Bodies Break, Leaders Stall—Pelham Bay Streets Still Bleed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 2025-08-04

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 2025-08-04

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 2025-08-04

A 52-year-old man was struck by an SUV on Hobart Avenue in the Bronx. The vehicle hit him with its left front bumper. He suffered bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The driver showed aggressive driving behavior.

According to the police report, a 52-year-old male pedestrian was injured at an intersection on Hobart Avenue in the Bronx. The pedestrian was hit by a 2013 Dodge SUV traveling west, which struck him with its left front bumper. The man sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists aggressive driving and road rage as contributing factors to the crash. The driver was going straight ahead before impact. There is no mention of helmet use or signaling. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision and was located in the roadway at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4672949 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Assembly bill A 8079 would force scooter riders to get licensed, insured, and schooled. No license, no sale. Lawmakers push paperwork, not street fixes. Vulnerable users still face the same steel threat.

Assembly Bill A 8079, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Filed September 27, 2023, it aims to require a safety manual, licensing, and insurance for electric scooter operators in New York City. The bill summary reads: 'Establishes a bicycle and electric scooter operator's safety manual; provides for the issuance of a license...; requires liability insurance for electric scooters in cities having a population of one million or more.' Assembly Member John Zaccaro Jr. leads, with Rebecca Seawright, Michael Benedetto, Deborah Glick, Jeffrion Aubry, David McDonough, and Michael Novakhov co-sponsoring. The bill targets paperwork and compliance. It does not address the core dangers faced by pedestrians and cyclists on city streets.

• File A 8079, Open States, Published 2023-09-27

SUV and sedan collided on Westchester Avenue. Two men in the SUV suffered fractures and dislocations. Driver inexperience played a role. Impact hit head and hip. Both injured were conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV traveling east on Westchester Avenue struck a Nissan sedan making a left turn from Mayflower Avenue. The SUV carried two men, ages 29 and 23. Both suffered fractures and dislocations—one to the head, one to the hip and upper leg. Both were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The sedan was driven by a woman. The report lists driver inexperience as a contributing factor. The SUV's front end hit the sedan's right front quarter panel. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4663564 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan hit a 44-year-old man crossing Parkview Avenue in the Bronx. The pedestrian suffered head injuries and shock. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, striking the man at the intersection. The victim complained of pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Parkview Avenue struck a 44-year-old male pedestrian crossing at the intersection with Buhre Avenue. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The report lists the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and disregarding traffic control as contributing factors. The impact occurred at the sedan’s left front bumper, causing damage to the vehicle’s center front end. The pedestrian was not at fault; the crash resulted from the driver’s errors. No other safety equipment or contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653675 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Harley sped north on Kearney Avenue. The unlicensed rider lost control. The bike flipped. He was thrown and crushed. His back broke. Metal scattered across the street. Dawn lit the wreckage. One man lay unconscious, broken by speed and inattention.

A 28-year-old unlicensed man rode a 2006 Harley north on Kearney Avenue near Waterbury Avenue in the Bronx. The motorcycle traveled at unsafe speed and flipped. According to the police report, 'the unlicensed rider, 28, was thrown, crushed, and left unconscious. His back shattered. The bike lay wrecked, twisted metal strewn across the dawn-lit street.' The crash left the rider ejected and suffering severe back injuries. Police listed 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The report notes the rider was unlicensed. No other vehicles or people were involved. The street bore the scars of speed and neglect.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4651576 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-08

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06