Ticketing the Dead: NYPD Polices Cyclists While Drivers Kill

A 37-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by a taxi making a right turn on East 36 Street in Manhattan. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing contusions to the pedestrian’s elbow and lower arm.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling south on Lexington Avenue was making a right turn onto East 36 Street at 7:32 PM when it struck a 37-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian suffered contusions and bruises to her elbow and lower arm, classified as injury severity level 3. The report explicitly cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor attributed to the taxi driver. The vehicle sustained no damage, and the driver was licensed and operating legally. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal is noted but not identified as a contributing factor. This collision highlights the systemic danger posed by drivers failing to yield to pedestrians at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4752980, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A motorcycle rider suffered full-body abrasions after a sedan passed too closely on FDR Drive. The impact struck the motorcycle’s right front bumper, leaving the rider conscious but injured. Driver errors led to a dangerous lane change and collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on FDR Drive at 16:19 involving a motorcycle and two sedans traveling north. The motorcycle driver, a 28-year-old male, was injured with abrasions over his entire body but was not ejected and remained conscious. The motorcycle was struck on the right front bumper, while the sedan involved had damage to its center front end. The report cites 'Passing Too Closely' as a primary contributing factor, indicating a failure in maintaining safe lane spacing during a lane change maneuver. The motorcycle driver was not cited with any contributing factors. The collision resulted from driver errors related to improper passing, highlighting systemic dangers on this stretch of roadway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4751942, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 27-year-old woman bicyclist was ejected and injured with abrasions and lower leg trauma after a collision on Manhattan’s 2 Avenue. The crash involved a distracted driver making a left turn, causing impact to the bike’s front center.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 20:14 on 2 Avenue near East 57 Street in Manhattan. The injured party was a 27-year-old female bicyclist traveling southbound, riding straight ahead when struck. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor, specifically noting a vehicle making a left turn with no damage reported to that vehicle. The bicyclist was ejected from her bike, suffering abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The bike sustained damage to its center front end. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s behavior or safety equipment. The incident highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4751636, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A bus collided with a 26-year-old bicyclist on 3rd Avenue in Manhattan. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention and inexperience as contributing factors. The bicyclist was conscious and wearing a helmet at the time.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 3rd Avenue in Manhattan involving a bus and a bicyclist traveling northbound. The bus struck the bicyclist at the center back end of the bike with its right front bumper. The bicyclist, a 26-year-old male, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in contusions and bruises. The report identifies driver inattention and driver inexperience as contributing factors to the crash. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet and remained conscious after the impact. The bus driver was licensed and operating a 2017 New Flyer bus, while the bicyclist was unlicensed. Vehicle damage was not reported. The collision highlights the dangers posed by driver errors in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4750161, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A northbound SUV starting from parking hit a 24-year-old male bicyclist on East 33rd Street. The cyclist was partially ejected, suffering abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. Police cited failure to yield and improper lane usage by the SUV driver.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:57 on East 33rd Street in Manhattan. A Station Wagon/SUV was starting from parking when it struck a northbound bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 24-year-old male riding without safety equipment, was partially ejected and sustained abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report identifies the SUV driver's failure to yield right-of-way and improper passing or lane usage as contributing factors. The SUV impacted the bicyclist on its left side doors, while the bike's front center end sustained damage. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash and injured but not fatally. The report highlights driver errors, specifically failure to yield and lane misuse, as central causes of this collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4751638, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 37-year-old female bicyclist was ejected and injured after an SUV made a left turn on East 58th Street in Manhattan. The impact hit the bike’s front center and the SUV’s left side doors. Driver distraction was cited as a factor.

According to the police report, at 9:53 AM on East 58th Street near 2 Avenue in Manhattan, a 2018 Nissan SUV driven by a licensed female driver was making a left turn when it struck a southbound bicyclist traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the SUV’s left side doors and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist, a 37-year-old woman, was ejected from her bike and sustained head injuries and abrasions. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. No other contributing factors related to the bicyclist were specified. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving during turning maneuvers in busy city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4747926, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A bicyclist suffered head injuries after being struck by an SUV on East 45th Street in Manhattan. The collision occurred as both vehicles traveled westbound. The SUV's right rear quarter panel hit the cyclist, who was partially ejected and sustained abrasions.

According to the police report, the crash happened at 8:00 AM on East 45th Street in Manhattan. A 36-year-old male bicyclist was riding westbound when his bike collided with the right rear quarter panel of a westbound SUV. The bicyclist was partially ejected and suffered head injuries and abrasions. The report cites 'Passenger Distraction' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors, indicating driver error on the part of the SUV operator. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment, but no victim behavior was listed as a contributing factor. The SUV was carrying two occupants and was traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. Vehicle damage was noted on the SUV's right rear quarter panel and the bike's center front end.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4746550, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 65-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by an SUV making a right turn on East 34 Street. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:23 on East 34 Street near 2 Avenue in Manhattan. A 65-year-old female pedestrian, crossing with the signal at the intersection, was injured when a 2016 Ford SUV, traveling east and making a right turn, struck her. The point of impact was the vehicle's right front quarter panel. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, but remained conscious. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. This incident highlights the dangers posed by driver errors such as failure to yield and distraction in urban intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4746216, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 25-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn on East 36 Street in Manhattan. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, causing abrasions and shock.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:03 AM on East 36 Street near Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. A 2015 Kia SUV, driven by a licensed female driver traveling south and making a right turn, struck a 25-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing the intersection with the signal. The point of impact was the right front quarter panel of the SUV. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, including abrasions, and was reported to be in shock. The police report cites the primary contributing factor as the driver's failure to yield the right-of-way. Alcohol involvement was also noted as a contributing factor. The vehicle sustained no damage. The report focuses on the driver's error in yielding, with no indication of fault or error on the pedestrian's part.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4746554, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A sedan collided with an e-bike on East 31st Street in Manhattan. The 39-year-old bicyclist suffered head abrasions but remained conscious. Police cited the sedan driver for disregarding traffic control, causing the crash and serious injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:46 on East 31st Street near 2 Avenue in Manhattan. A 2017 Ford sedan traveling south struck a westbound e-bike. The bicyclist, a 39-year-old man, sustained head abrasions and was conscious after the collision. The report identifies "Traffic Control Disregarded" as the primary contributing factor, implicating the sedan driver in failing to obey traffic signals or signs. The sedan's left front bumper impacted the e-bike, causing injury to the cyclist. The bicyclist was not ejected and wore no safety equipment, but no victim behavior was cited as contributing. The sedan driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead before the crash. This incident highlights driver error in ignoring traffic controls, resulting in serious harm to a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4751556, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A southbound SUV struck a bicyclist traveling the same direction on 2 Avenue in Manhattan. The cyclist suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The SUV’s right front bumper impacted the bike’s rider, causing injury without visible bike damage.

According to the police report, at 13:29 on 2 Avenue near East 39 Street, a GMC SUV traveling south struck a bicyclist also heading south. The SUV’s right front bumper made contact with the cyclist, causing right front quarter panel damage to the vehicle. The bicyclist, a 41-year-old male, was injured with neck trauma and whiplash but was not ejected. The bike showed no damage. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The cyclist was not wearing safety equipment. The collision occurred while both vehicles were going straight ahead. The report does not attribute fault to the bicyclist or note any victim behavior contributing to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4744646, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 27-year-old man suffered severe leg injuries while crossing East 50 Street at an intersection. The pedestrian was struck despite crossing with the signal. The crash left him conscious but with fractures and dislocations to his lower leg and foot.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of East 50 Street and 2 Avenue in Manhattan at 9:50 p.m. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when he was struck, resulting in fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The pedestrian remained conscious after the crash. The report does not specify the vehicle type or driver details, nor does it list any contributing factors such as driver errors or pedestrian fault. The absence of noted driver errors in the report leaves the circumstances of the collision unclear, but the pedestrian was legally crossing with the signal at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4744694, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 63-year-old male driver suffered abrasions and arm injuries after a single-vehicle crash on Park Avenue. The sedan struck an object with its left front bumper. Police cited driver inattention and outside distraction as key factors in the collision.

According to the police report, a 63-year-old male driver operating a 2019 sedan on Park Avenue in Manhattan was injured in a crash at 4:10 a.m. The vehicle, traveling north and going straight ahead, impacted with its left front bumper, causing center front-end damage. The driver sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, remaining conscious throughout. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Outside Car Distraction' as contributing factors. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The driver was licensed in New Jersey. This incident underscores the dangers of driver distraction, which directly led to the collision and the driver's injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743372, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A dump truck collided with a bicyclist on East 57th Street in Manhattan. The bicyclist suffered abrasions and full-body injuries. The crash involved driver inattention and obstructed views, highlighting dangerous conditions for cyclists amid heavy vehicle traffic.

According to the police report, at 5:42 AM on East 57th Street near 2 Avenue in Manhattan, a dump truck traveling west struck a bicyclist traveling south while making a left turn. The bicyclist, a 56-year-old man wearing a helmet, was injured with abrasions and full-body trauma but was conscious and not ejected. The report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The dump truck's right front bumper made contact with the bike's left front quarter panel. The truck driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead, while the bicyclist was unlicensed. No vehicle damage was reported. The collision underscores the risks posed by limited visibility and distracted driving in interactions between large trucks and vulnerable cyclists.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743285, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Jeep rolled south on 2nd Avenue. A man on a bike hit the pavement, his leg torn, blood pooling. No helmet. The Jeep showed no damage. The cyclist’s pain marked the corner, another body broken by traffic’s force.

At the corner of 2nd Avenue and East 48th Street in Manhattan, a collision between a Jeep SUV and a cyclist left a 31-year-old man with severe lacerations to his knee, lower leg, and foot, according to the police report. The narrative states, 'A Jeep kept south. A man on a bike fell hard. Blood pooled near his torn leg. His foot split open. No helmet. No damage to the Jeep. Just pain on the pavement.' The report lists the cyclist as injured, suffering 'severe lacerations,' and notes that the SUV sustained no damage. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. The police report does not specify any driver errors or contributing factors beyond 'Unspecified.' The only detail about the cyclist’s behavior is the absence of a helmet, which is mentioned in the narrative but not cited as a contributing factor. The crash underscores the vulnerability of cyclists on city streets amid heavy vehicle traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4740041, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 59-year-old man crossing East 39 Street against the signal was struck by a westbound sedan. The impact injured his elbow and lower arm, leaving him conscious with abrasions. The driver proceeded straight, hitting the pedestrian with the right front bumper.

According to the police report, a 59-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing East 39 Street at the intersection with Park Avenue in Manhattan. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when a 2019 Honda sedan traveling westbound went straight ahead and struck him with the right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, with an injury severity rated as 3, and remained conscious after the collision. The report does not list any specific contributing factors attributed to the driver, but the pedestrian's crossing against the signal is noted. The sedan was occupied by two licensed drivers, with damage classified as 'Other' to the vehicle's right front bumper. This collision highlights the dangers posed by vehicles striking pedestrians crossing intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4739746, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A southbound bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries when an SUV making a left turn hit him at 2nd Avenue in Manhattan. Driver inattention caused the collision. The cyclist was not ejected and suffered minor bleeding and shock.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:37 near 585 2nd Avenue in Manhattan. A 2020 Mercedes SUV was making a left turn when it struck an 18-year-old male bicyclist traveling southbound. The point of impact was the SUV's left front bumper and the bike's center back end. The bicyclist sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with minor bleeding and shock noted. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both the SUV driver and the bicyclist, highlighting the SUV driver's failure to maintain attention during the left turn maneuver. The bicyclist was not ejected and was riding without safety equipment. No victim fault is assigned; the focus remains on the driver's error causing the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4739141, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A southbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan on East 34 Street. Both drivers and a passenger suffered bruises and contusions. The SUV driver fell asleep, causing the crash that injured three occupants without ejections or life-threatening trauma.

According to the police report, at 7:50 a.m. on East 34 Street near FDR Drive, a southbound Honda SUV collided with the rear of a southbound Honda sedan. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV and the center back end of the sedan. The SUV driver was cited for falling asleep, a critical driver error that led to the crash. The sedan carried two occupants: the driver, a 35-year-old man wearing a lap belt, and a 52-year-old female passenger seated in the right rear. Both occupants and the SUV driver sustained contusions and bruises, with injuries to the back and lower extremities. None of the occupants were ejected, and all remained conscious. The report lists 'Fell Asleep' as the contributing factor for the SUV driver, highlighting driver fatigue as the cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4738720, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

An armored truck struck a sport utility vehicle on Madison Avenue at 4:50 a.m. Two female passengers in the SUV suffered neck and facial contusions. The armored truck driver was unlicensed and driving at unsafe speed, failing to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 4:50 a.m. on Madison Avenue involving an armored truck traveling north and a 2023 Ford SUV traveling east. The armored truck driver, who was unlicensed, failed to yield the right-of-way and was driving at an unsafe speed. The point of impact was the armored truck's left front bumper striking the right side doors of the SUV. Two female passengers in the SUV, ages 62 and 56, were injured with contusions to the neck and face, respectively. Both passengers were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The report explicitly cites 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors attributed to the armored truck driver. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4740863, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A taxi turned on East 44th and 3rd. An e-scooter struck its side. The rider, 26, crashed headfirst, blood pooling on the street. Deep cuts marked his head. He stayed conscious. The city’s rush did not pause.

According to the police report, a taxi turned at the corner of East 44th Street and 3rd Avenue in Manhattan. An e-scooter, traveling west, collided with the taxi’s right side. The 26-year-old e-scooter rider was thrown headfirst, suffering severe lacerations to his head. The report states the rider remained conscious at the scene. Police cite 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors in the collision, with the e-scooter’s impact focused on the taxi’s right rear quarter panel. The rider was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but this is mentioned only after the driver errors. The crash underscores the ongoing danger vulnerable road users face from improper vehicle maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4739142, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15