No More Blood for Broken Streets: Demand Safety Now

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 tow truck struck a sedan on Byron Avenue in the Bronx. The sedan’s front passenger, a 22-year-old woman, suffered abrasions to her elbow and lower arm. Police cited failure to yield and unsafe speed as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Byron Avenue in the Bronx at 16:50. A tow truck traveling west collided with a southbound sedan. The point of impact was the tow truck's right front bumper against the sedan's left front quarter panel and left side doors. The sedan carried two occupants; the front passenger, a 22-year-old female, was injured with abrasions to her elbow and lower arm but was conscious and not ejected. The report explicitly lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors, indicating driver errors by one or both vehicle operators. The injured passenger's use of a lap belt and harness was noted, but no victim behavior was cited as a contributing factor. The crash highlights systemic dangers related to driver compliance with right-of-way rules and speed control.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731289 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Two sedans slammed head-on on Hammersley Avenue. Steel twisted. Airbags burst. A 35-year-old woman, legs broken and burned, was pulled out alive. Four rode in one car, one in the other. Failure to yield carved pain into the Bronx night.

According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on near Hammersley Avenue and Gunther Avenue in the Bronx. The crash involved a 2012 Volkswagen sedan traveling south with a single occupant and a 2016 Honda sedan traveling east with four occupants. The report states both vehicles were 'going straight ahead' when they struck each other, with the point of impact listed as 'center front end' for both cars. The narrative describes the aftermath: 'Steel crumpled. Airbags burst. A 35-year-old woman, burned and broken in the legs, was pulled conscious from the wreck.' The police report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for both drivers. No mention is made of any victim behavior contributing to the crash. The focus remains on driver error and the violent consequences of failing to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731286 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A northbound SUV struck a southbound sedan making a left turn on White Plains Road in the Bronx. Four vehicle occupants suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite failure to yield right-of-way as the primary cause of the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred near East 233 Street in the Bronx at 11:50 p.m. A 2017 Mercedes SUV traveling northbound on White Plains Road collided with a 2017 Buick sedan making a left turn southbound. The point of impact was the SUV's right front bumper striking the sedan's right rear quarter panel. Police identified failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor in the crash. Four occupants in the SUV, including the driver and three passengers aged 18 to 48, were injured with back injuries and complaints of whiplash. All occupants were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victims' behavior. The collision highlights driver error and systemic danger at intersections involving turning vehicles and through traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729384 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Two sedans crashed at East Gun Hill Road. Both drivers were men, one 23 years old, suffering shoulder and whiplash injuries. The collision involved a right turn and a straight travel, with driver inexperience and failure to yield cited by police.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:45 on East Gun Hill Road involving two sedans. One driver, a 23-year-old male, was injured with upper arm and shoulder injuries and complained of whiplash. The report states the first vehicle was making a right turn while the second was traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the left front bumper on both vehicles, causing center front end damage. The police identified driver errors as contributing factors: 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' by the 23-year-old driver. Both drivers were licensed males from New York. The injured driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4732798 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Pickup truck hit a bicyclist in the Bronx. Cyclist ejected, suffered serious leg injuries. Alcohol involved. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

According to the police report, a pickup truck traveling north on White Plains Road in the Bronx struck a 49-year-old male bicyclist at 1:52 AM. The impact from the truck’s right front bumper ejected the cyclist, causing injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The cyclist was in shock and complained of pain and nausea. The report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' as a contributing factor. The bicyclist’s safety equipment status is unknown. The crash highlights driver errors and systemic dangers that left a vulnerable road user badly hurt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728098 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

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

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

Two sedans collided in a merging chain-reaction crash on Bronx River Parkway. A front passenger suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cite following too closely and reaction to uninvolved vehicle as key factors in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 13:09 on Bronx River Parkway involving multiple sedans merging northbound. The collision was triggered by a driver reacting to an uninvolved vehicle, leading to a chain-reaction impact. One occupant, a 24-year-old front passenger, was injured with contusions and trauma to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' and 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' as the primary contributing factors. The injured passenger was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The drivers involved were licensed and operating their vehicles during merging maneuvers. Vehicle damage was centered on the front ends and rear end of the involved sedans, indicating a multi-vehicle rear-end collision sequence. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727530 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

An SUV making a right turn hit a female e-scooter driver on East 233 Street in the Bronx. The rider suffered a hip and upper leg injury, conscious but bruised. Police cite failure to yield right-of-way as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred around 12:35 a.m. on East 233 Street near Bronx Boulevard in the Bronx. A female e-scooter driver, age 29, was injured when an SUV making a right turn struck her on the left front bumper. The rider sustained a hip and upper leg contusion, classified as injury severity level 3, and remained conscious after the impact. The report explicitly lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' by the e-scooter driver as a contributing factor, alongside an unspecified secondary factor. The SUV had no occupants and was traveling westbound. The e-scooter was parked before the collision. No helmet or other safety equipment was noted, nor was it cited as a contributing factor. The collision highlights the dangers posed by driver errors in yielding right-of-way to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727596 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Two sedans crashed head-on on Olinville Avenue. Both drivers blew past traffic controls. A driver and passenger suffered whiplash and arm injuries. Metal twisted. Signals ignored. Streets unforgiving.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at 21:40 on Olinville Avenue near East Gun Hill Road in the Bronx. Both drivers disregarded traffic controls, which the report lists as the main cause. The Nissan driver, a 33-year-old man, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The Acura’s front passenger, a 25-year-old man, sustained whiplash and upper arm injuries. Both vehicles took heavy damage: the Nissan at the center front, the Acura at the left rear quarter panel. The report highlights driver error—traffic control disregard—as the central factor. No mention of victim fault or other contributing behaviors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727542 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 16-year-old moped driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a collision with a sedan on White Plains Road in the Bronx. The crash occurred during a right turn. The moped struck the sedan’s left front quarter panel, causing minor burns and shock.

According to the police report, the crash happened at 8:13 p.m. on White Plains Road in the Bronx. The moped driver, a 16-year-old male, was making a right turn when the collision occurred. The sedan was traveling straight ahead in the same direction. The point of impact was the left rear quarter panel of the moped and the left front quarter panel of the sedan. The report cites "Turning Improperly" as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating driver error on the moped operator's part. The moped driver sustained injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot, along with minor burns and was in shock. The driver was not ejected from the vehicle. The sedan driver was licensed in New York. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727529 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Two SUVs collided head-on at East 233rd and Boston Road. Metal twisted. A 44-year-old man gripped the wheel, blood pouring from his arm. The crash was sudden, the pain sharp. The turn was wrong. The street bore the brunt.

At the intersection of East 233rd Street and Boston Road in the Bronx, two sport utility vehicles slammed into each other head-on, according to the police report. The report states both vehicles were involved in 'Turning Improperly.' One SUV, traveling east, was going straight ahead, while the other, traveling southwest, was making a left turn. The impact crushed the front ends of both vehicles. A 44-year-old male driver suffered severe lacerations to his lower arm and hand but remained conscious, as detailed in the police narrative: 'A 44-year-old man clutched the wheel, blood streaming from his arm. He did not lose consciousness.' The police report explicitly lists 'Turning Improperly' as the contributing factor for both drivers, underscoring driver error as the cause of the crash. No mention is made of any victim behavior contributing to the collision. The crash highlights the ongoing danger at intersections where driver actions can have immediate, violent consequences.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727541 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Two sedans collided head-on on White Plains Road in the Bronx. A front-seat passenger suffered whiplash and injuries to the entire body. Both drivers were licensed men. Improper lane usage caused the crash, according to police.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on White Plains Road in the Bronx at 21:23. Two sedans, both traveling in opposite directions, collided head-on with center front end impacts. The report cites 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor for both vehicles, indicating driver error in lane management. One occupant, a 34-year-old male front passenger, was injured with whiplash and injuries to the entire body but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. Both drivers were licensed men from New York. The collision caused significant damage to the front ends of both vehicles. The police report does not list any victim behavior as a contributing factor, focusing the cause on driver lane usage errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725698 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Albany lawmakers urge a 20% cut in driving by 2050. The bill would shift funds from highways to transit, biking, and walking. Electeds from Brooklyn to Buffalo back the move. Streets could change. Fewer cars. More space for people. Lives at stake.

Bill A4120/S1981 aims to cut vehicle miles traveled in New York by 20% by 2050. On May 15, 2024, more than a dozen local officials sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, urging passage before session’s end in June. The letter, organized by Local Progress, states: 'This means projects that expanded cycling infrastructure, pedestrian walkways, and public transit were prioritized over outdated highway expansions and lane widening.' State Senator Andrew Gounardes sponsors the bill. Alex Marion, Syracuse city auditor, signed on, saying, 'If we can reduce the vehicle miles traveled, we can look at the space of streets differently.' The bill would force planners to consider car miles in every project, shifting focus from car movement to safer, people-first streets. The policy could help undo decades of harm from highways that split communities and reinforce segregation.

• New York Pols Back Gounardes’s Bill to Cut Driving by 20%, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-05-15

State leaders urge passage of A4120/S1981 to slash driving by one-fifth. The bill aims to shift funding from highways to transit, cycling, and walking. Advocates say fewer cars mean fewer deaths. The clock ticks toward the session’s end.

Bill A4120/S1981, now before the New York State Legislature, seeks a 20% reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 2050. The measure is championed by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and backed by a coalition of local officials. On May 15, 2024, a letter to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins called for swift passage before the session ends in June. The letter states, 'The state Legislature should pass the law before the end of this session in June, which could pivot transportation funding toward more beneficial uses like mass transit and biking and walking infrastructure.' Stewart-Cousins is mentioned as a key recipient. The bill would force agencies to prioritize projects for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders over highway expansion. Advocates argue this shift will save lives, cut pollution, and undo harms from car-centric planning.

• New York Pols Back Gounardes's Bill to Cut Driving by 20%, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-05-15

A 72-year-old woman suffered bruises and full-body contusions after an SUV backed into her outside an intersection in the Bronx. The driver, unlicensed and inexperienced, struck the pedestrian with the vehicle’s rear, causing serious injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:26 in the Bronx near East 233 Street. A 72-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2023 Hyundai SUV backed unsafely, striking her with the center back end of the vehicle. The report cites 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The driver was unlicensed, compounding the risk. The pedestrian was not in the roadway and suffered contusions and bruises over her entire body, with an injury severity rated at 3. The vehicle was traveling south and had two occupants. This collision highlights the dangers posed by unlicensed, inexperienced drivers performing unsafe backing maneuvers in areas where pedestrians are present.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725772 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 33-year-old bicyclist suffered a shoulder injury after a taxi struck him on Mickle Avenue in the Bronx. The collision, caused by driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way, left the cyclist conscious but hurt, with damage to both vehicles.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:40 PM on Mickle Avenue in the Bronx involving a taxi and a bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 33-year-old man, was traveling north going straight ahead when the taxi, traveling south, struck him on the right side doors with its left front bumper. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The bicyclist sustained an upper arm and shoulder injury, was conscious, and was not ejected from his bike. The taxi, a 2013 Toyota, and the bike both sustained damage on their right side doors and front end respectively. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4724579 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A Yamaha motorcycle struck an Acura SUV at East 237th and Furman. The rider flew, hip crushed, blood on asphalt. No helmet. Speed unforgiving. Semiconscious, he lay broken as the street swallowed the night.

According to the police report, a Yamaha motorcycle collided with the side of an Acura SUV at the intersection of East 237th Street and Furman Avenue in the Bronx around 9:30 p.m. The report states, 'A Yamaha slammed the side of an Acura. The rider flew. No helmet. Hip crushed. Blood on asphalt. Semiconscious. Speed too fast.' The listed contributing factor is 'Unsafe Speed.' The motorcycle rider, a 42-year-old man, was ejected and suffered severe hip and upper leg injuries, described as 'crush injuries,' and was found semiconscious at the scene. The police report notes the absence of a helmet but cites 'Unsafe Speed' as the primary contributing factor. The SUV, traveling north, sustained damage to its left side doors. No injuries to SUV occupants are reported. The crash underscores the lethal consequences when speed overwhelms city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4724341 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

An e-bike rider was ejected and suffered severe injuries after a crash on Boston Road in the Bronx. The driver, a 35-year-old woman, sustained fractures and dislocations. Police cited driver inattention and inexperience as key factors in the collision.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old female e-bike driver was injured and ejected from her vehicle on Boston Road near Ropes Avenue in the Bronx. The report states the driver was traveling east, going straight ahead when the crash occurred. The e-bike sustained no damage, but the driver suffered injuries to her entire body, including fractures and dislocations. The police identified 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors in the crash. The driver was conscious but severely injured. The report does not mention any victim fault or other contributing behaviors. The incident highlights the dangers posed by driver errors, particularly inattention and lack of experience, in e-bike crashes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727594 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07