup truck head-on. The report states, "Steel folded. Two men inside the truck, ages 38 and 40, died crushed." The contributing factor cited is "Passing or Lane Usage Improper." The Dodge driver was unlicensed at the time of the crash, as documented in the vehicle data. The collision resulted in fatal crush injuries to both the driver and front passenger of the pickup. The police report makes no mention of any contributing actions by the victims. The report highlights the unlicensed status of the Dodge driver and improper lane usage as key factors in this deadly crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4750210 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 65-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sedan backed into him on Saint Nicholas Avenue. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, leaving the pedestrian bruised and in shock off the roadway.

According to the police report, a 65-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2019 Acura sedan traveling west on Saint Nicholas Avenue backed into him at around 5 p.m. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of impact. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in shock. The sedan’s point of impact was the center back end, indicating the driver failed to observe the pedestrian while backing. No pedestrian behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle with two occupants. This incident highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction during backing maneuvers in Manhattan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4750483 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

DOT delays Fourth Avenue’s ‘Great Street’ project, pushing Phase I to August 2025. Cyclists face erased bike lanes and forced merges with traffic. Community demands safety, but DOT waives protections. Illegal parking chokes lanes. Promised upgrades stall. Danger lingers.

The Fourth Avenue ‘Great Street’ capital project, first announced in 2017, faces another setback. The Department of Transportation (DOT) told Community Board 7 that Phase I, meant to bolster medians and add plantings, will now finish in August 2025—over a year late. Phase II, which would add concrete to painted bike zones, won’t start until 2026. DOT erased protected bike lanes during construction, forcing cyclists into traffic. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez admitted waiving Local Law 124, which requires temporary bike lanes, citing traffic concerns. Community Board 7, led by Katherine Walsh, called out DOT’s failure to address illegal parking and equity. Advocates like Jon Orcutt and John Tomac condemned the agency’s logic and lack of safety measures. Despite the $60-million Vision Zero promise, Brooklyn’s vulnerable road users remain exposed as the city delays real protection.

• Brooklyn’s Fourth Ave. ‘Great Street’ Delayed … Again, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-16

MTA leaders blasted the city for killing Fordham Road bus lane upgrades. Paint and ticket blitzes failed. Bus speeds barely moved. Riders remain stuck in traffic. Cars clog lanes. Promised fixes scrapped. Advocates demand real action. The city stalls. Riders suffer.

On August 16, 2024, MTA officials sent a scathing letter to DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, criticizing the city’s decision to abandon plans to upgrade Fordham Road’s curbside bus lanes to offset bus lanes. The letter, signed by outgoing NYCT President Richard Davey and interim successor Demetrius Crichlow, called the city’s paint-and-enforcement approach a 'total bust.' The MTA cited new data showing bus speeds increased just 2–4 percent since October 2022—far below the 15 percent target. The matter summary reads: 'The Fordham Road project enjoys widespread support from transit advocacy groups, and Fordham Road bus riders, who have been enduring slow service for decades.' Council involvement is not specified, but the MTA’s letter and Riders Alliance’s Danny Pearlstein both demand stronger measures. The city’s inaction leaves Bronx bus riders stranded in slow traffic, with vulnerable road users paying the price for political compromise.

• FOIL’D: MTA Leadership Assailed DOT for Failing to Boost Fordham Road Bus Speeds, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-16

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

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

A rollerblader suffered a head injury and lost consciousness after colliding with a bike on West 158 Street. Both parties were traveling straight when unsafe speed caused the crash. The rollerblader wore a helmet but sustained minor bleeding.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 13:07 on West 158 Street involving a bike and a rollerblader. The rollerblader, a 52-year-old female driver, was injured with a head injury and was unconscious at the scene. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor to the collision. Both the bike and rollerblader were traveling straight ahead in opposite directions when the crash happened. The rollerblader was wearing a helmet, as noted under safety equipment, but still suffered minor bleeding and a severe head injury. The bike driver, a male, was not reported injured. No vehicle damage was recorded. The report highlights driver error—specifically unsafe speed—as the cause, with no victim fault cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4747005 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Adams and the Council cut roadside dining to a sliver. Outdoor tables now fill just 0.09 percent of parking spots. Most sheds will vanish. The city’s car-first streets return. Small businesses and advocates call the rollback a loss for public space.

On August 5, 2024, the Adams administration finalized its new outdoor dining policy, shrinking the pandemic-era program. The city now allows roadside dining only from April to November, with just 1,315 restaurants applying for street setups. Another 1,277 sought year-round sidewalk cafes. The matter, described as a 'massive scaleback,' drew criticism from advocates and business owners. Jackson Chabot of Open Plans said, 'It’s mind boggling that New York City is actually regressing back to more car-centered streets.' Restaurateurs like Charlotta Janssen and Robert Sanfiz warned that new seasonal rules and costly storage will force many to abandon outdoor dining. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called the program 'the largest and best in America,' but critics say the city missed a chance to reclaim space from cars and support vulnerable road users.

• SPLAT: Adams Administration’s Squeeze on Roadside Dining is Complete, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-05

Two motorcycles northbound on Saint Nicholas. The rear machine too close, slamming the lead. A 33-year-old, unlicensed, helmetless, thrown down. His leg split, blood pooling on West 176th. Metal, flesh, and asphalt tangled in the dusk.

According to the police report, two motorcycles were traveling northbound at West 176th Street and Saint Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan. The rear motorcycle, operated by a 33-year-old man, was 'following too closely' and struck the motorcycle ahead. The report states the rear rider was unlicensed and wore no helmet. The collision left him with severe lacerations to his lower leg, described as his leg 'split open' and blood pooling at the scene. Both motorcycles were damaged at the center front and back ends, consistent with a rear-end impact. The police report explicitly lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors for the rear rider. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The crash underscores the lethal consequences when drivers fail to maintain safe distance and speed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4747006 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

City Council and Mayor Adams cut outdoor dining. Only 1,300 restaurants applied—down from 12,500 at the pandemic’s peak. New rules force seasonal setups, tough for small owners. Roadway dining nearly vanishes. Public space returns to cars. Advocates call it a missed chance.

On July 30, 2024, New York City’s outdoor dining program faced a sharp drop. Only 1,300 restaurants applied for permits, compared to 12,500 during the pandemic. The City Council and Mayor Adams changed the law, allowing roadway dining only seasonally. Eateries must set up each March and tear down by December, a heavy lift for small businesses. The Department of Transportation, led by Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, issued a 'last call' for applications. Rodriguez said, 'Outdoor dining enriches our communities, and we're excited to make it a permanent feature of New York City streets.' Yet, only 23 roadway setups are pending approval. Advocates like Jackson Chabot of Open Plans argue the city should allow year-round use, calling the decline a missed opportunity for public space and safety. The new design rules—no roofs or sides—leave some owners feeling exposed and unsafe. The city’s move shifts space back to cars, shrinking safe zones for pedestrians and diners.

• About 1,300 Restaurants Apply For Outdoor Dining — 90% Drop From Pandemic’s Height, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-30

A southbound SUV struck the left rear bumper of a tractor truck on West 156 Street in Manhattan. The SUV’s front passenger, a 23-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and shock. The truck showed no damage. Driver errors remain unspecified.

According to the police report, a 2021 SUV traveling south on West 156 Street collided with the left rear bumper of a southbound 2021 tractor truck. The SUV sustained damage to its right front bumper, while the truck showed no damage. The SUV carried three occupants; the front passenger, a 23-year-old female, was injured with back pain and shock, secured by a lap belt and not ejected. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. Both drivers were licensed, and the truck driver was alone. The collision’s impact point and damage suggest the SUV struck the truck from behind or the side. The absence of listed driver errors leaves the cause unclear, but the injury to the SUV passenger highlights the crash’s toll on vulnerable occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4745201 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Atlantic Avenue gets a lifeline. New mid-block crossings, concrete islands, and curb extensions aim to slow cars and protect people. Local leaders call it overdue. For years, crashes haunted this corridor. Now, the city moves to put people before traffic.

On July 26, 2024, Council Member Lincoln Restler announced major street safety upgrades for Atlantic Avenue in District 33. The project, led by NYC DOT, brings mid-block crossings, concrete pedestrian islands, curb enhancements, and split-phase signals to one of Brooklyn’s deadliest corridors. The matter, titled 'Atlantic Avenue upgrade: Locals celebrate major safety fixes coming to dangerous corridor,' highlights years of advocacy after repeated crashes. Restler, who has long pushed for these changes, praised the progress: 'Atlantic Avenue has been extremely dangerous my whole life. I'm excited by the progress we're making in partnership with DOT to expand mid-block crossings and other smart interventions to slow down cars and advance safety in our community.' The announcement follows a deadly crash last spring and is part of the city’s Vision Zero push. Local officials and advocates say these changes mark a crucial step in ending the street’s legacy of danger and death.

• Atlantic Avenue upgrade: Locals celebrate major safety fixes coming to dangerous corridor, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-07-26

DOT wants a new contractor for its camera enforcement program. The current vendor, Verra, missed reckless drivers with hidden plates. Over 40% of photos were tossed. The city lost millions. DOT aims for better tech and oversight to catch more violators.

On July 11, 2024, the Department of Transportation issued a request for proposals (RFP) for a new five-year automated traffic enforcement contract. The program, managed by DOT, is the largest in the nation for speeding, red light, and bus lane violations. The RFP follows a city comptroller report showing Verra Mobility, the current contractor, rejected 41.5% of photos—often due to obscured or defaced license plates—costing the city over $100 million in lost fines. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called the automated enforcement programs 'key to our Vision Zero efforts to save lives on our streets.' The RFP seeks to leverage new camera technology to address the surge in hidden plates and ensure stronger oversight. New equipment is expected by August 2025. Verra may reapply, but DOT wants a vendor who can catch more dangerous drivers and keep enforcement strong.

• DOT Seeks New Camera Enforcement Contract to Better Catch Obscured License Plates, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-11

A 27-year-old male bicyclist was partially ejected and suffered head injuries after a collision on West 162 Street. The crash involved driver inattention, striking the cyclist’s back end and causing significant trauma and shock.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:18 AM on West 162 Street in Manhattan. The bicyclist, a 27-year-old male, was traveling north when he was struck from behind by a vehicle also moving north. The point of impact was the center back end of the bike and the right front bumper of the other vehicle. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the collision. The bicyclist was partially ejected and sustained head injuries, resulting in a complaint of pain or nausea and emotional shock. The cyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No other contributing factors related to the victim were noted. The data highlights the critical role of driver distraction in this serious injury crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4738944 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Council Member Stevens doubts Citi Bike demand in the Bronx. She sees full docks, asks if they should shrink. Experts fire back: full docks mean high use. Ridership surges. DOT stands firm. Bike-share stays. Riders keep moving.

At a May 8, 2024, City Council oversight hearing, Council Member Althea Stevens questioned the need for a Citi Bike dock in her South Bronx district. She said, "If we're seeing that these stations aren't being used adequately ... is there another option, can we make the docks smaller?" The Department of Transportation, led by Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, defended the current system. Bike-share experts like David Eddington countered that full docks signal popularity, not neglect. Citi Bike General Manager Patrick Knoth explained that point-in-time observations mislead, as ridership is strong and docks are planned based on trends. Citi Bike usage in Stevens's district rose 48 percent from 2022 to 2023, with most riders using reduced fares. The hearing highlighted the need for a comprehensive, accessible bike-share network, especially as e-bikes make hilly areas more reachable.

• Explainer: Why a Full Citi Bike Dock Doesn’t Mean No One’s Using It, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-04