Central Park Bleeds While City Hall Sleeps

Council Member Holden’s e-bike license bill piles red tape on riders but leaves pedestrians exposed. The proposal skips real fixes—wider sidewalks, protected lanes, safer work rules. It targets e-bikes, not the cars and street chaos that truly endanger walkers.

Council Member Robert Holden introduced a bill, co-sponsored by a Council majority, to require licenses for all e-bikes. The bill, discussed in October 2023, has not specified a streamlined process for licensing. The matter’s summary states: 'Holden's bill does nothing to rectify the fundamental issues of inadequate space and dangerous workplace practices.' Holden and his colleagues push regulation, but critics say the bill ignores the real threats: narrow sidewalks, blocked crosswalks, and unsafe delivery work. The proposal would burden riders and discourage micromobility, while failing to address illegal mopeds or car dominance. State Senator Brad Hoylman’s employer-provided ID plan is cited as a better alternative. The opinion calls for protected bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and fair enforcement, not more bureaucracy. Holden’s bill, critics argue, misses the mark for pedestrian safety.

• Opinion: Holden’s E-Bike License Proposal Misses the Mark on Pedestrian Safety, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-11

A taxi struck a 71-year-old bicyclist from behind on West 72 Street. The rider suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The crash involved driver inattention and following too closely. The cyclist remained conscious.

According to the police report, a taxi and a bicycle collided on West 72 Street. The bicyclist, a 71-year-old man, was injured with abrasions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors including "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Following Too Closely" as contributing factors. The taxi struck the left side doors of the bike while both were traveling westbound. The bicyclist was not ejected and remained conscious after the crash. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving and tailgating in interactions between motor vehicles and vulnerable cyclists.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4669011 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

An e-bike rider was ejected and suffered a serious head injury after a collision with a sedan on Central Park West. The rider was unconscious and internally injured. The crash involved disregarded traffic controls and left front bumper impact on the sedan.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old male e-bike rider was injured and ejected during a crash with a sedan on Central Park West in Manhattan. The rider sustained a head injury and was unconscious at the scene. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs. The e-bike was traveling north, and the sedan south, both going straight ahead when the collision occurred. The sedan's left front bumper struck the center front end of the e-bike. The e-bike rider was unlicensed. No helmet use was noted as a factor. The crash highlights the dangers when drivers or riders ignore traffic controls.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4666597 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A cyclist lies in critical condition after a crash at Fifth Avenue and Union Street. Councilmember Shahana Hanif calls out the city’s inaction. The intersection has claimed lives before. The community rallies, but danger remains. Cyclists keep dying. The city stalls.

On September 26, 2023, Councilmember Shahana Hanif (District 39) issued a statement following a severe crash at Fifth Avenue and Union Street in Park Slope. The incident left Jacob Priley, a cyclist and advocate, critically injured. Hanif highlighted the intersection’s deadly history, referencing the 2021 death of Arcellie Muschamp. She pressed the Department of Transportation for urgent safety upgrades, saying, 'How many more crashes until the DOT pays attention?' Hanif noted the recent completion of a protected bike lane on Ninth Street but stressed that more action is needed. She thanked neighbors for their support and vowed to work with the DOT. So far in 2023, 3,702 cyclists have been injured and 22 killed on New York City streets. The city’s pace on safety remains too slow for those at risk.

• Brooklyn rallies behind biker critically injured in Park Slope crash, raises funds for medical bills, amny.com, Published 2023-09-26

A 29-year-old male e-bike driver was partially ejected and injured in a Manhattan crash. The sedan and e-bike collided head-on. The e-bike driver suffered abrasions and leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention and inexperience as factors.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at West 110 Street in Manhattan involving a 2022 Fly E-Bike and a 2018 Toyota sedan. The e-bike driver, a 29-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The sedan had two occupants and was traveling westbound, as was the e-bike. The report lists driver inattention and driver inexperience as contributing factors for the e-bike operator. The e-bike driver was unlicensed. The sedan driver was licensed and female. The point of impact was the center front end of the e-bike and the left front bumper of the sedan. The e-bike driver remained conscious after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4662770 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

City Council passed a battery buy-back bill. Delivery workers can swap unsafe batteries for certified ones. New rules target deadly lithium-ion fires. Lawmakers demand delivery companies step up. Fourteen dead, over 100 hurt this year. Enforcement on uncertified sales begins soon.

"My bill will make sure the situation changes." -- Gale A. Brewer

On September 14, 2023, the New York City Council passed a package of bills to fight lithium-ion battery fires. The main bill, introduced by Council Member Keith Powers, creates a city-funded buy-back program for delivery workers to exchange faulty batteries and devices for safe, certified ones. The matter summary states the program aims to address the high cost of certified batteries, which can be prohibitive for low-paid workers. Council Members Oswald Feliz and Gale Brewer sponsored additional bills: Feliz's requires safe bikes and batteries for deliveries, while Brewer's mandates delivery apps provide safety training and equipment. Brewer also called for the Department of Transportation to update its safety course. Powers said, "We will provide them the opportunity to surrender that unsafe equipment and receive a safe replacement." The Council's action follows 180 battery fire incidents, 14 deaths, and over 100 injuries this year. Lawmakers push for delivery companies to take responsibility for worker safety and equipment standards. Enforcement against uncertified battery sales will begin soon.

• Council Passes Battery ‘Buy-Back’ Program and Other Bills to Curb Lithium-Ion Fires, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-14

Delivery workers ride mopeds on dangerous streets. Tech giants profit. City infrastructure lags. Cars and trucks kill most. Enforcement is scattershot. Officials call for safe lanes, charging stations, and real accountability. The crisis demands a fix beyond punishing workers.

This policy debate, published August 23, 2023, analyzes New York City’s 'moped crisis.' The article, reviewed by Streetsblog NYC, highlights systemic failures: unsafe streets, lack of charging infrastructure, and tech companies shifting risk onto underpaid delivery workers. Council Member Alexa Aviles urges rapid expansion of e-bike charging stations and blames corporate greed. State Senators Jessica Ramos and Brad Hoylman-Sigal call for industry accountability and a standardized, safe delivery vehicle. The matter summary states, 'The city needs a systemic fix, justice for workers and accountability by tech giants.' Advocacy groups reject punitive crackdowns on workers, pushing instead for expanded bike lanes and public infrastructure. The piece concludes that only a multi-pronged, structural approach—never just enforcement—will protect vulnerable road users and delivery workers alike.

• The Moped Crisis — An Analysis: The City Needs a Systemic Fix, Justice for Workers and Accountability by Tech Giants, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-23

A taxi making a left turn hit an 18-year-old bicyclist going straight north. The cyclist was partially ejected and suffered head abrasions. The driver showed inattention and failed to yield right-of-way. The cyclist wore no helmet.

According to the police report, a 2016 taxi traveling east made a left turn and collided with a northbound bicyclist on West Drive near 96th Street. The 18-year-old male cyclist was partially ejected and sustained head abrasions. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The taxi's left front bumper struck the bike's center front end, causing center front damage to both vehicles. The cyclist remained conscious but injured. The taxi driver was licensed and had two occupants in the vehicle at the time.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655040 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A moped sped east through Central Park at dawn. The driver lost control. He flew from the seat. His hip shattered. Flesh tore. He screamed in pain. The trees stood silent. No helmet. No brakes. No answer.

A 30-year-old moped driver was ejected and severely injured on Central Park’s Transverse Road Two. According to the police report, the moped was traveling at unsafe speed, with no helmet and no brakes. The driver suffered a shattered hip and severe lacerations. The report states, 'A moped tore east at dawn. No helmet. No brakes. The driver, 30, flew from the seat, hip shattered, flesh torn.' Unsafe speed is listed as the contributing factor. The data notes the absence of a helmet only after the primary driver error. No other vehicles or people were involved. The crash left the driver conscious but in agony, alone in the early morning park.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653002 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Sedan struck motorcycle turning right on West 73 Street. Rider thrown, leg shattered. Both vehicles mangled. No clear driver error listed. Helmet worn.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected and severely injured when a BMW sedan struck his motorcycle on West 73 Street near Central Park West. Both vehicles were making right turns. The sedan’s right front quarter panel hit the motorcycle’s left side. The motorcyclist suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists unspecified contributing factors and does not identify clear driver errors. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet. Both vehicles sustained significant damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4652913 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A Ford SUV turned left at East 101st and Fifth. The bumper hit a 71-year-old woman crossing with the light. Blood pooled on the crosswalk. She suffered a torn leg and severe bleeding. The driver failed to yield.

A Ford SUV struck a 71-year-old woman at the corner of East 101st Street and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. According to the police report, the SUV turned left and hit the woman as she crossed with the signal. The impact tore her leg, causing severe bleeding. The report states, 'The bumper hit her leg. Skin tore. Blood pooled on white stripes.' The driver remained licensed. The police report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The woman was walking with the light at the intersection when the crash occurred. No vehicle damage was reported. The incident highlights the danger faced by pedestrians even when following traffic signals.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4651209 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Senate bill S 7621 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets trigger mandatory speed control tech. Sponsors push to curb repeat danger. No votes yet. Streets stay tense.

Senate bill S 7621, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed August 2, 2023, it 'relates to requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Jeremy Cooney, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill forces drivers with eleven points in eighteen months, or six speed/red light camera tickets in a year, to install speed-limiting devices. No safety analyst note yet. The measure aims to cut repeat speeding and protect those outside the car.

• File S 7621, Open States, Published 2023-08-02

Senate bill S 7621 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets trigger mandatory speed control tech. Sponsors push to curb repeat danger. No votes yet. Streets stay tense.

Senate bill S 7621, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed August 2, 2023, it 'relates to requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Jeremy Cooney, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill forces drivers with eleven points in eighteen months, or six speed/red light camera tickets in a year, to install speed-limiting devices. No safety analyst note yet. The measure aims to cut repeat speeding and protect those outside the car.

• File S 7621, Open States, Published 2023-08-02

Manhattan lawmakers want electric cars to pay less under congestion pricing. They argue EVs cut smog, so drivers deserve a break. Critics warn this move keeps streets clogged. Fewer cars mean fewer crashes. The fight pits clean air against crowded roads.

On July 31, 2023, a group of Manhattan elected officials—including Assembly Members Alex Bores, Eddie Gibbs, Deborah Glick, Harvey Epstein, Rebecca Seawright; State Senators Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Liz Krueger, Kristen Gonzalez; and Borough President Mark Levine—sent a letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board. They urged a congestion pricing discount for electric vehicles, claiming EVs 'do not contribute significantly to the smog and pollution of the Central Business District.' Assembly Member Bores led the effort, stating, 'when it comes to the environmental case, an electric vehicle is just a different profile than a gas-guzzling one.' The officials oppose credits for bridge and tunnel crossings. Congestion pricing advocates and environmental groups counter that EV discounts undermine the core goal: fewer cars, less traffic, safer streets. They note other cities are ending such breaks. The proposal highlights a tension—cleaner air versus safer, less crowded roads for all.

• Manhattan Elected Officials Urge Congestion Pricing Discount For Electric Cars, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-07-31

Manhattan lawmakers want electric cars to pay less under congestion pricing. They argue EVs cut smog, so drivers deserve a break. Critics warn this move keeps streets clogged. Fewer cars mean fewer crashes. The fight pits clean air against crowded roads.

On July 31, 2023, a group of Manhattan elected officials—including Assembly Members Alex Bores, Eddie Gibbs, Deborah Glick, Harvey Epstein, Rebecca Seawright; State Senators Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Liz Krueger, Kristen Gonzalez; and Borough President Mark Levine—sent a letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board. They urged a congestion pricing discount for electric vehicles, claiming EVs 'do not contribute significantly to the smog and pollution of the Central Business District.' Assembly Member Bores led the effort, stating, 'when it comes to the environmental case, an electric vehicle is just a different profile than a gas-guzzling one.' The officials oppose credits for bridge and tunnel crossings. Congestion pricing advocates and environmental groups counter that EV discounts undermine the core goal: fewer cars, less traffic, safer streets. They note other cities are ending such breaks. The proposal highlights a tension—cleaner air versus safer, less crowded roads for all.

• Manhattan Elected Officials Urge Congestion Pricing Discount For Electric Cars, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-07-31

Manhattan lawmakers want electric cars to pay less under congestion pricing. They argue EVs cut smog, so drivers deserve a break. Critics warn this move keeps streets clogged. Fewer cars mean fewer crashes. The fight pits clean air against crowded roads.

On July 31, 2023, a group of Manhattan elected officials—including Assembly Members Alex Bores, Eddie Gibbs, Deborah Glick, Harvey Epstein, Rebecca Seawright; State Senators Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Liz Krueger, Kristen Gonzalez; and Borough President Mark Levine—sent a letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board. They urged a congestion pricing discount for electric vehicles, claiming EVs 'do not contribute significantly to the smog and pollution of the Central Business District.' Assembly Member Bores led the effort, stating, 'when it comes to the environmental case, an electric vehicle is just a different profile than a gas-guzzling one.' The officials oppose credits for bridge and tunnel crossings. Congestion pricing advocates and environmental groups counter that EV discounts undermine the core goal: fewer cars, less traffic, safer streets. They note other cities are ending such breaks. The proposal highlights a tension—cleaner air versus safer, less crowded roads for all.

• Manhattan Elected Officials Urge Congestion Pricing Discount For Electric Cars, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-07-31

Two sedans crashed on Central Park West. A 27-year-old female driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. The impact hit the right rear quarter panel of one car and the front bumper of the other. Driver distraction caused the collision.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Central Park West. The 27-year-old female driver of one vehicle was injured, sustaining head trauma and whiplash. The crash involved impact to the right rear quarter panel of her car and the front bumper of the other sedan. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The injured driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4647228 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Taxi drivers rallied at MTA headquarters. They demanded exemption from new congestion tolls. Council Member Gale Brewer backed their call. Drivers said another fee would crush them. The protest spotlighted the fight over who pays for safer, less crowded streets.

On July 18, 2023, taxi drivers with the New York Taxi Workers Alliance protested outside MTA headquarters. The demonstration targeted the Manhattan congestion pricing plan, which aims to raise $15 billion for the MTA and cut traffic. Drivers argued they already pay hefty surcharges and cannot survive another fee. Council Member Gale A. Brewer (District 6) supported the cabbies, both in a letter to MTA chairman Janno Lieber and at the rally. Brewer said, 'I support the concept, but my main topic was not to charge yellow cabs, period. Not even once.' The protest called for a full exemption for yellow and green cab drivers. The MTA has proposed tolls from $9 to $23, but drivers say even a once-a-day charge would threaten their survival. The event underscored the tension between funding transit and protecting workers who keep the city moving.

• Taxi drivers protest ahead of MTA congestion pricing meeting, nydailynews.com, Published 2023-07-18

Cops seized mopeds from Brooklyn delivery workers. Police claim safety, but data show cars and trucks cause most harm. App companies profit. Immigrant workers pay. Advocates say crackdowns punish the vulnerable, not the reckless. The city misses the real threat.

On July 14, 2023, NYPD officers from Brooklyn’s 78th Precinct seized illegal mopeds from delivery workers outside fast-food chains. The enforcement action follows years of crackdowns dating back to Mayor Bloomberg, ramped up under Mayor de Blasio. Police say the seizures make streets safer, but city crash data show cars and trucks—not e-bikes or mopeds—cause most pedestrian injuries. Delivery worker Roziev Akmal warned, 'Livelihoods will be ruined because of the seizure.' Ligia Guallpa of the Worker’s Justice Project called it 'another example where you see deliveristas being economically impacted.' State Sen. Brad Hoylman and Council Member Gale Brewer cited constituent complaints, but advocates and legal experts argue enforcement targets workers, not the root causes. The crackdown leaves low-paid, mostly immigrant workers exposed to fines, lost income, and road danger, while app companies escape responsibility.

• Latest Cop Crackdown on Deliveristas Misses the Point: Advocates, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-07-14

Cops seized mopeds from Brooklyn delivery workers. Police claim safety, but data show cars and trucks cause most harm. App companies profit. Immigrant workers pay. Advocates say crackdowns punish the vulnerable, not the reckless. The city misses the real threat.

On July 14, 2023, NYPD officers from Brooklyn’s 78th Precinct seized illegal mopeds from delivery workers outside fast-food chains. The enforcement action follows years of crackdowns dating back to Mayor Bloomberg, ramped up under Mayor de Blasio. Police say the seizures make streets safer, but city crash data show cars and trucks—not e-bikes or mopeds—cause most pedestrian injuries. Delivery worker Roziev Akmal warned, 'Livelihoods will be ruined because of the seizure.' Ligia Guallpa of the Worker’s Justice Project called it 'another example where you see deliveristas being economically impacted.' State Sen. Brad Hoylman and Council Member Gale Brewer cited constituent complaints, but advocates and legal experts argue enforcement targets workers, not the root causes. The crackdown leaves low-paid, mostly immigrant workers exposed to fines, lost income, and road danger, while app companies escape responsibility.

• Latest Cop Crackdown on Deliveristas Misses the Point: Advocates, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-07-14