Parking Over People: Riverdale’s Streets Run Red

Jun 5 - A moped hit a 41-year-old man on Riverdale Avenue in the Bronx. The pedestrian suffered a concussion and unconsciousness with injuries to his entire body. The moped’s right front bumper took the impact. Details on driver errors remain unspecified.

According to the police report, a moped traveling straight ahead struck a 41-year-old male pedestrian on Riverdale Avenue in the Bronx. The pedestrian was injured severely, suffering a concussion and unconsciousness with injuries to his entire body. The point of impact was the moped’s right front bumper, which sustained damage. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The pedestrian’s actions and location at the time of the crash are unknown. No safety equipment or helmet use was noted. The report does not assign fault or blame but confirms the pedestrian was seriously injured in the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4636802 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 5 - Families for Safe Streets rallied outside Speaker Heastie’s office. They demanded action on Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City set its own speed limits. Lawmakers dodged a vote. Grief and anger filled the air. The Assembly stayed silent.

On June 5, 2023, supporters of Sammy’s Law gathered outside Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s Bronx office. The bill, which would grant New York City local control over its speed limits, remains stalled in the Assembly. The rally, led by Families for Safe Streets, called out lawmakers for refusing to bring the measure to a vote. Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, a leading advocate, criticized the lack of transparency: 'We are demanding that the Speaker bring this to a vote.' Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz voiced strong support, but others, like Chantel Jackson, hesitated, citing constituent feedback. The bill’s matter summary states it would not mandate lower limits but allow the city to decide. The legislative process left families of crash victims frustrated and angry. The Assembly’s inaction keeps city streets dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Supporters of Sammy’s Law Rally Heastie and Share Frustrations About Assembly’s Inaction on Speed Limit Reduction, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-05

Jun 1 - 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

May 31 - 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

May 30 - 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

May 26 - A sedan struck a 74-year-old bicyclist on Mosholu Avenue in the Bronx. The cyclist was ejected and suffered bruises over his entire body. The crash involved failure to yield and improper lane usage by the bicyclist. The rider wore a helmet.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Mosholu Avenue collided with a 74-year-old male bicyclist also traveling east. The bicyclist was ejected and sustained contusions and bruises over his entire body. The report lists the bicyclist's contributing factors as failure to yield right-of-way and improper passing or lane usage. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the bike was struck on its right front bumper. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. No other driver errors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632475 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 20 - A taxi struck a sedan from behind on Broadway in the Bronx. The sedan’s rear passenger suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries, including whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause. Both vehicles traveled north at impact.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling north on Broadway rear-ended a sedan also heading north. The collision impacted the center front end of the taxi and the center back end of the sedan. The sedan had one occupant, the driver, while the taxi carried two. The right rear passenger in the sedan was injured, sustaining upper arm and shoulder injuries and complaining of whiplash. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as the contributing factors to the crash. There is no mention of victim fault or safety equipment contributing to the injuries. The crash occurred at 4:30 a.m. in the Bronx, zip code 10471.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632474 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 18 - A motorcycle struck an ambulance turning left on Riverdale Avenue in the Bronx. The motorcycle driver, a 35-year-old man, suffered bruises and arm injuries. The ambulance showed no damage. Driver inexperience was a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old male motorcycle driver collided with an ambulance making a left turn on Riverdale Avenue in the Bronx. The motorcycle hit the ambulance's right front bumper with its left front bumper. The motorcycle driver was injured, sustaining contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The ambulance driver was licensed and the vehicle showed no damage. The report lists driver inexperience as a contributing factor to the crash. The motorcycle driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630490 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 16 - 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

May 15 - A 55-year-old male driver was injured after his SUV struck a parked SUV on Riverdale Avenue in the Bronx. The crash happened at 8 p.m. The driver was semiconscious and restrained by a lap belt. Impact was on the left rear quarter panel.

According to the police report, the crash occurred when a 2013 SUV was making an improper left turn and collided with a parked 2020 SUV on Riverdale Avenue in the Bronx. The 55-year-old male driver of the turning vehicle was injured and found semiconscious. He was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The point of impact was the right front quarter panel of the turning SUV and the left rear quarter panel of the parked SUV. The contributing factor listed was "Turning Improperly." No other driver errors or victim factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632269 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 26 - Two sedans traveling north collided front to front on Henry Hudson Parkway. Both drivers suffered neck injuries with whiplash. Both occupants were conscious and restrained by lap belts. The crash caused center and rear-end damage to the vehicles.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling north on Henry Hudson Parkway collided head-on. The drivers, a 24-year-old woman and a 31-year-old woman, were both injured with neck trauma consistent with whiplash. Both occupants were conscious and restrained by lap belts at the time of impact. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors. Vehicle damage included center front end impact on both cars, with additional rear-end damage on one vehicle. No ejections occurred. The crash involved two licensed drivers operating their vehicles straight ahead prior to collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4624366 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 16 - A 30-year-old woman was struck by an SUV on Broadway while crossing with the signal. The driver was inattentive and distracted. The pedestrian suffered bruises and upper leg injuries. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact.

According to the police report, a 30-year-old female pedestrian was injured on Broadway while crossing with the signal. She was hit by a northbound SUV traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained contusions and upper leg injuries but remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle sustained no damage. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4623653 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 2 - A sedan struck a parked SUV on Broadway in the Bronx. The impact hit the SUV’s center back end. A 33-year-old female rear passenger in the sedan suffered head injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Broadway rear-ended a parked SUV. The point of impact was the center front end of the sedan and the center back end of the SUV. The crash injured a 33-year-old female occupant seated in the left rear passenger position of the sedan. She sustained head injuries and whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists the contributing factor as "Other Vehicular" with unspecified additional factors. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were explicitly noted. The injured occupant was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4619049 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 31 - Sedan slammed two parked SUVs on Netherland Avenue. Elderly woman behind the wheel took the brunt. Whole body injured. Shock set in. Metal twisted. Street silent.

According to the police report, an 84-year-old woman driving a sedan struck two parked SUVs on Netherland Avenue in the Bronx. The sedan's right front bumper hit the left front quarter panel of one SUV and the left rear quarter panel of another. The driver suffered injuries to her entire body and was in shock. The report lists "Physical Disability" as a contributing factor. Both SUVs were unoccupied and stationary. No ejection occurred. The crash underscores the risks faced by vulnerable road users in multi-vehicle impacts.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4618569 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 21 - Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Mar 21 - 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 2023-03-21

Mar 19 - Two sedans crashed on Riverdale Avenue in the Bronx. Both drivers suffered internal injuries—one to the neck, the other to the head. The collision involved front and rear bumpers. Driver distraction caused the crash. Both men were conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling north on Riverdale Avenue collided. One vehicle was stopped in traffic when the other, going straight ahead, struck its left rear bumper with the right front bumper of the second sedan. Both drivers, aged 29 and 38, were injured but remained conscious. The younger driver suffered neck injuries, while the older driver sustained head injuries. Both were restrained by lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor. No other factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4615297 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 28 - A 41-year-old male driver suffered head injuries and whiplash in a solo SUV crash. The vehicle struck the road center front end while traveling north. The driver was semiconscious but restrained by seatbelt and airbag deployment.

According to the police report, a 41-year-old male driver was injured in a single-vehicle crash on Henry Hudson Parkway. The SUV was traveling north when it impacted the center front end, causing head injuries and whiplash to the driver. The driver was semiconscious but not ejected, protected by an airbag and lap belt. Contributing factors listed include unsafe speed and slippery pavement. The report identifies unsafe speed as a driver error that led to the crash. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4615299 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 25 - SUV rear-ends sedan on Henry Hudson Parkway. Two-year-old girl in back seat suffers concussion. Impact crushes SUV’s rear, smashes sedan’s front. Police cite following too closely.

According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV traveling north on Henry Hudson Parkway struck a sedan from behind. The crash left the SUV with center back-end damage and the sedan with right front bumper damage. A two-year-old girl riding in the sedan’s left rear seat was injured, suffering a concussion and injuries to her entire body. She was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor, showing the SUV driver failed to keep a safe distance. No other contributing factors or victim errors were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4608528 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 13 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13