Queens Bleeds: Speed Kills, Leaders Stall, Families Pay

Luis Cruz stepped from his car. An e-bike delivery worker flew through a stop sign. The crash was sudden. Cruz died on the street. The rider stayed. The intersection is known for danger. Delivery speed and city policy collide.

Gothamist reported on March 23, 2025, that Luis Cruz, 49, died after being struck by an e-bike delivery worker who "sped through a stop sign" at Franklin and India streets in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Witness Jack Collins said, "He died basically on the spot." The e-bike rider remained at the scene; no arrests were made as the investigation continued. The article notes that the intersection is a known trouble spot, with Collins stating, "It's not a unicorn incident. It's happened a lot." The report highlights systemic issues: delivery app pressures, lack of regulation, and a street design that encourages risky moves. City data shows e-bikes account for a small share of traffic deaths, but the policy debate continues.

• E-Bike Rider Runs Stop, Kills Man, Gothamist, Published 2025-03-23

A Queens driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries in a collision involving two parked vehicles. The crash unfolded on 37 Avenue, where malfunctioning traffic control devices contributed to the impact. The driver remained conscious and was not ejected.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:13 AM on 37 Avenue in Queens. The injured party was a 42-year-old female driver who sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious and was not ejected from her vehicle. The collision involved two parked vehicles: a 2021 Toyota truck and a 2021 Toyota sedan. The contributing factor cited was 'Traffic Control Device Improper/Non-Working,' indicating that malfunctioning traffic signals played a role in the crash. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted. Vehicle damage was concentrated on the right rear quarter panel of the truck and the right front bumper of the sedan, confirming the point of impact. The report highlights systemic danger from faulty traffic control devices rather than driver negligence.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802000 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Box truck rear-ends flatbed on Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Driver suffers eye abrasion. Police cite tailgating and distraction. Metal crunches. One man hurt. Road stays dangerous.

According to the police report, a box truck struck a flatbed truck on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway at 14:10. Both vehicles were heading west. The box truck driver, a 38-year-old man, was injured with an eye abrasion but remained conscious. The box truck took damage to its right front bumper; the flatbed was undamaged. Police list 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. No victim actions contributed to the crash. The collision shows the risk when drivers tailgate and lose focus on fast-moving city highways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800547 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 41-year-old woman suffered severe leg injuries after a sedan made a right turn and struck her while she crossed Steinway Street outside a crosswalk. The vehicle showed no damage, highlighting the force of impact on the pedestrian.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Steinway Street made a right turn and struck a 41-year-old female pedestrian crossing outside an intersection without a signal or crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The vehicle, a 2016 Dodge sedan, showed no damage at the center front end impact point. The report lists no specific driver contributing factors, but the pedestrian was crossing outside a designated signal or crosswalk area. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The incident underscores the dangers posed by vehicle maneuvers near pedestrians crossing outside intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799541 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A sedan making a right turn collided with a westbound bicyclist on 31 Ave in Queens. The cyclist was ejected and suffered upper arm injuries. Police cited driver inattention as a key factor in the crash that left the rider in shock.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:25 AM on 31 Ave in Queens when a sedan was making a right turn and struck a bicyclist traveling westbound. The point of impact was the center front end of both vehicles. The bicyclist, a 31-year-old male, was ejected from his bike and sustained upper arm and shoulder injuries, classified as injury severity level 3. The police report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the sedan driver. The cyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. There was no damage reported on the sedan, indicating the impact was primarily to the bike and rider. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the bicyclist's behavior. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction during turning maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799134 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A car hit a man and a child in Flushing. The man lay trapped under the vehicle. Both went to the hospital. The man’s injuries were critical. The driver stayed at the scene. Police are still investigating.

ABC7 reported on March 13, 2025, that a car struck two pedestrians at 32nd Avenue and 138th Street in Queens. Police found an adult man pinned under the vehicle and a child, aged 8 to 10, also injured. Both were hospitalized, with the man in critical condition. The article states, 'Police responded...and found an adult man pinned under a vehicle.' The driver remained at the scene, and the investigation continues. The crash highlights the ongoing risk to pedestrians at city intersections. No charges or details on driver actions were released at the time of reporting.

• Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-03-13

Andrew Cuomo wants license plates on every e-bike. He calls bike lanes crazy. His plan would hit delivery workers hardest. Experts say it will not make streets safer. Cars and trucks still do most harm. The crackdown targets the wrong people.

On March 11, 2025, former Governor and mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo announced support for a Council Republican plan to require licensing and registration for all e-bikes and e-scooters, echoing Council Member Bob Holden's Intro 606. Cuomo called for a new city bureaucracy and stricter enforcement, saying, 'There’s virtually no rules and no regulations regarding e-bike use in New York City and too many New Yorkers are getting hurt, and even killed.' At a campaign event, Cuomo called bike lanes 'crazy.' Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani criticized the plan, warning it would 'increase unwarranted police stops and create a bureaucratic nightmare.' Comptroller Brad Lander said Cuomo's proposal 'puts his failure to govern on the backs of delivery workers.' Safety experts and advocates argue the plan would not improve safety, but instead target delivery workers—many undocumented—while cars and trucks remain the main source of road violence.

• Disgraced Ex-Gov Cuomo Embraces Fever Dream of Anti-Bike, Anti-Safety Cranks, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-03-11

A 94-year-old woman crossing Broadway with the signal was hit by an SUV making a right turn. She suffered fractures and dislocations to her leg and foot. The driver failed to yield. The street stayed loud.

According to the police report, a 94-year-old woman was crossing Broadway at 48th Street in Queens with the signal when a 2023 SUV struck her with its right front bumper. The crash happened at 5:30 p.m. The pedestrian suffered serious injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, including fractures and dislocations. She remained conscious after the impact. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor attributed to the driver. The victim was crossing legally. No vehicle damage was reported. The police report lists no other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797746 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A sedan parked on Astoria Boulevard was struck in the rear by a fire department truck making a right turn. The sedan’s female driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash but remained conscious and restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:42 in Queens on Astoria Boulevard near 27th Street. A 2014 sedan, parked facing west, was hit in the right rear bumper by a fire department truck making a right turn traveling south. The sedan’s female driver, age 33, was injured with neck trauma and whiplash but was conscious and wearing a lap belt at the time. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the driver but does not assign fault or blame to the victim. The collision point and vehicle damage indicate the truck struck the sedan from behind during the turn. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The data highlights the danger posed by emergency vehicle maneuvers intersecting with parked vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798099 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 27-year-old male bicyclist was partially ejected and injured with back abrasions when a sedan made a right turn on Northern Blvd in Queens. The crash involved failure to yield right-of-way and improper turning by the sedan driver.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:25 AM on Northern Blvd near 36 Ave in Queens. A sedan, traveling west and making a right turn, collided with a 27-year-old male bicyclist also traveling west. The bicyclist was partially ejected and sustained back abrasions, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites the sedan driver's failure to yield right-of-way and turning improperly as contributing factors. The bicyclist was the driver of the e-bike and was conscious after the crash. Vehicle damage was minimal, with no damage reported to either the sedan or the e-bike. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s behavior or safety equipment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797222 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A tractor truck turning right struck a northbound e-scooter on Vernon Blvd in Queens. The 27-year-old female rider was ejected and injured, suffering contusions and leg trauma. Police cite driver inattention and failure to yield as key factors.

According to the police report, the crash occurred shortly after midnight on Vernon Blvd in Queens. A 27-year-old female e-scooter driver was traveling northbound when a tractor truck, making a right turn southwest, collided with her on the left side doors. The impact ejected the rider, who sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruises, and was reported in shock. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' by the e-scooter driver as contributing factors. The truck driver was licensed and operating a 2024 Volvo tractor truck. The collision caused damage to the center front end of the truck and the left side doors of the e-scooter. No safety equipment was noted for the e-scooter rider.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798097 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Community Board 1 voted 18-15 to cut speed limits in Greenpoint and Williamsburg to 20 mph. Residents and officials demand action after deadly crashes. DOT has yet to respond. The fight pits safety against drivers. Lives hang in the balance.

On March 6, 2025, Brooklyn Community Board 1 voted 18-15 to request a 20 mph speed limit for Greenpoint and Williamsburg. The measure, supported by 40 groups and nearly all local elected officials, marks the first neighborhood-wide slow zone request since the passage of Sammy's Law. The board's action follows letters from Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, Council Member Jennifer Gutierrez, and U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez to DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. They cited CB1's high fatality rate—3.27 deaths per 10,000 residents, above the city average. The board's vote was contentious, with pro-driving members opposing the change. DOT spokesperson Mona Bruno acknowledged the support and promised more information on slow zones for outer boroughs. Council Member Lincoln Restler later joined the call for lower speeds. The measure now awaits DOT action.

• Greenpoint and Williamsburg Beg DOT for 20MPH Slow Zone, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-03-06

A sedan entering a parked position passed too closely to a northbound bicyclist on Vernon Blvd in Queens. The cyclist suffered a head contusion and bruising but remained conscious. The collision caused damage to the bike’s front right side.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:21 on Vernon Blvd in Queens. A northbound sedan was entering a parked position when it passed too closely to a northbound bicyclist, who was making a right turn. The report cites 'Passing Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The bicyclist, a 29-year-old male, suffered a head injury described as a contusion and bruise but was conscious and not ejected. The bike sustained damage to its right front bumper. The sedan showed no damage. Driver error in failing to maintain safe clearance led to the collision, highlighting the dangers cyclists face from vehicle maneuvers in close proximity.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799145 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.

According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.

• Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-04

A 17-year-old bicyclist wearing a helmet suffered bruises and arm injuries after a sedan struck him from behind on Northern Blvd in Queens. The crash occurred at 5 p.m. The driver’s failure to maintain distance caused the impact.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Northern Blvd collided with a westbound bicyclist at 5 p.m. The bicyclist, a 17-year-old male wearing a helmet, sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The point of impact was the center front end of the sedan striking the center back end of the bike. The report cites the sedan driver’s error as "Following Too Closely," compounded by "Glare," which contributed to the crash. The sedan driver was licensed and driving straight ahead. The bicyclist was not ejected and remained conscious. Vehicle damage was centered on the sedan’s front and the bike’s rear. This collision highlights the dangers posed by insufficient following distance and visibility issues on busy Queens streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795882 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.

ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.

• Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-02-28

A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.

NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'

• Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-27

Delivery workers rallied against Hochul’s e-bike crackdown. Council weighs bills to license e-bikes, raise pay, and study conditions. DOT opposes registration. Advocates warn of criminalization. City Hall silent. Streets stay dangerous for those on foot and bike.

On February 27, 2025, the City Council considered three bills: Intro 606 (register and license all e-bikes), Intro 1133 (expand minimum wage, study delivery worker conditions), and Intro 1135 (set minimum pay for grocery delivery). Intro 606 faces opposition from DOT, which says, 'there is no evidence that registration improves safety.' The matter’s summary warns that Hochul’s plan would let NYPD enforce bike lane speed limits and reclassify heavy e-bikes as mopeds, requiring licenses and registration. Council members are split: Brad Lander supports regulation targeting app companies, not workers; Jessica Ramos and Zohran Mamdani call for better street design; Michael Blake urges targeted safety solutions and more infrastructure. Advocates like Ligia Guallpa say these measures would criminalize delivery workers and create a 'ticketing-to-deportation pipeline.' The Council press office did not comment. The debate exposes a city divided on how to protect its most vulnerable road users.

• Leadership Vacuum: Delivery Workers Oppose Hochul’s E-Bike Plan as Adams Goes AWOL, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-27

A firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. His Mercedes slammed into a BMW. The BMW driver died. The firefighter, drunk, refused a breath test. Passengers hurt. Bystanders rushed to help. The street stayed deadly, silent after.

According to NY Daily News (2025-02-26), FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, faces charges after allegedly running a red light while intoxicated and T-boning a BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd., East Elmhurst. The crash killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz. Surveillance video showed Pena's Mercedes plowing into Diaz's BMW, which then struck a parked minivan. Pena refused a breath test and was uninjured. Two Mercedes passengers were hospitalized. The article notes, 'The FDNY stated Pena will be suspended without pay for 28 days during the investigation.' Video evidence indicated Diaz entered the intersection legally, with the pedestrian signal allowing crossing. The incident highlights the lethal risk of speeding and red-light running, even in early morning hours.

• FDNY Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Driver, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-26

Assembly bill A 6044 launches a one-year fare-free bus pilot. Riders board without paying. Streets shift. Council members Mamdani and Gonzalez-Rojas back the move. The city waits for impact.

Assembly bill A 6044, now in sponsorship, proposes a one-year fare-free bus pilot in New York City. The bill summary reads: 'Provides a fare-free bus pilot program in New York City for one year, subject to appropriations.' Assembly Members Zohran Mamdani (District 36, primary sponsor) and Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas (District 34, co-sponsor) lead the charge. The measure was introduced on February 26, 2025. No safety analyst has assessed the bill's impact on vulnerable road users. The pilot aims to change how New Yorkers move, but its effect on street safety remains unstudied.

• File A 6044, Open States, Published 2025-02-26