Blood on the Sidewalk, Blame in the Council Chambers

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 motorscooter traveling northeast struck the left front bumper of a sedan making a left turn on White Plains Road. The scooter driver, a 36-year-old man, suffered bruises and full-body injuries. The sedan driver failed to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, a 36-year-old male motorscooter driver was injured when his vehicle collided with a sedan on White Plains Road near Rhinelander Avenue. The scooter driver was going straight northeast while the sedan was making a left turn southeast. The point of impact was the center front end of the scooter and the left front bumper of the sedan. The report lists contributing factors as "Other Vehicular" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way," indicating the sedan driver did not yield properly. The scooter driver sustained contusions and bruises over his entire body but was not ejected and remained conscious. No safety equipment was noted for the scooter driver. The sedan driver was licensed and operating a 2015 vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687564 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 78-year-old man crossing Vannest Avenue was struck by a westbound motorcycle. The rider showed inattention and inexperience. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. The motorcycle’s front center end took the impact.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling west on Vannest Avenue struck a 78-year-old pedestrian crossing the street. The pedestrian sustained a head injury classified as a contusion and remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention and driver inexperience as contributing factors to the crash. The motorcycle’s center front end was the point of impact, indicating a direct collision. The pedestrian was at an intersection but no signal or crosswalk was noted. The driver was licensed and operating the motorcycle straight ahead. No victim fault or safety equipment is mentioned in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4667032 - 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

A sedan made a left turn and struck a southbound bicyclist on White Plains Road in the Bronx. The cyclist was ejected and suffered whiplash and injuries to his entire body. Unsafe lane changing and speed contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on White Plains Road attempted a left turn and collided head-on with a southbound bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 27-year-old man, was ejected from his bike and sustained injuries to his entire body, including whiplash. The report lists unsafe lane changing and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The sedan showed no damage, while the bike was damaged at the center front end. The cyclist was conscious after the crash and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York. No other factors or victim errors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4656504 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 35-year-old woman crossed with the signal in the Bronx. An unlicensed, inexperienced driver in a 2015 SUV struck her head-on. The pedestrian suffered hip and upper leg abrasions. The driver’s inexperience caused the crash at Lydig Avenue.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing with the signal at an intersection on Lydig Avenue in the Bronx. She suffered abrasions to her hip and upper leg. The crash involved a 2015 Honda SUV traveling west, driven by an unlicensed female driver. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The report lists driver inexperience as a contributing factor. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but not ejected. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted. The collision highlights the dangers posed by unlicensed and inexperienced drivers in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4641044 - 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

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 2023-06-01

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 2023-05-31

Bronx business groups and local institutions want Mayor Adams to stop bus lane improvements on Fordham Road. They claim the changes will hurt traffic and business. Data shows most shoppers arrive by transit, walking, or biking—not by car. The city weighs next steps.

On May 30, 2023, Bronx business leaders and institutions sent a letter opposing the Department of Transportation’s plan to expand bus lanes on Fordham Road. The matter, titled 'Bronx Business Leaders and Local Institutions Want to Halt Bus Fixes on Fordham Rd,' highlights their demand for Mayor Adams to halt improvements meant for 85,000 daily bus riders. The Belmont and Fordham Business Improvement Districts, along with the Bronx Zoo, New York Botanical Garden, Fordham University, Monroe College, and St. Barnabas Hospital, argue the changes would 'significantly impact crucial traffic flow' and burden side streets. State Sen. Gustavo Rivera voiced support for transit equity but awaits a traffic study. DOT claims to work with the community. Despite business concerns, advocates and city data show most shoppers use transit, walking, or biking, not cars. Similar fears about bus improvements hurting business have not come true elsewhere.

• Bronx Business Leaders and Local Institutions Want to Halt Bus Fixes on Fordham Rd, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-30

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

A 26-year-old man drove a 2013 Ford sedan west on Neill Avenue. He struck two parked vehicles, damaging their rear quarter panels. The driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as causes.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male driver operating a 2013 Ford sedan was traveling westbound on Neill Avenue in the Bronx when he collided with two parked vehicles: a 2009 Audi and a 2022 Mitsubishi SUV. The impact damaged the left rear quarter panel of the Audi and the right rear quarter panel of the SUV. The driver was injured, sustaining neck pain and whiplash, but was not ejected and was conscious at the scene. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. Additionally, the driver was unlicensed at the time of the crash. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4620497 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 48-year-old man was struck while working on a car near Neill Avenue in the Bronx. Two SUVs collided, one moving and one parked. The pedestrian suffered bruises and leg injuries. Driver distraction and following too closely caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 48-year-old male pedestrian was injured while pushing or working on a car off intersection near 801 Neill Avenue in the Bronx. Two SUVs were involved: one traveling northwest and striking the right front bumper of the other, which was parked. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors as 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely.' The moving SUV's right front quarter panel was damaged, indicating impact with the pedestrian and the parked vehicle. No victim fault or safety equipment was noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4619410 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 2023-03-21

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

A 20-year-old man was struck on Morris Park Avenue while crossing with the signal. The sedan, traveling west, hit him center front. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The driver disregarded traffic control, causing the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Morris Park Avenue struck a 20-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing at an intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating the driver failed to obey traffic signals. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but not ejected. No other contributing factors or safety equipment were noted. The crash highlights a failure by the driver to yield to a pedestrian lawfully crossing the street.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4613243 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04