Pelham Gardens Bleeds While Leaders Stall

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

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 2025-08-04

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

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 2025-08-04

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 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 2025-08-04

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 2025-08-04

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 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 2025-08-04

A northbound SUV struck the left rear quarter panel of an eastbound sedan on Hone Avenue. The sedan’s driver, a 50-year-old man, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited traffic control disregard as the cause. Both vehicles damaged on impact.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Hone Avenue in the Bronx when a northbound SUV struck the left rear quarter panel of an eastbound sedan. The sedan’s 50-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining head trauma and whiplash. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' twice as contributing factors, indicating driver error related to ignoring traffic signals or signs. The driver was not ejected and remained conscious. The SUV and sedan both sustained damage to their left sides. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4645362 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A motorbike making a U-turn struck a sedan going straight on Morgan Avenue in the Bronx. The motorbike driver, a 32-year-old man, suffered knee and lower leg abrasions. Police cited driver inattention as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old male motorbike driver was injured when his vehicle collided head-on with a sedan traveling northeast on Morgan Avenue in the Bronx. The motorbike was making a U-turn at the time of impact. The motorbike driver sustained abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. Both vehicles suffered front-end damage. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The crash highlights the dangers of distracted driving during complex maneuvers like U-turns.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4636352 - 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

Senate backs S 6802. Albany gets school speed cameras. One no vote. Cameras aim to slow drivers near kids. Program ends 2028. Lawmakers move to shield children from reckless speed.

Senate bill S 6802, introduced by Neil D. Breslin, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in Albany. The bill passed committee on May 30, 2023, with only one senator, Andrew J. Lanza, voting no. The official summary reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2028.' Breslin led sponsorship. Seventeen senators voted yes. The program targets driver speed near schools, aiming to protect children and other vulnerable road users. The law sunsets at the end of 2028.

• File S 6802, Open States, Published 2023-05-30

Senate backs S 6802. Albany gets school speed cameras. One no vote. Cameras aim to slow drivers near kids. Program ends 2028. Lawmakers move to shield children from reckless speed.

Senate bill S 6802, introduced by Neil D. Breslin, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in Albany. The bill passed committee on May 30, 2023, with only one senator, Andrew J. Lanza, voting no. The official summary reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2028.' Breslin led sponsorship. Seventeen senators voted yes. The program targets driver speed near schools, aiming to protect children and other vulnerable road users. The law sunsets at the end of 2028.

• File S 6802, Open States, Published 2023-05-30