Blood on the Sidewalk, Blame in the Council Chambers

A northbound sedan struck an object or vehicle with its left front bumper on White Plains Road in the Bronx. Both occupants, a 31-year-old driver and a 26-year-old passenger, suffered contusions and bruises. The crash caused head and lower leg injuries.

According to the police report, a 2015 Ford sedan traveling north on White Plains Road in the Bronx collided with another vehicle or object, impacting with its left front bumper. The driver, a 31-year-old male, and the front passenger, a 26-year-old male, were both injured. The driver sustained head injuries described as contusions and bruises, while the passenger suffered injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. Both occupants were conscious and restrained by lap belts and harnesses at the time of the crash. The report lists "Other Vehicular" as a contributing factor for both occupants and the driver, indicating driver error or vehicle-related issues without specifying further details. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4730232 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 2024-06-03

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

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

Box truck ran a signal on Pelham Parkway South. It turned right, struck a westbound sedan. Two sedan passengers suffered chest injuries and whiplash. Driver inattention and traffic control disregard caused the crash.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling north on Pelham Parkway South made a right turn and collided with a westbound sedan at 8:29 p.m. Two male sedan passengers, ages 23 and 26, were injured with chest trauma and whiplash. Both remained conscious and were not ejected. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The sedan's right front bumper struck the truck's left front bumper, damaging both vehicles. The injured passengers were restrained with lap belts and harnesses. Driver errors in ignoring traffic control and distraction directly led to the crash and injuries. No victim actions contributed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720012 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Metal twisted on Bronxdale Avenue. A sedan’s front end gone, two young men trapped inside, bruised but conscious. Distraction behind the wheel tore flesh and steel. The silence after impact held only pain and the echo of inattention.

Two young men, both 26, were injured when a sedan crashed near 1753 Bronxdale Avenue in the Bronx, according to the police report. The report states the vehicle’s front end was destroyed, with both occupants—driver and front passenger—suffering crush injuries to their entire bodies. Both men were conscious but bruised beneath their seat belts. The police report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The narrative describes a head-on collision, metal folding inward, and the aftermath marked by silence and pain. No other contributing factors are listed for the victims. The focus remains on the driver’s distraction, as documented by police, which led directly to the violent impact and injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718502 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Tow truck reversed into a parked sedan in the Bronx. A 23-year-old man riding outside the truck was thrown off. He suffered a fractured, dislocated shoulder. Aggressive driving and unsafe backing listed as causes.

According to the police report, a tow truck was backing near 700 Sagamore Street in the Bronx when it struck a parked sedan. A 23-year-old male, riding or hanging on the outside of the tow truck, was ejected and suffered a fractured and dislocated upper arm. The report lists 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' and 'Backing Unsafely' as contributing factors. The tow truck driver’s unsafe maneuver led to the collision and ejection. The injured man was not using any safety equipment. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717639 - 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

An unlicensed driver in a southbound SUV, engaged in a police pursuit, collided with a northbound sedan stopped in traffic on White Plains Road. The impact caused neck injuries and whiplash to the sedan driver, who was properly restrained and conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 23:35 on White Plains Road in the Bronx. An unlicensed male driver operating a 2021 SUV was involved in a police pursuit traveling south when he struck the left rear quarter panel of a northbound sedan stopped in traffic. The sedan's driver, a 68-year-old male, was injured with neck trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was secured by a lap belt and harness. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the SUV operator. The sedan driver had no contributing factors listed. Vehicle damage was concentrated at the front and rear quarter panels, confirming the collision dynamics. The incident highlights the dangers posed by unlicensed drivers disregarding traffic controls during police pursuits.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4712609 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

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

A 16-year-old girl crossing White Plains Road was struck by a vehicle traveling north. The driver failed to yield and was inattentive, hitting the pedestrian on the left side. The teen suffered abrasions and leg injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 16-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of White Plains Road in the Bronx around 14:10. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk when a vehicle traveling north struck her on the left side doors. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The vehicle was going straight ahead at the time of impact. This collision highlights driver errors in yielding and attention that led to serious harm to a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699691 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

On Morris Park Avenue in the Bronx, a sedan driver making a left turn failed to yield right-of-way to an e-bike rider traveling southwest. The collision caused injury to the e-bike rider’s elbow and lower arm, leaving him conscious but with abrasions.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Morris Park Avenue in the Bronx at midnight. A sedan, driven by a licensed female driver traveling south and making a left turn, failed to yield right-of-way to a male e-bike rider traveling southwest. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor. The e-bike rider, a 46-year-old man, sustained injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, described as abrasions, and was conscious at the scene. Neither vehicle showed damage or points of impact, indicating a low-speed collision. The sedan driver was not cited for any other contributing factors. The report explicitly identifies the driver’s failure to yield as the cause of the injury, with no mention of victim fault or contributing victim behaviors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695312 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan making a left turn struck a bicyclist traveling north on White Plains Road in the Bronx. The 30-year-old cyclist suffered a head contusion but was conscious and not ejected. Driver failure to yield and inattention caused the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:30 PM on White Plains Road near Bronxdale Avenue in the Bronx. A 2014 Mazda sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, was making a left turn when it collided with a northbound bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 30-year-old man, sustained a head injury described as a contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' twice and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors, indicating the sedan driver failed to yield to the bicyclist and was distracted. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment, but this was not cited as a contributing factor. The sedan's left front bumper struck the center front end of the bike, causing injury to the cyclist and damage to the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694591 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04