Blood on Broadway: Slow the Cars, Save the Living

Mayor Adams wants $904 million to rebuild city streets. He promises new bike lanes, bus lanes, and safer spaces for people. The plan follows a deadly spike in crashes. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams joins the talks. The money falls short of Council demands.

On April 23, 2022, Mayor Adams announced a $904 million budget proposal for street redesign and safety improvements. The plan, discussed with Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (District 28), aims to add hundreds of miles of protected bike and bus lanes and revamp pedestrian spaces. The mayor called it a 'historic investment' and said, 'We must do our part, and that is to ensure that the pathways are safe.' The proposal fulfills a 2019 law mandating a citywide streets master plan but offers less than the $3.1 billion the Council sought. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez admitted delays in upgrading bike lane barriers. The announcement comes as fatal crashes rise sharply, underscoring the urgent need for safer streets.

• Mayor Adams proposes $904M investment for overhaul of NYC streets, hailing ‘historic’ makeover, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-04-23

Mayor Adams wants $904 million for safer streets. Bike lanes, bus lanes, pedestrian zones. The plan falls short of Council demands. Traffic deaths are up. The city lags behind global leaders. The fight for safer roads continues. Vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

On April 23, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced a $904 million budget proposal for street redesign and safety improvements in New York City. The plan, tied to the 2019 'streets master plan' law, aims to add 250 miles of protected bike lanes and 150 miles of bus lanes by 2026. The proposal, described as a 'historic investment,' must be negotiated with the City Council by June. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams is involved in ongoing talks. The mayor’s plan is less ambitious than the Council’s $3.1 billion proposal, which would add 500 miles of bike lanes and more pedestrian plazas. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez admitted delays in upgrading bike lane barriers. The announcement comes as fatal crashes surge—traffic deaths rose 44% in early 2022. Mayor Adams called for action against dangerous drivers, underscoring the urgent need for safer streets.

• Mayor Adams proposes $904M investment for overhaul of NYC’s streets, hailing ‘historic’ makeover, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-04-23

City pours $11 million into cleaner streets and bike lanes. New sweepers target debris in protected lanes. Councilwoman Sandy Nurse hails relief for neighborhoods hit by pandemic litter. Cyclists win clear paths. Streets get a fighting chance.

On April 18, 2022, the City announced an $11 million budget allocation for street cleaning and bike lane maintenance. The measure, led by Councilwoman Sandy Nurse of District 37, restores alternate side parking and funds year-round cleaning of protected bike lanes. The official summary states: 'City allocates $11 million to make streets cleaner and improve mobility.' Nurse called the move 'a welcome relief to communities that have faced an unprecedented increase in litter during the pandemic.' The investment covers new equipment and staff, including a pilot fleet of 10 Micromobility Operations Machines to sweep narrow lanes. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine praised the smaller sweepers as 'a win for cyclists.' The funding appears in the Fiscal Year 2023 executive budget. The city aims to keep bike lanes clear, cut debris, and protect vulnerable road users from car intrusion.

• City allocates $11 million to make streets cleaner and improve mobility, amny.com, Published 2022-04-18

A 22-year-old woman driver suffered an elbow abrasion in a crash on Henry Hudson Parkway. Two parked vehicles, a sedan and an SUV, collided. The driver was conscious and restrained. Police cited driver inattention as the cause.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Henry Hudson Parkway involving a sedan and an SUV, both initially parked. The 22-year-old female driver of the sedan was injured, sustaining an abrasion to her elbow and lower arm. She was conscious and wearing a lap belt at the time. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. Both vehicles were damaged on their quarter panels. No other injuries or contributing factors were noted. The driver was not ejected and remained in the vehicle after the impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4515643 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-20

Car-Free Earth Day is a mirage. The city closes just 3.8 miles of streets, most already car-light, for a few hours. Leaders talk big but act small. No bold moves. Streets stay dangerous. Vulnerable New Yorkers remain exposed. The cars always return.

On March 31, 2022, NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced 'Car-Free Earth Day,' a climate event closing only 3.8 miles of streets—mostly those already part of the open streets program—for a few hours on April 23. The press conference, covered by Streetsblog NYC, highlighted the city's lack of ambition. Rodriguez said, 'We encourage all New Yorkers to embrace the streets and imagine what could be possible if we open our streets for more than just moving personal vehicles.' Yet, no new initiatives were announced. The event's limited scope drew sharp criticism. The article compared New York's effort to the Netherlands' 1970s 'car-free Sundays,' which led to real change. Here, the city offers a press release, not protection. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, children—see little relief. The cars keep coming. The danger stays.

• CYCLE OF RAGE: New York City’s ‘Car-Free Earth Day’ is a Sad Joke, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-31

A driverless pickup truck rolled from a parked position and struck a 43-year-old man walking near West 156 Street. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was left in shock. The vehicle hit with its right front quarter panel.

According to the police report, a 2020 Ford pickup truck, parked and unoccupied, became a driverless runaway vehicle. It rolled westward and struck a 43-year-old male pedestrian outside an intersection near West 156 Street in Manhattan. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in shock and complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists 'Driverless/Runaway Vehicle' as the primary contributing factor. No driver was present or involved, and no other driver errors were noted. The pedestrian was not at fault, and no safety equipment or actions by the pedestrian were cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4513560 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-20

A southbound Carry All turned right at West 178th and Broadway. The oversized vehicle mounted the curb. A 68-year-old woman stood by the edge. The vehicle crushed her leg. She stayed conscious. The street kept moving. The danger lingered.

A 68-year-old woman was injured at the corner of West 178th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. According to the police report, a southbound Carry All made a right turn and struck the woman as she stood by the curb, not in the roadway. The oversized vehicle crushed her lower leg and foot, causing serious injuries. The woman remained conscious at the scene. The police report lists 'Oversized Vehicle' as a contributing factor in the crash. No other contributing factors are cited. The report does not mention any actions by the pedestrian that led to the crash. The impact highlights the danger oversized vehicles pose to people on city streets, even those standing out of the roadway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4513559 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-20

Two vehicles crashed on Wadsworth Avenue in Manhattan. The SUV struck the sedan’s rear right quarter panel. The sedan’s driver, a 29-year-old man, suffered a shoulder and upper arm contusion. Police cited traffic control disregard and driver distraction.

According to the police report, a 2019 SUV traveling south on Wadsworth Avenue collided with a 2017 sedan traveling north. The point of impact was the SUV’s right front bumper against the sedan’s right rear quarter panel. The sedan’s driver, a 29-year-old man, was injured with a contusion to his shoulder and upper arm. He was conscious and wearing a lap belt at the time. The report lists contributing factors as "Traffic Control Disregarded" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction". No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash caused damage to both vehicles’ front and rear bumpers. The driver errors highlight failures in obeying traffic signals and maintaining attention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4512245 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-20

NYPD officers at Brooklyn’s 69th and 83rd precincts park on sidewalks, block walkers, and rack up red light and speed camera violations. Most cars parked illegally belong to repeat offenders. Police dump junk and ignore laws. Pedestrians pay the price.

This report, published March 15, 2022, covers Streetsblog NYC’s 'March (Parking) Madness' contest, spotlighting the 69th and 83rd NYPD precincts. Both precincts, near subway stops and with parking lots, still see officers parking on sidewalks and blocking pedestrian access. The article states: 'Many of the cars parked illegally by officers have multiple red light and speed camera violations, with the 69th Precinct having a particularly high percentage of repeat offenders.' DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez told the City Council that multiple camera violations should be rare, but precinct records show otherwise. The investigation criticizes NYPD’s disregard for pedestrian space and traffic laws, documenting officers’ contempt for street safety and the law. No council bill is attached, but the report exposes systemic danger for vulnerable road users.

• MARCH (PARKING) MADNESS 2022: Brooklyn’s 69th Takes on the 83rd in a Not-So-Nice Battle, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-15

DOT rolled out a secure bike parking pilot with Oonee pods. Six-bike units will rotate through five sites in three boroughs. Cyclists get a taste of real protection. Advocates want more. The city gathers data, but frustration grows over slow, piecemeal progress.

On March 12, 2022, the NYC Department of Transportation launched a secure bike parking pilot program, partnering with Oonee to deploy curbside pods. The pilot, announced by DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, places six-bike Oonee pods at five locations across three boroughs for 29 days each, sidestepping lengthy franchise reviews. Rodriguez said, "We have found a way to make a secure parking pilot work for New York City." Bike New York's Jon Orcutt voiced frustration: "Enough with the pilots. We love Oonee, but if it doesn't scale, it doesn't matter." The DOT will collect usage data to inform future steps. Assistant Commissioner Sean Quinn noted the limited number of pods and the need for broader access. The program marks progress after years of failed attempts, but advocates demand a permanent, citywide network to truly protect cyclists.

• The City Finally Has a Real Secure Bike Parking Pilot But Why Does It Need a <i>Pilot</i>?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-12

A 12-year-old girl was struck at an intersection on Audubon Avenue in Manhattan. She suffered a serious head injury and lost consciousness. The sedan hit her with its right front bumper. The driver was licensed and traveling northbound.

According to the police report, a 12-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Audubon Avenue and West 170th Street in Manhattan. The pedestrian suffered a head injury and was unconscious after being struck by a sedan traveling northbound. The point of impact was the vehicle's right front bumper. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors, only unspecified factors related to the pedestrian. The pedestrian was at the intersection when the collision occurred. No safety equipment or other conditions were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4509085 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-20

Tempers flared as Fort Greene residents clashed over the Willoughby Avenue open street. Barriers vanished without warning, then returned after public outcry. Councilmember Crystal Hudson stood firm. DOT cited rising crash deaths. Most neighbors backed the car-free stretch.

"What we have seen in the last two years is an increase in crashes... We have seen a lot of New Yorkers losing their life... But we want you to know that we have a responsibility to think about, first of all, protecting our senior citizens is our top priority." -- Ydanis A. Rodriguez

On March 8, 2022, Councilmember Crystal Hudson hosted a heated debate on the Willoughby Avenue open street in District 35. The meeting followed the abrupt, unannounced removal of barriers from the eight-block stretch, which sparked swift backlash. Hudson, joined by DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodríguez, faced vocal opponents worried about lost parking and emergency access. Hudson said, 'This is about more than just open streets, this is about safe streets.' DOT surveys showed 88 percent support for permanent safety changes. Mayor Eric Adams ordered the street restored after learning Hudson opposed its closure. Rodríguez highlighted a spike in traffic deaths, noting, 'We have a responsibility to think about, first of all, protecting our senior citizens.' According to NYC Crash Mapper, 72 people—mostly cyclists and motorists—were injured on this stretch in the past decade, but no deaths. The open streets program, launched during the pandemic, remains popular and aims to protect vulnerable road users.

• Fort Greene locals hash out Willoughby Avenue open street fiasco, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2022-03-09

Two SUVs collided on West 163 Street. A rear passenger suffered neck pain and whiplash. Both vehicles took front-end damage. The crash struck a parked sedan. No driver errors listed. The injured man stayed conscious.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles crashed on West 163 Street in Manhattan. One SUV was making a right turn while the other went straight. The impact hit the left front of the turning SUV and the right front of the other. A 35-year-old male rear passenger was injured, reporting neck pain and whiplash, but remained conscious and was not ejected. The crash also struck a parked sedan. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses. The collision caused front-end damage to both SUVs.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4508911 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-20

Architect John Massengale calls out DOT’s failure on Canal Street. He cites thousands hurt, seven killed. He demands fewer cars, safer streets, real change. He warns: band-aids won’t stop the carnage. The city must act. Lives depend on it.

On March 7, 2022, architect John Massengale sent an open letter to DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez ahead of the first #FixCanal workshop. The letter, published by Streetsblog NYC, highlights the deadly toll on Canal Street: 4,817 crashes, 109 cyclists and 190 pedestrians injured, and six vulnerable road users killed since the de Blasio era. Massengale writes, 'We need a better New York City, with fewer cars, less death, and healthier streets.' He criticizes DOT’s focus on moving cars and incremental safety fixes, calling them 'band aids.' Massengale urges Rodriguez to return to Vision Zero’s promise and adopt bold, systemic changes. The letter stands as a direct challenge to city leadership to prioritize vulnerable road users and end the cycle of traffic violence.

• An Open Letter To DOT Commissioner Rodriguez on Eve of #FixCanal Workshop, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-07

North Brooklyn leaders and advocates demand real protection for cyclists on Grand Street. Plastic posts failed. Cars park in the lane. Crashes mount. They want Jersey barriers, hardened entrances, and an end to chaos. The city must act before more lives are lost.

On March 4, 2022, North Brooklyn officials and activists sent a letter to the Department of Transportation demanding a true protected bike lane on Grand Street. The letter, backed by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, State Senator Julia Salazar, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, and Council Members Lincoln Restler and Jennifer Gutierrez, called for 'protective jersey barricades and measures taken at each intersection to stop cars from entering the protected bike lane.' The group condemned the current plastic delineators, noting, 'From day one, the Grand Street bike lane has failed to keep people safe.' Since 2019, 67 cyclists have been injured and 196 crashes reported. The letter urges the city to replace weak barriers, fix dangerous entrances, and finally deliver safety for vulnerable road users. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Mayor Adams are now under pressure to act.

• North Brooklyn Seeks Some of that Jersey Barrier Magic on Grand Street, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-04

Cyclists dodge cars on Grand Street. Plastic bollards fail. Drivers block lanes. Restler and activists push for concrete barriers. Seventy injuries since 2019. DOT delays. Riders wait. Danger remains. Lives at risk until real protection arrives.

On March 3, 2022, Councilmember Lincoln Restler (District 33) joined activists to demand the Department of Transportation install concrete barriers on the Grand Street bike lane. The push follows years of crashes—67 cyclist injuries and 196 total crashes since 2019—despite so-called 'protected' lanes. The matter, titled 'Activists and electeds ask DOT to add better barriers to Grand Street bike lane,' highlights how plastic bollards fail to stop drivers from blocking lanes, forcing cyclists into traffic. Restler, along with Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, State Senator Julia Salazar, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso, signed a letter urging Mayor Adams and Commissioner Rodriguez to act. The DOT has started hardening some lanes citywide, but Grand Street remains unprotected. Activists say, 'We knew the omission of protective jersey barriers would lead to dangerous conditions back in 2019 and we have witnessed that prediction come tragically true throughout 2021.' The call is clear: real barriers, not broken promises.

• Activists and electeds ask DOT to add better barriers to Grand Street bike lane, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2022-03-03

Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.

Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.

• File S 5130, Open States, Published 2022-03-02

Advocates and Councilmember Restler rallied for faster buses. They called out slow speeds, illegal driving, and lack of city action. Bus riders, mostly working-class and people of color, remain stranded. City promises more bus lanes, but plans lag. Riders wait.

On February 28, 2022, Councilmember Lincoln Restler (District 33) joined transit advocates at a rally demanding urgent improvements to New York City's bus system. The event, covered by amny.com, highlighted the Bus Turnaround coalition's renewed push for dedicated busways, more bus lanes, and increased funding. Restler said, 'We need a real busway on Jay Street,' citing rampant illegal driving and slow service. The rally criticized City Hall for ambitious targets but no concrete plans. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez promised 150 new miles of bus lanes, but advocates noted delays and lack of enforcement. The recommendations aim to speed up buses for vulnerable riders—working-class, immigrant, and communities of color—who rely on slow, unreliable service. The rally underscored the urgent need for action to protect and prioritize those most at risk on city streets.

• Transit advocates call on Adams, Hochul to speed up NYC buses, amny.com, Published 2022-02-28

Bus riders gathered at Brooklyn Borough Hall. They demanded City Hall and the MTA keep their promises. Advocates want more bus lanes, better enforcement, and faster reforms. Progress is slow. Promises remain unfulfilled. Riders wait. Danger lingers on crowded streets.

""We have worked closely with the MTA, advocates, and community residents to significantly improve bus speeds, but there is much more work to do – that’s why Mayor Adams and I have a bold plan to create 150 miles of new busways and bus lanes across the city, speeding up buses and reducing wait times for New Yorkers," Rodriguez said in a statement issued after the rally." -- Ydanis A. Rodriguez

On February 28, 2022, advocates rallied at Brooklyn Borough Hall, pressing City Hall and the MTA to fulfill overdue bus service reforms. The event, covered by Streetsblog NYC, highlighted demands for more bus lanes, all-door boarding, and borough-wide route redesigns. The Bus Turnaround Coalition, including Riders Alliance and TransitCenter, called for specifics on bus lane locations and stronger DOT resources. Ben Fried of TransitCenter said, 'We want to see where they are going to put the bus lanes, how they're going to provide the resources to the bus program at DOT, how they're going to keep bus lanes clear.' TransitCenter’s Tabitha Decker noted that most recommended reforms remain unimplemented. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Mayor Adams claim bold plans, but advocates see little concrete action. The rally underscored frustration: promises made, but not kept. Vulnerable road users—bus riders, pedestrians—remain at risk as the city delays real change.

• Advocates: The City and the MTA Must Deliver What They’ve Promised for Bus Riders, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-02-28

Restler and city leaders stood at Brooklyn Borough Hall. They demanded faster buses, more lanes, and real enforcement. Riders choke on slow service. Cars clog bus lanes. The call: redesign routes, expand service, and put riders first. No more stalling.

On February 28, 2022, Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33) joined borough presidents and advocates at Brooklyn Borough Hall to demand urgent action on New York City’s bus system. The event, titled 'Borough beeps join city transit advocates for better bus service,' spotlighted stalled promises and called for Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul to deliver. Restler and others backed the Bus Turnaround Coalition’s push for network redesigns, expanded and more frequent service, all-door boarding, and tougher enforcement in bus lanes. Comptroller Brad Lander stressed that 'expanded bus routes must also match 21st century travel patterns.' Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso linked better buses to less car dependence and climate action. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez pledged 150 new miles of busways and lanes. The campaign aims to speed up buses, cut car dominance, and put vulnerable road users first.

• Borough beeps join city transit advocates for better bus service, gothamist.com, Published 2022-02-28