Steel Wins, Kids Lose—Lower the Limit Now

Mayor Adams heads to Albany. He pushes for round-the-clock speed cameras and mayoral control of schools. Lawmakers stall. Streets stay dangerous at night. Advocates say limited camera hours fuel reckless driving. Albany debates, but time runs out. Vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

On May 13, 2022, Mayor Adams traveled to Albany to press lawmakers on his legislative priorities. The push included extending mayoral control of New York City’s public schools and, crucially, allowing speed cameras to operate 24/7. The matter summary states: 'Topping the list for Adams is extending mayoral control of the city’s public schools and allowing speed cameras on city streets to operate 24/7.' State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie were key figures in these talks. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez also lobbied for expanded speed camera authority. Despite Adams’s efforts, lawmakers showed little appetite for granting 'home rule'—the power for the city to control camera placement and hours. Advocates warn that restricting camera hours to weekdays, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., leaves streets deadly at night. The legislative session neared its end with no breakthrough, leaving vulnerable road users exposed.

• NYC Mayor Adams heading to Albany next week for last ditch legislative push, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-05-13

A flatbed swung wide on White Plains Road. Steel met flesh. A 49-year-old man fell, torn and unconscious. Parked cars scraped and silent. The Bronx street held the wreckage and the hush.

A flatbed truck making a U-turn on White Plains Road struck a 49-year-old pedestrian, leaving him with severe lacerations and unconscious on the pavement. According to the police report, 'A flatbed swung wide in a U-turn. It struck a 49-year-old man, tearing his body.' The crash also damaged parked vehicles. The police report lists 'Turning Improperly' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. No evidence in the report suggests any error or fault by the pedestrian. The impact and aftermath left the street marked by violence and silence.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4521554 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Bronx Community Board 8 shot down a DOT plan to slim Riverdale Avenue. The 3-2 vote blocks traffic calming, bike lanes, and safer crossings. Elected officials pushed left-turn signals instead. The street remains wide, fast, and dangerous for walkers and cyclists.

On April 1, 2022, Bronx Community Board 8's Traffic and Transportation Committee voted 3-2 against the Department of Transportation's proposed road diet for Riverdale Avenue. The plan, described as a '.75-mile-long road diet,' aimed to reduce lanes, add traffic calming, and install bike lanes. Council Member Eric Dinowitz and Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz opposed the DOT's turning bays, pushing instead for left-turn signals at two intersections. The committee echoed their stance, citing concerns about traffic and parking. The matter title: 'Riverdale Rumble: Bronx Panel Rejects DOT Road Diet Plan for Super-Wide Avenue.' DOT officials stressed the area's high rate of crashes, especially harming seniors and children, but the board's advisory vote leaves the avenue wide and perilous for vulnerable road users.

• Riverdale Rumble: Bronx Panel Rejects DOT Road Diet Plan for Super-Wide Avenue, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-04-01

Bronx Community Board 8 shot down a DOT plan to slim Riverdale Avenue. The 3-2 vote blocks traffic calming, bike lanes, and safer crossings. Elected officials pushed left-turn signals instead. The street remains wide, fast, and dangerous for walkers and cyclists.

On April 1, 2022, Bronx Community Board 8's Traffic and Transportation Committee voted 3-2 against the Department of Transportation's proposed road diet for Riverdale Avenue. The plan, described as a '.75-mile-long road diet,' aimed to reduce lanes, add traffic calming, and install bike lanes. Council Member Eric Dinowitz and Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz opposed the DOT's turning bays, pushing instead for left-turn signals at two intersections. The committee echoed their stance, citing concerns about traffic and parking. The matter title: 'Riverdale Rumble: Bronx Panel Rejects DOT Road Diet Plan for Super-Wide Avenue.' DOT officials stressed the area's high rate of crashes, especially harming seniors and children, but the board's advisory vote leaves the avenue wide and perilous for vulnerable road users.

• Riverdale Rumble: Bronx Panel Rejects DOT Road Diet Plan for Super-Wide Avenue, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-04-01

Council Member Eric Dinowitz blasted DOT’s Riverdale Avenue road diet plan. He called the agency’s process secretive and unacceptable. Dinowitz demanded real engagement. The proposal aims to curb crashes. Another local, Christian Amato, backed the plan, citing past safety gains.

On March 25, 2022, Council Member Eric Dinowitz publicly criticized the Department of Transportation’s proposal for a 'road diet' on Riverdale Avenue. The plan, discussed before Community Board 8 or Dinowitz himself, drew fire for what Dinowitz called 'unacceptable' and lacking transparency. The matter, titled 'Riverdale Avenue Rumble: Bronx Pol Dinowitz Objects to DOT’s Move on ‘Road Diet’,' centers on a traffic-calming redesign to address frequent crashes. Dinowitz stated, 'I'm not against the plan, because I don't know what it is,' but demanded better outreach. Christian Amato, another local politician, voiced strong support, referencing positive results from Morris Park Avenue. The DOT confirmed the proposal includes a bike lane and seeks community feedback. No formal council vote has occurred. The bill’s safety impact was not assessed.

• Riverdale Avenue Rumble: Bronx Pol Dinowitz Objects to DOT’s Move on ‘Road Diet’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-25

Council Member Eric Dinowitz blasted DOT’s Riverdale Avenue road diet plan. He called the agency’s process secretive and unacceptable. Dinowitz demanded real engagement. The proposal aims to curb crashes. Another local, Christian Amato, backed the plan, citing past safety gains.

On March 25, 2022, Council Member Eric Dinowitz publicly criticized the Department of Transportation’s proposal for a 'road diet' on Riverdale Avenue. The plan, discussed before Community Board 8 or Dinowitz himself, drew fire for what Dinowitz called 'unacceptable' and lacking transparency. The matter, titled 'Riverdale Avenue Rumble: Bronx Pol Dinowitz Objects to DOT’s Move on ‘Road Diet’,' centers on a traffic-calming redesign to address frequent crashes. Dinowitz stated, 'I'm not against the plan, because I don't know what it is,' but demanded better outreach. Christian Amato, another local politician, voiced strong support, referencing positive results from Morris Park Avenue. The DOT confirmed the proposal includes a bike lane and seeks community feedback. No formal council vote has occurred. The bill’s safety impact was not assessed.

• Riverdale Avenue Rumble: Bronx Pol Dinowitz Objects to DOT’s Move on ‘Road Diet’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-25

Councilmember Eric Dinowitz slammed DOT’s Riverdale Avenue road diet plan. He called out the agency for secrecy, not substance. The Bronx stretch is deadly. Dinowitz wants more transparency, not fewer lanes. The fight leaves vulnerable road users in limbo.

On March 25, 2022, Councilmember Eric Dinowitz of District 11 made a public statement opposing the Department of Transportation’s proposed ‘road diet’ for Riverdale Avenue. The plan, aimed at a crash-prone Bronx corridor, was criticized by Dinowitz for a lack of transparency: 'A city agency should not be run this way.' He insisted he is not against the plan itself, but objects to DOT’s process, which bypassed him and Community Board 8. Dinowitz’s stance echoes his past opposition to bus lanes that reduce parking, though he supports bike lanes that do not remove vehicle lanes. The proposal, which includes a bike lane, remains under review. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided for this action.

• Riverdale Avenue Rumble: Bronx Pol Dinowitz Objects to DOT’s Move on ‘Road Diet’, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-03-25

Councilmember Eric Dinowitz slammed DOT’s Riverdale Avenue road diet plan. He called out the agency for secrecy, not substance. The Bronx stretch is deadly. Dinowitz wants more transparency, not fewer lanes. The fight leaves vulnerable road users in limbo.

On March 25, 2022, Councilmember Eric Dinowitz of District 11 made a public statement opposing the Department of Transportation’s proposed ‘road diet’ for Riverdale Avenue. The plan, aimed at a crash-prone Bronx corridor, was criticized by Dinowitz for a lack of transparency: 'A city agency should not be run this way.' He insisted he is not against the plan itself, but objects to DOT’s process, which bypassed him and Community Board 8. Dinowitz’s stance echoes his past opposition to bus lanes that reduce parking, though he supports bike lanes that do not remove vehicle lanes. The proposal, which includes a bike lane, remains under review. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided for this action.

• Riverdale Avenue Rumble: Bronx Pol Dinowitz Objects to DOT’s Move on ‘Road Diet’, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-03-25

A sedan traveling east collided with a northbound sedan on East 233 Street in the Bronx. The 69-year-old driver suffered injuries and shock. Police cited unsafe speed as the contributing factor. The driver was restrained and not ejected.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on East 233 Street in the Bronx collided with a northbound sedan. The 69-year-old male driver of the sedan was injured and experienced shock. He was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists unsafe speed as the contributing factor to the crash. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the northbound sedan, which sustained center front end damage. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4512531 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Albany lawmakers dropped Hochul’s plan to raise fines for blocking bus lanes and dodging tolls. No new transit money. No tougher penalties. Riders left waiting. Drivers keep blocking. The city’s slowest buses stay slow. Vulnerable New Yorkers pay the price.

On March 15, 2022, the New York State Assembly and Senate released one-house budget proposals. Both left out Governor Hochul’s measures to increase fines for blocking bus lanes, raise penalties for toll evasion and defaced plates, and boost transit funding. The matter: 'State legislators used their budget proposals to prioritize drivers blocking bus lanes and evading tolls, omitting Gov. Hochul's proposals to raise fines for blocking bus lanes and increase penalties for toll evasion and defaced license plates.' Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie defended stripping policy from the budget. Riders Alliance’s Danny Pearlstein slammed the move: 'No increase in subway or bus service for millions of riders, no enhanced enforcement in the city with the slowest buses in the country.' The Senate promised to revisit bus lane enforcement later. Advocates doubted action would follow. The legislature’s inaction leaves vulnerable road users exposed, with no relief from blocked bus lanes or reckless drivers.

• State Pols: Go Ahead, Drive In Bus Lanes and Don’t Pay Tolls — See If We’re Going to Do Anything About It, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-15

A sedan struck a 38-year-old woman crossing from behind a parked car on Furman Avenue. She suffered abdominal and pelvic bruises. Police cite unsafe speed and limited view as causes.

According to the police report, a 38-year-old woman was hit by a sedan while emerging from behind a parked vehicle on Furman Avenue in the Bronx. The sedan, traveling south, struck her with its right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered contusions to her abdomen and pelvis and was left in shock. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors. The driver failed to control speed in a situation with limited visibility. The pedestrian was not at an intersection when struck.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4510041 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A sedan traveling south struck a pickup truck heading north on East 234 Street in the Bronx. The sedan’s driver, a 33-year-old man with a physical disability, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles sustained right-side damage.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on East 234 Street collided with a pickup truck traveling north. The point of impact was the right side doors of the sedan and the right front bumper of the truck. The sedan’s driver, a 33-year-old man, was injured with head trauma and whiplash. The report lists 'Physical Disability' and 'Lost Consciousness' as contributing factors for the driver. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash caused significant damage to the right side of the sedan and the right front bumper of the pickup truck. No other contributing driver errors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4508806 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A pick-up truck backing south struck a northbound e-bike on Van Cortlandt Park East in the Bronx. The e-bike rider, a 28-year-old man, suffered upper arm injuries and shock. The truck driver failed to back safely and was distracted.

According to the police report, a pick-up truck was backing south on Van Cortlandt Park East when it collided with a northbound e-bike. The e-bike rider, a 28-year-old man, was injured with upper arm and shoulder pain and experienced shock. The report lists the truck driver's errors as "Backing Unsafely" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction." The e-bike rider was not at fault. The truck's rear center was the point of impact, damaging the vehicle's back end and the e-bike's front. The e-bike rider was unlicensed, but no helmet or signaling factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4511142 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.

Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.

• File S 3897, Open States, Published 2022-03-02

Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.

Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.

• File S 5130, Open States, Published 2022-03-02

A Jeep SUV and a Ford sedan collided on East 236 Street in the Bronx. The sedan’s 26-year-old male driver suffered a bruised elbow. Both vehicles showed front-end damage. Driver distraction was cited as a factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on East 236 Street involving a 2016 Jeep SUV traveling south and a 2020 Ford sedan traveling west. The sedan’s 26-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining a contusion to his elbow. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for the sedan driver. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front ends, with the SUV impacted at the center front and the sedan at the right front quarter panel. The sedan driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4496472 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A 28-year-old man was hit by a 2022 Subaru SUV traveling west on East 240 Street in the Bronx. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper. The man suffered bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured after being struck by a 2022 Subaru SUV traveling west on East 240 Street in the Bronx. The pedestrian, a 28-year-old male, was located outside an intersection and suffered contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists driver errors including Driver Inattention/Distraction and Aggressive Driving/Road Rage as contributing factors. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian with its right front bumper. No helmet or signaling factors were noted. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene and sustained moderate injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4494961 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A southbound SUV struck a parked SUV on Wickham Avenue in the Bronx. The driver of the moving SUV suffered knee and lower leg abrasions. Police cited defective brakes as a contributing factor. No one was ejected; the driver was conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a 37-year-old male driver traveling south in a 2012 Jeep SUV collided with a parked SUV on Wickham Avenue in the Bronx. The driver sustained abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness. The collision involved the moving SUV's front right bumper striking the left rear bumper of the parked vehicle. Police identified defective brakes as a contributing factor to the crash. No other driver errors were specified. The driver was not ejected and remained in the vehicle. The report does not list any pedestrian or cyclist involvement.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4493199 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13