Harlem Bleeds While Leaders Wait

Jul 25 - A firefighter fell from his motorcycle on FDR Drive. A car struck him. The driver fled. Paramedics rushed him to Bellevue. He died. Police investigate. No arrests. The road claimed another life.

West Side Spirit (2025-07-25) reports Matthew Goicochea, 31, was killed after falling from his motorcycle and being struck by a car near E. 25th St. on FDR Drive. The driver did not remain at the scene. The NYPD Collision Investigation Squad is reviewing the incident. The article states, "He was then struck by an unknown vehicle shortly thereafter, which did not remain on the scene." No arrests have been made. The crash highlights ongoing dangers for vulnerable road users on high-speed city highways and the persistent issue of hit-and-run drivers.

• Firefighter Killed in FDR Drive Collision, West Side Spirit, Published 2025-07-25

Jul 24 - Two buses collided on a ramp. Thirty people hurt. Metal and glass scattered. Sirens wailed. Another crash this month. The ramp remains a danger.

Gothamist (2025-07-24) reports about 30 people were injured when two buses collided on the Port Authority Bus Terminal ramp near West 41st Street and Dyer Avenue. The FDNY said, 'only minor injuries' were reported. This marks the second bus crash at the terminal approach this month, highlighting ongoing risks for passengers. NJ Transit delays followed. The article notes, 'A collision involving multiple buses July 2 shut down all NJ Transit service.' The repeated crashes raise questions about ramp safety and traffic management.

• Thirty Hurt In Port Authority Bus Crash, Gothamist, Published 2025-07-24

Jul 22 - A sedan making a left turn on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd collided with a southbound vehicle. The driver was ejected. He suffered hip and upper‑leg wounds and minor bleeding. Police cited driver inattention and inexperience.

According to the police report, both "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Driver Inexperience" contributed to the collision. The driver of a sedan was making a left turn at W 114 St and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd when he collided with a southbound vehicle going straight. The driver of the motorized vehicle was ejected and suffered hip and upper‑leg injuries with minor bleeding and shock. Police listed the person as an injured driver. The sedan sustained right front bumper damage; the other vehicle had left front bumper damage. The report attributes the crash to driver error.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4830086 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 22 - A Toyota driver hit the rear of an Audi on West 125th. A 45-year-old man in the Audi suffered a neck injury and complained of whiplash. Police cite 'Following Too Closely.'

According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Following Too Closely.' The driver of an Audi sedan was making a right turn on West 125th in Manhattan. The driver of a Toyota sedan was going straight. The Toyota struck the Audi at its center back end; the Toyota showed center front end damage. A 45-year-old man, the driver of the Audi, suffered a neck injury and complained of whiplash. The Audi carried three occupants and the Toyota carried two. Police listed no other contributing factors in the record provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4829628 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 22 - A taxi struck a standing vehicle on St. Nicholas Ave in Manhattan. A 61-year-old driver suffered a head injury and concussion. Police recorded Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Failure to Keep Right.

The driver of a taxi struck a standing vehicle on St. Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan. A 61-year-old man driving the standing vehicle suffered a head injury and concussion and was conscious at the scene. According to the police report, the crash involved 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Failure to Keep Right.' The injured driver's record lists 'Failure to Keep Right' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Police logged the taxi's point of impact as the left front bumper.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4831172 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 22 - A driver tore through Midtown, smashing cars and fleeing police. Metal scraped. Horns blared. The chase ended at Lexington and 50th. Police drew guns. The driver was arrested. Streets bore the scars.

According to ABC7 (2025-07-22), a driver struck multiple vehicles—including a police cruiser—while fleeing police through Midtown Manhattan. The pursuit began after a hit at Park Ave and ended at 50th and Lexington. The suspect, Jose Foster, faces charges including assault, reckless endangerment, and fleeing police. Witness Martina Minor said, "It felt like he was scratching like big noise and I was honking like stop and he kept doing it." The incident highlights the risks of high-speed chases in dense city streets, with property damage and potential harm to bystanders.

• Police Chase Wrecks Cars In Midtown, ABC7, Published 2025-07-22

Jul 21 - A speeding rental car tore through Chinatown. It struck a cyclist and a woman on a bench. Both died at the scene. The car was overdue. Guns were found in the trunk. Charges followed. Debris scattered the street.

Gothamist (2025-07-21) reports a deadly crash at Canal Street and Bowery. A blue Chevrolet Malibu, rented but never returned, sped off the Manhattan Bridge and struck cyclist Kevin Cruickshank and pedestrian May Kwok. Both died instantly. Prosecutors say the car was moving at a 'high rate of speed.' Police found two 9mm pistols and ammunition in the trunk. The driver faces murder and manslaughter charges. The passenger faces charges for unauthorized use and weapons. The crash highlights risks from unreturned rentals and high-speed driving in dense city streets.

• Overdue Rental Kills Cyclist, Pedestrian, Gothamist, Published 2025-07-21

Jul 20 - A stolen car tore through Chinatown. Two dead. The driver, unlicensed, had fled a Brooklyn crash months before. System failed. Streets stayed deadly.

NY Daily News (2025-07-20) reports a 23-year-old, unlicensed driver killed two people in Chinatown while driving a stolen rental. Three months earlier, she allegedly hit a pedestrian in Brooklyn and fled. Police charged her with leaving the scene and aggravated unlicensed operation, but she was released without bail, as the charges were not bail-eligible under state law. The article notes, "The out-of-control driver... had been freed without bail in April after she was arrested for leaving the scene of a crash that badly injured a pedestrian." The case highlights gaps in bail policy and enforcement for unlicensed, repeat dangerous driving.

• Unlicensed Driver Kills Two In Chinatown, NY Daily News, Published 2025-07-20

Jul 19 - A Chevy Malibu sped off the Manhattan Bridge, struck a cyclist and a woman on the sidewalk. Both died. The car hit an NYPD van. Two drivers tried to flee but were caught. No officers hurt. No charges yet.

Gothamist (2025-07-19) reports a Chevy Malibu exiting the Manhattan Bridge at Canal Street and Bowery struck and killed a cyclist and a pedestrian at 7:30 a.m. Police say two women in their 20s drove the car and 'initially tried to leave on foot,' but were taken into custody. The crash also damaged an NYPD van. No officers were injured. As of Saturday afternoon, 'the NYPD said it had not filed charges.' The deaths follow a city report of record-low traffic fatalities, highlighting ongoing risks for vulnerable road users.

• Cyclist, Pedestrian Killed Near Manhattan Bridge, Gothamist, Published 2025-07-19

Jul 18 - A distracted sedan driver struck a pedestrian crossing with the signal on Lenox. The impact ejected the victim, causing severe bleeding and arm injuries. Systemic inattention left blood on the street.

A sedan traveling north on Lenox Avenue struck a pedestrian who was crossing with the signal. The 20-year-old male pedestrian was ejected and suffered severe bleeding and upper arm injuries. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was the contributing factor. The sedan’s left front bumper hit the victim. No other major injuries were reported. The crash highlights the danger posed by driver distraction. The data lists no helmet or signal issues for the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4830423 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 17 - A van crashed in Midtown. Inside: dozens of propane tanks. The street held its breath. Danger rode in silence, hidden until metal met metal.

CBS New York reported on July 17, 2025, that 'dozens of propane tanks were found in a van in Midtown Manhattan after a car crash Tuesday night.' The article does not detail injuries or the cause of the crash. The presence of hazardous cargo in a crash raises questions about vehicle safety checks and enforcement. Storing large amounts of propane in a van on city streets exposes bystanders and road users to hidden risks. The incident highlights the need for stricter oversight of hazardous material transport in dense urban areas.

• Propane Tanks Discovered After Midtown Crash, CBS New York, Published 2025-07-17

Jul 16 - A DOT worker fixing a sign was slashed by a delivery cyclist after a near miss in lower Manhattan. The cyclist fled. The worker bled on the street. Police are searching. No arrests. Another morning, another wound.

NY Daily News (2025-07-16) reports a city DOT worker was slashed by a delivery cyclist after a near collision at Broadway and Cedar St. The worker was fixing a street sign when the cyclist nearly hit his truck. Witnesses said, 'They weren't even in the bike lane, they were parked on the corner.' After the argument, the cyclist cut the worker's arm with a box cutter and fled. The DOT worker was treated and released. Police are searching for the cyclist. The incident highlights the dangers of street work and the tense interactions between vehicles and vulnerable road users.

• DOT Worker Slashed After Near Collision, NY Daily News, Published 2025-07-16

Jul 13 - SUV turned left on Frederick Douglass. Motorcycle struck hard. Rider ejected, neck injured, concussion. Police cite driver inattention and distraction. Streets do not forgive mistakes.

A crash on W 116th Street at Frederick Douglass Blvd involved an SUV and a motorcycle. The SUV, driven by an unlicensed driver, turned left as the motorcycle went straight. The motorcyclist, age 25, was ejected and suffered a neck injury and concussion. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Other Vehicular' factors contributed. Both drivers lost consciousness. The motorcyclist wore a helmet, as noted in the report, but driver errors came first. The crash left one person injured and exposed the risks of distraction behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4831160 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 10 - SUV struck 14-year-old cyclist on W 127 St. Both cyclist and pedestrian suffered leg injuries. Police cite passing too closely and driver distraction. System failed to protect the young.

A station wagon/SUV hit a 14-year-old bicyclist on W 127 St near Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd in Manhattan. The cyclist and a 14-year-old pedestrian both suffered knee and foot injuries. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Passing Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The SUV's left front bumper struck the bike's right front quarter panel. No helmet use was listed as a contributing factor. The data shows clear driver error, with vulnerable road users paying the price.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4830240 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 9 - A distracted driver in an SUV hit a 26-year-old man crossing West 116th Street in Manhattan. He suffered contusions to his lower leg and foot. Police recorded driver inattention/distraction.

A 26-year-old man was struck while crossing West 116th Street in Manhattan and suffered a contusion to his lower leg and foot. “According to the police report, the driver was inattentive or distracted.” Police recorded Driver Inattention/Distraction as the contributing factor. The pedestrian was not at an intersection when the collision occurred. The vehicle was a 2019 station wagon/SUV traveling west, going straight ahead; police reported no vehicle damage and no injuries to vehicle occupants. No other contributing factors are listed in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4829196 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 6 - A sedan turned left and hit a cyclist on Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd. The cyclist was ejected and suffered abdominal injuries. Police cite driver inattention and other vehicular factors.

A sedan making a left turn collided with a southbound cyclist on Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd at W 114 St in Manhattan. The 36-year-old male cyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained abdominal injuries. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Other Vehicular' factors contributed to the crash. The cyclist was conscious at the scene. No helmet use was listed as a contributing factor. The sedan showed no damage. The crash highlights the danger faced by cyclists when drivers fail to pay attention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4825783 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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 sedan hit an e-bike rider on Frederick Douglass Blvd. The cyclist suffered a head injury and lost consciousness. Police cite driver inattention and other vehicular factors. The street stayed dangerous.

A sedan and an e-bike collided on Frederick Douglass Blvd in Manhattan. The 28-year-old e-bike rider was injured, suffering a head wound and losing consciousness. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Other Vehicular' factors contributed to the crash. The sedan’s right side doors were damaged. The cyclist was not wearing safety equipment, but the report lists driver errors first. No injuries were specified for the sedan occupants. The crash highlights the risks faced by cyclists on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4826582 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 27 - SUV cut left on 125th. Scooter slammed. Young rider hurt, bleeding. Police cite driver distraction and other vehicular factors. Manhattan street, late night, danger in the dark.

A 23-year-old woman riding an electric scooter was injured when an SUV making a left turn struck her on West 125th Street at St. Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan. According to the police report, the crash involved 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Other Vehicular' factors. The SUV's front end hit the scooter's side. The scooter rider suffered injuries to her entire body and minor bleeding. The report lists no helmet or signal issues for the scooter. The collision highlights the risk when drivers fail to pay attention and turn across vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4824231 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 25 - SUV driver blew past traffic control. Cyclist thrown, arm gashed. Passenger shaken. Metal against flesh. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

A Ford SUV struck a cyclist on Morningside Ave at W 123rd St. The cyclist, a 26-year-old man, was ejected and injured his arm. According to the police report, both the SUV driver and others involved disregarded traffic control. The cyclist wore a helmet. The SUV's right front bumper hit the bike's rear. The crash left the cyclist hurt and a passenger shaken. Traffic control was ignored. The system left the cyclist exposed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4823165 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19