No Deaths, Just Broken Bodies: Crotona Park’s Streets Still Bleed

A black Mercedes slammed into a Ford on the Major Deegan. Both cars spun out. The Mercedes driver ran. The Ford driver died at St. Barnabas. Police closed the highway for hours. No arrests. The city’s roads stay deadly.

NY Daily News reported on March 22, 2025, that a 39-year-old driver was killed after a black Mercedes-Benz rear-ended his Ford Crown Victoria on the Major Deegan Expressway. The article states, “The hit-and-run driver responsible escaped on foot, police said.” Both vehicles lost control and crashed. Emergency services transported the victim to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he died. The Mercedes driver fled the scene, and no arrests have been made. Police closed the southbound lanes for several hours during the investigation. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of rear-end collisions and the persistent risk posed by hit-and-run drivers on New York City highways.

• Bronx Highway Hit-And-Run Kills Driver, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-22

Senate bill S 5801 demands licenses and insurance for e-scooter riders. No license, no sale. Sponsors push manuals and safety lessons. The city’s streets stay risky for those outside cars.

Senate bill S 5801, sponsored by Luis R. Sepúlveda and co-sponsored by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., sits at the sponsorship stage. Filed March 3, 2025, it aims to 'establish a bicycle and electric scooter operator's safety manual' and require licenses and insurance for e-scooter riders in New York City. The bill bars sales to unlicensed, uninsured buyers. It also folds scooter safety into driver education. No safety analyst has weighed in on the impact for vulnerable road users. The measure’s focus is paperwork, not street design or driver accountability.

• File S 5801, Open States, Published 2025-03-03

A moped slammed into a minivan in Soundview. Two teens thrown. One died. The other survived. The driver stayed. Police probe who had the right of way. Another young life lost on Bronx streets.

Gothamist (2025-02-25) reports a fatal crash at Metcalf Avenue and East 172nd Street in the Bronx. A 17-year-old, Juan Alexander Quizhpi Naranjo, drove a moped with a 14-year-old passenger when they collided with a Honda Odyssey. Both were thrown from the moped. Quizhpi Naranjo died at Jacobi Hospital; the girl survived. The minivan driver, 42, remained at the scene and faced no charges. NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is still determining 'who had the right of way and whether a traffic violation played a role.' This marks the second traffic death this year in the 43rd Precinct, highlighting ongoing dangers for young road users.

• Bronx Teen Killed In Moped-Minivan Crash, Gothamist, Published 2025-02-25

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

Two SUVs collided on Fulton Avenue in the Bronx, striking the left side doors of one vehicle. The driver, a 35-year-old woman, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:50 AM on Fulton Avenue in the Bronx involving two SUVs traveling north and east. The point of impact was the left side doors of the northbound SUV, which sustained damage there. The driver of this vehicle, a 35-year-old woman, was injured with head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the collision. Both vehicles were going straight ahead prior to impact. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The data highlights driver error as the primary cause of this collision and the resulting injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791742 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided head-on on Claremont Parkway in the Bronx. The crash injured both drivers and a front passenger, causing back injuries and whiplash. Police cited failure to yield and following too closely as key driver errors in the crash.

According to the police report, at 3:57 PM on Claremont Parkway in the Bronx, two sedans traveling east and west collided. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The crash injured three occupants: the 61-year-old male driver and the 47-year-old female front passenger of one sedan, both suffering back injuries and whiplash, and the male driver of the other sedan. Both injured occupants were conscious and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report notes no vehicle damage despite the impact at the left front bumpers. One driver was unlicensed, which may have contributed to the crash. The police report emphasizes driver errors without attributing fault to the injured occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788107 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A city bus swerved to dodge a double-parked car. It crashed through a wall and dangled over a Bronx overpass. No one was hurt. Debris rained down. The city’s parking chaos left concrete cracked and nerves frayed.

NY1 reported on January 17, 2025, that a BxM1 MTA bus partially drove off the Henry Hudson Parkway overpass near Kappock Street after the driver swerved to avoid a double-parked car. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz stated, "We’re told by the MTA that the bus was trying to get around an illegally double-parked car, and he hit the wall and went through it." The crash damaged the overpass wall and scattered debris onto the street below. No injuries were reported, though conflicting accounts left passenger presence unclear. City Councilman Eric Dinowitz highlighted the broader issue: "We’re seeing all over the city parking regulations not being enforced." The incident underscores the risks posed by illegal parking and the need for stricter enforcement and infrastructure checks.

• MTA Bus Hangs Off Bronx Overpass, NY1, Published 2025-01-17

Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly Bill 1060 demands public hearings before any bike lane or rack is built or removed. The city must face the people. Cyclists and pedestrians get a voice. No change without warning.

Assembly Bill A 1060 was introduced on January 8, 2025, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Relates to notification and hearings for proposed construction or removal of bicycle lanes or racks,' requires the Department of Transportation to present at a public hearing before constructing or removing any bike lane or rack. Assembly Member Chantel Jackson (District 79) is the primary sponsor. The measure aims to ensure transparency and public input on street changes that affect vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 1060, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Senate bill S 131 demands complete street design for state-funded projects. Sponsors push for safer roads. Guidance will go public. Streets could change. Pedestrians and cyclists stand to gain.

Senate bill S 131 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force safer street planning. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by co-sponsors Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Leroy Comrie, Jeremy Cooney, Nathalia Fernandez, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Robert Jackson, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, Christopher Ryan, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish guidance on street design. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 131, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

A sedan collided with a bicyclist on Crotona Ave in the Bronx. The cyclist was ejected and suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The sedan was turning left when it hit the bike’s left front bumper. Injuries were serious but victim conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Crotona Ave near Crotona Park North in the Bronx at 9 PM. A sedan was making a left turn when it struck a bicyclist also making a left turn. The point of impact was the sedan’s left side doors and the bike’s left front bumper. The bicyclist, a 30-year-old male, was ejected from his bike and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. He was conscious at the scene and suffered contusions and bruises. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not assign fault to the bicyclist. The sedan had no occupants and was damaged on its left side doors. The data highlights the danger posed by vehicle turning maneuvers impacting vulnerable cyclists.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784056 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council bill bars cars from blocking crosswalks. No standing or parking within 20 feet. City must install daylighting barriers at 1,000 intersections yearly. Streets clear. Sightlines open. Danger cut.

Int 1138-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced December 5, 2024. The bill states: “prohibiting standing or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.” Council Member Erik D. Bottcher leads, joined by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and over two dozen co-sponsors. The law orders the Department of Transportation to install daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections each year, up from 100. The city must also run outreach and education. The bill aims to keep crosswalks clear, improve visibility, and protect people on foot and bike. No more hiding behind parked cars. The committee laid the bill over on April 21, 2025.

• File Int 1138-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-05

Two SUVs collided on Crotona Avenue in the Bronx. One vehicle was stopped in traffic when the second SUV struck it from behind. The driver of the struck vehicle suffered back injuries and shock. Both vehicles sustained center-end damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:18 on Crotona Avenue in the Bronx. A 34-year-old male driver, restrained by a harness and licensed in New York, was stopped in traffic in a 2021 Honda SUV when he was rear-ended by another SUV traveling southbound. The point of impact was the center back end of the stopped vehicle and the center front end of the striking vehicle. The driver of the stopped vehicle sustained back injuries and was in shock but was not ejected. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any pedestrian or cyclist involvement. The collision highlights the dangers of rear-end crashes involving SUVs on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773353 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

A BMW struck a 15-year-old boy riding east on a bike in the Bronx. The teen was ejected, left unconscious, and suffered head fractures and dislocations. Police cite bicyclist confusion as a factor.

According to the police report, a BMW traveling north on Claremont Parkway collided with a 15-year-old male bicyclist going east. The impact ejected the teen, leaving him unconscious with severe head injuries, fractures, and dislocations. The police report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are cited. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment, as noted in the report. The crash highlights confusion involving the bicyclist, according to police.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4742670 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A moped crashed into a sedan’s flank on Crotona Avenue. The young rider flew off, hip torn open, blood pooling on the asphalt. Under the Bronx night, he lay conscious, battered, and still. The crash left him grievously wounded.

According to the police report, a moped slammed into the left side doors of a sedan near 1720 Crotona Avenue in the Bronx at 10 p.m. The 18-year-old moped rider was ejected from his vehicle, suffering severe lacerations and a split hip. The report cites 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors in the crash. The moped’s center front end struck the sedan’s side, leaving the rider conscious but gravely injured on the street. The police narrative describes the aftermath: 'His hip split open on the asphalt. Blood pooled. He lay conscious, torn and still, under the Bronx night.' The report notes the rider was not wearing a helmet, but only after highlighting the improper lane usage and unsafe speed as primary causes. The collision underscores the dangers faced by vulnerable road users amid driver error and hazardous street conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737095 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07