Queens Bleeds While Leaders Stall—How Many More Must Die?

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

DOT missed legal targets for bike and bus lanes. Only 58.2 miles of bike lanes and 9.6 miles of bus lanes built. Council and advocates slam the agency. Vulnerable road users left exposed. The law demands more. DOT promises effort, not results.

On February 26, 2024, the Department of Transportation released its status report on the NYC Streets Plan, a law passed in 2019. The plan required 80 miles of protected bike lanes and 50 miles of protected bus lanes in the first two years of the Adams administration. DOT delivered only 58.2 miles of bike lanes (72%) and 9.6 miles of bus lanes (19%). Only 68 of 1,000 bus stop upgrades were completed. Transportation Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers said, "The Streets Plan is the law, and the Department of Transportation is still failing to fulfill its legal obligations." DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called the benchmarks "aggressive" but promised to keep trying. Mayor Adams has refused to be bound by the law’s targets. Riders Alliance demanded a real plan for bus lanes. The city’s failure leaves pedestrians, cyclists, and bus riders at risk.

• DOT Spins Bus- and Bike-Lane Failure as ‘Streets Plan’ Success, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-26

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 23-year-old male moped driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries in a crash on Beach 21 Street. The vehicle struck an object front-center while traveling northeast. The driver was conscious and not ejected, sustaining contusions and bruises.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male moped driver was injured in a crash on Beach 21 Street at 17:28. The moped, traveling northeast and going straight ahead, impacted an object at the center front end, causing damage to the vehicle's front. The driver was not ejected and remained conscious after the collision. Injuries included contusions and bruises to the knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity level of 3. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified, indicating no explicit driver errors were identified. No victim behaviors or external factors were noted as contributing to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704399 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

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 39-year-old woman was struck while crossing Beach 20 Street in a marked crosswalk. The SUV driver disregarded traffic control and failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered abdominal and pelvic injuries and was semiconscious at the scene.

According to the police report, at 18:20, a 39-year-old female pedestrian was crossing Beach 20 Street in a marked crosswalk without a signal when she was hit by a southbound 2006 Honda SUV. The vehicle's center front end struck the pedestrian, causing injuries to her abdomen and pelvis. She was semiconscious and complained of pain or nausea. The report cites the driver’s errors as 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way,' indicating the driver ignored traffic signals and did not yield to the pedestrian. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior were noted. The collision highlights critical driver failures leading to severe pedestrian injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703169 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

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

An unlicensed male driver made a left turn and struck an 80-year-old woman crossing with the signal. The pedestrian suffered serious leg injuries. The crash exposed driver failure to yield and inattention, underscoring systemic dangers at intersections.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Rockaway Beach Boulevard near Beach 73 Street in Queens at 5:50 PM. A 2010 Nissan sedan, driven by an unlicensed male driver making a left turn, struck an 80-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing with the signal at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained a fractured and dislocated injury to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian at the center front end, yet the vehicle sustained no damage. The driver’s unlicensed status and distracted left turn created a hazardous condition that led to serious injury, highlighting systemic risks posed by driver errors at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703290 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

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

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 9-year-old boy suffered a head contusion after being hit by an SUV on Bay 32 Street in Queens. The vehicle, traveling north, struck the child at an intersection while the driver was inattentive. The boy was conscious and injured.

According to the police report, a 2013 SUV traveling north on Bay 32 Street in Queens struck a 9-year-old pedestrian at an intersection near Bessemund Avenue. The child was crossing without a signal or crosswalk when the collision occurred. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The impact was to the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained a head injury described as a contusion or bruise and was conscious at the scene. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. The driver’s failure to maintain attention directly led to the collision and the child’s injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700958 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

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 Queens crash on Rockaway Freeway injured a 42-year-old female SUV driver. Both vehicles collided frontally as the SUV traveled east and the sedan turned right northbound. The SUV driver suffered fractures and pelvic injuries, trapped in her vehicle.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Rockaway Freeway near Beach 47 Street in Queens at 13:48. A 42-year-old female driver of a 2020 Nissan SUV traveling east collided with a 2015 Mitsubishi sedan making a right turn northbound. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV and the left front bumper of the sedan. The SUV driver was injured with fractures, dislocations, and abdomen-pelvis trauma, trapped inside her vehicle despite wearing a lap belt and harness. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors for the SUV driver. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage. The sedan had three occupants, and its male driver was licensed in New York. The crash highlights driver errors, particularly inattention and unsafe speed, as central causes of this violent collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699797 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A 41-year-old male driver suffered neck injuries after an SUV collided with the left side doors of his sedan. The crash occurred in Queens at Beach 20 Street. Police cited improper passing or lane usage as the primary cause of the collision.

According to the police report, the crash happened at 14:50 in Queens near Beach 20 Street involving a 2007 Honda SUV and a 2023 Chevrolet sedan. The SUV was parked before the crash, while the sedan was traveling south going straight ahead. The point of impact was the left side doors of the sedan, which sustained damage along with the SUV’s left side doors. The 41-year-old male sedan driver, who was conscious and not ejected, suffered a neck injury described as whiplash. The police report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating driver error on the part of the SUV operator. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699589 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A speeding sedan collided with a parked vehicle on Beach Channel Drive in Queens. The impact struck the left side doors of the parked car, injuring a 32-year-old female passenger with hip and upper leg trauma and whiplash.

According to the police report, at 20:21 on Beach Channel Drive in Queens, a 2022 Honda sedan traveling east struck a parked sedan on its left side doors. The collision was caused by the driver's unsafe speed, as noted in the contributing factors. The parked vehicle had two occupants, including a 32-year-old female passenger who sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg and complained of whiplash. She was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The driver of the moving sedan was licensed and traveling straight ahead before impact. The damage was concentrated on the right side doors of the moving sedan and the left side doors of the parked car. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700829 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Two vehicles collided head-on on Dickens Street. The sedan driver, an 18-year-old male, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as a key factor. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead at impact.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Dickens Street involving a 2017 Toyota SUV traveling west and a 2010 Nissan sedan traveling south. Both vehicles struck each other with their left front bumpers. The sedan driver, an 18-year-old male occupant, was injured with head trauma and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were licensed in New York and were proceeding straight ahead before impact. The report does not indicate any victim fault or unsafe behavior by the injured occupant. The collision caused damage primarily to the front ends of both vehicles, underscoring the severity of the impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699163 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

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 2024-01-30

SUV struck a 48-year-old man crossing Beach Channel Drive with the signal. Driver failed to yield. Pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations to his leg and foot. Pavement was slippery. He remained conscious.

According to the police report, at 5:25 AM on Beach Channel Drive in Queens, an SUV traveling west struck a 48-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing at the intersection with the signal. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' by the driver as a contributing factor. Slippery pavement is also noted. The pedestrian suffered serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The SUV's left front bumper hit the pedestrian and was damaged. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No other occupants were in the vehicle. Driver error and hazardous road conditions are cited as key factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698151 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Small cities like Clarkston, Georgia, are landing million-dollar federal grants to fight deadly streets. With help from Bloomberg-backed advisors, they outpace larger rivals. Grants target pedestrian danger. Local leaders credit technical aid and strong stories. More small towns now chase life-saving funds.

""The Cities signing up are smaller and often less well-resourced, and they’re drawing down bigger-than-average grants as a result of the technical assistance they’re getting. We’re really proud to be converting ambitions and dreams into winning applications and real safety on the ground."" -- Khaleel Anderson

On January 22, 2024, Streetsblog NYC reported that small cities are securing major federal grants for street safety. Clarkston, Georgia, with high traffic-fatality rates, won $1 million from the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant to craft a safety plan. The Local Infrastructure Hub, co-led by Bloomberg Philanthropies, provides technical help, boosting applications. Mayor Beverley Burks of Clarkston said, "You have to be willing to invest in yourself as a city... Having someone who had the skillset to be able to help write the narrative – that’s very crucial for the reviewers to understand the needs in your community." James Anderson, also quoted, highlighted how technical assistance turns ambition into real safety. Other small cities, like Globe, Arizona, and Gladewater, Texas, have also won grants for pedestrian safety. These wins show federal money can reach vulnerable road users in overlooked places.

• How Small Cities Are Winning Big Money for Street Safety, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-22