Queens Streets Run Red—Your Silence Is Their License

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 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

Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

A sedan backing up collided with a parked sedan on 108th Street in Queens. The driver of the parked vehicle suffered a head contusion but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. Driver distraction and other vehicular factors contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:28 on 108th Street in Queens. A 2006 Ford sedan was backing up when it struck a parked 2014 Chevrolet sedan. The point of impact was the center back end on both vehicles. The driver of the parked vehicle, a 30-year-old female, was injured with a head contusion but remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors, indicating driver error on the part of the backing vehicle. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The collision highlights risks associated with vehicle backing maneuvers and driver distraction in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785660 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate bill S 131 demands complete street design for state-funded projects. Sponsors push for safer roads. Guidance will go public. Streets could change. Pedestrians and cyclists stand to gain.

Senate bill S 131 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force safer street planning. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by co-sponsors Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Leroy Comrie, Jeremy Cooney, Nathalia Fernandez, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Robert Jackson, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, Christopher Ryan, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish guidance on street design. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 131, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 324 demands complete street design for state- and federally-funded projects. Sponsors push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars. Safety for all hangs in the balance.

Assembly Bill A 324 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, drivers—when building or upgrading roads. Didi Barrett leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Amy Paulin, and many others. The bill also directs the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note yet, but the measure’s intent is clear: streets should protect the most vulnerable, not just move traffic.

• File A 324, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

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

Int 1160-2025, now enacted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, forces the Department of Transportation to install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. The bill, sponsored by Farah N. Louis (primary) and co-sponsored by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, Ariola, and others, passed on March 15, 2025. The law demands annual reporting on compliance and reasons for any delay. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Quick, visible lines cut confusion and protect people crossing or riding. The law took effect immediately.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-08

Sedan lost grip on slick G.C.P. curve. Car flipped. Two passengers, belted in, suffered head and face injuries. No ejections. Pavement conditions turned routine ride into trauma.

According to the police report, a 2001 Acura sedan traveling west on G.C.P. / JEWEL (CDR) overturned after losing control on slippery pavement. The right front quarter panel struck the ground, flipping the car. Two male passengers were injured: a 24-year-old in the front seat suffered facial contusions, and a 32-year-old in the rear seat sustained a concussion. Both were conscious, belted, and not ejected. The report lists 'Pavement Slippery' as the sole contributing factor. No driver violations or passenger actions contributed to the crash. The crash highlights the danger of hazardous road conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783050 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided head-to-tail on the Long Island Expressway. The rear passenger suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. Driver inattention and unsafe speed caused the crash, highlighting dangers from distracted driving on busy highways.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling eastbound on the Long Island Expressway collided at 4:54 a.m. The rear vehicle struck the front vehicle's center back end, causing damage to both cars. The right rear passenger of the front sedan, a 48-year-old woman, sustained a head contusion but was conscious and not ejected. She was secured by a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention/distraction and unsafe speed as contributing factors, indicating the rear driver failed to maintain safe control and distance. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. This crash underscores the systemic danger posed by distracted driving and excessive speed on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780902 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 36-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after an SUV made a right turn and hit him at an intersection. The driver failed to yield and was distracted, causing a violent impact to the pedestrian’s lower body.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 20:14 on Queens Boulevard near Union Turnpike. A 36-year-old male pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2020 Honda SUV made a right turn and struck him with the vehicle’s center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites driver errors including "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as contributing factors. The SUV’s right front bumper was damaged in the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted beyond crossing with the signal. The incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted drivers failing to yield at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780129 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 27-year-old woman suffered abrasions and arm injuries after a sedan struck her while she crossed a marked crosswalk on Saunders Street in Queens. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, leaving the pedestrian in shock at the scene.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:24 on Saunders Street in Queens. A 27-year-old female pedestrian was crossing a marked crosswalk without a signal when she was struck by a northbound sedan traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the vehicle’s center front end. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, resulting in a severity level 3 injury and emotional shock. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. No other driver errors or pedestrian behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in areas with marked pedestrian crossings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779657 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Sedan plows into moped from behind on Queens Blvd. Moped driver ejected, suffers neck injury. Police cite driver inattention and tailgating. Night crash, both vehicles eastbound.

According to the police report, a sedan rear-ended a moped on Queens Blvd near 76 Rd in Queens at 10:31 p.m. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound. The sedan's center front end struck the moped's center back end. The moped driver was ejected and suffered a neck injury, classified as moderate. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The sedan driver was not using any safety equipment. The moped driver was unlicensed, but no other contributing factors related to the victim were noted. The crash underscores driver errors in attention and following distance on a busy Queens corridor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780901 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 55-year-old woman suffered abdominal and pelvic injuries after an SUV failed to yield while making a right turn. The vehicle's right front bumper hit her at a marked crosswalk. Driver inattention and failure to yield caused the collision.

According to the police report, a 55-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 110 Street and 67 Road in Queens at 9:00 PM. The pedestrian was crossing in a marked crosswalk without a signal when a 2024 SUV, driven by a licensed female driver traveling south and making a right turn, struck her with the vehicle's center front end. The impact caused contusions and injuries to the pedestrian's abdomen and pelvis. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The SUV sustained damage to its right front bumper. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The collision highlights driver errors in yielding and attentiveness at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779638 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 30-year-old woman was struck while crossing at an intersection in Queens. She suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was left in shock. The sedan involved showed no damage, and no driver errors were cited in the report.

According to the police report, a 30-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 71 Ave and Queens Blvd in Queens at 7:00 AM. She was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in shock. The vehicle involved was a 2005 Toyota sedan traveling south, going straight ahead. The report notes no vehicle damage or point of impact damage, and no contributing driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were listed. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal was recorded, but no contributing factors were assigned to either party. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian but does not attribute fault to the driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780964 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 74-year-old woman crossing 63rd Drive was struck by a southbound convertible. She suffered leg injuries and bleeding. Police cite driver inattention. The car hit her with its center front end. She was left in shock.

According to the police report, a 74-year-old female pedestrian was crossing 63rd Drive near Wetherole Street in Queens when a southbound 2015 Chevrolet convertible struck her at 5:37 p.m. The impact was to the vehicle’s center front end. The woman suffered injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with minor bleeding and shock reported. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was crossing without a signal or crosswalk. No pedestrian actions were cited as contributing factors. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778839 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Tesla sedan hit a 17-year-old boy in Queens as he crossed 99th Street with the light. Steel crushed his arm. He stayed awake. The car showed no damage. The street fell silent after the impact.

According to the police report, a Tesla sedan traveling northwest on 99th Street at 62nd Drive struck a 17-year-old pedestrian who was crossing at the intersection with the signal. The report states the teen suffered crush injuries to his arm but remained conscious at the scene. Police cite 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors in the crash. The vehicle sustained no damage, but the impact left the boy with serious injuries. The report notes the pedestrian was 'Crossing With Signal,' indicating he had the right of way. The collision underscores the consequences of improper lane usage and driver inexperience behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778801 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs slammed together on 108 Street. A front passenger took a blow to the head. Police blamed failure to yield and driver inattention. The injured woman stayed conscious, strapped in by a lap belt.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided on 108 Street near 67 Road in Queens at 8:47 p.m. The crash struck the right side doors of one vehicle and the front end of the other. A 25-year-old woman riding as a front passenger suffered a head contusion. She was conscious and secured by a lap belt, not ejected. Police cited 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as causes. Both drivers, licensed women, were traveling straight ahead. The report underscores the danger when drivers fail to yield and lose focus, leaving passengers at risk.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776186 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 74-year-old man crossing Metropolitan Avenue outside a crosswalk was struck by a westbound SUV. The impact hit the pedestrian’s head, leaving him semiconscious with minor bleeding. The driver proceeded straight, causing severe injury without yielding.

According to the police report, a 74-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being struck by a Ford SUV traveling westbound on Metropolitan Avenue in Queens around 12:03 AM. The pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk when the vehicle's center front end collided with his head, resulting in semiconsciousness and minor bleeding. The report notes the pedestrian’s location as 'Pedestrian Not at Intersection' and action as 'Crossing, No Signal, or Crosswalk.' No specific driver contributing factors were listed, but the collision occurred while the driver was going straight ahead, indicating a failure to yield to a pedestrian in the roadway. The driver was licensed and operating a 2003 SUV. The pedestrian’s injury severity was rated at level 3, highlighting the serious impact of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775857 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04