No More Excuses: Bronx Streets Are Killing Us

Council members and developers vow to build up to 200 parking spaces per project near new Bronx Metro-North stations. Despite no city parking mandates, car storage dominates debate. Transit access takes a back seat. Vulnerable road users face more cars, more risk.

On July 10, 2024, the City Council held a hearing on proposed rezonings around new Metro-North stations in the Bronx. The matter, titled 'Transit-Oriented Bronx Developments Will Have Ample Parking, Developers Tell Council,' focused on whether to require parking in new residential and commercial projects. Council Members Amanda Faris, Kevin C. Riley, Rafael Salamanca, and Kristy Marmorato all pressed for developers to include parking, despite the city's move to waive mandates. Riley called parking 'a huge issue.' Developers, including Baker Development, promised up to 200 spaces per project. Bronx City Planning Director Paul Philips said, 'We certainly expect developers to provide parking.' The debate ignored the danger more parking brings: more cars, more conflict, more risk for people walking and biking. No safety analyst weighed in, but the outcome is clear—transit-oriented in name, car-centric in practice.

• Transit-Oriented Bronx Developments Will Have Ample Parking, Developers Tell Council, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-10

A sedan struck parked vehicles on East Tremont Avenue. The driver, age 40, suffered back injuries and was incoherent. Police cite alcohol involvement. Impact crushed left sides of a Honda and Audi.

According to the police report, a crash occurred at 1:00 AM near 3239 East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx. A sedan, driven by a 40-year-old man, was heading east when it struck parked vehicles—a Honda sedan and an Audi SUV—damaging their left sides. The driver was injured, reporting back pain and incoherence at the scene. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The crash caused significant damage to the parked vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4739235 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Two SUVs collided on Hutchinson River Parkway at dawn. The trailing vehicle struck the lead car’s rear center. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered whiplash and full-body injuries. Slippery pavement and poor lane markings contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 5:45 AM on Hutchinson River Parkway involving two SUVs traveling northwest. The trailing vehicle, a 2023 Subaru, was slowing or stopping when it impacted the center back end of the lead 2022 Mercedes SUV. The lead vehicle sustained front center damage. The driver of the rear vehicle, a 31-year-old male occupant, was injured with whiplash and entire body trauma but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report cites 'Pavement Slippery' and 'Lane Marking Improper/Inadequate' as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The collision highlights driver challenges posed by inadequate lane markings and slippery road conditions, which impaired safe vehicle control and stopping distance.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737623 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Two SUVs collided on Waterbury Avenue in the Bronx. The 27-year-old male driver suffered whiplash and full-body injuries. Police cited improper lane markings as a key factor. The driver was conscious and restrained at the time of impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:30 on Waterbury Avenue in the Bronx involving two SUVs traveling west. The 27-year-old male driver, restrained by a lap belt and harness, sustained whiplash and injuries to his entire body but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Lane Marking Improper/Inadequate' as a contributing factor to the collision, highlighting a systemic danger in roadway design. The point of impact was the left rear quarter panel of one SUV, which was parked before the crash. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted. The focus remains on the hazardous lane markings that contributed to this serious injury crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737766 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Southbound moped and sedan collide on Bruckner Expressway. Moped driver, unlicensed but helmeted, ejected and injured. Sedan’s right side doors smashed. No pedestrians or cyclists involved.

According to the police report, a 36-year-old male moped driver, unlicensed but wearing a helmet, was ejected after a side collision with a sedan on the Bruckner Expressway at 2:15 a.m. Both vehicles traveled south when the crash occurred. The moped driver suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries, along with abrasions. The sedan, driven by a licensed male, sustained damage to its right side doors. The report lists the moped driver's unlicensed status as a critical driver error. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4741439 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A moped rider was injured after a sedan backed into him on Bruckner Expressway. The rider was partially ejected and suffered abrasions. Police cited improper lane usage and a malfunctioning traffic control device as contributing factors in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Bruckner Expressway at 11:21 PM. A sedan traveling south was backing when it collided with a northbound moped. The moped rider, a 28-year-old male wearing a helmet, was partially ejected and sustained abrasions to his entire body. The report identifies driver errors including improper passing or lane usage by the sedan driver and a traffic control device that was improper or non-working. The sedan’s point of impact was its right rear bumper, while the moped’s front center end was damaged. The moped rider was conscious but injured, highlighting the dangers of driver errors and systemic issues like faulty traffic controls in this crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4734766 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-06

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-06

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-06

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03

A sedan and tractor trailer collided on Bruckner Expressway. Two men in the sedan suffered arm and whiplash injuries. Both stayed conscious. No driver errors or causes listed by police.

According to the police report, a sedan and a tractor truck diesel collided at 23:11 on Bruckner Expressway in the Bronx. The sedan's left front bumper and quarter panel took the hit. Two men inside, aged 56 and 58, suffered whiplash and arm injuries. Both remained conscious and wore lap belts. The tractor truck had no occupants. The police report lists no driver errors or contributing factors for the crash. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left both sedan occupants injured but alert.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731875 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Assembly Member Benedetto backed a campaign donor’s bid to dodge city idling fines. DJ Transportation owes $65,000 for idling. Advocates say fumes harm neighborhoods. The company refuses to electrify. Disabled riders are used as a shield. Health loses. Industry wins.

On May 30, 2024, Bronx Assembly Member Michael Benedetto testified in support of exempting DJ Transportation from New York City’s anti-idling law. The matter, heard by city officials, centered on whether companies serving students with disabilities should avoid fines for running engines. Benedetto argued, "I believe DJ Ambulette should be ... given a variance to let them have their buses idle to properly maintain their temperature on their buses." DJ Transportation, a campaign donor, owes over $65,000 in unpaid fines and has not committed to electrifying its fleet. Benedetto denied any influence from donations. The Department of Environmental Protection and advocates rejected claims that idling is needed for temperature control, citing community health risks. Critics condemned the use of disabled clients as justification for continued pollution. No safety analyst assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• Bronx Pol Wants City to Exempt Campaign Donor From Idling Law, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-05-30

A taxi slammed into a 59-year-old woman crossing Co-op City Boulevard near Dreiser Loop. Blood pooled from her head. She stayed conscious as the cab’s crumpled front end gleamed under tinted glass. The street fell silent around the impact.

A 59-year-old woman was struck and injured by a taxi while crossing Co-op City Boulevard near Dreiser Loop, according to the police report. The collision occurred as the taxi was traveling straight ahead and hit the pedestrian head-on, causing severe bleeding from her head. The report notes the cab’s front end was crumpled and its tinted windows obscured the driver’s face. According to the police report, 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' and 'Tinted Windows' were listed as contributing factors. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal and was not at an intersection, as documented in the report, but the presence of tinted windows is also cited as a factor. The focus remains on the driver’s visibility and the systemic risks posed by vehicle design and street conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728927 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28