Who Owns the Streets: Broken Bodies, Broken Promises in District 16

A moped crashed into a turning Mercedes at East 169th and Morris. The rider, 20, unlicensed, suffered a torn leg. Blood pooled by the curb. The police report cites traffic control disregarded. The night stayed silent after impact.

According to the police report, a moped and a Mercedes SUV collided at the corner of East 169th Street and Morris Avenue in the Bronx at 12:32 a.m. The moped, traveling west, struck the left side doors of the Mercedes as it made a left turn. The report states, 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the contributing factor. The narrative describes the moped rider, a 20-year-old man, suffering severe lacerations to his leg, with blood pooling near the curb. The report notes the light was red at the time of the crash. The moped rider was unlicensed. The focus remains on the disregard for traffic control devices, as cited in the official account, which led to the violent collision and serious injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4730878 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 28-year-old man riding north on Webster Avenue was thrown from his Harley and crushed. Helmeted, he lay in shock as the street claimed him. No other driver stopped. The Bronx pavement bore witness to another body broken by speed and steel.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old man was riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle northbound on Webster Avenue near East 167th Street at 4:05 a.m. when he struck the right front of an unspecified object or vehicle. The report states he was 'thrown from the bike. Helmeted. Crushed.' The man suffered crush injuries to his entire body and was found in shock. The narrative notes, 'No other driver stopped.' The police report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors, nor does it mention any actions by other vehicles or pedestrians. The only detail about the rider’s behavior is that he was wearing a helmet, as recorded in the report. The crash left the rider ejected and gravely injured, underscoring the lethal risks faced by vulnerable road users on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4722666 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A man pedaled south on Jerome Avenue before dawn. A vehicle followed too close, struck him from behind. His face split open. Blood pooled on the asphalt. He stayed conscious, alone, bleeding in the dark.

According to the police report, a 34-year-old man riding a bike southbound on Jerome Avenue near East 161st Street was struck from behind before dawn. The report states the cyclist suffered a severe facial injury, with blood pooling on the asphalt, but remained conscious at the scene. The police report identifies 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors to the crash. The impact was to the center back end of the bicycle. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but this detail is listed after the driver errors. The incident underscores the danger faced by vulnerable road users when drivers fail to maintain safe following distances and remain attentive.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4722567 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council orders swift removal of abandoned and unplated cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. Police target vehicles with missing or fake plates. Fewer hazards for those on foot and bike.

Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 18, 2024. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation.' Sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary) and co-sponsored by over a dozen council members, it forces the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours and empowers NYPD to tow cars with missing or obscured plates or stickers. The law aims to clear street hazards fast, reducing risks for pedestrians and cyclists.

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

A sedan tore down Grand Concourse. The unlicensed driver ran the light, struck a 75-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She died in the street, her body shattered by speed and disregard.

According to the police report, a 75-year-old woman was killed at Grand Concourse and East 164th Street when a sedan, driven by an unlicensed operator, struck her with its left front bumper. The report states the woman was 'crossing with the signal' at the intersection. The driver was traveling at 'unsafe speed' and 'disregarded traffic control,' as cited in the contributing factors. The sedan was heading south and made no attempt to yield. The victim suffered fatal crush injuries to her entire body and died at the scene. The police report makes clear the driver’s lack of license and failure to obey traffic signals were central to the deadly impact. The victim’s actions—crossing with the signal—are noted only after the driver’s violations.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716652 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council wants every e-bike and scooter tagged and tracked. Plates on wheels. Riders face new rules. Lawmakers say it’s about order. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait.

Int 0606-2024 was introduced on March 7, 2024, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring that every bicycle with electric assist, electric scooter and other legal motorized vehicle be licensed and registered," would force all e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles not covered by DMV rules to register with DOT and display visible plates. Council Member Inna Vernikov is the primary sponsor, joined by 26 co-sponsors including Holden, Farías, Riley, and others. The bill was laid over in committee and has not advanced. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• File Int 0606-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council moves to force DOT to post clear bus lane signs on every block. Riders and walkers need to know when cars must stay out. The bill demands public, block-by-block rules. No more guessing. Streets reveal their rules.

Int 0647-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on March 7, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to bus lane restrictions," orders DOT to post signs on each block with bus lane rules and to publish hours online. Sponsors include Althea V. Stevens (primary), Chris Banks, Chi A. Ossé, Nantasha M. Williams, Carmen N. De La Rosa, Amanda Farías, Yusef Salaam, and Kevin C. Riley. The measure aims to end confusion and make bus lane rules plain for all. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0647-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council bill pushes DOT to let schools, centers, and institutions use streets outside their doors. More people, less traffic. Streets shift from cars to community. Still in committee.

Int 0450-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 28, 2024. The bill orders DOT to create a program letting community centers, schools, arts, and religious institutions use adjacent outdoor spaces. The matter title reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to establish a program to allow community centers, schools, arts and cultural institutions and religious institutions to use adjacent outdoor spaces.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads, joined by Stevens, Restler, Won, and others. The bill has not yet passed. If enacted, it could reclaim space from cars, giving it to people. No formal safety analysis yet, but the measure could mean safer, more vibrant streets for all.

• File Int 0450-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to form a board on school crossing guard deployment. NYPD, DOT, and DOE must report twice a year. The aim: more eyes on street danger where kids cross.

Bill Int 0448-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to an advisory board on crossing guard deployment," calls for NYPD, DOT, and DOE to join an advisory board. The board must send biannual reports on crossing guard needs to the Mayor, Council Speaker, and Police Commissioner. Council Member Kamillah Hanks leads as primary sponsor, joined by Stevens, Schulman, Salaam, and others. The Bronx Borough President requested the bill. The board’s reports could spotlight gaps and push for better protection at dangerous crossings.

• File Int 0448-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

A Chevy SUV barreled into a freight truck on the Cross Bronx Expressway. The driver, unbelted and distracted, died alone at the scene. The truck slowed; the SUV did not. Metal, glass, and blood marked the highway’s edge.

According to the police report, a Chevy SUV traveling eastbound on the Cross Bronx Expressway crashed straight into the rear of a slowing freight truck. The sole occupant, a 38-year-old male driver, suffered fatal head injuries and internal bleeding, dying at the scene. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The SUV struck the truck's center rear while the truck was slowing or stopping. No other injuries were reported. The police narrative states, 'A Chevy SUV drove straight into a slowing freight truck. The driver, 38, unbelted, struck his head. Internal bleeding. No one else in the car. He died there, alone, before the lights came.' The data highlights driver distraction as the critical factor in this deadly collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4702972 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Steel screamed down Webster Avenue. A Ford SUV, chased by police, crashed into a parked sedan. A woman in the front seat took the blow. The airbag burst. Blood ran. Her head split open, deep and raw, but she stayed conscious.

A violent collision erupted on Webster Avenue when, according to the police report, a Ford SUV under police pursuit slammed into a parked sedan. The report states that a 37-year-old woman, seated in the front passenger seat of the sedan, suffered severe head lacerations as the airbag deployed. She remained conscious despite the deep wound. The police report cites 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor, highlighting driver error at the heart of the crash. The SUV, described as being in 'Police Pursuit' at the time, struck the sedan with force, causing significant damage to the center back end of the parked vehicle. No victim behavior is listed as a contributing factor. The sequence of events underscores the danger posed by reckless driver actions and high-speed pursuits.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703123 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council moves to hike fines for riding bikes, e-bikes, and scooters on city sidewalks. The bill targets sidewalk riding with stiffer penalties. No mention of street safety or driver accountability.

Bill Int 0037-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 8, 2024. The measure, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...increasing civil penalties for operating a bicycle, bicycle with electric assist, or electric scooter on the sidewalk,' seeks to raise fines for sidewalk riding. Council Members Stevens (primary), Gennaro, Ung, Brewer, Brannan, and Morano sponsor the bill. The action: referral to committee. The summary states, 'This bill would increase each of the existing civil penalties for operating a bicycle, a bicycle with electric assist (commonly referred to as an “e-bike”), or an electric scooter on the sidewalk.' No safety analyst assessment is available. The bill focuses on penalties, not on street design or driver behavior.

• File Int 0037-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

A car turned left at Walton Avenue and East 171st Street. The driver struck an 18-year-old woman crossing with the signal. Blood pooled in the crosswalk. She stayed conscious, face injured. The driver failed to yield. The street stayed wet and silent.

An 18-year-old woman was struck by a car while crossing Walton Avenue at East 171st Street in the Bronx. According to the police report, the driver made a left turn and hit her in the face as she crossed with the signal. The report states, 'Blood spilled in the crosswalk. She stayed conscious. The driver did not yield.' The listed contributing factor is 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The woman suffered severe bleeding to her face but remained conscious at the scene. No other contributing factors were cited. The data does not specify the vehicle type or details about the driver. The crash underscores the danger faced by pedestrians even when they have the signal.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4686783 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

An unlicensed teen on a motorcycle slammed into an SUV on the Cross Bronx Expressway. He flew from the bike and died on the asphalt. His helmet stayed on. Three other vehicles kept moving. The crash left one dead and a city unchanged.

An 18-year-old unlicensed male motorcyclist was killed after striking the left rear bumper of a Honda SUV on the Cross Bronx Expressway. According to the police report, 'An unlicensed 18-year-old on a motorcycle hit a Honda SUV at speed, flew from the bike, and died on the asphalt. His helmet stayed on. Three other vehicles kept going. His body did not.' The police report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor. The motorcyclist was ejected from his bike and suffered fatal injuries to his entire body. The data notes that his helmet remained on, but no helmet use is listed as a contributing factor. No injuries were reported for the occupants of the SUV or the other vehicles involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4684769 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A BMW slammed into a Toyota’s rear on the Major Deegan. Metal tore. A 36-year-old man in the Toyota bled from the head. He stayed conscious. The harness held. His skin split where steel did not. Blood on the expressway. Sirens followed.

A crash on the Major Deegan Expressway left a 36-year-old man injured. According to the police report, a BMW struck the rear of a Toyota. The impact crumpled metal and split skin. The Toyota’s driver, belted in, suffered severe head lacerations but remained conscious. The police report lists the contributing factor as 'Unspecified.' The BMW’s front hit the Toyota’s back. Both vehicles were moving straight ahead. The man’s harness held him in place, but the force cut deep. No other injuries were reported. The report does not specify further driver errors or contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4678001 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan and moped collided head-on at Webster Avenue and East 168th. The impact threw a 32-year-old woman from the moped. She landed hard, her leg torn open, blood pooling on the asphalt. No helmet. She screamed into the night.

A crash at Webster Avenue and East 168th Street in the Bronx left a 32-year-old moped passenger severely injured. According to the police report, a moped turned right and a sedan turned left, colliding head-on. The woman, riding on the moped, was ejected and suffered a serious leg injury with severe bleeding. The report notes she wore no helmet. Both drivers' actions are listed as 'Unspecified' in contributing factors, with no further detail on specific driver errors. The violence of the crash and the lack of protection for the moped passenger led to grave harm.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4688701 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A man on an e-scooter slammed into a parked pickup on Shakespeare Avenue. He flew from the scooter. His head hit the ground. Blood pooled on the street. He died there. The crash left a life ended and a city marked.

A 47-year-old man riding an e-scooter southbound on Shakespeare Avenue near Jerome Avenue struck a parked Dodge pickup truck. According to the police report, the scooter crumpled on impact and the rider was ejected, suffering fatal head injuries. The report notes the rider was unlicensed and wore no helmet. No driver errors by another party are listed in the data. The only contributing factors recorded are 'Unspecified.' The parked truck sustained no damage. The man died at the scene, leaving another mark on the Bronx’s dangerous streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675146 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A moped sped west on East 168th. The rider, unlicensed and helmetless, crashed hard. He flew from the seat, head smashing pavement. Blood pooled. Sirens cut the dark. Aggression and speed left a man broken in the Bronx.

A 28-year-old moped rider was severely injured at East 168th Street and Sheridan Avenue in the Bronx. According to the police report, the rider was unlicensed and wore no helmet. He lost control, was ejected, and struck his head, suffering severe bleeding and semiconsciousness. The report lists 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The moped was traveling west when the crash occurred. No other vehicles or people were involved. The crash highlights the dangers of aggressive driving and high speed. Helmet use is noted only because the police report lists 'None' under safety equipment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4672277 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 26-year-old man on a moped slammed into a stopped dump truck on East 170th. He flew off, struck his head, and died in the street. Blood on Bronx asphalt. Unsafe speed marked the crash. The city swallowed another life.

A 26-year-old man riding a moped was killed after crashing into a stopped dump truck near East 170th Street and Jerome Avenue in the Bronx. According to the police report, 'A 26-year-old man on a moped, unlicensed and helmetless, struck a stopped dump truck. He flew from the seat. His head hit. Blood on the street. He died there.' The police report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor. The moped rider was unlicensed and not wearing a helmet, as noted in the data, but the primary listed cause was unsafe speed. No injuries were reported for the dump truck or bus drivers. The moped rider died at the scene.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4654945 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A lone SUV veered south on Major Deegan. The driver slammed the dash. No seatbelt. Chest crushed. He died before dawn. The road stayed silent. Metal and flesh, broken by a sudden move.

A 28-year-old man died after crashing his 2002 Honda SUV on the Major Deegan Expressway. According to the police report, the SUV swerved south at 2:14 a.m. in reaction to an uninvolved vehicle. The driver, alone in the car, was not wearing a seatbelt. He struck the dashboard and suffered fatal chest injuries. The police listed 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' as the contributing factor. No other people were involved. The report notes the absence of safety equipment only after citing the driver’s reaction as the primary cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655277 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04