Queens Streets Bleed—Policy Is the Weapon

Apr 25 - A BMW driver used his SUV as a weapon. He killed a 55-year-old motorcyclist in Queens. Flames marked the scene. Police charged him with murder. The victim died on the street. Cars remain deadly for those outside them.

On April 25, 2025, police charged Jorden Rosen, 42, with murder and criminal possession of a weapon after a road rage crash killed William McField, a 55-year-old motorcyclist, in Rego Park, Queens. The case, reported by Colin Mixson and Rocco Parascandola, centers on helmet cam footage showing Rosen's BMW rear-ending and running over McField after a minor collision on the Long Island Expressway. Queens DA Melinda Katz said, 'Our roadways are not the place to settle disputes.' Rosen surrendered at the 112th Precinct and was arraigned. No council members are involved; this is a criminal prosecution, not legislation. According to safety analysts, charging a driver with murder is an individual legal response, not a systemic policy change. It does not directly improve safety for pedestrians or cyclists.

• BMW driver charged with murder of Queens motorcyclist in road rage crash: NYPD, Gothamist, Published 2025-04-25

Apr 24 - An SUV hit a man crossing Lefferts Boulevard at 95th Avenue. The pedestrian suffered a bruised shoulder. The driver was not reported injured. Police listed no clear cause.

A 36-year-old man was struck by a northbound SUV while crossing Lefferts Boulevard at 95th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the pedestrian was not at an intersection or marked crosswalk. He suffered a contusion and upper arm injury. The SUV’s right front quarter panel was damaged. The 70-year-old male driver was not reported injured. Police listed all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors were cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807919 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 24 - Council pushes Albany to force speed limiters on chronic speeders. The move targets reckless drivers. Streets stay deadly while the bill sits in committee. Pedestrians and cyclists wait for action.

Resolution 0854-2025, now laid over in the Committee on Public Safety, urges passage of S.7621/A.7979. The measure calls for 'requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits.' Council Member Lincoln Restler leads, joined by nine co-sponsors including Yusef Salaam and Shahana Hanif. The bill landed in committee on April 24, 2025, with no vote yet. If passed at the state level, it would force repeat speeders to install devices that block speeding. The Council’s action highlights the ongoing risk to vulnerable road users as reckless drivers remain unchecked.

• File Res 0854-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-04-24

Apr 21 - Two sedans collided on Van Wyck. Passengers and a driver suffered head and leg wounds. Police cite following too closely. Metal, glass, blood. System failed the vulnerable again.

Two sedans crashed on Van Wyck Expressway in Queens. According to the police report, both vehicles were traveling south when one struck the other from behind. Three passengers and one driver were injured, with wounds to the head and lower legs. Police list 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. No other causes are cited. The crash left passengers exposed to harm, underscoring the danger of close pursuit on city highways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807217 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 21 - Metal bolts crashed through a windshield in Queens. Glass exploded over the passenger. The No. 7 train rumbled above. Danger rained down. This was not the first time. The system failed to shield those below.

ABC7 reported on April 21, 2025, that debris from the No. 7 subway train fell onto a car at Queens Plaza, shattering the windshield and denting the hood. Rahimi, the driver, said, "We were driving right off here. Something fell off the train, damaging the windshield." Passenger Malnick described, "A bolt hit and then right away just the sound of glass exploding and glass all over me." The incident echoes previous cases: in 2019, falling debris from elevated tracks struck vehicles three times in a month. The MTA responded then by intensifying inspections, but the problem persists. The agency now says it is investigating and will inspect the area. The repeated incidents highlight ongoing risks from aging infrastructure above city streets.

• Falling Subway Debris Strikes Car In Queens, ABC7, Published 2025-04-21

Apr 20 - A fire truck turned onto Juniper Boulevard. The driver struck a man on a bicycle. He died at the scene. Police closed the street. Another life ended in the crosswalk’s shadow. The city investigates. The street stays dangerous.

ABC7 reported on April 20, 2025, that an FDNY truck struck and killed a bicyclist in Middle Village, Queens. The crash happened as the truck turned onto Juniper Boulevard from 80th Street. According to police, 'the truck was turning onto Juniper Boulevard from 80th Street in Middle Village when the collision occurred.' The cyclist, an adult male, was pronounced dead at the scene. The NYPD is investigating. The incident highlights the risks faced by cyclists at intersections and the dangers of large vehicles turning across paths. Policy questions remain about intersection design and vehicle operation in dense neighborhoods.

• FDNY Truck Turns, Cyclist Killed In Queens, ABC7, Published 2025-04-20

Apr 19 - A fire truck turned onto Juniper Blvd North and struck a cyclist. The man died at the scene. No arrests. Police investigate. The street outside the park became a site of sudden, final impact.

According to NY Daily News (April 19, 2025), an FDNY fire truck fatally struck a cyclist at 80th St. and Juniper Blvd North in Middle Village, Queens. The article reports, "An FDNY fire truck was traveling north on 80th St. and was turning onto Juniper Blvd North just outside Juniper Valley Park when it collided with an unidentified man riding a bicycle." The cyclist died at the scene. Police have not made arrests. It is unclear if the truck was responding to an emergency. The NYPD Collision Investigation Squad is reviewing the case. The crash highlights the risk at intersections where large vehicles turn across paths used by cyclists. No information on traffic signals or right-of-way was provided.

• Cyclist Killed By FDNY Truck In Queens, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-19

Apr 10 - A sedan backed up and struck a woman crossing 110th Street. She suffered pelvic injuries. The car’s unsafe backing left her hurt and shaken.

A sedan struck a 47-year-old woman as she crossed 87-11 110th Street in Queens. According to the police report, the car was 'Backing Unsafely' when it hit her. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and suffered injuries to her abdomen and pelvis. Police list 'Backing Unsafely' as the driver’s error. The woman was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors were cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4805478 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 10 - Council passed a law forcing DOT to post sharp, regular updates on street safety projects. Progress on bike lanes, bus lanes, and signals must go public. No more hiding delays or cost overruns. The city must show its work.

Bill Int 1105-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced November 13, 2024, it passed Council on April 10, 2025, and became law May 10, 2025. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' Council Member Julie Won led sponsorship, joined by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others. The law demands DOT post annual and monthly updates on every project tied to the master plan—listing details, timelines, funding, and setbacks. This law brings sunlight to street safety work, making the city answer for every mile and missed deadline.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-04-10

Apr 10 - Council passed a law forcing DOT to post sharp, regular updates on street safety projects. Progress on bike lanes, bus lanes, and signals must go public. No more hiding delays or cost overruns. The city must show its work.

Bill Int 1105-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced November 13, 2024, it passed Council on April 10, 2025, and became law May 10, 2025. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' Council Member Julie Won led sponsorship, joined by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others. The law demands DOT post annual and monthly updates on every project tied to the master plan—listing details, timelines, funding, and setbacks. This law brings sunlight to street safety work, making the city answer for every mile and missed deadline.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-04-10

Apr 10 - Council passed a law forcing DOT to post sharp, regular updates on street safety projects. Progress on bike lanes, bus lanes, and signals must go public. No more hiding delays or cost overruns. The city must show its work.

Bill Int 1105-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced November 13, 2024, it passed Council on April 10, 2025, and became law May 10, 2025. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' Council Member Julie Won led sponsorship, joined by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others. The law demands DOT post annual and monthly updates on every project tied to the master plan—listing details, timelines, funding, and setbacks. This law brings sunlight to street safety work, making the city answer for every mile and missed deadline.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-04-10

Apr 5 - SUV hit a cyclist on Woodhaven Boulevard. The rider was ejected, left semiconscious with a head injury. Police cite failure to yield. Metal met flesh. The street stayed silent.

A sport utility vehicle struck a cyclist on Woodhaven Boulevard at Jamaica Avenue in Queens. The 37-year-old cyclist was ejected and suffered a head injury, left semiconscious with fractures and dislocation. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The SUV's left front bumper hit the cyclist, damaging the bike's right side. No injuries were reported for the SUV occupants. The cyclist was not using safety equipment, but the primary cause listed was driver failure to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803922 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 5 - A BMW and motorcycle collided on Woodhaven Boulevard. Both vehicles burned. The motorcyclist died at the scene. The BMW driver survived. No arrests. Police are investigating. Another life lost on a wide, fast Queens road.

According to NY Daily News (April 5, 2025), a fatal crash occurred at 60th Drive and Woodhaven Blvd. in Rego Park, Queens. A BMW SUV and a motorcycle, both heading south, collided around 9:22 a.m. Both vehicles caught fire. Police said, 'only the car driver survived the collision.' EMS pronounced the motorcycle rider dead at the scene. The BMW driver was hospitalized in stable condition. No arrests have been made, and police continue to investigate. The crash highlights the persistent dangers on major Queens thoroughfares, where high speeds and heavy traffic put vulnerable road users at risk.

• Motorcyclist Killed In Queens Collision Blaze, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-05

Apr 1 - A driver reversed on Atlantic Ave, striking a woman in the crosswalk. She suffered a leg injury. Police cite driver inattention and unsafe backing. The street remains dangerous for those on foot.

A driver backed up on Atlantic Ave at 112 St in Queens and struck a 50-year-old woman crossing in a marked crosswalk. She was injured in the leg and remained conscious. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Backing Unsafely.' Two vehicle occupants were also involved but not seriously hurt. The report lists no other contributing factors. The pedestrian was following the crosswalk, but driver error led to her injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803044 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 31 - A Queens crash on 97 Ave involved a Kia SUV and Nissan sedan. Both drivers started moving in traffic when impact struck. The sedan driver suffered neck injuries from whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and traffic control disregard as causes.

According to the police report, the collision occurred on 97 Ave in Queens at 14:37. A Kia SUV traveling west and a Nissan sedan traveling north both began moving from a stopped position in traffic. The point of impact was the right side doors of the SUV and the center front end of the sedan. The sedan's male driver, age 25, sustained neck injuries classified as whiplash and was conscious at the scene. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles legally. The report does not list any victim behaviors contributing to the crash. The injuries and damage resulted directly from driver errors and failure to observe traffic controls.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802606 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 28 - A Ford SUV veered sharply on 87th Street as its driver lost consciousness. Two men, aged 31 and 67, were struck mid-block and killed. Parked cars shattered. The street fell silent. The deadly crash exposed the peril of driver incapacitation.

According to the police report, at 10:31 a.m. on 87th Street near Atlantic Avenue in Queens, a Ford SUV traveling south veered off course when the driver lost consciousness. The vehicle struck two men, aged 31 and 67, walking mid-block, killing them both with injuries to their entire bodies. The report highlights 'Lost Consciousness' as the primary contributing factor on the part of the SUV driver. Parked cars were also hit and damaged in the crash. No other driver errors or pedestrian behaviors were cited as contributing factors. This incident underscores the lethal risk posed by sudden driver incapacitation and the vulnerability of pedestrians outside intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801846 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 28 - A speeding Mercedes ran a red in Queens. The driver, high and drunk, struck a young airport worker headed to his job. The worker died. Two passengers survived. The driver, a probationary firefighter, now faces manslaughter charges.

NY Daily News reported on March 28, 2025, that Michael Pena, a probationary FDNY firefighter, was fired after being charged with vehicular manslaughter in a Queens crash. Prosecutors said Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and struck Justin Diaz, 23, who had the right-of-way. Pena's blood-alcohol content was 0.156%, nearly double the legal limit, and he tested positive for cocaine and marijuana. The article states, 'Pena was driving nearly 60 mph above the speed limit after a night of drinking at a bar.' Surveillance footage confirmed the sequence. Two passengers in Pena's car were hospitalized. The crash highlights ongoing risks from impaired and reckless driving, even among public servants.

• Firefighter Charged After Fatal Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-28

Mar 24 - A taxi struck the rear of a southbound SUV on Queens’ Van Wyck Expressway. Two passengers suffered neck injuries with whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause. Both victims were conscious and restrained by lap belts.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:19 on Queens’ Van Wyck Expressway near 89 Avenue. A 2025-model taxi traveling south struck the center back end of a southbound 2008 SUV. The taxi driver was licensed and going straight ahead. The collision caused neck injuries and whiplash to two female passengers: a 33-year-old driver occupant and a 62-year-old left rear passenger. Both were conscious and wearing lap belts. The report explicitly cites "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor to the crash. No other contributing factors related to the victims were noted. The impact point and vehicle damage confirm the taxi rear-ended the SUV, underscoring driver error as the primary cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801001 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 21 - A sedan struck a moped on Queens Boulevard. The moped driver was ejected and suffered serious leg injuries. Driver inattention and improper lane use led to the violent crash.

According to the police report, a sedan changing lanes on Queens Boulevard collided with a southbound moped at 15:27. The sedan hit the moped's left side, ejecting the 26-year-old moped driver. He sustained serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for the sedan driver. The moped driver was licensed and traveling straight. The crash underscores the risk posed by inattentive driving and improper lane changes in Queens traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800665 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 19 - Council grilled the MTA over a $4 billion ask. Riders braced for another ‘Summer of Hell.’ Lawmakers slammed waste and threats. No strong opposition in the chamber. Outside, anger simmered. Vulnerable riders left in limbo as funding fights drag on.

"Instead of insulting us with baseless threats, the agency that spends $30 million on a staircase should find ways to cut its wasteful spending and bloated payroll before asking for more taxpayer money." -- Joann Ariola

On March 19, 2025, the City Council held a budget hearing on the MTA’s 2025-29 capital plan funding. The MTA demanded $4 billion from the city—a 33% jump from the last plan—warning of major subway disruptions if denied. The matter, titled 'MTA threatens another ‘Summer of Hell’ of subway disruptions if NYC doesn’t cough up billions,' drew sharp words. Council Member Joann Ariola (R-Queens) blasted the agency: 'Instead of insulting us with baseless threats, the agency that spends $30 million on a staircase should find ways to cut its wasteful spending and bloated payroll before asking for more taxpayer money.' Other lawmakers and advocates echoed frustration, questioning MTA management and calling for state responsibility. Despite heated criticism, council members did not strongly oppose the request in session. The hearing left the city’s most vulnerable riders—those who rely on safe, reliable transit—caught between political fights and crumbling infrastructure.

• MTA threatens another ‘Summer of Hell’ of subway disruptions if NYC doesn’t cough up billions — as transit agency touts its ‘great service’, nypost.com, Published 2025-03-19