Longwood Bleeds: City Stalls, Streets Kill

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 2024-03-27

A moped turning left collided with an eastbound SUV on Beck Street in the Bronx. Three men on the moped were injured, including one partially ejected passenger with fractures. The SUV driver sustained bruises. The crash caused serious lower leg injuries.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:20 on Beck Street in the Bronx. A moped carrying three occupants was making a left turn when it collided with a Chevrolet SUV traveling straight east. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the SUV and the left front quarter panel of the moped. The moped passengers, all men aged 30, suffered injuries including fractures and dislocations, with one partially ejected from the vehicle. The SUV driver, a 23-year-old man, and the moped driver also sustained contusions and bruises. The report cites "Other Vehicular" as the contributing factor, indicating driver error but does not specify failure to yield or other explicit violations. None of the injured wore safety equipment. The collision highlights the dangers of left turns involving vulnerable multi-passenger mopeds and larger vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4712697 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A taxi struck a 55-year-old woman crossing Longfellow Avenue. Driver inattention cited. The woman suffered serious hip and leg injuries. The crash left her conscious but hurt on the street.

According to the police report, a 55-year-old female pedestrian was struck by a northbound taxi on Longfellow Avenue in the Bronx at 14:25. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when the taxi hit her with its center front end. She sustained serious injuries to her hip and upper leg and remained conscious after the impact. The taxi, a 2023 Toyota, showed no reported damage. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The police report highlights driver distraction as a key factor in this crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4712400 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 2024-03-20

Council members blasted DOT for street redesigns that cut crashes and injuries. They claimed community harm, ignoring hard data. Bike lanes and safer streets faced political fire. DOT stood firm, citing lives saved and broad support. Vulnerable road users caught in the crossfire.

On March 19, 2024, the City Council held an oversight hearing on DOT street safety projects and Streets Plan implementation. The hearing, led by Council Members Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Queens), Christopher Banks (D-Brooklyn), and Rafael Salamanca Jr. (D-Bronx), focused on the DOT's progress under the Streets Plan, which mandates annual targets for protected bike lanes and bus lanes. Brooks-Powers objected to the Seagirt Boulevard bike lane, claiming DOT ignored community wishes, despite previously calling for more investment. Banks demanded removal of new protected bike lanes in East New York, citing parking and safety issues, though data showed fewer crashes and injuries. Salamanca criticized a Bronx street redesign for congestion, despite lower crash rates. He also accused DOT of neglecting communities of color, though data shows these areas receive more redesigns. DOT officials defended their process, emphasizing community engagement and prioritizing high-need areas. The council's opposition stands in stark contrast to the projects' proven safety benefits for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Cycle of Rage: Council Members Slam DOT for Successful Safety Projects, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-19

Council bill demands DOT fix NYCHA sidewalks first. Seniors come before all. Broken walks trip, injure, kill. Law forces city to show its work. No more hiding behind red tape.

Bill Int 0504-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced March 7, 2024. It orders the DOT to prioritize sidewalk repairs at NYCHA sites, with senior housing first. The bill summary reads: 'establishing priority for sidewalk repairs at developments operated by the New York city housing authority.' Sponsors include Alexa Avilés (primary), Shaun Abreu, Shahana K. Hanif, Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Sandy Nurse, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Pierina Ana Sanchez, Lincoln Restler, Rafael Salamanca, Jr., and Farah N. Louis. The law also requires public reporting of repairs and timelines. Sidewalk neglect endangers NYCHA residents—this bill aims to force action and transparency.

• File Int 0504-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

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 targets fake and expired plates. Bill sets fines. Ten-day grace for expired tags. Crackdown aims at cars that dodge law and endanger streets. Committee on Public Safety holds the measure.

Int 0177-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle with fraudulent or expired license plates,' makes it illegal to drive with fake or expired plates, including temporary ones. Civil penalties apply, but drivers with expired plates get a 10-day cure period. 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 targets drivers who hide behind illegal plates, a tactic often linked to hit-and-runs and reckless driving.

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

A 71-year-old woman suffered upper arm injuries and shock after an SUV failed to yield and struck her at a Bronx intersection. The impact caused bruising and serious injury, highlighting driver negligence in yielding right-of-way to pedestrians.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:36 on Prospect Avenue in the Bronx. A 2019 Chevrolet SUV, driven by a licensed male driver, was making a left turn when it struck a 71-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and upper arm injury, classified as injury severity level 3, and was reported to be in shock. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV, which sustained damage to the right front bumper. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor, repeated twice for emphasis. There is no indication of any contributing behavior from the pedestrian. This incident underscores the critical danger posed by drivers failing to yield to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705220 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs slammed together at East 167th and Fox. One turned left, one barreled straight. Alcohol in the mix. A 36-year-old woman thrown from her vehicle, leg torn, blood pooling. Airbag burst. She stayed awake as the city roared on.

According to the police report, two station wagons/SUVs collided head-on at the corner of East 167th Street and Fox Street in the Bronx at 21:35. One vehicle, a 2018 Honda SUV, was making a left turn while the other, a 2005 Toyota SUV, was traveling straight. The report explicitly lists 'Alcohol Involvement' as a contributing factor in the crash. The impact was severe: a 36-year-old woman, driving one of the vehicles, was ejected and suffered severe lacerations to her leg. She remained conscious at the scene, with blood visible on the street and her airbag deployed. The police report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The collision underscores the lethal consequences when alcohol and driver error intersect on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703076 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 2024-02-13

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 2024-02-13

A speeding unlicensed driver crashed a sedan on Prospect Avenue. The front passenger, a 30-year-old woman, suffered fractured and dislocated leg bones. Unsafe speed and aggressive driving fueled the impact.

According to the police report, a 2014 Mercedes sedan driven by an unlicensed man was heading west on Prospect Avenue in the Bronx when it struck an object with its left front bumper. The crash happened at 3:08 AM. The front passenger, a 30-year-old woman, was seriously injured, suffering fractures and dislocations to her knee and lower leg. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as contributing factors. The driver’s lack of a license and reckless actions directly led to the crash and the passenger’s injuries. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The passenger wore a lap belt, but no victim actions contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699078 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 2024-01-30

SUV turned right at Prospect Avenue. Tinted windows blocked the driver’s view. A 33-year-old woman crossing with the signal was hit. She suffered whole-body injuries and whiplash. The street stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a 33-year-old woman was crossing Prospect Avenue in the Bronx with the signal when a 2016 Jeep SUV made a right turn and struck her. The impact hit her left front side. She suffered injuries to her entire body and reported whiplash. The report lists the driver’s tinted windows as a contributing factor, impairing visibility during the turn. The driver was licensed and alone in the vehicle. No fault was assigned to the pedestrian. The crash underscores the risk tinted windows pose to people crossing at busy intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699471 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 53-year-old woman suffered neck contusions after a sedan failed to yield right-of-way while making a right turn. The driver’s inattention caused the collision at an intersection in the Bronx. The pedestrian was conscious and crossing with the signal.

According to the police report, a 53-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2005 Nissan sedan struck her at the intersection of East 167 Street and Southern Boulevard in the Bronx. The driver was making a right turn traveling west when the vehicle impacted the pedestrian at the center front end. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal and suffered neck contusions, classified as injury severity level 3, and remained conscious. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle sustained no damage. The driver was licensed in New York. This collision highlights the critical role of driver errors, specifically failure to yield and distraction, in pedestrian injuries at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692555 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan making a U-turn struck an SUV traveling east on East 163 Street in the Bronx. A 10-year-old passenger in the SUV suffered a head contusion. The crash caused damage to both vehicles’ front and rear quarter panels.

According to the police report, a sedan making a U-turn collided with an SUV going straight ahead on East 163 Street in the Bronx. The impact occurred at the right front quarter panel of the SUV and the center front end of the sedan. The 10-year-old female passenger in the SUV, seated in the middle rear seat and secured with a lap belt and harness, sustained a head contusion but was conscious and not ejected. The report cites driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other contributing factors were specified. The sedan driver was male and licensed; the SUV driver was female and licensed. The crash injured a vulnerable occupant inside the SUV, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving during complex maneuvers like U-turns.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4669692 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A moped carrying two women struck an SUV making a U-turn on Simpson Street. Both moped riders were ejected and suffered bruises and injuries to back and legs. The moped driver was unlicensed. The SUV driver made an improper lane maneuver.

According to the police report, a 33-year-old unlicensed female moped driver and her 32-year-old female passenger were injured when their moped collided with a station wagon SUV making a U-turn on Simpson Street. Both moped occupants were ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to the back and lower legs. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating the SUV driver’s improper lane usage during the U-turn. The moped driver was traveling straight westbound when the collision occurred at the center front ends of both vehicles. Both riders wore helmets. The SUV driver was licensed and female.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4669008 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 34-year-old man struck a parked Honda on East 167th Street. The crash was hard. He stayed inside the car. He did not survive. The street was quiet. The sedan did not move. The man’s life ended there.

A 34-year-old man died after his vehicle collided with the rear bumper of a parked 2013 Honda sedan near 1025 East 167th Street in the Bronx. According to the police report, 'A 34-year-old man died after crashing into the rear bumper of a parked 2013 Honda sedan. He was not thrown from the car. He stayed inside. He did not survive.' The crash involved only the man’s vehicle and the stationary sedan. No contributing factors or driver errors were listed in the police data. The parked Honda was unoccupied at the time of the crash. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673208 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

The Bronx has no DOT borough commissioner. Crashes rise. Council Member Salamanca demands answers. Leadership is missing. Accountability is thin. Other boroughs have commissioners. The Bronx waits. Streets stay dangerous. DOT promises a hire. The clock ticks.

On September 13, 2023, the City Council held an oversight hearing on the Department of Transportation’s leadership and street safety in the Bronx. Council Member Rafael Salamanca (D-Concourse Village) pressed DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, stating, "There is no borough commissioner in the borough of the Bronx." The Bronx has lacked a permanent commissioner since November 2021. Salamanca demanded a timeline for filling the role, arguing, "There needs to be a level of accountability and our level of accountability is reaching out to that borough commissioner. Please speed it up." DOT responded that street safety projects are not planned or implemented by borough commissioners, but Salamanca insisted the vacancy leaves the Bronx exposed as crashes and injuries rise. All other boroughs have commissioners. The Bronx waits for leadership as danger mounts.

• Amid Rash of Crashes, DOT Has No Bronx Borough Commissioner, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-13