Queens Bleeds While Leaders Stall: End Street Deaths Now

Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.

Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.

• File S 915, Open States, Published 2025-06-09

Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.

Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.

• File S 915, Open States, Published 2025-06-09

Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.

Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.

• File S 915, Open States, Published 2025-06-09

Warren Rollins turned himself in for killing Gary Charlotin. Rollins ran over Charlotin, dragged him three blocks, then fled. Bystanders begged him to stop. The victim died at the scene. This arrest does not change the danger for people on foot.

On June 3, 2025, Warren Rollins surrendered at the 105th Precinct in Queens Village. He faces charges of depraved indifference murder, manslaughter, leaving the scene, and criminally negligent homicide for the December 10, 2023, crash that killed Gary Charlotin. The incident summary states, 'Rollins dragged Charlotin three blocks before fleeing.' Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz called it 'a horrific death' and cited 'a complete disregard for human life.' Reporters Emma Seiwell, Rocco Parascandola, and Thomas Tracy covered the arrest. No council bill or committee action is involved. According to safety analysts, this is a criminal justice event, not a policy change. It does not affect system-wide safety for pedestrians or cyclists.

• Queens hit-and-run driver arrested for murder for dragging victim 3 blocks, Gothamist, Published 2025-06-03

An SUV hit a 65-year-old man crossing Jamaica Avenue. The right front bumper struck him. He suffered arm abrasions. Police cite driver inattention. The street saw blood and confusion. The system failed to protect the walker.

A 65-year-old man was injured when a station wagon/SUV traveling west on Jamaica Avenue struck him as he crossed outside a crosswalk. According to the police report, the vehicle's right front bumper hit the pedestrian, causing abrasions to his arm. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No other factors were cited. The crash highlights the danger to pedestrians outside intersections, especially when drivers are not paying attention. The police report does not mention any actions by the pedestrian that contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4817520 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan turned right on Jamaica Avenue. A cyclist rode straight. Metal struck flesh. The cyclist took the hit. He left with a bruised back. The car’s rear bumper bore the mark. The street stayed dangerous.

A crash unfolded on Jamaica Avenue at Forest Parkway in Queens. A sedan, turning right, collided with a cyclist traveling straight. According to the police report, the incident involved a 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion.' The cyclist, a 53-year-old man, suffered a back injury and a contusion. The sedan’s right rear bumper was damaged. The report lists no driver errors or failures to yield, but confusion is cited as a contributing factor. No helmet use was recorded for the cyclist, but this was not listed as a cause. The crash left the cyclist hurt and the car marked, another tally in the city’s relentless toll.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4817204 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A parked SUV rolled free on Queens Boulevard. It struck a woman, leaving her with deep cuts and leg injuries. Two others were listed as occupants. The crash happened at night. The police called it a driverless, runaway vehicle.

A crash involving a runaway SUV and a sedan occurred at 125-01 Queens Boulevard in Queens. One woman, age 56, was riding or hanging on the outside of a vehicle when she was struck and injured. She suffered severe lacerations and injuries to her lower leg and foot. Two other occupants, a 56-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man, were also involved but their injuries were unspecified. According to the police report, the contributing factor was 'Driverless/Runaway Vehicle.' Both vehicles were parked before the incident. The SUV sustained damage to its left side doors, and the sedan to its right rear bumper. No driver errors beyond the runaway vehicle were listed in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4816243 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 13-year-old boy on a bike collided with an SUV’s front end in Queens. The boy was ejected and injured. Two adults and an infant in the SUV were unhurt. The crash left the cyclist with bruises and leg injuries. Impact was direct and forceful.

A crash occurred at 87-12 Lefferts Boulevard in Queens involving a station wagon/SUV and a 13-year-old bicyclist. According to the police report, the SUV was heading south and struck the cyclist head-on. The boy was ejected from his bike and suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions. Two adults and an infant inside the SUV were not injured. The police report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. No driver errors such as failure to yield or distraction are cited in the report. The cyclist was not using safety equipment, but this is only noted after the contributing factor. The impact was to the center front end of both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4817214 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.

Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.

• File S 8117, Open States, Published 2025-05-27

Two sedans collided on 101st Avenue in Queens. Alcohol played a role. A 24-year-old woman in the front seat suffered back injuries. Metal twisted. The street fell silent. The system failed to protect those inside.

Two sedans crashed near 130-08 101st Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, 'Alcohol Involvement' was a contributing factor. A 24-year-old female passenger suffered back injuries and whiplash. Other occupants, including a 6-year-old child, were listed but not reported as injured. The crash involved a parked vehicle and a sedan going straight ahead. The report does not specify further details about the sequence of events. Driver errors noted in the data include alcohol involvement. No helmet or signal use was listed as a contributing factor. The collision left one person hurt and exposed the ongoing danger on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4815771 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans slammed together at 133rd Street and 97th Avenue. Both drivers injured. Police cite driver inattention. Metal twisted. Whiplash and hip pain. Streets do not forgive distraction. The crash left scars on bodies and steel.

Two sedans crashed at the intersection of 133rd Street and 97th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, both drivers—men aged 69 and 37—suffered injuries, including whiplash and hip trauma. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both vehicles. The impact struck the center front end of one sedan and the left side doors of the other. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The data shows no helmet or signal issues. The crash underscores the danger when drivers lose focus, as documented in the official report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4815432 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A flatbed truck hit a cyclist at 132-07 Jamaica Avenue in Queens. The cyclist, a 39-year-old man, suffered a bruised shoulder. Police cite driver inattention. The crash left the cyclist hurt and the truck undamaged. The street stayed dangerous.

A flatbed truck and a bicycle collided at 132-07 Jamaica Avenue in Queens. The cyclist, a 39-year-old man, was injured in the shoulder and suffered a contusion. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The truck was traveling west, going straight, while the cyclist was making a right turn. No injuries were reported for the truck occupant. The police report does not list any errors by the cyclist. The only contributing factor named is driver inattention. No mention of helmet use or signaling appears in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4815430 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan struck a man crossing 101 Avenue at 112 Street. The pedestrian had the signal. The car turned improperly. The man suffered a bruised leg. Driver inattention played a role. The street stayed open. The danger stayed real.

A man crossing 101 Avenue at 112 Street in Queens was hit by a sedan while he had the signal. According to the police report, the pedestrian was at the intersection, crossing with the signal, when the sedan, making a left turn, struck him. The man suffered a contusion and injury to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The police report lists 'Turning Improperly' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The sedan’s center front end hit the pedestrian. No other injuries were reported. The data does not mention any helmet or signal violations by the pedestrian. The crash highlights the ongoing risk to people on foot at city intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4815427 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two cars slammed together at Woodhaven and 101st. Three passengers hurt. Drivers ignored traffic controls. Metal twisted. Pain followed. The street stayed dangerous.

Two vehicles, a sedan and an SUV, collided at Woodhaven Boulevard and 101st Avenue in Queens. Three passengers suffered injuries: a 51-year-old woman with chest trauma, a 22-year-old man with back injuries, and a 25-year-old woman driver with back pain. According to the police report, both drivers disregarded traffic controls. The crash left metal bent and bodies shaken. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the main contributing factor for both vehicles. No other factors were cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4814586 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.

According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.

• Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-21

The city dropped plans to ban bikes on Rockaway’s boardwalk after fierce protest. Council Member Joann Ariola welcomed the reversal but demanded tougher enforcement against reckless cyclists. Locals pushed for clearer signs and marked lanes. The board voted for new safety measures.

On May 14, 2025, a proposed ban on bicycles along Rockaway Beach’s boardwalk was canceled after public backlash. The plan, discussed at a community board meeting, would have barred cyclists from Beach 108th to Beach 73rd Street during summer months. Council Member Joann Ariola, representing District 32, expressed relief at the reversal, stating, 'I’m glad that the Parks Department is going to continue allowing Rockaway residents to enjoy their bikes on the boardwalk this summer, but now we need real enforcement.' Instead of a ban, the Parks Department will increase signage and enforcement, especially near concessions. The community board voted 30-1 for new signs and called for marked bike lanes, an 8 mph speed limit, and clearer right-of-way rules. Board chair Dolores Orr stressed these safety improvements have been needed since the boardwalk’s post-Sandy rebuild.

• Controversial NYC boardwalk bicycle ban scrapped after local outrage, protests: ‘Bad timing’, nypost.com, Published 2025-05-14

Senate passes S 346. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. Pushes work zone safety. Sets up new enforcement fund. Lawmakers move to shield workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 346 cleared committee on May 13, 2025. The bill, titled 'Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker; promotes work zone safety awareness; establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement,' aims to crack down on drivers who threaten highway workers. Senator Jeremy Cooney led as primary sponsor, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, Christopher Ryan, and James Skoufis. The committee voted yes. The bill targets reckless driving in work zones, boosting penalties and funding enforcement. It marks a step to protect those most exposed to traffic danger.

• File S 346, Open States, Published 2025-05-13

Motorcycle turned left. E-scooter went straight. Both drivers ejected. Two men injured. Police cite traffic control disregarded. Steel met flesh in Queens night.

A motorcycle and an e-scooter collided at Atlantic Ave and 111 St in Queens. Both drivers, men aged 42 and 34, were ejected and injured. According to the police report, 'Traffic Control Disregarded' was listed as a contributing factor. The motorcycle was making a left turn while the e-scooter traveled straight. The e-scooter driver suffered a leg fracture. The motorcycle driver had arm injuries and wore a helmet. No pedestrians were involved. The crash underscores the danger when drivers ignore traffic controls.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812549 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A man, 25, crossing Hillside Ave was hit and left unconscious. The car’s right front bumper struck him. He suffered internal injuries. The police report lists causes as unspecified.

A 25-year-old man was hit while crossing Hillside Ave at Babbage St in Queens. He was left unconscious with internal injuries to his entire body. According to the police report, the car’s right front bumper struck the pedestrian. The report lists contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are detailed in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812081 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Lawmakers stripped Hochul’s safety plans from the state budget. No daylighting near schools. No lower bike lane speed limits. No new e-bike rules. City and state leaders bickered. Streets stay dangerous. Pedestrians and cyclists remain exposed. The system failed them again.

On May 9, 2025, during New York State’s $254-million budget negotiations, lawmakers rejected Governor Hochul’s proposed street safety measures. The legislature dropped a mandate for daylighting—banning parking at corners near elementary schools—deferring instead to New York City, where Council Member Julie Won’s universal daylighting bill faces opposition from the Department of Transportation. Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, herself a crash survivor, vowed to keep fighting for daylighting, saying, 'I think daylighting would have helped me.' Hochul’s proposals to let the city set lower bike lane speed limits and to reclassify heavy e-bikes as mopeds were also cut. Critics argued these would not address core safety issues. The Adams administration opposes a City Council bill for e-bike registration and plates, while State Sen. Jenifer Rajkumar’s state version would shift licensing to the DMV. As Ben Furnas of Transportation Alternatives put it, 'A daylighting requirement would have made intersections safer around elementary schools, and it’s disappointing that this provision was cut from the New York State budget.'

• Live from Albany: Hochul’s ‘Safety’ Measures Stripped from Budget, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-05-09