Queens Streets Run Red—Your Silence Is Their License

A moped tore into a sedan’s side at 62 Drive and 97 Place. Glass shattered. A young rider’s face split open. Blood streaked steel. He stayed awake, clutching his wounds. Distraction behind the handlebars. The city’s metal edge did not yield.

A violent collision unfolded at the corner of 62 Drive and 97 Place in Queens when a moped struck the side of a sedan, according to the police report. The 21-year-old moped rider suffered severe facial injuries and heavy bleeding after his face hit the sedan’s glass. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor in the crash. Both vehicles were reportedly traveling straight before the impact, with the moped hitting the center front end and the sedan absorbing the blow on its right side doors. The report notes the moped rider wore no helmet, but this detail is mentioned only after the cited driver error. The crash left the rider conscious but bloodied, underscoring the relentless danger posed by distraction and inattention on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719160 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Council orders swift removal of abandoned and unplated cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. Police target vehicles with missing or fake plates. Fewer hazards for those on foot and bike.

Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 18, 2024. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation.' Sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary) and co-sponsored by over a dozen council members, it forces the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours and empowers NYPD to tow cars with missing or obscured plates or stickers. The law aims to clear street hazards fast, reducing risks for pedestrians and cyclists.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Two distracted drivers collided on Fitchett Street. A 3-year-old boy suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles’ front ends were smashed. The child was conscious, not ejected. Inattention caused the crash.

According to the police report, two vehicles collided on Fitchett Street in Queens at 14:21. A Station Wagon/SUV traveling north struck the right front quarter panel of a parked Sedan, while a second Sedan traveled east. Both drivers were cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' A 3-year-old male occupant, restrained with a lap belt and harness, suffered neck injuries and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver distraction as the primary cause. No contributing factors were attributed to the injured child. The crash left both vehicles with heavy front-end damage, highlighting the force of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719856 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Council orders DOT to reveal bike and micromobility numbers. Streets and bridges get counted. Riders’ paths mapped. City must show where safety fails and where it works. Data goes public. No more hiding the truth.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and became law September 14, 2024, as Local Law 88. The law’s title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Schulman, Hudson, Restler, and others. The law forces DOT to publish monthly and annual data on bike and micromobility use, plus crash and safety project details. The city must show where riders go, where danger lurks, and what it does to fix it. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it stands.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-11

A pick-up truck hit a 54-year-old woman as she stepped from behind a parked car on Saunders Street. Unsafe speed and driver distraction left her bruised and hurt.

According to the police report, a 54-year-old female pedestrian was injured on Saunders Street at 17:52 after emerging from behind a parked vehicle. A northbound 2018 Toyota pick-up truck struck her with its right rear bumper. The pedestrian suffered contusions and bruises to her hip and upper leg, with injury severity rated at level 3. The report lists unsafe speed and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. No pedestrian actions contributed to the crash. The report highlights driver errors as the cause of this injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715731 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 16-year-old girl suffered knee and lower leg injuries after an SUV made a left turn and struck her while she crossed 69 Avenue outside a crosswalk. The impact damaged the vehicle’s left front bumper. The pedestrian was conscious and bruised.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:40 on 69 Avenue in Queens. A male driver operating a 2008 SUV was making a left turn when the vehicle's left front bumper struck a 16-year-old female pedestrian. The pedestrian was crossing outside a signal or crosswalk, sustaining contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver, but the collision happened during the vehicle’s left turn maneuver. The pedestrian was conscious after the impact and suffered a bruise. Vehicle damage was limited to the left front bumper. The report does not attribute fault to the pedestrian, nor does it cite any pedestrian behaviors as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714908 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Queens fights over a rail line. The mayor backs a park. Advocates demand transit. Poor residents lose out. Elected officials split. The city risks locking out thousands from jobs and care. The debate rages. No one asks the people.

This op-ed, published April 4, 2024, covers the battle over the unused Rockaway Beach Branch rail line in southeastern Queens. The city, led by Mayor Adams, pushes a park-only project, funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Rick Horan, QueensLink’s executive director, argues the plan blocks a vital north-south rail corridor, denying disadvantaged communities access to jobs, education, and healthcare. The op-ed states: 'It is simply irresponsible to build a park on a viable transit right-of-way in the biggest city in America.' State Senators James Sanders, Jr. and Joe Addabbo, Assembly Member Stacey Amato, and Council Members Selvena Brooks-Powers, JoAnn Ariola, and Bob Holden support studies and funding for the rails-and-trails QueensLink alternative. The mayor’s plan faces criticism for ignoring public input and environmental justice. No safety impact assessment for vulnerable road users was provided.

• Op-Ed: Keeping Poor Residents in Transit Deserts is Getting Expensive, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-04-04

SUV hit a 64-year-old woman crossing 65 Road in Queens. Driver was distracted. Victim suffered knee and leg injuries. Impact came from the right front bumper. She was conscious, hurt, and left with abrasions.

According to the police report, a 64-year-old woman was struck by a northbound Lexus SUV while crossing 97-11 65 Road in Queens at 11:25 AM. The SUV hit her with its right front bumper. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the main cause. The pedestrian was not at a crosswalk or signal, but this was not cited as a contributing factor. She suffered injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, and was conscious at the scene. The driver was licensed and going straight. The report highlights the driver's distraction as the cause, with no blame placed on the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714241 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Sedan hit pickup’s rear as it turned left on Queens Boulevard. Driver suffered shoulder and arm injuries. Police blamed driver inattention. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a sedan struck the right rear quarter panel of a pickup truck making a left turn on Queens Boulevard at 11:25 AM. The sedan’s driver, a 33-year-old woman, was injured in the crash, suffering shoulder and upper arm trauma and reporting whiplash. Police identified 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary cause of the collision. The pickup truck driver was licensed and traveling northbound. No fault was attributed to the injured driver beyond the cited inattention. No other contributing factors were listed in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715184 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A taxi slowed to park on the Long Island Expressway. A sedan struck hard from behind. Metal tore through the quiet dawn. A young driver, belted, bled from the arm but stayed conscious. The green light hung above, indifferent.

According to the police report, a taxi was slowing to park eastbound on the Long Island Expressway when a sedan struck it forcefully. The report states, 'A taxi slowed to park. A sedan struck hard. Metal tore through dawn.' The 20-year-old driver of the sedan suffered severe bleeding from his arm but remained conscious. The crash occurred while the light above stayed green and the road was quiet. Police cite 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor in the collision. The data does not list any victim behavior as a factor. The report makes clear that driver distraction led to the violent impact, resulting in injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714402 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2024-03-27

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2024-03-27

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-03-20

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-03-20

Frank Cavalluzzi, wielding a bladed glove, tried to mow down nine protesters in Queens. He shouted slurs, swung blades, then drove onto the sidewalk. The judge gave him 14 years. The court called it justice. The victims scattered. No one died.

On March 19, 2024, Supreme Court Justice Michelle Johnson sentenced Frank Cavalluzzi to 14 years in prison for nine counts of attempted murder. The case stemmed from a June 2020 incident, when Cavalluzzi, wearing a 'Wolverine' glove with blades, threatened and then drove at Black Lives Matter protesters on a Whitestone overpass above the Cross Island Parkway. The matter summary states Cavalluzzi 'taunted, then attempted to run over nine Black Lives Matter protesters.' Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz called the sentence 'justice,' emphasizing Cavalluzzi's use of racial slurs and his attack on peaceful demonstrators. Cavalluzzi's lawyer, Jason Russo, argued the case was overcharged, but the court rejected this. The sentence holds a dangerous driver accountable for targeting vulnerable people using the street to protest.

• SEE IT! ‘Racist’ Wolverine Man Hit With 14-Year Sentence, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-19

Council bill orders DOT to repair broken curbs during street resurfacing. Hazardous curbs trip, trap, and injure. The fix is overdue. Pedestrians need solid ground. Council moves to force action.

Int 0724-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced March 19, 2024, the bill commands DOT to repair broken curbs that pose safety hazards during any resurfacing project. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... requiring that the department of transportation repair broken curbs as part of resurfacing projects.' Council Members Schulman, Gennaro (primary), Gutiérrez, Louis, Brewer, and Avilés sponsor the measure. The bill targets a simple danger: shattered curbs that trip and injure. If passed, DOT must fix these hazards as routine, not afterthought. The law would take effect 120 days after enactment.

• File Int 0724-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-19

A pickup driver with a record killed an 8-year-old in Queens. He pleaded not guilty. The court let him keep his license. He still drives. The boy’s family mourns. Politicians and advocates demand action. Streets stay deadly. Children pay the price.

On March 18, 2024, Jose Barcia, a pickup truck owner with a long history of unlicensed driving, pleaded not guilty to criminally negligent homicide after fatally striking 8-year-old Bayron Palomino Arroyo and injuring his brother in Queens. At arraignment, Barcia was released without surrendering his license. The Queens District Attorney’s office did not seek revocation. State Sen. Jessica Ramos led a rally, citing 'reckless drivers who refuse to yield to pedestrians' and called for stronger pedestrian safety, saying, 'driving is a privilege that can, and should be, taken away.' Adam White, a lawyer for crash victims, said the DA should have insisted Barcia not drive. The rally highlighted rising road deaths—48 killed citywide in early 2024—and called out the city’s failure to protect its most vulnerable. Vision Zero’s mission, Ramos argued, has been 'desecrated.'

• Driver Who Cops Say Killed Queens Boy is Still on the Road After Not Guilty Plea, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-18

Jose Barcia killed Bayron Palomino Arroyo in East Elmhurst. Barcia had four prior arrests for unlicensed driving. His truck racked up eight speeding tickets and $350 in unpaid fines. The city failed to tow his vehicle. Now, a child is dead.

On March 14, 2024, Jose Barcia struck and killed 8-year-old Bayron Palomino Arroyo in East Elmhurst. Barcia had been arrested four times for unlicensed driving in 2009 and 2010, with two fines from guilty pleas. His North Carolina-plated pickup had eight camera-issued speeding tickets since June and over $350 in unpaid fines. Despite this, the Sheriff's department did not tow the vehicle. Barcia now faces criminally negligent homicide charges. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, "Driving carries with it a huge responsibility... The rules of the road exist to safeguard everyone." Advocacy groups and officials called for traffic calming and stronger enforcement. The system failed to keep a dangerous driver off the street. A child paid the price.

• Driver Who Killed 8-Year-Old Had Four Prior Arrests for Unlicensed Driving: Cops, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-14

SUV turned left on Yellowstone. Hit a 20-year-old woman walking with traffic. Right front bumper struck her. She suffered knee and leg injuries. Police cite driver inattention and failure to yield.

According to the police report, a 20-year-old woman walking along Yellowstone Boulevard was struck by a 2021 Mercedes SUV making a left turn. The SUV's right front bumper hit her, causing contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as driver errors. The pedestrian was not at an intersection but walking with traffic. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. The collision damaged the SUV's right front quarter panel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709432 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Two SUVs collided eastbound on the Long Island Expressway. Inexperienced, distracted driving led to a rear-end crash. Three people suffered whiplash and back injuries. Metal twisted. No pedestrians involved.

According to the police report, two Station Wagon/Sport Utility Vehicles traveling eastbound on the Long Island Expressway collided when one SUV rear-ended the other. The driver of the striking vehicle, a 59-year-old man, was cited for driver inexperience and distraction. He suffered neck whiplash. Two passengers in the same SUV, a 43-year-old woman and a 59-year-old man, sustained back injuries and whiplash. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of the Honda SUV and the right rear bumper of the Mercedes SUV. The report highlights driver error—specifically inexperience and distraction—as the cause. No victim actions contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708901 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06