NEW YORK, N.Y. — A deadly sequence of events unfolded at the intersection of Canal Street and the Bowery in Manhattan’s Chinatown, where two separate car crashes within a single day claimed the lives of 55-year-old cyclist Kevin Scott Cruickshank and 63-year-old pedestrian May Kwok. The incidents, occurring early on July 19, 2025, have reignited urgent calls for traffic safety improvements at this notoriously hazardous location.
The tragedy began around 7:26 a.m. when a 23-year-old woman driving a stolen blue Chevrolet Malibu, overdue from a rental agreement, sped westbound off the Manhattan Bridge. The vehicle careened through the intersection, striking Kevin Scott Cruickshank, a Manhattan resident and avid cyclist, and May Kwok, a Brooklyn resident who was sitting on a metal bench on the traffic island separating the bridge’s offramp from the Bowery. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel. The car also collided with a parked, unoccupied NYPD van, adding to the chaos of the incident.
According to police reports, the driver and her 22-year-old passenger were taken to Bellevue Hospital for treatment and drug testing, both listed in stable condition. The driver was taken into custody, though no arrests have been formalized as the New York Police Department’s Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. Authorities are reviewing surveillance and traffic camera footage to determine the precise circumstances, with preliminary findings pointing to excessive speed and the stolen status of the vehicle as key factors.
The intersection, located at the base of the Manhattan Bridge, has long been flagged by transportation advocates for its dangerous conditions. The area’s complex geometry, high vehicle volumes, and limited pedestrian infrastructure have contributed to its reputation as a hotspot for crashes. Data from the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) and advocacy groups like Transportation Alternatives highlight that intersections like this one, lacking visibility-enhancing measures such as daylighting, account for a significant portion of pedestrian fatalities citywide.
Kevin Scott Cruickshank was a beloved figure in Manhattan’s cycling community, known for his cautious riding and vocal advocacy for safer bike lanes and urban street designs. Friends described him as a passionate participant in group rides and a tireless supporter of initiatives to protect cyclists in New York City’s busy streets. His death has sparked grief and anger among fellow cyclists, who see his loss as a stark reminder of the city’s unfinished work on traffic safety.
May Kwok, a quiet and generous woman, was simply resting on a bench when the tragedy struck. Family members described her as someone who cherished her time outdoors, often finding peace in public spaces like the one where she was killed. Her sudden death has left loved ones reeling and underscored the vulnerability of pedestrians in areas lacking adequate protective infrastructure.
The crashes have fueled outrage among residents, activists, and local officials, who have long demanded action to address the intersection’s dangers. Community members point to chronic issues like poor signage, insufficient pedestrian protections, and aggressive driving as persistent threats. “This corner has been a nightmare for years,” said a Chinatown resident at a vigil held the following day. “We’ve begged for changes, and now two more lives are gone.”
Transportation safety organizations, including the Clinton Hell’s Kitchen Coalition for Pedestrian Safety, have renewed calls for emergency measures to prevent further tragedies. Proposed solutions include:
– Installing traffic-calming features such as speed bumps, curb extensions, and protective barriers.
– Lowering speed limits in high-risk areas.
– Expanding NYPD traffic enforcement to deter reckless driving.
– Redesigning the intersection to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety, potentially through daylighting and enhanced crosswalk visibility.
City Council members representing Manhattan and Brooklyn have pledged to prioritize the issue, with plans to discuss comprehensive street safety reforms at upcoming meetings. “These deaths are a wake-up call,” said one councilmember. “We cannot keep losing New Yorkers to preventable crashes. Kevin and May deserve justice through action.”
The broader context of traffic safety in New York City adds urgency to these demands. While the city reported a 29% decline in traffic deaths in 2025 compared to the previous year, with 96 fatalities as of July 6, 2025, pedestrian and cyclist deaths remain a pressing concern. The DOT’s Vision Zero initiative, which has driven measures like the expansion of red-light cameras to 600 intersections and the addition of 87.5 miles of protected bike lanes over the past three years, has made strides but faces ongoing challenges. Advocates argue that intersections like Canal Street and the Bowery, where visibility and infrastructure lag, require immediate attention to meet Vision Zero’s goal of eliminating traffic deaths.
As the investigation continues, the community is preparing to honor Kevin Scott Cruickshank and May Kwok with vigils at the site of the crashes. Cyclists, pedestrians, and residents will gather to mourn, share memories, and demand accountability, determined to ensure that these losses spur meaningful change. For now, the intersection remains a somber reminder of the work left to be done to make New York City’s streets safe for all.