Longwood Bleeds: City Stalls, Streets Kill

Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.

Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.

• File S 8117, Open States, Published 2025-06-10

Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.

Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.

• File S 915, Open States, Published 2025-06-09

Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.

Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.

• File S 915, Open States, Published 2025-06-09

Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.

Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.

• File S 915, Open States, Published 2025-06-09

A moped tore down E 167 St. It hit a parked SUV. The moped driver, unlicensed, flew from the seat. He suffered a head injury and broken bones. Unsafe speed and distraction fueled the crash. The street echoed with sirens and pain.

According to the police report, a moped traveling west on E 167 St in the Bronx struck the center rear of a parked SUV. The moped driver, a 24-year-old man without a license, was ejected and sustained a head injury and fractures. Four other occupants, including drivers and registrants of involved vehicles, were listed with unspecified injuries. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The moped driver was not using any safety equipment. No blame is placed on those injured. The crash highlights the dangers of excessive speed and distraction on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4817513 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two cars struck on E 166 St. Metal twisted. Passengers jolted. Neck injuries reported. Night air thick with sirens. No clear cause. Streets left scarred. Lives shaken.

A taxi and a sedan collided at E 166 St and Prospect Ave in the Bronx. According to the police report, both vehicles were traveling south when the crash occurred. The right front bumper of the taxi and the left rear bumper of the sedan took the impact. Two men, a 47-year-old passenger and a 59-year-old driver, suffered neck injuries and reported whiplash. The police report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No driver errors were identified in the data. Helmet use and signaling were not listed as factors. The crash left both vehicles damaged and passengers hurt, with the cause undetermined in official records.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4816418 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

An e-scooter struck a 73-year-old woman crossing Westchester Avenue. She walked with the signal. The impact hurt her back. The driver failed to yield. The street saw shock and pain. The city’s danger showed itself again.

A 73-year-old woman was injured when an e-scooter hit her as she crossed Westchester Avenue in the Bronx. According to the police report, the pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when the collision occurred. The driver, a 27-year-old man on a Ninebot e-scooter, was traveling east and struck the woman with the center front end of the vehicle. The police report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor for the driver. The report also notes 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion,' but the pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The crash left the woman in shock and with a back injury. The driver’s actions created a dangerous moment for a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4815957 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.

Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.

• File S 8117, Open States, Published 2025-05-27

A woman riding home on her e-bike was attacked late at night. She suffered grave brain injuries. The assailant stole her bike, fled, and dumped it in the river. The path had no lights, no cameras. She was left defenseless.

Gothamist reported on May 24, 2025, that Diana Agudela, a 44-year-old e-bike commuter, was brutally beaten on Randall's Island on May 16. The suspect, Miguel Jiraud, was arraigned on attempted murder and assault charges. Prosecutors said Jiraud, on parole and wearing a GPS anklet, attacked Agudela after 11:30 p.m., stole her e-bike, and discarded it in the East River. Agudela is not expected to survive, having undergone multiple brain surgeries. The article quotes Agudela’s daughter: “We need more protection, we need more lights.” The path where the attack occurred lacked lighting and surveillance. The incident highlights gaps in infrastructure and safety for vulnerable road users.

• E-Bike Commuter Beaten On Randall's Island, Gothamist, Published 2025-05-24

A sedan hit a 12-year-old boy crossing Kelly Street. The child suffered leg injuries and shock. Five others in the car were unhurt. No driver errors listed. Streets remain dangerous for kids on foot.

A sedan traveling north struck a 12-year-old boy as he crossed Kelly Street in the Bronx. The child suffered injuries to his leg and was in shock. According to the police report, five vehicle occupants, including children, were not injured. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The police note the child was crossing without a signal or crosswalk. The crash underscores the risk faced by young pedestrians in city streets, even when no driver error is recorded.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4814495 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A gas scooter struck a man near E 156 St in the Bronx. Aggressive driving and unsafe speed left the pedestrian with arm abrasions. The crash happened outside the crosswalk. Systemic danger on city streets persists.

A gas scooter, driven aggressively and at unsafe speed, hit a 40-year-old man near 940 E 156 St in the Bronx. According to the police report, the pedestrian was getting on or off a vehicle when struck. The man suffered abrasions to his arm and remained conscious. Police cited 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The pick-up truck involved was parked at the time. No helmet or signal use was listed as a factor. The crash highlights the risk pedestrians face from reckless driving on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4814786 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A black Mercedes struck Kelvin Mitchell as he crossed Webster Avenue. The driver fled. Mitchell died steps from home. Police have not caught the driver. The street stayed quiet. The loss cut deep. The danger remains.

NY Daily News reported on May 11, 2025, that Kelvin Mitchell, 43, was killed by a hit-and-run driver while crossing Webster Ave. near E. 168th St. in the Bronx. The article states, "Mitchell was crossing Webster Ave. midblock... when he was mowed down by the driver of a black Mercedes-Benz." Surveillance video showed the Mercedes speeding in a bus lane before the crash. The driver did not stop. NYPD could not confirm if police were pursuing the car. Mitchell was a father and community figure. The crash highlights the lethal risk of speeding and hit-and-run drivers, and the lack of immediate accountability. No arrests have been made.

• Bronx Man Killed in Hit-and-Run, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-11

A driver struck a pedestrian in the Bronx. The driver fled. The victim died. Police search for answers. The street holds the mark. Another life lost to speed and steel.

CBS New York reported on May 10, 2025, that a pedestrian was killed in the Bronx by a driver who fled the scene. The article states, 'Police are searching for a driver who allegedly fled after striking and killing a pedestrian in the Bronx early Saturday morning.' The incident highlights the lethal risk faced by people on foot and the ongoing problem of hit-and-run crashes in New York City. The driver’s failure to remain at the scene is a clear violation of traffic law. The case underscores the need for stronger enforcement and systemic changes to protect vulnerable road users.

• Pedestrian Killed In Bronx Hit-And-Run, CBS New York, Published 2025-05-10

A sedan merged into a moped on Bryant Ave. The moped rider suffered a leg injury. Police cite driver inattention. Metal struck flesh. The street stayed hard.

A sedan and a moped collided at 1084 Bryant Ave in the Bronx. The moped rider, a 25-year-old man, suffered a knee and foot injury. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The sedan was merging when it struck the moped, which was heading straight. No other injuries were reported. The data lists no other contributing factors before the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4813820 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A BMW driver without a license struck and killed Dwight Downer outside his Bronx home. Police charged the driver with manslaughter. Speeding violations followed the crash. Downer’s family mourns. The street remains unchanged. The danger persists.

NY Daily News reported on May 8, 2025, that Sheydon McClean, an unlicensed BMW driver, was charged with manslaughter after a November 30 crash killed Dwight Downer, a retired correction officer and football coach, in Baychester. McClean remained at the scene, but police only charged him after further investigation. The article notes McClean’s BMW received at least three speeding violations from city cameras after the fatal crash. Downer’s mother said, 'These arrests cannot bring back my child. Still, something has to be done.' The case highlights the ongoing risks posed by unlicensed and repeat speeding drivers, and the limits of enforcement in preventing deadly crashes.

• Unlicensed Driver Kills Bronx Coach, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-08

Box truck turned right, struck cyclist. Rider ejected, bruised shoulder. Police cite driver inattention. No other injuries reported. Streets stay dangerous for those outside steel.

A box truck struck a cyclist at E 169 Street and Intervale Avenue in the Bronx. The cyclist, a 35-year-old man, was ejected and suffered a shoulder contusion. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was a contributing factor. The truck was making a right turn when it hit the cyclist, who was traveling straight. No other injuries were reported. The data lists no helmet or signaling issues for the cyclist. The crash highlights the ongoing risk for people on bikes when drivers fail to pay attention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4813353 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.

Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 4804, Open States, Published 2025-05-06

Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.

Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 4804, Open States, Published 2025-05-06

Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.

Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-01

Blood pooled on 149th Street. A man, beaten by a group after a roadside argument, lay with head trauma. The attackers fled. Police searched the night. The victim survived, but the scars of violence lingered in Mott Haven.

CBS New York reported on April 28, 2025, that a 37-year-old man was hospitalized after a violent road rage incident in the Bronx. The confrontation began as an argument between occupants of two cars near 149th Street and Brook Avenue. According to police, 'both parties got out of their cars,' and a group then 'started kicking and punching the 37-year-old victim, causing him to sustain significant head trauma.' The attackers fled before officers arrived. The victim was taken to Lincoln Hospital in critical condition. The incident occurred near a police precinct, highlighting ongoing dangers when disputes escalate on city streets. Police are searching for the suspects.

• Bronx Road Rage Leaves Man Hospitalized, CBS New York, Published 2025-04-28