Thirteen Dead. Thousands Hurt. Queens Streets Still Bleed.

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 2024-03-27

A motorcycle tore through the intersection at 114th Street and Liberty Avenue. It struck a 52-year-old woman. She died there, blood pooling on the asphalt. The bike’s front end crumpled. The street fell silent. Lives changed in an instant.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling south on 114th Street struck a 52-year-old woman as she crossed the intersection with Liberty Avenue. The impact was severe, causing fatal head injuries; the woman died at the scene, bleeding from the head. The report notes the motorcycle’s center front end took the brunt of the collision and was left crumpled. The narrative describes the aftermath as quiet and grim. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified' for both the vehicle and the pedestrian, providing no evidence of victim error. The motorcyclist was 'going straight ahead' at the time of the crash. The report makes no mention of the pedestrian’s actions contributing to the crash. The focus remains on the lethal consequences of a motorcycle striking a pedestrian in a city intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4712116 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-03-20

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-03-20

A $117 million federal grant pushes the QueensWay park forward on an old rail line. Rail advocates warn this blocks future transit. City Hall claims both park and rail can coexist. For now, the city’s money backs the park, not the train.

On March 15, 2024, a $117 million federal grant was awarded for the QueensWay, a 3.5-mile park on an abandoned Long Island Rail Road spur in Queens. This follows Mayor Adams’s earlier $35 million commitment. The matter centers on whether to build a park or restore rail service—"Its purpose is to derail the train," said Rick Horan, QueensLink’s executive director. City Hall, represented by spokesperson Charles Lutvak, insists, "The proposed Met Hub does not preclude an MTA project if [MTA officials] determine one is feasible." Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi echoed, "Those two don't directly conflict." State Sen. James Sanders Jr. continues to push for QueensLink funding. The city’s investments so far favor the park, leaving the rail proposal in limbo. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• New Fed Grant for Queens Park Project Pushes Rail Proposal to the Brink, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-15

A 19-year-old pedestrian suffered hip and upper leg injuries after an SUV made an improper turn on 111 Avenue in Queens. The collision occurred at 1:09 a.m., leaving the pedestrian conscious but with abrasions and moderate injuries.

According to the police report, the crash happened at 1:09 a.m. on 111 Avenue in Queens. A Station Wagon/SUV was making an improper turn when it struck a 19-year-old male pedestrian walking along the highway against traffic at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his hip and upper leg, classified as injury severity level 3, and was conscious with abrasions. The report explicitly cites 'Turning Improperly' as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV had damage to its right rear bumper from the impact. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior or safety equipment were noted. The collision highlights driver error in executing turns safely, posing systemic danger to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709758 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A young driver lost consciousness and crashed into parked cars in Queens. He suffered a head injury. The impact tore into metal and left bruises. Sudden incapacitation turned a quiet street violent.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male driver crashed near 156-34 102 Street in Queens at 3:15 AM. The driver, wearing a lap belt, lost consciousness and struck two parked sedans while heading north in a Nissan. He suffered a head injury and contusion. The report lists 'Lost Consciousness' as the contributing factor. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted. No actions by other road users contributed. The crash shows the danger when a driver suddenly loses control behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709241 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

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

Two buses collided on Lefferts Boulevard. An 86-year-old woman in the rear seat suffered neck abrasions. Police cite driver inexperience. The moving bus struck a parked bus. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

According to the police report, two buses collided at 8:27 AM on Lefferts Boulevard in Queens. One bus, heading west, made a right turn and struck a parked bus facing north. An 86-year-old female passenger seated in the right rear of the moving bus suffered neck abrasions but remained conscious. The report cites 'Driver Inexperience' as the contributing factor. The moving bus was damaged on the right side doors; the parked bus was hit on the left rear bumper. No victim actions contributed to the crash. The system left a passenger hurt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707393 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 61-year-old woman suffered full-body injuries after a sedan backed unsafely in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing outside an intersection when struck. The driver’s unsafe backing caused the collision, leaving the victim conscious but severely hurt.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north in Queens backed unsafely near 103-54 93 Street at 18:05. The driver, a licensed female, failed to yield while reversing, striking a 61-year-old female pedestrian crossing outside an intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her entire body and was conscious at the scene. The report explicitly cites "Backing Unsafely" as the contributing factor to the crash. No damage was recorded on the vehicle, indicating the impact was likely low-speed but sufficient to cause serious injury. The pedestrian’s crossing behavior was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This incident highlights the dangers of improper vehicle backing maneuvers in areas where pedestrians may be present.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707097 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Two sedans collided on Belt Parkway at night. The trailing driver followed too closely, causing a rear-end crash. The lead driver suffered a back contusion but remained conscious and restrained. Both vehicles sustained front and rear center damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:13 on Belt Parkway involving two sedans traveling westbound. The trailing vehicle struck the rear of the lead vehicle, with both vehicles showing center front and center back end damage respectively. The lead driver, a 46-year-old male occupant, was injured with a back contusion but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the primary contributing factor, indicating driver error by the trailing vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were cited. The lead driver was not ejected and suffered injury severity level 3. This collision highlights the dangers of insufficient following distance on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4706775 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

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

A sedan traveling west struck an e-bike rider heading south at 120 Street in Queens. The e-bike driver suffered injuries to his entire body. The sedan driver’s inexperience and improper lane usage caused the collision, according to police.

At 10:20 AM on 120 Street in Queens, a sedan traveling west collided with an e-bike moving south, according to the police report. The e-bike driver, a 42-year-old man, sustained injuries to his entire body but was conscious and not ejected. The sedan driver was cited for 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors to the crash. The point of impact was the sedan’s right front quarter panel and the e-bike’s center front end. The police report highlights the sedan driver’s errors as the cause of the collision. No contributing factors related to the e-bike rider were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704249 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

An SUV traveling east on South Conduit Avenue struck the rear quarter panel of a merging sedan. Both drivers, men aged 37 and 52, suffered back injuries. Police cited unsafe speed as a contributing factor in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on South Conduit Avenue in Queens at 3:50 p.m. A 2014 BMW sedan was merging eastbound when it was struck on the right front bumper by a 2024 Volvo SUV traveling straight ahead. The SUV impacted the sedan’s left rear quarter panel, causing damage to the SUV’s left side doors and the sedan’s center front end. Both drivers, a 37-year-old man and a 52-year-old man, were injured with back complaints and internal injuries but remained conscious and were not ejected. Both drivers were wearing lap belts and harnesses. The report identifies unsafe speed as a contributing factor, highlighting driver error in controlling vehicle speed during the maneuver. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704781 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A Chevy sedan tore down Centreville Avenue and struck a 29-year-old man. The impact crushed his leg. He stayed conscious as the car sped away, leaving him broken in the street. The driver’s aggression marked the night.

A 2004 Chevy sedan traveling southwest on Centreville Avenue near Rockaway Boulevard struck a 29-year-old man, according to the police report. The pedestrian was not at an intersection when the collision occurred. The report states the man suffered crush injuries to his knee and lower leg but remained conscious at the scene. According to the police report, 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' was cited as the primary contributing factor in the crash. The sedan’s left front bumper delivered the blow, and the vehicle sustained no damage. The report notes the driver continued on, leaving the injured man in the roadway. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were listed in the police report. The focus remains on the driver’s aggression and the systemic risk it poses to people on foot.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703525 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A fleeing Honda reversed down 84th Street, crushing a man’s leg beneath steel. The driver had no license. Sirens echoed. The pedestrian stayed conscious, pain radiating in the dark as streetlights flickered over Dumont Avenue.

A 33-year-old man suffered crush injuries to his leg when a Honda sedan, driven by an unlicensed man, reversed into him on 84th Street near Dumont Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the crash occurred during a police pursuit. The report states the driver was 'Backing Unsafely' and did not possess a valid license. The pedestrian was not in a crosswalk at the time, but the report does not list any pedestrian behavior as a contributing factor. The narrative describes the scene: 'A fleeing Honda reversed into a man, not at a crosswalk. His leg was crushed under steel. He stayed conscious. The driver had no license. The streetlights flickered. Sirens followed.' The focus remains on the driver’s unlawful actions—operating without a license and reversing unsafely while fleeing police—which directly led to the pedestrian’s injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705891 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A van struck a parked SUV on 120 Street. Three women inside the SUV suffered bruises and neck or chest injuries. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Both drivers were licensed. No driver errors listed.

According to the police report, a van traveling east on 120 Street collided with a parked BMW SUV at 19:10. The impact struck the SUV's left front bumper and damaged its left side doors. The van was hit on its right front quarter panel. Three female passengers in the SUV were injured, each suffering contusions and neck or chest injuries, and all experienced shock. All were secured with lap belts or harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. Both drivers were licensed. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703402 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

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

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