Bodies Break, Leaders Stall—Pelham Bay Streets Still Bleed

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 Florida pickup turned right on Buhre Avenue. A 47-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck. Her neck crushed, pain etched in the street. She stayed conscious. The truck bore no scars. The city marked another wound.

A 2018 Nissan pickup truck with Florida plates turned right on Buhre Avenue near Bruckner Boulevard, striking a 47-year-old woman who was crossing at the intersection. According to the police report, the woman was 'crossing with the signal' when the collision occurred. She suffered crush injuries to her neck but remained conscious at the scene. The police report notes that the pickup truck showed 'no damage' after the impact. The driver was making a right turn at the time of the crash. The only contributing factors listed in the report are 'Unspecified.' The narrative underscores the violence of the impact: 'Her neck crushed. She stayed conscious. The truck showed no damage. The street held her pain.' The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor, emphasizing the systemic danger present at the intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726276 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 25 - A 50-year-old male driver suffered injuries during a collision in the Bronx. The crash involved an SUV making a left turn with alcohol cited as a contributing factor. The driver was incoherent but not ejected from the vehicle.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:58 near 3565 Bruckner Boulevard in the Bronx. The involved vehicle was a 2004 Lexus SUV traveling south and making a left turn when it collided, impacting the right front bumper and quarter panel. The driver, a 50-year-old male occupant, was injured with an injury severity rated at level 3 and was incoherent at the scene. The report explicitly cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was not ejected and was wearing some form of safety equipment. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The incident highlights the systemic danger posed by impaired driving in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720042 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 25 - A female e-scooter driver was injured and ejected after a sedan collided with her on Westchester Avenue in the Bronx. The crash involved unsafe lane changing by the e-scooter driver, causing head injuries and shock.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Westchester Avenue in the Bronx around 14:15. A 38-year-old female e-scooter driver was injured and ejected from her vehicle after a collision with a sedan traveling north. The e-scooter was merging southeast when the impact occurred at the center back end of the scooter and the left front bumper of the sedan. The report cites 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as a contributing factor by the e-scooter driver. The injured rider suffered head abrasions and was in shock. The sedan was unoccupied at the time of the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723246 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 15 - 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

Mar 29 - A 19-year-old male driver suffered whiplash and whole-body injuries after crashing his sedan head-on while fatigued. The impact struck the vehicle’s center front end. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a 19-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Stadium Avenue at 16:53. The driver was operating a 2005 Mercedes sedan traveling west, going straight ahead when the collision occurred. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle, which sustained damage in the same area. The driver was not ejected and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Fatigued/Drowsy' as the primary contributing factor to the crash, indicating driver impairment. The driver suffered injuries to his entire body, including whiplash, and remained conscious after the collision. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The data highlights the dangers of driver fatigue leading to serious injury even without external collision partners.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713746 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 27 - 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

Mar 26 - A 20-year-old woman suffered severe leg fractures after a distracted SUV driver struck her while crossing Westchester Avenue. The impact crushed the vehicle's right front quarter panel. The pedestrian was conscious but seriously injured at the scene.

According to the police report, at 11:42 AM on Westchester Avenue in the Bronx, a 2020 Kia SUV traveling west struck a 20-year-old female pedestrian crossing at an intersection. The point of impact was the vehicle's right front bumper, damaging the right front quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as serious injuries. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. This collision underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving in urban intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715007 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 20 - 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

Mar 7 - 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

Feb 28 - 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

Feb 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

Feb 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

Feb 12 - Two sedans traveling south on Westchester Avenue collided in the Bronx. The impact struck the center back end of one vehicle and the center front end of the other. A 44-year-old male driver suffered head abrasions and was injured but conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:08 on Westchester Avenue in the Bronx involving two sedans traveling southbound. One vehicle, a 2011 Hyundai sedan, was struck at the center back end, while the other, a 2022 Honda sedan, impacted at the center front end. The 44-year-old male driver of the Honda sustained head abrasions and was injured but remained conscious. Both drivers were going straight ahead at the time of the collision. The report lists the contributing factors as unspecified, providing no direct indication of driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705030 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Feb 8 - Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Jan 30 - 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 2024-01-30

Jan 5 - Council hears from Bronx riders. Four new Metro-North stations promise faster, safer commutes. Councilmembers Marmorato and Farias back the plan. The public weighs in. The city moves closer to breaking car dependence in transit deserts.

On January 5, 2024, the City Council held a public input session on the plan to open four new Metro-North stations in East Bronx. The proposal, nearing the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) certification, aims to serve Co-op City, Morris Park, Parkchester/Van Nest, and Hunts Point. The session, supported by Councilmember Kristy Marmorato (District 13) and Councilmember Amanda Farias, highlighted the need for faster, more reliable transit. Marmorato said, 'the Metro-North will provide an alternative for drivers dealing with congestion pricing, and for those who might be reluctant to take the subway.' Farias called it part of a 'better transit future.' The Department of City Planning updated residents, reflecting ongoing community feedback. The plan has bipartisan support and promises to reshape transit for neighborhoods long underserved by safe, fast options.

• Public input session for new East Bronx Metro-North stations slated for next week, gothamist.com, Published 2024-01-05

Dec 28 - A 26-year-old male passenger was injured in a Bronx crash. The driver, unlicensed, lost control. Speed and aggressive driving contributed to the collision. The passenger suffered a knee injury and contusion.

A crash occurred on Fordham Place in the Bronx, injuring a 26-year-old male passenger. According to the police report, the driver was unlicensed and was driving at an unsafe speed. The driver also exhibited aggressive driving behavior. The passenger sustained injuries to his knee and a contusion. The collision involved two sedans, with one making a right turn and the other going straight ahead. No safety equipment was used by the passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691657 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Dec 20 - A Honda SUV struck a sedan from behind on Hutchinson River Parkway in the Bronx. The sedan’s 82-year-old male driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing a center-front to center-back collision.

According to the police report, a Honda SUV traveling north on Hutchinson River Parkway rear-ended a sedan also heading north. The sedan’s 82-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining neck pain and whiplash. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor by the SUV driver. Both vehicles were moving straight ahead at the time of the crash. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV and the center back end of the sedan. The sedan driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The SUV driver was licensed in Florida, and the sedan driver was licensed in New York. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4688746 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 22 - Two sedans crashed at 9:20 a.m. on Country Club Road in the Bronx. One driver, 21, suffered back injuries and shock. The collision involved aggressive driving. One driver was unlicensed. Both vehicles hit front ends. Injuries were serious but no ejections.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Country Club Road in the Bronx at 9:20 a.m. The crash involved aggressive driving or road rage. One driver, a 21-year-old male occupant, was injured with back pain and shock. He was not ejected and did not use safety equipment. One vehicle was traveling east, the other north, both going straight ahead before impact. The point of impact was the left front bumper of one sedan and the center front end of the other. The report notes one driver was unlicensed. Contributing factors include aggressive driving and the unlicensed status of one driver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4681711 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18