One Crash, One Death, One Demand: Slow Bartow Down Now

May 29 - A taxi slammed into a 59-year-old woman crossing Co-op City Boulevard near Dreiser Loop. Blood pooled from her head. She stayed conscious as the cab’s crumpled front end gleamed under tinted glass. The street fell silent around the impact.

A 59-year-old woman was struck and injured by a taxi while crossing Co-op City Boulevard near Dreiser Loop, according to the police report. The collision occurred as the taxi was traveling straight ahead and hit the pedestrian head-on, causing severe bleeding from her head. The report notes the cab’s front end was crumpled and its tinted windows obscured the driver’s face. According to the police report, 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' and 'Tinted Windows' were listed as contributing factors. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal and was not at an intersection, as documented in the report, but the presence of tinted windows is also cited as a factor. The focus remains on the driver’s visibility and the systemic risks posed by vehicle design and street conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728927 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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 10 - A van collided with a parked sedan near Elgar Place. Three young men in the back, unbelted, took the brunt. Their necks crushed, pain silent beneath skin and bone. The van showed no damage. The impact left trauma behind.

According to the police report, a van traveling west near 100 Elgar Place in the Bronx struck a parked sedan. The report states, 'a van struck a parked sedan. Three young men in the back, unbelted, suffered crushed necks.' All three passengers, aged 21 to 25, sustained severe neck injuries described as 'crush injuries.' The van showed no visible damage. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both the van's driver and one of the injured passengers. No other contributing factors are cited. The sedan was parked and unoccupied at the time of impact. The report does not mention any victim behaviors as contributing factors. The collision underscores the ongoing danger posed by driver inattention on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727990 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 4 - Sedan and tractor truck slammed together turning left on Bartow Avenue. Sedan driver, 25, took back injuries and whiplash. Metal twisted. No pedestrians. Both drivers licensed. Danger in the turn.

According to the police report, a sedan and a tractor truck diesel collided at 6:00 AM on Bartow Avenue in the Bronx. Both vehicles were making left turns northbound. The sedan’s right side doors and the truck’s left rear quarter panel took the hit. The sedan driver, a 25-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious. Both drivers held valid licenses. The report lists unspecified contributing factors. No pedestrians were involved. The crash underscores the danger when large trucks and passenger cars turn together.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4722842 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 18 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned and unplated cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. Police target vehicles with missing or fake plates. Fewer hazards for those on foot and bike.

Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 18, 2024. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation.' Sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary) and co-sponsored by over a dozen council members, it forces the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours and empowers NYPD to tow cars with missing or obscured plates or stickers. The law aims to clear street hazards fast, reducing risks for pedestrians and cyclists.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Mar 30 - A sedan rear-ended another sedan making a left turn on Coop City Boulevard in the Bronx. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite following too closely as the primary cause of the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:38 PM on Coop City Boulevard near Baychester Avenue in the Bronx. A 42-year-old female driver making a left turn in a 2019 Hyundai sedan was struck from behind by a 2022 Chevrolet sedan traveling eastbound. The point of impact was the center back end of the Hyundai and the center front end of the Chevrolet. The driver of the rear vehicle was injured, sustaining back injuries and whiplash, and was conscious at the scene. The report explicitly identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for the collision. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles legally. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating and failure to maintain safe following distances on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715424 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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 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 19 - Council wants bold signs at every school entrance. Paint on pavement. Metal overhead. The aim: warn drivers, shield kids. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait. Danger does not.

Bill Int 0714-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced March 19, 2024. The bill reads: 'installing safety signs near schools.' Council Member Susan Zhuang leads, joined by Rivera, Gennaro, Won, Hanif, Gutiérrez, Louis, Cabán, Restler, Farías, Banks, Riley, and Feliz. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to paint and hang school safety signs on every street with a school entrance. The goal: alert drivers to children and pedestrians. The bill awaits further action. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0714-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-19

Mar 7 - Council moves to force DOT to post clear bus lane signs on every block. Riders and walkers need to know when cars must stay out. The bill demands public, block-by-block rules. No more guessing. Streets reveal their rules.

Int 0647-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on March 7, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to bus lane restrictions," orders DOT to post signs on each block with bus lane rules and to publish hours online. Sponsors include Althea V. Stevens (primary), Chris Banks, Chi A. Ossé, Nantasha M. Williams, Carmen N. De La Rosa, Amanda Farías, Yusef Salaam, and Kevin C. Riley. The measure aims to end confusion and make bus lane rules plain for all. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0647-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

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

Mar 6 - Sedan turned right on Baychester Avenue. Struck a moped stopped in traffic. Moped driver suffered leg injuries. Poor lane markings and glare fueled the crash. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

According to the police report, a sedan making a right turn struck a moped stopped in traffic at 350 Baychester Avenue in the Bronx at 10:30 PM. The moped driver, a 54-year-old man, was injured in the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Lane Marking Improper/Inadequate' and 'Glare' as contributing factors. The sedan driver’s right turn into the moped’s path was a critical error. The moped driver wore a helmet, as noted in the report. No actions by the moped driver contributed to the crash. This collision highlights the danger when driver mistakes combine with poor road markings and visibility.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709657 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 5 - A 27-year-old man crossing Coop City Boulevard with the signal was struck by a southbound sedan making a left turn. The pedestrian suffered a fractured knee and lower leg injuries. Police cite improper lane markings and glare as contributing factors.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Coop City Boulevard at an intersection, obeying the crossing signal. The crash occurred at 18:25 when a southbound sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, was making a left turn. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian with its left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained severe injuries including a fractured and dislocated knee and lower leg. The report identifies improper or inadequate lane markings and glare as contributing factors to the crash. The vehicle sustained no damage. The police report highlights the failure of the roadway's lane markings to provide clear guidance, which, combined with glare, created hazardous conditions leading to the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4710629 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 28 - A man crossing Bartow Avenue with the signal was struck by a left-turning car. The driver failed to yield. The pedestrian suffered bruises and arm injuries. Metal met flesh. The street stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a 39-year-old man was crossing Bartow Avenue at Coop City Boulevard in the Bronx when an Acura, making a left turn, struck him. The crash happened at 22:19. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The pedestrian, who was crossing with the signal, suffered contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. He remained conscious at the scene. The vehicle’s left front quarter panel was damaged. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were listed. Driver error at the intersection led to real harm.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4706741 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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 28 - Council moves to expand Open Streets on busy holidays. More hours. More car-free blocks. Pedestrians and cyclists get space when crowds surge. Streets shift from traffic to people. Danger drops. The city listens to neighborhoods.

Bill Int 0270-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it amends city code to require the Department of Transportation to expand Open Streets hours on holidays with heavy foot traffic—Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day, Halloween, and others. The bill reads: 'special activation of the Open Streets program on certain holidays and time periods with significant pedestrian traffic.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rivera, Brooks-Powers, Louis, Nurse, Ossé, Sanchez, Cabán, Banks, Avilés, Riley, Salaam, Hanif, Feliz, Won, Restler, and Joseph. Community groups can suggest more dates. The city must review all requests under the same standards as regular Open Streets. This bill aims to give people the street when they need it most.

• File Int 0270-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council bill pushes demand-based parking in crowded boroughs. DOT must set rates, tweak with notice. Exempt vehicles dodge new fees. Streets may shift. Pedestrians and cyclists watch the curb.

Int 0474-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Julie Won and co-sponsored by Williams, Restler, Salaam, Bottcher, Riley, Brewer, Farías, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The bill orders DOT to create at least one dynamic parking zone per borough, with rates rising or falling by real-time demand. DOT must set the range before launch and give a week’s notice for changes. Vehicles with special permits stay exempt. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to establishing dynamic parking zones.' No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• File Int 0474-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council wants DOT to study how street design can keep commercial trucks out of residential blocks. The bill sits in committee. Streets should shelter people, not heavy traffic.

Int 0114-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to report on 'the utility and feasibility of using street design as a means to limit or reduce the use by commercial vehicles of streets in residential neighborhoods.' Jennifer Gutiérrez leads as primary sponsor, joined by Avilés, the Public Advocate, and others. The bill was referred to committee on the day of introduction. It demands a clear look at how design can push trucks off streets where people walk, bike, and live.

• File Int 0114-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council bill orders DOT to probe crashes. Expands what counts as serious. Sets tight deadlines. Demands detailed reports. Pushes city to face the wreckage, not hide it.

Int 0263-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Members Lincoln Restler (primary), Joseph, Feliz, Louis, Won, Salaam, Riley, and Banks. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring the department of transportation to investigate vehicle collisions,' expands the definition of serious crashes, forces DOT to start investigations within a week, finish in a month, and publish detailed findings. The bill was referred to committee on the day of introduction. It aims to expose the facts behind every deadly impact, demanding the city account for the toll on streets.

• File Int 0263-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28