Bronx River Parkway took two young riders. The map says it wasn’t a fluke.

May 15 - State leaders urge passage of A4120/S1981 to slash driving by one-fifth. The bill aims to shift funding from highways to transit, cycling, and walking. Advocates say fewer cars mean fewer deaths. The clock ticks toward the session’s end.

Bill A4120/S1981, now before the New York State Legislature, seeks a 20% reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 2050. The measure is championed by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and backed by a coalition of local officials. On May 15, 2024, a letter to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins called for swift passage before the session ends in June. The letter states, 'The state Legislature should pass the law before the end of this session in June, which could pivot transportation funding toward more beneficial uses like mass transit and biking and walking infrastructure.' Stewart-Cousins is mentioned as a key recipient. The bill would force agencies to prioritize projects for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders over highway expansion. Advocates argue this shift will save lives, cut pollution, and undo harms from car-centric planning.

• New York Pols Back Gounardes's Bill to Cut Driving by 20%, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-05-15

May 3 - A U-turning SUV struck a parked sedan in the Bronx. Two people in another SUV suffered head and body injuries. Police cited failure to yield and bad lane markings. The street became a crash site.

According to the police report, a crash occurred at 13:30 near East 222 Street in the Bronx. An SUV making a U-turn hit a parked sedan, damaging the sedan's left side. Two occupants in a second SUV, a 65-year-old male driver and a 64-year-old female front passenger, were injured. The driver suffered head injuries and whiplash; the passenger sustained whiplash and injuries to her entire body. Both were conscious and wore lap belts and harnesses. The police report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Lane Marking Improper/Inadequate' as contributing factors. The crash and injuries resulted from driver error and poor lane markings. No victim actions contributed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4722103 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 26 - Two SUVs collided in the Bronx. The trailing SUV slammed the lead vehicle’s rear. The lead driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite following too closely as the cause.

According to the police report, two SUVs traveled westbound on East 216 Street in the Bronx when the trailing vehicle struck the center rear of the lead SUV. The lead driver, a 32-year-old woman, was injured with back trauma and whiplash. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the sole contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and headed straight at the time of impact. Damage was concentrated at the center front of the trailing SUV and the center rear of the lead SUV. No other contributing factors or victim actions were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4722057 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 22 - Albany passed Sammy’s Law. The city can now set lower speed limits. Lawmakers carved out wide roads, leaving many deadly corridors untouched. Advocates fought for years. Families of crash victims cheered. The fight for safer streets is not over.

Sammy’s Law, passed on April 22, 2024, as part of New York’s $273-billion state budget, grants New York City the authority to set its own speed limits on most roads. The bill, long blocked by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, finally moved forward under Governor Kathy Hochul’s push. The measure, described as 'a significant legislative achievement,' excludes roads outside Manhattan with three or more travel lanes in one direction—a concession to car-centric lawmakers. The law requires community board notification and comment, but their input is only advisory. Families of road violence victims and street safety advocates celebrated the win. Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, Transportation Chair, conditioned her support on street redesigns in underserved neighborhoods. The law’s carve-out leaves many of the city’s deadliest roads unchanged, withholding proven safety benefits from major thoroughfares.

• Behind the Scenes: How Gov. Hochul Got ‘Sammy’s Law’ Over the Finish Line, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-04-22

Apr 18 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned and unplated cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. Police target vehicles with missing or fake plates. Fewer hazards for those on foot and bike.

Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 18, 2024. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation.' Sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary) and co-sponsored by over a dozen council members, it forces the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours and empowers NYPD to tow cars with missing or obscured plates or stickers. The law aims to clear street hazards fast, reducing risks for pedestrians and cyclists.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Apr 17 - A sedan rear-ended another on East 228 Street. The trailing driver suffered abdominal injuries. Police cited following too closely and ignoring traffic controls. Impact was hard. System failed to protect.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on East 228 Street in the Bronx at 19:44. The rear sedan struck the right front quarter panel of the lead vehicle. The trailing driver, a 47-year-old man, suffered abdominal and pelvic injuries. Police listed 'Following Too Closely' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The report also notes 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight. The injured driver's airbag deployed. No victim actions contributed, per the report. The crash highlights driver error and systemic risk.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718266 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 4 - A pickup turned left across East 222nd. A moped slammed in. A young passenger flew off, struck the street, blood pooling from his head. Sirens cut through the Bronx night. Failure to yield left a man broken and bleeding.

According to the police report, a pickup truck was making a left turn at East 222nd Street and Laconia Avenue when a westbound moped, traveling straight, collided with the truck. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The moped’s unlicensed rider continued straight, and the impact ejected a 22-year-old male passenger from the moped. The passenger struck the street and suffered a severe head injury, described as 'severe bleeding,' and was found conscious at the scene. The police report notes the passenger was not wearing a helmet, but this is mentioned after the primary driver error. The crash underscores the danger when drivers fail to yield, as documented in the official report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717158 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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 24 - A 44-year-old man pushing a car was struck by an SUV making an improper U-turn on White Plains Road in the Bronx. The pedestrian suffered lower leg injuries and bruising. The driver failed to execute the turn safely, causing the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:56 on White Plains Road in the Bronx. A 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while pushing a car outside an intersection. The vehicle involved was a 2018 Honda SUV traveling north, making an improper U-turn. The report cites 'Turning Improperly' as the contributing factor to the crash. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the SUV. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle alone. No vehicle damage was reported. The collision highlights driver error in executing a U-turn, directly causing harm to a vulnerable pedestrian engaged in roadside activity.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713208 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 21 - An 85-year-old man was struck at an intersection in the Bronx by a southbound sedan. The pedestrian suffered severe whole-body injuries and was found unconscious. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, with no vehicle damage reported.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:41 on East 223 Street in the Bronx. An 85-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being struck by a southbound BMW sedan. The pedestrian was located at the intersection, described as performing 'Other Actions in Roadway.' The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian was unconscious with injuries to the entire body, classified as severity level 3. The sedan had no visible damage and was traveling straight ahead at the time of impact, striking the pedestrian with its center front end. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4712223 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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 19 - Council wants bold signs at every school entrance. Paint on pavement. Metal overhead. The aim: warn drivers, shield kids. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait. Danger does not.

Bill Int 0714-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced March 19, 2024. The bill reads: 'installing safety signs near schools.' Council Member Susan Zhuang leads, joined by Rivera, Gennaro, Won, Hanif, Gutiérrez, Louis, Cabán, Restler, Farías, Banks, Riley, and Feliz. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to paint and hang school safety signs on every street with a school entrance. The goal: alert drivers to children and pedestrians. The bill awaits further action. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0714-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-19

Mar 13 - A 52-year-old man suffered head abrasions after a vehicle made a right turn and struck him at an intersection in the Bronx. The driver failed to yield and improperly used a lane, causing the collision. The pedestrian was conscious but injured.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on White Plains Road near East 215 Street in the Bronx at 7:50 p.m. A vehicle making a right turn struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian crossing at the intersection. The point of impact was the vehicle's center front end, damaging the right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained head abrasions and was conscious at the scene. The report identifies driver errors including 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk indication, but the report emphasizes the driver’s failure to yield and improper lane use as causes. No victim fault or helmet use was cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709708 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 13 - The Assembly refused to include Sammy’s Law in the state budget. The bill would let New York City lower its speed limit to 20 mph. Advocates, families, and city leaders back it. The Assembly’s inaction leaves vulnerable road users exposed. Grief and anger mount.

On March 13, 2024, the New York State Assembly declined to advance Sammy’s Law (no bill number cited), which would let New York City set its own speed limit. The measure was left out of the Assembly’s budget, despite support from the State Senate, Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams, and the City Council. The bill’s sponsor, Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, did not comment. The Assembly’s move angered advocates and families, including Amy Cohen of Families for Safe Streets, who said, 'We are very disappointed that the Assembly didn’t follow suit.' Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives called the decision a failure to join 'more than 130 unions, hospitals, business leaders, and community-led organizations that recognize the urgent need for this common-sense legislation.' The Assembly’s inaction keeps city streets dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists. A rally is planned to push for the bill’s passage.

• Déjà-Vu All Over Again: Assembly Balks on ‘Sammy’s Law,’ Bill Sponsor Silent, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-13

Mar 8 - A 65-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sedan hit him while he emerged from in front of a parked vehicle on Tilden Street in the Bronx. The driver’s improper lane usage and distraction caused the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Tilden Street in the Bronx struck a 65-year-old male pedestrian who was emerging from in front of a parked vehicle. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated at 3. The driver was cited for 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' indicating failure to maintain proper lane discipline and lack of focus contributed to the collision. The vehicle's point of impact was the center front end, consistent with striking a pedestrian stepping into the roadway. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene and not at an intersection when struck. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior or safety equipment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709359 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 7 - Council moves to force DOT to post clear bus lane signs on every block. Riders and walkers need to know when cars must stay out. The bill demands public, block-by-block rules. No more guessing. Streets reveal their rules.

Int 0647-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on March 7, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to bus lane restrictions," orders DOT to post signs on each block with bus lane rules and to publish hours online. Sponsors include Althea V. Stevens (primary), Chris Banks, Chi A. Ossé, Nantasha M. Williams, Carmen N. De La Rosa, Amanda Farías, Yusef Salaam, and Kevin C. Riley. The measure aims to end confusion and make bus lane rules plain for all. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0647-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

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

Mar 5 - A rear-end crash on East 224 Street in the Bronx injured two passengers in a station wagon. The SUV driver followed too closely, striking the sedan ahead. Both victims suffered back injuries and whiplash, conscious but hurt in the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:24 on East 224 Street in the Bronx. The collision involved a Toyota SUV and a Toyota sedan, both traveling east. The SUV struck the sedan from behind, with impact centered on the front end of the SUV and the rear center of the sedan. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the SUV operator. Two passengers in the sedan, a 29-year-old woman and a 5-year-old girl, were injured with back pain and whiplash. Both were conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The injuries reflect the force of the rear-end impact. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707846 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 5 - A 69-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by an SUV making an improper left turn. The impact caused upper arm abrasions. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, highlighting dangerous turning behavior at a Bronx intersection.

According to the police report, at 8:45 AM on East 219 Street near White Plains Road in the Bronx, a 69-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2020 SUV made an improper left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when the vehicle struck him with its right front bumper. The report cites 'Turning Improperly' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors attributed to the driver. The pedestrian suffered abrasions to his shoulder and upper arm, classified as injury severity level 3. The SUV driver, a licensed female motorist from New York, was the sole occupant and sustained no reported injuries. Vehicle damage was noted as none. This incident underscores the systemic danger posed by improper turning and failure to yield in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707639 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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