No More Casualties: Demand Action on Streets Built for Death

Jul 22 - The driver of a southbound SUV and the driver of a westbound sedan crashed at 11th Ave and W 34th St. Three people suffered head injuries — both drivers and a front passenger. Police recorded Traffic Control Disregarded and Failure to Yield.

The driver of a southbound SUV and the driver of a westbound sedan crashed at 11th Avenue and West 34th Street in Manhattan. Three people were hurt with head injuries, including both drivers and a front-seat passenger. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' Police recorded those driver errors as contributing factors. Vehicle damage included the SUV's left-front bumper and the sedan's right-side doors. No pedestrians or cyclists were reported hurt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4829552 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jul 22 - The driver of a box truck hit a taxi from behind on W 27th near 9th Avenue in Manhattan. The taxi driver, 60, suffered neck injury and shock. Police recorded driver inexperience and following too closely.

The driver of a box truck hit a taxi from behind on West 27th Drive near 9th Avenue in Manhattan. The taxi driver, a 60-year-old man, was injured and reported neck pain and shock. "According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Following Too Closely.'" Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead when the truck struck the taxi's rear. Police noted center-front impact on the truck and center-back damage to the taxi. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The injured person listed in the report is the taxi driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4829971 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jul 22 - A rented sedan sped off the Manhattan Bridge. It struck a cyclist and a pedestrian on Canal Street. Both died at the scene. Police found alcohol and guns in the car. The driver tried to flee. The city failed to keep them safe.

Gothamist (2025-07-22) reports a Staten Island driver, Autumn Ascencio Romero, faces murder and other charges after killing a cyclist and a pedestrian in Chinatown. Prosecutors say she lost control of a rented car at high speed, striking Kevin Cruickshank and May Kwok. Police found 'an open bottle of tequila in the car’s passenger area' and two pistols in the trunk. Witnesses saw the driver and a passenger try to flee. Romero had been charged in a prior Brooklyn crash involving a suspended license. The case highlights repeated driver offenses and gaps in enforcement.

• Driver Held After Chinatown Crash Kills Two, Gothamist, Published 2025-07-22

Jul 21 - A stolen car tore through Bowery and Canal. It struck Kevin Cruickshank, a cyclist, and May Kwok, seated on a bench. Both died. The driver fled. Canal Street remains a deadly corridor for walkers and riders.

According to the New York Post (2025-07-21), a stolen Chevy Malibu sped through a median at Bowery and Canal, killing cyclist Kevin Cruickshank and May Kwok, who sat on a bench. The driver, Autumn Donna Ascencio Romero, and a passenger fled but were caught. Police found drugs and alcohol in the car. The article quotes Families for Safe Streets: 'Canal Street is one of the most dangerous streets in all of Manhattan—notorious for pedestrian and cyclist fatalities—and a comprehensive redesign is needed to prioritize safety.' The crash highlights ongoing risks from reckless driving and the urgent need for safer street design.

• Stolen Car Kills Cyclist, Bench Sitter, New York Post, Published 2025-07-21

Jul 20 - A cyclist pedaled through Bowery and Canal. A speeding car lost control. Metal struck flesh. The rider died. Streets stayed loud. Danger lingered.

CBS New York (2025-07-20) reports that Kevin Cruickshank, 55, was killed while cycling at Bowery and Canal. Police said a 'speeding car lost control and struck him.' The crash highlights the ongoing risk to cyclists at busy intersections. The article notes the victim's identity and the circumstances but does not detail any charges. The incident underscores the threat posed by speeding vehicles and the need for stronger street safety measures.

• Cyclist Killed By Speeding Car In Chinatown, CBS New York, Published 2025-07-20

Jul 19 - A Chevy sedan struck a cyclist and a pedestrian at Canal and Bowery. Both died at the scene. The drivers tried to flee but were caught. Metal twisted. Lives ended. The street stayed dangerous.

Gothamist (2025-07-19) reports a Chevy Malibu killed a cyclist and a pedestrian near the Manhattan Bridge at 7:30 a.m. Police say the car 'slammed into the two victims.' Two women driving the car tried to flee but were detained. No charges were filed by Saturday afternoon. The crash also damaged an NYPD van. The deaths follow recent city claims of record-low traffic fatalities, highlighting persistent risk at busy crossings.

• Chevy Sedan Kills Two Near Manhattan Bridge, Gothamist, Published 2025-07-19

Jul 17 - A DOT worker fixing a sign near a bike lane was slashed by an e-bike rider with a box cutter. Blood on Broadway. The rider fled. The worker survived. No arrests. The city keeps moving.

According to amny (2025-07-17), a DOT worker was attacked by an e-bike rider at Broadway and Cedar Street while repairing a street sign. Police said the worker backed up his truck, nearly causing a crash with the cyclist. The rider then "whipped out a box cutter and slashed the worker in his left arm and back." The assailant fled. DOT condemned the attack, calling it "abhorrent." No arrests have been made. The incident highlights tensions at work sites near bike lanes and underscores the need for safe conditions for street workers.

• DOT Worker Slashed By E-Biker Downtown, amny, Published 2025-07-17

Jul 15 - E-bike rider struck on West 23rd. Passing too close left him unconscious, chest scraped. No helmet info. Manhattan street, midday. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

An e-bike rider was injured on West 23rd Street at 10th Avenue in Manhattan. According to the police report, the crash involved 'Passing Too Closely' as a contributing factor. The 39-year-old male cyclist suffered a chest abrasion and was found unconscious. The report lists no helmet use or other safety equipment. No other vehicle details were specified. The incident highlights the danger of close passes to cyclists on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4829112 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 25 - A man, 65, crossing W 34th with the signal, was hit and injured. Arm broken. Police cite driver for following too closely. The street stayed loud. The pain stayed sharp.

A 65-year-old man was crossing W 34th Street at 12th Avenue with the signal when a vehicle struck him. He suffered injuries to his arm and was left unconscious. According to the police report, the driver was cited for 'Following Too Closely.' The report lists no other contributing factors. The pedestrian was in the intersection, obeying the signal. The crash left him with pain and trauma. The data does not specify the vehicle type or further details about the driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4823833 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 20 - A parked Ford and a bronze Toyota touched in Manhattan. An investigator cuffed the young driver on the spot. The arrest was later voided. The Attorney General’s office is investigating. No injuries reported. Tension hung in the air.

According to the New York Post (2025-06-20), a minor collision occurred in Manhattan when a civilian's Toyota touched a parked Ford Expedition belonging to New York Attorney General Letitia James’ security detail. The investigator, Nelson Yu, a retired NYPD detective, immediately confronted and handcuffed the young woman driver, demanding identification. A witness described, 'He jumped out and cuffed her on the spot. No questions, no warning.' The woman was reportedly driving without a license. The arrest was later voided. The Attorney General’s office stated, 'OAG is investigating this matter internally and will not have further comment at this time.' The incident highlights the use of force and protocol in minor traffic incidents involving law enforcement personnel.

• Security Detail Cuffs Woman After Fender-Bender, New York Post, Published 2025-06-20

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 17 - A sedan making a U-turn hit a moped on West 23rd. The moped driver was injured. Police cite failure to yield and unsafe speed. Metal met flesh. System failed the vulnerable.

A sedan collided with a moped at 215 W 23rd Street in Manhattan. The moped driver, a 24-year-old man, was injured with leg trauma and partial ejection. According to the police report, the crash involved 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Unsafe Speed.' The sedan was making a U-turn when it struck the moped, which was traveling straight. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage. The report lists driver errors as primary causes. No mention of helmet use or signals as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4822768 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 17 - A woman tried to climb from the tracks. The L train struck her. She died at the scene. The platform offered no barrier. Safety reforms came too late. The train ran again after three hours. Her name is not yet known.

West Side Spirit reported on June 17, 2025, that a 24-year-old woman was killed by an L train at Union Square station. According to the article, 'witnesses said the woman stepped onto the tracks shortly before the collision, but then attempted to climb back onto the platform.' She could not escape in time. Police found no suspected criminality. The incident occurred months after a state initiative promised new platform barriers at over 100 stations, but these had not yet been installed at Union Square. The tragedy highlights the ongoing risk to subway riders in stations without protective infrastructure. The investigation continues.

• Woman Killed by L Train at Union Square, West Side Spirit, Published 2025-06-17

Jun 15 - Buses crawl. Riders wait. The city weighs a busway on 34th Street. Some cheer for faster trips and safer crossings. Others fear cars will flood side streets. The board backs the plan. The street waits for change.

West Side Spirit reported on June 15, 2025, that the NYC Department of Transportation’s plan to convert 34th Street into a busway drew mixed reactions at a Community Board 6 meeting. The board voted 31-5 in favor. Supporters called current bus speeds 'painfully slow' and urged the city to 'prioritize pedestrians and transit users.' Critics worried about diverted car traffic clogging residential streets, with one resident calling for a 'traffic study' and 'action plan.' The DOT says the busway could boost bus speeds by 15 percent. The proposal would force cars to exit 34th Street quickly or face tickets, echoing rules on 14th Street. The debate highlights the tension between transit improvements and neighborhood traffic concerns.

• 34th Street Busway Sparks Debate, West Side Spirit, Published 2025-06-15

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 2 - Two sedans collided on 11th Avenue. One driver struck the rear of a parked car. Head injury reported. Police cite driver distraction. Metal twisted. Sirens echoed. The street bore witness to another wound.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on 11th Avenue at West 43rd Street in Manhattan. One sedan, traveling straight, crashed into the center back end of a parked sedan. A 39-year-old male driver suffered a head injury and reported pain and nausea. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The injured driver was wearing a harness. The crash highlights the danger of distraction behind the wheel, as noted by police. No other injuries were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4817730 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 2 - Two cars collided on West 38th. Metal struck metal. A young driver and a rear passenger suffered bruises and whiplash. Both felt shock. Police blamed following too closely. The street fell silent as injuries mounted.

Two sedans crashed on West 38th Street at 11th Avenue in Manhattan. According to the police report, the collision happened when one vehicle followed too closely, striking the other from behind. A 22-year-old male driver suffered a facial contusion. A 35-year-old female rear passenger sustained whiplash. Both reported shock. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. No other errors or helmet or signal issues are noted. The impact damaged the center back end of one car and the front end of the other. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the danger of close pursuit on crowded city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4818089 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

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 - 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