No More Excuses: Demand Safety on Bronx Streets Now

A Ford SUV cut across Pelham Parkway. Metal screamed. Six cars smashed. A young woman, trapped, bled from her arm, her hand refusing to clot. She stayed awake as chaos reigned. Unsafe lane change left blood and twisted steel behind.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV made an unsafe lane change on Pelham Parkway near Bronx River Parkway, triggering a six-vehicle pileup. The report states, 'A Ford SUV cut lanes. Six cars hit. Metal folded.' The violence of the crash left a 21-year-old woman, trapped behind the wheel, bleeding severely from her arm and hand. She remained conscious throughout, as noted in the report: 'Her hand would not stop bleeding. She stayed conscious.' The police report cites 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as the primary contributing factor. No victim actions are listed as contributing to the crash. The chain reaction of impacts and the scale of injury underscore the systemic danger when drivers disregard lane discipline.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4724467, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Jeep surged from parking on Selwyn Avenue. A 26-year-old woman stood in its path. Metal met flesh. She fell, semiconscious, blood pooling. Lacerations marked her body. The SUV showed no damage. The driver remained unscathed.

According to the police report, a Jeep SUV pulled out from parking near 1650 Selwyn Avenue in the Bronx at 11:35 a.m. The vehicle struck a 26-year-old woman who was standing in the street. The report states she was left semiconscious and bleeding, with severe lacerations across her body. The SUV bore no visible damage, and the driver was not injured. Police list 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as the contributing factor in the collision. The report does not cite any pedestrian behavior as a contributing factor. The focus remains on the driver’s aggressive maneuver as the primary cause of this violent impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4722462, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

DOT floats fixes for Tremont Avenue’s crawling buses. Speeds lag under 5 mph. Riders stew in delays. Council Member Feliz now backs bus lanes. Community leaders push for bold moves. DOT promises a plan, but trust runs thin after past failures.

On May 6, 2024, the Department of Transportation (DOT) considered improvements for the Bronx’s Tremont Avenue bus corridor. The matter, discussed with Bronx Community Boards 5 and 6, is titled: “City Considers Fixes for Another Ridiculously Slow Cross-Bronx Bus.” Council Member Oswald Feliz, who once opposed a Fordham Road bus lane, now supports dedicated lanes on Tremont. Council Member Pierina Sanchez also represents the area. Residents and riders call the Bx36 the slowest bus in the Bronx, citing delays and crowding. DOT data shows no speed gains since 2022. The corridor’s narrow lanes and parking worsen congestion and danger. Community leaders urge a busway or bus/truck-only stretch. DOT plans traffic analysis through summer 2024, with a proposal due later. The agency claims its top priority is “fast, reliable, and on-time” bus service, but skepticism remains after past inaction.

• City Considers Fixes for Another Ridiculously Slow Cross-Bronx Bus, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-05-06

A 2007 Jeep sped north on Bronx River Parkway. The unlicensed driver lost control at unsafe speed. Ejected from the SUV, she died with shattered pelvis and torn flesh. The vehicle lay demolished, a brutal testament to reckless velocity.

According to the police report, a 2007 Jeep SUV driven by an unlicensed 30-year-old woman crashed on Bronx River Parkway at 3:17 AM. The report identifies 'Unsafe Speed' as the primary contributing factor. The driver was traveling northbound and lost control, resulting in a catastrophic impact that demolished the vehicle and twisted its frame beyond saving. The driver, who wore no seat belt, was ejected from the SUV and suffered fatal injuries including a shattered pelvis and severe lacerations. The police report explicitly notes the driver's unlicensed status and unsafe speed as causes of the crash. A front-seat passenger, a 34-year-old man wearing a lap belt and harness, was injured with internal complaints and shoulder-upper arm trauma but was not ejected. No victim behaviors contributed to the crash according to the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718704, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Abandoned cars choke sidewalks and crossings. Int 0857-2024 orders city crews to tow vehicles that block streets or hide their plates. Council pushes for swift removal—seventy-two hours after notice. Streets clear. Danger drops for those on foot and bike.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced April 18, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to towing vehicles that are an encumbrance on the street.' It requires the Department of Sanitation to remove vehicles blocking the street within 72 hours of notice. The NYPD must tow cars with missing, obscured, or improper plates and stickers. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Salamanca, Brannan, Feliz, Ayala, Louis, Brewer, Avilés, Mealy, Ung, Restler, Farías, Hudson, Riley, and Schulman. The bill targets vehicles that endanger pedestrians and cyclists by blocking sightlines and crossings. It aims to clear hazards fast, making streets safer for all vulnerable road users.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

A 34-year-old unlicensed moped rider struck a parked SUV on Waring Avenue. Thrown from his vehicle, chest crushed, he died alone beneath the streetlight. The police cite traffic control disregarded. No helmet. The Bronx pavement claimed another life.

According to the police report, a 34-year-old man riding a moped northbound on Waring Avenue collided with the left front bumper of a parked SUV near Barker Avenue in the Bronx. The crash occurred at 21:22. The rider, who was unlicensed and wore no helmet, was ejected from the moped and suffered fatal chest injuries. The report states, 'A moped slammed into a parked SUV. The unlicensed rider, 34, wore no helmet. Thrown hard, chest crushed. He died under the streetlight, alone on the cold pavement.' Police list 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor in the crash. The moped rider's lack of helmet use and license status are noted in the report after the primary driver error. No other injuries were reported. The parked SUV was unoccupied at the time.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717868, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council targets hidden plates. Bill slaps fines and jail time on drivers who cover or deface tags. No more hiding from cameras. Law aims to strip shields from reckless motorists. Committee weighs next steps. Streets demand accountability.

Int 0766-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced April 11, 2024, the bill bans parking, standing, stopping, or operating a vehicle with obscured or defaced license plates. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting the parking, standing, stopping, or operation of a motor vehicle with obscured or defaced license plates.' Council Member Oswald Feliz leads as primary sponsor, joined by Holden, Bottcher, Gennaro, Marte, Restler, Ung, and Paladino. The bill hits violators with up to $1,000 fines, possible jail, and escalating penalties for repeat offenses. The measure aims to end the dodge—drivers hiding plates to evade enforcement. The committee now holds the bill for review.

• File Int 0766-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-11

A man on a bike struck the side of an ambulance on East Tremont Avenue. He flew, his face hit the street, blood pooled. Two drivers looked away. The street did not. Driver inattention shadowed the morning, leaving flesh broken.

According to the police report, a 40-year-old man riding a bike collided with the right side doors of an ambulance on East Tremont Avenue near Bronx Park Avenue in the Bronx. The crash occurred at 8:50 a.m. The bicyclist was ejected, suffering severe bleeding and facial injuries. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both involved drivers. The narrative describes the cyclist flying after impact, his face meeting the street, and blood pooling at the scene. No other contributing factors are cited. The report does not mention any cyclist behavior as a cause. The focus remains on driver inattention as the primary systemic danger leading to this violent collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709780, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

An 18-year-old on a ZNEN scooter slid on slick Bronx pavement. His head struck hard. Blood pooled. The scooter’s front end crumpled. He wore no helmet. The street stayed silent as pain lingered and sirens approached.

An 18-year-old male riding a 2023 ZNEN motorscooter was severely injured on Southern Boulevard near 1789, according to the police report. The crash occurred at 10:40 in the morning in the Bronx. The report states the rider 'hit slick pavement,' listing 'Pavement Slippery' as the contributing factor. The narrative details that his 'head struck hard' and 'blood pooled,' with the scooter’s 'center front crushed.' The police report notes the rider wore 'no helmet.' No other vehicles or persons are listed as involved. The crash underscores the persistent danger posed by hazardous street conditions, as documented in the police report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707828, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council moves to outlaw driving with fake or expired plates. The bill sets fines and a short grace period for expired tags. Lawmakers say this targets scofflaws who dodge accountability. The measure now sits with the Public Safety Committee.

Int 0177-2024, now in the Committee on Public Safety, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle with fraudulent or expired license plates.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Feliz, Salamanca, Powers, Restler, Won, Brewer, Schulman, Ung, Marte, Hudson, Avilés, De La Rosa, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The bill makes it unlawful to drive with fake or expired plates, including temporary ones. Civil penalties apply, but drivers with expired plates get a 10-day window to fix the issue. The bill aims to close loopholes that let reckless drivers evade detection and accountability. It awaits further action in committee.

• File Int 0177-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council members push for a new DOT unit to crack down on illegal parking. The bill sits in committee. Streets choke with blocked lanes. Pedestrians and cyclists pay the price. The city waits for action.

Bill Int 0264-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The measure, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the establishment of a parking enforcement unit within the department of transportation,' would require DOT to create a dedicated parking enforcement unit. Council Member Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Joseph, Feliz, Louis, Marte, Won, Salaam, Farías, Riley, Bottcher, and Hudson. The bill aims to enforce laws and rules on parking violations. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The bill remains under committee review, with no vote or enactment date set.

• File Int 0264-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill Int 0263-2024 demands the DOT act. It expands what counts as a serious crash. It orders investigations to start within a week, finish in a month. Reports must be detailed. The bill sits in committee. Streets remember every delay.

Int 0263-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the department of transportation to investigate vehicle collisions,' would force the DOT’s crash investigation unit to broaden its definition of serious crashes. Investigations must begin within one week and wrap up in a month. Reports must dig deeper. Council Members Lincoln Restler (primary sponsor), Rita C. Joseph, Oswald Feliz, Farah N. Louis, Julie Won, Yusef Salaam, Kevin C. Riley, and Chris Banks back the bill. The measure aims to expose the facts behind every crash, not let them fade in silence.

• File Int 0263-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill pushes DOT to open streets wider and longer on busy holidays. Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July Fourth, Labor Day, Halloween—cars barred, people free. Community groups get a say. Streets shift from danger to refuge, if the city acts.

Int 0270-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it amends city law to require the Department of Transportation to expand Open Streets hours on holidays with heavy foot traffic. The bill’s summary reads: 'special activation of the Open Streets program on certain holidays and time periods with significant pedestrian traffic.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rivera, Brooks-Powers, Louis, Nurse, Ossé, Sanchez, Cabán, Banks, Avilés, Riley, Salaam, Hanif, Feliz, Won, Restler, and Joseph. The bill directs DOT to seek community input for more activation days. Applications for these special activations follow the same review as regular Open Streets. The measure aims to give pedestrians and cyclists more space and time, cutting car risk when crowds surge.

• File Int 0270-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill orders speed humps on streets by parks over one acre. DOT must install unless safety or guidelines say no. Seventeen council members back the move. The bill sits in committee. Streets by parks may soon slow cars.

Int 0262-2024 was introduced to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on February 28, 2024. The bill states: "requiring the installation of speed humps on roadways adjacent to any park equal or greater than one acre." Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by seventeen co-sponsors including Joseph, Feliz, Louis, Marte, and others. The Department of Transportation must install speed humps on qualifying streets unless the commissioner finds it unsafe or inconsistent with DOT guidelines. The bill remains in committee. If passed, it would take effect 180 days after becoming law. The measure aims to slow traffic near parks, where walkers and children cross.

• File Int 0262-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill demands 100 miles of protected bike lanes each year for six years. Streets will change. Barriers will rise. Cyclists will get space. The city moves to shield riders from cars. The pace quickens. Safety, not talk, hits the pavement.

Int 0271-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced on February 28, 2024, the bill orders the Department of Transportation to install 100 miles of protected bike lanes per year for six years. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the installation of protected bicycle lanes.' Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Carlina Rivera, Farah N. Louis, Shahana K. Hanif, Chi A. Ossé, Gale A. Brewer, Tiffany Cabán, Sandy Nurse, Crystal Hudson, Yusef Salaam, Erik D. Bottcher, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Oswald Feliz, Julie Won, and Rita C. Joseph. The bill’s summary states protected lanes 'increase cycling and ensure the safety of New Yorkers.' If passed, the law will force the city to build real protection for people on bikes, not just paint. The measure aims to cut risk for cyclists and push back against deadly streets.

• File Int 0271-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council calls for state action on lower speed limits, crash victims’ rights, and safer street design. The resolution pushes Albany to let New York City set its own speed limits and demands stronger protections for people hurt or killed by cars.

Resolution 0090-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it urges the State Legislature and Governor to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law'), A.1901 (Crash Victims Bill of Rights), and the full SAFE Streets Act package. The matter title reads: 'Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.2422, also known as ‘Sammy’s Law,’ in relation to allowing New York city to establish a lower speed limit, and A.1901, enacting a crash victims bill of rights, as well as the other bills of the package known as the SAFE Streets Act.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif leads as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Restler, Ossé, Avilés, Sanchez, Krishnan, Rivera, Cabán, Brewer, Abreu, Marte, Brannan, Schulman, Won, Feliz, Bottcher, Nurse, Hudson, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The SAFE Streets Act targets reckless driving, demands safer street design, and gives crash victims more rights. The resolution’s focus is clear: fewer deaths, more justice, safer streets for all.

• File Res 0090-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Georgia moves to choke off the flow of fake temp tags. Rep. John Corbett’s bill cracks down on sham dealers. New York streets have seen a flood of these plates. Councilman Oswald Feliz pushes for tougher fines. The crackdown aims to end impunity.

Georgia House Bill, introduced by Rep. John Corbett, aims to stop widespread fraud in temporary license plates. The bill, discussed in multiple legislative hearings since December, would require used car dealers to display at least five vehicles and limit temp tag issuance to 50 per year unless substantial business is proven. Brokers must hold Georgia licenses and show five sales yearly. The Department of Revenue could suspend or revoke dealer access for violations. The bill follows a Streetsblog probe exposing how weak Georgia rules fuel a black market for temp tags, endangering New York City streets. Councilman Oswald Feliz, who introduced two related NYC bills, calls this a 'big priority,' saying, 'We must use all tools to deter this reckless conduct.' The legislation’s summary states it will create or increase fines for those selling or driving with fraudulent tags. Industry groups say they want loopholes closed without hurting legitimate dealers.

• Legislation Introduced in Georgia to Fight Temporary License Plate Fraud, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-23

A 35-year-old man on a southbound e-bike struck a sedan’s left side on Park Avenue near East 183rd Street. Crushed pelvis. No helmet. The street swallowed the sound. The car’s front crumpled. He died where he fell.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old man riding a southbound e-bike collided with the left side of a sedan on Park Avenue near East 183rd Street in the Bronx at 19:38. The report states the e-bike rider was unlicensed and wore no protective equipment. The impact crushed his pelvis, resulting in his death at the scene. The sedan’s front end was also heavily damaged. Police cite 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor in the crash, highlighting a critical driver error that led to the fatal collision. The report does not attribute any contributing factors to the sedan driver. The focus remains on the disregard for traffic control, which proved deadly for the vulnerable e-bike rider.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703164, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Bronx Council Member Oswald Feliz pushes a bill forcing delivery giants to give workers safe, certified e-bikes and fund a trade-in for illegal batteries. City officials back the move. Delivery companies resist. Eighteen died in battery fires last year.

Bronx Council Member Oswald Feliz introduced a bill requiring app-based delivery companies to supply workers with safe, certified e-bikes and to fund a trade-in program for illegal, uncertified, and gas-powered devices. The bill was discussed at a City Council hearing on February 1, 2024. The Adams administration, represented by DOT officials Margaret Forgione and Will Carry, voiced strong support, citing 'public safety risks posed by growing risks of uncertified e-bike batteries.' The bill aims to help delivery workers transition to legal, safe devices and address both street and fire safety. Last year, 18 people died in 268 lithium-ion battery fires. Delivery companies like Uber, DoorDash, and Grubhub oppose the bill, claiming it could lead to fraud and fail to solve the battery crisis. Workers' advocates back the bill but demand protections against retaliation, noting certified batteries are expensive and scarce.

• City Wants Delivery Giants to Give Workers Safe Batteries and Bikes — and Take Dangerous Ones Off the Street, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-01

Four cars tangled at speed on Bronx River Parkway. One sedan flipped. Metal twisted. A 56-year-old woman in the front seat was crushed from the knees down. She stayed conscious as chaos reigned. Unsafe speed drove the violence. The system failed her.

A violent multi-car collision unfolded on Bronx River Parkway late at night, involving a taxi and three sedans. According to the police report, the crash occurred at high speed, with one vehicle overturning and several others sustaining heavy damage. The report states, 'Bronx River Parkway, northbound, late at night — a taxi and three sedans collided at speed. One flipped. A 56-year-old woman in the front seat was crushed from the knees down. She did not lose consciousness.' The only contributing factor listed by police is 'Unsafe Speed,' underscoring the role of excessive velocity in the crash. No victim behavior is cited as a factor. The collision left the front-seat passenger with severe crush injuries to her lower legs, highlighting the ongoing danger posed by unchecked speed on city parkways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4693300, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15