Hit, Run, Forgotten: Bronx Streets Bleed While City Stalls

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

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

A car hit a man head-on at West Fordham Road and Loring Place North. His head split. Blood pooled by the curb. He tried to speak but could not. The driver was new. The night stayed silent.

A 41-year-old pedestrian was struck head-on by a vehicle at West Fordham Road and Loring Place North in the Bronx. According to the police report, 'The driver was new behind the wheel.' The man suffered severe head lacerations and was left incoherent at the scene. The only contributing factor listed is 'Driver Inexperience.' The impact was to the center front end of the vehicle. No other contributing factors, such as helmet or signal use, are noted in the data. The crash left the pedestrian gravely injured, with blood pooling by the curb.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634415 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

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

A sedan struck the rear of a bus while both made right turns on Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx. The sedan driver, a 35-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash. The crash was caused by following too closely.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old male sedan driver was injured after rear-ending a bus on Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx. Both vehicles were making right turns when the collision occurred. The sedan sustained damage to its center back end, while the bus was damaged at its center front end. The driver was conscious and wearing a lap belt but suffered back injuries and whiplash. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The bus had no occupants at the time.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4635902 - 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 2023-05-31

A 42-year-old woman crossing Jerome Avenue with the signal was struck by an e-scooter traveling north. The scooter hit her center front end. She suffered a concussion and upper leg injuries. The driver failed to yield and was speeding.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured after being struck by an e-scooter on Jerome Avenue near East Kingsbridge Road in the Bronx. The 42-year-old woman was crossing with the signal when the e-scooter, traveling north and going straight ahead, hit her at the center front end. The pedestrian sustained a concussion and upper leg injuries. The report lists the driver’s errors as unsafe speed and failure to yield right-of-way. The crash caused damage to the scooter’s center front end. No safety equipment or helmet use was noted. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633829 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A bus and a bicyclist collided on West Fordham Road. The 48-year-old cyclist suffered knee and lower leg abrasions. Both vehicles traveled west. Driver inattention caused the crash. The bicyclist remained conscious and was not ejected.

According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle collided on West Fordham Road. The bicyclist, a 48-year-old man, was injured with abrasions to his knee and lower leg. He was conscious and not ejected from his bike. Both vehicles were traveling west and going straight ahead at the time of the crash. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both the bus and the bicyclist. The bus showed no damage, and the point of impact was the bike's left front bumper. No safety equipment was noted for the bicyclist. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632160 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Two sedans slammed together on the Major Deegan. Passenger distraction played a role. A driver and a rear passenger suffered neck injuries and shock. Metal twisted at the front and back ends.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on the Major Deegan Expressway at 12:20 a.m. Both vehicles were traveling south, going straight. The left front bumper of one sedan struck the center back end of the other. The crash injured a 51-year-old driver and a 22-year-old rear passenger. Both suffered neck injuries and shock. The report lists passenger distraction as a contributing factor. No other driver errors were specified. The driver wore a lap belt; the passenger's safety equipment is unknown. The collision caused damage to the center front and back ends of the vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629125 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

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

Two tractor trucks crashed on Major Deegan. One driver suffered shoulder and arm injuries. Police cite improper lane use and unsafe lane change. Metal twisted. The driver was conscious and strapped in.

According to the police report, two diesel tractor trucks collided on the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx. One driver, a 31-year-old man, was injured with shoulder and upper arm trauma and whiplash. He was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" and "Unsafe Lane Changing" as contributing factors, pointing to driver error in lane management. Both trucks sustained damage to their front quarter panels. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629446 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Two cars slammed head-on. Metal screamed. A young man bled from the face, trapped in the front seat. Both drivers, women, hurt. Alcohol fueled the crash. The SUV rolled south. The sedan stopped. The night stayed cold and loud.

A head-on collision on the Major Deegan Expressway left three people injured. According to the police report, two vehicles—a sedan and an SUV—struck each other front-to-front at 2:50 a.m. A 22-year-old male passenger suffered severe bleeding from the face. Both drivers, women, were also hurt. The report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' as a contributing factor. The SUV continued south after the crash; the sedan did not. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. According to the police report, driver impairment led to this violent impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4627829 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 38-year-old woman riding front passenger in an SUV suffered elbow and lower arm injuries. The driver reacted to an uninvolved vehicle, causing a collision on the Major Deegan Expressway. The passenger was not ejected but experienced shock and pain.

According to the police report, a 2018 Honda SUV traveling south on the Major Deegan Expressway collided due to the driver’s reaction to an uninvolved vehicle. The front passenger, a 38-year-old woman, was injured with elbow and lower arm trauma and reported pain and nausea. The vehicle sustained damage to the right front quarter panel and bumper. The driver was licensed and going straight ahead at the time. The report lists 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' as the primary contributing factor. The passenger was not ejected but experienced shock. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4619993 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07