Another Child Dead. Leaders Shrug. How Many More Before They Act?

A sedan turned left on Clove Road. Two children crossing with the signal were hit. Both were hurt. Failure to yield. The street stayed loud. The danger stayed real.

A sedan making a left turn on Clove Road at Forest Avenue struck two child pedestrians, ages 10 and 13, as they crossed with the signal. Both children were injured. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The driver’s error is listed as the primary contributing factor. The report notes both children were at the intersection and crossing legally when hit. No other contributing factors are mentioned.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4810397 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.

Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-01

Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.

Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-01

A sedan struck a 14-year-old girl crossing Victory Blvd. She bled and shook in shock. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control disregard. The street stayed loud. The danger stayed real.

A sedan hit a 14-year-old pedestrian as she crossed Victory Blvd at Seneca Ave in Staten Island. According to the police report, the girl suffered minor bleeding and shock, with injuries to her entire body. The crash occurred while the sedan was making a U-turn. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. An 82-year-old vehicle occupant was also involved. The report does not mention any victim error or safety equipment. Systemic driver failures put the young pedestrian in harm’s way.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4809631 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

Council Member Joann Ariola blasted congestion pricing after a fatal subway stabbing. Assaults on trains are up. Riders feel trapped between danger and high tolls. Police patrols have grown, but fear lingers. The city’s most vulnerable face the risk underground.

On April 26, 2025, City Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola (District 32) publicly criticized New York’s congestion pricing policy, linking it to rising subway assaults. The event, covered by nypost.com, followed a fatal stabbing and NYPD data showing felony assaults up 9% this year. Ariola warned, 'Forcing more New Yorkers underground with this ridiculous congestion pricing scheme is going to put more people into contact with the dangerously unwell.' She called the subway the city's 'de facto mental institution and homeless shelter.' The policy, supported by Governor Hochul, has increased subway and bus ridership by 6% and 9%. Ariola’s stance: congestion pricing endangers vulnerable riders, forcing them into unsafe conditions. The city has responded with more police and outreach, but many riders remain fearful.

• Riders seeing ‘crazy s–t’ in NYC subways as ridership — and assaults — surge, nypost.com, Published 2025-04-26

Two SUVs collided on Watchogue Road. A child and a driver suffered injuries. Police cite driver inattention. Impact struck the rear. Shock and pain followed. Streets stayed dangerous.

Two sport utility vehicles collided on Watchogue Road near Willow Road East in Staten Island. A 43-year-old driver and a 2-year-old passenger were injured, with the child suffering neck whiplash and the driver reporting shoulder pain. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was listed as the contributing factor. The crash occurred when one SUV, traveling straight, struck the rear of another SUV stopped in traffic. Both drivers were licensed and restrained. The report does not mention any other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807605 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

Two sedans collided on Victory Boulevard. One driver suffered neck pain and shock. Police cite driver inattention. Metal crumpled. Pain lingered. Streets stayed dangerous.

Two sedans crashed at 1366 Victory Boulevard in Staten Island. According to the police report, driver inattention or distraction caused the collision. One driver, a 53-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and shock. Other occupants, including a child, were listed with unspecified injuries. The crash left both vehicles damaged at the left front bumper. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No other errors or helmet or signal issues were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807010 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

Council passed a law forcing DOT to post sharp, regular updates on street safety projects. Progress on bike lanes, bus lanes, and signals must go public. No more hiding delays or cost overruns. The city must show its work.

Bill Int 1105-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced November 13, 2024, it passed Council on April 10, 2025, and became law May 10, 2025. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' Council Member Julie Won led sponsorship, joined by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others. The law demands DOT post annual and monthly updates on every project tied to the master plan—listing details, timelines, funding, and setbacks. This law brings sunlight to street safety work, making the city answer for every mile and missed deadline.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-04-10

Council passed a law forcing DOT to post sharp, regular updates on street safety projects. Progress on bike lanes, bus lanes, and signals must go public. No more hiding delays or cost overruns. The city must show its work.

Bill Int 1105-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced November 13, 2024, it passed Council on April 10, 2025, and became law May 10, 2025. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' Council Member Julie Won led sponsorship, joined by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others. The law demands DOT post annual and monthly updates on every project tied to the master plan—listing details, timelines, funding, and setbacks. This law brings sunlight to street safety work, making the city answer for every mile and missed deadline.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-04-10

A box truck reversed into Leony Salcedo-Chevalier by the loading dock. He died at the hospital. The driver stayed. No charges filed. The crash left a family without a father. Police are investigating. The warehouse kept running.

NY Daily News reported on April 10, 2025, that Leony Salcedo-Chevalier, 34, was struck and killed by a reversing box truck at the JFK8-Amazon Fulfillment Center in Staten Island. The incident happened late Wednesday night as Salcedo-Chevalier stood by the loading dock. Both he and the driver worked for a freight contractor, not Amazon. The driver, 40, remained at the scene. No criminal charges were filed at the time of reporting. An Amazon spokesperson called it a 'horrible tragedy' and said the company was cooperating with police. The article quotes a coworker: 'He was 34 years old. He had two daughters. He was killed on the job.' The crash highlights the dangers faced by workers in busy warehouse loading zones, where large vehicles maneuver in tight spaces.

• Worker Killed By Reversing Truck At Warehouse, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-10

Federal lawyers bark. The MTA stands firm. The U.S. DOT demands New York end congestion pricing by April 20. The state refuses. Threats fly. No action lands. Meanwhile, Manhattan streets see fewer crashes, faster buses, and more people on foot.

On April 9, 2025, federal lawyers told Judge Lewis Liman that the U.S. Department of Transportation still demands New York stop congestion pricing by April 20. The case, rooted in the MTA’s lawsuit against the feds, remains unresolved. The DOT’s attorney, Dominika Tarczynska, said, "The Department of Transportation maintains the position that New York City should stop charging tolls by April 20." MTA attorney Robert Kaplan countered, "Congestion pricing is in effect, we believe it's working, and ... we don't intend to turn it off unless there's an order from your honor." Governor Hochul and the MTA refuse to comply. The federal government threatens vague consequences but takes no concrete steps. The MTA’s November agreement with the Biden-era DOT did not allow for unilateral federal withdrawal. As the legal fight drags on, congestion pricing continues. Streets south of 60th Street see fewer crashes. Bus speeds rise. Foot traffic grows. Vulnerable road users benefit while politicians bicker.

• Feds Insist They’ll Find A Way To Enforce Fake 4/20 Congestion Pricing Deadline, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-04-09

Community Board 3 backed the Canal Street open street, but hours got slashed. Residents packed the meeting. Supporters spoke of safety, space, and life without cars. Detractors cited noise and mess. The board voted 13-1 to keep the street open.

""In response to listening to our community, we ve made meaningful changes to the program over this year."" -- Charles Fall

On April 8, 2025, Manhattan Community Board 3 voted 13-1 to continue the Canal Street open street program, despite a reduction in its operating hours and days. The matter, discussed in the Transportation, Public Safety, Sanitation & Environment Committee, drew strong turnout. The meeting's summary: 'A large number of Lower Manhattan residents turned out to support the Canal Street open street, but organizers reduced the program's operating times in response to complaints from some residents.' Chairperson Vincent Cirrito said, 'This is an open space for our residents, for our kids... where they don’t have to worry about vehicles and cars.' Council Member Chris Marte and some residents pushed for further cutbacks, while others defended the open street as vital for safety, accessibility, and local business. The board sided with vulnerable road users, keeping two blocks of Canal Street open to people, not cars.

• Supporters of Open Street Come Out in Droves to Fight Canal Street Cutback, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-04-08

Open Streets faces cuts. Federal funds are gone. Mayor Adams offers no city money. DOT warns of shrinking hours and scope. Council Member Krishnan blasts the move. Streets once safe for walkers and riders now risk return to cars. The future is uncertain.

On April 3, 2025, New York City’s Open Streets program entered crisis. The program, legislated by the City Council, lost its federal Covid funding. Mayor Adams has not allocated city funds. The Department of Transportation (DOT) says $5 million is needed to maintain current operations, but the Council’s preliminary budget omits this. DOT Chief of Staff Ryan Lynch told advocates the agency is lobbying for replacement funds. Council Member Shekar Krishnan criticized the mayor’s stance, saying, “It’s deeply misguided to cut funds from the open street program, especially at this moment.” The City Comptroller’s office also faulted the administration for poor planning. The funding gap has already led to reduced hours and fewer open streets. Council members are pushing for restoration, but the program’s future hangs in the balance.

• Open Street Program in Jeopardy As Mayor Adams Is Not Funding It, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-04-03

Senator Lanza backs S 7085. The bill lets drivers escape speed camera fines if the ticket notice is missing, wrong, or unreadable. No mention of safety for people on foot or bike.

Senate bill S 7085, sponsored by Andrew J. Lanza (District 24), is at the sponsorship stage. The bill, introduced April 1, 2025, allows dismissal of speed camera violations if required information on the notice is omitted, misdescribed, or illegible. The matter title states: 'Relates to the contents of a notice of liability issued for a speed camera violation.' Lanza is the primary sponsor. There is no safety analyst note or assessment of the bill’s impact on vulnerable road users.

• File S 7085, Open States, Published 2025-04-01

A 19-year-old pedestrian was injured at an intersection while crossing with the signal. The sedan, making a left turn, struck him with its right front bumper. Limited view and slippery pavement contributed to the crash, causing upper arm injuries.

According to the police report, a 19-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on Forest Ave, crossing with the signal. The crash occurred at 9:45 PM when a sedan traveling north was making a left turn and struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained an upper arm injury and remained conscious. The report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor, indicating the driver’s impaired ability to see the pedestrian. Additionally, the pavement was slippery, further complicating the situation. The driver was licensed and operating a 2023 Honda sedan. The collision highlights the dangers posed by limited driver visibility and adverse road conditions during turning maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802869 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

A westbound SUV struck the right rear quarter panel of a tow truck making a right turn. The SUV driver, a 40-year-old woman, suffered whiplash and full-body injuries. Police cited improper lane usage as the cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:15 on N Gannon Ave involving a 2021 SUV traveling westbound and a 2021 tow truck making a right turn. The SUV struck the right rear quarter panel of the tow truck with its center front end, damaging the left front bumper. The SUV driver, a 40-year-old licensed female from New Jersey, was injured with whiplash and injuries to her entire body but was not ejected and remained conscious. The tow truck driver was a licensed male from New York. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error on the SUV's part. No victim behaviors or pedestrian involvement were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802469 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

Two sedans collided head-on on Clove Road at night. Both drivers, aged 57 and 52, suffered bruises and injuries to the chest and lower limbs. Police cited driver inexperience as the sole contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:30 PM on Clove Road involving two sedans traveling east and south. Both drivers were licensed and conscious after the collision. The 57-year-old male driver sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, while the 52-year-old female driver suffered a chest contusion. Both were wearing lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected from their vehicles. The report explicitly identifies 'Driver Inexperience' as the contributing factor for both drivers. The vehicles impacted at the left front bumper and center front end, indicating a direct collision. No other factors or victim behaviors were noted as contributing to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802357 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

A 14-year-old boy on a bike suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sedan struck him at Victory Blvd. The crash involved driver inattention and inexperience. The bicyclist was conscious and bruised but not ejected from the bike.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:35 near 2055 Victory Blvd involving a sedan and a bicycle. The bicyclist, a 14-year-old male, was injured with contusions to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, was traveling south and impacted the right front quarter panel of the vehicle. The bicyclist was traveling east and struck the center front end of the sedan. The bicyclist was not ejected and remained conscious. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the bicyclist's behavior or safety equipment. The collision highlights driver errors, specifically inattention and inexperience, as the primary causes of this injury crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802412 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

A 45-year-old man suffered a serious head injury after being hit while crossing Forest Avenue without a signal. The pedestrian was conscious but injured, highlighting dangers at unsignalized crossings and the critical impact of driver actions in the crash.

According to the police report, a 45-year-old male pedestrian was injured at 17:15 while crossing Forest Avenue at a location without a crossing signal. The pedestrian was struck outside an intersection and sustained a head injury classified as severity level 3. The pedestrian was conscious and complained of internal injuries. The vehicle involved was unspecified in type and had no occupants other than the driver. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s actions. No explicit driver errors such as Failure to Yield or speeding were recorded in the data, but the absence of a crossing signal and the serious injury sustained underscore systemic dangers for pedestrians crossing at unsignalized locations.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802408 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31

DOT scraps waterfront promise. Bronx greenway will run on streets, not riverside. Seven miles of protected bike lanes, road diets. Advocates praise progress, mourn lost oasis. Cars still close. Bronx stays cut off from river. Public input ongoing.

On March 26, 2025, the Department of Transportation unveiled its plan for the Bronx portion of the Harlem River Greenway. The plan, not a council bill but a DOT action, covers a seven-mile route along Bailey Avenue, Sedgwick Avenue, Depot Place, Exterior Street, E. 135th Street, Lincoln Avenue, and Bruckner Boulevard. The DOT cited access issues with state and private landowners, abandoning Mayor Adams’s earlier promise of a true waterfront path. The official summary states: 'protected bike lanes on streets near the waterfront, rather than a true waterfront greenway.' Advocates like Chauncy Young and Laura Solis welcomed protected lanes but lamented the loss of a car-free riverside route. Mayor Adams claimed the project would help undo highway devastation in the Bronx. Still, the plan leaves vulnerable road users exposed to traffic, not shielded by water’s edge. Public workshops are ongoing.

• Off the Waterfront: Bronx Part of ‘Harlem River Greenway’ Will Be Bike Lanes on Street, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-03-26