Bronx Streets Bleed While Politicians Stall—Who’s Next?

Jul 10 - Council members and developers vow to build up to 200 parking spaces per project near new Bronx Metro-North stations. Despite no city parking mandates, car storage dominates debate. Transit access takes a back seat. Vulnerable road users face more cars, more risk.

On July 10, 2024, the City Council held a hearing on proposed rezonings around new Metro-North stations in the Bronx. The matter, titled 'Transit-Oriented Bronx Developments Will Have Ample Parking, Developers Tell Council,' focused on whether to require parking in new residential and commercial projects. Council Members Amanda Faris, Kevin C. Riley, Rafael Salamanca, and Kristy Marmorato all pressed for developers to include parking, despite the city's move to waive mandates. Riley called parking 'a huge issue.' Developers, including Baker Development, promised up to 200 spaces per project. Bronx City Planning Director Paul Philips said, 'We certainly expect developers to provide parking.' The debate ignored the danger more parking brings: more cars, more conflict, more risk for people walking and biking. No safety analyst weighed in, but the outcome is clear—transit-oriented in name, car-centric in practice.

• Transit-Oriented Bronx Developments Will Have Ample Parking, Developers Tell Council, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-10

Jul 6 - A sedan struck parked vehicles on East Tremont Avenue. The driver, age 40, suffered back injuries and was incoherent. Police cite alcohol involvement. Impact crushed left sides of a Honda and Audi.

According to the police report, a crash occurred at 1:00 AM near 3239 East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx. A sedan, driven by a 40-year-old man, was heading east when it struck parked vehicles—a Honda sedan and an Audi SUV—damaging their left sides. The driver was injured, reporting back pain and incoherence at the scene. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The crash caused significant damage to the parked vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4739235 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 27 - Two SUVs collided on Waterbury Avenue in the Bronx. The 27-year-old male driver suffered whiplash and full-body injuries. Police cited improper lane markings as a key factor. The driver was conscious and restrained at the time of impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:30 on Waterbury Avenue in the Bronx involving two SUVs traveling west. The 27-year-old male driver, restrained by a lap belt and harness, sustained whiplash and injuries to his entire body but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Lane Marking Improper/Inadequate' as a contributing factor to the collision, highlighting a systemic danger in roadway design. The point of impact was the left rear quarter panel of one SUV, which was parked before the crash. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted. The focus remains on the hazardous lane markings that contributed to this serious injury crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737766 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 13 - A 17-year-old bicyclist was hit by an SUV in the Bronx. The teen suffered abrasions across his body. The crash happened at the SUV’s right front bumper. Police cite confusion as a factor. No vehicle damage reported.

According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV struck a 17-year-old male bicyclist at 14:05 on East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx. The impact occurred at the SUV’s right front bumper. The bicyclist, traveling east, suffered abrasions to his entire body but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. No driver errors such as Failure to Yield or speeding are cited. The SUV showed no damage. The bicyclist’s safety equipment status is unknown. No other contributing factors are noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4733528 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 7 - A right-turning sedan struck two parked SUVs on Miles Avenue. Driver and front passenger were injured. Obstruction and debris played a role. Metal twisted. Shock and bruises marked the aftermath.

According to the police report, a sedan making a right turn on Miles Avenue collided with two parked vehicles: a 2017 BMW SUV and a Nissan sedan. The 27-year-old female driver suffered upper arm and shoulder injuries and was in shock. The 34-year-old male front passenger sustained bruises and lower leg injuries. Both were restrained and not ejected. The report lists "Obstruction/Debris" as a contributing factor, showing environmental hazards played a role. No driver errors such as failure to yield were cited. The sedan's center front end and the SUV's left front bumper took the impact. The crash left both occupants hurt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4732726 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 7 - 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 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, 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 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 - A dump truck struck a sedan from behind on the Bruckner Expressway. Both male occupants of the sedan suffered back injuries and whiplash. The crash occurred during merging and straight travel, with following too closely cited as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:50 on the Bruckner Expressway when a dump truck traveling northgoing straight ahead rear-ended a northbound sedan that was merging. The point of impact was the center back end of the dump truck striking the left front bumper of the sedan. The contributing factor listed was 'Following Too Closely,' indicating driver error by the dump truck operator. Both occupants of the sedan, a 38-year-old male driver and a 63-year-old male front passenger, were injured with back injuries and complaints of whiplash. Neither occupant was ejected, and both were conscious at the scene. The dump truck driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731879 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

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 30 - Assembly Member Benedetto backed a campaign donor’s bid to dodge city idling fines. DJ Transportation owes $65,000 for idling. Advocates say fumes harm neighborhoods. The company refuses to electrify. Disabled riders are used as a shield. Health loses. Industry wins.

On May 30, 2024, Bronx Assembly Member Michael Benedetto testified in support of exempting DJ Transportation from New York City’s anti-idling law. The matter, heard by city officials, centered on whether companies serving students with disabilities should avoid fines for running engines. Benedetto argued, "I believe DJ Ambulette should be ... given a variance to let them have their buses idle to properly maintain their temperature on their buses." DJ Transportation, a campaign donor, owes over $65,000 in unpaid fines and has not committed to electrifying its fleet. Benedetto denied any influence from donations. The Department of Environmental Protection and advocates rejected claims that idling is needed for temperature control, citing community health risks. Critics condemned the use of disabled clients as justification for continued pollution. No safety analyst assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• Bronx Pol Wants City to Exempt Campaign Donor From Idling Law, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-05-30

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 23 - Abandoned poles and wires block sidewalks, trap walkers, and threaten cyclists. This bill sets strict deadlines for removal and transfer. Delay ends. Streets clear. Danger cut.

Int 0921-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on May 23, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Justin L. Brannan with Holden, Vernikov, Marmorato, and Paladino, demands owners remove abandoned or unsafe utility poles, wires, and appurtenances within 60 days—or immediately if dangerous. Transfers to new poles must happen in 30 days. The matter title reads: 'timelines for the removal of abandoned or unsafe utility poles, wires, and appurtenances, and the transfer of appurtenances to newly erected poles.' Swift action means fewer sidewalk traps and less risk for those on foot or bike.

• File Int 0921-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-23

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

May 19 - A 25-year-old man driving a station wagon suffered head injuries and whiplash after an SUV struck the center back end of his vehicle on Bruckner Expressway. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:45 PM on Bruckner Expressway when a 2019 Audi SUV traveling south went straight ahead and impacted the center back end of a station wagon. The station wagon driver, a 25-year-old male occupant, was not ejected and was conscious after the collision. He suffered head injuries and whiplash, with injury severity rated at level 3. The driver was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors, but the impact location and vehicle damage indicate the SUV rear-ended the station wagon. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729961 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 19 - SUV hit sedan’s rear on LaSalle Avenue. Passenger took the blow—chest hurt, whiplash. Metal twisted, airbags burst. No driver errors listed. Another day, another wound.

According to the police report, a northbound Mercedes SUV struck the right rear quarter panel of an eastbound Honda sedan on LaSalle Avenue in the Bronx. The sedan’s front passenger, a 23-year-old woman, suffered chest injuries and whiplash. She was conscious, not ejected, and had airbags and a lap belt in use. The SUV’s left front bumper hit the sedan, damaging its right side doors. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The SUV driver held a permit; the sedan driver was licensed. The crash highlights the force of SUV impacts on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726365 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 16 - Council moves to light up step streets. At least 25 stairways each year will get new lamps. Dark paths become visible. Pedestrians gain ground. Shadows shrink. Danger loses its cover.

Int 0875-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on May 16, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the installation of pedestrian lighting on step streets.' Prime sponsor Joann Ariola, joined by sixteen co-sponsors, pushes for at least 25 step streets to be lit each year until all are covered. Step streets are open-air staircases linking streets at different heights. The bill aims to strip darkness from these paths, making them safer for people on foot. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0875-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

May 4 - A northbound bicyclist was ejected and injured after colliding with a parked sedan on East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx. The sedan sustained left side damage. The bicyclist suffered lower arm injuries and remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a bicyclist traveling north on East Tremont Avenue collided with a parked GMC sedan. The sedan was stationary before impact, with damage to its left side doors. The bicyclist was ejected from the bike and sustained injuries to the elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The bicyclist was conscious and complained of internal pain. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors for either party, but the collision with a parked vehicle indicates a failure in maintaining safe control or awareness. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The incident highlights the dangers posed to vulnerable road users by vehicle interactions even with parked cars.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4722845 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18