Blood on 181st: Broken Promises, Broken Bodies

Assembly bill A 1280 pushes for streets built for all. Dozens of lawmakers back the plan. The bill demands roads that protect walkers, cyclists, and riders. It calls for design, not luck, to keep people safe.

Assembly bill A 1280, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 13, 2023, the bill sits with the Assembly. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 70 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Kenny Burgos, and Catalina Cruz. Their action signals strong legislative momentum. The bill’s focus: force planners to build streets for people, not just cars. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear—systemic change for vulnerable road users. The bill’s progress can be tracked at the New York Assembly website.

• File A 1280, Open States, Published 2023-01-13

Assembly bill A 1280 pushes for streets built for all. Dozens of lawmakers back the plan. The bill demands roads that protect walkers, cyclists, and riders. It calls for design, not luck, to keep people safe.

Assembly bill A 1280, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 13, 2023, the bill sits with the Assembly. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 70 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Kenny Burgos, and Catalina Cruz. Their action signals strong legislative momentum. The bill’s focus: force planners to build streets for people, not just cars. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear—systemic change for vulnerable road users. The bill’s progress can be tracked at the New York Assembly website.

• File A 1280, Open States, Published 2023-01-13

A 60-year-old woman suffered chest injuries after a sedan struck her on West 181 Street. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal. The driver was making a left turn. No vehicle damage was reported. The victim was left in shock.

According to the police report, a 60-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2017 sedan, driven by a licensed male driver, struck her on West 181 Street. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal at the time of the collision. The driver was making a left turn and the point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained chest injuries and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage. The report does not assign blame to the pedestrian but notes her crossing against the signal.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4599378 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Bike New York will collect and refurbish bikes for asylum seekers. DOT will supply Vision Zero helmets. The program aims to break isolation and connect new arrivals to the city. Bikes mean freedom, access, and hope for those left on the margins.

On January 12, 2023, Bike New York announced an initiative to provide free refurbished bicycles and equipment to asylum seekers in New York City. The Department of Transportation (DOT) will supply Vision Zero helmets to recipients. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez praised cycling’s power to connect working-class communities and boost life expectancy, saying, "It's about increasing life expectancy, and it's about connecting the working class community." Bike New York CEO Ken Podziba called the program "a transformational power of cycling" to help immigrants acclimate and thrive. The effort responds to the isolation and transportation barriers faced by asylum seekers. Bike donations are accepted at locations in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. No formal council bill or vote is attached to this announcement.

• Bike New York Seeks Your Bike to Help Struggling Asylum Seekers, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-12

Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.

Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 343, Open States, Published 2023-01-04

A taxi struck multiple parked vehicles on Audubon Avenue. The taxi driver, a 30-year-old woman, suffered a fractured shoulder and dislocation. She was trapped in the vehicle but conscious. Unsafe speed was cited as a contributing factor.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling north on Audubon Avenue collided with several parked vehicles, including sedans. The taxi driver, a 30-year-old female occupant, was injured with a fractured and dislocated shoulder and was trapped inside the vehicle. The report lists unsafe speed as the contributing factor to the crash. The taxi sustained damage to its left front quarter panel. Multiple parked cars were struck, damaging their left rear and center back ends. The driver was wearing a lap belt and remained conscious after the crash. No other injuries or contributing factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4596982 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

NYC DOT’s 2022 projects hit hard. Speed cameras, open streets, and protected bike lanes cut crashes and deaths. Pedestrians and cyclists gained ground. Streets changed. Lives saved. Some locals pushed back, but the city pressed forward. The numbers show progress.

Streetsblog NYC’s 'Streetsies 2022' roundup, published December 27, 2022, highlights major NYC DOT projects that reshaped city streets. The article celebrates a 7% drop in traffic fatalities and fewer pedestrian deaths, crediting street redesigns. Projects include 24-7-365 speed cameras, Paseo Park’s permanent open street, Schermerhorn Street’s two-way protected bike lane, Fifth Avenue’s car-free Sundays, Apolline’s Garden intersection redesign, and Emmons Avenue’s new bike lane. Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez pushed for speed cameras everywhere crashes happen, stating, 'we should have speed cameras everywhere there are crashes.' Despite some local resistance, the city removed parking and created public space, especially after fatal crashes. These changes, backed by council support and public demand, show clear safety gains for vulnerable road users.

• Streetsies 2022: Vote for The Best Project of the Year, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-12-27

A 17-year-old male pedestrian was struck while crossing Wadsworth Avenue at West 184 Street. The driver failed to yield and was distracted. The teen suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 17-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Wadsworth Avenue at the intersection with West 184 Street in Manhattan. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a northbound Honda SUV struck him. The report lists driver errors including Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. No helmet or other safety equipment was noted. The driver was going straight ahead and had no passengers. The crash highlights the dangers posed by drivers failing to yield to pedestrians at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4595288 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

City officials push Albany to drop the drunk driving threshold from 0.08 to 0.05 percent. The bill lingers in committee. Drunk drivers killed 42 New Yorkers last year. Messaging still centers on not drinking, not on not driving.

Senate Bill sponsored by John Liu and Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon seeks to lower New York’s DWI blood-alcohol threshold from 0.08% to 0.05%. The bill, re-submitted in the last legislative session, remains stuck in committee. At a December 22, 2022 press conference, DOT Deputy Commissioner Margaret Forgione said, 'There is not really a safe level of drinking and driving, but the law suggests there is.' Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and NYPD’s Kim Royster also spoke, focusing on enforcement and urging drivers to avoid drinking before driving. Advocates like Alisa McMorris of Mothers Against Drunk Driving called for stronger messaging: 'We want people to make choices before they leave their home.' Despite evidence that lowering the threshold could cut traffic deaths by 10%, city messaging still stops short of telling people not to drive to events where they plan to drink.

• How to Cut Drunk Driving — Discourage the Drinking … Or the Driving?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-12-22

City and state officials want to drop the legal blood-alcohol limit to 0.05. The bill sits in committee. Drunk drivers killed 42 people last year. Officials talk tough but focus on drinking, not driving. The danger remains for those outside the car.

Senate and Assembly bill, sponsored by Sen. John Liu and Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon, seeks to lower New York’s drunk driving threshold from 0.08 to 0.05 percent BAC. Announced at a December 22, 2022 press conference, the bill has stalled in committee for years. The matter aims to redefine DWI: 'driving while intoxicated would be defined as anything above a blood-alcohol content of 0.05 percent.' Simon and Liu back the measure; city DOT and NYPD leaders joined them. DOT Deputy Commissioner Margaret Forgione said, 'There is not really a safe level of drinking and driving, but the law suggests there is.' In 2021, 42 people died in drunk driving crashes, up 60 percent from previous years. Officials promise enforcement and education, but their messaging targets drinking, not the act of driving. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while the law lags.

• How to Cut Drunk Driving — Discourage the Drinking … Or the Driving?, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-12-22

A 25-year-old man was hit by an SUV while crossing Dyckman Street outside an intersection. The impact fractured his knee and lower leg. The driver was inattentive and distracted. The pedestrian was conscious but seriously injured.

According to the police report, an SUV traveling east on Dyckman Street struck a 25-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing outside a crosswalk. The pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The driver was going straight ahead and impacted the pedestrian with the vehicle's center front end. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The crash occurred in Manhattan's 10th Council District near 104 Dyckman Street.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4588685 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 31-year-old bicyclist was ejected and injured in a collision with a sedan on Nagle Avenue. The sedan was making a left turn on red. The bicyclist suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries. The crash involved improper lane usage and failure to yield.

According to the police report, a sedan making a left turn on red collided with a bicyclist traveling straight on Nagle Avenue in Manhattan. The bicyclist, a 31-year-old man wearing a helmet, was ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists the contributing factors as "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" by the bicyclist. The sedan showed no damage and had no occupants at the time. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash but seriously injured. The report does not indicate any fault or error on the bicyclist beyond the listed contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4586815 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

An e-bike struck the rear of a sedan stopped on West 181 Street in Manhattan. The 28-year-old e-bike rider suffered facial injuries and minor bleeding. Police cited pedestrian/bicyclist confusion and following too closely as factors.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old male riding an e-bike collided with the rear of a 2022 Jeep sedan stopped in traffic on West 181 Street near Amsterdam Avenue. The e-bike rider was injured, sustaining facial wounds and minor bleeding, and was semiconscious at the scene. The report lists contributing factors as "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" and "Following Too Closely." The sedan driver was licensed and stopped in traffic at the time of impact. The e-bike struck the sedan's left rear bumper with its left front bumper, causing damage to both vehicles. The injured rider was not ejected and wore no safety equipment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4584144 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

City made Jamaica and Archer Avenue busways permanent. Jamaica Avenue hours slashed. Archer stays 24/7. Northern Boulevard bus lanes started after months of delay. Local politicians fought restrictions. Bus riders still face slow trips. City bows to business pressure.

On November 15, 2022, the Adams administration made busways on Jamaica and Archer avenues permanent after a one-year pilot. The Department of Transportation cut Jamaica Avenue’s busway hours from 24/7 to 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, while Archer Avenue remains round-the-clock. The Northern Boulevard bus lane project, stalled for months after Council Member Francisco Moya lobbied against it, finally began installation. Council Members Nantasha Williams and Selvena Brooks-Powers opposed the busways, calling for their elimination and citing business concerns. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and other local officials pushed for even shorter hours. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez defended the busways, saying, 'strong bus infrastructure is a necessity.' Despite opposition, the city kept some busway hours intact, but caved to business interests, reducing protection for bus riders and vulnerable road users.

• City Makes Jamaica Busways Permanent But With Shorter Hours; Begins Northern Blvd. Bus Lanes, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-15

DOT moves to ban cars from Grand Army Plaza. Council members demand urgent fixes. Pedestrians and cyclists face danger daily. Crashes, injuries, broken sidewalks, and chaos define the space. The city promises swift action. Streets for people, not cars.

On November 10, 2022, the NYC Department of Transportation proposed making Grand Army Plaza car-free and connecting it to Open Streets on Vanderbilt and Underhill Avenues. The matter, described as 'NYC DOT proposal for car-free Grand Army Plaza and related street safety improvements,' is not a formal council bill but has drawn council attention. Council Member Shahana Hanif (District 39) and Crystal Hudson pressed DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez to address the plaza’s 'endless traffic, poor sidewalk conditions, broken benches, and overflowing trash cans.' Hanif and Hudson demanded immediate safety upgrades after recent crashes injured pedestrians and cyclists. DOT Deputy Commissioner Eric Beaton said, 'We want to take it to the next level... more consistent and better designed public spaces.' The agency is seeking public feedback and plans to draft detailed designs within the year. The proposal aims to end the status quo of danger and disrepair, prioritizing vulnerable road users over cars.

• Exclusive: DOT eyes Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza as NYC's next car-free space, gothamist.com, Published 2022-11-10

A Tesla sedan struck two pedestrians crossing outside an intersection in Manhattan. Both men suffered bruises and back or hip injuries. The Tesla driver, wearing a seatbelt, also sustained a neck bruise. Unsafe speed was cited as a contributing factor.

According to the police report, a Tesla sedan traveling south on Arden Street hit two male pedestrians crossing without a signal or crosswalk. Both pedestrians were injured, suffering contusions and injuries to the back and hip. The Tesla driver, a 26-year-old man, was also injured with a neck contusion and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists unsafe speed as the driver error contributing to the crash. The collision involved two parked vehicles and the Tesla's right front bumper was damaged. No other contributing factors were noted. The pedestrians were not at an intersection and no helmet or signaling issues were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4580561 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Ford SUV overturned on Henry Hudson Parkway. Driver and passenger bruised. Unsafe speed listed as cause. Both wore seat belts. No other vehicles or pedestrians involved.

According to the police report, a 2014 Ford SUV overturned on Henry Hudson Parkway while making a right turn. The driver, a 43-year-old man, and the front passenger, a 43-year-old woman, both suffered contusions and bruises. The report lists "Unsafe Speed" as the contributing factor for the driver. Both occupants wore lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The vehicle sustained damage to the left front bumper and overturned. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The driver was in shock; the passenger remained conscious.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4580016 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Mayor Adams claimed victory on intersection safety, boasting 1,200 upgrades. But most were light tweaks, not real redesigns. Activists saw missing data, empty promises, and little for cyclists or bus riders. Council Member Brewer vowed to dig deeper.

On October 31, 2022, Mayor Adams held a press conference at Eighth Avenue and 46th Street to announce his administration surpassed its pledge to improve safety at 1,000 intersections, reporting 1,200 treatments. The effort included leading pedestrian intervals, all-way stops, and some street redesigns. Adams declared, "Promise made, promise kept," but activists and Transportation Alternatives criticized the lack of physical upgrades and transparency. Council Member Gale A. Brewer, representing District 6, promised to investigate the data issues. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez acknowledged ongoing fatalities but highlighted fewer pedestrian deaths and the launch of 24/7 speed cameras. Critics noted most Vision Zero priority intersections were untouched, and the city lags on protected bike and bus lane targets. The lack of detailed, user-friendly data clouds the true impact for vulnerable road users.

• Adams at the Crossroads: Mayor Touts Intersection Fixes As Road Violence Crisis Continues, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-10-31

Mayor Adams claimed over 1,200 intersections got safety upgrades. Most were light tweaks, not real redesigns. Activists say data is murky. Deadly crashes persist. City missed targets for protected bike and bus lanes. Vulnerable New Yorkers remain at risk.

On October 31, 2022, Mayor Adams held a press conference to announce his administration exceeded its promise to improve safety at 1,000 intersections, reporting 1,200 treatments. The event, attended by DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Council Member Gale Brewer, highlighted a major redesign at Eighth Avenue and 46th Street. The city claims upgrades like leading pedestrian intervals, all-way stops, and raised crosswalks. But activists and Council Member Brewer questioned the data, noting most changes were minor signal tweaks, not physical redesigns. The Department of Transportation declined to release full details, making verification impossible. Adams said, "Promise made, promise kept." Rodriguez stressed the need for a culture shift and pointed to 24/7 speed cameras. But activists warn the city lags on protected bike and bus lane goals. Traffic deaths remain high. The lack of transparency leaves vulnerable road users exposed.

• Adams at the Crossroads: Mayor Touts Intersection Fixes As Road Violence Crisis Continues, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-10-31

City officials claim 1,200 intersections now safer. Bottcher hails Eighth Avenue’s changes. DOT touts bike lanes, road diets, and pedestrian upgrades. But death and injury counts remain grim. Streets still threaten walkers, riders, and the vulnerable.

On October 30, 2022, the city announced it surpassed its goal, redesigning 1,200 intersections for safety. The effort, led by the Department of Transportation, included protected bike lanes, road diets, and pedestrian-first signals. Council Member Erik Bottcher, District 3, praised the Eighth Avenue redesign, saying, 'We’ve got room for pedestrians, cyclists, and cars. It’s a much more pleasant corridor.' The announcement followed a year with 187 deaths and over 37,000 injuries by September 30. Mayor Adams and DOT Commissioner Rodriguez called for a shift away from car dominance, pushing for a safer, more inclusive city. Despite progress, the toll on vulnerable road users remains high. The city’s promise: more redesigns, but the danger persists.

• Safer crossings: NYC has redesigned 1,200 intersections this year, Adams says, amny.com, Published 2022-10-30