Injured, Not Invisible: Demand Action on Deadly Streets

Aug 25 - A moped hit the rear of a stopped SUV on E 233 Street at Vireo Ave in the Bronx. The SUV driver suffered neck pain and whiplash. Two others reported unspecified injuries. Police recorded following too closely.

A moped traveling east struck the center back end of a stopped SUV on E 233 Street at Vireo Avenue in the Bronx. The driver of the SUV, a 34-year-old woman, reported neck pain and whiplash. Two other people were reported with unspecified injuries. According to the police report, the contributing factor was "Following Too Closely." The report notes the SUV was stopped in traffic and was struck at its center back end while the moped showed front-end damage. Vehicle and occupant counts in the report list two people on the moped and one occupant in the SUV.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4837481 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Aug 9 - A cab driver died after an SUV, moving at 77 mph in a 25 zone, struck his car in the Bronx. The driver ran. DNA on the airbag led to charges. The street stayed silent. The loss remains.

According to the New York Post (2025-08-09), Imani Williams was charged after her SUV hit a livery cab at 77 mph in a 25 mph zone, killing driver Robert Godwin. Prosecutors say Williams used a bus lane, ran a red light, and fled on foot. DNA from the airbag identified her. District Attorney Darcel Clark said, 'This defendant was allegedly driving three times the speed limit when her SUV slammed into a livery cab.' The case highlights the deadly risk of speeding and reckless driving in city streets.

• Speeding SUV Kills Bronx Cab Driver, New York Post, Published 2025-08-09

Aug 7 - A speeding SUV tore through a red light, crushed a cab. The driver fled. The cabbie died, bloodied and alone. Police found the suspect two years later. The street stayed dangerous.

NY Daily News (2025-08-07) reports Imani Williams was arrested for a 2022 Bronx crash that killed livery cab driver Robert Godwin. Williams drove 77 mph in a 25-mph bus lane, ran a red, and T-boned Godwin, who had the right of way. The SUV pushed the cab 70 feet into parked cars. Williams and her passengers fled. DNA evidence linked her to the scene. Charges include manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and reckless driving. The case highlights deadly speed and red-light running, raising questions about enforcement and street design.

• Bronx Cab Driver Killed In Hit-And-Run, NY Daily News, Published 2025-08-07

Jul 15 - A taxi driver was shot in the Bronx after a fare dispute. The driver survived. The shooter fled but was arrested. Violence erupted over a $40 ride. Police acted fast. The street was left scarred.

According to ABC7 (2025-07-15), a 27-year-old taxi driver, Alusine Barrie, was shot in the abdomen during a fare dispute on Nelson Avenue, Bronx. The shooter, Joseph Meeks, 76, tried four credit cards before the argument escalated. ABC7 reports, "Mr. Barrie asked him to get out of the car and pay him, instead of paying him he shot him in the stomach." Meeks, with about 60 prior arrests, was charged with attempted murder. The United Federation of Taxi Drivers urged the district attorney to deny bail. The incident highlights risks faced by drivers and exposes gaps in passenger screening and fare enforcement.

• Taxi Driver Shot Over Fare Dispute, ABC7, Published 2025-07-15

Jul 14 - Council bill lets ambulettes drive and double-park in bus lanes. More vehicles in bus lanes mean more risk for people walking, biking, and waiting at curbs. Danger grows where curb chaos reigns.

Bill Int 1339-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since July 14, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...exempting ambulettes from certain bus lane restrictions and allowing them to double park to assist passengers,' would let ambulettes drive, stop, and double-park in bus lanes to help passengers. Council Member Julie Menin sponsors, joined by Linda Lee, Frank Morano, Eric Dinowitz, Lynn C. Schulman, Kamillah Hanks, Carlina Rivera, and Chris Banks. Allowing more vehicles to double-park and block bus lanes increases risk for pedestrians and cyclists at the curb. The city’s most vulnerable will face more conflict and less safe space.

• File Int 1339-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-07-14

Jul 13 - A car struck two vehicles and a pole on Bartow Ave. Eight people hurt. Stella Nyarko-Dei, 71, died. Metal twisted. Sirens wailed. The street bore the scars. All drivers stayed. Police investigate.

According to NY Daily News (2025-07-13), a 79-year-old driver crashed into two cars and a light pole in the Bronx, killing his 71-year-old passenger, Stella Nyarko-Dei, and injuring seven others. The article states, "The impact sent the Hyundai careening into an unoccupied parked car." All drivers remained at the scene. Police said, "The cause of the crash was not immediately known." No arrests were made. The crash highlights the dangers of multi-vehicle collisions and the vulnerability of passengers. Authorities continue to investigate the sequence and cause of the crash.

• Bronx Crash Kills Passenger, Hurts Seven, NY Daily News, Published 2025-07-13

Jul 8 - Dinowitzes fight the Harlem River Greenway bike lane. They defend parking. Cyclists and walkers wait for safe passage. DOT says protected lanes save lives. The Bronx stays exposed.

""We support bike lanes."" -- Jeffrey Dinowitz

On July 8, 2025, Assembly Member Jeff Dinowitz and Council Member Eric Dinowitz publicly opposed the city's plan for a protected bike lane on Bailey Avenue, part of the Harlem River Greenway. The matter, described as an 'anti-car crusade,' centers on the removal of 46 parking spots. The Dinowitzes claim the redesign ignores community voices. DOT and local advocates argue the project will cut injuries and deaths, citing crash data. A safety analyst notes the Greenway will create safe, separated space for pedestrians and cyclists, reducing harm and boosting active travel. The Dinowitzes support bike lanes in principle but resist changes that reduce parking.

• ‘Anti-Car Crusade’: Dinowitzes Slam Bronx Harlem River Greenway Bike Lane Touted by Mayor, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-08

Jul 8 - Dinowitzes fight the Harlem River Greenway bike lane. They defend parking. Cyclists and walkers wait for safe passage. DOT says protected lanes save lives. The Bronx stays exposed.

On July 8, 2025, Assembly Member Jeff Dinowitz and Council Member Eric Dinowitz publicly opposed the city's plan for a protected bike lane on Bailey Avenue, part of the Harlem River Greenway. The matter, described as an 'anti-car crusade,' centers on the removal of 46 parking spots. The Dinowitzes claim the redesign ignores community voices. DOT and local advocates argue the project will cut injuries and deaths, citing crash data. A safety analyst notes the Greenway will create safe, separated space for pedestrians and cyclists, reducing harm and boosting active travel. The Dinowitzes support bike lanes in principle but resist changes that reduce parking.

• ‘Anti-Car Crusade’: Dinowitzes Slam Bronx Harlem River Greenway Bike Lane Touted by Mayor, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-08

Jul 5 - SUV struck cyclist turning left on Van Cortlandt Park East. Cyclist ejected, suffered back fracture. Police cite traffic control disregard and driver inattention.

A station wagon SUV hit a 44-year-old male cyclist making a left turn on Van Cortlandt Park East at East 233rd Street in the Bronx. The cyclist was ejected and suffered a back fracture and dislocation. According to the police report, the crash involved 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The SUV struck the cyclist with its right front bumper. The police report lists no helmet or signaling issues for the cyclist. The crash underscores the danger when drivers ignore traffic controls.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4825801 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jul 3 - A Mustang jumped the curb in Melrose, struck six pedestrians, shattered scaffolding, then the driver fled. Screams echoed. Blood on the sidewalk. Police hunt for suspects. Steel and flesh collided. No arrests.

ABC7 reported on July 3, 2025, that a Ford Mustang struck six pedestrians after mounting the curb and crashing into scaffolding at East 149th Street and Courtlandt Avenue in the Bronx. The driver, stopped at a turn, accelerated into a crosswalk where 'people in the crosswalk had the right of way.' Witnesses described panic and pain. The suspects abandoned the damaged car and fled. All victims were hospitalized with minor injuries. The incident highlights risks at busy intersections and the danger when drivers disregard pedestrian priority. No arrests have been made.

• Bronx Mustang Plows Into Scaffolding, Six Hurt, ABC7, Published 2025-07-03

Jun 30 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-30

Jun 28 - Five hospitalized after Bronx crash. Pedestrians struck. Driver fled. Police made arrest. Metal and bodies met on city streets. System failed to shield the vulnerable.

CBS New York (2025-06-28) reports a Bronx man was arrested after a multivehicle crash sent five people, including pedestrians, to the hospital. The article states, "The suspect allegedly fled the scene after the crash, which injured several pedestrians." The incident highlights the danger of hit-and-runs and the failure to protect those on foot. The crash underscores persistent risks for pedestrians and the urgent need for safer streets.

• Bronx Crash Injures Pedestrians, Driver Flees, CBS New York, Published 2025-06-28

Jun 21 - A moped crash on Hutchinson River Parkway left an 18-year-old woman sprawled on the asphalt, clinging to life. The driver fled. Metal and bodies scattered. Six others hurt. The road stayed open. The danger stayed real.

NY Daily News reported on June 21, 2025, that an 18-year-old woman was critically injured after being thrown from a moped in a multi-vehicle crash on the Hutchinson River Parkway in the Bronx. According to police, 'the moped driver sped away from the 3:45 a.m. crash,' leaving the woman on the road. The crash began when a Honda Accord hit a Honda Pilot, which then struck the moped from behind, ejecting the passenger. The moped operator stopped briefly but fled before first responders arrived. Six others from the involved vehicles were hospitalized with minor injuries. The incident highlights the risks of multi-vehicle collisions and the consequences when drivers abandon crash scenes, leaving vulnerable road users exposed and unprotected.

• Moped Passenger Critically Hurt in Bronx Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-06-21

Jun 18 - Crews will gut and rebuild Williams Bridge and Woodlawn stations. Four new elevators will rise. Three Harlem Line stops in the Bronx will open to all. The city’s transit spine grows stronger for those left waiting longest.

On June 18, 2025, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced a sweeping accessibility project for three Metro-North Harlem Line stations in the Bronx: Williams Bridge, Woodlawn, and Botanical Garden. According to the MTA, crews will completely rebuild Williams Bridge and Woodlawn, installing four new elevators—two at each station—to ensure full accessibility. The matter summary states: 'comprehensive renovation and accessibility project at three Metro-North Railroad Harlem Line stations in the Bronx.' Christian Murray reported the announcement. No council bill number or committee applies, as this is an agency initiative, not legislation. The upgrades promise to open transit to riders long shut out by stairs and barriers. Improving station accessibility encourages more walking and cycling to transit, supports mode shift away from driving, and benefits vulnerable users by making the built environment more inclusive and safer.

• MTA begins major accessibility upgrades at three Bronx Metro-North stations, AMNY, Published 2025-06-18

Jun 17 - Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.

Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-17

Jun 16 - White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.

Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 7678, Open States, Published 2025-06-16

Jun 16 - Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.

Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.

• File S 7785, Open States, Published 2025-06-16

Jun 16 - A road rage clash in the Bronx turned deadly. Keino Campbell, a Navy veteran, was shot three times while driving. He crashed a few blocks away and died at the hospital. Police arrested Michael Aracena for murder.

NY Daily News reported on June 16, 2025, that Michael Aracena, 20, was arrested for the murder of Keino Campbell, 27, during a road rage incident in the Bronx. According to police, Campbell was driving near Co-op City at 2 a.m. when a confrontation escalated. Aracena allegedly shot Campbell three times in the chest. The wounded Campbell drove off but lost consciousness and crashed near Givan and Palmer Avenues. He died shortly after at Jacobi Medical Center. The article states, 'Campbell was shot three times in the chest as the quarrel escalated.' This case highlights the lethal risks of armed confrontations on city streets and raises questions about gun access and road conflict escalation.

• Navy Veteran Killed In Bronx Shooting, NY Daily News, Published 2025-06-16

Jun 13 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.

Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.

• File S 5677, Open States, Published 2025-06-13

Jun 13 - Senate and Assembly clear S 6815. MTA workers get a pass for driving in bus lanes while on duty. Law shields agency vehicles from tickets. Streets grow more crowded. Vulnerable users face more risk.

Bill S 6815, titled 'Relates to bus lane restrictions in New York city,' passed the Senate on June 12, 2025, and the Assembly on June 13, 2025. The bill states, 'it shall be a defense to any prosecution for a violation of a bus lane restriction ... when an employee of the metropolitan transportation authority is performing authorized duties.' Sponsored by Senator Leroy Comrie and co-sponsored by Nathalia Fernandez, the measure exempts MTA employees from bus lane tickets while working. No safety analysis was provided. The bill opens bus lanes to more agency vehicles, crowding space meant for buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.

• File S 6815, Open States, Published 2025-06-13