Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
amd_van.jpgPhoto: Hermann/New York Daily News

Yesterday's horrific crash in Chinatown has us groping for answers. Why were there no bollards or other design elements to protect pedestrians on such a crowded street? Why did the driver have to double park to do his business? How could he be so careless as to leave his van running and in reverse? How can two more innocent people -- preschoolers -- die such violent deaths, and no one is held accountable? Would this have happened if our legal system weren't so cavalier about loss of pedestrian life and limb?

And where are our city leaders today? Please correct us if we're wrong, but other than Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, we have seen no word from electeds on this senseless tragedy, or on what can and should be done to prevent the next one. How can an issue like parking grace periods earn so much attention from public officials while kids' bodies under bloody tarps fail to elicit a press release?

Where are you Mayor Bloomberg? John Liu? Alan Gerson? New Yorkers are dying out here.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Gov. Hochul’s Car Insurance Proposal is a Disaster for Crash Victims’ Rights

As a state that values walking and biking, we cannot allow the governor to gut the rights of the people most at risk — especially since it won't lower insurance rates anyway.

January 26, 2026

Universal School Streets Will Be a Heavy Lift for Mamdani: Advocates

Can New York be the Paris of America? Mayor Mamdani will have to get to work on the DOT's "School Streets" program to make that happen.

January 26, 2026

Monday’s Headlines: Deliver the Goods Edition

Delivery workers braving the snow have more money in their pockets after judges threw out two app company lawsuits on Friday. Plus more news.

January 26, 2026

Driverless Vehicles — Who Needs Them?

That headline is not sarcastic — I mean it literally: Who will benefit from driverless cars?

January 26, 2026

Send Mayor Mamdani Your Sneckdown Photos! (‘Snow Problem, Streetsblog!’)

"Do you know what a sneckdown is?" "Sneckdown?" "Sneckdown." Therein lies a great story.

January 23, 2026

New Details: Hochul’s Car Insurance ‘Affordability’ Pitch Will Shortchange Crash Victims

Hochul's Uber-backed bid to make car insurance affordable hides harmful policies for victims of car drivers.

January 23, 2026
See all posts