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

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

A moped driver without a license struck a pedestrian crossing West Fordham Road outside an intersection. The pedestrian suffered a head injury and shock. The driver was ejected and injured in the crash. Impact occurred at the moped’s left front bumper.

According to the police report, a male moped driver, unlicensed in New York, was traveling north on West Fordham Road at 11:38 AM when his vehicle's left front bumper struck a male pedestrian crossing in a marked crosswalk but not at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained a head injury and was in shock. The driver, aged 29, was ejected from the moped and suffered an upper arm injury. The report lists no specific contributing factors but highlights the driver’s unlicensed status and the point of impact as the left front bumper. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal, but no contributing factor was assigned to the pedestrian. The crash caused injury severity level 3 for both individuals, underscoring the dangers posed by unlicensed vehicle operation and the vulnerability of pedestrians outside intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721518 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A new state bill would let New York City street sweepers use cameras to catch cars blocking cleaning routes. Repeat offenders rack up most tickets. Lawmakers say dirty streets and blocked drains endanger everyone. The law would sunset in 2029.

Assembly Bill (unnumbered) was introduced by Brooklyn Assembly Member Brian Cunningham on April 25, 2024. The bill is pending in the state legislature. It would allow New York City to mount enforcement cameras on street sweepers to ticket cars parked illegally during street cleaning hours. The bill summary states it 'fulfills the Sanitation Department's longstanding ask for help getting vehicles out of the way of road-cleaning operations.' Cunningham, who sponsors the bill, said, 'Dirty streets are totally unacceptable.' Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch supports the change, noting that state law must allow automated ticketing. Uptown Manhattan State Senator Robert Jackson introduced a similar Senate bill. The law would phase in after a year and expire by mid-2029, giving officials time to assess its impact. No formal safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• Street Sweepers Could Nab Illegal Parking Under State Bill, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-04-25

A moped traveling north on East Kingsbridge Road struck a 9-year-old girl crossing outside a crosswalk. The child suffered facial abrasions. According to the police report, the driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing the collision and injury.

At 19:17, a moped driven by a licensed male operator traveling north on East Kingsbridge Road collided with a 9-year-old female pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk. According to the police report, the point of impact was the moped's right front bumper, damaging the vehicle's center front end. The pedestrian sustained abrasions to her face and was conscious at the scene. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the crash, attributing fault to the moped driver. The pedestrian's crossing location was noted as 'Pedestrian Not at Intersection,' but no contributing factors related to the victim were listed. This incident highlights the dangers posed by drivers failing to yield to pedestrians, resulting in serious injury to a vulnerable child.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717756 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs slammed together on West Fordham Road in the Bronx. One driver, 54, took a hard hit to the neck. Police blamed driver inattention. Metal twisted. No pedestrians or cyclists involved.

According to the police report, two station wagons/SUVs collided on West Fordham Road near the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx at 5 p.m. The 54-year-old male driver of one SUV suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead before the crash. The impact struck the left front bumper and side doors of one SUV and the right front bumper of the other. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Both drivers held valid licenses. The report highlights distraction behind the wheel as a key factor in this violent collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716685 - 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

Assembly bill A 9415 orders $90 million for faster, more reliable buses and fare-free rides. Sponsors demand the MTA report every dollar. Streets could shift. Riders wait.

Assembly bill A 9415, introduced March 14, 2024, sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Enacts the get congestion pricing right act,' directs the MTA to spend $45 million to improve bus frequency and reliability, and another $45 million to expand fare-free bus pilots in New York City. Sponsors Zohran Mamdani (36), Yudelka Tapia (86), Jo Anne Simon (52), and Alex Bores (73) back the move. The bill requires the MTA to report on these investments. No safety analyst has yet assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• File A 9415, Open States, Published 2024-03-14

A 15-year-old boy suffered facial injuries and shock after a vehicle struck him at an intersection on West 184 Street. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle, traveling north, impacted his face with the right front bumper.

According to the police report, a 15-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of West 184 Street and Grand Avenue in the Bronx at 13:57. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a vehicle traveling north, going straight ahead, struck him with its center front end, damaging the right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained facial injuries causing minor bleeding and was reported to be in shock. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver, and no driver errors such as failure to yield are cited. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not identified as a contributing factor. The vehicle had no occupants and the driver’s details are unspecified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717383 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan struck a 40-year-old male pedestrian at East Kingsbridge Road and Grand Concourse. The victim suffered a head abrasion and was conscious at the scene. Driver inattention caused the collision late at night in the Bronx.

According to the police report, a 40-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being struck by a sedan traveling west on East Kingsbridge Road near Grand Concourse in the Bronx at 11:26 p.m. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when the crash occurred. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the collision. The sedan, a 2012 Kia operated by a licensed male driver from New York, was stopped in traffic before impact, which occurred at the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained a head abrasion but remained conscious. The vehicle sustained no damage. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the pedestrian beyond crossing against the signal, emphasizing the driver's failure to maintain attention as the critical cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708619 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council bill demands DOT fix NYCHA sidewalks first. Seniors come before all. Broken walks trip, injure, kill. Law forces city to show its work. No more hiding behind red tape.

Bill Int 0504-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced March 7, 2024. It orders the DOT to prioritize sidewalk repairs at NYCHA sites, with senior housing first. The bill summary reads: 'establishing priority for sidewalk repairs at developments operated by the New York city housing authority.' Sponsors include Alexa Avilés (primary), Shaun Abreu, Shahana K. Hanif, Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Sandy Nurse, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Pierina Ana Sanchez, Lincoln Restler, Rafael Salamanca, Jr., and Farah N. Louis. The law also requires public reporting of repairs and timelines. Sidewalk neglect endangers NYCHA residents—this bill aims to force action and transparency.

• File Int 0504-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

A 21-year-old male driver suffered full-body injuries after a crash on the Major Deegan Expressway. The sedan struck an object head-on. Police cite driver inattention and distraction as the cause. The driver was restrained but experienced shock and pain.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on the Major Deegan Expressway at 3:35 AM. The vehicle, a 2007 Honda sedan traveling north, impacted an object with its center front end. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected but suffered injuries to his entire body and was in shock. The report explicitly states 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor twice, indicating driver error as the cause. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The driver’s license was valid and from New York. The crash resulted in vehicle damage concentrated at the center front end.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4706807 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs collided on West Fordham Road at 3:30 a.m. The male driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited unsafe speed as a contributing factor. Both vehicles sustained front bumper damage in the crash.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on West Fordham Road at 3:30 a.m. One vehicle, a 2011 Nissan SUV, was making a left turn traveling east, while the other, a 2008 Acura SUV, was going straight west. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the Nissan and the right front bumper of the Acura. The male driver of one SUV, age 32, was injured with head trauma and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the crash. No other contributing factors were specified. Both vehicles had front bumper damage. The report does not indicate any fault or error on the part of the injured driver beyond the unsafe speed cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4706801 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council moves to expand Open Streets on busy holidays. More hours. More car-free blocks. Pedestrians and cyclists get space when crowds surge. Streets shift from traffic to people. Danger drops. The city listens to neighborhoods.

Bill Int 0270-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it amends city code to require the Department of Transportation to expand Open Streets hours on holidays with heavy foot traffic—Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day, Halloween, and others. The bill reads: 'special activation of the Open Streets program on certain holidays and time periods with significant pedestrian traffic.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rivera, Brooks-Powers, Louis, Nurse, Ossé, Sanchez, Cabán, Banks, Avilés, Riley, Salaam, Hanif, Feliz, Won, Restler, and Joseph. Community groups can suggest more dates. The city must review all requests under the same standards as regular Open Streets. This bill aims to give people the street when they need it most.

• File Int 0270-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill demands NYPD track every time cops use cars as weapons. No more hiding behind vague stats. Each crash, each injury, must be counted. The city moves closer to truth.

Int 0255-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by Hudson, Won, Hanif, Bottcher, Brewer, Avilés, Abreu, Ossé, Krishnan, Williams, Cabán, Nurse, Sanchez, and at the Brooklyn Borough President's request. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to use of force incidents involving police department use of a motor vehicle.' It forces the NYPD to report every use of a car to control a subject. No more lumping these acts with other force. The bill aims for hard numbers and real accountability. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, passengers—will no longer be invisible in police data.

• File Int 0255-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

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

Dump truck turned left, struck SUV head-on. Passenger, 59, thrown partway out, suffered head injury. Police cite improper turn. Metal, glass, blood. Driver error, city danger.

According to the police report, a dump truck making a left turn collided head-on with an eastbound SUV on West Fordham Road near Andrews Avenue in the Bronx at 15:10. The SUV carried two people. The front passenger, a 59-year-old man, was partially ejected and suffered a head injury and whiplash, classified as injury severity level 3. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' as the contributing factor, pointing to the dump truck driver's error. Both drivers were licensed in New York. No contributing factors are listed for the passenger. The crash shows the risk when large vehicles turn improperly on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704164 - 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