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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 2025-08-04

A sedan making a right turn struck a 68-year-old woman crossing Bruckner Boulevard with the signal. She suffered upper leg and hip injuries and was left in shock. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact at the front right bumper.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Bruckner Boulevard was making a right turn when it struck a 68-year-old female pedestrian crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg and was reported in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The point of impact was the vehicle's right front bumper, yet no vehicle damage was recorded. The report lists no explicit driver contributing factors such as failure to yield, but the collision occurred during the driver’s turn. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal is noted, and no other contributing factors were specified. The driver was licensed and operating a 2018 Subaru sedan with one occupant.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720041 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 2024-04-15

A Jeep swung right on Middletown Road. Its bumper smashed a young man’s face. Blood spilled. The man stood, conscious, pain etched in every breath. Four inside the car rolled on, untouched. The sedan bore no scar. The street bore the wound.

A 26-year-old pedestrian suffered severe facial bleeding when a Jeep sedan making a right turn struck him with its left front bumper on Middletown Road, according to the police report. The report states the man remained upright and conscious after the impact, though blood poured from his face. Four occupants inside the Jeep felt nothing, and the vehicle itself showed no damage. The police report lists the driver’s pre-crash action as 'Making Right Turn' and notes the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The narrative underscores the violence of the collision and the physical toll on the pedestrian, while the driver’s actions—turning right—set the stage for the impact. No evidence in the report suggests any pedestrian behavior contributed to the crash. The pain remained on the street, unshared by those inside the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716626 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan changing lanes struck a northbound e-scooter on East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx. The 24-year-old e-scooter driver was ejected and suffered a head abrasion. Police cite driver inattention and unsafe lane changing as causes.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:20 on East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx. A sedan traveling north was changing lanes when it collided with a northbound e-scooter. The point of impact was the right side doors of the sedan and the left side doors of the e-scooter. The e-scooter driver, a 24-year-old male, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained a head abrasion, classified as injury severity 3. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as contributing factors, indicating the sedan driver failed to maintain proper attention and executed an unsafe lane change. The e-scooter driver was wearing a helmet, but no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The sedan had one occupant, and the e-scooter driver was unlicensed according to the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716614 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 2024-03-27

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

SUV slammed into danger on Bruckner Boulevard. Three passengers hurt. Whiplash. Full-body pain. Lane markings failed. Glare blinded. System flaws cut deep.

According to the police report, a 2023 Toyota SUV traveling north on Bruckner Boulevard in the Bronx crashed at 19:20. Three passengers, ages 30, 33, and 51, suffered whiplash and injuries to their entire bodies. All were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The report lists 'Lane Marking Improper/Inadequate' and 'Glare' as contributing factors. No driver errors like speeding or failure to yield were cited. The crash shows how poor lane markings and harsh glare create danger for passengers on Bronx streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708691 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council bill pushes DOT to let schools, centers, and institutions use streets outside their doors. More people, less traffic. Streets shift from cars to community. Still in committee.

Int 0450-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 28, 2024. The bill orders DOT to create a program letting community centers, schools, arts, and religious institutions use adjacent outdoor spaces. The matter title reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to establish a program to allow community centers, schools, arts and cultural institutions and religious institutions to use adjacent outdoor spaces.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads, joined by Stevens, Restler, Won, and others. The bill has not yet passed. If enacted, it could reclaim space from cars, giving it to people. No formal safety analysis yet, but the measure could mean safer, more vibrant streets for all.

• File Int 0450-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to form a board on school crossing guard deployment. NYPD, DOT, and DOE must report twice a year. The aim: more eyes on street danger where kids cross.

Bill Int 0448-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to an advisory board on crossing guard deployment," calls for NYPD, DOT, and DOE to join an advisory board. The board must send biannual reports on crossing guard needs to the Mayor, Council Speaker, and Police Commissioner. Council Member Kamillah Hanks leads as primary sponsor, joined by Stevens, Schulman, Salaam, and others. The Bronx Borough President requested the bill. The board’s reports could spotlight gaps and push for better protection at dangerous crossings.

• File Int 0448-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

A sedan parked on Swinton Avenue was struck on its left side doors. The driver and passenger suffered whiplash and back injuries. Police cited aggressive driving and passing too closely as contributing factors in this Bronx crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:24 on Swinton Avenue in the Bronx. A 2012 Acura sedan, parked and occupied by a female driver and passenger, was hit on its left side doors. Both occupants, a 46-year-old driver and a 34-year-old passenger, were injured with whiplash and bodily injuries to the back and entire body. Both were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The report identifies 'Passing Too Closely' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as the contributing factors. The driver of the striking vehicle was traveling eastbound and struck the parked sedan, causing injuries to the occupants. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The crash highlights the dangers of aggressive driving and unsafe passing maneuvers in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4706749 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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