Red Lights, Broken Lives: Queens Streets Are Killing Our Kids

Congestion pricing hits Manhattan at midnight. Cars pay to cross south of 60th. Lawmakers split. Some call it a burden. Others hail cleaner air, safer streets, and better transit. The toll stirs anger, hope, and a fight over who pays and who breathes.

On January 3, 2025, congestion pricing (no bill number cited) will begin in Manhattan after a federal judge allowed the toll to proceed. The policy charges most drivers $9 to enter south of 60th Street during peak hours. The matter, titled 'Congestion pricing set to begin at midnight Sunday as federal judge clears path for Manhattan toll,' has drawn sharp lines. Council Member Robert F. Holden (District 30, Queens) opposes the toll, warning, 'I don't know how my district is going to be impacted.' He fears more cars parking in Queens and unclear pollution risks. Council Member Kristy Marmorato (Bronx) calls it a 'cash grab.' In contrast, State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez and Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas support the measure, citing cleaner air, safer streets, and transit upgrades. González-Rojas says, 'Congestion pricing isn't about penalizing anyone—it's about modernizing our transportation system and tackling climate change.' The judge ordered further study on environmental impacts, but the toll begins as scheduled.

• Congestion pricing set to begin at midnight Sunday as federal judge clears path for Manhattan toll, amny.com, Published 2025-01-03

A taxi struck a moped making a left turn on 34 Ave in Queens. The moped carried three occupants including an eight-year-old passenger injured with facial bruises. Police cited the taxi driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:00 PM on 34 Ave near 97 St in Queens. A taxi traveling west struck a moped traveling east that was making a left turn. The point of impact was the taxi's center front end and the moped's right front bumper. The moped carried three occupants, including an eight-year-old female passenger who suffered facial contusions and bruises but was conscious and not ejected. The police report identifies the taxi driver's failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor. The injured passenger was not using any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were specified in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783465 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 54-year-old woman was injured crossing an intersection in Queens when an SUV making a left turn struck her. The driver’s view was obstructed, contributing to the collision. The pedestrian suffered lower leg injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 54-year-old female pedestrian was crossing an intersection at 35-02 108 Street in Queens around 7:06 PM when she was struck by a 2010 Honda SUV making a left turn. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor, indicating the driver’s limited visibility played a role in the crash. The pedestrian was injured in the knee, lower leg, and foot area, sustaining internal complaints but remained conscious. The vehicle sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and traveling southwest at the time. No pedestrian errors or contributing factors were noted beyond the obstructed view affecting the driver. This crash underscores the dangers posed by limited driver visibility during turning maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783477 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

SUV merged on Grand Central Parkway, struck sedan’s left side. Sedan overturned. Young woman inside suffered facial bruises. Police cited alcohol and speed as crash causes.

According to the police report, an SUV merged eastbound on Grand Central Parkway and struck a sedan on its left side. The impact overturned the sedan. The 26-year-old female driver of the sedan suffered facial contusions and bruises. Police listed alcohol involvement and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The report highlights driver errors including alcohol impairment and unsafe speed as key causes of the collision. The sedan driver wore a lap belt and harness. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783208 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A sedan driver, unlicensed and aggressive, changed lanes on Grand Central Parkway, striking the right side of an SUV. The SUV driver suffered elbow and arm abrasions. The collision exposed dangers of reckless driving and unlicensed operation on city roads.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:30 on Grand Central Parkway involving a sedan and an SUV, both traveling west. The sedan driver, identified as unlicensed, was changing lanes aggressively when the vehicle's left front bumper collided with the SUV's right rear bumper, damaging the SUV's right side doors. The SUV driver, a 37-year-old male occupant, was injured with abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report cites 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as a contributing factor, highlighting the sedan driver's reckless lane change. The SUV driver was properly restrained with an airbag deployed and lap belt in use. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. This incident underscores the systemic danger posed by unlicensed and aggressive drivers on New York City roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783205 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 50-year-old male cyclist suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand in a Queens crash. The cyclist was riding northbound, going straight ahead, when the collision occurred. The police report lists unspecified contributing factors.

According to the police report, a 50-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a crash in Queens at 8:44 AM. The cyclist was traveling northbound, going straight ahead on a bike when the collision happened. The report identifies the cyclist as the sole vehicle occupant and driver. The injuries included abrasions and trauma to the elbow, lower arm, and hand, with an injury severity level of 3. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified, and no other vehicles or driver errors are detailed. The cyclist was not ejected and the safety equipment status is unknown. The lack of clear driver errors or contributing factors in the report leaves the cause undetermined, but the cyclist sustained significant injuries in this incident.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782643 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A Jeep SUV slammed into a stopped Nissan sedan on Northern Boulevard in Queens. Three passengers in the sedan suffered neck and head injuries. The crash unfolded as the SUV followed too closely, striking the sedan’s rear with force.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:41 on Northern Boulevard in Queens. A 2022 Jeep SUV traveling west struck the rear of a stopped 2014 Nissan sedan. The SUV’s right front bumper hit the sedan’s center back end. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the primary contributing factor. The sedan carried five occupants; three passengers were injured, including a 44-year-old woman with head injuries and two females aged 17 and 9 with neck injuries and internal complaints. All injured passengers were conscious and not ejected. The report notes the SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead, while the sedan was stopped in traffic. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The collision highlights the dangers of tailgating and the severe impact on vehicle occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781417 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 69-year-old woman was injured crossing a marked crosswalk without signal. The SUV driver made a left turn and struck her with the vehicle’s left rear bumper. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and leg injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:15 on 72nd Street near 37th Avenue. A 2013 Hyundai SUV traveling north was making a left turn when its left rear bumper struck a 69-year-old female pedestrian crossing in a marked crosswalk without a crossing signal. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The pedestrian was conscious after the impact. The report does not specify contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the driver’s action of making a left turn resulted in the collision. The vehicle sustained no damage. No helmet or other safety equipment was noted, and no pedestrian behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781415 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A sedan merging eastbound on 79th Street struck another vehicle’s center back end. The female driver suffered a back injury and whiplash, remaining conscious. The crash exposed dangers of merging maneuvers and driver errors in Queens’ traffic flow.

According to the police report, at 1:35 AM on 79th Street near Astoria Blvd S in Queens, a 2012 sedan driven by a licensed female driver was merging eastbound when it collided with the center back end of another vehicle. The point of impact was the sedan’s center back end and the other vehicle’s center front end. The sedan’s driver, age 31, was injured with back pain and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the driver, indicating errors during the merging maneuver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The crash highlights the risks drivers face and create during merging, emphasizing the systemic danger in vehicle interactions on Queens streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780330 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

SUV cut across lanes on Grand Central Parkway. It struck a sedan. A 34-year-old front passenger took the hit. She suffered head injuries and shock. Unsafe lane change left her hurt. Metal twisted. Airbags burst.

According to the police report, an SUV merged unsafely on Grand Central Parkway at 22:26, striking a sedan’s left rear bumper. The crash left a 34-year-old woman, riding front passenger, with head injuries and shock. The report lists 'Unsafe Lane Changing' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. Airbags and lap belts deployed. No blame is placed on the injured passenger. The impact damaged both vehicles and highlights the danger of reckless lane changes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780170 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A motorscooter making a left turn was struck from behind by an SUV traveling east on 31 Ave in Queens. The scooter driver suffered back injuries and bruising. Police cite following too closely as the cause of the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 31 Ave in Queens at 17:14. A motorscooter, driven by a 54-year-old man wearing a helmet, was making a left turn when it was rear-ended by an SUV traveling in the same direction. The point of impact was the center back end of the scooter and the center front end of the SUV. The SUV driver was going straight ahead, while the scooter was turning left. The report identifies the SUV driver's error as "Following Too Closely," which led to the collision. The scooter driver sustained a back injury and contusions but was conscious and not ejected. No other contributing factors were cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779605 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 70-year-old man suffered a head injury and whiplash after a sedan, making a left turn, hit him while crossing outside a crosswalk in Queens. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, leaving the pedestrian injured but conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east in Queens struck a 70-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing the street outside a crosswalk. The collision occurred at 4:00 PM near Leverich Street. The pedestrian sustained a head injury and complained of whiplash but remained conscious. The vehicle was making a left turn at the time of impact. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian’s crossing outside a signal or crosswalk is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The sedan showed no damage despite the impact to its center front end. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. This crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers failing to yield to pedestrians crossing streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781944 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A speeding sedan struck two pedestrians crossing Northern Blvd with the signal. Both men suffered serious leg injuries. The driver’s aggressive driving and unsafe speed caused the crash during a police pursuit in Queens at 1:43 a.m.

According to the police report, a BMW sedan traveling east on Northern Blvd in Queens struck two male pedestrians aged 23 and 24 who were crossing at the intersection with the pedestrian signal. The collision occurred at 1:43 a.m. The report cites aggressive driving and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The vehicle was involved in a police pursuit prior to the crash and impacted the pedestrians with its center front end, causing knee, lower leg, and foot injuries including a fracture and dislocation. Both pedestrians were conscious but seriously injured. The report highlights the driver’s failure to control the vehicle under pursuit conditions and aggressive behavior as the primary causes. No contributing factors related to the pedestrians’ actions were noted beyond crossing with the signal.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779123 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

At a heated mayoral forum, Zellnor Myrie demanded a dedicated busway for Flatbush Avenue. Candidates slammed slow buses and empty promises. They called for more bus lanes, free rides, and less fare policing. Riders want action, not talk. Streets remain dangerous.

On December 6, 2024, a mayoral candidate forum spotlighted New York City's broken bus service. State Senator Zellnor Myrie, representing District 20, called for a dedicated busway on Brooklyn's Flatbush Avenue, echoing the success of Manhattan's 14th Street. The forum, hosted by Riders Alliance, saw candidates—including Myrie, Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani, Jessica Ramos, Scott Stringer, and Jim Walden—debate urgent transit reforms. The matter: 'improving NYC's slow bus service.' Myrie and others backed more bus lanes, fare-free buses, and expanding Fair Fares for low-income riders. Mamdani vowed not to cave to local opposition. All criticized Mayor Adams for stalled bus projects. The forum exposed deep frustration with city inaction and highlighted the need for bold, street-level changes to protect riders and speed up commutes.

• Could a new mayor fix New York City's terrible bus service?, gothamist.com, Published 2024-12-06

Council bill bars cars from blocking crosswalks. No standing or parking within 20 feet. City must install daylighting barriers at 1,000 intersections yearly. Streets clear. Sightlines open. Danger cut.

Int 1138-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced December 5, 2024. The bill states: “prohibiting standing or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.” Council Member Erik D. Bottcher leads, joined by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and over two dozen co-sponsors. The law orders the Department of Transportation to install daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections each year, up from 100. The city must also run outreach and education. The bill aims to keep crosswalks clear, improve visibility, and protect people on foot and bike. No more hiding behind parked cars. The committee laid the bill over on April 21, 2025.

• File Int 1138-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-05

DOT built just 5.3 miles of new bus lanes in 2024. The law demands 30. Commissioner Rodriguez called it a great job. Critics slammed the city for falling short. Riders wait. Streets stay clogged. Vulnerable New Yorkers pay the price.

On December 4, 2024, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez defended the agency’s bus lane record before critics. The Streets Master Plan requires 30 new miles of bus lanes each year. In 2024, DOT delivered only 5.3 miles—just 17 percent of the legal mandate. Rodriguez claimed, “We are doing a great job,” citing national comparisons and blaming delays on community board processes and local opposition, especially around the 96th Street project. State Sen. Jessica Ramos, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, and State Sen. Zellnor Myrie condemned the city’s self-praise and legal failure. The matter title reads: ‘We Are Doing A Great Job’ … Falling Short of Bus Lane Requirement. Several projects are planned for 2025, but completion is uncertain. The city’s slow pace leaves bus riders and other vulnerable road users exposed to dangerous, congested streets.

• DOT Commish: ‘We Are Doing A Great Job’ … Falling Short of Bus Lane Requirement, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-04

Six mayoral hopefuls faced off on transit. They clashed over congestion pricing, bus expansion, and subway safety. Zellnor Myrie pledged to defend congestion pricing. Others called for more police, more buses, and mental health teams. Streets and subways remain battlegrounds.

On December 3, 2024, at a Riders Alliance forum, six Democratic mayoral candidates—Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani, Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, Scott Stringer, and Jim Walden—debated New York City transit policy. The event focused on congestion pricing, set to begin January 5, and subway safety. The matter summary reads: 'NYC mayoral candidates participated in a transit-focused forum... discussing congestion pricing, subway safety, and transit upgrades.' Zellnor Myrie, representing District 20, criticized Mayor Adams for not defending congestion pricing and promised to support it regardless of federal politics. Ramos pushed for congestion pricing revenue to fund the MTA. Stringer called for bus expansion and DOT reform. Walden wanted more police and exemptions for seniors and disabled riders. Lander and Mamdani argued for housing and outreach teams over policing. The forum highlighted sharp divides on how to protect vulnerable New Yorkers on streets and subways.

• 2025 NYC mayoral candidates sound off on congestion pricing, subway safety, amny.com, Published 2024-12-03

Mayoral hopefuls hammered Eric Adams for broken bus lane promises. At a transit forum, they called out City Hall’s slow pace. The law demands 30 miles a year. Adams delivered half. Candidates pledged pro-transit reforms. Riders wait. Streets stay dangerous.

On December 3, 2024, a mayoral candidate forum on NYC bus service and transportation policy spotlighted City Hall’s failures. The event, organized by Riders Alliance, saw candidates attack Mayor Eric Adams for not meeting the Streets Master Plan law, which mandates 30 new miles of bus lanes each year. Adams’ administration installed only 15.7 miles last fiscal year. State Sen. Jessica Ramos said, 'The current mayor promised 150 miles of bus lanes and hasn't delivered.' Comptroller Brad Lander promised a 'professional, world-class DOT commissioner.' Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani vowed to resist business interests blocking bus projects. Sen. Zellnor Myrie, mentioned at the forum, made pro-transit promises. The forum exposed how political inaction and broken promises keep streets unsafe for bus riders and pedestrians.

• Mayoral candidates hit Adams on failed promises to boost NYC's bus service, gothamist.com, Published 2024-12-03

Six mayoral hopefuls faced off on transit. They promised bus lanes, free buses, and fair fares. Each slammed the mayor’s record. They called for less fare enforcement, more service. Riders, not drivers, took center stage. Words flew. Streets stayed dangerous.

On December 3, 2024, six candidates for New York City mayor—Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani, Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, Scott Stringer, and Jim Walden—spoke at a Riders Alliance forum. The event focused on transit policy. Candidates pledged support for bus lanes, free buses, expanded Fair Fares, and shifting gas tax funds to mass transit. Lander vowed to end subway and street homelessness for the severely mentally ill by connecting them to stable housing. Mamdani promised a world-class bus network. Myrie pushed for citywide bus lanes. Ramos called for automatic Fair Fares registration. Stringer backed more bus routes. Walden opposed fare evasion crackdowns, urging resources go to service instead. All criticized Mayor Adams’ record on bus lanes and congestion pricing. The forum highlighted a united front for safer, more accessible transit, but offered no immediate relief for vulnerable road users.

• Promises, Promises: What the Candidates Said At The Transit Forum, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-03

SUV struck sedan from behind on Grand Central Parkway. Woman at the wheel suffered neck injury and shock. Police blamed following too closely. Impact left pain and whiplash. System failed to protect.

According to the police report, a 2021 Toyota SUV rear-ended a 2018 Chevrolet sedan on Grand Central Parkway at 4:15 a.m. The sedan's 31-year-old female driver was injured, suffering neck pain, whiplash, and shock. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' as the cause, showing the SUV driver failed to keep distance. The victim was properly restrained and not ejected. No other contributing factors or victim actions were listed. The crash highlights the danger when drivers ignore safe spacing, leaving vulnerable road users hurt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777601 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05