No More Excuses: Demand Safe Streets Before Another Life Is Lost

Aug 27 - City plans to widen Park Avenue medians north of Grand Central. Officials promise greenery and safety. No commitment yet on protected bike lanes. Advocates push for cycling space. Public input will follow. The corridor remains dangerous for riders and walkers.

On August 27, 2024, the city announced a plan to redesign and widen Park Avenue medians between 46th and 57th Streets. The project, not yet assigned a bill number, is led by Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. The plan aims to make Park Avenue 'greener, safer and more welcoming,' but leaves out key details: 'All ideas are welcome,' Rodriguez said, refusing to commit to a protected bike lane. Rep. Jerry Nadler voiced support for sustainable transit, including Citi Bike. Advocates like Jon Orcutt highlighted the lack of bike lanes in the area, calling for urgent action. The Request for Proposals is open for four weeks to women and minority-owned firms, with public input to follow. The absence of a protected bike lane keeps vulnerable road users at risk.

• City Will Put the ‘Park’ Back in Park Ave., But Details (Bike Lane? Road Diet?) Are Left Out, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-27

Aug 25 - A Ford SUV traveling south struck the right side doors of a Toyota sedan making a right turn on West 231 Street in the Bronx. The sedan’s front passenger, a 20-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and shock. Both drivers were licensed New Yorkers.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:53 PM on West 231 Street in the Bronx. A 2016 Ford SUV was traveling straight south when it collided with the left front bumper of a 2012 Toyota sedan that was making a right turn. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the SUV’s right side doors. The sedan had two occupants; the front passenger, a 20-year-old female, sustained neck injuries and was in shock but was not ejected. She was wearing a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the injured passenger but does not specify driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The collision’s impact and resulting injuries highlight the dangers of side impacts during turning maneuvers in Bronx traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4751835 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 21 - A 36-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck at a Bronx intersection. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee and lower leg.

According to the police report, a 36-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection in the Bronx near 5510 Broadway. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. She sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The vehicle involved was traveling south, going straight ahead, and sustained no damage. The driver’s errors—failure to yield and distraction—were central to the crash, highlighting systemic dangers at this location.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4750288 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 20 - A parked SUV struck a taxi on Marble Hill Avenue. The taxi driver, a 50-year-old man, suffered a back injury and burn. Both vehicles were initially parked. The crash left the driver conscious but hurt.

According to the police report, a crash occurred at 7:45 a.m. on Marble Hill Avenue in the Bronx. A parked SUV collided with a parked taxi. The taxi driver, a 50-year-old man, was injured with a moderate back injury and burn. He remained conscious after the crash. The report lists 'unspecified' as the contributing factor and does not detail specific driver errors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The incident shows the risks faced by vehicle occupants, even when vehicles are stationary.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4753232 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 16 - DOT delays Fourth Avenue’s ‘Great Street’ project, pushing Phase I to August 2025. Cyclists face erased bike lanes and forced merges with traffic. Community demands safety, but DOT waives protections. Illegal parking chokes lanes. Promised upgrades stall. Danger lingers.

The Fourth Avenue ‘Great Street’ capital project, first announced in 2017, faces another setback. The Department of Transportation (DOT) told Community Board 7 that Phase I, meant to bolster medians and add plantings, will now finish in August 2025—over a year late. Phase II, which would add concrete to painted bike zones, won’t start until 2026. DOT erased protected bike lanes during construction, forcing cyclists into traffic. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez admitted waiving Local Law 124, which requires temporary bike lanes, citing traffic concerns. Community Board 7, led by Katherine Walsh, called out DOT’s failure to address illegal parking and equity. Advocates like Jon Orcutt and John Tomac condemned the agency’s logic and lack of safety measures. Despite the $60-million Vision Zero promise, Brooklyn’s vulnerable road users remain exposed as the city delays real protection.

• Brooklyn’s Fourth Ave. ‘Great Street’ Delayed … Again, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-16

Aug 16 - MTA leaders blasted the city for killing Fordham Road bus lane upgrades. Paint and ticket blitzes failed. Bus speeds barely moved. Riders remain stuck in traffic. Cars clog lanes. Promised fixes scrapped. Advocates demand real action. The city stalls. Riders suffer.

On August 16, 2024, MTA officials sent a scathing letter to DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, criticizing the city’s decision to abandon plans to upgrade Fordham Road’s curbside bus lanes to offset bus lanes. The letter, signed by outgoing NYCT President Richard Davey and interim successor Demetrius Crichlow, called the city’s paint-and-enforcement approach a 'total bust.' The MTA cited new data showing bus speeds increased just 2–4 percent since October 2022—far below the 15 percent target. The matter summary reads: 'The Fordham Road project enjoys widespread support from transit advocacy groups, and Fordham Road bus riders, who have been enduring slow service for decades.' Council involvement is not specified, but the MTA’s letter and Riders Alliance’s Danny Pearlstein both demand stronger measures. The city’s inaction leaves Bronx bus riders stranded in slow traffic, with vulnerable road users paying the price for political compromise.

• FOIL’D: MTA Leadership Assailed DOT for Failing to Boost Fordham Road Bus Speeds, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-16

Aug 15 - City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

Aug 15 - City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

Aug 15 - City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

Aug 14 - A 39-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries while crossing with the signal at a Bronx intersection. The vehicle struck him from the north, causing minor bleeding and shock. The crash exposed dangers despite pedestrian right-of-way.

According to the police report, a 39-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of West 231 Street and Riverdale Avenue in the Bronx at 10:49 p.m. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a vehicle traveling north went straight ahead and struck him. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with minor bleeding and shock noted. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify driver errors explicitly. The vehicle impact point and damage are marked as 'Other,' indicating a non-standard collision area. The pedestrian was not at fault, as he was crossing legally with the signal. This crash highlights the persistent risk to pedestrians even when following crossing rules.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4749138 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 5 - Adams and the Council cut roadside dining to a sliver. Outdoor tables now fill just 0.09 percent of parking spots. Most sheds will vanish. The city’s car-first streets return. Small businesses and advocates call the rollback a loss for public space.

On August 5, 2024, the Adams administration finalized its new outdoor dining policy, shrinking the pandemic-era program. The city now allows roadside dining only from April to November, with just 1,315 restaurants applying for street setups. Another 1,277 sought year-round sidewalk cafes. The matter, described as a 'massive scaleback,' drew criticism from advocates and business owners. Jackson Chabot of Open Plans said, 'It’s mind boggling that New York City is actually regressing back to more car-centered streets.' Restaurateurs like Charlotta Janssen and Robert Sanfiz warned that new seasonal rules and costly storage will force many to abandon outdoor dining. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called the program 'the largest and best in America,' but critics say the city missed a chance to reclaim space from cars and support vulnerable road users.

• SPLAT: Adams Administration’s Squeeze on Roadside Dining is Complete, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-05

Aug 3 - A 10-year-old boy suffered neck injuries and shock as a front-seat passenger in a Bronx sedan crash. The collision involved two vehicles turning at an intersection. The child was restrained with a lap belt and harness and reported pain and nausea.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:13 AM near 5510 Broadway in the Bronx. Two vehicles were involved: one making a left turn and the other a northbound sedan making a right turn. The sedan's left front bumper struck the other vehicle's center front end. A 10-year-old male occupant seated in the front passenger seat of the sedan was injured, sustaining neck injuries and experiencing shock. He was restrained with a lap belt and harness and complained of pain and nausea. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield. The driver of the sedan was a licensed female from New York. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved in this collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4749130 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 30 - City Council and Mayor Adams cut outdoor dining. Only 1,300 restaurants applied—down from 12,500 at the pandemic’s peak. New rules force seasonal setups, tough for small owners. Roadway dining nearly vanishes. Public space returns to cars. Advocates call it a missed chance.

On July 30, 2024, New York City’s outdoor dining program faced a sharp drop. Only 1,300 restaurants applied for permits, compared to 12,500 during the pandemic. The City Council and Mayor Adams changed the law, allowing roadway dining only seasonally. Eateries must set up each March and tear down by December, a heavy lift for small businesses. The Department of Transportation, led by Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, issued a 'last call' for applications. Rodriguez said, 'Outdoor dining enriches our communities, and we're excited to make it a permanent feature of New York City streets.' Yet, only 23 roadway setups are pending approval. Advocates like Jackson Chabot of Open Plans argue the city should allow year-round use, calling the decline a missed opportunity for public space and safety. The new design rules—no roofs or sides—leave some owners feeling exposed and unsafe. The city’s move shifts space back to cars, shrinking safe zones for pedestrians and diners.

• About 1,300 Restaurants Apply For Outdoor Dining — 90% Drop From Pandemic’s Height, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-30

Jul 26 - Atlantic Avenue gets a lifeline. New mid-block crossings, concrete islands, and curb extensions aim to slow cars and protect people. Local leaders call it overdue. For years, crashes haunted this corridor. Now, the city moves to put people before traffic.

On July 26, 2024, Council Member Lincoln Restler announced major street safety upgrades for Atlantic Avenue in District 33. The project, led by NYC DOT, brings mid-block crossings, concrete pedestrian islands, curb enhancements, and split-phase signals to one of Brooklyn’s deadliest corridors. The matter, titled 'Atlantic Avenue upgrade: Locals celebrate major safety fixes coming to dangerous corridor,' highlights years of advocacy after repeated crashes. Restler, who has long pushed for these changes, praised the progress: 'Atlantic Avenue has been extremely dangerous my whole life. I'm excited by the progress we're making in partnership with DOT to expand mid-block crossings and other smart interventions to slow down cars and advance safety in our community.' The announcement follows a deadly crash last spring and is part of the city’s Vision Zero push. Local officials and advocates say these changes mark a crucial step in ending the street’s legacy of danger and death.

• Atlantic Avenue upgrade: Locals celebrate major safety fixes coming to dangerous corridor, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-07-26

Jul 17 - Three sedans collided on the Major Deegan Expressway in a chain reaction. Two drivers and one passenger suffered moderate injuries, including head and abdominal trauma. Police cited driver inattention and other vehicular factors as causes of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash involved three sedans traveling southbound on the Major Deegan Expressway around 1:01 a.m. One vehicle was stopped in traffic when it was struck at the center back end. Another sedan, going straight ahead, impacted the left front bumper of a second vehicle. The report attributes the collision primarily to driver inattention and other vehicular factors. Two drivers and one passenger were injured, with injuries including head trauma and abdominal contusions. The 18-year-old female passenger experienced head injury and minor bleeding, while the 30-year-old male driver suffered abdominal and pelvic contusions. None of the occupants were ejected. The report highlights driver errors without assigning fault to the injured occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4742361 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 11 - DOT wants a new contractor for its camera enforcement program. The current vendor, Verra, missed reckless drivers with hidden plates. Over 40% of photos were tossed. The city lost millions. DOT aims for better tech and oversight to catch more violators.

On July 11, 2024, the Department of Transportation issued a request for proposals (RFP) for a new five-year automated traffic enforcement contract. The program, managed by DOT, is the largest in the nation for speeding, red light, and bus lane violations. The RFP follows a city comptroller report showing Verra Mobility, the current contractor, rejected 41.5% of photos—often due to obscured or defaced license plates—costing the city over $100 million in lost fines. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called the automated enforcement programs 'key to our Vision Zero efforts to save lives on our streets.' The RFP seeks to leverage new camera technology to address the surge in hidden plates and ensure stronger oversight. New equipment is expected by August 2025. Verra may reapply, but DOT wants a vendor who can catch more dangerous drivers and keep enforcement strong.

• DOT Seeks New Camera Enforcement Contract to Better Catch Obscured License Plates, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-11

Jul 7 - A 19-year-old man crossing West 230 Street with the signal suffered severe head injuries and lost consciousness. Fractures and dislocations marked the toll. No driver errors or causes listed in the police report.

According to the police report, a 19-year-old male pedestrian was struck while crossing West 230 Street at Kingsbridge Avenue in the Bronx at 1:00 a.m. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal and suffered severe head injuries, including fractures and dislocations, and was found unconscious. The report lists no driver errors or contributing factors. The vehicle type and driver actions are unspecified. No helmet or signaling issues are noted as contributing factors. The absence of identified driver errors or contributing factors leaves the cause of the crash unaddressed in the official record.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4738852 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 4 - Council Member Stevens doubts Citi Bike demand in the Bronx. She sees full docks, asks if they should shrink. Experts fire back: full docks mean high use. Ridership surges. DOT stands firm. Bike-share stays. Riders keep moving.

At a May 8, 2024, City Council oversight hearing, Council Member Althea Stevens questioned the need for a Citi Bike dock in her South Bronx district. She said, "If we're seeing that these stations aren't being used adequately ... is there another option, can we make the docks smaller?" The Department of Transportation, led by Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, defended the current system. Bike-share experts like David Eddington countered that full docks signal popularity, not neglect. Citi Bike General Manager Patrick Knoth explained that point-in-time observations mislead, as ridership is strong and docks are planned based on trends. Citi Bike usage in Stevens's district rose 48 percent from 2022 to 2023, with most riders using reduced fares. The hearing highlighted the need for a comprehensive, accessible bike-share network, especially as e-bikes make hilly areas more reachable.

• Explainer: Why a Full Citi Bike Dock Doesn’t Mean No One’s Using It, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-04

Jun 26 - A Ford SUV struck the rear of a stopped vehicle on the Major Deegan Expressway. The right rear passenger suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely and driver distraction as causes. The victim was restrained and conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Major Deegan Expressway around 12:30. A 2013 Ford SUV, traveling south, rear-ended a vehicle that was stopped in traffic. The impact was to the center back end of the stopped vehicle and the center front end of the SUV. The right rear passenger of the SUV, a 28-year-old female, was injured with back pain and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. She was secured with a lap belt and harness. The report identifies the driver errors as 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' These driver failures caused the collision and subsequent injuries. No contributing factors related to the victim’s behavior were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737567 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 26 - Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon pushes a bill to ban parking near intersections citywide. The move targets deadly corners where cars block sightlines. Sixteen community boards and dozens of officials back it. DOT drags its feet. Advocates demand action.

Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon introduced a bill to end New York City's exemption from the state law banning parking within 20 feet of intersections. The bill, now under consideration, has strong support: sixteen community boards and over three dozen elected officials have signed on. The measure aims to remove parked cars from corners, a practice called 'daylighting,' to improve visibility and cut intersection crashes. Simon called it a 'no-brainer,' saying, 'people feel a lot safer crossing those intersections.' DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez has voiced concerns that daylighting could lead to faster, more dangerous turns, but advocates like Sara Lind of Open Plans counter that daylighting is 'proven and widely popular.' The DOT missed a deadline for a daylighting safety study but claims it will daylight 1,000 intersections this year. Advocates urge the city to follow the law and protect vulnerable road users at every intersection.

• ‘No-Brainer’: State Pol Seeks Citywide Parking Ban Near Intersections, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-26