Blood on Broadway: Slow the Cars, Save the Living

A pedestrian was crushed three times at a deadly Queens crossing. DOT chief Rodriguez vowed swift action: raised crosswalks, new signals, lane changes. Council Member Holden demanded more time to cross, enforcement, and real protection. Residents called it traffic violence.

On February 23, 2022, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez pledged immediate safety improvements at a notorious Queens intersection, after a pedestrian was run over three times by two drivers. The agency cited 'raised crosswalks, pedestrian-only signal timing, new lane markings and other lane redesigns' as part of its response. Council Member Bob Holden, speaking at the scene, pressed for longer crossing times, raised crosswalks, and enforcement against illegal parking and reckless driving. Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar called the situation 'traffic violence,' demanding stronger city control over speed limits and cameras. The redesign is part of Mayor Adams's plan to fix 1,000 dangerous intersections. Residents and advocates highlighted the ongoing threat from large vehicles and a culture of reckless driving. DOT has already installed a pedestrian-only signal phase at the site.

• DOT Commish Promises Safety Improvements at Queens Intersection Where Pedestrian Was Run Over Three Times, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-02-23

A 23-year-old male bicyclist was injured on West 162 Street in Manhattan. The bike struck the left side of a turning vehicle. The rider suffered hip and upper leg injuries and was in shock. The driver was distracted at the time.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male bicyclist traveling west on West 162 Street collided with a vehicle making a left turn northbound on Broadway. The point of impact was the left side doors of the bike and the right front bumper of the turning vehicle. The bicyclist sustained injuries to his hip and upper leg and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were specified. The driver held a valid New York license.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4505487 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-20

DOT will turn a Brooklyn street into Apolline's Garden, a car-free plaza. The move comes after a reckless driver killed a baby and injured her mother. Officials and neighbors pushed for this change. Cars lose space. Pedestrians gain safety.

On February 22, 2022, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez confirmed the conversion of Gates Avenue’s stub end into 'Apolline's Garden,' a pedestrian plaza. The announcement followed a virtual Vanderbilt Avenue Block Association meeting. The plaza honors Apolline Mong-Guillemin, a 3-month-old killed by a wrong-way driver on September 11, 2021. Rodriguez stated, 'Traffic violence is a solvable crisis and I'm committed to carrying out Mayor's Adams's safety vision [by] expanding pedestrian plazas and open streets.' Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte called for unity, saying, 'There is no doubt that the creation of Apolline's Garden is the appropriate answer to honor the short life of this 3-month-old baby.' The plan aligns with the NYC 25X25 initiative to reclaim street space for pedestrians and cyclists. Community leaders and officials support the plaza as a step to prevent future tragedy.

• ‘Apolline’s Garden’ is a Go, DOT Commissioner Says, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-02-22

A sedan turning right struck a bicyclist going straight on West 161 Street in Manhattan. The cyclist was ejected and suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The driver showed inattention and failed to yield right-of-way. The cyclist remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 46-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a 2021 sedan made a right turn and collided with him on West 161 Street near Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan. The bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The sedan's right front quarter panel struck the left front bumper of the bike. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash. No mention of helmet use or cyclist error was noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4502913 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-20

A sedan making a U-turn struck a bicyclist going straight on Riverside Drive. The 27-year-old cyclist suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Riverside Drive attempted a U-turn and collided with a northbound bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 27-year-old man, was injured with abrasions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The sedan's right front bumper struck the bike's center front end. The sedan had two occupants and no reported damage. The bicyclist remained conscious and was not ejected. The report also notes 'Passenger Distraction' as a secondary contributing factor. The crash highlights the dangers posed by drivers making U-turns without yielding to cyclists.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4502929 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-20

Willoughby Avenue’s open street vanished, then returned. Mayor Adams denied giving the removal order. DOT blamed miscommunication. NYPD cited emergency access worries. Community members were left confused and upset. The street, popular and busy, was restored the same day.

On February 11, 2022, Mayor Adams addressed the sudden removal of the Willoughby Avenue open street in Fort Greene. The Department of Transportation (DOT) removed the open street, later calling it a 'miscommunication.' Adams stated, 'I called [DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez] and I stated, is this something [the neighborhood's] Councilwoman wants? And once I was told no, I was very clear, put that street back.' Officer Evita Poole of the NYPD’s 88th Precinct raised concerns about emergency vehicle access but denied lobbying for removal. Council Member Carlina Rivera, author of the permanent open streets law, tweeted support. Council Member Crystal Hudson promised a community meeting. The open street was restored the same day, but the incident left residents shaken and highlighted the fragility of safe space for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Mayor Adams Says He Didn’t Give the Order to Erase Fort Greene Open Street, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-02-11

Two SUVs slammed together on Henry Hudson Parkway. Metal twisted. A 65-year-old woman in the back seat took the blow. Her knee and leg bruised. She stayed conscious, strapped in by a harness.

According to the police report, two SUVs traveling south on Henry Hudson Parkway collided. The impact struck the left rear bumper of one SUV and the right front bumper of the other. A 65-year-old female passenger in the right rear seat suffered contusions to her knee and lower leg. She was conscious and secured by a lap belt and harness. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed and driving straight at the time of the crash. The collision left both vehicles damaged at the points of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4502910 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-20

Council grilled city officials on permanent outdoor dining and curbside fees. Advocates demanded fair use of public space. Council Member Julie Menin raised noise and garbage concerns. The hearing exposed the fight over who controls the curb—and who pays.

On February 9, 2022, the City Council held a hearing on making the Open Restaurants program permanent and charging fees for curbside dining. The matter, titled 'Hearing Day: Could Fees for Outdoor Dining Lead to Proper Pricing of City’s Curbs?', was discussed in committee. Council Member Julie Menin, representing District 5, participated and voiced concerns about noise, garbage, and parking loss. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez explained that fees would depend on location and space size. Advocates like Sara Lind and Marco Conner DiAquoi argued for equity, noting, 'Seventy-five percent of our public curb space is devoted to the movement and storage of vehicles.' The hearing highlighted calls for better public space management and a dedicated oversight office. Community boards remained divided, citing nightlife and local control issues. The debate centered on reclaiming curb space from cars and making the city safer and fairer for all.

• Hearing Day: Could Fees for Outdoor Dining Lead to Proper Pricing of City’s Curbs?, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-02-09

Council grilled city officials on outdoor dining fees. Activists demanded fair curb pricing. Motorists get free space; restaurants must pay. Some council members griped about noise and trash. Consensus: city must manage public space better. No mention of direct safety impact.

On February 9, 2022, the City Council held a hearing on making the Open Restaurants program permanent. The matter, titled 'Could Fees for Outdoor Dining Lead to Proper Pricing of City’s Curbs?', focused on charging restaurants for curbside space. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez explained fees would depend on location and size, starting at $1,050. Council members Julie Menin and Christopher Marte raised concerns about noise, garbage, and parking loss. Livable streets groups, including Open Plans and Transportation Alternatives, supported curbside fees and called for an Office of Public Space Management. Marco Conner DiAquoi of Transportation Alternatives noted, 'Seventy-five percent of our public curb space is devoted to the movement and storage of vehicles.' The hearing showed broad support for better public space management, but the safety impact for vulnerable road users was not addressed.

• Hearing Day: Could Fees for Outdoor Dining Lead to Proper Pricing of City’s Curbs?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-02-09

A 31-year-old man was struck by a sedan traveling east on West 176 Street. The pedestrian was injured in the knee and lower leg with abrasions. The driver showed aggressive driving and road rage. The collision occurred outside an intersection.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on West 176 Street struck a 31-year-old male pedestrian who was not at an intersection. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including abrasions. The report lists aggressive driving and road rage as contributing factors to the crash. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the sedan, which showed no damage. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4502911 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-20

A sedan hit a bicyclist on West 161 Street near Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan. The cyclist was ejected and suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver was distracted and improperly used the lane.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on West 161 Street collided head-on with a southbound bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 29-year-old man, was ejected from his bike and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors including inattention and improper lane usage. The bicyclist was also noted to have contributed through confusion or error. The sedan's front center end and the bike's front center end were damaged in the crash. The driver was licensed and going straight ahead at the time of impact. No mention of helmet use or signaling was made in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4500445 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-20

A school bus driver cut off and killed April Reign, a 32-year-old moped rider, on Eastern Parkway. The driver turned sharply, struck Reign, ran her over, and left the scene. Brooklyn’s wide roads and chaotic intersections remain deadly for vulnerable road users.

On February 4, 2022, a deadly crash unfolded on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. A yellow school bus, driven by a 48-year-old man, struck and killed April Reign, a 32-year-old moped rider, near St. Marks Avenue. The driver made a sharp right turn, cut off Reign, knocked her down, and ran her over. He left the scene but later returned after a bystander intervened. No charges were filed at the time. The intersection is notorious for danger, with 487 crashes and 241 injuries reported on this stretch in 2021 alone. Danny Harris, executive director of Transportation Alternatives, called Brooklyn streets 'horrifically deadly for pedestrians and cyclists' and demanded immediate action. Promised safety upgrades—protected bike lanes, intersection redesigns—remain unfulfilled. Vulnerable road users pay the price.

• UPDATE: Brooklyn Moped Rider is Killed by a School Bus Driver, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-02-04

City drags its feet on cyclist-friendly rules. DOT stalls on right-on-red and T-intersection reforms. Meanwhile, NYPD cracks down on cyclists at crosswalks. Advocates slam delays. Riders face more tickets, more danger. City promises review, but action lags.

On February 3, 2022, the Department of Transportation (DOT) delayed two key cyclist-friendly rule changes from its 2021 regulatory agenda. These would allow cyclists to make right turns on red after stopping and to roll through red lights or stop signs at T-intersections when safe. No public hearings are scheduled. Meanwhile, Mayor Adams announced NYPD enforcement of a rule requiring cyclists and drivers to stop and wait for pedestrians at unsignalized crosswalks. Advocates, including Eric McClure of StreetsPAC and Jon Orcutt of Bike New York, criticized the delays. McClure called the changes 'common-sense' and 'safe,' urging DOT to act. The new enforcement rule is seen as targeting cyclists. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said the rule would be reconsidered if enforcement is abused. Vulnerable road users face continued risk as reforms stall.

• THE SLOW WALK: What Happened to Those Cyclist-Friendly Rules?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-02-03

City delays Queensboro Bridge safety fix. Cyclists and walkers stay cramped on a narrow path. Cars keep nine lanes. Councilmember Julie Won urges action. DOT says repairs come first. Vulnerable road users wait. Danger lingers. Comfort for drivers wins again.

On February 3, 2022, Councilmember Julie Won (District 26) and others responded to the city's decision to delay the Queensboro Bridge bike and pedestrian lane project. The Department of Transportation postponed converting the south outer roadway to a pedestrian-only path until December 2023, citing ongoing upper deck repairs. The matter, titled 'City punts fix for ‘treacherous’ Queensboro Bridge bike and pedestrian path by another year,' leaves cyclists and pedestrians sharing a dangerously tight path for another year. Councilmembers Julie Won and Julie Menin urged DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez to speed up the process, calling the delay a safety concern. Cycling advocate Laura Shepard criticized the city for prioritizing drivers' comfort over vulnerable road users. DOT insists repairs must finish first. The delay keeps walkers and cyclists at risk, forced to share space while cars keep most of the bridge.

• City punts fix for ‘treacherous’ Queensboro Bridge bike and pedestrian path by another year, amny.com, Published 2022-02-03

DOT delays Queensboro Bridge safety upgrades, forcing cyclists and walkers to share a cramped lane for two more years. Council Members Menin and Won demand answers. Advocates call the delay dangerous. Nine lanes for cars, none safe for the rest.

On February 3, 2022, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a year-long delay in safety improvements for the Queensboro Bridge. The project, which would create a dedicated pedestrian path on the bridge’s south outer roadway, is now postponed until the end of 2023 due to deck fabrication issues. Council Members Julie Menin and Julie Won, responding to the delay, stated, 'At least two more years of a shared pedestrian and bike path is not the best outcome for our constituents.' Both called for a meeting with DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, who reaffirmed his commitment to the project but offered no clear reason for the holdup. Advocates and community members condemned the delay as a threat to non-car users, citing frequent crashes and near-misses on the narrow shared path. They criticized the city’s prioritization of nine car lanes over the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.

• Queensboro Bridge Bike and Pedestrian Improvements Delayed a Full Year, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-02-03

A taxi stopped in traffic on Riverside Drive was struck from behind by a northbound pick-up truck. The taxi driver, a 39-year-old man, suffered a back injury but remained conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The truck driver was distracted.

According to the police report, a pick-up truck traveling north on Riverside Drive rear-ended a stopped taxi. The taxi driver, a 39-year-old man, was injured in the back and remained conscious. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a contributing factor for the crash. The taxi driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. The collision caused damage to the center back end of the taxi and the center front end of the pick-up truck. No other occupants were involved. The truck driver’s distraction led to the failure to stop in time, resulting in the rear-end collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4499153 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-20

Mayor Adams launched a new Vision Zero push. The plan targets drivers and cyclists at crosswalks. NYPD vows strict enforcement. Advocates fear bias against cyclists. The city promises safer intersections, raised crosswalks, and more bike corrals. Warnings end. Tickets begin.

On January 19, 2022, Mayor Adams announced a new Vision Zero enforcement effort. The initiative, not a council bill but a citywide policy, requires all drivers and cyclists to stop for pedestrians at unsignalized crosswalks. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, a former council member, claims the rule protects pedestrians: 'Pedestrians are the ones that we are so committed to protecting in this particular initiative.' Mayor Adams and NYPD Commissioner Sewell stressed enforcement: warnings will end, compliance will be enforced. Advocates like George Calderaro and Jon Orcutt warn of NYPD bias and a crackdown on cyclists. The plan includes engineering fixes at 1,000 intersections, raised crosswalks, more bike corrals, and a public awareness campaign. Advocacy groups back infrastructure but demand fair enforcement, not targeting cyclists. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• Mayor Adams’s ‘Turbo-Charged’ Vision Zero Includes a Back Door to Massive NYPD Crackdown on Cyclists, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-01-19

Ydanis Rodriguez faced the press. He promised more protected bike lanes. He backed Citi Bike growth in poor neighborhoods. He stayed vague on speed limits and price hikes. He pledged equity, but details were thin. Riders wait for action.

On January 19, 2022, Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez held his first press conference since taking over the $1.3-billion agency. Rodriguez reaffirmed support for expanding Citi Bike, especially in underserved communities, and for strengthening protected bike lanes. He also voiced support for local control over speed limits and speed cameras, echoing the Crash Victims Rights & Safety Act. Rodriguez said, 'expanding Citi Bike to the underserved community is critical,' but offered few specifics, citing the need for internal review and consultation with the mayor. He acknowledged a 3 percent budget cut but maintained commitment to bike lane protection. Rodriguez's stance signals intent to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians, but concrete plans remain unclear. The press and public await firmer commitments and timelines.

• Ydanis Rodriguez Meets the Press: What a Nice Guy (Who Didn’t Say Much), Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-01-19

A junked Mercedes sat outside Assembly Member Al Taylor’s Harlem office for weeks. After Streetsblog’s story, Sanitation hauled it away. Resident Wendy Frank had reported the car. She waits for action on more abandoned vehicles nearby. Danger lingers. Action came late.

On January 18, 2022, the Department of Sanitation removed a derelict car from outside Assembly Member Al Taylor’s Harlem office. The car had been abandoned for over two weeks. Streetsblog’s headline reads: "Streetsblog Gets Action: That Derelict Car in Harlem Has Finally Been Removed." Harlem resident Wendy Frank reported the car to the 32nd Precinct in late December. She continues to press city agencies to clear other derelict and abandoned vehicles nearby. The Sanitation Department handles derelict cars, while NYPD deals with abandoned ones. Frank’s persistence forced action, but the city’s slow response leaves more hazards on Harlem streets. No council bill or formal vote was involved in this enforcement action.

• Streetsblog Gets Action: That Derelict Car in Harlem Has Finally Been Removed, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-01-18

A burnt, gutted Mercedes sat for weeks in a Harlem crosswalk. Residents reported it. The city stalled. Only after media pressure did police tag it for removal. The car blocked space meant for people. The system failed to protect vulnerable road users.

On January 17, 2022, Streetsblog NYC reported an abandoned, vandalized Mercedes-Benz left for three weeks on Frederick Douglass Boulevard between 147th and 148th streets. The car sat in a cross-hatched no-parking zone, blocking pedestrian space. Resident Wendy Frank filed complaints with the 32nd Precinct and 311, and alerted Assembly Member Al Taylor’s office. Taylor did not respond. The Department of Sanitation, after media inquiry, updated the complaint and police finally tagged the car for removal. The matter highlights civic dysfunction: 'This has become a problem for area residents and it is frustrating that the issue is not being addressed by the city and our elected representatives,' Frank said. The city’s slow response left vulnerable road users exposed to danger, showing systemic neglect.

• Check Out This Abandoned Car in Harlem!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-01-17