Melrose Bleeds—City Shrugs

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Families for Safe Streets rallied outside Speaker Heastie’s office. They demanded action on Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City set its own speed limits. Lawmakers dodged a vote. Grief and anger filled the air. The Assembly stayed silent.

On June 5, 2023, supporters of Sammy’s Law gathered outside Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s Bronx office. The bill, which would grant New York City local control over its speed limits, remains stalled in the Assembly. The rally, led by Families for Safe Streets, called out lawmakers for refusing to bring the measure to a vote. Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, a leading advocate, criticized the lack of transparency: 'We are demanding that the Speaker bring this to a vote.' Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz voiced strong support, but others, like Chantel Jackson, hesitated, citing constituent feedback. The bill’s matter summary states it would not mandate lower limits but allow the city to decide. The legislative process left families of crash victims frustrated and angry. The Assembly’s inaction keeps city streets dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Supporters of Sammy’s Law Rally Heastie and Share Frustrations About Assembly’s Inaction on Speed Limit Reduction, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-05

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-06-01

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-06-01

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2023-05-31

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2023-05-31

Senate backs S 6802. Albany gets school speed cameras. One no vote. Cameras aim to slow drivers near kids. Program ends 2028. Lawmakers move to shield children from reckless speed.

Senate bill S 6802, introduced by Neil D. Breslin, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in Albany. The bill passed committee on May 30, 2023, with only one senator, Andrew J. Lanza, voting no. The official summary reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2028.' Breslin led sponsorship. Seventeen senators voted yes. The program targets driver speed near schools, aiming to protect children and other vulnerable road users. The law sunsets at the end of 2028.

• File S 6802, Open States, Published 2023-05-30

Senate backs S 6802. Albany gets school speed cameras. One no vote. Cameras aim to slow drivers near kids. Program ends 2028. Lawmakers move to shield children from reckless speed.

Senate bill S 6802, introduced by Neil D. Breslin, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in Albany. The bill passed committee on May 30, 2023, with only one senator, Andrew J. Lanza, voting no. The official summary reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2028.' Breslin led sponsorship. Seventeen senators voted yes. The program targets driver speed near schools, aiming to protect children and other vulnerable road users. The law sunsets at the end of 2028.

• File S 6802, Open States, Published 2023-05-30

A 16-year-old male bicyclist suffered abrasions and full-body injuries on Saint Anns Avenue in the Bronx. The cyclist was making a left turn when the crash occurred. The rider was conscious and not ejected from the bike. No driver errors were specified.

According to the police report, a 16-year-old male bicyclist was injured while making a left turn on Saint Anns Avenue in the Bronx. The cyclist sustained abrasions and injuries to his entire body but remained conscious and was not ejected from the bike. The crash involved only the bicyclist, who was the sole occupant of his vehicle. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors related to the crash. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment at the time. No other vehicles or pedestrians were reported injured or involved in the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632651 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A 15-year-old boy on a bike was ejected and injured in a crash with an SUV on East 156 Street. The bike hit the SUV’s front center. The boy suffered bruises and leg injuries. The SUV driver was licensed and driving southbound.

According to the police report, a 15-year-old male bicyclist was injured after a collision with a 2005 Toyota SUV on East 156 Street in the Bronx. The SUV was traveling southbound, and the bike was going westbound. The point of impact was the SUV’s center front end and the bike’s right side doors. The bicyclist was ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The SUV driver was a licensed female driver. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The SUV sustained damage to its front center end, while the bike showed no damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630190 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

A moped traveling south struck a parked sedan on 3 Avenue in the Bronx. Three men inside the sedan suffered whiplash and back injuries. Unsafe speed and lane changing by the moped driver caused the crash. All occupants were conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a moped traveling south collided with a parked sedan on 3 Avenue in the Bronx. The moped struck the sedan’s left rear bumper with its center front end. Three male occupants inside the sedan were injured, complaining of whiplash and back pain. The front passenger, driver, and rear passenger were all conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. The report lists unsafe speed and unsafe lane changing as contributing factors for the moped driver. The sedan was stationary before the crash. No ejections occurred. The moped driver was unlicensed. The injuries were classified as moderate. The crash highlights risks posed by speeding and erratic lane changes in mixed traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4627791 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A sedan turning left struck a bicyclist going straight on Saint Anns Avenue in the Bronx. The 26-year-old cyclist was ejected and suffered head injuries. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as the cause. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet.

According to the police report, a 2011 sedan making a left turn collided with a bicyclist traveling straight north on Saint Anns Avenue in the Bronx. The bicyclist, a 26-year-old man, was ejected from his bike and sustained head injuries. The report lists failure to yield right-of-way by both parties as contributing factors. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet. The sedan’s left front bumper and the bike’s center front end were damaged in the crash. The cyclist was conscious after the crash but suffered internal complaints and serious head injury. The driver of the sedan was licensed and operating the vehicle at the time.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4622656 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A Toyota sedan struck a 70-year-old man crossing East 149th Street. The car hit him head-on. Blood pooled on the pavement. He died under the streetlights. The driver and passenger were unharmed. The street fell silent after the impact.

A 70-year-old man died after a westbound Toyota sedan struck him head-on as he crossed East 149th Street in the Bronx. According to the police report, 'A 70-year-old man stepped into the street. A westbound Toyota struck him head-on. He bled from the head. He died there, alone, beneath the glow of the streetlights.' The pedestrian suffered a fatal head wound and died at the scene. The driver, a 50-year-old man, and another occupant were not injured. The police report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The impact was at the center front end of the vehicle. No helmet or signal issues are mentioned.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4623120 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

Councilmember Restler joins Bronx and Queens colleagues to target fake license plates. The bill slaps heavy fines on dealers selling sham tags. Lawmakers say ghost cars dodge cameras, endanger streets, and let reckless drivers vanish. The crackdown aims to stop the chaos.

Intro 988, introduced on April 11, 2023, targets the sale of fake license plates in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Oswald Feliz, Marjorie Velázquez, and Lincoln Restler, amends laws to ban selling counterfeit tags, with fines starting at $1,000 for first offenses and $2,000 for repeat violations. The measure was brought before the City Council and discussed at a City Hall press conference. The matter summary states the bill 'goes after the unscrupulous used car dealers profiting considerably off a huge black market for phony tags.' Restler, as a sponsor, joins efforts to curb the spread of ghost cars, which evade speed cameras and tolls, making streets more dangerous for everyone. Lawmakers stress that the goal is deterrence, not revenue, and call for further action from online marketplaces and federal agencies.

• Bronx pol proposes crackdown on ‘ghost cars’ with phony plates, amny.com, Published 2023-04-11

A Ford SUV struck a Nissan sedan turning improperly on East 149 Street in the Bronx. The sedan driver made a U-turn westbound. The SUV hit the sedan’s right front bumper with its center front end. A front passenger in the SUV suffered leg injuries.

According to the police report, a 2016 Ford SUV traveling eastbound collided with a 2017 Nissan sedan making an improper U-turn westbound on East 149 Street in the Bronx. The point of impact was the SUV's center front end and the sedan's right front bumper. The SUV carried two occupants; a 22-year-old female front passenger was injured with contusions and trauma to her knee, lower leg, and foot. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. The contributing factor listed is "Turning Improperly" by the sedan driver. No other contributing factors were noted. The report does not indicate any fault or error by the injured passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4619293 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A bus struck the rear of a southbound SUV on 3 Avenue. The SUV driver, a 47-year-old man, was injured and incoherent. Police found illegal drugs involved. The bus showed damage to its center back end. No ejections reported.

According to the police report, a bus traveling south on 3 Avenue collided with the left front bumper of a southbound SUV. The SUV driver, a 47-year-old man, was injured and incoherent but not ejected. The bus sustained damage to its center back end. The report lists illegal drugs as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was licensed and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The bus was slowing or stopping before impact, while the SUV was going straight ahead. The collision suggests driver error related to impaired operation due to illegal drugs. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4618593 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

A sedan making a U-turn struck a northbound bicyclist on 3 Avenue in the Bronx. The cyclist was ejected and suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The driver showed inattention and improper lane usage. The bicyclist wore a helmet.

According to the police report, a sedan was making a U-turn on 3 Avenue in the Bronx when it collided with a northbound bicyclist. The bicyclist was ejected from the bike and sustained injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in contusions and bruises. The report lists driver errors including inattention, distraction, and improper passing or lane usage as contributing factors. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The collision caused damage to the left front bumper of the sedan and the center back end of the bike. The cyclist remained conscious after the crash but suffered significant injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4622961 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12