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

SUV hit a man crossing with the signal. He fell. His leg bruised. The driver failed to yield and turned wrong. Blood on the street. The city kept moving.

A 43-year-old man was injured when an SUV struck him as he crossed 90th Street at 35th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when the driver, making a right turn, failed to yield the right-of-way and turned improperly. The impact left the man with a contusion to his lower leg. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4822644 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan turned wrong on Junction. A motorcycle rider took the hit. He left with a bruised leg. Driver inattention and bad turning led to pain.

A crash on Junction Blvd at Northern Blvd in Queens involved a sedan and a motorcycle. According to the police report, the sedan made an improper turn and struck the motorcycle. The 20-year-old motorcycle driver suffered a knee and foot injury, listed as a contusion. Police cited 'Turning Improperly' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The motorcyclist wore a helmet. No other serious injuries were reported. The crash highlights the danger when drivers turn carelessly and fail to pay attention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4822247 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

DOT pushes ahead. Protected bike lanes coming to 31st Street. Community board erupts. Lawmakers back the plan. Business owners protest. City stands with cyclists and pedestrians. Proven safety gains for vulnerable users. Change rolls forward. Streets shift. Lives may be spared.

On June 20, 2025, the Department of Transportation reaffirmed its plan to install protected bike lanes under the elevated tracks on 31st Street in Astoria. The proposal, discussed at a heated community board meeting, remains active and is set for installation after summer repaving. Council Member Tiffany Caban, State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, and Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas endorsed the plan in a letter, stating it would 'protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers while making our streets safer and less congested.' DOT spokesman Will Livingston said the design improves safety and supports local businesses. Despite opposition from some business owners, the plan moves forward. Safety analysts note: 'Protected bike lanes are proven to reduce injuries and fatalities for cyclists and pedestrians, encourage mode shift, and improve street equity by reallocating space from cars to vulnerable users.'

• DOT Stands By Astoria Bike Lane Plan Despite Foes’ ‘Childish’ Outbursts, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-20

Two SUVs slammed together at 68th Street and 30th Avenue. Metal crumpled. Three people suffered injuries. Airbags burst. Blood on knees, arms, hands. No pedestrians involved. The street stayed open. The city moved on.

Two station wagons or SUVs crashed at the intersection of 68th Street and 30th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, both vehicles were going straight ahead when they collided. Three occupants were injured: a 24-year-old male driver, a 43-year-old female driver, and an 18-year-old male front passenger. Injuries included abrasions and trauma to the knee, lower leg, foot, elbow, lower arm, and hand. Airbags deployed in both vehicles. The police report does not list any contributing driver errors or factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left metal and pain behind, but the official record gives no reason why.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4821614 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

City plans to calm 34th Avenue. Fast riders pushed to Northern Boulevard. Advocates want a park, not a racetrack. Critics warn the move may hurt cycling and safety. Cars still threaten. Pedestrians, cyclists, and kids wait for real protection.

On June 17, 2025, Streetsblog NYC covered the city’s $89-million redesign proposal for the 34th Avenue open street. The plan, discussed with Council Member Shekar Krishnan and groups like the Alliance for Paseo Park, aims to move fast e-bikes and mopeds to a new lane on Northern Boulevard. The matter summary reads: 'Supporters of the 34th Avenue open street hope design changes can help calm the strip and redirect faster riders to a safer Northern Boulevard.' Dawn Siff and Jim Burke spoke for more park space and bike access. The safety analyst warns: 'Redirecting faster riders away from an open street may discourage cycling and reduce safety in numbers, while failing to address the root causes of unsafe speeds through infrastructure or traffic calming for all users.' The redesign risks pushing danger elsewhere, not solving it.

• Report: A Calmer 34th Avenue Open Street Starts on Northern Boulevard, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-17

A moped and sedan collided on Gillmore Street. The moped driver was ejected and injured. Both vehicles took front-end damage. Police list contributing factors as unspecified.

A moped and a sedan crashed at Gillmore Street and 29th Avenue in Queens. The 21-year-old moped driver was ejected and suffered neck abrasions. According to the police report, both vehicles were going straight and struck front ends. The moped driver was the only person injured. Police list all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No other injuries were reported. No helmet or signal use is mentioned in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4820947 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

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

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

A cyclist lay unconscious on 115th Avenue. The driver fled. Police searched the dark street for clues. The victim’s fate hung in the balance. Another night, another crash. The city’s danger pressed down, silent and heavy.

According to ABC7 (published June 15, 2025), a bicyclist was struck in a hit-and-run on 115th Avenue near 134th Street in South Ozone Park, Queens, just after 11:30 p.m. Friday. Police found the victim unconscious and in critical condition. The article states, 'They are now looking for evidence to help them track down the driver.' No details were given about the cyclist’s age or destination. The driver’s failure to remain at the scene highlights ongoing risks for vulnerable road users and underscores the persistent problem of hit-and-run crashes in New York City.

• Cyclist Left Critical After Queens Hit-And-Run, ABC7, Published 2025-06-15

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

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

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

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

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 2025-06-13

A sedan hit a 90-year-old man crossing with the signal on 82nd Street. The driver failed to yield. The man suffered a head injury. The street stayed loud. The danger stayed real.

A 90-year-old man was struck by a sedan while crossing 82nd Street at 37th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the driver failed to yield right-of-way. The man suffered a head injury and was semiconscious at the scene. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The driver, a 28-year-old woman, was going straight ahead and did not report injuries. The crash underscores the risk pedestrians face, even when following signals.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4824480 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan hit a 23-year-old woman crossing 92nd Street with the signal. She suffered injuries across her body. Police cite failure to yield and driver distraction.

A sedan struck a 23-year-old woman as she crossed 92nd Street at 31st Avenue in Queens. She was injured over her entire body and left in shock. According to the police report, the driver failed to yield the right-of-way and was inattentive or distracted. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. No helmet or signal use is mentioned as a factor for the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4821223 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04