Precinct 1: Canal burns, West Street bleeds, and the hours keep ticking

Jul 6 - A high-speed electric unicycle struck a cyclist on Central Park’s crowded West Drive. The unicycle rider landed in critical condition. Congestion and speed collided. Chaos followed. Bystanders watched. Sirens wailed.

West Side Spirit (2025-07-06) reports a crash on Central Park’s West Drive, where an illegal electric unicycle hit a cyclist. The unicycle, capable of speeds over 40 mph, struck Carolyn Backus, who was riding a standard bike. The unicycle operator was hospitalized in critical but stable condition. NYPD initially charged Backus with leaving the scene, but the charge was dropped. A spokesperson clarified, 'She also remained on scene for about 45 minutes after the crash and waited for paramedics.' The incident highlights risks from high-speed, illegal vehicles in crowded park spaces.

• Electric Unicycle Slams Cyclist In Park, West Side Spirit, Published 2025-07-06

Jul 4 - A tractor truck turned right on West St, striking a taxi. The taxi driver suffered back injuries. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No driver errors listed in the police report.

A crash unfolded at West St and Canal St in Manhattan. A tractor truck making a right turn struck a taxi going straight. According to the police report, the taxi driver, a 35-year-old man, was injured with back pain. The truck driver and other listed occupants were not reported injured. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The police report does not list any driver errors or contributing factors for this crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4825456 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 2 - Taxi hit a man crossing Battery Place. The impact tore his arm. Police cite failure to yield. The street stayed loud. The crosswalk marked, the danger clear.

A taxi struck a 63-year-old man as he crossed Battery Place in a marked crosswalk. According to the police report, the pedestrian suffered an arm injury and abrasion. The driver, a 68-year-old man, failed to yield the right-of-way. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. The pedestrian was crossing with no signal, but the crosswalk was marked. No other factors are cited. The crash highlights the risk pedestrians face even in marked crossings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4824879 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 27 - A 73-year-old woman crossing with the signal at Broadway was hit. She suffered a head injury. No driver errors listed. The street remains dangerous for those on foot.

A 73-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing at the intersection of 299 Broadway in Manhattan. According to the police report, she was crossing with the signal when she was struck, sustaining a head contusion. No driver errors or contributing factors were listed in the report. The vehicle type involved was unspecified. The report does not mention any actions by the pedestrian that contributed to the crash. The incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by pedestrians, even when following traffic signals.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4824108 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 26 - SUV driver tailed too close on Avenue of the Americas. E-scooter rider struck, arm bloodied. Police cite driver’s error. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

A 25-year-old e-scooter rider was injured on Avenue of the Americas at Spring Street when a northbound SUV followed too closely and struck him. According to the police report, 'Following Too Closely' was the listed contributing factor. The e-scooter rider suffered an arm injury and abrasion. The SUV driver and occupant were not seriously hurt. The report notes the e-scooter rider wore a helmet, but only after citing the driver’s error. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to keep safe distance from vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4823440 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 19 - A cyclist swerved to avoid a pedestrian in Central Park. He fell. His head struck the curb. He died at the hospital. The pedestrian suffered minor injuries. The crash happened at a crosswalk near 96th Street. The case is under investigation.

ABC7 reported on June 19, 2025, that Salvador Nico-Garcia, 43, died after colliding with a pedestrian while riding an e-bike in Central Park. According to police, Nico-Garcia swerved to avoid a 41-year-old pedestrian crossing at the crosswalk near 96th Street and East Drive. He fell, struck his head on the curb, and was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital. The pedestrian sustained minor abrasions. ABC7 notes, 'Officials say Nico-Garcia was on an e-bike and was not wearing a helmet at the time he was thrown.' New York City does not require cyclists over 14 to wear helmets. In Central Park, pedestrians have the right of way at all times. The incident remains under investigation, highlighting ongoing risks at crosswalks and the lack of helmet mandates for adult cyclists.

• Cyclist Killed Dodging Pedestrian In Park, ABC7, Published 2025-06-19

Jun 18 - Waymo will test robotaxis on New York streets. Human drivers will control the cars. State law blocks full autonomy. Officials stress safety. Waymo pushes for legal change. The city weighs risk. Streets wait for the next move.

NY Daily News reported on June 18, 2025, that Waymo will soon test its driverless taxi technology in New York City. The vehicles will not operate autonomously; human drivers will remain behind the wheel, as state law forbids fully driverless cars. Waymo is lobbying for a law change to allow autonomous operation, but the effort has stalled in the State Assembly. Mayoral spokeswoman Sophia Askari said, "Public safety is our first priority, which is why we have strong guardrails and requirements in place on any sort of autonomous vehicles." The city’s Department of Transportation is reviewing Waymo’s permit application, the first under the new Autonomous Vehicle Demonstration or Testing Permit Program. The article highlights the tension between technological ambition and regulatory caution, with policy decisions pending and no driverless operation allowed yet.

• Waymo Robotaxis Begin NYC Street Tests, NY Daily News, Published 2025-06-18

Jun 13 - A taxi and a bike collided at Pine Street. The cyclist, a 22-year-old man, suffered arm injuries. Police cited driver inattention for both vehicles. The crash left the cyclist hurt, the taxi damaged, and the street marked by carelessness.

A crash involving a taxi and a bicycle occurred at the intersection of 70 Pine Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, both drivers were cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The 22-year-old male cyclist was injured, sustaining abrasions and harm to his arm. The taxi, a 2025 HUMM SUV, suffered damage to the left rear quarter panel. The cyclist was not using any safety equipment. Police listed no other contributing factors. The report makes clear that driver inattention played a central role in the collision, which left a vulnerable road user hurt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4820396 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 13 - A BMW sedan hit a woman crossing John Street with the signal. The car turned left and struck her hip. Police cited failure to yield and traffic control disregarded. The street stayed busy. The pain lingered.

A BMW sedan struck a 23-year-old woman as she crossed John Street at Broadway in Manhattan. According to the police report, the pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the eastbound sedan made a left turn and hit her with its front end. She suffered a contusion to her hip and upper leg. Police listed 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The report does not mention any injury to the driver or damage to the vehicle. The data shows the pedestrian was following the signal when the crash occurred.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4820394 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 8 - City wants cars off 34th Street. Residents fear traffic will flood side streets. Bus riders crawl at five miles an hour. Officials tout safety gains from 14th Street. Tension rises between speed, safety, and neighborhood calm.

The New York Post (2025-06-08) reports that the city proposes restricting cars on 34th Street to create a busway between 3rd and 9th Avenues. Residents worry rerouted vehicles will jam local streets and worsen safety. Jessica Lavoie of the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association warns, "diverting traffic from this critical corridor onto narrow residential streets would lead to increased congestion, safety hazards, and diminished quality of life." The Department of Transportation aims to replicate the 14th Street busway, which "reduced congestion, sped up bus travel and curbed accidents." The article highlights the ongoing struggle to balance efficient transit, tunnel access, and neighborhood safety. No specific driver errors are cited, but the plan underscores the systemic risks of shifting car traffic onto residential blocks.

• City Eyes 34th Street Car Ban Plan, New York Post, Published 2025-06-08

Jun 7 - A drunk driver tore through Gramercy. He struck Abdulhekim Esiyok in the crosswalk. Bars kept pouring drinks for the driver. Blood alcohol soared. Esiyok died at Bellevue. The driver hit more people before stopping. The city’s system failed again.

According to the New York Post (2025-06-07), Abdulhekim Esiyok, a 23-year-old Turkish immigrant, was killed while crossing Third Avenue after Mahbub Ali, allegedly intoxicated, drove into him. Prosecutors say Ali drank for nearly six hours at three Manhattan bars, reaching a blood alcohol content of .158, almost twice the legal limit. After hitting Esiyok, Ali continued, injuring a cyclist, two more pedestrians, and crashing into a van. The family’s lawsuit cites New York’s Dram Shop Act, which holds bars liable for serving visibly drunk patrons who later cause harm. The article quotes the family’s lawyer: “The family is devastated. They’re still in disbelief.” The case highlights failures in both driver responsibility and alcohol-serving oversight.

• Drunk Driver Kills Immigrant Pedestrian in Manhattan, New York Post, Published 2025-06-07

Jun 4 - A distracted SUV driver struck a cyclist on Fulton Street. The rider took a hard hit to the shoulder. Police cite driver inattention. The street stayed busy. The system failed the vulnerable.

A cyclist was injured when an SUV driver, distracted and inattentive, collided with him on Fulton Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was listed as the contributing factor. The cyclist, a 27-year-old man, suffered a contusion to his upper arm. The SUV, a Jeep, was stopped in traffic before the crash. Both vehicle occupants were unhurt. The report does not mention any cyclist error or helmet use. The crash highlights the danger posed by driver inattention to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4818735 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 4 - A sedan slammed into a stopped SUV on West Street. Four men suffered back injuries. Police cite driver inattention and tailgating. Metal twisted. Whiplash followed. Streets stayed dangerous.

A northbound sedan struck the rear of a stopped SUV at 20 West Street in Manhattan. Four male passengers, ages 38 and 39, suffered back injuries and whiplash. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely.' The sedan driver was unlicensed. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The force of the impact left multiple occupants hurt. The report lists no other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4818256 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 2 - Hundreds rode through Manhattan. They protested NYPD’s push to criminalize minor bike infractions. Delivery riders, many undocumented, face court summonses for sidewalk riding and red lights. Judges toss charges. Police say it’s about compliance. Riders say it’s about targeting.

West Side Spirit reported on June 2, 2025, that hundreds of cyclists protested in Manhattan against the NYPD’s new policy of issuing criminal court summonses for minor bike infractions. The crackdown targets delivery workers, especially undocumented riders, for offenses like sidewalk riding and nonstandard bike setups. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch defended the move, stating, 'When it comes to traffic safety, compliance is not optional.' Protesters and advocates argue the policy is discriminatory and escalates minor violations, risking severe consequences for vulnerable workers. Ben Furnas of Transportation Alternatives called it 'really inappropriate escalation.' The article highlights confusion over traffic rules and the risk of criminalization for actions previously handled as civil matters, raising questions about enforcement priorities and the impact on immigrant communities.

• Cyclists Rally Against NYPD Crackdown, West Side Spirit, Published 2025-06-02

May 31 - Hundreds rode through Manhattan. They called out harsh summonses for e-bike riders. Police target cyclists with criminal charges for minor traffic moves. Drivers get tickets. Riders face court. The city’s rules hit the vulnerable. The streets stay dangerous.

Gothamist (2025-05-31) reports on a protest in Lower Manhattan against the NYPD’s policy of issuing criminal summonses to e-bike riders for traffic violations like running red lights or riding against traffic. Cyclists and advocates argue the penalties are harsher than those faced by drivers for similar actions. As one protester said, “It seems unfair to me that cyclists should receive a higher penalty for doing the same thing that a person in a car would do.” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch defended the crackdown, citing the lack of licensing for e-bikes as a challenge for enforcement, but acknowledged the need for legislative reform. The article highlights inconsistent enforcement and the risks faced by vulnerable road users, especially delivery workers. Policy gaps and unequal penalties expose systemic danger on city streets.

• E-Bike Riders Protest NYPD Crackdown, Gothamist, Published 2025-05-31

May 30 - A sedan struck a cyclist on Liberty Street in Manhattan. The crash left the cyclist hurt, his shoulder battered, his body in shock. Police cite failure to yield and ignored signals. The city’s streets remain hostile to those outside a car.

A crash on Liberty Street in Manhattan involved a sedan and a bicycle. The cyclist, a 43-year-old man, suffered a shoulder injury and was in shock. According to the police report, 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' were listed as contributing factors. The cyclist was wearing a helmet. The sedan, a BMW, was starting from parking when the collision occurred. The report notes that both the cyclist and vehicle occupants were affected, but only the cyclist was injured. Systemic dangers persist when drivers disregard traffic controls and fail to yield, putting vulnerable road users at risk.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4816905 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 30 - An e-bike struck Renee Baruch on the Upper West Side. She woke in pain, face broken, spine injured. NYPD cracks down with criminal summonses. Cyclists protest. City Council stalls. Streets stay dangerous. Justice, tangled in policy.

NY1 reported on May 30, 2025, that the NYPD is issuing criminal summonses to e-bike riders for traffic infractions, citing a lack of City Council action on new regulations. Commissioner Tisch told the Council, "Pass e-bike regulations." Cyclists object to criminal charges for minor violations, arguing for civil penalties instead. The article highlights the case of Renee Baruch, hospitalized after an e-bike crash left her with facial fractures and a spinal injury. The NYPD’s new Quality of Life Division targets reckless e-bike use, but without updated laws, criminal summonses remain their only tool. The policy gap leaves vulnerable road users exposed and enforcement inconsistent.

• NYPD Issues Criminal Summonses For E-Bikes, NY1, Published 2025-05-30

May 29 - A sedan hit a cyclist on Fulton Street. The cyclist suffered neck whiplash. Police cite following too closely as the cause. The crash left the street marked by pain and steel.

A crash at 50 Fulton Street in Manhattan involved a sedan and a bike. The cyclist, a 36-year-old woman, was injured with neck whiplash. According to the police report, 'Following Too Closely' was the contributing factor. The sedan, traveling west, struck the cyclist, also heading west. No other injuries were specified. The report lists no other contributing factors. The data shows the system failed to protect the vulnerable. The cyclist bore the brunt of the impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4821200 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 27 - A taxi struck a cyclist at 2 Broadway. The cyclist, a 46-year-old woman, was ejected and injured. Police cite driver inattention. The crash left bruises and pain. The street stayed busy. The danger was real. The system failed again.

A crash at 2 Broadway in Manhattan involved a taxi and a bicycle. The cyclist, a 46-year-old woman, was ejected from her bike and suffered injuries to her arm, including a contusion. According to the police report, both vehicles were traveling south when the collision occurred. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash. The taxi driver, a 69-year-old man, was not reported injured. The cyclist's safety equipment status was listed as 'Unknown.' The crash highlights the ongoing risk to cyclists from inattentive drivers on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4816001 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 27 - A police cruiser swerved from a taxi and slammed into two people eating outside. Sirens screamed. Metal struck flesh. Both diners and officers landed in the hospital. The street stayed open. The city kept moving. The system failed the vulnerable.

According to the New York Post (May 27, 2025), an NYPD squad car struck two people seated at an outdoor dining area on Broadway and West 112th Street. The crash happened when a taxi made a left turn, prompting the police car to swerve. The article states, “The 37-year-old cab driver was given a summons for failure to yield to oncoming traffic.” Both diners and police vehicle occupants were hospitalized in stable condition. The report notes, “It was not immediately clear if authorities were responding to a call when the incident unfolded.” The incident highlights risks at curbside dining areas and ongoing dangers from driver error and street design. The investigation continues.

• Police Car Hits Diners In Manhattan Crash, New York Post, Published 2025-05-27