Inwood Burns While Leaders Stall: Deadly Streets, Broken Promises

Council grilled DOT for stalling on bus and bike lanes. Law demands these lanes. Streets stay deadly. Commissioner Rodriguez faced anger. Restler and others demanded answers. Riders and walkers pay the price for delay.

On September 12, 2023, the City Council held an oversight hearing on the Department of Transportation’s failure to deliver required bus and bike lanes. The hearing, led by the Committee on Transportation, featured testimony from DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33) and others criticized the agency for 'continuously falling behind on legally required bus and bike lanes.' The matter title reads: 'NYC Council members slam Transportation Department on bus, bike lane backlog.' Restler’s action was to publicly challenge DOT’s delays. No safety analyst note was provided, but the council’s frustration highlights the risk: every missed lane leaves vulnerable road users exposed.

• NYC Council members slam Transportation Department on bus, bike lane backlog, nydailynews.com, Published 2023-09-12

Serious injuries from traffic crashes surged nearly 10 percent in spring 2023. Pedestrians and cyclists bore the brunt. The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan saw the worst rates. City law forced new data into the open. The carnage continues. Bold action is demanded.

A new report released September 11, 2023, shows a sharp rise in serious traffic injuries in New York City. The data, analyzed by Transportation Alternatives, covers 4,224 severe injuries from January 2022 to June 2023. In the second quarter of 2023 alone, 784 people—192 pedestrians and 124 cyclists among them—were seriously hurt, up from 718 the year before. The law requiring this data was sponsored by then-Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez. The report’s title calls this a 'preventable public health crisis.' Philip Miatkowski of Transportation Alternatives blames decades of policy that 'prioritize cars over people and leave behind our most vulnerable.' The data shows the Bronx had 23 percent more serious injuries per capita than the city average, Brooklyn 27 percent more, and Manhattan’s cyclist injuries were 77 percent higher per capita. The city’s DOT claims safety redesigns are underway, but the toll on vulnerable road users keeps climbing.

• Serious Traffic Crash Injuries on the Rise: Report, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-11

A taxi slowed on West 207. An SUV hit from behind. Pavement slick. A 32-year-old passenger took a blow to the head. Whiplash followed. He stayed conscious. Metal and bodies jarred in the rain.

According to the police report, a taxi and two SUVs were traveling east on West 207 Street. The taxi slowed. A 2021 SUV struck the rear of a 2023 SUV, which then hit the taxi. A 32-year-old male passenger in the rear right seat of the first SUV suffered a head injury and whiplash. He was conscious and restrained. The report lists 'Pavement Slippery' as a contributing factor. Driver error included failure to maintain control on slick roads. The passenger was not ejected and bore no fault.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4661831 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

The city promised bollards at schools and intersections. The Department of Transportation stalled. No new barriers since 2020. Council’s mandate faded to paperwork. Streets stay exposed. Children and pedestrians wait. The city’s promise sits unkept. Danger lingers at the curb.

In 2017, the City Council passed a bill—drafted by then-Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez—requiring the Department of Transportation (DOT) to install safety bollards at 50 schools and 20 intersections each year. The bill’s final version only mandated annual reporting, not installation. According to agency reports, DOT has not installed a single bollard under this law since July 1, 2020. Rodriguez called bollards 'the only tool that we have in our hands' to protect pedestrians. The DOT claims its reporting obligation covers only installations by the Security Infrastructure Working Group, which has done nothing since 2020. The Council’s law did not mention this group. The city’s failure leaves vulnerable road users exposed, as the original safety promise remains unmet.

• City ‘Security Group’ is Not Installing Safety Bollards at Intersections, Schools, Plazas as Council Once Sought, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-08

DOT wants wider, four-wheeled cargo bikes on city streets. The agency says more cargo bikes mean fewer trucks, less danger, cleaner air. Commissioner Rodriguez pushes back on critics. The rules are open for public comment. Streets change. Trucks lose ground.

On September 7, 2023, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez issued a policy statement on proposed cargo bike regulations. The rules, now open for public comment, would allow pedal-assist cargo bikes up to 48 inches wide and with four wheels, expanding from the current 36-inch, three-wheel limit. Rodriguez writes, 'we proposed rules that would expand low or no-emission options for freight deliveries.' He stresses the goal: fewer trucks, safer streets, and more sustainable freight. The statement rebuts industry claims about throttle bans and powered trailer restrictions, clarifying that state law governs those issues. Rodriguez invites public feedback, promising DOT will review all comments before adopting any rule. The move signals a shift: more space for cargo bikes, less for trucks, and a step toward safer, cleaner streets for everyone outside a car.

• DOT Commish: We Want to Get the Rules Right for Cargo Bikes, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-07

Two sedans crashed head-on on Seaman Avenue in Manhattan. Both drivers were men. One suffered a shoulder injury and bruising. The collision damaged the left front bumpers of both vehicles. Driver inattention caused the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Seaman Avenue in Manhattan. Both drivers were male and traveling straight in opposite directions. The impact occurred at the left front bumpers of both vehicles. One driver, age 54, was injured with a shoulder and upper arm contusion but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. Both vehicles sustained damage to their left front bumpers. The crash highlights the dangers of distracted driving even on straightforward routes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4658982 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A 29-year-old female driver suffered elbow and arm abrasions when her SUV overturned on Broadway. The crash involved multiple parked vehicles. Police cited unsafe lane changing as the cause. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old female driver was injured when her 2001 SUV overturned after an unsafe lane change on Broadway. The vehicle struck multiple parked SUVs and a sedan before overturning. The driver sustained abrasions to her elbow and lower arm but was conscious and wearing a lap belt at the time of the crash. The report lists unsafe lane changing as the contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The crash caused significant damage to the overturned SUV and the parked vehicles it collided with.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4658106 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

DOT will break ground on the McGuinness Boulevard redesign next week. The Calyer Compromise brings protected bike lanes, fewer car lanes south of Calyer, and offset crossings. It follows years of deadly crashes. Advocates call it a step forward. Some say it falls short.

On August 29, 2023, the Department of Transportation announced work will begin on the McGuinness Boulevard redesign, known as the 'Calyer Compromise.' The plan, shaped by controversy and negotiation, keeps two lanes of car and truck traffic in both directions from the Pulaski Bridge to Calyer Street during the day, with a flex lane for parking at night. South of Calyer, the road narrows to one lane each way, with protected bike lanes, loading zones, and offset crossings. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said the compromise will 'save lives and make this corridor much easier to navigate for everyone, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.' He thanked Mayor Adams, elected officials, and the community for their support. Supporters call it the biggest safety change since Robert Moses widened the road. Opponents, like Keep McGuinness Moving, say it ignores community concerns. The redesign comes after years of advocacy following multiple deaths and injuries on the corridor.

• DOT: McGuinness Fixes Will Start Next Week, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-29

Speed cameras now run all day in New York. Violations dropped 30 percent in a year. Streets once deadly see fewer crashes. But injuries still rise for cyclists. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie stands against city control of speed limits. The fight continues.

This policy outcome report, published August 28, 2023, covers the first year of 24/7 speed camera enforcement in New York City. The Department of Transportation reports a 30 percent drop in violations since cameras began operating around the clock on August 1, 2022. The report states, 'Success: Drivers are Slowing Down on Streets with 24/7 Speed Cameras.' Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie is mentioned for opposing city control over speed limits, a move sought by Families for Safe Streets after continued traffic deaths and injuries. Key corridors saw sharp drops in speeding and injuries, but cyclist injuries remain high. The expanded camera program replaced limited weekday enforcement, shifting the burden from NYPD to automated systems. The data shows cameras work, but the fight for safer streets—especially for cyclists—remains unfinished.

• Success: Drivers are Slowing Down on Streets with 24/7 Speed Cameras, streetsblog.org, Published 2023-08-28

Speed cameras now run all day, every day. Violations dropped 30 percent in one year. Streets once deadly saw sharp falls in speeding and injuries. Cameras outpaced cops, issuing millions of tickets. Still, cyclist injuries climb. The fight for safer streets continues.

This report details the outcome of New York City's 24/7 speed camera enforcement, launched August 1, 2022. The Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a 30 percent drop in violations on enforced corridors. The matter summary states, 'Success: Drivers are Slowing Down on Streets with 24/7 Speed Cameras.' DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called the expanded enforcement 'a highly effective tool to keep New Yorkers safe.' Key corridors saw dramatic reductions: 96 percent on Houston Street, 74 percent on North Conduit Boulevard, 68 percent on Bruckner Boulevard. Injuries fell at high-crash sites—45 percent on Tremont Avenue, 33 percent on Kings Highway, 16 percent on Queens Boulevard, 19 percent on Hylan Boulevard. Automated cameras issued over 3.7 million tickets, dwarfing police efforts. Despite progress, cyclist injuries are on pace for a record high, and advocates now push for city control over speed limits.

• Success: Drivers are Slowing Down on Streets with 24/7 Speed Cameras, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-28

DOT will widen bike lanes to 10 feet on 11 blocks of 10th Avenue. The move gives cyclists and walkers more space. Most road space stays with cars. Pedestrian islands and turn signals aim to cut crashes. Advocates call for stronger barriers.

On August 24, 2023, the NYC Department of Transportation announced a project to install double-wide, 10-foot protected bike lanes on 11 blocks of 10th Avenue, from W. 14th to W. 52nd Streets, through Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen. The plan, not tied to a council bill but a DOT initiative, expands northbound bike lanes from eight to ten feet on the upper section. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, “This project will deliver much-needed safety upgrades to the Hell’s Kitchen corridor and help support more efficient transportation options.” Local advocate Christine Berthet praised the wider lanes, noting the old design could not safely carry regular bikes alongside cargo and e-bikes. The project adds pedestrian islands, dedicated left-turn lanes, and leading pedestrian intervals at key intersections. Berthet urged the city to install flex posts to keep drivers out of bike and pedestrian spaces, citing problems on nearby 11th Avenue. The changes aim to protect vulnerable road users but leave most space for cars.

• Double-Wide Bike Lanes Coming to 10th Ave in Hells Kitchen, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-24

A Jeep SUV struck a Kia sedan’s left rear quarter panel as it made a U-turn on West 213 Street. The sedan’s driver, a 38-year-old man, suffered a head contusion. The crash involved driver inattention and distraction.

According to the police report, a 2023 Kia sedan was making a U-turn on West 213 Street when it was struck on the left rear quarter panel by a 2014 Jeep SUV traveling straight ahead. The sedan’s driver, a 38-year-old man, was injured with a head contusion but remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The Jeep driver was licensed and traveling south. The impact damaged the left rear quarter panel of the sedan and the right front bumper of the SUV. No other injuries or contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4657420 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

DOT moves to allow four-wheeled, 48-inch-wide cargo bikes. The rule aims to cut truck traffic, clear space for people, and speed up deliveries. Commissioner Rodriguez says cargo bikes mean fewer deadly trucks. Public hearing set for September 13.

On August 14, 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a rulemaking to permit four-wheeled, pedal-assist cargo bikes up to 48 inches wide—up from the current three wheels and 36 inches. The proposal, published in the City Record, responds to stalled state legislation and rising delivery demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez stated, 'Greater use of cargo bikes will bring incredible environmental and safety benefits for New York City by reducing the number of large, high-polluting trucks on our streets.' Rodriguez added, 'Just two cargo bikes can replace one box truck, increasing safety and reducing CO2 emission by 14 tons per year.' The public comment period runs 30 days, with a hearing on September 13. The rule targets safer streets by shrinking the footprint of freight vehicles and clearing the way for vulnerable road users.

• City Moves to Allow Wider Cargo Bikes; Is a Delivery Revolution Next?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-14

DOT boss dodged on safety. Mayor stalled the plan. Advocates fumed. The original design promised fewer lanes, protected bike lanes, safer crossings. Now, after a teacher’s death and 82 crashes in a year, the future is murky. City Hall listens to business, not victims.

On July 18, 2023, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez addressed the status of the McGuinness Boulevard redesign. The $40 million plan, drafted in 2021 after a fatal hit-and-run, aimed to cut lanes from four to two, add protected bike lanes, and shorten crossings. Rodriguez said, "[My] personal commitment as the commissioner of DOT [is] to do the best it can to continue doing my job to improve safety on McGuinness Boulevard." Mayor Adams reversed the plan after business opposition, despite support from every other elected official. Assembly Member Emily Gallagher blamed a small group for swaying the mayor, noting, "Other redesigned streets... all get safer and they work better." The timeline is now unclear. In the past year, 82 crashes injured 35 people on the corridor. Advocates vow to keep fighting for the original, safer design.

• DOT Boss Tries to Stay ‘Positive’ on McGuinness But Won’t Commit to Safest Possible Design, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-07-18

DOT will test 15 package lockers on city sidewalks. Fewer trucks mean fewer threats to people walking and biking. The city bets on less idling, less chaos, less theft. But sidewalk crowding remains a risk. The pilot starts. Streets wait.

On June 30, 2023, the NYC Department of Transportation announced a one-year pilot called LockerNYC. The plan: install 15 large package lockers on city sidewalks to centralize deliveries. DOT says, "The lockers will centralize drop-off points, allowing carriers to make fewer truck trips." DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez claims the initiative will cut daily delivery truck trips and give New Yorkers a secure spot for packages. Sara Lind of Open Plans calls it "a creative solution for reducing the number of trucks circling the block and idling at the curb." Still, she warns, "sidewalks are already very crowded," and urges care to avoid worsening conditions for pedestrians. The pilot will test if lockers can reduce truck traffic and theft without squeezing out people on foot.

• DOT Seeks to Reduce Delivery Traffic and Package Theft with Lockers, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-30

Two vehicles crashed on West 207 Street. The SUV driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The collision involved improper lane usage and turning. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage. The SUV driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, a 47-year-old male SUV driver was injured in a collision on West 207 Street. The crash involved a station wagon/SUV and a sedan, both traveling west. The SUV driver was changing lanes and turning improperly when the collision occurred. The sedan was merging at the time. The contributing factors listed are "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" and "Turning Improperly." The SUV driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash but was not ejected and was conscious, wearing a lap belt. The SUV sustained damage to the left front bumper, and the sedan to the right front bumper. No other occupants were reported injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4641442 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

Garbage truck struck parked sedan and SUV on Sherman Avenue. Driver and passenger inside truck suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both men remained conscious. Crash followed reaction to another vehicle.

According to the police report, a 2023 Mack garbage truck traveling south on Sherman Avenue collided with a parked sedan and SUV. The truck’s driver and a passenger, both men in their late 20s and early 30s, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both were conscious and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report lists 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' as a contributing factor, showing the driver’s response to another vehicle played a role in the crash. The parked sedan and SUV sustained damage to their left side doors and rear quarter panel. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4643507 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A 27-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a 2019 Jeep SUV made an improper U-turn on Sherman Avenue. The SUV struck the cyclist’s right side. The rider suffered bruises and injuries to his knee and lower leg. No helmet was worn.

According to the police report, a 2019 Jeep SUV was making an improper U-turn on Sherman Avenue when it collided with a northbound bicyclist going straight. The bicyclist, a 27-year-old man, sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists the driver’s errors as "Turning Improperly" and "Unsafe Lane Changing." The bicyclist was not ejected and remained conscious but was injured. The cyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The SUV sustained damage to its right front bumper at the point of impact. The crash highlights the dangers posed by improper vehicle maneuvers in shared road spaces.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4648407 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-08

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06