No One Walks Away: Four Dead on White Plains Road, City Still Sleeps

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

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 2025-08-04

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

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 2025-08-04

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

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

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 2025-08-04

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 2025-08-04

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

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

Council moves to expand Open Streets on busy holidays. More hours. More car-free blocks. Pedestrians and cyclists get space when crowds surge. Streets shift from traffic to people. Danger drops. The city listens to neighborhoods.

Bill Int 0270-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it amends city code to require the Department of Transportation to expand Open Streets hours on holidays with heavy foot traffic—Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day, Halloween, and others. The bill reads: 'special activation of the Open Streets program on certain holidays and time periods with significant pedestrian traffic.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rivera, Brooks-Powers, Louis, Nurse, Ossé, Sanchez, Cabán, Banks, Avilés, Riley, Salaam, Hanif, Feliz, Won, Restler, and Joseph. Community groups can suggest more dates. The city must review all requests under the same standards as regular Open Streets. This bill aims to give people the street when they need it most.

• File Int 0270-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill pushes demand-based parking in crowded boroughs. DOT must set rates, tweak with notice. Exempt vehicles dodge new fees. Streets may shift. Pedestrians and cyclists watch the curb.

Int 0474-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Julie Won and co-sponsored by Williams, Restler, Salaam, Bottcher, Riley, Brewer, Farías, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The bill orders DOT to create at least one dynamic parking zone per borough, with rates rising or falling by real-time demand. DOT must set the range before launch and give a week’s notice for changes. Vehicles with special permits stay exempt. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to establishing dynamic parking zones.' No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• File Int 0474-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council wants DOT to study how street design can keep commercial trucks out of residential blocks. The bill sits in committee. Streets should shelter people, not heavy traffic.

Int 0114-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to report on 'the utility and feasibility of using street design as a means to limit or reduce the use by commercial vehicles of streets in residential neighborhoods.' Jennifer Gutiérrez leads as primary sponsor, joined by Avilés, the Public Advocate, and others. The bill was referred to committee on the day of introduction. It demands a clear look at how design can push trucks off streets where people walk, bike, and live.

• File Int 0114-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill orders DOT to probe crashes. Expands what counts as serious. Sets tight deadlines. Demands detailed reports. Pushes city to face the wreckage, not hide it.

Int 0263-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Members Lincoln Restler (primary), Joseph, Feliz, Louis, Won, Salaam, Riley, and Banks. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring the department of transportation to investigate vehicle collisions,' expands the definition of serious crashes, forces DOT to start investigations within a week, finish in a month, and publish detailed findings. The bill was referred to committee on the day of introduction. It aims to expose the facts behind every deadly impact, demanding the city account for the toll on streets.

• File Int 0263-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to create a DOT parking squad. The bill targets illegal parking. Sponsors say it will enforce rules. Streets choke on blocked lanes. Pedestrians and cyclists pay the price.

Bill Int 0264-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it would require the Department of Transportation to form a unit focused on parking violations. The matter title reads: 'Establishment of a parking enforcement unit within the department of transportation.' Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Crystal Hudson, Erik D. Bottcher, and others. The bill aims to crack down on illegal parking, a known threat to people on foot and bike. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but blocked lanes endanger all who travel outside a car.

• File Int 0264-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill orders speed humps on roads beside parks over one acre. DOT can skip spots if safety or rules demand. Law aims to slow cars where families walk, run, and play.

Int 0262-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill reads: “requiring the installation of speed humps on roadways adjacent to any park equal or greater than one acre.” Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by eighteen co-sponsors. The Department of Transportation must install speed humps unless the commissioner finds a risk to safety or a conflict with DOT guidelines. The law would take effect 180 days after passage. The measure targets streets where parks meet traffic, aiming to slow cars and shield people outside vehicles.

• File Int 0262-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Albany leaders raid transit funds to pay drivers. Advocates rage. Sixteen groups demand OBTA money fix buses and trains, not bankroll toll rebates. Lawmakers ignore pleas. Millions outside Manhattan lose. Streets stay deadly. Transit riders wait. Cars win.

On February 23, 2024, sixteen advocacy groups sent a letter to Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. They condemned the use of Outer Borough Transit Account (OBTA) funds for toll rebates instead of transit improvements. The OBTA, created in 2018 from a surcharge on Manhattan taxi and for-hire rides, was meant to boost transit service or lower fares outside Manhattan. Yet, $22.2 million has gone to toll rebates for drivers in the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. Only one transit project—the Far Rockaway City Ticket—has seen funding. Riders Alliance Director Danny Pearlstein said, “The Outer Borough Transit Account should clearly also help the millions of people outside Manhattan who don't have cars and who depend on public transit.” Lawmakers have not responded. Vulnerable road users—bus riders, train passengers, pedestrians—remain sidelined as car subsidies persist.

• Advocates Slam Albany Pols for Using Transit Fund to Encourage Driving, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-23

SUV rear-ends stopped car on Bronx River Parkway. Driver, 33, suffers chest injury and whiplash. Police cite following too closely and distraction. Impact crushes rear bumper and front end.

According to the police report, a crash occurred on the Bronx River Parkway involving two SUVs. One SUV was stopped in traffic when another SUV struck it from behind. The lead driver, a 33-year-old man, was injured with chest trauma and whiplash. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors, both driver errors by the rear vehicle. The injured driver was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704674 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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