Queens Bleeds While Leaders Stall: End Street Deaths Now

A Ford pickup turned left at 120th Street and 101st Avenue. Its bumper hit a man crossing with the signal. He collapsed, broken and unconscious. He died in the street before dawn. Driver inattention marked his final moments.

A 47-year-old man was killed at the intersection of 120th Street and 101st Avenue in Queens when a Ford pickup truck turned left and struck him. According to the police report, the pedestrian was 'crossing with the signal' when the vehicle's 'left front bumper' hit him. The report states the driver was making a left turn and lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The man collapsed, unconscious, suffering injuries to his entire body, and died at the scene. The police report makes no mention of any pedestrian error or unsafe behavior. The fatal impact occurred while the victim was lawfully in the crosswalk, underscoring the lethal consequences of driver inattention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709148 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A motorscooter collided head-on with a sedan on 126 Street in Queens. The scooter driver, unlicensed and helmeted, was ejected and suffered facial abrasions. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as the primary cause. The sedan sustained no damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:18 AM on 126 Street near Hillside Avenue in Queens. A sedan traveling east and a motorscooter traveling south collided front-to-front. The scooter driver, a 40-year-old male, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained abrasions to his face. He was conscious at the scene and wearing a helmet, as noted in the report. The scooter driver was unlicensed, while the sedan driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The police report identifies 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. The sedan sustained no damage despite the impact. No other contributing factors were specified. The report focuses on the driver error of failing to yield, highlighting systemic dangers related to unlicensed vehicle operation and right-of-way violations.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4708671 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Council wants every e-bike and scooter tagged and tracked. Plates on wheels. Riders face new rules. Lawmakers say it’s about order. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait.

Int 0606-2024 was introduced on March 7, 2024, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring that every bicycle with electric assist, electric scooter and other legal motorized vehicle be licensed and registered," would force all e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles not covered by DMV rules to register with DOT and display visible plates. Council Member Inna Vernikov is the primary sponsor, joined by 26 co-sponsors including Holden, Farías, Riley, and others. The bill was laid over in committee and has not advanced. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• File Int 0606-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council bill forces DOT to act fast. Traffic study calls get answers in 60 days. No more endless waits. Streets stay dangerous while requests stall. Delay kills. Action saves.

Int 0542-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, laid over since March 7, 2024. The bill reads: 'requiring that traffic study determinations be issued no later than 60 days from the date a traffic control device is requested by a city council member or community board.' Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Brooks-Powers, Vernikov, and Morano. The bill cracks the whip on DOT, ending open-ended delays. Fast answers mean less time waiting for life-saving signals and signs. The city’s slow grind leaves people at risk. This bill demands speed.

• File Int 0542-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

A sedan driver turning improperly struck a 24-year-old e-bike rider in Queens. The rider suffered knee and lower leg contusions but remained conscious. The crash occurred on 125 Street near Jamaica Avenue during evening rush hour.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at 18:57 on 125 Street near Jamaica Avenue in Queens involving a sedan and an e-bike. The sedan driver, a 24-year-old male, was cited for 'Turning Improperly,' which is listed twice as the contributing factor. The e-bike rider sustained injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises, but was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The sedan's left front bumper was the point of impact, indicating the driver’s failure to execute a proper turn. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the e-bike rider. The focus remains on the driver's improper turning as the cause of the crash and resulting injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4706873 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 66-year-old male bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg abrasions after a collision with an eastbound SUV on Jamaica Avenue. The SUV impacted the bike’s right front quarter panel. The bicyclist remained conscious and was not ejected from his bike.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:06 AM on Jamaica Avenue involving a 2021 Dodge SUV traveling east and a northbound bicyclist making a right turn. The SUV's right front quarter panel struck the bicyclist, who sustained abrasions to the knee and lower leg but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report cites 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment. Vehicle damage was limited to the SUV's right front quarter panel, while the bike sustained no damage. The report does not list any driver errors such as failure to yield, focusing instead on confusion involving the bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4706142 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Council wants DOT to check 100 speed camera spots a year for raised speed bumps. If possible, bumps go in within a year. DOT must track and report on driver behavior changes. No delay. No loopholes.

Int 0161-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Members Louis (primary), Carr, Ung, Holden, Ariola, Paladino, and Morano. The bill orders DOT to assess at least 100 speed camera locations each year for raised speed reducer feasibility. If feasible, DOT must install the bump within a year. The law demands annual reports on these checks and on shifts in dangerous driving at treated sites. The bill summary reads: 'requiring a raised speed reducer feasibility assessment at speed camera locations.' Council aims to force physical changes where cameras alone fail.

• File Int 0161-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to outlaw fake plates. Fraud hides reckless drivers. Bill targets sellers, sets fines. Streets need truth. Law aims to strip shields from danger.

Bill Int 0178-2024 sits with the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting the sale or distribution of fraudulent license plates," makes it illegal to sell or distribute fake or temporary plates, with civil penalties for violators. Council Member Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Feliz, Schulman, Ung, Marte, Hudson, Brewer, Brannan, and Avilés. The bill was referred to committee the same day. Fraudulent plates let reckless drivers vanish. This measure aims to close that escape, exposing those who endanger lives.

• File Int 0178-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council wants 500 solar-lit crosswalks in five years. Bright signals cut through the dark. The bill demands action and a study. Safety for walkers, not drivers. No more hiding in the shadows.

Int 0301-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to install at least 100 illuminated, solar-powered traffic control devices at crosswalks each year for five years. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law...in relation to the installation of solar-powered crosswalks.' Council Member Lincoln Restler leads, joined by Menin, Brooks-Powers, Rivera, and others. The bill also requires a study comparing these devices to standard signs. The city must report findings within two years. The goal: more visible crossings, fewer deadly impacts.

• File Int 0301-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill pushes DOT to let schools, centers, and institutions use streets outside their doors. More people, less traffic. Streets shift from cars to community. Still in committee.

Int 0450-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 28, 2024. The bill orders DOT to create a program letting community centers, schools, arts, and religious institutions use adjacent outdoor spaces. The matter title reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to establish a program to allow community centers, schools, arts and cultural institutions and religious institutions to use adjacent outdoor spaces.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads, joined by Stevens, Restler, Won, and others. The bill has not yet passed. If enacted, it could reclaim space from cars, giving it to people. No formal safety analysis yet, but the measure could mean safer, more vibrant streets for all.

• File Int 0450-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to form a board on school crossing guard deployment. NYPD, DOT, and DOE must report twice a year. The aim: more eyes on street danger where kids cross.

Bill Int 0448-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to an advisory board on crossing guard deployment," calls for NYPD, DOT, and DOE to join an advisory board. The board must send biannual reports on crossing guard needs to the Mayor, Council Speaker, and Police Commissioner. Council Member Kamillah Hanks leads as primary sponsor, joined by Stevens, Schulman, Salaam, and others. The Bronx Borough President requested the bill. The board’s reports could spotlight gaps and push for better protection at dangerous crossings.

• File Int 0448-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council wants DOT to study how street design can keep commercial trucks out of residential blocks. The bill sits in committee. Streets should shelter people, not heavy traffic.

Int 0114-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to report on 'the utility and feasibility of using street design as a means to limit or reduce the use by commercial vehicles of streets in residential neighborhoods.' Jennifer Gutiérrez leads as primary sponsor, joined by Avilés, the Public Advocate, and others. The bill was referred to committee on the day of introduction. It demands a clear look at how design can push trucks off streets where people walk, bike, and live.

• File Int 0114-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council targets fake and expired plates. Bill sets fines. Ten-day grace for expired tags. Crackdown aims at cars that dodge law and endanger streets. Committee on Public Safety holds the measure.

Int 0177-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle with fraudulent or expired license plates,' makes it illegal to drive with fake or expired plates, including temporary ones. Civil penalties apply, but drivers with expired plates get a 10-day cure period. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Feliz, Salamanca, Powers, Restler, Won, Brewer, Schulman, Ung, Marte, Hudson, Avilés, De La Rosa, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The bill targets drivers who hide behind illegal plates, a tactic often linked to hit-and-runs and reckless driving.

• File Int 0177-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council urges Albany to pass SAFE Streets Act. Lower speed limits. Rights for crash victims. Safe passing for cyclists. Complete streets. City demands action as deaths rise. Streets remain deadly. Lawmakers must act.

Resolution 0090-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it calls on the state to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law') and A.1901, part of the SAFE Streets Act. The matter title: 'Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.2422... allowing New York city to establish a lower speed limit, and A.1901, enacting a crash victims bill of rights.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif leads, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Nurse, and others. The resolution demands lower speed limits, crash victim rights, safe passing for cyclists, and complete street design. It cites rising traffic deaths and the failure of current measures. The Council wants Albany to give the city real power to protect people on its streets.

• File Res 0090-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council passed a law forcing taxis and for-hire cars to post bold warnings on doors. The signs tell passengers: look for cyclists before you open up. A small step. The city hands out the decals. No cost to drivers.

Int 0193-2024 became law on May 31, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' was sponsored by Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by over twenty council members, including Gutiérrez, Hudson, and Rivera. The law mandates clear warning decals on all rear passenger doors of taxis and for-hire vehicles. The Taxi and Limousine Commission will provide the signs at no cost. The measure aims to cut down on 'dooring'—a threat to cyclists citywide. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it became law.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Two northbound vehicles crashed on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens. The sedan driver suffered back injuries and abrasions. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way and improper turning as causes. Both vehicles sustained side damage in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:48 on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens. The collision involved a 2021 SUV traveling straight and a 2021 sedan merging northbound. The sedan driver, a 29-year-old male occupant, was injured with back abrasions but remained conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report identifies 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors attributed to the sedan driver. The point of impact was the left front quarter panel of the sedan and the right front bumper of the SUV, resulting in damage to the left side doors of the sedan and the right side doors of the SUV. The police report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing on driver errors leading to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705417 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A Jeep struck a Volkswagen at Woodhaven Boulevard and Jamaica Avenue. The right side of the Volkswagen caved in. A 32-year-old woman in the front seat died as the airbag burst. The street went silent. Metal and silence remained.

At the intersection of Woodhaven Boulevard and Jamaica Avenue in Queens, a Jeep collided broadside with a Volkswagen, according to the police report. The impact crushed the Volkswagen’s right side, killing a 32-year-old woman seated in the front passenger seat. The report states, 'A Jeep struck a Volkswagen broadside. The right side folded in. A 32-year-old woman in the front seat died. The airbag bloomed.' Police cite 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors, drawing attention to driver error and systemic visibility hazards at this intersection. The victim was not ejected and the airbag deployed, but the force proved fatal. The crash underscores the lethal consequences when drivers disregard traffic controls and sightlines are compromised.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703790 - 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 2024-02-13

Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08