Who Dies Next on Krueger’s Watch?

Senate passes bill forcing delivery apps to insure workers and crash victims. Lawmakers tout support for the injured. But insurance comes after the hit. Speeders keep driving. Danger stays on the street. Prevention takes a back seat.

On June 13, 2025, the New York State Senate passed a bill requiring food delivery apps to provide insurance for delivery workers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The bill, sponsored by Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger, mandates up to $50,000 per person for basic economic loss, regardless of citizenship or employment status. Assembly Member Robert Carroll authored the original Assembly version, stating, 'It is time we require delivery apps to take responsibility for keeping delivery workers and pedestrians safe.' Sen. Andrew Gounardes defended a related speed-limiting bill, but it was weakened. Safety analysts warn: 'Focusing on insurance rather than speed limits shifts responsibility away from prevention and system design, failing to reduce crash risk and potentially discouraging mode shift by not addressing the root causes of danger for pedestrians and cyclists.' Lawmakers back insurance, but leave the streets risky.

• Senate Votes to Require Delivery Apps to Provide Insurance for Workers, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-13

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

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

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

A pickup truck struck a cyclist on West 57th Street. The cyclist, a 55-year-old man, suffered a head injury and severe bleeding. Unsafe lane changing played a role. The crash left the street marked by blood and confusion.

A crash at 165 West 57th Street in Manhattan involved a pickup truck and a bicycle. The cyclist, a 55-year-old man, was ejected and suffered a head injury with severe bleeding. According to the police report, 'Unsafe Lane Changing' was a contributing factor in the collision. The pickup truck, registered in New Jersey, was traveling west and going straight ahead, while the cyclist was making a U-turn. The police report also lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a factor, but the primary systemic danger cited is unsafe lane changing. No injuries were reported for the truck occupants. The crash underscores the risks vulnerable road users face when drivers fail to maintain safe lanes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4816137, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A judge stopped federal threats to choke city funds over congestion pricing. The $9 toll stands. Streets stay crowded. The fight moves to court. Safety projects hang in the balance. The city waits. The deadline looms.

Patch reported on May 27, 2025, that District Judge Lewis Liman issued a temporary restraining order blocking the U.S. Department of Transportation from withholding federal funding as leverage against New York City's congestion pricing program. The judge's order 'bars the DOT from engaging in any retaliatory measures' and prevents cancellation of the toll, which charges drivers $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. Federal officials had threatened to withhold funds for road and street safety projects if the city continued the program. The order lasts until June 9, keeping the toll in place and leaving critical infrastructure funding uncertain. The article highlights the standoff between federal authorities and city leaders, with safety and mobility projects at risk.

• Judge Halts Federal Attack On Tolls, Patch, Published 2025-05-27

A carriage horse broke free in Central Park. It tore down the loop, carriage in tow. Pedestrians leapt fences to escape. Cyclists shouted warnings. The horse ran half a mile before another driver caught it. No injuries. Fear lingered.

According to the New York Post (2025-05-19), a carriage horse ran loose through Central Park after its bridle came off and the driver was separated. Eyewitness Hayley said, "I was there with my friend walking on the sidewalk and almost got trampled by the poor horse. It was so terrifying." Parkgoers scrambled for safety, some jumping fences. Cyclists chased the horse, warning others. The horse was not tethered to a hitching post, as none was nearby. Christina Hansen, union rep for carriage horses, stated, "There were no injuries or property damage reported, and there's currently no indication the horse's driver was negligent." The incident highlights gaps in securing procedures and the absence of hitching posts, raising questions about safety for pedestrians and park users.

• Runaway Carriage Horse Sparks Park Panic, New York Post, Published 2025-05-19

A pickup struck a 61-year-old woman in the crosswalk on Lexington Avenue. She bled from the head, semiconscious. The truck’s right front bumper hit her. The driver and passengers were not hurt. The street stayed busy. The danger stayed real.

A Dodge pickup truck traveling south on Lexington Avenue struck a 61-year-old woman as she crossed at the intersection with East 37th Street. According to the police report, the pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the truck’s right front bumper hit her. She suffered a head injury and severe bleeding, and was found semiconscious. The driver and several occupants in the truck were not injured. The police report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are noted in the data. The pedestrian’s use of the signal is documented, but no helmet or signaling issues are listed as factors. The crash highlights the ongoing risk for pedestrians at Manhattan intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4813611, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A man on a bike hit a woman crossing West 45th Street. The cyclist moved too fast. The woman suffered a crushed leg. Shock followed. The street saw blood and pain. Speed turned routine movement into injury.

A crash occurred on West 45th Street in Manhattan. A 36-year-old man riding a bike struck a 33-year-old woman who was crossing the street. According to the police report, the cyclist was traveling at an unsafe speed. The pedestrian was not at an intersection or crosswalk when she was hit. She suffered crush injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock at the scene. The police report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. No other contributing factors were cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4813484, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Cyclists and walkers get space at last. Years of crowding end. The bridge’s narrow lane forced conflict. Now, riders and pedestrians move apart. The city takes a lane from cars. The danger shrinks. The span breathes easier.

amNY reported on May 13, 2025, that New York City will separate cyclists and pedestrians on the Ed Koch-Queensboro Bridge. Starting May 18, the north outer roadway becomes bike-only, while the south outer roadway, once for vehicles, opens to pedestrians. The article notes, “Advocates have fought to open a separate pedestrian path, citing dangerous overcrowding that has led to conflicts among cyclists, pedestrians and micromobility users.” The bridge was the last city-owned East River crossing without split paths. Manhattan Community Board 6 urged the city to act, pressing DOT to open the path despite construction delays. The change doubles space for non-drivers and removes a vehicle lane, addressing years of systemic risk from forced mixing of vulnerable users.

• Queensboro Bridge Splits Paths For Safety, amny, Published 2025-05-13

Albany lawmakers passed a $254-billion budget. Republicans railed against congestion pricing. Democrats stood firm. The vote split along party lines. The budget funds the MTA and transit expansion. Vulnerable road users saw no direct mention. The system rolls on.

On May 8, 2025, the New York State Legislature passed Gov. Hochul’s $254-billion budget after heated debate. The bill, debated in the Senate Finance and Transportation Committees, included $6 billion for MTA capital improvements and supported congestion pricing. Sen. Dean Murray (R-Suffolk) and Sen. Bill Weber (R-Rockland) opposed the measure, citing toll burdens and limited transit options. Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan) and Transportation Chair Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) defended the plan, highlighting increased MTA revenue and minimal impact on local businesses. The matter summary reads: 'State legislators from the suburbs, particularly Republican lawmakers, voiced strong opposition to congestion pricing during the passage of Gov. Hochul's $254-billion budget in Albany.' The budget passed 40-22, mostly along party lines. No safety analyst assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• Budget Passes in Albany, But First, GOP Whines About Congestion Pricing, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-05-08

A motorcycle and sedan collided on East 76th Street. The motorcycle driver suffered crush injuries to the hip and leg. Police cite improper lane usage and passenger distraction. Metal and flesh met on the Upper East Side. The street stayed dangerous.

A crash involving a motorcycle and a sedan occurred at 348 East 76th Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, the motorcycle driver, a 54-year-old man, sustained crush injuries to his hip and upper leg. Four other occupants, including drivers and passengers, were listed with unspecified injuries. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. The sedan was parked before the crash, while the motorcycle was passing. No mention of helmet use or turn signals appears in the report. The collision underscores the risks faced by vulnerable road users when driver error and distraction intersect on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4810165, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A taxi turned left near 206 Fifth Avenue and struck four men on foot. Blood pooled on the street. Bones broke. One man’s knee shattered. Alcohol and speed fueled the impact. The city’s night swallowed their cries.

According to the police report, a taxi making a left turn near 206 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan struck four male pedestrians late at night. One victim bled from the leg, another’s foot was crushed, and a 65-year-old man suffered a broken knee and shock. The report cites 'Alcohol Involvement' as a contributing factor. The sedan involved was operated by an unlicensed driver. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to pedestrian behavior. The crash resulted in multiple serious injuries to people on foot, with driver impairment and unlicensed operation called out as key dangers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807203, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

SUV plowed into a parked car on FDR Drive before sunrise. A man suffered bleeding head wounds. A baby was hurt. Two others shaken. Police cite driver inattention. The road was straight. The driver did not see.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old SUV driver traveling north on FDR Drive struck a parked vehicle near dawn. The report states, 'an SUV slammed into a parked car. A man lay bleeding from the head. A baby was hurt. Two others shaken.' The driver wore his seatbelt and was conscious at the scene. The road was straight and clear. Police explicitly list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The pedestrian, a 49-year-old man, suffered head injuries and crush injuries. The report does not cite any pedestrian behavior as a contributing factor. The crash underscores the lethal consequences of driver distraction, with multiple people—including a baby—injured when a moving vehicle collided with a stationary car.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806221, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Seven lawmakers demand Mayor Adams open the Queensboro Bridge pedestrian path. The project sits finished. Cyclists and walkers still cram into a narrow, crash-prone lane. Delays keep thousands at risk. City Hall stalls. Advocates plan protest. Danger lingers.

On April 9, 2025, seven elected officials—including Council Members Julie Won and Julie Menin—sent a public letter demanding Mayor Adams open the long-promised Queensboro Bridge pedestrian path. The Department of Transportation had planned to open the dedicated walkway on March 16, but the mayor's office intervened, citing the need for a briefing. The lawmakers wrote, 'The reasons given for this delay are not satisfactory, as all communications from the DOT have indicated that the project is complete and ready to open to the public.' They warned, 'Any further delays to this project that is otherwise ready to open will unnecessarily put at risk the thousands of New Yorkers who cycle and walk the current shared path every day.' The project, in the works since at least 2017, remains stalled. Cyclists and pedestrians are forced to share a cramped, hazardous lane. City Hall insists on more review, while advocates plan a protest ribbon-cutting.

• Pols Demand Adams Open Queensboro Bridge Pedestrian Path, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-04-09

A taxi sits parked on West 57th. An 87-year-old woman steps out. The driver, distracted, fails to see her. Metal strikes flesh. Her leg is torn open. Blood stains the street. She remains conscious as the city pulses on.

According to the police report, a taxi was parked near 153 West 57th Street in Manhattan when an 87-year-old woman began to exit a vehicle. The report states the taxi driver was distracted and inattentive at the time of the incident. As the woman stepped out, she was struck, resulting in severe lacerations to her knee and lower leg. The victim remained conscious at the scene. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. There is no indication in the report that any actions by the pedestrian contributed to the crash. The focus remains on the driver’s failure to pay attention, which led to a vulnerable road user suffering serious injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4804863, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A cyclist rode north through Heckscher Fields and struck a 57-year-old woman standing in his path. The bike hit her head, causing bleeding. She stayed down, conscious but still. The cyclist did not stop. The bike showed no damage.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old man riding a bike northbound in Central Park's Heckscher Fields collided with a 57-year-old woman who was standing in his path. The report states, 'The bike struck her head. Blood ran. She stayed down, conscious but still.' The cyclist did not stop after the crash, and the bike showed no visible damage. The police report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. No driver-specific errors such as failure to yield or distraction are cited. The cyclist was wearing a helmet and suffered a minor abrasion to his lower leg. The incident highlights confusion and error as systemic dangers in shared park spaces.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802618, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A 22-year-old man driving a 2017 Hyundai sedan took a right turn too fast at W 49th Street and 8th Avenue. The car's front center struck a fixed object. He suffered head injuries and was found semi-conscious behind the wheel.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male driver was injured in a crash at 5:28 a.m. on W 49th Street and 8th Avenue in Manhattan. The 2017 Hyundai sedan was making a right turn when it struck a fixed object with the center front end. The report explicitly cites 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The driver was alone, suffered severe head lacerations, and was found half-awake behind the wheel. The narrative states, 'A 2017 Hyundai turned too fast. Metal struck stone. A young man, 22, slumped behind the wheel, head bleeding, half-awake.' No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The crash highlights the dangers of excessive speed during turns, as documented by the police.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797761, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A 67-year-old man pedaled west on W 51st. The door of a parked SUV swung open. His bike crashed. His head struck hard. Blood pooled. The SUV stood untouched. The man died on the street, another life ended by steel and carelessness.

According to the police report, a 67-year-old man riding a bike westbound on W 51st Street at 5th Avenue collided with the door of a parked SUV. The narrative states, 'A 67-year-old man on a bike hit the door of a parked SUV. No helmet. His head struck hard. He flew, then fell. Blood spread. The SUV was untouched. He died.' The police report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors, marking them as 'Unspecified.' The SUV was parked, and the cyclist was ejected upon impact, suffering fatal head injuries. The report notes the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but does not cite this as a contributing factor to the crash. The focus remains on the lethal interaction between vulnerable road users and parked vehicles in Manhattan’s dense streetscape.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796322, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

An SUV turned left on W 58th Street and crushed an 83-year-old woman crossing with the signal. The left bumper struck her head. She died in the crosswalk, beneath the city’s cold lights. The street swallowed her name.

An 83-year-old woman was killed while crossing W 58th Street at Avenue of the Americas in Manhattan. According to the police report, she was 'crossing with the signal' when a northbound SUV made a left turn and struck her with its left front bumper. The impact crushed her head, and she died at the scene, in the crosswalk. The vehicle involved was a 2020 Mazda SUV, operated by a licensed male driver. The police report lists the driver’s pre-crash action as 'making left turn.' No driver errors are explicitly cited beyond the vehicle’s movement, but the victim’s lawful crossing is clear. The report notes her position as 'Pedestrian at Intersection' and her action as 'Crossing With Signal.'

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792095, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14