Blood on Webster: Morrisania’s Streets, City Hall’s Silence

A 25-year-old female passenger suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation after a collision between an SUV and a sedan on Prospect Avenue in the Bronx. The crash occurred at night, with unsafe speed cited as a contributing factor.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:15 PM on Prospect Avenue in the Bronx. A sedan was making a left turn northbound when it collided with a southbound 2024 Toyota SUV traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the left front bumper of both vehicles. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor to the collision. The injured party was a 25-year-old female occupant seated as the left rear passenger in one of the vehicles. She was conscious but suffered a fractured, distorted, and dislocated injury to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was secured with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash highlights driver error related to speed and vehicle maneuvering on a busy Bronx street.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728033 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 37-year-old female passenger on an e-scooter suffered knee and lower leg abrasions in a Bronx crash. The SUV involved showed no damage or impact. The incident highlights risks to vulnerable riders amid unclear driver errors.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on East 169 Street near Tinton Avenue in the Bronx at 16:37. A 37-year-old female passenger on an e-scooter was injured, sustaining abrasions to her knee, lower leg, and foot. She was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The e-scooter, traveling east with two occupants, had damage to its center front end and left front bumper. The SUV, traveling north and going straight ahead, showed no damage or point of impact. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the injured passenger but does not cite explicit driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The data reveals a collision between a vulnerable e-scooter passenger and an SUV with no visible damage, underscoring the systemic dangers faced by micromobility users in traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720724 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council moves to hike fines for illegal ATVs and dirt bikes. First offense: $375–$750. Repeat: $750–$1,500. Law aims at reckless riders who menace city streets and endanger lives.

Bill Int 0856-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced April 18, 2024, it seeks to amend city code to raise fines for unlawful ATV and dirt bike use. The bill states: 'The first offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 375 dollars and up to 750 dollars. Any subsequent offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 750 dollars and up to 1500 dollars.' Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa leads as primary sponsor, joined by Salamanca Jr., Gennaro, Brannan, Louis, Ung, Restler, and Farías. The bill was referred to committee the same day. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0856-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

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

Council pushes for borough-based DOT teams. Staff must answer traffic requests fast. Response tied to need. Three-month deadline. Action targets slow fixes. Vulnerable road users wait less.

Int 0853-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on April 18, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to creating borough-based traffic request response teams,' requires the Department of Transportation to assign staff to each borough, matching staff numbers to request volume. Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Amanda Farías, and Rafael Salamanca, Jr. back the measure. The teams must respond to traffic requests within three months. The bill aims to cut delays that leave dangerous conditions unaddressed, giving vulnerable road users a better shot at safer streets.

• File Int 0853-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

A 57-year-old man walking against traffic on Park Avenue in the Bronx was struck by a northbound SUV. The impact caused bruising and injury to his lower leg and foot. The vehicle showed no damage, and contributing factors remain unspecified.

According to the police report, a 57-year-old male pedestrian was injured at 6 PM on Park Avenue in the Bronx. The pedestrian was walking against traffic outside an intersection when he was struck by a northbound Chrysler SUV. The point of impact was the vehicle's left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated as moderate (3). The vehicle sustained no damage. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors, marking them as unspecified. No pedestrian behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The incident highlights the dangers pedestrians face when walking against traffic and the lack of clear driver fault information in this case.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716129 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan making a U-turn hit an 18-year-old woman crossing East 169 Street with the signal. She suffered back injuries and shock. Police cite unsafe lane changing by the driver. The car was undamaged.

According to the police report, a sedan making a U-turn on East 169 Street at Prospect Avenue in the Bronx struck an 18-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing with the signal. The pedestrian suffered back injuries and was in shock, reporting pain and nausea. The report lists 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as the contributing factor, highlighting driver error as the cause of the crash. No vehicle damage was reported. No victim actions contributed to the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719654 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan making a left turn struck a pedestrian crossing against the signal at an intersection in the Bronx. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries but remained conscious. The driver was licensed and traveling northbound at the time of impact.

According to the police report, a 2019 Honda sedan was making a left turn on East 163 Street in the Bronx around 10:45 AM when it struck a male pedestrian crossing against the signal at the intersection. The point of impact was the vehicle's left front quarter panel, causing damage to that area. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The driver, a licensed male from New York, was traveling northbound with one occupant in the vehicle. The report lists the pedestrian's action of crossing against the signal as a contributing factor but does not specify any driver errors. The pedestrian's injury severity was classified as moderate (level 3). No other contributing factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714457 - 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 2024-03-27

A woman crossing East 169 Street suffered whole-body injuries when a speeding driver turned left and struck her. The impact left her bleeding and in shock. Unsafe speed and improper turn caused the crash.

According to the police report, a Mercedes SUV traveling north on East 169 Street made a left turn onto Clinton Avenue at 7:09 p.m. and struck a 45-year-old woman who was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian suffered injuries to her entire body, minor bleeding, and shock. The vehicle’s left front bumper hit the pedestrian and was damaged. The report lists unsafe speed and turning improperly as driver errors. No contributing factors were cited for the pedestrian. This crash highlights the danger of unsafe speed and improper turning at city intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713588 - 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

A 20-year-old male bicyclist suffered abdominal and pelvic injuries after a collision with a sedan on 3 Avenue. The driver disregarded traffic control, causing the crash. The cyclist was not wearing safety equipment and was left in shock.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:48 on 3 Avenue involving a sedan and a bicycle traveling south. The bicyclist, a 20-year-old male, was injured in the abdomen and pelvis and experienced shock. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating the driver failed to obey traffic signals or signs. The sedan struck the bicyclist with its center front end. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. There was no damage reported to either vehicle. The driver’s failure to comply with traffic control directly caused the collision and injuries sustained by the vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714467 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 29-year-old male driver sustained a head abrasion and was injured in a Bronx crash. The vehicle struck another while traveling south on Boston Road. The driver was conscious and not ejected. Contributing factors remain unspecified in the police report.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:34 AM on Boston Road in the Bronx. The 29-year-old male driver, operating a 2023 JIAJU vehicle traveling south and going straight ahead, suffered a head injury described as an abrasion. The point of impact was the center front end of his vehicle. The driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified, with no clear driver errors identified. Another vehicle was making a left turn, but no details on its involvement or driver status are provided. The injured party was the driver and sole occupant of his vehicle, and no safety equipment was noted. The report does not assign fault or blame to the injured driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708731 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 49-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck at East 161 Street and Melrose Avenue. The vehicle, traveling south, impacted the pedestrian’s head with its right front bumper. The victim suffered a concussion and was conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured at the intersection of East 161 Street and Melrose Avenue in the Bronx at 6:35 p.m. The 49-year-old male victim was crossing with the signal when a vehicle traveling south struck him with its right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained a head injury, specifically a concussion, and remained conscious after the collision. The vehicle was going straight ahead at the time of impact. The report does not list any contributing factors from the driver or the pedestrian. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were explicitly cited in the data. The focus remains on the vehicle striking the pedestrian who was lawfully crossing.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708450 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 young man on an e-bike crashed into a parked Jeep on Melrose Avenue. He flew from his seat, helmet on, and died before dawn. The SUV never moved. The street claimed him. Speed and control lost him to the Bronx night.

A 24-year-old man riding an e-bike died after colliding with a parked Jeep near Melrose Avenue and East 161st Street in the Bronx, according to the police report. The crash occurred at 5:58 a.m. The report states the e-bike rider was traveling at 'unsafe speed' and 'disregarded traffic control.' The narrative details that the rider 'hit a parked Jeep at speed,' was 'ejected,' and 'died before dawn.' The police report notes the victim was wearing a helmet. The Jeep, registered in Pennsylvania, was parked and unoccupied at the time of the crash. The e-bike was described as 'demolished.' The police report centers contributing factors on 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded.' No driver error from the SUV is cited, as the vehicle was stationary. The focus remains on the systemic dangers of speed and control loss on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705065 - 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