No One Spared: Crotona Park East Bleeds While Leaders Dither

Jun 8 - 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 2023-06-08

Jun 6 - 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

Jun 5 - 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

Jun 1 - 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

May 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

May 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

May 23 - A 66-year-old man was hit by an SUV while crossing Vyse Avenue in the Bronx. The pedestrian suffered a shoulder and upper arm contusion. The driver was licensed and the vehicle showed no damage. The crash occurred at 9:35 a.m.

According to the police report, a 66-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Vyse Avenue in the Bronx. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk when a 2014 SUV, traveling east and previously parked, struck him on the left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and bruising to his shoulder and upper arm. The driver, a licensed female from New York, was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene and suffered injury severity level 3.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4635480 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 21 - A 56-year-old woman was hit while crossing Crotona Park East with the signal. The SUV made a right turn and struck her at the center front end. She suffered an elbow and lower arm injury and was semiconscious with minor bleeding.

According to the police report, a 56-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Crotona Park East with the signal. The driver of a 2021 Toyota SUV was making a right turn when the vehicle struck the pedestrian at the center front end. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, resulting in minor bleeding and a semiconscious state. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was alone in the SUV. The pedestrian was not ejected and was located at the intersection during the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4637495 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 17 - A 46-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and suffered head injuries in a crash on Boston Road in the Bronx. The cyclist was traveling south and collided with a parked vehicle. The crash caused internal injuries and left the rider conscious but hurt.

According to the police report, a 46-year-old male bicyclist was injured after colliding with a parked vehicle on Boston Road in the Bronx. The bicyclist was traveling south, going straight ahead, when the impact occurred on the left side doors of the parked vehicle. The rider was ejected and sustained head injuries with an injury severity level of 3. The report lists the contributing factors as unspecified. No driver errors or other contributing factors were identified in the data. The bicyclist's safety equipment status is unknown. The cyclist remained conscious despite internal injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629889 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 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

May 2 - A 22-year-old woman was struck while crossing a marked crosswalk on Crotona Park East. The sedan, traveling north, hit her with its front center. She suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The driver failed to yield and was distracted.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Crotona Park East struck a 22-year-old female pedestrian crossing a marked crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with contusions and bruises reported. The report lists driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian with its center front end. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but not ejected. No other contributing factors or safety equipment were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4625283 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 19 - A sedan hit a moped head-on. The rider flew from his seat. He crashed to the ground. Blood pooled. His head split open. He tried to speak, but the words broke. The bleeding would not stop.

A sedan and a moped collided head-on on Boston Road near Suburban Place in the Bronx. The moped rider, a 42-year-old man, was ejected and suffered a severe head injury with heavy bleeding. According to the police report, 'A moped struck head-on by a sedan. The rider, 42, flew from the seat. He landed hard. Blood pooled. His head split. He spoke, but the words were broken. The bleeding would not stop.' The sedan carried a 65-year-old male driver and a 53-year-old female passenger; neither was reported injured. The data lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The crash left the moped rider gravely hurt, his injuries described in stark detail by police.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4621749 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 11 - 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

Mar 21 - Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Mar 18 - A motorscooter rider was ejected after a collision with a parked sedan and a turning vehicle on Intervale Avenue. The rider suffered a fractured hip and upper leg. Unsafe lane changing and other vehicular factors caused the crash.

According to the police report, a motorscooter traveling north on Intervale Avenue collided with a parked 2005 Nissan sedan and a westbound sedan making a left turn. The motorscooter rider, a 25-year-old man, was ejected and sustained a fractured, distorted, and dislocated injury to his hip and upper leg. The report lists contributing factors as "Other Vehicular" and "Unsafe Lane Changing." The parked sedan was struck at its center front end, while the turning sedan was hit on its left front bumper. The motorscooter overturned on impact. The rider was conscious but injured. No safety equipment was reported. The crash highlights driver errors involving unsafe lane changes and other vehicular actions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4616674 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 13 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Jan 28 - A motorcycle and sedan collided on Southern Boulevard in the Bronx. Two men on the motorcycle were ejected and injured. The sedan suffered right side damage. Both drivers were licensed. Contributing factors were listed as other vehicular errors.

According to the police report, a 2007 Yamaha motorcycle carrying two men and a 2013 BMW sedan collided while both were traveling north on Southern Boulevard. The motorcycle driver and his passenger were ejected and sustained injuries to the shoulder, upper arm, and entire body. Both were injured but conscious or in shock. The sedan was damaged on the right side doors, with impact at the right rear bumper. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for both drivers, indicating driver errors not further specified. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. No safety equipment was noted for the passenger, and the driver had 'Other' safety equipment. The crash caused abrasions and contusions but no fatalities.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4601655 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 26 - Motorcycle crashed into sedan’s side on Wilkens Avenue. Rider, unlicensed, took a blow to the face. Sedan driver walked away. Police blamed failure to yield. Metal bent. Flesh bruised.

According to the police report, a motorcycle heading north struck the left side doors of a sedan traveling southeast on Wilkens Avenue in the Bronx. The motorcycle driver, a 26-year-old man without a license, suffered facial contusions but stayed conscious and was not ejected. The sedan driver, a licensed woman, was unhurt. Police listed failure to yield right-of-way as the cause. The motorcycle’s front and the sedan’s left doors were damaged. No other contributing factors or victim errors were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4601934 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 25 - A 25-year-old male bicyclist was injured and ejected after an SUV made an improper U-turn on Boston Road in the Bronx. The SUV struck the bike’s front end with its left front quarter panel. The rider suffered abrasions and whole-body injuries.

According to the police report, a 2006 Dodge SUV was making an improper U-turn northbound on Boston Road when it collided with a bicyclist traveling straight ahead. The impact occurred at the SUV's left front quarter panel and the bike's center front end. The 25-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to his entire body. The report lists "Turning Improperly" as the contributing factor for the crash. The SUV driver was licensed and male. The bicyclist’s safety equipment status is unknown. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4600620 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 24 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-01-24