Three Dead, Hundreds Hurt: Morris Park Bleeds While Leaders Stall

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 21 - A 22-year-old female driver suffered facial abrasions after her SUV collided head-on with an unspecified object. The crash occurred at night on Pelham Parkway. The driver was conscious and restrained, sustaining moderate injuries from the impact.

According to the police report, the crash happened at 7:56 p.m. on Pelham Parkway involving a 2018 Ford SUV traveling westbound. The vehicle's center front end was damaged, with the point of impact at the right front bumper. The 22-year-old female driver, who was wearing a lap belt and harness, was not ejected but sustained abrasions to her face and was classified with injury severity level 3. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any pedestrian or cyclist involvement. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead before the collision. No explicit driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705152 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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 9 - A 2023 Honda crashed into a stopped sedan on Sackett Avenue near Eastchester Road. The driver of the struck car suffered crushing spinal injuries. Police cite distraction and tailgating. Metal, speed, and inattention closed the gap with brutal force.

According to the police report, a 2023 Honda sedan traveling south on Sackett Avenue near Eastchester Road crashed into the rear of a stopped 2014 Honda sedan at 6:42 a.m. The driver of the stationary vehicle, a 29-year-old woman, was left semiconscious with severe crush injuries to her back, described as 'crushed at the spine, semiconscious, held only by a lap belt.' The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The narrative states, 'Distraction and speed closed the gap too late.' The driver of the moving vehicle failed to maintain attention and adequate distance, leading to a violent rear-end collision. No contributing factors are attributed to the injured driver. The crash underscores the persistent danger posed by driver distraction and tailgating on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701317 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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 29 - A northbound SUV stopped in traffic struck the rear of a sedan also traveling north on Williamsbridge Road. The sedan’s 77-year-old female driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention as the cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:11 on Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx. A 2022 Chevrolet SUV was stopped in traffic when it rear-ended a 2013 Mazda sedan traveling in the same direction. The sedan’s driver, a 77-year-old woman, sustained head injuries and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. The police report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the collision. The SUV struck the sedan at its center back end, causing damage to both vehicles. There is no indication of victim fault or contributing behaviors by the sedan driver. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction in urban traffic conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699122 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 21 - Two sedans collided at Morris Park Avenue in the Bronx. A 54-year-old female passenger suffered neck injuries and concussion, enduring shock. The crash involved a vehicle making a left turn and another going straight, with limited driver visibility cited.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:39 on Morris Park Avenue in the Bronx. Two sedans were involved: one traveling east going straight ahead, the other making a left turn southwest. The point of impact was the center front end of one sedan and the right front bumper of the other. A 54-year-old female passenger seated in the middle front seat was injured with neck trauma and concussion, experiencing shock. She was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report notes contributing factors including 'Unspecified' and 'View Obstructed/Limited,' indicating driver visibility issues likely played a role. The drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles in lawful directions. The data highlights driver errors related to limited sight lines during the left turn maneuver, underscoring systemic dangers in intersection visibility.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4696700 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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

Nov 29 - A 38-year-old woman was hit by an SUV on Vannest Avenue in the Bronx. She was crossing with the signal when the vehicle struck her front center. She suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The driver failed to yield.

According to the police report, a Station Wagon/SUV traveling west on Vannest Avenue struck a 38-year-old female pedestrian at an intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. She sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian with its center front end. No other occupants were in the vehicle. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. The report does not mention any contributing factors related to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4683354 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 29 - A 58-year-old male bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries after colliding with a 2019 Jeep SUV making a right turn on Eastchester Road. The impact struck the bike’s front center and the SUV’s right front bumper. Driver distraction was a factor.

According to the police report, a 58-year-old male bicyclist riding an e-bike northbound on Eastchester Road was injured when a 2019 Jeep SUV also traveling north made a right turn and struck the bike. The collision impacted the center front end of the e-bike and the right front bumper of the SUV. The bicyclist sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain proper attention. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4683355 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 25 - A sedan driver, distracted and inexperienced, struck a 67-year-old man near Paulding Avenue. The pedestrian suffered a facial injury and concussion. The sedan hit a parked van before hitting the man.

According to the police report, a 67-year-old male pedestrian was struck and injured by a 2023 Tesla sedan on Paulding Avenue in the Bronx. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time. He suffered a facial injury and concussion, classified as moderate. The sedan, traveling south, collided with the front center of a parked Nissan van before hitting the pedestrian. The report lists driver inattention and driver inexperience as contributing factors. No mention was made of helmet use or signaling. The crash underscores the danger posed by distracted, inexperienced drivers to people outside vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4682808 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 16 - A moped rider was ejected and injured after an SUV struck the rear of his vehicle on Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx. The rider suffered abrasions and arm injuries. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing the crash.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx involving a moped and an SUV, both traveling north. The SUV struck the center back end of the moped. The moped driver, a 43-year-old man wearing a helmet, was ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4680310 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 7 - A 73-year-old man driving an SUV in the Bronx suffered a neck injury after a front-end collision. The driver remained conscious but was treated for whiplash. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Two occupants were in the vehicle at the time.

According to the police report, a 73-year-old male driver of a 2013 Toyota SUV was involved in a crash on Eastchester Road in the Bronx. The vehicle sustained front-end damage after the collision. The driver, who was one of two occupants, suffered a neck injury described as whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The driver was licensed in New York and was traveling straight ahead before impact. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to injury even without other vehicles or pedestrians involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4677411 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 15 - A 12-year-old boy on a bike was struck by an SUV on Morris Park Avenue in the Bronx. The boy suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The SUV hit the bike’s front center, damaging its bumper.

According to the police report, a 12-year-old bicyclist was injured when a 2007 Ford SUV failed to yield right-of-way and collided with him on Morris Park Avenue in the Bronx. The boy was riding north when the SUV, traveling east and passing, struck the bike’s center front end with its right front bumper. The bicyclist suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor twice, indicating driver error. The boy was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash caused damage to both vehicles at the point of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4671162 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 27 - An 83-year-old man driving a sedan in the Bronx suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The car struck an object with its left front bumper. Police cited defective brakes as a contributing factor. The driver was conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, an 83-year-old male driver was injured when his sedan collided with an object on East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx. The impact occurred at the vehicle's left front bumper. The driver sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists defective brakes as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was traveling straight ahead and was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The crash highlights mechanical failure as a key cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4665787 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 27 - 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

Sep 27 - 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

Sep 22 - A sedan and moped collided on Morris Park Avenue. The moped driver, 37, suffered shoulder injuries. Unsafe lane changing and inexperience caused the crash. The street saw impact, pain, and failure.

According to the police report, a sedan and a moped crashed on Morris Park Avenue in the Bronx. The moped driver, a 37-year-old man, was injured in the shoulder and upper arm. The report lists unsafe lane changing and driver inexperience as contributing factors. The moped struck the sedan's left front quarter panel, while the sedan hit the moped's center front end. The moped driver wore a helmet. Both vehicles were traveling east. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4664529 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19