Sidewalks Are Battlefields—Slow the Cars, Spare the Bodies

Councilmember De La Rosa and others want permits for residential parking. Congestion pricing pushed more drivers uptown. Lawmakers say outsiders take local spots. Critics warn permits may spur more car ownership. No clear plan for safety or curb use.

On February 8, 2025, Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine called for a City Council pilot program to restrict street parking to permit holders. The debate follows congestion pricing, which, as the bill summary states, has made free street parking uptown scarce and pushed more drivers into residential neighborhoods. State Senator Robert Jackson sponsors a parallel bill in Albany. De La Rosa and Jackson argue that local residents lose parking to out-of-state drivers. Councilmember Gale Brewer warns that low permit prices could increase car ownership and worsen parking shortages, citing past failures in other cities. Kate Slevin of the Regional Plan Association questions whether a permit system would be enforced, given the city's history of placard abuse. The bill's impact on vulnerable road users remains unaddressed. No safety improvements or curb space repurposing are included.

• With congestion pricing in effect, push for parking permits in NYC gains momentum, gothamist.com, Published 2025-02-08

A rear passenger suffered back injuries in a rear-end crash on Jerome Avenue in the Bronx. Two southbound vehicles collided, striking each other center back end. The injured occupant remained conscious but reported internal back pain.

According to the police report, at 10:11 AM on Jerome Avenue in the Bronx, two southbound vehicles—a sedan and an SUV—collided rear to rear. The sedan had one occupant, a 35-year-old male passenger seated in the left rear, who sustained internal back injuries and remained conscious. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead when the impact occurred at their center back ends. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The injured passenger was not ejected and was identified as an occupant, not a pedestrian or cyclist. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The crash highlights the danger of rear-end impacts even at moderate speeds, with injuries to vehicle occupants resulting from the force of collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791112 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 25-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and suffered head injuries after a collision with a right-turning SUV on W 181 St in the Bronx. The crash involved improper lane usage and failure to yield right-of-way by the vehicle driver.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:55 AM on W 181 St near Aqueduct Ave E in the Bronx. The bicyclist, a 25-year-old male, was riding southbound when he was struck by an SUV making a right turn westbound. The report lists driver errors including 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained a head contusion, classified as injury severity level 3. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment at the time. The vehicle's point of impact was the left front bumper, while the bike's center front end was damaged. The crash highlights critical driver failures in yielding and lane management that led to serious injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790854 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Senate bill S 4421 seeks a one-year fare-free bus pilot in New York City. Michael Gianaris leads. Robert Jackson, John Liu, Julia Salazar join. The move could shift riders from cars to buses. Status: sponsorship.

Senate bill S 4421, now at the sponsorship stage, proposes a one-year fare-free bus pilot in New York City. The bill summary reads: 'Provides a fare-free bus pilot program in New York City for one year, subject to appropriations.' Michael Gianaris sponsors, with Robert Jackson, John Liu, and Julia Salazar as co-sponsors. Introduced on February 4, 2025, the bill awaits committee review. No safety analyst has assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The pilot could change how New Yorkers move, but its effect on street safety remains unstudied.

• File S 4421, Open States, Published 2025-02-04

A 39-year-old male bicyclist was partially ejected and suffered whiplash and full-body injuries after a collision on East 184th Street. The crash involved a vehicle making a right turn that failed to yield right-of-way, according to the police report.

According to the police report, a 39-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a crash on East 184th Street in the Bronx at 5:00 p.m. The bicyclist was partially ejected and sustained injuries to his entire body, including whiplash. The report identifies the primary contributing factor as the vehicle driver's failure to yield right-of-way while making a right turn. The bicyclist was riding eastbound and was not wearing any safety equipment. The vehicle involved was a Mercedes SUV traveling northbound, which struck the bicyclist on its right front quarter panel. No other contributing factors were noted. The report highlights driver error as the cause of the collision and does not attribute fault to the bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790213 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 42-year-old man driving a sedan on the Major Deegan Expressway suffered a head injury and whiplash. The driver remained conscious and was not ejected. No vehicle damage or collision impact was reported, with contributing factors unspecified.

According to the police report, a 42-year-old male driver was operating a 2019 Ford sedan southbound on the Major Deegan Expressway at 14:13. The driver sustained a head injury and whiplash, classified as injury severity 3, but remained conscious and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report notes no damage to the vehicle and no point of impact, indicating no collision with another vehicle or object. Contributing factors to the injury are listed as unspecified. The driver was not wearing any safety equipment. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and no driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were cited in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789822 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A northbound SUV struck a parked vehicle on Jerome Avenue in the Bronx. The SUV driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries, enduring shock. Police cited unsafe speed and reaction to an uninvolved vehicle as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:32 on Jerome Avenue in the Bronx. A northbound Station Wagon/Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) was parked when it was struck on the left side doors by a southbound Ford car/SUV traveling straight ahead. The SUV driver, a 34-year-old male occupant, was injured with knee and lower leg trauma and experienced shock. The report identifies 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' as the primary contributing factors for the crash. The SUV driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The collision caused damage to the left side doors of the parked SUV. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787190 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 66-year-old woman suffered severe leg injuries while getting on or off a vehicle at a Bronx intersection. The crash caused fractures and dislocations, leaving her conscious but seriously hurt. The incident highlights risks at busy urban crossings.

According to the police report, a 66-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of W Tremont Ave and University Ave in the Bronx around 7:30 PM. She was getting on or off a vehicle when the crash occurred, resulting in fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as Failure to Yield or Reckless Driving. The vehicle involved is unspecified with no details on driver actions or vehicle type. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash but suffered serious injuries classified as severity level 3. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors in the report. This incident underscores the dangers pedestrians face in urban intersections even without clear driver fault cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788296 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A city bus teetered over a Bronx overpass after swerving to dodge a double-parked car. Steel scraped concrete. Debris rained down. No one was hurt. The wall broke. The rules broke first.

NY1 reported on January 17, 2025, that a BxM1 MTA bus nearly plunged from the Henry Hudson Parkway overpass after the driver swerved to avoid an illegally double-parked car. The bus crashed into the wall, leaving it hanging over the edge. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said, "We’re told by the MTA that the bus was trying to get around an illegally double-parked car, and he hit the wall and went through it." No injuries were reported, but the crash caused structural damage and scattered debris below. City Councilman Eric Dinowitz noted, "It speaks to the importance of enforcing our parking rules because it was going around a double-parked car." The incident highlights the danger posed by lax parking enforcement and infrastructure vulnerable to impact.

• MTA Bus Hangs Off Bronx Overpass, NY1, Published 2025-01-17

Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16

Two sedans collided on Valentine Avenue in the Bronx. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the cause. Both drivers were female and conscious after the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling north on Valentine Avenue in the Bronx collided at 8:50 p.m. The rear vehicle struck the front vehicle's center back end. The driver of the rear sedan, a 39-year-old female, was injured with back pain and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating driver error by the rear vehicle operator. Both drivers were licensed and female, with no other contributing factors listed. The front vehicle was going straight ahead, while the rear vehicle was parked before the crash. The collision caused damage primarily to the center back end of the front vehicle and the left rear bumper of the rear vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785621 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

A 66-year-old woman was injured in the Bronx when a moped struck her at an intersection. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal. She suffered facial fractures and dislocations, left incoherent at the scene. The moped showed no damage on impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:58 on Grand Concourse near East 176th Street in the Bronx. A moped collided with a 66-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing the intersection against the signal. The pedestrian sustained serious facial injuries including fractures and dislocations and was incoherent after the collision. The report identifies the pedestrian's action of crossing against the signal as a contributing factor, categorized as "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion." The moped's point of impact was the center front end, but the vehicle sustained no damage. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were cited in the report, focusing the contributing factor on the pedestrian's crossing behavior.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786862 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 34-year-old woman suffered abdominal and pelvic injuries while crossing with the signal at an intersection in the Bronx. Glare and limited view contributed to the crash involving a sedan. The driver was licensed and the vehicle showed no damage.

According to the police report, a 34-year-old female pedestrian was injured at an intersection on E Burnside Ave in the Bronx at 8:51 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report cites glare and obstructed or limited view as contributing factors. The involved vehicle was a 2005 Toyota sedan traveling east, with a licensed female driver. The vehicle was initially parked and impacted the pedestrian with its right front bumper. Despite the impact, the vehicle sustained no damage. The pedestrian suffered contusions and bruises to the abdomen and pelvis, with injury severity rated as 3. The report highlights environmental factors impairing the driver's visibility, which played a key role in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784942 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 26-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a Ford sedan struck him while making a left turn on Creston Avenue. The impact occurred on the vehicle’s left rear quarter panel. The pedestrian was conscious and bruised.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male pedestrian was injured on Creston Avenue in the Bronx at 21:28. The pedestrian suffered contusions and bruises to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The collision involved a 2018 Ford sedan traveling southeast, which was making a left turn when it struck the pedestrian on the left rear quarter panel. The pedestrian’s actions in the roadway were noted as 'Other Actions in Roadway,' with unspecified contributing factors listed for the pedestrian. No driver errors such as Failure to Yield or other violations were explicitly cited in the report. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report focuses on the impact and injuries without assigning fault to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788712 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 54-year-old woman suffered a fractured shoulder and dislocation after a sedan struck her at an intersection. The driver made a right turn and hit the pedestrian who was crossing with the signal. The vehicle showed no damage on impact.

According to the police report, a 54-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Grand Ave and W 176 St in the Bronx around 8:00 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2011 MITS sedan, traveling south and making a right turn, struck her with its right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained a fractured and dislocated upper arm and remained conscious after the collision. The vehicle sustained no damage. The report lists no specific driver contributing factors such as Failure to Yield, but the collision occurred during the driver's right turn, indicating a failure to avoid the pedestrian legally crossing. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed and operating a sedan with one occupant.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787736 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Senate bill S 131 demands complete street design for state-funded projects. Sponsors push for safer roads. Guidance will go public. Streets could change. Pedestrians and cyclists stand to gain.

Senate bill S 131 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force safer street planning. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by co-sponsors Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Leroy Comrie, Jeremy Cooney, Nathalia Fernandez, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Robert Jackson, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, Christopher Ryan, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish guidance on street design. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 131, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 803 aims to keep cars out of bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Streets could clear. Cyclists might breathe easier. Lawmakers back the crackdown. The fight for safe passage continues.

Assembly bill A 803, now in sponsorship, proposes a bicycle lane safety program for New York City. It would enforce restrictions on bike lane use with photo devices. The bill summary reads: 'Establishes in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and/or protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Primary sponsor Zohran Mamdani leads, joined by Brian Cunningham, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Harvey Epstein, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill was introduced January 8, 2025. No safety analyst note was provided. The measure targets drivers who block or endanger cyclists.

• File A 803, Open States, Published 2025-01-08