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

Two SUVs collided on 23 Avenue. Three people hurt. Drivers reacted to other vehicles. Metal twisted. Shock and pain followed. No one was ejected. The street bore the scars.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles crashed on 23 Avenue in Queens at 13:45. Both vehicles, a 2011 Jeep and a 2016 GMC, were heading west when the Jeep's left front bumper struck the GMC's right rear bumper. The report lists 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' as the main contributing factor. Three occupants were injured: a 29-year-old female front passenger in shock, a 51-year-old male driver with back injuries and whiplash, and a 32-year-old male driver with abrasions to the arm. All wore lap belts and harnesses. The crash stemmed from driver actions in response to other vehicles, with no victim errors cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4734169 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 20-year-old bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg abrasions after a sedan struck his bike’s front end. The sedan, driven by an unlicensed male, impacted the bike’s center front and left side doors. Driver inattention and inexperience caused the crash.

According to the police report, a collision occurred in Queens at 76-08 31 Avenue involving a sedan and a bicycle. The sedan, driven by an unlicensed male driver who was starting in traffic, struck the bicyclist on the left side doors of the vehicle and the center front end of the bike. The bicyclist, a 20-year-old male, sustained abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment, but no victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The crash highlights the dangers posed by unlicensed and inattentive drivers to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4734166 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Three eastbound vehicles collided in a chain reaction on Queens’ 98th Street. Following too closely caused rear-end impacts. A 61-year-old driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. The crash exposed dangers of tailgating in congested traffic.

According to the police report, a chain-reaction collision occurred on Queens’ 98th Street near Northern Boulevard at 4:46 a.m. Three eastbound vehicles—a 2018 Dodge SUV, a 2015 Chrysler sedan, and a 2024 Honda sedan—were involved. The report cites "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor for at least two drivers, indicating failure to maintain safe distance in slowing or stopped traffic. The 61-year-old male driver of one sedan was injured, suffering back injuries and whiplash, and was conscious at the scene. All drivers held valid New York licenses. The impact points were center front and center back ends of the vehicles, consistent with rear-end collisions. This crash underscores the systemic danger posed by tailgating in congested urban traffic, as documented by the police report's emphasis on driver error without attributing fault to any victims.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4733193 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Councilmember Shekar Krishnan called out the surge of reckless mopeds and e-bikes on 34th Avenue. Residents spoke of fear, injury, and death. City officials promised enforcement and education. Advocates demanded safer streets, not criminalization. The crisis rolls on. Action lags.

On June 11, 2024, Councilmember Shekar Krishnan (District 25) convened a town hall in Jackson Heights to address what he called a 'moped crisis.' The meeting followed a deadly year: a 75-year-old man killed by an e-bike, two injured in a dirt bike crash. Residents described near-misses and constant danger on the 34th Avenue open street. The matter, titled 'On Jackson Heights’ open street, NYC’s ‘moped crisis’ is in full throttle,' drew city officials, including DOT and Mayor Adams, who backed enforcement and moped registration. Krishnan slammed DOT’s reliance on signage, pushing instead for a dedicated micromobility lane. Delivery worker advocates opposed criminalization, demanding labor protections and safe infrastructure. Despite new signs and vehicle seizures, mopeds still speed through. The call for urgent, systemic change grows louder.

• On Jackson Heights’ open street, NYC’s ‘moped crisis’ is in full throttle, gothamist.com, Published 2024-06-11

Council Member Shekar Krishnan blasted DOT for chaos on 34th Avenue’s Paseo Park. He called it a ‘moped highway’ and demanded a redesign. Pedestrians dodge speeding mopeds. Painted bike lanes fail. DOT touts safety, but danger remains for those on foot.

On June 11, 2024, Council Member Shekar Krishnan publicly condemned the Department of Transportation’s design of Paseo Park, also known as the 34th Avenue open street. At a 'Moped Crisis' town hall, Krishnan called the area a 'moped highway' and said, 'The biggest problem that we have is poor design by the DOT.' He demanded a redesign that separates speeding vehicles from people and creates safe corridors for mopeds away from recreational spaces. Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas echoed the call for engineering solutions, stating, 'We must design the roads to ensure that mopeds are not getting on [Paseo Park], and are not driving recklessly.' DOT staff highlighted enforcement efforts, but Krishnan and others insisted that design, not enforcement, must come first. DOT claims a drop in pedestrian crashes, but the current layout leaves pedestrians and cyclists exposed to danger.

• Queens Pol: DOT Needs to Solve ‘Moped Crisis’ in Paseo Park, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-11

Councilmember Shekar Krishnan called out the surge of reckless mopeds and e-bikes on 34th Avenue. Residents spoke of fear, injury, and death. City officials promised enforcement and education. Advocates demanded safer streets, not criminalization. The crisis rolls on. Action lags.

On June 11, 2024, Councilmember Shekar Krishnan (District 25) convened a town hall in Jackson Heights to address what he called a 'moped crisis.' The meeting followed a deadly year: a 75-year-old man killed by an e-bike, two injured in a dirt bike crash. Residents described near-misses and constant danger on the 34th Avenue open street. The matter, titled 'On Jackson Heights’ open street, NYC’s ‘moped crisis’ is in full throttle,' drew city officials, including DOT and Mayor Adams, who backed enforcement and moped registration. Krishnan slammed DOT’s reliance on signage, pushing instead for a dedicated micromobility lane. Delivery worker advocates opposed criminalization, demanding labor protections and safe infrastructure. Despite new signs and vehicle seizures, mopeds still speed through. The call for urgent, systemic change grows louder.

• On Jackson Heights’ open street, NYC’s ‘moped crisis’ is in full throttle, gothamist.com, Published 2024-06-11

Council Member Shekar Krishnan blasted DOT for chaos on 34th Avenue’s Paseo Park. He called it a ‘moped highway’ and demanded a redesign. Pedestrians dodge speeding mopeds. Painted bike lanes fail. DOT touts safety, but danger remains for those on foot.

On June 11, 2024, Council Member Shekar Krishnan publicly condemned the Department of Transportation’s design of Paseo Park, also known as the 34th Avenue open street. At a 'Moped Crisis' town hall, Krishnan called the area a 'moped highway' and said, 'The biggest problem that we have is poor design by the DOT.' He demanded a redesign that separates speeding vehicles from people and creates safe corridors for mopeds away from recreational spaces. Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas echoed the call for engineering solutions, stating, 'We must design the roads to ensure that mopeds are not getting on [Paseo Park], and are not driving recklessly.' DOT staff highlighted enforcement efforts, but Krishnan and others insisted that design, not enforcement, must come first. DOT claims a drop in pedestrian crashes, but the current layout leaves pedestrians and cyclists exposed to danger.

• Queens Pol: DOT Needs to Solve ‘Moped Crisis’ in Paseo Park, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-11

A 66-year-old woman crossing with the signal on Northern Boulevard was struck by a right-turning sedan. The impact caused contusions and shock. Alcohol involvement was cited as a contributing factor, highlighting driver error in this late-night collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:49 PM on Northern Boulevard in Queens. A 66-year-old female pedestrian, crossing with the signal at the intersection, was injured when a 2019 Subaru sedan, making a right turn, struck her with its right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered contusions and shock, with injuries to her entire body. The report identifies alcohol involvement as a contributing factor, pointing to impaired driver judgment. The driver was licensed and traveling eastbound. Another sedan, an Audi, was also involved but the primary impact on the pedestrian came from the turning Subaru. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the pedestrian's actions. This collision underscores the dangers posed by impaired driving and turning vehicles failing to yield to pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731764 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A motorcycle, throttle stuck, careened off 37th Avenue and struck a woman on the sidewalk. Metal crushed bone. She died, conscious, legs shattered. The street spat her out. She never had a chance. The machine did not stop.

According to the police report, a motorcycle with a defective accelerator veered off 37th Avenue near 90th Street in Queens and struck a 44-year-old woman who was standing on the sidewalk. The impact hit her center-front, shattering her legs and causing fatal injuries. The report states she was conscious after the collision but ultimately died from her wounds. Police cite 'Accelerator Defective' as the contributing factor, pointing to a mechanical failure that led to the loss of control. The pedestrian was not in the roadway and was not crossing at an intersection, according to the report. No driver errors by the victim are listed. The crash underscores the lethal consequences when vehicle defects intersect with public space.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731762 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A taxi collided head-on with an e-scooter on 25 Avenue in Queens. The e-scooter driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cite obstructed view and improper lane usage by the taxi driver as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, at 20:17 on 25 Avenue in Queens, a 2017 Toyota taxi traveling east struck an e-scooter traveling south. The collision occurred at the center front end of both vehicles. The e-scooter driver, a 44-year-old man, sustained injuries to his knee and lower leg, described as contusions and bruises, and remained conscious after the crash. The taxi driver was the sole occupant of his vehicle and was wearing a lap belt. The report identifies 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors, indicating the taxi driver failed to maintain proper lane discipline and had limited visibility. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The crash highlights driver errors and systemic dangers related to visibility and lane management on Queens roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731760 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-06

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-06

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-06

A 6-year-old boy suffered head abrasions after a Chevy passenger vehicle struck him while he emerged from behind a parked car in Queens. The driver’s limited view contributed to the collision. The child was conscious but injured.

According to the police report, a 6-year-old male pedestrian was injured in Queens when a 2017 Chevy passenger vehicle traveling south struck him with its left front bumper. The child was emerging from in front of or behind a parked vehicle when the crash occurred. The report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor, indicating the driver’s impaired visibility played a key role. The pedestrian sustained head abrasions and was conscious at the scene. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted in the report. This collision highlights the dangers posed by limited driver visibility around parked vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729740 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

State Senate passed a bill to double fines for illegal moped dealers. Dealers must register mopeds or face $2,000 penalties. Lawmakers shift blame from riders to vendors. Delivery workers back the move. The bill now heads to the Assembly.

Senate Bill, sponsored by Sen. Liz Kruger (D-Manhattan), passed on June 3, 2024. It doubles fines for unauthorized moped dealers from $1,000 to $2,000 and requires registration at the point of sale. The bill is expected to pass the Assembly, where Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas co-sponsors. The matter summary states: 'Fines against unauthorized moped dealers would be doubled.' Kruger said, 'My bill makes sure we know who is selling mopeds.' González-Rojas added, 'The bill will help alleviate some of the challenges we see around mopeds.' Advocates like Ligia Guallpa of the Workers Justice Project support enforcement at the point of sale, noting many dealers are unlicensed. The bill targets vendors, not riders, aiming to protect vulnerable delivery workers and pedestrians.

• ‘The Moped Crisis’: Bill Doubling Fines For Unauthorized Dealers Passes Senate, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-03