Bodies Break, Leaders Stall—Pelham Bay Streets Still Bleed

A westbound SUV struck the left rear quarter panel of a parked SUV on Mahan Avenue in the Bronx. The collision injured the driver of the parked vehicle, causing back injuries and whiplash. The crash was linked to improper lane usage by the moving driver.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:33 PM on Mahan Avenue in the Bronx. A 2005 Ford SUV traveling westbound struck the left rear quarter panel of a parked 2022 Acura SUV. The driver of the parked vehicle, a 40-year-old male occupant, suffered back injuries and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as the contributing factor, indicating the moving driver failed to maintain proper lane discipline. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision highlights the dangers posed by improper lane use in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779359 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan slammed into a stopped car on Macdonough Place. Six people inside the struck vehicle suffered whiplash and back pain. The crash followed a driver tailgating. One infant was unrestrained. All victims survived.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at 10:00 PM on Macdonough Place in the Bronx. The lead vehicle, stopped in traffic, was hit from behind by a following sedan. The report cites "Following Too Closely" as the primary driver error. Six occupants in the struck car were injured, including a 1-year-old infant, a 12-year-old girl, and four adults. Injuries included whiplash and back pain. The infant was not using any safety equipment; other occupants wore lap belts. All victims were conscious. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4764174 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs crashed on Hutchinson River Parkway amid a police pursuit. The impact struck the left rear bumper of one vehicle and the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old male driver suffered knee and lower leg abrasions but was not ejected.

According to the police report, two Ford SUVs traveling north on Hutchinson River Parkway collided during a police pursuit at 2:22 AM. The crash involved a left rear bumper impact on one SUV and a right front bumper impact on the other. The report cites 'Other Vehicular' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors, indicating driver errors during the pursuit. A 39-year-old male driver, an occupant in one of the vehicles, sustained abrasions to his knee and lower leg but remained conscious and was not ejected. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The report does not list any contributing factors related to victim behavior or safety equipment use. The collision highlights the systemic dangers of high-speed police pursuits involving multiple vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4763656 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

Parking mandates choke streets, raise rents, and trap New Yorkers in car dependence. Council Member Marmorato and Borough President Richards defend these rules, blocking safer, more vibrant neighborhoods. Ending mandates means more housing, cleaner air, and safer streets for people, not cars.

This opinion, published September 3, 2024, in Streetsblog NYC, calls out Council Member Kristy Marmorato and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards for defending parking mandates. Richards opposes lifting mandates in Queens, citing poor transit. Marmorato lobbied to restore mandates in a Bronx rezoning near new Metro North stations, arguing, 'We live in a transit desert where cars are a necessity for daily activities.' The editorial rebukes this logic, stating, 'We should not cling to parking mandates when we know they encourage car ownership, make streets less vibrant, increase rents, and pollute our air.' The piece urges officials to break the cycle of car-first policy, invest in transit, and end mandates that block affordable housing and safer streets. No safety analyst assessment was provided, but the editorial centers the harm parking mandates inflict on vulnerable road users and the city’s livability.

• Opinion: It’s Time to Say ‘No’ to Car Drivers and ‘Yes’ to Ending Parking Mandates, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-03

Two sedans traveling north on Bruckner Expressway collided front-to-back. The driver of the striking vehicle suffered chest injuries and shock. Both vehicles sustained center-end damage. The crash left one driver injured with complaints of pain and nausea.

According to the police report, two sedans were traveling northbound on Bruckner Expressway when they collided. The point of impact was the center front end of the striking vehicle and the center back end of the struck vehicle. The driver of the striking sedan, a 30-year-old male, was injured with chest pain and reported shock. He was not ejected and was the sole occupant of his vehicle. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not specify driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The collision resulted in center-end damage to both vehicles and left one driver with injury severity level 3, indicating a serious injury. The report focuses on the vehicle collision dynamics without attributing fault to the injured driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4752040 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

A bus struck its own passengers, injuring two adults with contusions and bruises. Both victims remained conscious but suffered neck and face injuries. The impact occurred at the bus’s left front bumper, revealing a serious crash inside the vehicle.

According to the police report, a 2018 New Flyer bus traveling straight ahead on Westchester Avenue collided with something at its left front bumper around 11:30 p.m. Two passengers, a 45-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman, were injured inside the bus. Both were conscious and sustained contusions and bruises to the neck and face, respectively. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any driver errors explicitly. The injured passengers were not ejected and were seated in the middle front seat or lying across a seat. The crash caused damage to the bus’s left front bumper. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors in the police data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4748117 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Bronx council member Kristy Marmorato led a committee to keep parking mandates near new Metro-North stations. The move blocks plans to cut car use and build more affordable housing. Cars stay king. Transit and vulnerable road users lose ground.

On August 7, 2024, the City Council's Land Use Committee, led by Kristy Marmorato, amended a rezoning plan (no bill number provided) for areas near two new Metro-North stations. The committee rejected the Adams administration's push to eliminate parking requirements, instead voting to retain mandates and lower building heights. Marmorato argued, "We live in a transit desert where cars are a necessity for daily activities," and prioritized drivers over reducing car dependency. The proposal, part of the Mayor's 'City of Yes for Housing Opportunity' plan, aimed to boost affordable housing and transit-oriented development. Marmorato's stance, echoed in multiple statements, keeps parking at the center and limits safer, walkable streets. No safety analyst assessment was provided, but the move preserves car dominance and its dangers for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Council Trades Housing Affordability for Car Parking Near New Metro-North Stops, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-07

A tractor truck changed lanes unsafely on Bruckner Expressway, striking a southbound sedan. The sedan driver suffered a fractured knee and lower leg injury. The collision impacted the sedan’s left rear quarter panel and the truck’s right front bumper.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:45 on Bruckner Expressway involving a tractor truck and a sedan, both traveling south. The truck was changing lanes when it collided with the sedan, impacting the sedan’s left rear quarter panel and the truck’s right front bumper. The contributing factor cited was "Unsafe Lane Changing" by the truck driver. The sedan driver, a 33-year-old male, was injured with a fracture and dislocation to his knee and lower leg. He was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim’s behavior. The collision highlights the danger posed by unsafe lane changes on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4744166 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 24-year-old bicyclist was ejected and burned on Bruckner Expressway. Defective pavement sent him down hard. He lay semiconscious, injured head to toe. No other vehicles involved.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured on Bruckner Expressway at 12:51 a.m. The rider suffered burns and full-body injuries. The report lists "Pavement Defective" as the contributing factor. The bicyclist was unlicensed in New York. No other vehicles or people were involved. The crash impact was at the center front end of the bike. The report notes the bicyclist wore a motorcycle helmet, but only after citing the defective pavement and unlicensed operation. This crash highlights the danger of hazardous road conditions and the risks faced by vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4744950 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sport utility vehicles collided on City Island Avenue in the Bronx. The impact injured all occupants, including the drivers and passengers, who suffered whiplash and abrasions. Improper lane markings and alcohol involvement contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:23 on City Island Avenue in the Bronx involving two SUVs traveling northeast. One driver was making a U-turn while the other was making a right turn when the vehicles collided. The point of impact was the left front quarter panel of one SUV and the right rear quarter panel of the other. The report cites improper or inadequate lane markings as a contributing factor for both vehicles. Additionally, alcohol involvement was noted for the driver and front passenger of one SUV. All occupants, including the drivers and passengers, were injured with complaints of whiplash, abrasions, and injuries to the entire body or lower limbs. All occupants were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and none were ejected. The collision highlights systemic dangers related to lane marking deficiencies and impaired driving.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4740521 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

Southbound moped and sedan collide on Bruckner Expressway. Moped driver, unlicensed but helmeted, ejected and injured. Sedan’s right side doors smashed. No pedestrians or cyclists involved.

According to the police report, a 36-year-old male moped driver, unlicensed but wearing a helmet, was ejected after a side collision with a sedan on the Bruckner Expressway at 2:15 a.m. Both vehicles traveled south when the crash occurred. The moped driver suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries, along with abrasions. The sedan, driven by a licensed male, sustained damage to its right side doors. The report lists the moped driver's unlicensed status as a critical driver error. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4741439 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

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

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

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

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