Queens Streets Run Red. Lower the Limit—Or Count More Dead.

Senators move to guard bike lanes. Cameras will catch drivers who block or invade. The city’s cyclists and walkers get a shot at safer streets. No more hiding behind the wheel.

Senate bill S 5008, now in sponsorship, aims to launch a bicycle lane safety program in New York City. The bill, introduced February 18, 2025, sits in committee. Its summary reads: 'Establishes in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and/or protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal leads, joined by Jabari Brisport, Kristen Gonzalez, Liz Krueger, Jessica Ramos, and Julia Salazar. The bill targets drivers who block or misuse bike lanes, using cameras to enforce the rules. The move puts pressure on the city to protect cyclists and pedestrians from daily danger.

• File S 5008, Open States, Published 2025-02-18

A minivan left the road in Queens. It hit a tree. One woman died. Three others, all seniors, went to the hospital. The crash happened on Brookville Boulevard, near Sunrise Highway. Police are investigating. The road stayed quiet after.

According to the NY Daily News (published February 14, 2025), a minivan from Eunhae Adult Daycare crashed while leaving a senior residence in Queens. The 74-year-old driver 'lost control of the wheel at the Sunrise Highway.' The vehicle veered off Brookville Blvd and struck a tree. Four people were inside, all seniors. One woman in her 70s died after being found unconscious in the back seat. Three others, including the driver, were hospitalized but expected to survive. Police are investigating the cause. The article highlights the dangers faced by passengers in vehicles operated by older drivers and the risks at busy intersections like Brookville Boulevard and Sunrise Highway.

• Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-14

Assembly bill A 5440 targets reckless drivers. It makes car owners pay when their vehicles run red lights. Cameras catch the lawbreakers. The aim: fewer crashes, safer streets for all.

Assembly bill A 5440 was introduced on February 14, 2025, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled "Imposes owner liability for failure of an operator to comply with traffic control indicators within the city of New York," seeks to hold vehicle owners accountable when their cars violate traffic signals, using camera enforcement. Assembly Member Steven Raga sponsors the bill, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Tony Simone, Yudelka Tapia, Karines Reyes, and Marcela Mitaynes as co-sponsors. No safety analyst note is available. The bill aims to curb dangerous driving and protect vulnerable road users by making owners answer for violations caught on camera.

• File A 5440, Open States, Published 2025-02-14

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

A southbound SUV struck an eastbound moped on Lamont Ave in Queens. The collision ejected a 15-year-old male passenger from the moped, fracturing his hip and upper leg. Driver distraction and inexperience contributed to the violent impact.

According to the police report, at 15:34 on Lamont Ave in Queens, a 2023 SUV traveling south collided with a moped traveling east. The point of impact was the SUV's right front quarter panel and the moped's center front end. The moped carried four occupants, including a 15-year-old male passenger who was ejected and sustained a fractured hip and upper leg. The passenger was conscious but injured, with no safety equipment noted. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors, highlighting errors by the vehicle operators. The SUV driver was licensed and going straight ahead. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The crash underscores the dangers posed by driver errors in multi-occupant moped collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793087 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 12-year-old girl was struck by a northbound sedan while crossing outside a crosswalk in Queens. The impact to her knee and lower leg left her bruised but conscious. The sedan’s right front bumper sustained damage in the collision.

According to the police report, a 12-year-old female pedestrian was injured at 17:13 in Queens near 108-45 Corona Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal when she was hit by a northbound sedan. The vehicle’s right front bumper struck her, causing contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not cite any driver errors explicitly. The sedan was traveling straight ahead with two occupants, driven by a licensed male driver. Damage was limited to the vehicle’s right front bumper. No pedestrian fault or helmet use was noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792051 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A car struck an underpass on Belt Parkway. Metal twisted. A woman, 27, died at the hospital. A man survived. Police do not know who drove. The wreck left questions. The system failed to protect its passengers.

According to NY Daily News (published February 8, 2025), a single-car crash on Queens’ Belt Parkway killed a 27-year-old woman and injured a 30-year-old man. The white Toyota sedan hit an underpass near 225th Street around 3:50 a.m. Both occupants were found outside the wreck when police arrived. Investigators are unsure who was driving at the time of impact: 'Since both occupants were out of the car at the time of the crash, investigators haven't figured out who was driving, police said.' The woman died at Long Island Jewish Hospital-Valley Stream; the man was expected to survive. The article highlights ongoing uncertainty about driver identity and underscores the persistent risks on city highways, especially where loss of vehicle control leads to deadly outcomes. The investigation continues.

• Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-08

A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.

NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.

• Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-05

Senate bill S 4421 seeks a one-year fare-free bus pilot in New York City. Michael Gianaris leads. Robert Jackson, John Liu, Julia Salazar join. The move could shift riders from cars to buses. Status: sponsorship.

Senate bill S 4421, now at the sponsorship stage, 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.' Michael Gianaris sponsors, with Robert Jackson, John Liu, and Julia Salazar as co-sponsors. Introduced on February 4, 2025, the bill awaits committee review. No safety analyst has assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The pilot could change how New Yorkers move, but its effect on street safety remains unstudied.

• File S 4421, Open States, Published 2025-02-04

A 76-year-old bicyclist was injured when a taxi making a left turn struck him on Broadway in Queens. The impact caused bruising and knee-lower leg-foot injuries. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:11 on Broadway in Queens. A taxi traveling southeast was making a left turn when it collided with a northeast-bound bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 76-year-old man wearing a helmet, sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The point of impact was the left front bumper of both vehicles. The report explicitly lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' twice as contributing factors, indicating the taxi driver's failure to maintain focus during the maneuver. The bicyclist was not ejected and suffered shock from the collision. The taxi driver was licensed and operating a 2010 Ford vehicle. This crash underscores the dangers posed by driver distraction during turning movements, which can severely harm vulnerable road users like cyclists.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789991 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

An SUV struck an e-scooter from behind on Corona Avenue in Queens. The e-scooter driver, a 41-year-old man, suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The SUV driver was distracted, causing the collision. No ejection occurred.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:18 on Corona Avenue in Queens. A 41-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured, sustaining abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The e-scooter was traveling east when it was struck in the center front end by a 2024 Honda SUV, also traveling east. The point of impact was the SUV's right rear bumper, which sustained damage. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the SUV driver, who was licensed and had two occupants in the vehicle. The e-scooter driver was not ejected and remained conscious. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in multi-vehicle crashes involving vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789367 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate bill S 3832 orders advanced safety tech in all New York vehicles. DMV must set rules. Sponsors push for stricter standards. No direct safety impact analysis for pedestrians or cyclists yet.

Senate bill S 3832, now in sponsorship, demands advanced safety technology in all vehicles statewide. The bill instructs the DMV commissioner to create new rules. Filed January 30, 2025. The matter: 'Mandates the use of advanced safety technology in vehicles in the state.' Sponsors are Brad Hoylman-Sigal (primary), Michael Gianaris, and Kristen Gonzalez. No safety analyst has reviewed the bill's impact on vulnerable road users. The measure aims to raise standards but leaves details to future regulations.

• File S 3832, Open States, Published 2025-01-30

A northbound SUV making a left turn struck a northbound sedan from behind on 108 Street in Queens. The sedan driver suffered back injuries and shock, restrained by a lap belt and harness. The crash caused center-front and center-back vehicle damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 108 Street in Queens at 2:00 PM. A Toyota SUV traveling north was making a left turn when it collided with a Nissan sedan also traveling north going straight ahead. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV and the center back end of the sedan. The sedan driver, a 43-year-old male, was injured with back pain and shock, and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists no specific contributing factors but notes the SUV driver’s left turn maneuver as the pre-crash action, indicating a failure to yield or misjudgment in turning. Both vehicles sustained damage at the front and back centers. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788660 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council wants every cyclist in New York to wear a helmet. No helmet, pay a $50 fine. The bill targets riders not already covered by other laws. Debate now sits with the transportation committee.

Bill Int 1173-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced January 23, 2025. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams leads as primary sponsor, joined by Council Members Holden, Vernikov, Narcisse, Moya, Schulman, Louis, Hanks, Brannan, and Zhuang. The measure would fine cyclists up to $50 for riding without a helmet, unless already required by other laws. The bill awaits further action in committee.

• File Int 1173-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-23

A Toyota RAV4 jumped the curb on 90th Avenue, slammed into a garage, and collapsed the structure. The driver, Mamadou Barry, was trapped. First responders pulled him out, but he died at the hospital. No other injuries reported.

According to NY Daily News (2025-01-22), Mamadou Barry, 63, was driving his Toyota RAV4 along 90th Ave. in Jamaica, Queens, around 5:20 a.m. when he lost control, hopped a curb at 143rd St., and crashed into a detached garage. The impact caused the garage to collapse onto both his SUV and a parked, unoccupied Prius. Police said Barry was trapped and later died at Jamaica Hospital. The article notes, 'he lost control of the SUV, which went crashing into a detached garage in Queens, police said.' Family members stated Barry had no known medical issues. The cause of the crash remains unclear. No other injuries were reported. The incident highlights the dangers faced by drivers and bystanders in residential areas where structures sit close to the street.

• Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-01-22

Assembly bill A 2642 orders new safety tech in every car. The DMV must set rules. Lawmakers push for change. Streets could see fewer crashes. The fight for safer roads moves to Albany.

Assembly Bill A 2642, now in sponsorship, would require advanced safety technology in all vehicles statewide. The bill, introduced January 21, 2025, directs the DMV commissioner to set rules and regulations. The matter reads: 'Mandates the use of advanced safety technology in vehicles in the state; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles to promulgate certain rules and regulations.' Brian Cunningham leads as primary sponsor, joined by Steven Raga, Chris Burdick, Tony Simone, Manny De Los Santos, Jen Lunsford, and Jo Anne Simon. The bill aims to force carmakers and drivers to adopt life-saving tech. No safety analyst has yet assessed its direct impact on vulnerable road users.

• File A 2642, Open States, Published 2025-01-21

Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16

A 66-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg abrasions after a sedan made a left turn and hit him in a marked crosswalk. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, leaving the pedestrian injured but conscious at the Queens intersection.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling southwest on Poyer Street in Queens struck a 66-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing in a marked crosswalk without a signal. The driver was making a left turn when the collision occurred, impacting the pedestrian with the vehicle’s center front end. The pedestrian sustained abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot and remained conscious after the crash. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash, repeated twice, emphasizing the driver’s failure to notice the pedestrian. No pedestrian fault or contributing factors were noted. The driver was licensed and operating a 2022 Honda sedan. This incident highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers failing to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785880 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Governor Hochul pledged more police and brighter lights in the subway. Barriers and new fare gates will come to a few stations. Critics called the plans symbolic, lacking funding and detail. Andrea Stewart-Cousins stood with Hochul as the city waits for real change.

On January 14, 2025, during the State of the State address, Governor Kathy Hochul announced new subway safety measures. The proposals include NYPD officers on every overnight train, LED lighting in all stations, and limited installation of platform barriers and modern fare gates. The matter summary states: 'Hochul finally acknowledges NYC subway crime in State of the State speech—but proposals slammed as largely symbolic.' Andrea Stewart-Cousins, mentioned in the announcement, stood with Hochul. Critics, including State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, called the measures 'symbolic.' The Working Families Party warned that tax cuts without new revenue could threaten transit funding. No direct safety analyst assessment was provided, but advocates and lawmakers questioned whether these steps will protect riders or simply signal action.

• Hochul finally acknowledges NYC subway crime in ‘State of the State’ speech — but proposals slammed as largely ‘symbolic’, nypost.com, Published 2025-01-14