Mount Hope Bleeds: City Stalls, Bodies Fall

May 28 - 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

May 26 - A motorcycle driver was ejected and suffered a severe head injury in a collision with an SUV on East 181 Street. The crash involved driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way, leaving the motorcyclist unconscious and injured.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:40 PM on East 181 Street in the Bronx. A 30-year-old male motorcycle driver, traveling north without a license and no safety equipment, was struck on the left rear quarter panel by a westbound SUV. The motorcycle sustained center front end damage. The motorcyclist was ejected, suffered a head injury, and was unconscious at the scene. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors, indicating critical driver errors by the SUV operator. The motorcyclist's lack of a license and safety gear is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights the deadly consequences of driver distraction and right-of-way violations in Bronx traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727763 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 21 - A 35-year-old man sped north on Grand Concourse, lost control of his motorcycle, and was violently ejected. He landed headfirst, unconscious with severe crush injuries. Blood pooled under streetlights as the city moved on, indifferent and roaring.

According to the police report, at 8:50 p.m. on Grand Concourse near East 180th Street in the Bronx, a 35-year-old unlicensed male driver operated a 2023 Fengyuan motorcycle northbound at an unsafe speed. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The rider was ejected after striking hard, landing headfirst, resulting in unconsciousness and severe crush wounds to his head. Blood was noted pooling under the streetlights. The driver was not wearing a helmet, a fact mentioned only after the driver errors. No other victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The motorcycle sustained damage to its center front end. The crash highlights the dangers of unlicensed, distracted, and speeding motorcycle operation in the Bronx.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726471 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 17 - A male moped driver in the Bronx sustained a fractured and dislocated lower leg after impact to the left front bumper. The driver was conscious and not ejected, but suffered serious injury to the knee and foot area.

According to the police report, an 18-year-old male moped driver traveling north in the Bronx was injured when his vehicle sustained damage to the center front end and left front bumper. The driver suffered a fracture, distortion, and dislocation to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any pedestrian or cyclist involvement. The driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No safety equipment was used by the driver. The crash occurred near 21 Mount Hope Place at 3:20 PM. The report highlights the severity of the driver's injuries and vehicle damage but does not specify driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725908 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 16 - A man crossed Grand Concourse with the light. A vehicle hit him, crushing his shoulder. He stayed conscious, but the street left him broken. The Bronx bore witness as another pedestrian suffered under the weight of traffic.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old man was crossing Grand Concourse at East 176th Street in the Bronx when a vehicle struck him. The report states he was 'crossing with the light' at the intersection. The impact resulted in crush injuries to his shoulder and upper arm, but he remained conscious at the scene. The narrative notes, 'Grand Concourse and East 176th—he crossed with the light. A vehicle hit him. His shoulder crushed. He stayed awake.' No contributing factors are listed for the driver, but the pedestrian's lawful crossing is explicitly documented. The report does not mention any pedestrian error or unsafe behavior. The collision underscores the persistent danger faced by those on foot, even when following traffic signals.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725998 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 9 - A sedan traveling east collided with a northbound e-bike on East 181 Street. The e-bike driver, a 61-year-old man, suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries and was partially ejected. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield as causes.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:08 on East 181 Street involving a sedan and an e-bike. The sedan was traveling east and the e-bike north when the collision happened. The e-bike driver, a 61-year-old man, was partially ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to his shoulder and upper arm. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors attributed to the sedan driver. The e-bike driver was conscious at the scene. Vehicle damage was noted on the sedan's left front bumper and the e-bike's center front end. The report does not indicate any victim fault or contributing behaviors on the part of the e-bike rider.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723365 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 6 - DOT floats fixes for Tremont Avenue’s crawling buses. Speeds lag under 5 mph. Riders stew in delays. Council Member Feliz now backs bus lanes. Community leaders push for bold moves. DOT promises a plan, but trust runs thin after past failures.

On May 6, 2024, the Department of Transportation (DOT) considered improvements for the Bronx’s Tremont Avenue bus corridor. The matter, discussed with Bronx Community Boards 5 and 6, is titled: “City Considers Fixes for Another Ridiculously Slow Cross-Bronx Bus.” Council Member Oswald Feliz, who once opposed a Fordham Road bus lane, now supports dedicated lanes on Tremont. Council Member Pierina Sanchez also represents the area. Residents and riders call the Bx36 the slowest bus in the Bronx, citing delays and crowding. DOT data shows no speed gains since 2022. The corridor’s narrow lanes and parking worsen congestion and danger. Community leaders urge a busway or bus/truck-only stretch. DOT plans traffic analysis through summer 2024, with a proposal due later. The agency claims its top priority is “fast, reliable, and on-time” bus service, but skepticism remains after past inaction.

• City Considers Fixes for Another Ridiculously Slow Cross-Bronx Bus, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-05-06

May 1 - A 16-year-old boy riding north on East Tremont Avenue crashed his bike. He suffered bruises to his knee, leg, and foot. No other vehicle involved. Police list contributing factors as unspecified.

According to the police report, a 16-year-old male bicyclist was injured while riding north on East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx. He was the only person involved. The crash left him with contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He remained conscious and was not ejected from the bike. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified, with no mention of driver errors or involvement of any other vehicle. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment, as noted in the report. No other road users were hurt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723369 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 28 - A distracted SUV driver struck a parked motorscooter on East 180 Street in the Bronx. The motorscooter driver, wearing a helmet, was ejected and suffered neck injuries and bruising. The crash exposed dangers of driver inattention in busy urban streets.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on East 180 Street in the Bronx at 14:04. A station wagon/SUV, driven by a licensed male driver, was parked and then struck a parked 2023 ZNEN motorscooter from behind. The point of impact was the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the motorscooter. The motorscooter driver, also a licensed male wearing a helmet, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained neck injuries and contusions, classified as injury severity level 3. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the SUV driver. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. This incident highlights the systemic danger posed by driver distraction in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723378 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 24 - A sedan traveling north collided with a motorcycle making an improper left turn on Grand Concourse. The motorcycle driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The sedan's front end and motorcycle's rear bumper were damaged in the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:34 on Grand Concourse in the Bronx. A sedan was traveling straight north when it collided with a motorcycle making an improper left turn. The point of impact was the sedan's center front end and the motorcycle's left rear bumper. The motorcycle driver, a 32-year-old male, was injured with contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. He was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report identifies 'Turning Improperly' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error by the motorcycle operator. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling straight, with no contributing factors noted. The collision caused significant damage to both vehicles, highlighting the danger of improper turning maneuvers in traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723336 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 23 - A sedan and pick-up truck collided head-on at Prospect Place. Both drivers suffered neck injuries with whiplash. The front passenger in the sedan was also hurt. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage. The crash caused serious but non-ejection injuries.

According to the police report, at 15:11 on Prospect Place, a 2020 Ford sedan traveling westgoing straight ahead collided with a 2021 Chevrolet pick-up truck making a right turn southeast. The point of impact was the center front end of both vehicles, causing front-end damage. The sedan had two occupants: a 40-year-old male driver and a 37-year-old male front passenger. Both were conscious but suffered neck injuries consistent with whiplash and were injured but not ejected. The pick-up truck had one occupant, the male driver, who was also injured with neck pain and whiplash. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified, but the collision involved a turning vehicle and a vehicle going straight, indicating potential driver error during the turn maneuver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719497 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 22 - A 50-year-old male driver suffered a fractured knee and lower leg in a collision on East 182 Street. The crash involved two sedans, with confusion cited as a contributing factor. The driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on East 182 Street in the Bronx at 15:26. The incident involved two sedans, one traveling west and the other parked. The driver, a 50-year-old male occupant, sustained a fracture and dislocation to his knee and lower leg. The police report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' repeatedly as a contributing factor, indicating confusion played a significant role in the crash. The driver was not ejected and remained conscious. Vehicle damage was noted on the left front bumper of the moving sedan and the right rear quarter panel of the parked sedan. No explicit driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were cited, but the confusion factor suggests a breakdown in situational awareness or right-of-way understanding.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719775 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 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

Apr 15 - A motorcycle driver without a license passed too closely to a parked SUV on Tiebout Avenue in the Bronx. The impact injured a 17-year-old passenger, causing abrasions and lower leg trauma. The passenger was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Tiebout Avenue in the Bronx at 8:26 p.m. A 2023 Taizhou motorcycle, driven by an unlicensed male operator, was traveling west and collided with a parked 2015 Honda SUV. The motorcycle struck the SUV’s right side doors with its left front quarter panel. The report identifies 'Passing Too Closely' as a contributing factor to the crash. The injured party was a 17-year-old male passenger seated in the middle rear seat of the motorcycle, who sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He remained conscious and was not ejected from the motorcycle. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the passenger’s behavior or safety equipment. The crash highlights driver error involving unsafe passing maneuvers and unlicensed operation.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717828 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 13 - A 34-year-old woman suffered knee and foot injuries and a concussion while working in the roadway on East 182 Street in the Bronx. The sedan driver made a right turn nearby. The pedestrian was conscious but seriously hurt.

According to the police report, a 34-year-old female pedestrian was injured while working in the roadway on East 182 Street near Valentine Avenue in the Bronx at 8:44 PM. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, along with a concussion, and was conscious at the scene. The involved vehicle was a 2021 Jeep sedan traveling east, operated by a licensed male driver making a right turn. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not cite any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The vehicle sustained no damage, and the point of impact was recorded as 'No Damage.' The pedestrian was not at an intersection but was actively working in the roadway when the incident occurred.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717515 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 11 - A bus and an SUV collided while both were parked on West Burnside Avenue in the Bronx. The impact injured a 52-year-old male passenger in the SUV, causing back injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:18 on West Burnside Avenue in the Bronx. The collision involved a 2015 Ford bus and a 2001 Ford SUV, both traveling east and both initially parked. The bus sustained damage to its left front bumper, and the SUV was damaged at its center front end. A 52-year-old male occupant in the SUV, seated in the left rear passenger position and restrained by a lap belt and harness, was injured with back pain and whiplash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify specific driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The crash highlights risks even when vehicles are stationary, with impact causing injury to vehicle occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716730 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 11 - Council orders DOT to reveal bike and micromobility numbers. Streets and bridges get counted. Riders’ paths mapped. City must show where safety fails and where it works. Data goes public. No more hiding the truth.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and became law September 14, 2024, as Local Law 88. The law’s title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...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, Schulman, Hudson, Restler, and others. The law forces DOT to publish monthly and annual data on bike and micromobility use, plus crash and safety project details. The city must show where riders go, where danger lurks, and what it does to fix it. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it stands.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-11

Apr 11 - Council targets hidden plates. Bill makes it a crime to park, stop, or drive with covered tags. Fines reach $1,000. Jail time possible. Committee weighs action. Streets demand accountability.

Int 0766-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on April 11, 2024. The bill reads: “prohibiting the parking, standing, stopping, or operation of a motor vehicle with obscured or defaced license plates.” Council Member Oswald Feliz leads, joined by Holden, Bottcher, Gennaro, Marte, Restler, Ung, and Paladino. The bill sets fines up to $1,000 and possible jail for violators. Each offense is a misdemeanor. The council aims to strip cover for reckless drivers, making it harder to dodge tickets and accountability. No safety analyst note yet, but the intent is clear: end the shield for lawless driving.

• File Int 0766-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-11

Apr 6 - A 32-year-old man suffered hip and upper leg injuries after being struck while crossing at a marked crosswalk without a signal. The pedestrian was conscious and sustained abrasions. The crash occurred in the Bronx near East 181 Street and Ryer Avenue.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Ryer Avenue and East 181 Street in the Bronx. The pedestrian was crossing at a marked crosswalk but without a crossing signal when the collision occurred. He sustained abrasions and injuries to his hip and upper leg, with an injury severity rated at level 3. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the driver or the pedestrian. The vehicle involved is unspecified, and no driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are noted in the data. The focus remains on the pedestrian's crossing action at the intersection without a signal.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715899 - 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