Queens Bleeds While Leaders Stall: End Street Deaths Now

Council calls for five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. Streets slow. Danger drops. Pedestrians and cyclists get space. Resolution adopted. Albany must act.

Res 0079-2024, adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 6, 2024, urges Albany to let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The resolution states: "authorize New York City to set a five mile per hour speed limit on streets participating in the Open Streets program." Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Crystal Hudson, Julie Won, and Carlina Rivera. The measure passed committee and full council on June 6. The bill aims to cut speed and risk where people walk, bike, and gather. The council's push now waits for state lawmakers and the governor.

• File Res 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, 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

Governor Hochul scrapped congestion pricing. The MTA lost a billion a year. Lawmakers scrambled. Senator Liz Krueger rejected a payroll tax hike. The MTA faces a funding cliff. Subway upgrades, elevators, and clean buses now hang in the balance.

""The [payroll] mobility tax is one, we see that as a possibility,"" -- David Weprin

On June 6, 2024, Governor Hochul’s sudden reversal on Manhattan congestion pricing sparked chaos in Albany. The plan, set to start June 30, would have charged drivers $15 to enter below 60th Street, raising $1 billion yearly for transit. Hochul proposed a payroll tax hike instead, but State Senator Liz Krueger opposed it, saying, "I do not think we have an appetite for that in the Senate." The bill’s fate is uncertain as the legislative session ends. The MTA board, city officials, and business groups all voiced concern. Projects like the Second Avenue Subway, subway accessibility, and zero-emission buses now face cancellation. No alternative funding plan exists. Vulnerable riders—those who rely on transit—stand to lose the most.

• Gov. Hochul’s congestion toll flip-flop spurs mad scramble at NY Capitol, gothamist.com, Published 2024-06-06

Council members slam Hochul’s last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion pricing. Transit funding hangs in limbo. Liz Krueger says the tax lacks support. Riders and workers face uncertainty as lawmakers reject new burdens and demand fairer solutions.

On June 6, 2024, State Sen. Liz Krueger (District 28) and other lawmakers responded to a proposed New York City tax hike meant to replace the indefinitely postponed $15 congestion pricing tolls. The measure, debated as Bill 28, has not advanced in committee and faces strong opposition. The matter, described as 'a last-minute funding move that drew fierce opposition,' has Krueger stating, 'I think it does not have support.' Assemblyman Brian Cunningham echoed, 'No new taxes.' The proposal would raise the payroll mobility tax, already increased last year, to fund the MTA. Rep. Jerry Nadler and business groups argue the tax unfairly targets NYC, while congestion pricing would have spread costs regionally. With the legislative session ending, MTA projects remain at risk. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• Outrage mounts as Hochul pushes last-minute NYC tax hike to replace congestion tolls: ‘Insulting joke’, nypost.com, 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

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03

A motorcycle collided with an SUV making a left turn on 101 Avenue. The unlicensed motorcyclist was ejected and suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries. Police cited traffic control disregard and failure to yield as key driver errors.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:30 on 101 Avenue involving a 2017 SUV making a left turn northwest and a motorcycle traveling west. The motorcycle driver, unlicensed and wearing a helmet, was ejected upon impact and sustained abrasions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The SUV's right front quarter panel was damaged at the point of impact. The report highlights driver errors including 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The motorcyclist was conscious after the crash but seriously injured. The collision underscores systemic dangers from driver failures to obey traffic controls and yield properly.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729475 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A station wagon SUV collided with an e-bike on 76 Street in Queens. The 15-year-old e-bike rider suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries. Police cited the SUV driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as the cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:44 on 76 Street in Queens. A station wagon SUV traveling west struck an e-bike traveling south. The point of impact was the SUV’s right front bumper and the e-bike’s center front end. The e-bike rider, a 15-year-old male, sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report identifies the SUV driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor. The e-bike rider was unlicensed, but no other contributing factors were cited. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead before the collision. Vehicle damage was limited to the front bumpers of both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729494 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A southbound SUV struck the left rear quarter panel of a parked SUV on 127th Street in Queens. The collision injured the 75-year-old driver of the parked vehicle, causing elbow and lower arm injuries and whiplash. Driver inattention was cited.

According to the police report, at 8:49 p.m. on 127th Street in Queens, a 2023 Toyota SUV traveling south collided with the left rear quarter panel of a parked 2014 Toyota SUV. The impact injured the 75-year-old male driver of the parked vehicle, who suffered injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, along with whiplash. The injured occupant was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision caused damage to the left rear quarter panel of the parked SUV and the center front end of the moving SUV. This incident highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction leading to rear-end collisions with stationary vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728802 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A moped driver making a left turn collided with a sedan traveling east on Atlantic Avenue. The moped struck the sedan’s right side doors. The unlicensed driver suffered knee and lower leg fractures. Driver inexperience contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Atlantic Avenue in Queens at 9:20 p.m. A moped, driven by a 31-year-old unlicensed male, was making a left turn when it collided with a sedan traveling straight east. The point of impact was the right side doors of the moped and the center front end of the sedan. The moped driver was injured, sustaining fractures and dislocations to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor twice, indicating errors on the part of the moped driver. The sedan showed no damage and had no occupants. The injured driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728237 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

A man crossing with the signal on Metropolitan Avenue was struck by an unlicensed motorcyclist. The impact left him unconscious with a severe head injury. The driver failed to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old male pedestrian was crossing Metropolitan Avenue with the signal when a 2023 Taizhou motorcycle, traveling east, struck him at the intersection with Lefferts Boulevard in Queens. The unlicensed male driver failed to yield the right-of-way, which is listed twice as a contributing factor. The pedestrian suffered a severe head injury, was rendered unconscious, and sustained fractures and dislocations. The point of impact was the motorcycle's center front end, and damage was noted there. No contributing factors were attributed to the pedestrian. The report highlights the driver's failure to yield as the primary cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728560 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 68-year-old man driving a convertible in Queens lost consciousness and crashed. The vehicle struck an object with its left front bumper. The driver suffered chest injuries and was unconscious at the scene, wearing a lap belt during the crash.

According to the police report, a 68-year-old male driver operating a 2008 Mazda convertible in Queens lost consciousness while traveling east on Park Lane South around 7:50 p.m. The vehicle's left front bumper impacted an object, causing damage to the same area. The driver, the sole occupant, was not ejected and was restrained by a lap belt. The report lists 'Lost Consciousness' as the primary contributing factor twice, indicating a medical or physical event leading to loss of control. The driver sustained chest injuries and was unconscious at the scene. There is no mention of other vehicles or pedestrians involved, nor any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The crash highlights the systemic danger posed when a driver suddenly loses consciousness behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727319 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A sedan lunged from its spot on Park Lane South. Metal met flesh. A woman on her bike crashed, her body torn, blood spilling. She stayed awake. The car bore no mark. The street swallowed the pain and kept moving.

According to the police report, a sedan pulled from parking on Park Lane South near Myrtle Avenue as a woman rode her bike eastbound. The report states: 'A sedan pulled from parking. A woman rode east on her bike. Metal struck flesh. Her body broke open, bleeding.' The cyclist, a 38-year-old woman, suffered severe bleeding and injuries to her entire body. She was conscious at the scene. The police report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The sedan, driven by a man with a permit, showed no visible damage. The report notes the cyclist wore no helmet, but this is mentioned after the driver actions and only because it appears in the official record. The crash underscores the danger when vehicles enter traffic from parking, putting vulnerable road users at risk.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727668 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Senate bill S 9490 raises penalties for endangering highway workers. It pushes work zone safety and funds more enforcement. Lawmakers move to shield workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 9490 was introduced on May 16, 2024, and is at the sponsorship stage. The bill aims to 'increase penalties for endangerment of a highway worker; promote work zone safety awareness; establish a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement.' Senator Jeremy Cooney leads as primary sponsor, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors. The bill targets drivers who threaten highway workers, seeking to make work zones less deadly. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9490, Open States, Published 2024-05-16

Council bill targets repeat pedal-assist bike violators. Three strikes trigger a mandatory safety course. Ignore the course, lose your bike. DOT will track results. Three-year pilot. Enforcement, not education, leads.

Int 0874-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced May 16, 2024, by Council Members Ariola (primary), Hanks, Hudson, Louis, Mealy, and Banks, the bill orders DOT to launch a pilot abatement program for unsafe pedal-assist bicycle operators. The bill summary states: 'Pedal-assist bicycle operators who accrue 3 or more moving violations under city law would be required to take a safe pedal-assist bicycle operation course offered by DOT.' Noncompliance means bike impoundment. DOT must report on course completions, impounds, and program effectiveness. The pilot sunsets after three years. The bill aims to curb reckless riding through strict enforcement.

• File Int 0874-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

Council bill redefines major transit projects. Bike lanes, busways, and bus lanes now trigger community board notice. DOT must present plans, boards get sixty days to respond. Progress reports go public. Holden and Ariola sponsor.

Int 0880-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced May 16, 2024, by Council Members Joann Ariola and Robert F. Holden, it amends city code to require community notification for any bus lane, busway, or bike lane project, no matter the size. The bill states: 'construction or removal of a bus lane, busway, or bike lane' counts as a major project. DOT must present plans to affected boards, who get sixty days to comment. DOT must post quarterly updates online. Ariola is the primary sponsor; Holden co-sponsors. The bill aims to increase transparency and community input on street changes that shape safety for all.

• File Int 0880-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

Council moves to light up step streets. At least 25 stairways each year will get new lamps. Dark paths become visible. Pedestrians gain ground. Shadows shrink. Danger loses its cover.

Int 0875-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on May 16, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the installation of pedestrian lighting on step streets.' Prime sponsor Joann Ariola, joined by sixteen co-sponsors, pushes for at least 25 step streets to be lit each year until all are covered. Step streets are open-air staircases linking streets at different heights. The bill aims to strip darkness from these paths, making them safer for people on foot. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0875-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

Council moves to light up step streets. At least 25 stairways each year will get new lamps. Dark paths become visible. Pedestrians gain ground. Shadows shrink. Danger loses its cover.

Int 0875-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on May 16, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the installation of pedestrian lighting on step streets.' Prime sponsor Joann Ariola, joined by sixteen co-sponsors, pushes for at least 25 step streets to be lit each year until all are covered. Step streets are open-air staircases linking streets at different heights. The bill aims to strip darkness from these paths, making them safer for people on foot. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0875-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16