Mount Hope Bleeds: City Stalls, Bodies Fall

Council bill orders speed humps on roads beside parks over one acre. DOT can skip spots if safety or rules demand. Law aims to slow cars where families walk, run, and play.

Int 0262-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill reads: “requiring the installation of speed humps on roadways adjacent to any park equal or greater than one acre.” Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by eighteen co-sponsors. The Department of Transportation must install speed humps unless the commissioner finds a risk to safety or a conflict with DOT guidelines. The law would take effect 180 days after passage. The measure targets streets where parks meet traffic, aiming to slow cars and shield people outside vehicles.

• File Int 0262-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council urges Albany to pass SAFE Streets Act. Lower speed limits. Rights for crash victims. Safe passing for cyclists. Complete streets. City demands action as deaths rise. Streets remain deadly. Lawmakers must act.

Resolution 0090-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it calls on the state to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law') and A.1901, part of the SAFE Streets Act. The matter title: 'Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.2422... allowing New York city to establish a lower speed limit, and A.1901, enacting a crash victims bill of rights.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif leads, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Nurse, and others. The resolution demands lower speed limits, crash victim rights, safe passing for cyclists, and complete street design. It cites rising traffic deaths and the failure of current measures. The Council wants Albany to give the city real power to protect people on its streets.

• File Res 0090-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council passed a law forcing taxis and for-hire cars to post bold warnings on doors. The signs tell passengers: look for cyclists before you open up. A small step. The city hands out the decals. No cost to drivers.

Int 0193-2024 became law on May 31, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' was sponsored by Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by over twenty council members, including Gutiérrez, Hudson, and Rivera. The law mandates clear warning decals on all rear passenger doors of taxis and for-hire vehicles. The Taxi and Limousine Commission will provide the signs at no cost. The measure aims to cut down on 'dooring'—a threat to cyclists citywide. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it became law.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

A 71-year-old woman, crossing Jerome Avenue with the signal, was struck and left bleeding in the crosswalk. The driver vanished. Blood marked the intersection. No name, no car, only the echo of impact and silence.

According to the police report, a 71-year-old woman was crossing Jerome Avenue at East Burnside Avenue in the Bronx, using the crosswalk and following the signal, when she was struck by a vehicle. The report states she was found unconscious, suffering severe lacerations and injuries to her entire body. The driver did not remain at the scene; the vehicle and its operator vanished, leaving no identifying information. The narrative notes: 'A 71-year-old woman lay unconscious in the crosswalk, blood on the pavement, body torn. She crossed with the signal. A vehicle struck her and vanished.' The police report does not list any contributing factors for the driver, but the act of fleeing the scene after striking a pedestrian in a crosswalk underscores the systemic danger faced by vulnerable road users. The victim’s compliance with the crossing signal is noted only after the driver’s failure to remain at the scene.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705544 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 57-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by a backing SUV distracted by the driver. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The vehicle showed no damage, highlighting the subtle but severe impact of driver inattention.

According to the police report, a 57-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing East Burnside Avenue with the signal. The crash occurred at 14:04 when a 2013 Ford SUV, traveling southeast, was backing and struck her. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor twice, emphasizing the driver's failure to maintain awareness during the backing maneuver. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3, and remained conscious. The vehicle sustained no damage, indicating a low-speed impact but significant harm to the pedestrian. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally, but the distraction led to this dangerous collision at an intersection. No pedestrian fault or helmet use was noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704209 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

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

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

Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

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 2024-01-30

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 2024-01-30

A northbound SUV struck a 64-year-old man crossing outside the intersection on Grand Concourse. The impact bruised and injured his whole body. He stayed conscious after the crash.

According to the police report, a 64-year-old male pedestrian was struck by a northbound Jeep SUV merging on Grand Concourse in the Bronx at 18:04. The vehicle hit the pedestrian with its center front end, causing contusions and injuries to his entire body. The pedestrian remained conscious after the collision. The report lists no explicit driver errors, but notes the SUV was merging before impact. No contributing factors are specified for the driver. The pedestrian was crossing outside an intersection. No helmet or signal use is mentioned.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697743 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 37-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by a sedan on Webster Avenue in the Bronx. The vehicle’s right front bumper hit her knee and lower leg, causing abrasions. The driver’s aggressive driving and unsafe speed led to the injury.

According to the police report, a 37-year-old female pedestrian was injured at an intersection on Webster Avenue in the Bronx while crossing with the signal. The collision occurred at 7:00 PM when a 2023 Dodge sedan traveling east struck her with its right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report explicitly cites the driver’s aggressive driving and unsafe speed as contributing factors to the crash. The vehicle was going straight ahead and had four occupants at the time. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The driver’s failure to control speed and aggressive behavior created the conditions for this collision, resulting in serious injury to a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697359 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Two sedans collided at Anthony Avenue in the Bronx around 3:50 a.m. A front-seat passenger suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries with whiplash. Police cited other vehicular factors contributing to the crash, highlighting driver errors in the collision.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling north and east on Anthony Avenue collided at 3:50 a.m. in the Bronx. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the northbound vehicle and the center front end of the eastbound vehicle. The front passenger in one sedan, a 28-year-old male, sustained upper arm and shoulder injuries and complained of whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report identifies 'Other Vehicular' factors as contributing to the crash, indicating driver errors without specifying exact violations. Both drivers were licensed males from New York and New Jersey. Vehicle damage was concentrated on the left front quarter panel of one sedan and the center front end of the other. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695507 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A pedestrian crossing against the signal was struck by a southbound SUV on Valentine Avenue in the Bronx. The impact injured the man’s lower leg and knee, leaving him bruised but conscious. The driver was slowing at the time of collision.

According to the police report, a 25-year-old male pedestrian was injured on Valentine Avenue in the Bronx after being struck by a southbound 2021 Toyota SUV. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when the collision occurred. The SUV driver, a licensed female, was slowing or stopping prior to impact. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the vehicle, which sustained damage in the same area. The pedestrian suffered contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report lists the pedestrian’s action of crossing against the signal as a contributing factor, but no driver errors such as failure to yield or reckless driving are explicitly cited. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was classified as 'Other' in pedestrian role.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694740 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 57-year-old man was injured while crossing East Burnside Avenue. A sedan struck him. The driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered a hip injury and a bruise.

A 57-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing East Burnside Avenue in the Bronx. According to the police report, the driver of a sedan was making a left turn when the collision occurred. The driver was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The pedestrian was crossing with a signal when he was struck, sustaining a hip injury and a contusion. The driver was licensed and had two occupants in the vehicle at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4690820 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A sedan and a moped collided on East Burnside Avenue. Both drivers were making left turns. Two men suffered head injuries and shock. The sedan showed no damage; the moped’s front end was crushed. Aggressive driving and other vehicular factors contributed.

According to the police report, a 25-year-old rear passenger and a 21-year-old driver were injured in a collision between a sedan and a moped on East Burnside Avenue. Both vehicles were making left turns at the time of impact. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as contributing factors. The sedan sustained no damage, while the moped’s center front end was damaged. The injured occupants suffered head injuries and shock, with complaints of abrasion and minor bleeding. The driver of the sedan was licensed; the moped driver held a permit. The report does not indicate any helmet use or signaling issues.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4689042 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 50-year-old man was hit by an SUV while crossing East Burnside Avenue with the signal. The impact struck his head, causing bruising. The driver was going straight eastbound. The pedestrian was conscious but injured at the scene.

According to the police report, a 50-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being struck by a Honda SUV traveling east on East Burnside Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing at an intersection with the signal when the collision occurred. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle, which sustained damage. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion and remained conscious after the crash. The report lists no specific driver contributing factors or violations. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The crash highlights the danger pedestrians face even when crossing legally.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4688009 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa backed a bill to let food carts move two feet from the curb. Vendors, store owners, and officials clashed over safety and space. The hearing exposed deep rifts. The city’s vending laws remain a battleground.

On December 13, 2023, the City Council held a hearing on street vending legislation. Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa, representing District 10, advanced a bill to allow food carts within two feet of the curb, instead of forcing them to abut traffic. The hearing, covered by Gothamist, saw rare agreement on banning vending in bike lanes and bridges, but fierce debate over location rules. The matter summary reads: 'NY street vendors and store owners, sometimes rivals, find some common ground.' De La Rosa’s bill aims to reduce danger for vendors forced close to traffic. Erin Piscopink of the NYC BID Association warned of unclear obstruction definitions and overcrowding. Councilmember Pierina Sanchez, another leader, called for real permit reform. The bills, part of a sweeping package, could come to a vote this year.

• NY street vendors and store owners, sometimes rivals, find some common ground, gothamist.com, Published 2023-12-13

A sedan backing north on East Tremont Avenue struck a 30-year-old woman pedestrian outside an intersection. The driver was inattentive and backed unsafely. The pedestrian suffered a hip and upper leg contusion but remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 2010 Acura sedan traveling north on East Tremont Avenue was backing when it struck a 30-year-old female pedestrian not at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained a contusion to her hip and upper leg and was conscious after the crash. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Backing Unsafely." The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed in New York. The pedestrian was engaged in other actions in the roadway at the time of impact. No safety equipment or victim fault was noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687940 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07