New York City recorded the lowest level of traffic deaths during the first six months of 2025, with fatalities down 32% compared to the first six months of last year.
Data released by the Department of Transportation on Wednesday showed across-the-board declines in traffic deaths involving pedestrians, as well as riders or occupants of traditional bikes, e-bikes, stand-up scooters, mopeds, motorcycles, cars and SUVs. There have been 87 fatalities so far this year, tied with 2018 for the fewest since such records were first collected in 1910.
Fatalities among riders of motorized two-wheeled vehicles (which includes mopeds, motorcycles, e-bikes and stand-up scooters), as well as motor vehicle occupants, declined by 39% and 48% respectively.
Officials said the city's Vision Zero program, which includes the installation of speed cameras, lowered e-bike speeds, protected bike lanes, and higher police enforcement of traffic violations in crash priority corridors helped lower fatalities.
“Traffic deaths reached the lowest level in recorded history during the first six months of this year because of Vision Zero’s focus on safer street designs, expanded public education, and targeted traffic enforcement,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “While one traffic fatality is one too many, whether you are a pedestrian, a cyclist, or a driver, our streets are safer than ever and the important work must continue.”
The DOT cited the following highlights:
- Through June 30, 2025, the overall number of traffic fatalities is at 87, a 32% decline from 128 at this point in 2024. This is the same number of fatalities as the first half of 2018, which ended as the safest year in the city’s recorded history.
- Leading the decline was the sharp drop in deaths among e-bike riders and other motorized two wheeled vehicles. Among that group, there are 20 deaths so far this year, a decline of 39% from 33 in 2024. E-bike rider fatalities have declined from nine in 2024 to six this year.
- Deaths among drivers and occupants of motor vehicles have also seen dramatic declines at 15, a 48% decline from 29 deaths in 2024.
- So far in 2025, only one cyclist riding a traditional non-electric bicycle has been killed, a record low. (While relatively small, those fatalities numbered 3 in the first of 2024 and 6 in 2023 – and were as high as 11 fatalities in the first half of 2019).
- Pedestrian fatalities have also declined 19% from 2024 – from 63 to 51 deaths.
- All boroughs have seen fatality declines, but the Bronx and Queens have seen the largest relative decline in traffic deaths – 43% and 38% respectively.
"Strong enforcement against reckless driving is keeping pedestrians, cyclists and drivers safe, and our administration will continue using all tools available to drive down traffic violence and deliver results that keep New Yorkers safe on and off our streets," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
