Highbridge Bleeds While City Sleeps: Demand Safe Streets Now

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

A driver turned left on Macombs Dam Bridge, hitting a 37-year-old man crossing with the signal. The man suffered leg injuries and shock. Police cite driver inattention and traffic control disregard.

According to the police report, a crash occurred at 10:45 PM on Macombs Dam Bridge. A driver making a left turn struck a 37-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing with the signal. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported in shock. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors, pointing to the driver's failure to yield and obey signals. The pedestrian's lawful crossing is noted but not listed as a cause. This incident highlights the danger posed by driver inattention and ignoring traffic controls, resulting in serious harm to a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728845 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan hit a 47-year-old man off Grant Highway. The driver was inattentive and passed too close. The man suffered a fractured, dislocated leg. He was conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Grant Highway struck a 47-year-old male pedestrian who was not in the roadway and not at an intersection. The pedestrian suffered a fracture, distortion, and dislocation to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passing Too Closely' as contributing factors. The point of impact was the sedan’s right front quarter panel. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No pedestrian actions contributed to the collision. The crash shows the danger posed by inattentive drivers passing too close to people outside intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723474 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV slowed on Jerome. Accelerator failed. Brakes failed. Right front slammed. Driver, 51, took the hit to her face. Shock followed. No one else hurt. Machine betrayed the human.

According to the police report, a 51-year-old woman driving a 2021 SUV on Jerome Avenue was injured when her vehicle's accelerator and brakes failed. The SUV was slowing or stopping when it crashed, striking with its right front bumper. The driver suffered facial injuries and shock but was not ejected. The report lists 'Accelerator Defective' and 'Brakes Defective' as contributing factors. No pedestrians or other vehicles were involved. No driver errors were cited. The driver wore a lap belt and harness.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721680 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A distracted SUV driver struck a van traveling north on Sedgwick Avenue. The impact damaged the SUV’s right rear quarter panel and the van’s front end. A passenger in the SUV suffered a head contusion, conscious but injured.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx at 4:41 a.m. The SUV, driven by a licensed male driver, was parked before the collision. The van, also driven by a licensed male, was traveling straight ahead northbound. The point of impact was the right rear bumper of the SUV and the left front bumper of the van. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain proper awareness. A 30-year-old male occupant in the SUV, seated in the middle rear seat, sustained a head contusion and was conscious but injured. The report does not cite any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The collision caused damage to the SUV’s right rear quarter panel and the van’s center front end.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721675 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A man pedaled south on Jerome Avenue before dawn. A vehicle followed too close, struck him from behind. His face split open. Blood pooled on the asphalt. He stayed conscious, alone, bleeding in the dark.

According to the police report, a 34-year-old man riding a bike southbound on Jerome Avenue near East 161st Street was struck from behind before dawn. The report states the cyclist suffered a severe facial injury, with blood pooling on the asphalt, but remained conscious at the scene. The police report identifies 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors to the crash. The impact was to the center back end of the bicycle. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but this detail is listed after the driver errors. The incident underscores the danger faced by vulnerable road users when drivers fail to maintain safe following distances and remain attentive.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4722567 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 20-year-old unlicensed moped driver suffered facial abrasions after colliding head-on with a sedan on Nelson Avenue. The crash involved unsafe speed and disregarded traffic control. The moped’s front end and sedan’s left bumper bore the impact marks.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:56 PM on Nelson Avenue involving a 2022 ZNEN motorscooter and a 2016 Chevrolet sedan. The moped driver, a 20-year-old male, was injured with abrasions to his face but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors, highlighting driver errors. The moped driver was unlicensed, traveling north, and struck the sedan’s left front bumper with his center front end. The sedan, driven by a licensed male driver, was traveling south. The collision caused damage to both vehicles’ front ends. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725236 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A taxi changing lanes on the Cross Bronx Expressway struck a sedan and SUV, injuring a right rear passenger. The impact caused abrasions to the passenger’s face. The crash exposed dangers of unsafe lane changes on high-speed roads.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Cross Bronx Expressway at 16:26. A taxi, traveling west and changing lanes, struck a sedan and an SUV both going straight ahead. The taxi’s right front bumper hit the other vehicles’ left front and right rear quarter panels. The report cites 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as the contributing factor. A 48-year-old male occupant in the sedan’s right rear seat suffered abrasions to his face but was conscious and not ejected. The injured passenger was not using any safety equipment. The drivers of the vehicles were licensed, with the taxi driver being male and the others female. This collision highlights the risks posed by unsafe lane changes in fast-moving traffic, as documented by the police.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719391 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

A 74-year-old sedan driver suffered full-body injuries and shock after aggressive driving and unsafe speed led to a collision with a parked limo on West 165 Street in the Bronx. The impact struck the sedan’s front and the limo’s rear quarter panel.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on West 165 Street in the Bronx at 13:37. The 74-year-old male sedan driver, wearing a lap belt, was injured across his entire body and experienced shock. The report cites 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors to the collision. The sedan, traveling east and going straight ahead, struck the left rear quarter panel of a parked limo. Vehicle damage was centered on the sedan’s front end and the limo’s rear quarter panel. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The report highlights driver errors—specifically aggressive driving and unsafe speed—as the cause of this crash, emphasizing systemic dangers posed by reckless vehicle operation.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715755 - 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

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 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 moves to force DOT to post clear bus lane signs on every block. Riders and walkers need to know when cars must stay out. The bill demands public, block-by-block rules. No more guessing. Streets reveal their rules.

Int 0647-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on March 7, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to bus lane restrictions," orders DOT to post signs on each block with bus lane rules and to publish hours online. Sponsors include Althea V. Stevens (primary), Chris Banks, Chi A. Ossé, Nantasha M. Williams, Carmen N. De La Rosa, Amanda Farías, Yusef Salaam, and Kevin C. Riley. The measure aims to end confusion and make bus lane rules plain for all. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0647-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council bill pushes DOT to let schools, centers, and institutions use streets outside their doors. More people, less traffic. Streets shift from cars to community. Still in committee.

Int 0450-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 28, 2024. The bill orders DOT to create a program letting community centers, schools, arts, and religious institutions use adjacent outdoor spaces. The matter title reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to establish a program to allow community centers, schools, arts and cultural institutions and religious institutions to use adjacent outdoor spaces.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads, joined by Stevens, Restler, Won, and others. The bill has not yet passed. If enacted, it could reclaim space from cars, giving it to people. No formal safety analysis yet, but the measure could mean safer, more vibrant streets for all.

• File Int 0450-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to form a board on school crossing guard deployment. NYPD, DOT, and DOE must report twice a year. The aim: more eyes on street danger where kids cross.

Bill Int 0448-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to an advisory board on crossing guard deployment," calls for NYPD, DOT, and DOE to join an advisory board. The board must send biannual reports on crossing guard needs to the Mayor, Council Speaker, and Police Commissioner. Council Member Kamillah Hanks leads as primary sponsor, joined by Stevens, Schulman, Salaam, and others. The Bronx Borough President requested the bill. The board’s reports could spotlight gaps and push for better protection at dangerous crossings.

• File Int 0448-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Two vehicles collided on West 168 Street in the Bronx. The SUV struck the sedan’s front end. The SUV driver, a 23-year-old man, suffered back abrasions but was conscious and restrained. Unsafe speed was cited as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:00 AM on West 168 Street near Woodycrest Avenue in the Bronx. A 2022 Chevrolet SUV traveling west collided with a 2021 BMW sedan traveling north. The point of impact was the SUV’s left front quarter panel and the sedan’s center front end. The SUV driver, a 23-year-old male occupant, was injured with back abrasions but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report identifies unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the collision. Both drivers were licensed in New York. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The data highlights driver error in speed management as the primary cause, with no victim behavior noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703286 - 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