NYC’s 2025 data shows mixed results for pedestrian/micromobility safety: while traffic deaths declined (a Vision Zero win), serious injuries increased, especially for pedestrians and cyclists. Micromobility (e-bikes/scooters) poses a growing but still small risk to pedestrians, though riders themselves face higher dangers, highlighting needs for better infrastructure, enforcement against unsafe devices (like illegal mopeds), and managing sidewalk clutter to improve overall safety and quality of life.
New York City’s streets are changing fast: more deliveries, more e-bikes, more scooters, more drivers rushing, and more pedestrians squeezed into tighter spaces. The result is a pattern most New Yorkers feel in their bones — even if they don’t know the numbers.
The good news: NYC DOT reported traffic deaths hit the lowest level in recorded history during the first six months of 2025, with fatalities down 32% year-over-year.
The hard truth: fewer deaths doesn’t automatically mean fewer life-changing injuries — especially in pedestrian and micromobility crashes, where a “non-fatal” outcome can still mean surgeries, disability, and months (or years) of recovery.
Below is a breakdown of what current NYC safety data is signaling in 2025, what crash trends we’re watching most closely, and what it means if you or a loved one is hit in New York.
Key 2025 takeaway: deaths are down — but risk is still high
NYC DOT’s July 2, 2025 Vision Zero release reported:
- 87 fatalities through June 30, 2025 (tied for the fewest since records began in 1910)
- Pedestrian fatalities down 19% year-over-year (63 → 51)
- Motorized two-wheeled fatalities down 39% (this category includes e-bikes, mopeds, scooters, and motorcycles)
That’s meaningful progress — but it also confirms something important: NYC is actively targeting micromobility danger, because the problem is big enough that it’s driving policy.
Case Today (212) 977-2020
NYC is changing the rules because e-bike risk is real
In 2025, NYC moved toward a citywide NYC e-bike speed limit, with the Mayor’s Office announcing a 15 mph cap to take effect on October 24.
NYC DOT also pointed to measures like reducing Citi Bike e-bike speeds (first to 18 mph, then lower) and increased enforcement on high-crash corridors.
Why this matters legally: when a crash involves an e-bike or scooter, the “rules” people assume often don’t match reality — and responsibility can depend on speed, behavior, location (road vs. sidewalk), and whether a vehicle driver failed to yield. A pedestrian accident lawyer in NYC can help you understand your rights.
The collision patterns we see most often in pedestrian cases
Even when people say “I was just walking,” pedestrian crashes usually fall into repeatable patterns:
1) Failure to yield at crosswalks/turns
NYC DOT highlighted increased enforcement for “failure to yield right of way to pedestrians.”
These cases often involve turning vehicles, distracted drivers, or aggressive “beat the light” behavior.
2) Speed + impact injuries
NYC DOT notes speed cameras reduce deadly speeding dramatically, and severe injuries decline where cameras are installed.
Translation: speed is still a leading factor in severity — especially for pedestrians.
3) Ghost plates / hit-and-run dynamics
DOT also highlighted major “ghost car” enforcement (vehicles with fake/obscured plates).
Hit-and-runs are especially brutal for victims — medically and financially — because identity/insurance becomes the battle, and a NYC pedestrian accident lawyer can assist with getting back these costs.
What this means if you were hit in NYC (or Long Island)
If you’re injured as a pedestrian (or hit by an e-bike/scooter), your case often turns on:
- Proof of fault (video, witness info, police report accuracy)
- Medical documentation (ER records, imaging, follow-up plans)
- Early insurance strategy (what you say in the first 48–72 hours matters)
And in New York, you don’t want to treat a pedestrian crash like a “regular fender-bender.” These are typically high-damages claims because injuries are often serious.
Related reading on our site
If you’re researching injury claim value and timelines, our resources can help you get oriented before speaking to an insurer. A pedestrian accident lawyer in NYC should always be your first point of contact before speaking with insurance adjusters.
Bottom line
NYC’s 2025 safety numbers show progress — but they also confirm the city is still battling major crash forces such as micromobility speed issues, failure-to-yield violations, and high-injury corridors. If you’ve been injured, you deserve a legal team that treats evidence, medical documentation, and insurance strategy like a system — not a guessing game. With over 50 years of combined legal experience, Chaikin Trial Group is dedicated to fighting for justice and full compensation for injured New Yorkers. Contact us today to discuss your case.
Want more research pieces? Read our recent piece on Uncovering Rideshare Sexual Assault Patterns.
