Blood on the Asphalt, Silence in City Hall

E-bike slammed center front on Broadway. Two riders, both hurt in the head. Blood on the street. Distraction and confusion marked the crash. Staten Island night, sharp and unforgiving.

Two people riding an e-bike were injured in a crash at 221 Broadway, Staten Island. Both suffered head injuries—one with severe lacerations, the other with abrasions. According to the police report, 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the collision. The e-bike struck with its center front end. No safety equipment was reported. The crash left both the driver and passenger conscious but wounded.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4829670 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

Mayor Adams stalled Third Avenue’s redesign. He once called it urgent. Now, cyclists and walkers face the same deadly street. Cars dominate. Promises break. Blood stains linger.

On July 17, 2025, Mayor Eric Adams delayed Brooklyn’s Third Avenue safety redesign. The project, once 'at the top of our list,' now sits idle. Streetsblog NYC reported the mayor’s reversal. No council vote or committee action is recorded. Adams’s move keeps pedestrians and cyclists exposed to known hazards. A safety analyst notes: Delaying redesign postpones critical improvements, keeps dangers in place, and discourages walking and biking. The city’s inaction leaves Third Avenue deadly for all outside a car.

• Fixing Third Ave. Was Once ‘Top of List’ For Eric Adams — But as Mayor He Backed Off, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-17

Ex-Commissioner Tom Donlon says Adams insiders fueled deadly NYPD chases. Cyclists, kids, and bystanders paid. Streets turned chaotic. Policy ignored. Trust shattered. Vulnerable road users left exposed.

""The NYPD is led by the best, brightest and most honorable professionals in the nation — and their results speak for themselves: crime continues to fall across the city, with shootings at the lowest level in recorded history. We will respond in court, where we are confident these absurd claims will be disproven."" -- Charles Fall

On July 16, 2025, former NYPD Commissioner Tom Donlon filed a civil racketeering suit, alleging 'deadly and unconstitutional high-speed vehicle chases' under Mayor Adams. The complaint, reported by Streetsblog NYC, claims the NYPD's Community Response Team operated as a rogue unit, answerable only to City Hall, with Deputy Mayor Kaz Daughtry allowing reckless pursuits. Donlon cites deaths and injuries, including cyclist Amanda Servedio. The suit alleges 398 crashes and 315 injuries in 2024—a 47% jump. Donlon's allegations highlight how high-speed chases increase risk to pedestrians and cyclists, introducing unpredictable, dangerous driving and eroding public trust in safe, equitable enforcement. No council bill or committee action is tied to this event.

• Former NYPD Boss Says Deadly High Speed Chases Were Result Of ‘Rogue’ Adams Insiders, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-16

A 16-year-old on an e-scooter died after a collision with a Hyundai in Staten Island. Head trauma proved fatal. Police are investigating. The driver stayed at the scene. No arrests. Another scooter death followed days later.

The Brooklyn Paper (2025-07-13) reports a fatal crash on June 29 in Staten Island. Sixteen-year-old Nacere Ellis, riding an electric scooter, collided with a westbound Hyundai Tucson. The article states, 'Ellis suffered head trauma as a result of the crash.' The 79-year-old driver remained at the scene. NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad is reviewing the case. No charges have been filed. The report notes a similar fatal scooter crash days earlier in Queens. The incidents highlight ongoing risks for micromobility users and the need for systemic safety measures.

• Teen E-Scooter Rider Killed In Crash, The Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-07-13

Years pass. Bus speeds crawl. City dodges real bus rapid transit. Riders wait. Streets choke. Vulnerable users stuck with slow, crowded, unsafe options. Nothing changes. Safety stands still.

On July 11, 2025, Dave Colon spotlighted two reports slamming New York City’s failure to deliver real bus rapid transit. The reports state, 'Years of bus priority projects have barely improved speeds because New York City leaders have not implemented real bus rapid transit (BRT).' Colon, reporting for Streetsblog NYC, supports comprehensive BRT and opposes the city’s piecemeal fixes. Mayor Adams and city agencies have not acted on key recommendations. The safety analyst notes: the lack of real BRT means missed chances for mode shift and street equity, but does not directly worsen conditions for pedestrians and cyclists; the status quo remains unchanged.

• Why No BRT For NYC? Two New Reports Tackle Why Your Bus Service Sucks, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-11

Two SUVs slammed together on Castleton Avenue. Four women injured. Police cite traffic control disregarded. Metal twisted. Airbags burst. Streets failed the people inside.

Two sport utility vehicles crashed at Castleton Avenue and North Burgher Avenue in Staten Island. Four women, including both drivers and two passengers, were injured. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Traffic Control Disregarded.' One driver suffered a fracture and dislocation. Air bags deployed in both vehicles. The report lists no other contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The system failed to protect the people inside.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4826027 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

A distracted SUV driver crashed near Bard Ave. He suffered a fractured arm. Police cite driver inattention as the cause. Streets remain unforgiving to the unfocused.

A crash occurred near 355 Bard Ave in Staten Island involving a GMC SUV. The driver, a 45-year-old man, was injured with a fractured upper arm. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was the contributing factor. The SUV was parked before the incident and sustained damage to the center front end. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4826120 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

Mayor Adams halts 34th Street busway. Streets stay clogged. Pedestrians and bus riders lose. Car dominance remains. Safety and equity stalled.

On July 3, 2025, the Adams administration paused the 34th Street busway project, as reported by Streetsblog NYC. The matter, described as a 'highly-anticipated 34th Street busway,' had support from Council Members Erik Bottcher, Keith Powers, and others. Bottcher called it 'transformative,' promising fewer crashes and faster buses. Powers slammed the last-minute reversal. Safety analysts warn: canceling the busway preserves car dominance, discourages transit, and keeps streets unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists. The project’s future is uncertain. Vulnerable New Yorkers pay the price.

• Anti-Miracle On 34th Street: Adams Administration Pauses Work On 34th Street Busway, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-03

A sedan sped through Staten Island. The unlicensed teen at the wheel blew past traffic control. Two young passengers suffered head injuries. Metal crumpled. The street stayed silent.

A sedan on Richmond Terrace in Staten Island crashed after the unlicensed 16-year-old driver disregarded traffic control, according to the police report. Six people were inside. Two teenage passengers, ages 15 and 16, suffered head injuries. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the main contributing factor, with 'Tinted Windows' also noted. The driver was unlicensed. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left metal twisted and young riders hurt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4825962 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-30

A sedan struck a parked SUV on Forest Avenue. Three people hurt. Police cite driver distraction. Metal crumpled. Chest bruised. Streets unforgiving.

A sedan traveling east struck the center back end of a parked SUV at 857 Forest Avenue in Staten Island. Three occupants were injured, including a 28-year-old woman driving the sedan who suffered a chest contusion. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was listed as a contributing factor. The impact left both vehicles damaged. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report notes the driver wore a lap belt and harness. The crash highlights the danger of distraction behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4822833 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.

On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.

• Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-23

Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.

On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.

• Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-23

Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.

On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.

• Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-23

An SUV turned left on Henderson Avenue. A motorcycle came straight. Metal struck metal. The rider took the hit. He was left bruised and hurt. Inattention and a bad turn caused the crash. The street stayed loud and raw.

A crash on Henderson Avenue at Bement Avenue in Staten Island involved a motorcycle and an SUV. The motorcycle rider, a 46-year-old man, suffered a hip and upper leg injury, according to the police report. The report states: “Driver Inattention/Distraction” and “Turning Improperly” contributed to the collision. The SUV was making a left turn when it struck the motorcycle, which was traveling straight. The rider was wearing a helmet, as noted in the data, but the crash was driven by driver inattention and improper turning. The impact left the rider bruised and conscious at the scene.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4821724 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

Two sedans collided on Beach Street. One driver struck the other from behind. A man suffered a head injury. Police cite driver inattention. Shock followed. Metal crumpled. The street fell silent. Cars moved on. The injured waited.

A crash involving two sedans occurred on Beach Street at Jackson Street in Staten Island. According to the police report, the collision was caused by 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' One driver, a 45-year-old man, suffered a head injury and was in shock. Another driver, a 46-year-old woman, and two other occupants, including an infant, were listed with unspecified injuries. The police report states, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The crash involved one vehicle stopped in traffic and another going straight ahead, resulting in a rear-end impact. No other contributing factors were listed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4821721 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

Two cars crashed on Victory Boulevard. Both drivers distracted. Two men suffered head injuries. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the morning air. Streets do not forgive mistakes.

A sedan and an SUV collided at Victory Boulevard and Louis Street in Staten Island. According to the police report, both drivers were inattentive or distracted. Two men, ages 21 and 30, suffered head injuries as a passenger and driver. The crash involved a left turn and a straight-ahead movement. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The impact left two injured and highlighted the danger of distraction behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4821817 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

Congestion pricing cuts traffic jams across Manhattan and the metro. Streets clear. Delays drop. Fewer cars mean more space for people. The city breathes. Vulnerable road users gain ground. Data shows real relief, not empty promises.

On June 18, 2025, the Regional Plan Association released a report on congestion pricing’s impact. The study, covered by Barbara Russo-Lennon, found a 25% drop in Manhattan traffic jams, with smaller but real declines in the Bronx and New Jersey. The report states: 'Congestion pricing is delivering clear benefits, saving people time and the aggravation of being stuck in traffic.' Council Member Frank Morano and State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton criticized the program, citing Staten Island’s smaller gains and health concerns. MTA Chair Janno Lieber defended the policy, pointing to improved drive times and transit use. Safety analysts note congestion pricing reduces car traffic, lowers crash risk for pedestrians and cyclists, encourages mode shift, and supports safer, more equitable streets. The program’s future now rests with the federal courts.

• Real road relief: Latest congestion pricing research shows fewer traffic jams and delays across NYC metro area, Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-06-18

Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.

Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-17

Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.

Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-17