No One Spared: Crotona Park East Bleeds While Leaders Dither

Apr 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

Apr 9 - A 65-year-old man suffered head injuries after an SUV hit him at an intersection in the Bronx. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal. The vehicle, traveling south, impacted the pedestrian with its left front bumper, causing contusions and bruises.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 5:42 AM near 1762 Boston Road in the Bronx. A 65-year-old male pedestrian was injured when struck by a 2012 Nissan SUV traveling southbound. The vehicle's left front bumper was the point of impact, causing head injuries classified as contusions and bruises. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal at the intersection, noted as a contributing factor, but no driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were explicitly cited in the report. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle going straight ahead. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not attribute fault to the pedestrian. The collision highlights the dangers present at intersections where pedestrian signals are ignored.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4724876 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 9 - A 65-year-old man was injured when a vehicle traveling south on Freeman Street struck him at an intersection. The impact hit the pedestrian’s face, causing contusions. The driver proceeded straight ahead, colliding with the pedestrian in the roadway.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured on Freeman Street in the Bronx after being struck by a vehicle traveling south. The pedestrian, a 65-year-old male, sustained facial contusions and was conscious at the scene. The vehicle’s point of impact was the center front end, indicating a direct collision with the pedestrian. The driver was going straight ahead prior to the crash. The report lists the pedestrian’s contributing factors as unspecified, and no driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were explicitly cited. The pedestrian was located at an intersection and was engaged in other actions in the roadway. Vehicle damage was noted as 'other.' No additional details on driver license status or vehicle type were provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716392 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 6 - Chassis cab veered to park. Cyclist changed lanes. Metal struck flesh. The 21-year-old bicyclist took the hit, full-body hurt, still conscious. Driver inattention and confusion fueled the crash.

According to the police report, a chassis cab traveling south on Boston Road in the Bronx entered a parked position and struck a northbound bicyclist who was changing lanes. The impact came from the truck’s left front bumper to the bike’s center front. The 21-year-old male cyclist suffered injuries to his entire body but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists driver inattention or distraction and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. Pedestrian/bicyclist error or confusion is also cited. The cyclist wore no safety equipment. The crash underscores the danger when drivers fail to pay attention and yield to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715942 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 27 - 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

Mar 24 - A tractor truck pulling out from parking struck a northbound bicyclist on Southern Boulevard, ejecting him and causing hip and upper leg injuries. The truck driver’s improper lane usage caused the collision, leaving the cyclist bruised and injured.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Southern Boulevard in the Bronx at 18:54. A tractor truck diesel vehicle was starting from parking when it collided with a northbound bicyclist going straight ahead. The point of impact was the truck’s left front bumper and the bike’s center front end. The report cites the truck driver’s 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor. The bicyclist, a 50-year-old male, was ejected from his bike and sustained injuries to his hip and upper leg, including contusions and bruises. The cyclist was conscious but injured, and no safety equipment was noted. The data highlights the truck driver’s error in lane usage as the cause, with no contributing factors attributed to the bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713589 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 20 - 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

Mar 19 - 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

Mar 10 - Two sedans crashed on Boston Road in the Bronx at 3:12 a.m. One vehicle was parked, the other making a left turn. The turning driver suffered neck injuries and bruising. Police report lists unspecified driver errors but no victim fault.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:12 a.m. on Boston Road in the Bronx. One sedan was parked facing west, while the other sedan was traveling north and making a left turn. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of the parked vehicle and the left front bumper of the turning vehicle. The driver of the turning vehicle, a 30-year-old male occupant, sustained neck injuries and contusions but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists contributing factors as 'Unspecified' for this driver, indicating driver error without further detail. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were cited. The collision highlights risks associated with left-turn maneuvers and parked vehicles in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708720 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 7 - An 18-year-old on a ZNEN scooter slid on slick Bronx pavement. His head struck hard. Blood pooled. The scooter’s front end crumpled. He wore no helmet. The street stayed silent as pain lingered and sirens approached.

An 18-year-old male riding a 2023 ZNEN motorscooter was severely injured on Southern Boulevard near 1789, according to the police report. The crash occurred at 10:40 in the morning in the Bronx. The report states the rider 'hit slick pavement,' listing 'Pavement Slippery' as the contributing factor. The narrative details that his 'head struck hard' and 'blood pooled,' with the scooter’s 'center front crushed.' The police report notes the rider wore 'no helmet.' No other vehicles or persons are listed as involved. The crash underscores the persistent danger posed by hazardous street conditions, as documented in the police report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707828 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 7 - 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

Mar 7 - 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

Mar 2 - A Jeep SUV flipped on Sheridan Boulevard during a U-turn, striking northbound vehicles. One driver suffered facial bruises. Metal twisted. The street bore the mark of sudden, violent movement.

According to the police report, a Jeep SUV making a U-turn on Sheridan Boulevard overturned after colliding with several northbound vehicles, including a Chevrolet SUV and a Honda sedan. The crash happened at 4:15 AM. The Chevrolet SUV's 53-year-old male driver was injured, suffering facial contusions but remained conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The Jeep SUV's right rear bumper was the point of impact, while other vehicles sustained damage to their left front bumpers and side doors. The police report lists the Jeep driver's pre-crash action as 'Making U Turn,' a hazardous maneuver that led to the collision. No other contributing factors or victim actions were cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4706941 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 28 - 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

Feb 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

Jan 24 - A drowsy garbage truck driver backed into a parked sedan on Freeman Street. The truck’s right front bumper hit the sedan’s left front. The driver suffered back pain. Fatigue behind the wheel led to injury.

According to the police report, a garbage truck backing west on Freeman Street struck a parked sedan facing east. The truck’s right front bumper hit the sedan’s left front quarter panel. The 32-year-old male truck driver was injured, reporting back pain and internal complaints, but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists 'Fatigued/Drowsy' as a contributing factor, pointing to driver impairment during the maneuver. Both drivers were licensed. No errors were attributed to the sedan or its occupant. The crash underscores the danger posed by driver fatigue in city traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697604 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 21 - A northbound sedan slammed into another sedan’s rear in the Bronx. The driver up front, age 33, took the blow. He stayed conscious but suffered pelvic and abdominal wounds.

According to the police report, a crash took place at 21:50 near 1812 Vyse Avenue in the Bronx. A 33-year-old male driver was injured when his sedan was struck from behind by a northbound 2020 Toyota sedan. The impact damaged the right rear bumper of the first car and the left front bumper of the striking vehicle. The injured driver was restrained by a lap belt, remained conscious, and was not ejected. He suffered abrasions and trauma to the abdomen and pelvis. The police report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697164 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 21 - Two sedans collided near Seabury Place. Two boys, ages 12 and 16, suffered facial bruises. Both were conscious. Police cite driver inexperience and distraction as causes. The street bore the brunt of driver error.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed near 1476 Seabury Place in the Bronx at 12:39 PM. The impact struck the left front bumper of one sedan and the right rear quarter panel of the other. Two male passengers, ages 12 and 16, were injured with facial contusions. Both remained conscious and were not ejected. The report lists driver inexperience and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. No actions by the injured passengers contributed to the collision. The report highlights driver errors as the primary cause of harm.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698827 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 15 - A tractor truck struck an SUV on Sheridan Boulevard Ramp. The SUV driver, a 31-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries. Police cite improper passing and driver inattention as causes. Impact left both vehicles damaged.

According to the police report, a 2021 International tractor truck hit a 2021 Jeep SUV on Sheridan Boulevard Ramp at 21:46. The SUV, driven by a 31-year-old woman, was going straight when the truck, attempting to pass, struck her vehicle's right front quarter panel. The driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash but remained conscious and restrained by a lap belt. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors, highlighting errors by the truck driver. No actions by the injured driver contributed to the crash. Both vehicles sustained damage in the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695445 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 13 - An inattentive SUV driver made a left turn and struck a 54-year-old man crossing outside a crosswalk in the Bronx. The pedestrian suffered neck injuries and shock, with no vehicle damage reported. The crash exposed dangers of driver distraction.

According to the police report, a 54-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing outside a crosswalk on East 174 Street in the Bronx. The crash occurred at 3:15 p.m. when a Jeep SUV traveling northwest made a left turn and struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor, highlighting a failure to maintain proper attention during the maneuver. The pedestrian sustained neck injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The vehicle sustained no damage. The report does not list any pedestrian behaviors as contributing factors. This incident underscores the critical role of driver distraction in pedestrian crashes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695243 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19