Norwood Bleeds While Leaders Stall

Red-light running kills. Twenty-nine dead last year. Highest ever. Reckless drivers surge post-pandemic. City report demands more cameras—jump from 150 to 1,325 intersections. Officials back the bill. Victims’ families demand action. Cameras cut crashes. But the most dangerous drivers remain loose.

On March 20, 2024, the Department of Transportation released a report urging passage of a bill to expand New York City’s red-light camera program. The bill, supported by DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and sponsored by State Senator Andrew Goundardes, would boost camera coverage from 150 to 1,325 intersections—about 10% of the city’s 13,700 signals. The report states: “Expanding the number of intersections with red light cameras... could substantially enhance the deterrent effect of the program and return New York City to the consistently downward trend of red light-running behavior we had seen prior to the pandemic.” Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz also supports expansion, calling for cameras at every intersection. The DOT notes that cameras have slashed T-bone crashes by 65% and rear-end collisions by 49% at monitored sites, but the statutory cap blocks broader safety gains. Relatives of crash victims joined the call, demanding the city confront driver negligence and protect the community.

• DOT Report: Rise in Red Light Running Shows Need for More Cameras, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-20

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

Council wants every e-bike and scooter tagged and tracked. Plates on wheels. Riders face new rules. Lawmakers say it’s about order. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait.

Int 0606-2024 was introduced on March 7, 2024, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring that every bicycle with electric assist, electric scooter and other legal motorized vehicle be licensed and registered," would force all e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles not covered by DMV rules to register with DOT and display visible plates. Council Member Inna Vernikov is the primary sponsor, joined by 26 co-sponsors including Holden, Farías, Riley, and others. The bill was laid over in committee and has not advanced. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• File Int 0606-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

A sedan turning left struck a 2-year-old crossing with the signal on Bainbridge Avenue. The child suffered a head contusion. Police cite failure to yield and traffic control disregard by the driver.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Bainbridge Avenue made a left turn and struck a 2-year-old boy who was crossing at the intersection with the signal. The child sustained a head contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and disregard for traffic control as contributing factors. The point of impact was the center front end of the sedan. The pedestrian’s action—crossing with the signal—is noted but not cited as a cause. Driver errors, including failure to yield and ignoring traffic controls, led to this injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707259 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 43-year-old man working in the roadway was struck and injured in the Bronx. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing knee and lower leg contusions. The pedestrian remained conscious but suffered serious bruising and trauma.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:10 in the Bronx near Steuben Avenue. A 43-year-old male pedestrian, described as working in the roadway, was injured when a vehicle failed to yield right-of-way. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor to the collision. The pedestrian sustained injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruises, and was conscious at the scene. The vehicle involved is unspecified, with no details on make, model, or driver information. The report does not cite any contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior or safety equipment. The focus remains on the driver's failure to yield, which directly led to the pedestrian's injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707528 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council Members Marte and Dinowitz push for covered bike parking in parks and city buildings. The bill demands weather-proof shelters and storage, aiming to meet the city’s cycling surge. Lawmakers want fewer cars, more bikes, and safer streets for all.

On February 29, 2024, Council Member Chris Marte introduced a bill in the New York City Council requiring covered bike parking in parks and city-owned buildings. The bill, co-sponsored by Council Member Eric Dinowitz, is under committee review. The legislation states, 'the city would have to install between one and five weather-proof enclosures with six to eight spaces apiece, depending on the size of the park.' Parks over 2.5 acres must have at least one shelter; parks over 250 acres need five. City buildings over 10,000 square feet, including public schools, must provide bike storage for workers and visitors. Marte said, 'If we want to get off the reliance of people commuting by car, we have to offer them alternative ways to get there.' The Parks Department and city agencies must report on implementation or explain impracticality. This bill targets safer, more accessible bike infrastructure for New Yorkers.

• Pols Want Covered Bike Parking at Parks, City Buildings, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-29

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

A 22-year-old moped driver was ejected and injured after colliding with a sedan on Bainbridge Avenue. Police cited driver inexperience and other vehicular factors. The crash left the rider in shock, wounded on knee and leg.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male moped driver was making a right turn on Bainbridge Avenue in the Bronx when his moped struck the left front bumper of a northbound sedan. The impact ejected the moped driver, causing injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and leaving him in shock. The report lists 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors. No other contributing factors or victim actions were noted. The collision highlights the dangers of inexperience and vehicle operation on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700172 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided on Mosholu Parkway. The rear car’s driver, a 52-year-old woman, suffered head trauma and whiplash. Both cars took damage. Police list contributing factors as unspecified.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling south on Mosholu Parkway collided. The lead car’s left front bumper struck the center back end of the trailing sedan. The 52-year-old woman driving the rear car was injured, suffering head trauma and whiplash. She was conscious and not ejected. The report lists her contributing factors as unspecified. Both drivers were licensed and driving straight. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are specified in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699428 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

Albany weighs bills A5259 and S2812 to keep and expand red-light cameras past December. Assembly Member Dinowitz and Senator Gounardes push for more cameras. DOT data shows fewer violations and crashes. Advocates demand action. The cap leaves neighborhoods exposed. Lives hang in the balance.

Bills A5259 and S2812 face debate in the New York State legislature. If lawmakers fail to act, the city’s red-light cameras—now capped at 150 intersections—will shut off December 1, 2024. The matter, described as 'reauthorize and expand the city's red-light camera program,' is championed by Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz and Senate co-sponsor Andrew Gounardes. Dinowitz, the sponsor, urges expansion, stating, 'We should have red-light cameras on every intersection.' Gounardes expects a review and expansion. DOT data backs them: violations and rear-end crashes have dropped at camera sites. Residents like Amy Bettys call the cap dangerous. Advocacy groups support the bills, though they are not a top priority. Dinowitz stresses automated enforcement is vital with limited police. The bills await committee action. Vulnerable road users face risk if the program lapses.

• Better Red Than Dead: Albany Takes Up Camera Reauthorization, Expansion, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-25

A BMW sedan plowed into a moped on Mosholu Parkway, shattering the night. The rider, thrown and killed, lay motionless. The police report cites traffic control disregarded. The moped twisted, the street stained, danger unchecked.

A deadly collision unfolded on Mosholu Parkway near Bainbridge Avenue in the Bronx at 12:05 a.m. According to the police report, a BMW sedan struck a moped at the front, ejecting the 35-year-old moped rider and causing fatal head injuries. The report states, 'Traffic signal ignored.' The moped lay twisted in the dark, its rider showing no pulse. The contributing factor listed is 'Traffic Control Disregarded,' highlighting the BMW driver's failure to obey a traffic signal. The moped rider was unlicensed and wore no helmet, as noted in the police report, but these details are mentioned only after the primary driver error. The crash underscores the lethal consequences when drivers disregard traffic controls, with the vulnerable moped rider bearing the brunt of systemic danger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692380 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A driver was injured in a collision on Mosholu Parkway. The impact was severe. The driver suffered whiplash. No one was ejected. The road was slippery.

A crash occurred on Mosholu Parkway in the Bronx, injuring a 32-year-old male driver. According to the police report, the driver experienced whiplash and sustained a neck injury. The contributing factors included 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded.' The slippery pavement also played a role in the incident. The driver was not ejected and was conscious at the scene.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691866 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A pedestrian was struck by an SUV in the Bronx. The victim suffered serious injuries. The driver was backing unsafely and passing too closely. The incident occurred on East 204 Street.

A pedestrian was injured after being struck by a 2019 Alfa SUV in the Bronx. The victim, a male, was crossing without a signal or crosswalk when the vehicle backed into him. According to the police report, the driver failed to yield while backing unsafely and passing too closely. The pedestrian sustained a fractured and dislocated knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver was licensed and had no damage to the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691860 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 25-year-old woman was hit on Bainbridge Avenue while crossing with the signal. The sedan failed to yield right-of-way. She suffered a hip and upper leg contusion. The driver showed no damage to the vehicle. The pedestrian remained conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Bainbridge Avenue struck a 25-year-old female pedestrian crossing at an intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and remained conscious after the impact. The report lists the driver's failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor. The sedan showed no damage, and the driver was licensed. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The pedestrian was not at fault and was crossing legally when the collision occurred.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4683551 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Toyota sedan hit a 57-year-old man at dawn on Mosholu Parkway. Metal crushed his face. He stayed conscious. The car rolled on, untouched. The street held its breath. Blood marked the quiet morning.

A 57-year-old man was struck and seriously injured by a Toyota sedan on Mosholu Parkway near Bainbridge Avenue in the Bronx. According to the police report, the crash occurred at dawn as the man was in the roadway. The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. The sedan, traveling east, hit the man with its undercarriage, causing severe facial injuries. The victim remained conscious at the scene. The police report notes that the vehicle showed no damage. No driver errors were cited in the data. The Parkway stayed still as emergency crews responded.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4683135 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 38-year-old woman was struck by an SUV on East 204 Street. She was crossing with the signal when the vehicle disregarded traffic control. The pedestrian suffered a hip and upper leg contusion but remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 38-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing East 204 Street with the signal. The driver of a 2019 Infiniti SUV, traveling east, failed to obey traffic control, striking the pedestrian at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained a contusion to her hip and upper leg and was conscious after the impact. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as the contributing factor. The SUV showed no visible damage, and the driver was licensed. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4683561 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

E-bike slammed into a man crossing East Gun Hill Road with the signal. Both struck hard. Both suffered head wounds. Illness and inattention listed. The street bore the mark of impact.

According to the police report, an e-bike traveling west on East Gun Hill Road struck a 45-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing with the signal. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion and remained conscious. The 31-year-old e-bike driver was ejected and also sustained a head contusion. Both were injured and alert at the scene. The report lists illness and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The point of impact was the center front end of the e-bike. The driver wore no safety equipment. The pedestrian was lawfully crossing with the signal.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4682468 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A motorcycle struck the right side of an ambulance making a U-turn on Jerome Avenue in the Bronx. The 20-year-old male motorcyclist suffered shoulder and upper arm abrasions. The ambulance driver was female and alone. Failure to yield caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 2023 motorcycle traveling south collided with a 2017 ambulance making a U-turn northbound on Jerome Avenue in the Bronx. The motorcycle struck the ambulance's right side doors with its front center end. The motorcyclist, a 20-year-old male driver, sustained abrasions and injuries to his shoulder and upper arm but was conscious and not ejected. The ambulance had one female occupant. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The motorcyclist was licensed in New York. The ambulance's pre-crash action was making a U-turn, which led to the point of impact on its right side.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4667599 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Assembly bill A 8079 would force scooter riders to get licensed, insured, and schooled. No license, no sale. Lawmakers push paperwork, not street fixes. Vulnerable users still face the same steel threat.

Assembly Bill A 8079, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Filed September 27, 2023, it aims to require a safety manual, licensing, and insurance for electric scooter operators in New York City. The bill summary reads: 'Establishes a bicycle and electric scooter operator's safety manual; provides for the issuance of a license...; requires liability insurance for electric scooters in cities having a population of one million or more.' Assembly Member John Zaccaro Jr. leads, with Rebecca Seawright, Michael Benedetto, Deborah Glick, Jeffrion Aubry, David McDonough, and Michael Novakhov co-sponsoring. The bill targets paperwork and compliance. It does not address the core dangers faced by pedestrians and cyclists on city streets.

• File A 8079, Open States, Published 2023-09-27