Riverdale Bleeds: City Stalls, Kids Die

A moped, pushed too fast by an unlicensed teen, crashed into an SUV’s rear on E 204 St. His head struck hard. Blood pooled. The street froze. Sirens came late. The city’s danger pulsed in the silence.

According to the police report, an 18-year-old unlicensed male was driving a moped southbound on E 204 St near E Mosholu Pkwy S when he struck the rear of a station wagon/SUV. The report states the moped was traveling at 'Unsafe Speed.' The teen’s head hit the vehicle, causing bleeding and crush injuries, but he remained conscious. The SUV’s right rear bumper cracked from the impact. The police report explicitly cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, and notes the moped driver was unlicensed at the time of the crash. No contributing factors are attributed to the SUV driver. The focus remains on the systemic danger of unlicensed, speeding drivers on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802363 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Mercedes slammed into Darryl Mathis Jr.'s stalled car on the Major Deegan. Mathis called for help, then for an ambulance. The driver fled. Paramedics rushed Mathis to the hospital. He died. The killer behind the wheel vanished into the night.

NY Daily News reported on March 24, 2025, that Darryl Mathis Jr. was killed when a Mercedes-Benz rear-ended his disabled Ford on the Major Deegan Expressway. Mathis, stranded after his battery died, called friends for help. As one friend recounted, 'He called to get a jump, and after that, he got hit from behind, a hit-and-run.' The Mercedes driver fled the scene and has not been caught. Mathis was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he died. The crash highlights the dangers faced by stranded motorists on city highways and the deadly consequences when drivers flee. No policy changes or enforcement actions were detailed in the article.

• Hit-And-Run Kills Stranded Bronx Motorist, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-24

A black Mercedes slammed into a Ford on the Major Deegan. Both cars spun out. The Mercedes driver ran. The Ford driver died at St. Barnabas. Police closed the highway for hours. No arrests. The city’s roads stay deadly.

NY Daily News reported on March 22, 2025, that a 39-year-old driver was killed after a black Mercedes-Benz rear-ended his Ford Crown Victoria on the Major Deegan Expressway. The article states, “The hit-and-run driver responsible escaped on foot, police said.” Both vehicles lost control and crashed. Emergency services transported the victim to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he died. The Mercedes driver fled the scene, and no arrests have been made. Police closed the southbound lanes for several hours during the investigation. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of rear-end collisions and the persistent risk posed by hit-and-run drivers on New York City highways.

• Bronx Highway Hit-And-Run Kills Driver, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-22

After a hit-and-run injured a child, Bronx lawmakers called for speed humps and stop signs. They refused proven fixes like road diets and daylighting. Council Member Dinowitz claimed streets are too narrow for lane removal. DOT denied their request, citing low crash data.

On March 10, 2025, Council Member Eric Dinowitz and Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz pressed the city for speed humps and four-way stop signs in Riverdale, following a hit-and-run that injured a 9-year-old girl. Their request, sent to the Department of Transportation before the crash, was denied due to low car volumes and insufficient crash history. The lawmakers, at a press conference, supported speed humps and stop signs but opposed road diets and universal daylighting. Eric Dinowitz argued, 'If you walked down any of these streets, they are far too narrow to narrow any more.' He also rejected citywide daylighting, insisting, 'Daylighting has to be done corner by corner.' The council member has criticized DOT’s safety efforts before, framing the agency as unresponsive. No safety analyst assessment was provided for this action.

• Riverdale Pols Push for Some Street Safety, But Balk at More Serious Interventions, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-03-10

A moped slammed into a minivan in Soundview. Two teens thrown. One died. The other survived. The driver stayed. Police probe who had the right of way. Another young life lost on Bronx streets.

Gothamist (2025-02-25) reports a fatal crash at Metcalf Avenue and East 172nd Street in the Bronx. A 17-year-old, Juan Alexander Quizhpi Naranjo, drove a moped with a 14-year-old passenger when they collided with a Honda Odyssey. Both were thrown from the moped. Quizhpi Naranjo died at Jacobi Hospital; the girl survived. The minivan driver, 42, remained at the scene and faced no charges. NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is still determining 'who had the right of way and whether a traffic violation played a role.' This marks the second traffic death this year in the 43rd Precinct, highlighting ongoing dangers for young road users.

• Bronx Teen Killed In Moped-Minivan Crash, Gothamist, Published 2025-02-25

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

A sedan turned left on Bainbridge. A man on a bike rode straight. Metal struck flesh. He flew, helmetless, face to pavement. Blood pooled. He lay conscious, torn open, the night closing around him.

According to the police report, a sedan making a left turn at Bainbridge Avenue and East Mosholu Parkway South in the Bronx struck a northbound cyclist who was traveling straight. The report states the driver was inattentive or distracted, listing 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The cyclist, a 41-year-old man, was ejected from his bike and suffered severe facial lacerations. He remained conscious at the scene. The narrative describes the impact: 'Metal struck flesh. He flew, helmetless. His face hit pavement. Blood pooled.' The police report notes the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but this is mentioned only after the primary driver error. The crash underscores the danger posed by inattentive drivers making turns across the paths of vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790738 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A city bus swerved to dodge a double-parked car. It crashed through a wall and dangled over a Bronx overpass. No one was hurt. Debris rained down. The city’s parking chaos left concrete cracked and nerves frayed.

NY1 reported on January 17, 2025, that a BxM1 MTA bus partially drove off the Henry Hudson Parkway overpass near Kappock Street after the driver swerved to avoid a double-parked car. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz stated, "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." The crash damaged the overpass wall and scattered debris onto the street below. No injuries were reported, though conflicting accounts left passenger presence unclear. City Councilman Eric Dinowitz highlighted the broader issue: "We’re seeing all over the city parking regulations not being enforced." The incident underscores the risks posed by illegal parking and the need for stricter enforcement and infrastructure checks.

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

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly crossings for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, forces the Department of Transportation to install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. The bill, sponsored by Farah N. Louis (primary) and co-sponsored by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, Ariola, and others, passed on March 15, 2025. The law demands annual reporting on compliance and reasons for any delay. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Quick, visible lines cut confusion and protect people crossing or riding. The law took effect immediately.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-08

A Volkswagen SUV hit a 61-year-old woman as she crossed Riverdale Avenue. She stayed conscious, pain flooding her body, skin torn open. The driver kept going straight. The street fell silent. The city’s danger pressed in.

A 61-year-old woman was struck by a Volkswagen SUV while crossing Riverdale Avenue near 3815, according to the police report. The crash occurred outside of a crosswalk. The report states, 'A 61-year-old woman stepped into the street. No crosswalk. A Volkswagen SUV struck her.' The woman remained conscious after impact, suffering severe lacerations and pain throughout her body. The police report describes her injuries as affecting her 'entire body' and notes 'severe lacerations.' The SUV driver was traveling straight ahead at the time of the collision. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are explicitly identified in the report, but the narrative confirms the driver continued straight and struck a pedestrian crossing mid-block. The focus remains on the impact and the resulting injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779364 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A young man on an e-bike was crushed beneath two southbound cars on Webster Avenue. Slick pavement, harsh lights. His body broken, the bike destroyed. Three vehicles kept moving. He did not.

A 24-year-old man riding an e-bike was killed on Webster Avenue near East 233rd Street in the Bronx. According to the police report, the crash occurred when the e-bike rider was struck and crushed beneath two southbound vehicles—a 2018 Audi sedan and a 2023 Honda SUV. The report describes the pavement as 'slippery' and the lighting as 'harsh.' The police cite 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor, as well as the hazardous road surface. The e-bike was demolished, and the cyclist suffered fatal crush injuries to his entire body. The police report notes that all involved vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. No contributing factors are attributed to the victim. The report underscores the lethal consequences of driver inattention and dangerous road conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775744 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 24-year-old woman crossed Corlear Avenue with the signal. An SUV turned left, its bumper smashing her head. She fell. Blood pooled. She did not move. The street stayed quiet. The SUV showed no damage. The city’s silence deepened.

A 24-year-old woman was struck while crossing Corlear Avenue at West 230th Street in the Bronx. According to the police report, she was crossing with the signal when a 2022 SUV, driven by a licensed driver, made a left turn and hit her with the left front bumper. The impact caused head injuries and apparent death at the scene. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor. The narrative notes, 'The bumper struck her head. She fell. Blood pooled. She did not move.' The SUV sustained no visible damage. The victim’s action—crossing with the signal—is documented in the report, but the focus remains on the driver’s failure to yield. The crash unfolded in a moment, leaving the street quiet and the danger of left turns unmitigated.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774091 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A BMW SUV reversed off Broadway, striking three pedestrians—a man, another man, and an infant girl. Abdomen crushed. Pelvis shattered. All conscious. All broken. The SUV showed no damage. The street stayed quiet. Metal met flesh. Lives changed.

According to the police report, a BMW SUV backed into three pedestrians off the roadway near 5716 Broadway in the Bronx at 11:35 p.m. The victims—a 43-year-old man, a 39-year-old man, and an infant girl—suffered severe crush injuries to their abdomens and pelvises. All three were conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Backing Unsafely' as contributing factors. The pedestrians were not in the roadway at the time of the crash. The SUV showed no visible damage. The police report makes no mention of any victim behavior contributing to the crash. The impact left bodies broken while the vehicle remained unscathed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771956 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A motorcycle struck a slowing SUV on Major Deegan Expressway. The rider, 33, was hurled onto the asphalt, torn and bleeding. Steel and speed carved him open. The crash left a body marked by violence and a road stained by impact.

According to the police report, a motorcycle collided with the rear of a slowing SUV on Major Deegan Expressway at 14:03. The rider, a 33-year-old man, was ejected from his motorcycle and suffered severe lacerations across his entire body. The report describes the rider as conscious but bleeding and torn after being thrown onto the roadway. The primary contributing factor cited in the police report is 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The motorcycle's center front end struck the SUV's center back end, underscoring the violence of the impact. No victim behavior is listed as a contributing factor in the report. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of driver inattention on New York City roads.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766547 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A moped overturned on Kingsbridge Avenue. The unlicensed rider, helmetless, was thrown to the pavement. Blood pooled in the dark. Sirens cut the silence. The rider lay semiconscious, head bleeding, as the street bore witness to another violent crash.

According to the police report, a 2023 JIAJU moped overturned on Kingsbridge Avenue near Naples Terrace in the Bronx. The sole occupant, a 35-year-old male, was driving southbound when the crash occurred. The report states the rider was unlicensed and wore no helmet. He was ejected from the moped, landed on the pavement, and suffered a severe head injury, described as 'head bleeding' and 'semiconscious.' The police narrative notes the crash ended in 'silence, sirens, and blood.' While the report lists the contributing factors as 'unspecified,' it explicitly documents the rider's lack of a license and helmet. No other vehicles or road users were involved, and no victim behaviors are cited as contributing factors after the driver errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774089 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council bill slashes legal parking time for big rigs. Ninety minutes max for tractor-trailers. Three hours for other commercial trucks. Streets clear faster. Heavy metal moves on.

Int 1069-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced September 26, 2024. The bill reads: "reducing the maximum time commercial vehicles may park." Sponsored by Kevin C. Riley and 23 others, it limits parking to three hours for most commercial vehicles, and 90 minutes for tractor-trailers, unless signs say otherwise. The law takes effect 120 days after passage. Council aims to keep streets less clogged by oversized trucks. No safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets long-term truck storage on city streets.

• File Int 1069-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

A car swung too fast at East 241st and Cranford. The right front bumper slammed into a young man’s head as he crossed with the light. Blood pooled. He stayed conscious, wounded, upright, bleeding on the street.

At the corner of East 241st Street and Cranford Avenue, a car making a right turn at unsafe speed struck a 23-year-old man in the head with its right front bumper. According to the police report, the pedestrian was 'crossing with the signal' at the intersection when the vehicle 'turned fast, too fast.' The report notes 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The impact caused severe bleeding, but the victim remained conscious and did not fall. The police narrative describes blood pooling on the pavement as the man stayed awake. The driver’s failure to control speed and disregard for traffic controls are cited as direct causes. No mention is made of any pedestrian error or contributing behavior.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4742223 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Midnight on Broadway. An SUV crushed its right front, steel twisted. Inside, a woman slumped semiconscious, neck torn, blood pooling. No passengers. Only the hum of streetlights and the slow drip of injury in the Bronx night.

According to the police report, a station wagon or SUV traveling southbound on Broadway near 6421 in the Bronx crashed at midnight. The right front of the vehicle was crushed. The sole occupant, a 34-year-old woman, was found semiconscious, suffering severe neck lacerations and bleeding. She was wearing a lap belt. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as a contributing factor, indicating a vehicle-related error or malfunction played a role in the crash. No other vehicles or persons were involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The focus remains on the vehicle's failure and the resulting harm to its driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727082 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04