Blood on Broadway: Slow the Cars, Save the Living

A cyclist’s arm split open against the side of a stopped taxi at Fort Washington and 161st. Blood marked the pavement. The helmeted rider stayed awake. The taxi sat untouched. The street fell silent, holding the aftermath in its grip.

A cyclist suffered severe lacerations to his arm after striking the side of a stopped taxi at Fort Washington Avenue and 161st Street in Manhattan, according to the police report. The incident occurred at 10:12 a.m. The report states, 'A cyclist struck the side of a stopped taxi. His arm split open. Blood on pavement. He wore a helmet. He stayed awake. The taxi sat untouched.' The taxi was stopped in traffic and sustained no damage, while the cyclist’s bike impacted the right side doors of the vehicle. The police report lists no specific contributing factors and does not cite any driver errors. The only victim behavior noted is helmet use, which is mentioned after the description of the crash. The focus remains on the physical impact and aftermath, with the police narrative emphasizing the silence and gravity that followed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729960 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

An 89-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by an SUV making a left turn. The impact fractured and dislocated her abdomen and pelvis. The driver’s inattention and failure to yield right-of-way caused the severe injuries.

According to the police report, at 10:10 AM on West 173 Street in Manhattan, an SUV driven by a female driver making a left turn struck an 89-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal. The pedestrian suffered serious injuries including fractures and dislocations to her abdomen and pelvis. The report cites driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The SUV’s center front end was the point of impact, indicating the vehicle struck the pedestrian directly during the turn. The pedestrian was conscious but severely injured. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers failing to yield to lawful pedestrians at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4741004 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

Two SUVs collided on West 162 Street at 5:15 p.m. A left-turning SUV struck the right side of a southbound SUV. A 46-year-old female rear passenger suffered a contusion and elbow injury. Both drivers were licensed men traveling opposite directions.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:15 on West 162 Street involving two SUVs. One driver, a licensed male traveling north, was making a left turn when his vehicle's left front bumper struck the right side doors of the other SUV traveling south. The second vehicle was driven straight ahead by another licensed male. The collision caused damage to the left front quarter panel of the turning SUV and the right rear quarter panel of the other. A 46-year-old female rear passenger in the southbound SUV was injured, sustaining a contusion and an elbow-lower-arm-hand injury. She was conscious and secured with a lap belt and harness. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not assign fault or blame to the injured passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728119 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A sedan parked on West 174 Street in Manhattan was struck from behind by a slowing pick-up truck. The front passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the cause, highlighting systemic risks of distracted driving.

According to the police report, a 2017 Hyundai sedan was parked on West 174 Street in Manhattan around 10:30 p.m. when it was rear-ended by a 2001 Chevrolet pick-up truck traveling north. The pick-up truck driver was slowing or stopping but failed to maintain attention, causing the collision. The impact occurred at the right side doors of the sedan, damaging that area. The front passenger, a 28-year-old female, sustained neck injuries and complained of whiplash. She was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The police report explicitly lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. This crash underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving, even at low speeds and near stopped vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728112 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A van making an improper right turn struck a bicyclist traveling west on West 158 Street in Manhattan. The cyclist was ejected and suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The van showed no damage at impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:09 on West 158 Street in Manhattan. A van was making a right turn when it collided with a bicyclist traveling straight west. The report lists "Turning Improperly" as the contributing factor for the van driver. The bicyclist, a 35-year-old male, was ejected from his bike and sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The cyclist was conscious after the crash. The van, a 2005 Chevrolet truck/bus, showed no damage despite the collision. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet (motorcycle type), but no contributing factors related to the victim were cited. The driver’s failure to execute a proper turn directly caused the impact and injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726694 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Council Member Restler and Greenpoint residents slammed City Hall for gutting the McGuinness Boulevard redesign. The city scrapped protected lanes and a road diet. Crashes and near-misses persist. Locals demand real safety. The mayor wavers. DOT offers only half-measures.

On May 21, 2024, Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33) joined Greenpoint residents to protest the city’s retreat from the original McGuinness Boulevard redesign. The plan, developed over two years, promised to 'remove a lane of car traffic in each direction, add protected bike lanes, and shorten pedestrian crossings.' Mayor Eric Adams ordered DOT to scale it back after opposition, leaving only partial improvements. Restler accused the mayor of ignoring traffic experts and thousands of residents. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams called the city’s response 'unacceptable' and 'irresponsible.' The Department of Transportation resumed limited work but has not finished its analysis for the southern half. Residents and advocates, including Make McGuinness Safe, cite ongoing crashes and dangerous crossings. The city’s compromise leaves vulnerable road users exposed, as the most effective safety measures remain unbuilt.

• ‘Irresponsible’: Locals criticize Adams, DOT as McGuinness Boulevard redesign falters, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-05-21

Five killed in Queens. A child, a young man, two moped riders, and another victim. Councilmember Vickie Paladino calls for debate, not action. City lags on protected lanes. Advocates say the toll is rising. Streets remain deadly for the vulnerable.

On May 20, 2024, Councilmember Vickie Paladino (District 19) was mentioned in a public debate following a deadly weekend on Queens streets. The event, covered by Gothamist, highlighted that 2024 is one of the deadliest years for Queens since Vision Zero began. The matter summary states, 'Five people were killed by cars over the weekend.' Paladino criticized DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and street safety advocates, calling for a 'robust, inclusive debate.' Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives condemned the city's failure to meet the 2019 NYC Streets Plan, which mandates 50 miles of protected bike lanes and 30 miles of bus lanes each year. The city has built only 72% of required bike lanes and 19% of bus lanes. Advocates point to rising deaths, especially among children, and blame delays and opposition from local officials. The debate underscores a systemic failure to protect pedestrians and cyclists.

• Deadly weekend on Queens’ streets makes 2024 one of the worst, safety advocates say, gothamist.com, Published 2024-05-20

Gov. Hochul backs renewing New York City’s small red light camera program. She stops short of supporting expansion. The city’s power over street safety grows, but Albany holds the reins. Vulnerable road users wait as lawmakers debate control and coverage.

On May 10, 2024, Gov. Kathy Hochul publicly supported reauthorizing New York City’s red light camera program, which is set to expire in December. The bill, sponsored by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, would renew the program for six years and expand cameras from 150 to 1,325 intersections. Hochul, at a ceremony for 'Sammy’s Law,' said, 'local governments should be making these decisions,' but did not endorse the expansion. The Adams administration and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez have pushed for more cameras. Hochul’s stance signals support for local control over traffic enforcement, but leaves the fate of a broader camera rollout uncertain. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while Albany debates the city’s authority to protect its streets.

• Gov. Hochul Backs Red Light Camera Renewal, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-05-10

A 52-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sedan struck her at a Manhattan intersection. The driver failed to yield and was distracted, causing the collision despite the pedestrian crossing with the signal.

According to the police report, a 52-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of West 158 Street and Broadway in Manhattan around 4:25 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2016 Toyota sedan, traveling northeast and making a right turn, struck her with its left front bumper. The report cites driver errors including inattention and failure to yield the right-of-way as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. The collision highlights driver distraction and failure to yield as critical causes, with no contributing fault attributed to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725032 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

City officials defend curbside EV charging. Critics warn it locks in car dominance. Council members slam DOT for slow bus and bike lane rollouts. Advocates demand space for people, not cars. The city plans 10,000 new chargers. Streets stay dangerous.

At a May 9, 2024 City Council budget hearing, DOT Deputy Commissioner Eric Beaton argued that New York’s widespread free on-street parking justifies dedicating curb space to electric vehicle (EV) charging. Beaton testified, 'Half of our vehicles are stored on the street overnight.' The Adams administration aims to install up to 10,000 curbside chargers over the next decade. Council Transportation Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers and Council Member Lincoln Restler criticized DOT for failing to meet bus and bike lane expansion mandates. Sara Lind of Open Plans countered, 'DOT and the administration are fully capable of changing the status quo and rethinking curb parking.' Advocates warned that more EV chargers could block future sidewalk, bike lane, or outdoor dining expansions. The hearing exposed a city stuck in car-first policy, with vulnerable road users left waiting for safer streets.

• DOT Official: All Our Free Parking Justifies Keeping Curb Space for EVs, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-05-09

Six electeds demand DOT fix Sixth Avenue’s deadly gap. Riders face twenty blocks of chaos—no protection, just trucks and speeding cars. Bottcher calls it danger. DOT promises action but offers no date. The city lags on its own bike lane goals.

On May 2, 2024, Councilmember Erik Bottcher and five other Manhattan officials called on the Department of Transportation to close the protected bike lane gap on Sixth Avenue. Their letter to DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez urges the city to connect the missing stretch between Canal Street and West 8th Street, a span where cyclists must ride in open traffic. The letter states, 'The Department of Transportation should prioritize a new bike lane at this location, which has been a long standing request of the community.' Bottcher, representing District 3, said, 'You know you're going to be in danger, because you're going to have to be riding in the same lane as speeding traffic, cars and trucks.' DOT spokesperson Nick Benson acknowledged support for the expansion but gave no timeline. The city has installed only 1.1 miles of protected bike lanes this year, far behind the 50-mile annual target in the NYC Safety Street Plan.

• Manhattan officials call on DOT to close Sixth Avenue bike lane gap, gothamist.com, Published 2024-05-02

A new state bill would let New York City street sweepers use cameras to catch cars blocking cleaning routes. Repeat offenders rack up most tickets. Lawmakers say dirty streets and blocked drains endanger everyone. The law would sunset in 2029.

Assembly Bill (unnumbered) was introduced by Brooklyn Assembly Member Brian Cunningham on April 25, 2024. The bill is pending in the state legislature. It would allow New York City to mount enforcement cameras on street sweepers to ticket cars parked illegally during street cleaning hours. The bill summary states it 'fulfills the Sanitation Department's longstanding ask for help getting vehicles out of the way of road-cleaning operations.' Cunningham, who sponsors the bill, said, 'Dirty streets are totally unacceptable.' Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch supports the change, noting that state law must allow automated ticketing. Uptown Manhattan State Senator Robert Jackson introduced a similar Senate bill. The law would phase in after a year and expire by mid-2029, giving officials time to assess its impact. No formal safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• Street Sweepers Could Nab Illegal Parking Under State Bill, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-04-25

DOT will spend $11 million to push trucks off busy streets. The plan aims to cut peak-hour congestion and crashes. Small businesses get help for overnight deliveries. Officials say fewer trucks at rush hour means safer roads for people on foot and bike.

On April 25, 2024, the Department of Transportation announced an $11 million incentive program to shift truck deliveries out of peak hours. The policy, supported by Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, uses federal and congestion pricing funds. The DOT aims to add 5,000 off-hour delivery sites by 2040, moving 62,000 trucks away from crowded streets. The official summary states the goal is to 'reduce peak-hour deliveries, aiming to decrease congestion and improve safety.' Rodriguez said, 'This incentive program will support local businesses and benefit all New Yorkers by reducing the number of delivery trucks on our roads during busy daytime hours.' Levine called it a move to prioritize 'safety, sustainability, and efficiency.' The plan targets small businesses, often unable to afford overnight staffing. Industry voices back the effort but worry about small business participation. Fewer trucks at rush hour means fewer deadly encounters for New York’s most vulnerable.

• DOT Will Spend $11M to Boost Off-Hour Deliveries, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-04-25

Council moves to hike fines for illegal ATVs and dirt bikes. First offense: $375–$750. Repeat: $750–$1,500. Law aims at reckless riders who menace city streets and endanger lives.

Bill Int 0856-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced April 18, 2024, it seeks to amend city code to raise fines for unlawful ATV and dirt bike use. The bill states: 'The first offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 375 dollars and up to 750 dollars. Any subsequent offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 750 dollars and up to 1500 dollars.' Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa leads as primary sponsor, joined by Salamanca Jr., Gennaro, Brannan, Louis, Ung, Restler, and Farías. The bill was referred to committee the same day. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0856-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

An 82-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck from behind by a pick-up truck backing unsafely in Manhattan. The pedestrian suffered a back injury and shock. The driver was unlicensed and caused the crash by unsafe backing.

According to the police report, a pick-up truck driven by an unlicensed male driver was backing southwest near 3920 Broadway in Manhattan at 11:10. The vehicle's pre-crash action was backing, and the point of impact was the center back end of the truck. The report cites "Backing Unsafely" as the contributing factor to the crash. An 82-year-old male pedestrian, crossing with the signal but not at an intersection, was struck from behind. The pedestrian sustained a back injury and was in shock. The report explicitly identifies the driver’s unsafe backing maneuver as the cause, with no contributing fault attributed to the pedestrian. The vehicle sustained no damage, underscoring the severity of the pedestrian’s injury despite the low-impact collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715995 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A 29-year-old woman suffered hip and upper leg injuries while crossing Audubon Avenue with the signal. A northbound sedan made a right turn on red, striking her at the intersection. The vehicle showed no damage; the pedestrian was bruised and injured.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Audubon Avenue and Saint Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan around 17:17. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a northbound sedan, operated by a licensed female driver, made a right turn on red. The vehicle did not sustain any damage, and the point of impact showed no visible damage. The pedestrian suffered contusions and bruises to her hip and upper leg, classified as injury severity level 3. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the driver’s action of making a right turn on red directly preceded the collision. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal was noted but not cited as a contributing factor. This incident highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles at intersections even when pedestrians follow crossing signals.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715992 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A driver turned wrong on Wadsworth. Metal slammed metal. He took the hit—knee, leg, foot. Shock set in. Distraction and a bad turn did the damage. No one else hurt.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old male driver was injured while making a left turn on Wadsworth Avenue in Manhattan at 3:49 AM. The crash involved a sedan and another vehicle stopped in traffic. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the main contributing factors. The driver suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock with pain complaints. The impact struck the vehicle’s undercarriage. No other occupants or pedestrians were reported injured. The data highlights driver error as the cause, with no mention of victim fault or pedestrian involvement.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714553 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

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 2024-03-27

DOT scrapped harsh limits. Now, longer cargo bikes roll legal. Four-wheelers, capped at 15 mph, can haul freight. Trucks choke streets and kill. Cargo bikes offer a safer, cleaner way. Industry pushed. DOT listened. Streets change. Pedestrians and cyclists breathe easier.

On March 27, 2024, the NYC Department of Transportation finalized new cargo bike rules after months of industry pushback. The rules, shaped by public comment, allow pedal-assist cargo bikes up to four feet wide and 192 inches long, with four wheels, and set a 15 mph speed cap. The original proposal would have banned most existing cargo bike-trailer setups with a 120-inch limit. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez promised to get it right. Mark Chiusano, CEO of Net Zero Logistics, praised the fix: "They did a really good job of fixing the original version and made good on their word." Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi said, "We are accommodating this change in consumer culture—encouraging environmental package delivery, away from cars and trucks." Ben Morris of Coaster Cycles warned the old cap would have wiped out the market. DOT's move aims to cut truck traffic, which causes 12% of pedestrian and 30% of cyclist deaths. The new rules create a legal path for safer, greener freight.

• Final Cargo Bike Rules are a Win For Safety and Sustainability: Experts, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-27