Pelham Gardens Bleeds While Leaders Stall

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 27 - Two sedans collided on East Gun Hill Road in the Bronx. A 14-year-old rear passenger suffered head injuries and whiplash. The crash involved driver inexperience and failure to yield right-of-way, causing significant vehicle damage and trauma.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:45 on East Gun Hill Road in the Bronx. Two sedans collided: one traveling south going straight ahead and the other making a left turn traveling north. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the southbound vehicle and the right side doors of the northbound vehicle. The report cites driver errors including "Driver Inexperience" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." A 14-year-old male occupant seated in the left rear passenger position was injured, sustaining head injuries and whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt at the time of the crash. Vehicle damage was concentrated on the right front bumper and right side doors, underscoring the severity of the collision. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727896 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 23 - 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

May 16 - 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

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 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

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 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 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

Feb 5 - Two passengers suffered whiplash and limb injuries after a high-speed collision between SUVs on Allerton Avenue in the Bronx. The crash struck the left rear bumper of one vehicle and the front center of the other, highlighting unsafe speed as the cause.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Allerton Avenue in the Bronx at 19:22. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of one SUV and the center front end of the other. The report cites unsafe speed as the contributing factor to the crash. Two male passengers, ages 21 and 23, were injured. Both were conscious and wearing lap belts. Injuries included whiplash and trauma to the knee, lower leg, foot, shoulder, and upper arm. Neither occupant was ejected. The drivers were traveling westbound, both going straight ahead prior to impact. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victims. The collision underscores the dangers posed by excessive speed on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701438 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jan 12 - A Kia SUV struck a parked Volkswagen sedan on Astor Avenue in the Bronx. The sedan’s driver, a 52-year-old woman, suffered whole-body injuries and lost consciousness. The impact damaged the left side doors of the sedan and right side doors of the SUV.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 13:58 on Astor Avenue in the Bronx. A Kia SUV traveling eastbound collided with a parked Volkswagen sedan. The point of impact was the left rear quarter panel of the sedan and the right front quarter panel of the SUV. The sedan driver, a 52-year-old woman, was injured with whole-body trauma and lost consciousness. She was restrained by a lap belt and harness but suffered whiplash and was unconscious after the crash. The report lists "Lost Consciousness" as a contributing factor but does not specify driver errors or other contributing factors. The Kia SUV was occupied by two people and was traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. The parked sedan sustained damage to its left side doors, while the SUV’s right side doors were damaged. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694578 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

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

Jan 3 - A sedan and SUV crashed on Allerton Avenue. Both drivers ignored traffic controls. A toddler in the sedan suffered facial abrasions. The sedan driver’s arm broke. Metal twisted. The street bore the cost.

According to the police report, a 2023 Acura sedan and a 2018 Ford SUV collided on Allerton Avenue at 17:46. Both drivers, licensed men, went straight before impact. The sedan’s right rear quarter panel and the SUV’s center front end took the hit. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors for both drivers. A 2-year-old girl in the sedan’s right rear seat suffered facial abrasions. The sedan driver sustained a fracture and dislocation to his lower arm. Both occupants wore seat belts and harnesses. The sedan’s airbag deployed. The crash damaged the sedan’s right rear bumper and the SUV’s left front bumper.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692592 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Dec 31 - A BMW turned wrong into a Toyota on East Gun Hill Road. Steel tore steel. In the back seat, a 13-year-old boy’s hip shattered. The lap belt held him. He stayed awake. He screamed. Aggressive driving fueled the crash.

A crash on East Gun Hill Road near Allerton Avenue left a 13-year-old boy with a shattered hip. According to the police report, a BMW sedan turned improperly into a Toyota SUV. The impact tore through both vehicles. The boy, riding in the right rear seat, suffered crush injuries to his hip and upper leg. He remained conscious and was held in place by a lap belt. The police report cites 'Turning Improperly' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as contributing factors. The boy was a passenger and played no role in the crash. The collision highlights the danger of driver error and aggressive maneuvers on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691556 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Nov 30 - A 19-year-old woman was struck while crossing with the signal at Boston Road and East Gun Hill Road. The sedan made a left turn and hit her with its front center. She suffered fractures and dislocations to her lower leg and foot.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling southwest on Boston Road made a left turn and struck a 19-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection with East Gun Hill Road. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists aggressive driving and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The vehicle's point of impact was the center front end, indicating the driver did not yield to the pedestrian. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but was not cited for any contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4684486 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

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 21 - A 15-year-old e-scooter driver was injured in a collision with a sedan on East Gun Hill Road in the Bronx. The scooter struck the sedan’s front left bumper. The rider suffered fractures and dislocations to his lower leg and foot.

According to the police report, a 15-year-old male e-scooter driver traveling north on East Gun Hill Road collided with a westbound 2021 Hyundai sedan. The point of impact was the left front bumper of both vehicles. The e-scooter driver sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was conscious at the scene. The report lists driver errors including "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as contributing factors. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The e-scooter driver was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash highlights dangers from distracted driving and improper lane use.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4665251 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Aug 2 - Two vehicles collided on Mace Avenue in the Bronx late at night. Six female occupants suffered face, head, eye, neck, and leg injuries. Drivers distracted. No ejections. All wore seat belts. Shock and bruises reported.

According to the police report, a 2019 Honda SUV and a 2015 Toyota sedan collided on Mace Avenue in the Bronx. The crash involved six female occupants, including two drivers and four passengers, all injured with trauma to the face, head, eye, neck, and lower limbs. All occupants were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and none were ejected. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor for all injured parties. Vehicle damage was noted on the front ends and bumpers. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. The crash caused shock and contusions but no visible complaints were recorded.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4651017 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18