No More Excuses: Fordham Heights Bleeds While Leaders Stall

A Toyota sedan struck a baby boy on Grand Concourse. His hip shattered. He lay broken and incoherent in the street. The night was silent. The dark pressed in. No driver error listed. The child suffered. The city watched.

A Toyota sedan hit a baby boy near Grand Concourse and East 183rd Street in the Bronx. According to the police report, the child’s hip was crushed. He lay in the street, incoherent, with severe injuries. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The boy, a pedestrian, suffered crush injuries to his hip and upper leg. No information is given about the driver’s actions or the circumstances leading up to the crash. The police report does not mention any helmet or signal use. The facts remain stark: a child was struck and gravely hurt by a car in the Bronx.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4637236 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Two vehicles crashed on East 183 Street in the Bronx. Three occupants suffered neck and shoulder injuries. Drivers distracted and speeding. Impact damaged front bumpers. Passengers wore seat belts. Shock and injury marked the scene.

According to the police report, a 2015 Nissan SUV traveling south on East 183 Street collided with a 2017 Subaru sedan traveling east. The crash involved driver inattention and unsafe speed as contributing factors. Three occupants were injured: the female SUV driver and front passenger, and the male sedan driver. Injuries included neck and shoulder trauma, all occupants were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and none were ejected. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the SUV and the left front bumper of the sedan. The report highlights driver distraction and unsafe speed as key causes, with no mention of victim fault or other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4636970 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Bronx Zoo and Botanical Garden fight bus lane upgrades on Fordham Road. They claim to support transit but lobby against changes that would speed buses for 85,000 riders. Most locals walk or ride. Advocates call out hypocrisy. Powerful voices stall safer streets.

On June 9, 2023, Bronx institutions—the Zoo and the Botanical Garden—joined others to oppose the Department of Transportation’s Fordham Road busway plan. The matter: 'Bus Advocates Target Anti-Busway ‘Hypocrites’ at Bronx Zoo and Botanical Garden.' Council Member Pierina Sanchez noted 70 percent of her district’s residents lack cars. The institutions sent a private letter to Mayor Adams, urging him to block all bus improvements. Riders Alliance and local residents accused them of hypocrisy, citing their public support for transit and environmental causes. The Botanical Garden’s representative demanded an Environmental Impact Statement, citing fears of more car traffic and pollution. Surveys show most Fordham Road shoppers walk or use transit. The opposition delays upgrades that would protect pedestrians and speed up commutes for thousands.

• Bus Advocates Target Anti-Busway ‘Hypocrites’ at Bronx Zoo and Botanical Garden, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-09

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

DOT scrapped the Fordham Road busway. Bowed to business and institutional pressure. Riders lose. Offset bus lanes will replace the plan. Bus speeds will rise less. Bronx transit users, mostly car-free, get crumbs. Political muscle wins. Streets stay dangerous.

On June 7, 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOT) canceled the Fordham Road busway plan, citing 'community concerns.' The matter, discussed with the community advisory board on May 31, shifted focus to extending offset bus lanes instead. Council Member Pierina Sanchez, representing Kingsbridge, criticized the move: "My concern with the offset bus lane is that we're not going to see significant improvements." DOT's own studies showed a busway would have improved speeds by 30 percent, but the agency predicts only a 20 percent gain with the new plan. The decision followed lobbying from business groups and institutions, despite surveys showing most Bronx residents rely on transit. Riders Alliance spokesman Danny Pearlstein called the cancellation a disservice to bus riders. The change leaves 85,000 daily commuters with slower buses and no real safety or speed gains.

• DOT Nixes Fordham Road Busway Due To ‘Community Concerns’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-07

Mothers starve for Sammy’s Law. Hochul offers sympathy, not action. Heastie keeps the bill off the floor. The law would let New York City lower speed limits. Assembly support grows. Vulnerable road users wait. Streets stay deadly. Lawmakers stall. Lives hang in the balance.

Sammy’s Law, stalled in the New York State Assembly, would let New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. On June 7, 2023, Governor Hochul expressed sympathy for hunger-striking mothers but refused to pressure Speaker Carl Heastie, who blocks the bill from a vote. The bill passed the Senate and has City Council and mayoral support. The matter summary: 'Hochul has previously expressed support for Sammy's Law, which would allow New York City to set its speed limits below 25 miles per hour.' Amy Cohen, a mother and advocate, demanded action, showing Heastie photos of victims. Seven new Assembly members, including Yudelka Tapia, Al Taylor, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, and Brian Cunningham, now back the bill, giving it majority support among NYC Assembly members. Still, the Speaker’s inaction leaves vulnerable road users exposed to speeding drivers and systemic danger.

• Hunger Strike Day 2: Gov. Hochul is ‘Sympathetic,’ But Won’t Pressure Heastie on Sammy’s Law, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-07

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

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

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

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

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

Bronx business groups and local institutions want Mayor Adams to stop bus lane improvements on Fordham Road. They claim the changes will hurt traffic and business. Data shows most shoppers arrive by transit, walking, or biking—not by car. The city weighs next steps.

On May 30, 2023, Bronx business leaders and institutions sent a letter opposing the Department of Transportation’s plan to expand bus lanes on Fordham Road. The matter, titled 'Bronx Business Leaders and Local Institutions Want to Halt Bus Fixes on Fordham Rd,' highlights their demand for Mayor Adams to halt improvements meant for 85,000 daily bus riders. The Belmont and Fordham Business Improvement Districts, along with the Bronx Zoo, New York Botanical Garden, Fordham University, Monroe College, and St. Barnabas Hospital, argue the changes would 'significantly impact crucial traffic flow' and burden side streets. State Sen. Gustavo Rivera voiced support for transit equity but awaits a traffic study. DOT claims to work with the community. Despite business concerns, advocates and city data show most shoppers use transit, walking, or biking, not cars. Similar fears about bus improvements hurting business have not come true elsewhere.

• Bronx Business Leaders and Local Institutions Want to Halt Bus Fixes on Fordham Rd, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-30

A 37-year-old woman was hit by an SUV while crossing East 183 Street at an intersection. She suffered knee and lower leg abrasions. The vehicle showed no damage. The pedestrian was conscious and injured in the Bronx.

According to the police report, a 37-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing East 183 Street at an intersection with the signal. She suffered abrasions to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The vehicle involved was a Station Wagon/SUV traveling northeast, which struck the pedestrian on its left front quarter panel. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The vehicle sustained no damage. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The crash occurred in the Bronx, zip code 10458.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633791 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Two sedans crashed on East 184 Street. One was going straight south. The other made a right turn east. A 12-year-old passenger suffered a head injury and concussion. She was conscious but unprotected by safety equipment. No ejection occurred.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on East 184 Street. One vehicle traveled straight south, striking the right front bumper of the other sedan making a right turn east. The crash injured a 12-year-old female passenger seated in the middle front seat or lying across a seat. She sustained a head injury and concussion but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not specify driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The injured passenger was not using any safety equipment. No other injuries or damages were reported. The collision involved licensed drivers operating vehicles registered in New York.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4631035 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

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

A taxi driver struck a parked SUV on Creston Avenue in the Bronx. The impact damaged the SUV's right front quarter panel. The taxi driver suffered an abrasion to his elbow and lower arm. Driver inattention caused the crash.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling south on Creston Avenue collided with a parked SUV. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the SUV and the center back end of the taxi. The taxi driver, a 39-year-old male, was injured with abrasions to his elbow and lower arm but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No other vehicles or pedestrians were reported injured. The SUV was unoccupied and sustained damage to its right front quarter panel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629271 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Taxi slams into e-scooter in the Bronx. Rider, age 27, thrown hard, suffers head wounds and abrasions. Metal twisted. Blood on the street. The city grinds on.

According to the police report, a taxi heading south on Ryer Avenue collided with an eastbound e-scooter. The 27-year-old e-scooter driver was ejected and suffered head injuries and abrasions. The taxi's front end and the scooter's right side were damaged. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the e-scooter driver. No driver errors are listed for the taxi. The e-scooter rider wore no safety equipment. The taxi driver was licensed and driving straight at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4621112 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A pickup truck struck the rear of a stopped SUV on East Fordham Road. The SUV driver, a 71-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and shock. The crash was caused by the pickup truck following too closely. Both vehicles traveled westbound.

According to the police report, a 71-year-old female driver of a 2016 SUV was stopped in traffic on East Fordham Road when a 2006 pickup truck traveling westbound struck the left rear bumper of her vehicle. The SUV driver sustained back injuries and was in shock, reporting pain and nausea. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor for the crash. The pickup truck driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the stopped SUV, causing the collision. There is no mention of any contributing factors related to the victim or safety equipment. The impact damaged the center back end of the SUV and the right front bumper of the pickup truck.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4621451 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A sedan struck a cyclist head-on near midnight. The impact threw the rider, leaving him bruised and battered. Police blamed aggressive driving. The cyclist survived, hurt but conscious.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old male bicyclist was hit by a northbound Ford sedan on Grand Concourse. The cyclist, traveling south, was ejected from his bike and suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. Police cited aggressive driving and road rage by the sedan driver as contributing factors. The report notes the cyclist was not wearing any safety equipment, but this is mentioned only after the driver’s actions. No other driver errors were listed. The cyclist remained conscious after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4619461 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A motorbike collided with a sedan making a left turn on Webster Avenue in the Bronx. The unlicensed motorcyclist was ejected and suffered abrasions and full-body injuries. The sedan’s right side was damaged. Unsafe speed was a factor.

According to the police report, a motorbike traveling south struck the right side doors of a sedan making a left turn northeast on Webster Avenue. The motorbike driver, a 27-year-old male, was ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to his entire body. The motorcyclist was unlicensed. The sedan driver was licensed and female. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor. The motorcyclist wore a helmet, but the crash impact and ejection caused serious injury. The sedan’s right side doors were damaged at the point of impact. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4616475 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05