Bay Street bleeds: four deaths, hundreds hurt, and the clock keeps going

Jun 2 - A 43-year-old man on an e-bike crashed head-on near Canal Street. He flew from the bike. Blood pooled on the asphalt. His head split open under the streetlight. The front end crumpled. The night stayed silent.

A 43-year-old man riding an e-bike suffered severe head injuries after a head-on crash near 176 Canal Street in Staten Island. According to the police report, the rider was ejected from the bike and found unconscious, with blood pooling on the asphalt and the front end of the e-bike crumpled. The report states, 'His head split open under the streetlight’s cold glare.' The data lists 'Unspecified' as the contributing factor. No other vehicles or people were reported injured in this crash. The rider was not wearing a helmet, which is noted after the absence of clear driver errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634318 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 1 - A sedan making a right turn struck a bicyclist going straight on Bay Street. The cyclist was partially ejected and suffered abrasions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. Driver distraction was cited as the cause.

According to the police report, a 43-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a 2010 Chevrolet sedan made a right turn and collided with him on Bay Street in Staten Island. The bicyclist was partially ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as the contributing factors to the crash. The sedan's right side doors were damaged at the point of impact. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash. There is no mention of helmet use or signaling. The driver held a permit license, and the bicyclist was licensed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634132 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 1 - Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-06-01

May 31 - Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2023-05-31

May 30 - A 29-year-old man driving a sedan on VanDuzer Street suffered head injuries. The vehicle struck an object front center. The driver was semiconscious and complained of pain and nausea. Illness contributed to the crash. No ejection occurred.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on VanDuzer Street, Staten Island. The sedan, traveling west, impacted with its center front end, causing damage and injuring the driver. The driver was semiconscious with head injuries and complained of pain and nausea. The report lists illness as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The crash narrative does not indicate any failure to yield or other driver errors beyond the illness factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633583 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 24 - Transit faces a cliff. Pandemic gutted ridership and revenue. Federal law blocks agencies from using funds for daily operations. Cuts loom: fewer trains, fewer buses, more danger for those who walk and ride. Labor calls Congress to act. Streets will pay the price.

On May 24, 2023, Greg Regan, president of the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, published an urgent call for federal action. The piece, titled 'Feds Must Give Transit the Support (And Flexibility) It Needs Right Now,' demands Congress let transit agencies use federal funds for operating costs, not just capital projects. Regan warns, 'This flaw in federal policy is squeezing communities around the country.' He highlights looming service cuts in cities like New York, Boston, and Atlanta. Regan opposes current restrictions and supports permanent change. The opinion, published in Streetsblog NYC, reflects labor’s stance: without operational funding, transit shrinks, and vulnerable riders—those who walk, bike, or rely on buses and trains—face greater risk. No council bill number or committee applies; this is a national advocacy push.

• Opinion: Feds Must Give Transit the Support (And Flexibility) It Needs Right Now, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-24

May 22 - A sedan stopped in traffic on Broad Street was struck from behind by another sedan. The unlicensed driver caused the crash. The 64-year-old driver of the first vehicle suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Alcohol was involved in the collision.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Broad Street, Staten Island. The first vehicle was stopped in traffic when it was hit from behind by a second sedan traveling east. The driver of the second vehicle was unlicensed and alcohol was involved. The 64-year-old driver of the first sedan was injured, sustaining neck injuries and whiplash. The driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement and the unlicensed status of the striking driver as contributing factors. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655053 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 19 - The city’s Ninth Street redesign faces sharp criticism after a cyclist’s death. Family and advocates say the plan skips key safety fixes. Jersey barriers leave gaps. Pedestrian islands and bike signals are missing. The city delays. Danger remains.

On May 19, 2023, the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) latest redesign proposal for Ninth Street in Gowanus drew fire at a Community Board 6 meeting. The plan, discussed in the Transportation and Public Safety Committees, adds buffer-protected bike lanes and some jersey barriers, but skips driveways and omits pedestrian islands, raised intersections, and bicycle signals. Maxime Le Munier, whose wife Sarah Schick was killed by a truck driver on Ninth Street, said, “What we want is to guarantee everyone’s safety, and it seems like it’s going to fall short.” Community Board 6 Transportation Chair Doug Gordon and Public Safety Chair Jerry Armer echoed calls for stronger, faster action. Council Member Hanif hosted a recent event on the issue. The committees unanimously approved the DOT proposal with conditions: more pedestrian safety, more traffic calming, and a comprehensive plan for all of Ninth Street. DOT has not set a timeline. Schick’s family is suing the city for $100 million, alleging negligence.

• Widowed Husband of Slain Cyclist Says Ninth Street Redesign ’Falls Short’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-19

May 16 - Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

May 7 - A Ford passed wrong on Hannah Street. Metal struck a cyclist’s leg. Blood soaked the curb. Alcohol hung in the air. Three cars, one bike, chaos. The cyclist stayed awake. His helmet stayed on. The street stayed dangerous.

A Ford sedan passed improperly on Hannah Street and struck a northbound cyclist. According to the police report, 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' contributed to the crash. The cyclist suffered severe bleeding to his leg but remained conscious. Multiple vehicle occupants, including drivers and passengers, were injured, with reports of head, chest, and facial injuries. A pedestrian working in the roadway was also hurt, suffering a leg contusion. The crash involved three cars and a bike. The police report details that alcohol was present at the scene and that improper lane usage was a key factor. Helmet use for the cyclist is noted in the data, but only after driver errors are listed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4627194 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 4 - Work starts on Ocean Parkway’s battered bike lane after years of cracks and broken promises. Cyclists still face danger. Parks closed the path but failed to set a safe detour. Riders dodge cars, confusion, and construction. The city drags its feet.

The Ocean Parkway bike lane repair project, funded in 2019 by then-Borough President Eric Adams and former Council Member Mark Treyger, finally began in May 2023 after years of delays. The $2.6-million, seven-block overhaul—managed by the Parks Department—targets the cracked 1894 path between avenues R and X. Construction, delayed by the pandemic and contract issues, will continue through March 2024. The Parks Department closed the northernmost block but failed to provide a safe, legal detour for cyclists, leaving them to navigate dangerous service roads and unclear signage. Treyger celebrated the start on social media, thanking advocates. Jon Orcutt of Bike New York criticized Parks for slow, unsafe detour practices, saying, 'They should be working on it based on function.' Lawmakers have introduced legislation to speed up Parks capital projects. Cyclists remain at risk until the city fixes its broken process.

• Ocean Parkway Bike Lane Fixes Finally Begin After Years of Delays, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-04

May 3 - New York City will cut 150,000 free parking spots for trash containers. The pilot starts in West Harlem this fall. The plan clears sidewalks, targets rats, and reclaims space for people. Council member Abreu and advocates back the move. Change is coming.

The Department of Sanitation announced a pilot to eliminate 150,000 free residential parking spaces for trash containerization. The program, starting fall 2023 in West Harlem, covers up to 10 residential blocks and 14 public schools. The DSNY report, with McKinsey input, finds containerization viable for most neighborhoods. The matter aims to 'remove garbage bags from sidewalks' and address public health. Council member Shaun Abreu supports the initiative, calling current practices 'backwards' and endorsing large-scale containerization. Advocates like CHEKPEDS founder Christine Berthet support repurposing parking for trash containers, citing sidewalk access. The city will double trash collection in the pilot area, with $5.7 million allocated. The plan faces challenges in dense areas, but signals a shift toward safer, cleaner streets for all.

• Sanitation: Trash Containerization Can Be Done With a Historic Reuse of Parking; Pilot to Start This Fall, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-03

Apr 26 - Charles Komanoff pitches a once-a-month free trip for every household into Manhattan’s congestion zone. He says it could break the political deadlock. The plan keeps most benefits: less traffic, faster buses, more transit cash. Regular drivers would pay more. Occasional drivers get a break.

On April 26, 2023, Charles Komanoff proposed a policy tweak to New York’s stalled congestion pricing plan. The plan, passed by the state legislature in 2019, remains stuck in federal review. Komanoff suggests, 'let’s give every household in the 12-county MTA region a single untolled trip per month into the congestion zone.' He argues this would address fairness concerns and soften opposition from occasional drivers. The freebie would cut annual net revenues by $110 million, but Komanoff says this could be offset by raising tolls for regular commuters. The proposal aims to preserve congestion pricing’s core goals: less traffic, faster travel, and more funding for transit. Komanoff’s compromise seeks to break the political stalemate and keep the city moving.

• KOMANOFF: Could a Once-a-Month Freebie Save Congestion Pricing?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-26

Apr 25 - Bus-mounted cameras slash crashes and speed up commutes. MTA data shows a 25 percent drop in collisions and faster buses on enforced routes. Riders gain time. Streets grow safer. Delivery giants rack up tickets. The city lags on bus lane promises.

On April 25, 2023, the City Council held a hearing on bus lane enforcement and service improvements. The matter, titled 'SMILE! Bus Lane Cameras Reduce Collisions, Speed Commutes, MTA Says,' highlighted MTA data: routes with automated bus lane enforcement (ABLE) saw 25 percent fewer crashes and 5 percent faster bus speeds over four years. MTA New York City Transit President Richard Davey testified, calling camera enforcement 'one of the most efficient and effective tools at our disposal.' MTA board member Andrew Albert pushed for more dedicated lanes, while CEO Janno Lieber urged Mayor Adams to meet legal bus lane minimums. The MTA aims to expand cameras to 1,000 buses, covering 80 percent of lanes. The city DOT has fallen behind on required bus lane mileage. Delivery firms like Amazon and UPS are frequent offenders. The MTA is also redesigning routes and reallocating dispatchers to cut bus bunching. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the data shows clear benefits for vulnerable road users.

• SMILE! Bus Lane Cameras Reduce Collisions, Speed Commutes, MTA Says, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-25

Apr 24 - A sedan making a U-turn struck a bicyclist traveling southeast on Bay Street in Staten Island. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention as a contributing factor. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Bay Street attempted a U-turn and collided with a bicyclist moving southeast. The bicyclist, a 25-year-old male, sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. The point of impact was the sedan's right rear bumper striking the bicycle. The cyclist was not ejected but was injured and conscious at the scene. No helmet or other safety equipment was noted. The driver was licensed and operating a 2013 Toyota sedan. This crash highlights the dangers posed by driver errors such as failure to maintain attention during maneuvers like U-turns.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4623630 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 20 - Advocates push U.S. cities to install speed limiters on government cars. The Safer Fleets Challenge calls for Intelligent Speed Assist in 50 municipal fleets by 2025. Pilots show sharp drops in speeding and crashes. Officials say it saves lives and money.

""This is not something cutting edge... This is the U.S. falling behind and needing to catch up what's happening in other countries ... If you ask a parent if they would like to have this technology in their cars for their teenagers, I would venture to guess almost every parent would say yes. If we want it for our teenagers, we should want it for everyone—because everyone is sharing the roads with each other."" -- Charles Fall

On April 20, 2023, a coalition of transportation advocates launched the Safer Fleets Challenge, urging 50 U.S. communities to install Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) technology on municipal vehicles by 2025. The campaign, highlighted in a Streetsblog NYC article, states: 'Some of America's most prominent sustainable transportation advocacy organizations are challenging governments to embrace a ground-breaking technology that makes it impossible for drivers to speed, starting with the vehicles in their own fleets.' Former council member Erica Gilmore and America Walks president Mike McGinn voiced strong support. Gilmore said, 'Greater safety, of course, would lead to budget savings over the long run for cities and towns.' The article details ISA pilots in New York City and California, showing fewer crashes and less speeding. Advocates argue that executive orders can quickly retrofit fleets, and broader adoption is overdue. The bill is not yet formal legislation but marks a clear push for systemic change to protect vulnerable road users.

• How Every Government In America Could Stop Its Own Cars From Speeding, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-20

Apr 19 - Mayor Adams backs free buses on ten city routes. Assembly Member Mamdani hails the move for working-class riders. But promised bus lanes and service upgrades lag. Only 11.95 miles built last year. Political fights stall progress. Riders wait. Danger lingers.

On April 19, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams endorsed a pilot to make two bus routes free in each borough, totaling ten free buses. The plan is part of the 'Fix the MTA' package, originally championed by Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and progressive allies. Adams said, 'I strongly support the thought of having 10 buses being free on lines in the city. I think it would make a major impact.' Mamdani called free buses 'transformative' for working-class New Yorkers. Despite this, other bus improvements lag. Adams pledged 150 miles of new bus lanes in four years, but only 11.95 miles were built last year. Some projects stalled amid political opposition. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber stressed the need for city commitment to bus lanes and warned of fare hikes and service cuts if funding gaps persist. No formal safety analysis was provided for vulnerable road users.

• Mayor Adams Backs Free Buses As Other Bus Commitments Fall By the Wayside, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-19

Apr 17 - A Chevy sedan crashed into a parked Ford pickup on Navy Pier Court. The car flipped. The 21-year-old driver crawled out, head bleeding. Alcohol was involved. The street was still. Metal bent. One man hurt. The night left its mark.

A Chevy sedan struck a parked Ford pickup on Navy Pier Court in Staten Island. The sedan overturned from the force. According to the police report, 'Alcohol was involved.' The 21-year-old driver, alone in the car, suffered severe head lacerations. The crash happened just after midnight. The police report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The parked Ford pickup was empty and no other injuries were reported. No helmet or signal use was listed as a factor. The crash left the driver bleeding and the sedan overturned.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4623968 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 17 - Sexual harassment stalks DC’s transit. Women riders vanish. WMATA’s old campaigns worked, but vanished too. Ridership drops. Safety erodes. The agency drifts. Riders wait. The call is clear: bring back anti-harassment efforts. Restore trust. Protect women. Save transit.

This opinion piece, published April 17, 2023, urges the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to revive anti-sexual harassment campaigns. The article states, 'WMATA should consider reviving their anti-harassment campaigns to help create a welcoming environment for women.' Before the pandemic, women made up over half of DC transit riders. Now, their numbers have dropped. WMATA’s past campaigns, run with Stop Street Harassment and Collective Action for Safe Spaces, reduced reported harassment and encouraged reporting. But since 2019, progress has stalled. The author notes that sexual harassment drives women away from transit, pushing them toward cars and taxis. WMATA’s 2023 budget lists anti-harassment as a priority, but action is missing. The piece calls for visible, renewed efforts to protect women and restore trust in public transit.

• Opinion: We Should Do More To Fight Sexual Harassment on Transit, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-17

Apr 14 - A traveler lived car-free in England, Germany, and Japan. She walked, biked, and rode transit. Streets felt safe. Drivers yielded. Cities built for people, not cars. She calls for New Jersey to follow. She saw less danger, more freedom, and fewer cars.

This opinion piece, published April 14, 2023, is not a council bill but a personal statement advocating for car-free living. The author describes her experience in Cambridge, Stuttgart, and Tokyo, where 'everything we needed was within easy reach by foot, bike, bus, or train.' She urges New Jersey to deliver more options for all people, not just drivers. The piece supports congestion pricing, public transit, walkability, and bike infrastructure. No council members are named. The author highlights how deliberate city planning—compact development, mixed uses, and robust transit—keeps vulnerable road users safer. Streets designed for people, not cars, reduce risk and open freedom for all.

• Opinion: Car-Free Inspiration From an Overseas Adventure, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-14