Queens Streets: 25 Dead, 4,400 Hurt—Who's Next?

For the second year, DOT failed to meet legal targets for new protected bike and bus lanes. Council Member Brooks-Powers slammed the slow pace. Cyclist deaths hit a 21st-century high. Promises broken. Streets remain deadly. Progress stalls. Riders pay the price.

On February 25, 2024, the City Council, led by Transportation Committee Chair Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (District 31), publicly criticized the Department of Transportation for missing legal mandates on new bus and bike lane construction. The matter, titled 'Spinning wheels: Adams admin misses legal benchmarks for new bus, bike lanes for second year in a row, DOT data shows,' revealed DOT built only 31.9 miles of protected bike lanes and 5.2 miles of protected bus lanes in 2023—far short of the 50 and 30 miles required by the Streets Master Plan. Brooks-Powers stated, 'The Streets Plan is the law, and the Department of Transportation is still failing to fulfill its legal obligations.' She promised to hold DOT accountable at an upcoming budget hearing. The city also lagged on bus stop upgrades, completing just 54 out of 500 required. Cyclist fatalities soared to 30 in 2023, the highest this century. Advocates and council members warn that continued delays and weakened projects put vulnerable road users at greater risk.

• Spinning wheels: Adams admin misses legal benchmarks for new bus, bike lanes for second year in a row, DOT data shows, amny.com, Published 2024-02-25

A 41-year-old man suffered abrasions and whole-body injury after a sedan disregarded traffic control and failed to yield while making a left turn. The pedestrian was crossing at a marked crosswalk without a signal in Queens, sustaining serious injuries.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Murdock Avenue in Queens struck a 41-year-old male pedestrian at a marked crosswalk without a crossing signal. The pedestrian was crossing at the intersection when the vehicle, making a left turn, impacted him with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his entire body, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and disregard for traffic control as contributing factors. The pedestrian’s crossing behavior was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The collision caused significant vehicle damage to the sedan’s front center. The pedestrian remained conscious after the crash, highlighting the severity of the impact caused by the driver’s errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704659 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A sedan making a left turn struck an SUV traveling straight on 251 Street in Queens. The impact injured the sedan’s 19-year-old male driver and a 4-year-old male passenger, both suffering head and facial injuries with minor bleeding.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 20:15 on 251 Street in Queens. The sedan, driven by a 19-year-old male, was making a left turn when it collided with an eastbound SUV traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the sedan and the left front bumper of the SUV. The sedan driver and a 4-year-old male passenger in the rear seat were injured, both experiencing shock and minor bleeding—head injury for the driver and facial injury for the passenger. Both occupants were restrained with lap belts and were not ejected. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the occupants but does not specify any pedestrian involvement or victim fault. The collision highlights the dangers of left-turn maneuvers against oncoming traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705014 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Two occupants suffered neck injuries in a Belt Parkway crash. The driver, traveling east, caused impact with unsafe speed and lane changes. Both victims wore lap belts and remained conscious despite whiplash complaints.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Belt Parkway in Queens at 7:45 PM. The driver of the 2003 Infiniti sedan, traveling east, was cited for unsafe speed and unsafe lane changing. This driver was unlicensed in New York. The collision involved the left front bumper of the Infiniti and the right rear quarter panel of a 2023 Honda sedan. Two occupants were injured: the Infiniti driver, a 41-year-old man, and a 72-year-old female passenger in the Honda. Both sustained neck injuries described as whiplash and were conscious at the scene. Both wore lap belts and were not ejected. The report highlights the driver errors of unsafe speed and unsafe lane changing as contributing factors, emphasizing the role of driver behavior in the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704470 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A BMW SUV struck the right side doors of an Audi sedan on 257 Street in Queens. The collision injured a 65-year-old rear passenger, causing knee and lower leg contusions. The crash resulted from the SUV driver's disregard of traffic control.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:29 on 257 Street in Queens. A 2004 BMW SUV traveling east struck the right side doors of a 2008 Audi sedan traveling north. The impact was centered on the sedan's right side doors and the SUV's right side doors. The 65-year-old female rear passenger in the sedan was injured, suffering contusions and bruises to her knee and lower leg. She was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report cites "Traffic Control Disregarded" as the contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to obey traffic signals or signs. Both drivers were licensed females. No other contributing factors were noted. The collision highlights the dangers posed by driver errors involving traffic control violations.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704255 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A 29-year-old man crossing Hillside Avenue was struck by a sedan backing east. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries. According to the police report, the driver’s unsafe backing caused the collision. The victim was conscious and bruised.

According to the police report, the crash occurred shortly after midnight on Hillside Avenue in Queens. A 29-year-old male pedestrian was crossing when a 2024 Honda sedan backing east struck him. The report cites 'Backing Unsafely' as the contributing factor, highlighting driver error in vehicle maneuvering. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises, and remained conscious after the impact. The vehicle showed no damage despite the collision. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle alone. The report does not attribute any fault or contributing factor to the pedestrian’s actions. This incident underscores the dangers posed by drivers reversing without adequate caution in busy urban environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704154 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A 31-year-old female driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash in a Queens crash. According to the police report, improper turning and driver inexperience caused the collision involving multiple vehicles on 217 Street near Hillside Avenue.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:39 on 217 Street in Queens. The 31-year-old female driver, who was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness, sustained neck injuries and whiplash. The report identifies 'Turning Improperly' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the collision. The female driver was operating a 2016 sedan traveling southbound and was struck on the left side doors. Another vehicle, a 2016 Nissan sedan, was making a left turn traveling northbound and impacted the left front bumper of a parked 2019 Kia SUV. The collision's point of impact and vehicle damage align with the cited driver errors. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The report highlights driver error—specifically improper turning and inexperience—as the cause of this injury crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703509 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Councilwoman Brooks-Powers, head of the Transportation Committee, backs speed cameras and safer streets. Her family car racked up 25 tickets in 16 months—20 for speeding near schools. Critics call her actions hypocritical. Advocates say public trust and lives are at stake.

On February 17, 2024, Councilwoman Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (District 31), chair of the City Council’s Transportation Committee, came under fire after media reports revealed her family car received 25 traffic tickets in 16 months, including 20 for speeding near schools. The controversy centers on officials’ personal compliance with traffic laws while publicly supporting measures like speed cameras and congestion pricing. Brooks-Powers, who has promoted speed cameras and legislation to reward reporting hit-and-run drivers, claims her husband was responsible for the violations and that she has not used the car in over a year. Councilman Robert Holden called her a 'hypocrite,' while safe streets advocate Adam White stressed, 'Public officials and their families need to abide by speed cameras and red lights... people’s lives are at risk.' The incident highlights the gap between public safety advocacy and personal conduct, raising questions about accountability and public trust.

• NYC transportation bigwigs rack up speeding tickets, traffic violations while backing anti-car agenda, congestion pricing, nypost.com, Published 2024-02-17

A southbound SUV collided with a parked sedan on 226 Street in Queens. The sedan suffered right-side damage. The SUV driver, a 27-year-old man, was injured with full-body trauma and experienced shock. The crash involved loss of consciousness, per police.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 13:59 on 226 Street in Queens. A southbound SUV, driven by a 27-year-old man, struck a parked sedan on its right side doors, causing damage to the sedan's right side and the SUV's left front bumper. The SUV driver was injured with bodily trauma affecting his entire body and was in shock. He was restrained by a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report cites "Lost Consciousness" as a contributing factor, indicating a critical driver impairment. The parked vehicles had no occupants at the time. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were specified in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4702857 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

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

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

A 39-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries when an SUV making a left turn struck her at a Queens intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing the collision.

According to the police report, a 39-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Springfield Boulevard and 92 Avenue in Queens at 14:13. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2020 Chrysler SUV, traveling south and making a left turn, struck her with the right front bumper. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor attributed to the driver. The pedestrian suffered contusions and bruises to the knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated at level 3. The vehicle sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally but failed to yield to the pedestrian who had the right-of-way. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701448 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

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

Restler’s bill puts power in the hands of New Yorkers. Citizen reporters can ticket drivers blocking bike and bus lanes. The 25% bounty returns. No more hoops. Streets could clear. Cyclists and pedestrians stand to gain. NYPD loses its grip.

Council Member Lincoln Restler has re-introduced his bill to restore a 25% bounty for New Yorkers who report drivers blocking bike and bus lanes. The bill, announced on February 8, 2024, removes prior compromises—no phased rollout, no mandatory training, no ID hurdles. The measure, previously stripped down in committee, now returns to its original form. The matter title: 'Prophet Motive: Restler Bill Would Restore 25% Bounty for Blocked Bike and Bus Lane Tickets.' Restler vows to push hard for passage, saying, 'This bill would make a tremendous difference in making our streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians.' Activists like Sara Lind back the bounty, arguing, 'More reporting, more enforcement, will lead to fewer violations.' The bill’s fate is uncertain after Restler’s removal from the Transportation Committee, but the intent is clear: shift enforcement from NYPD to the people, and clear the way for vulnerable road users.

• Prophet Motive: Restler Bill Would Restore 25% Bounty for Blocked Bike and Bus Lane Tickets, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-08

A 58-year-old man suffered a head injury and concussion after a vehicle struck him at an intersection on Commonwealth Boulevard. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, colliding front-center with the pedestrian who was crossing with the signal.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:22 on Commonwealth Boulevard in Queens. The pedestrian, a 58-year-old male, was crossing at an intersection with the signal when he was struck by a vehicle traveling southbound. The point of impact was the vehicle's center front end. The pedestrian sustained a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion. The report explicitly cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor. No other vehicle or driver details were specified. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The collision underscores the danger posed by drivers failing to yield to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4702406 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Four cars slammed together on Cross Island Parkway. Metal crumpled. A driver took a hit to the back. Police blamed tailgating. The chain reaction left pain and chaos in its wake.

According to the police report, a multi-vehicle crash struck Cross Island Parkway at 14:40. Four vehicles, including two sedans and two SUVs, collided in a chain reaction while heading north. A 57-year-old male driver suffered back injuries and internal complaints but remained conscious. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the main cause, repeated for emphasis. All vehicles were moving straight ahead. The police report does not cite any victim actions as contributing factors. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to maintain safe distance, leading to a pileup and injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701065 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Vision Zero made streets safer, but not for all. Black and Latino neighborhoods saw deaths rise. White, wealthy areas got more bike lanes, better Open Streets. Council Member Brooks-Powers calls out the disparity. DOT claims new plans target equity, but gaps remain.

On February 6, 2024, Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (District 31), chair of the Transportation Committee, criticized Vision Zero’s uneven impact. The report, titled "NYC streets have gotten safer under Vision Zero – especially if you live in a white neighborhood," found that while traffic fatalities dropped citywide, majority-Black communities saw a 13% increase and Latino areas a 30% rise. Brooks-Powers said, "It is deeply concerning that communities of color are experiencing fatalities at higher rates." The report states, "It's clear the program has not been fully or effectively implemented in neighborhoods of color and with lower incomes." DOT spokesperson Anna Correa responded that recent plans focus more resources on high-poverty, non-white neighborhoods, but the safety gap persists. The data shows Vision Zero’s benefits depend on where you live—and who the city prioritizes.

• NYC streets have gotten safer under Vision Zero – especially you live in a white neighborhood, report says, amny.com, Published 2024-02-06

A 2021 SUV making a left turn struck another vehicle on its right rear bumper in Queens. Two female rear passengers suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both were conscious and not ejected. Driver errors remain unspecified in the police report.

According to the police report, a 2021 Toyota SUV traveling north on North Conduit Avenue in Queens was making a left turn when it impacted the right rear bumper of another vehicle. The crash occurred at 11:05 p.m. Two female occupants seated in the rear of the SUV, ages 31 and 32, were injured with back injuries and complaints of whiplash. Both passengers were conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. No victim behaviors or helmet use were noted as contributing factors. The collision caused damage to the SUV’s right rear bumper, indicating the point of impact. The report highlights the dangers of turning maneuvers but does not specify driver fault.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700765 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A 22-year-old man was injured when a sedan hit him at an intersection. The impact struck the pedestrian’s lower leg and foot, causing bruising. Alcohol involvement and unsafe speed by the driver contributed to the crash’s severity.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 220 Street and Merrick Boulevard at 6:55 AM. The pedestrian was struck by a 2018 Honda sedan traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites alcohol involvement and unsafe speed as contributing factors, indicating driver errors that led to the collision. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed and female. The pedestrian was conscious and located in the roadway at the time of impact. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. This crash highlights the dangers posed by impaired and speeding drivers at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700408 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10