Blood on Seward Avenue: No One Safe, No One Speaking Up

Sep 26 - Two unlicensed riders collided head-on on Story Avenue. One, sixty-five, bled from the face, helmeted and half-thrown. Distraction ruled the street. Center-front impacts left scars and pain. The Bronx pavement bore witness to inattention’s cost.

According to the police report, two unlicensed men—one operating an e-bike, the other an e-scooter—collided head-on near 1755 Story Avenue in the Bronx. Both vehicles struck center-front. The report states, 'Distraction guided them,' and lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor for both operators. One rider, age 65, suffered severe facial bleeding and was partially ejected from his vehicle, though he wore a helmet. The report also notes 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor for this injured rider. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead before the crash. The data highlights the systemic danger posed by distracted operation and improper lane use, especially when riders are unlicensed. The crash left both machines and bodies marked by the consequences of inattention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4762317 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 26 - Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Sep 10 - Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-10

Aug 24 - A distracted driver struck a 44-year-old cyclist on White Plains Road. The man was ejected, suffering head abrasions. The crash left the bike undamaged. The street became a danger zone for the vulnerable.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured during a crash on White Plains Road at 8:25 p.m. The cyclist, heading south, was going straight when the collision occurred. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor. The bicyclist suffered head abrasions. He was wearing a helmet at the time. The point of impact was the center front of the bike, which showed no damage. No other vehicle details or contributing factors related to the bicyclist are listed. The crash underscores the risk posed by driver distraction to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4750329 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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 3 - A 9-year-old passenger on an e-scooter suffered abrasions to the elbow and lower arm after an SUV made a right turn and collided with the scooter. The crash involved improper lane usage by the SUV driver, causing injury without ejection.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Lacombe Avenue near Bolton Avenue in the Bronx at 10:30 a.m. The SUV, traveling east and making a right turn, struck the e-scooter, which was traveling south and making a left turn. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the SUV and the center front end of the e-scooter. The 9-year-old male passenger on the e-scooter was injured, sustaining abrasions to the elbow and lower arm but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report cites 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error on the part of the SUV operator. No contributing factors related to the victim were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4746555 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 30 - The MTA faces a $15 billion shortfall after Governor Hochul paused congestion pricing. Aging trains, tracks, and tunnels wait for repairs. Riders and advocates demand action. Uncertainty grows as leaders debate how to fund essential transit upgrades. Vulnerable users remain at risk.

This report covers the MTA capital plan funding debate as of July 30, 2024. The MTA’s 2025-29 capital program, discussed at the Capital Program Committee meeting, remains unfunded after Governor Hochul’s indefinite delay of congestion pricing. The matter centers on the need for new rail cars, power stations, and repairs to tracks and tunnels. MTA President of Construction and Development Jamie Torres-Springer stressed, 'We need to achieve 100 percent state-of-good-repair.' State Senator Jeremy Cooney challenged the governor to restore funding or implement congestion pricing within 100 days. Riders Alliance’s Danny Pearlstein urged, 'Gov. Hochul must start congestion pricing now to rebuild trust.' The MTA is $15 billion short on its 2020-24 plan, with no clear path forward. Transit advocates warn that underfunding public transit puts riders—especially those on foot or bike—at continued risk.

• Trains, Tracks and Tunnels Top MTA Needs For Next Capital Plan As Current Plan Languishes, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-30

Jul 18 - A 12-year-old boy riding a bike was struck and ejected by a sedan turning right on White Plains Road in the Bronx. The boy suffered head contusions but remained conscious. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing the collision.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on White Plains Road made a right turn and struck a 12-year-old bicyclist traveling south. The point of impact was the sedan's left front bumper hitting the bike's center front end. The bicyclist was ejected and sustained head injuries classified as contusions and bruises but remained conscious. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' by the sedan driver as a contributing factor. Additionally, 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' was noted for the bicyclist, but the primary driver error was the failure to yield. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. Vehicle damage was minimal, indicating the severity of injury came from the impact and ejection rather than vehicle deformation.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4744587 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 27 - A 15-year-old moped rider, unlicensed and helmetless, ran the light on Rosedale Avenue. He struck pavement, face first. Blood pooled. He stayed conscious, lacerated and ejected, left in the street’s grip.

According to the police report, a 15-year-old boy operating a moped on Rosedale Avenue near Seward Avenue was severely injured after disregarding traffic control. The report states the rider was 'unlicensed, no helmet, ran the light on a moped.' The collision resulted in the teenager being ejected from the moped, suffering severe facial lacerations, and remaining conscious at the scene. The police report explicitly cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The driver was unlicensed and wore no safety equipment, as documented in the report. These failures—disregarding a traffic signal and operating at unsafe speed—are central to the crash. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors beyond those already attributed to the driver’s actions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4736901 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 7 - Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 6 - Council calls for five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. Streets slow. Danger drops. Pedestrians and cyclists get space. Resolution adopted. Albany must act.

Res 0079-2024, adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 6, 2024, urges Albany to let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The resolution states: "authorize New York City to set a five mile per hour speed limit on streets participating in the Open Streets program." Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Crystal Hudson, Julie Won, and Carlina Rivera. The measure passed committee and full council on June 6. The bill aims to cut speed and risk where people walk, bike, and gather. The council's push now waits for state lawmakers and the governor.

• File Res 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 6 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 3 - Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03

May 28 - Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

May 26 - A motorcycle traveling north struck the left rear quarter panel of an SUV also heading north on Bruckner Expressway. Both motorcycle occupants were ejected, suffering bruises and injuries to limbs and hip. The SUV’s right front bumper was damaged.

According to the police report, a 2017 motorcycle and a 2011 SUV collided on Bruckner Expressway around 18:50. Both vehicles were traveling north, going straight ahead. The motorcycle impacted the right front quarter panel of the SUV on its left rear quarter panel. The motorcycle driver and passenger, aged 56 and 58, were both ejected from the motorcycle. Both were conscious but sustained contusions and injuries: the driver suffered elbow, lower arm, and hand injuries, while the passenger sustained hip and upper leg injuries. Both were wearing helmets, listed as safety equipment. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified, with no direct driver errors cited. The collision caused damage to the SUV’s right front bumper and the motorcycle’s left side doors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728128 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 21 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-05-21

Apr 28 - A 22-year-old woman riding an e-scooter north on White Plains Road collided with a Ford’s side. Metal struck flesh. Her body was crushed. The police report cites driver inattention. The street fell silent after the impact.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old woman operating an e-scooter was traveling straight north on White Plains Road near Bruckner Boulevard when she collided with the left side doors of a westbound 2022 Ford. The report states the e-scooter rider suffered crush injuries to her entire body. The crash occurred at 19:58. Police cite 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor in the collision. Both vehicles were reported to be going straight at the time of impact. The narrative describes, 'Her body was crushed. She was going straight. So was he. One moment of inattention. Then metal. Then silence.' The police report does not list any contributing victim behaviors. The focus remains on driver distraction as a systemic danger on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723435 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 18 - Council moves to hike fines for illegal ATVs and dirt bikes. First offense: $375–$750. Repeat: $750–$1,500. Law aims at reckless riders who menace city streets and endanger lives.

Bill Int 0856-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced April 18, 2024, it seeks to amend city code to raise fines for unlawful ATV and dirt bike use. The bill states: 'The first offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 375 dollars and up to 750 dollars. Any subsequent offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 750 dollars and up to 1500 dollars.' Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa leads as primary sponsor, joined by Salamanca Jr., Gennaro, Brannan, Louis, Ung, Restler, and Farías. The bill was referred to committee the same day. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0856-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18