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

A boy died under the wheels of an NYPD tow truck. Council Member Brooks-Powers pushed a bill to daylight intersections. The law passed despite the mayor’s silence. Advocates demand the city erase parking exemptions. They want clear corners. They want no more deaths.

Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, chair of the transportation committee, introduced legislation requiring the Department of Transportation to study and implement daylighting at a minimum of 100 intersections each year. The bill became law even though the mayor did not sign it. The measure, described as 'a proven safety measure that increases visibility to oncoming traffic at intersections and reduces danger for pedestrians and drivers alike,' responds to the death of a young boy struck by an NYPD tow truck. Brooks-Powers and advocates like Danny Harris of Transportation Alternatives called for urgent action, criticizing Mayor Adams for scaling back street safety improvements. Community boards and advocates urge the city to remove parking exemptions near crosswalks, arguing that lack of daylighting leads to preventable deaths. The push is clear: daylight every intersection, save lives, stop traffic violence.

• Advocates Demand Daylighting at Intersections in Wake of Boy’s Death, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-31

Bike riders keep dying. Twenty-five lost since January. Most killed on streets without protection. Council Member Brooks-Powers calls for urgent investment in safer roads, especially in outer boroughs. Activists demand the city build protected bike lanes now. Promises have failed. Lives are lost.

On October 17, 2023, Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (District 31) highlighted the deadly toll facing cyclists in New York City. The event, covered by amny.com, cited a study showing 25 bike riders killed since January, making this the deadliest year for cyclists since 1999. The matter summary states: 'New York City is on pace to see the deadliest year for bike riders since 1999.' Brooks-Powers stressed the urgent need for investments in street infrastructure, especially in outer-borough communities. She joined advocates and fellow Council Member Diana Ayala in demanding the city fulfill legal requirements to build safe streets. The analysis found 94% of cyclist deaths occurred on streets without protected bike lanes. Activists and analysts called for immediate action to fast track the NYC Streets Plan and expand protected lanes, noting that only 3% of city streets have them, despite an 18.1% drop in injuries and deaths where they exist.

• NYC on pace for deadliest year for bike riders since 1999: Study, amny.com, Published 2023-10-17

Cyclist deaths in New York City hit a grim peak in 2023. Most victims died on streets without protected bike lanes. Advocates blame city delays. Councilmember Brooks-Powers faces pressure to speed up safety fixes. Lives hang in the balance. Promises are not enough.

On October 17, 2023, a report spotlighted a deadly surge in cyclist fatalities across New York City, with District 31—represented by Council Transportation Chair Selvena N. Brooks-Powers—bearing the highest toll. The matter, titled 'Crunching the Data on the Record-Setting Year For Cyclist Deaths,' details that 94 percent of victims died on streets lacking protected bike lanes. Transportation Alternatives called on Brooks-Powers and her Council colleagues to pass Intro 417, which would eliminate a three-month wait and speed up bike lane construction. Brooks-Powers, mentioned as district representative, faces mounting pressure as advocates decry delays and demand urgent action. The report states: 'Promises won’t keep bike riders safe – but completed, fully protected bike lanes will. The time to act is now.' The city’s failure to meet the NYC Streets Plan benchmarks has left vulnerable road users exposed, with advocates urging immediate follow-through on essential street redesigns.

• Crunching the Data on the Record-Setting Year For Cyclist Deaths, streetsblog.org, Published 2023-10-17

Cyclist deaths soared in 2023. Most died on streets without protection. The mayor broke his promise on bike lanes. Projects stalled. Advocates blame City Hall. Council urged to pass Intro 417. The city touts progress. Riders keep dying.

A new report from Transportation Alternatives, published October 17, 2023, slams Mayor Adams for failing to meet the City Council-mandated NYC Streets Plan. The report states, 'Traffic crashes in New York City killed more cyclists through the first nine months of 2023 than all but one other year on record.' Adams promised 75 miles of new protected bike lanes each year but delivered just 26.3 miles in 2022, missing the 30-mile benchmark and falling far short of the 50-mile requirement for 2023. Danny Harris, executive director of Transportation Alternatives, accused Adams of putting 'politics over people' and called on Council Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers and colleagues to pass Intro 417, which would eliminate a three-month delay in bike lane construction. DOT spokesman Chris Browne defended the administration, citing nearly 100 street projects. But the report is clear: delays and broken promises leave cyclists exposed and dying.

• Crunching the Data on the Record-Setting Year For Cyclist Deaths, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-17

Two SUVs crashed on Beach Channel Drive in Queens. One driver fractured her elbow and hand. The collision struck the left front quarter panel of one vehicle and the right side doors of the other. Both drivers were licensed and conscious.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided on Beach Channel Drive in Queens. One driver, a 59-year-old woman, was injured with fractures and dislocations to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was wearing a lap belt and remained conscious. The crash occurred when one SUV was making a U-turn and struck the right side doors of the other SUV traveling straight ahead. Both drivers were licensed and operating vehicles registered in New York. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not specify driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The impact damaged the left front quarter panel of the turning vehicle and the right side doors of the other. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4671041 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

DOT will expand e-scooter sharing to eastern Queens next year. Bronx rollout saw millions of rides, no deaths. Advocates back the move but demand real safety infrastructure. City officials tout equity and climate benefits. Riders wait for safer streets.

On October 13, 2023, the Department of Transportation announced the expansion of its e-scooter share program to eastern Queens. The program, which launched in the Bronx in 2021, logged nearly 3 million trips with zero fatalities and few serious injuries in its first year. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, "Shared e-scooter service can play an important role in providing sustainable options to connect eastern Queens commuters to transit hubs, commercial corridors, and other neighborhood destinations." Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards both voiced support, highlighting the program's focus on underserved communities and environmental benefits. Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives urged the city to pair the expansion with protected infrastructure, warning that safe streets must come with new mobility. The DOT will continue outreach ahead of the launch, expected in the second half of 2024.

• DOT: Eastern Queens E-Scooter Expansion Will Launch Next Year, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-13

DOT will expand e-scooter sharing to eastern Queens next year. Bronx rollout saw millions of rides, no deaths. Advocates back the move but demand real safety infrastructure. City officials tout equity and climate benefits. Riders wait for safer streets.

On October 13, 2023, the Department of Transportation announced the expansion of its e-scooter share program to eastern Queens. The program, which launched in the Bronx in 2021, logged nearly 3 million trips with zero fatalities and few serious injuries in its first year. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, "Shared e-scooter service can play an important role in providing sustainable options to connect eastern Queens commuters to transit hubs, commercial corridors, and other neighborhood destinations." Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards both voiced support, highlighting the program's focus on underserved communities and environmental benefits. Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives urged the city to pair the expansion with protected infrastructure, warning that safe streets must come with new mobility. The DOT will continue outreach ahead of the launch, expected in the second half of 2024.

• DOT: Eastern Queens E-Scooter Expansion Will Launch Next Year, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-13

A moped rider was partially ejected and injured after a collision with an SUV making a right turn on Beach Channel Drive in Queens. The rider suffered abrasions to the elbow and lower arm. Driver inexperience and distraction contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old male moped driver was partially ejected and injured when his vehicle collided with a northbound SUV making a right turn on Beach Channel Drive in Queens. The moped struck the right side doors of the SUV, damaging both vehicles. The rider suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm but remained conscious. The report lists driver inexperience and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The moped driver was unlicensed but wearing a helmet. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling north. No pedestrian was involved. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction and inexperience in vehicle interactions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4667176 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 62-year-old woman was hit by a sedan on Beach Channel Drive in Queens. She suffered bruises and injuries to her entire body. The driver, heading east, struck her outside an intersection. The pedestrian was conscious after the impact.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Beach Channel Drive in Queens struck a 62-year-old female pedestrian who was in the roadway but not at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her entire body and remained conscious. The vehicle's center front end was the point of impact. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The pedestrian's actions in the roadway are noted as unspecified. The driver was licensed and driving straight ahead at the time of the crash. No helmet or signaling factors were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4666371 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

DOT will let the Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program die. The program failed to curb reckless driving. Few drivers faced consequences. Most kept breaking the law. City leaders blame weak enforcement and legal hurdles. Streets remain unsafe for those on foot and bike.

The Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program (DVAP), introduced in 2018 and passed in 2020, will expire after its pilot ends on October 26, 2023. The Department of Transportation (DOT) recommends ending DVAP, citing 'uncertain effects, high cost per participant, and the complexity of its implementation.' City Comptroller Brad Lander, who drafted the bill, criticized DOT for 'slow and limited implementation,' calling the program a failure. Only 885 drivers took the mandated safety course, with little impact on violations. Transportation Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers said, 'Holding reckless drivers accountable and keeping our streets safe for all New Yorkers remains a priority.' DOT now supports state-level bills to suspend registrations for repeat red-light violators. No Council legislation will reauthorize or expand DVAP.

• Analysis: ‘Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program’ is a Failure By All Measures, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-22

DOT says the Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program failed. Few cars seized. Violations continued. Brooks-Powers promises scrutiny. Lander demands tougher action. Streets remain perilous. The city weighs next steps as reckless drivers keep rolling.

On September 22, 2023, the Department of Transportation issued a report recommending the end of the Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program (DVAP). The program, designed to target repeat red light and speeding offenders, required violators to take a safety course or risk vehicle seizure. The report, reviewed by Council Transportation Chair Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (District 31), found little impact: 'A program meant to crack down on dangerous drivers did not dramatically reduce their behavior.' Only half completed the course, violations persisted, and just 12 vehicles were seized. Brooks-Powers stated, 'Holding reckless drivers accountable and keeping our streets safe for all New Yorkers remains a priority.' Comptroller Brad Lander criticized DOT for abandoning the effort, urging the city to strengthen, not scrap, DVAP. The report also called for state laws to suspend registrations or install speed governors for repeat offenders, but such measures have stalled in Albany.

• Program meant to crack down on NYC's dangerous drivers should end, says transportation department, gothamist.com, Published 2023-09-22

Council waits. DOT stalls. The Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program limps toward expiration. Thousands of reckless drivers dodge consequences. Few take the safety course. Council members call for answers, action, and stronger laws. Vulnerable New Yorkers remain exposed.

On September 18, 2023, the City Council reviewed the Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program (DVAP), which is set to expire on October 26. The Transportation Committee, led by Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers, pressed the Department of Transportation (DOT) for a final report on the program’s effectiveness. The bill required drivers with 15 speed-camera or five red-light tickets in a year to take a safety course or risk vehicle seizure. Council Member Shahana Hanif voiced disappointment, noting, 'We need to not only reauthorize this program, but strengthen it.' Despite over 34,000 drivers meeting the threshold in the last year, only about 1,200 took the course in three years. DOT has not explained the reporting delay or provided outcome data. The lack of enforcement leaves dangerous drivers on the road and vulnerable road users at risk.

• Council Needs Info from DOT So it Can Rescue (or Ignore) Fading ‘Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-18

Two SUVs crashed head-on in Queens. Both drivers and a front passenger suffered arm and internal injuries. Police cite driver distraction. Metal twisted. No one ejected.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Beach 63 Street in Queens. Both drivers, women, were traveling straight ahead when the crash happened. The impact struck the left front bumper of one SUV and the right front bumper of the other. Both drivers and a front passenger were injured, suffering abrasions and internal injuries to their arms. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. All occupants used safety equipment. No one was ejected. The crash damaged the front bumpers of both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4663373 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 57-year-old woman driver suffered head injuries and whiplash when her sedan overturned on Cross Bay Boulevard in Queens. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a 57-year-old female driver was injured when her 2012 Toyota sedan overturned on Cross Bay Boulevard in Queens. The driver sustained head injuries and whiplash but remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as the contributing factors to the crash. The vehicle struck with its center front end and overturned. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The driver was licensed in New York and was traveling south, going straight ahead at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4663459 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 51-year-old woman driving an SUV was injured in a rear-end collision on Cornaga Avenue in Queens. The SUV was stopped in traffic when struck from behind. The driver suffered back injuries and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected.

According to the police report, a 51-year-old female driver was stopped in traffic on Cornaga Avenue in Queens when her SUV was rear-ended. The collision caused center back-end damage to the SUV. The driver sustained back injuries and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor, indicating the striking driver failed to maintain attention. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4664199 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

An 11-year-old boy was injured crossing Beach Channel Drive in Queens. A sedan struck him with its left front bumper. The driver was unlicensed and distracted. The boy suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, an unlicensed female driver traveling west on Beach Channel Drive struck an 11-year-old pedestrian at an intersection. The boy was crossing against the signal when the sedan hit him on the left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The vehicle showed no damage. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4664198 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A sedan making a left turn hit an eastbound e-bike on Beach 42 Street in Queens. The 30-year-old male cyclist suffered a head abrasion. The driver’s distraction caused the crash. The cyclist was conscious and not ejected from the bike.

According to the police report, a 2019 Nissan sedan driven by a licensed female driver was making a left turn on Beach 42 Street in Queens when it collided with an eastbound e-bike ridden by a 30-year-old male cyclist. The point of impact was the sedan’s center front end and the bike’s left front bumper. The cyclist sustained a head abrasion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. The cyclist was not ejected and was not wearing any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4663012 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

The city missed legal targets for new bus and bike lanes. Officials dodged questions. Council grilled DOT. Advocates tracked the shortfall. Political meddling blocks safer streets. Vulnerable New Yorkers wait. Progress stalls. Danger stays.

On September 13, 2023, the City Council held an oversight hearing on the Department of Transportation’s progress toward mandated bus and bike lane construction. The hearing, led by Transportation Committee chair Selvena Brooks-Powers, pressed DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez for answers. The law requires 150 miles of protected bus lanes and 250 miles of protected bike lanes by 2026. In 2022, the city built only 4.4 miles of bus lanes and 26.3 miles of bike lanes, far short of the legal benchmarks. Councilmember Lincoln Restler criticized political interference, saying, 'We're at a point where it's all politics all the time, and we're failing to execute.' Advocacy groups confirmed the city lags behind. The administration’s refusal to track or disclose progress leaves vulnerable road users exposed. The city’s failure to act keeps streets dangerous.

• City fails to monitor bus and bike lane construction progress after falling short of mandates last year, amny.com, Published 2023-09-13

Councilmember Brooks-Powers slammed DOT for missing legal targets on bus and bike lanes. DOT leaders dodged numbers, citing delays and staff shortages. The hearing exposed deep rifts over accountability. Vulnerable road users wait as city agencies stall and argue.

On September 12, 2023, the City Council Transportation Committee, chaired by Selvena Brooks-Powers, held an oversight hearing on the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) compliance with the Streets Master Plan under Local Law 195. Brooks-Powers demanded specifics: 'DOT has struggled to meet its legal mandate. In 2021, DOT installed just 4.4 miles of bus lane—well below 20-mile requirement.' DOT officials, including Deputy Commissioner Eric Beaton and Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, refused to provide current figures, promising data next year. Brooks-Powers called this 'unacceptable.' She stressed, 'The 30 miles of bus lane and 50 miles of bike lanes is not a goal—it’s legal mandate.' The exchange revealed ongoing tension over DOT’s slow rollout and lack of transparency. Staffing shortages and council opposition to projects were cited as obstacles. No safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Brooks-Powers and DOT Exchange Testiness Over Agency’s Alleged ‘Master Plan’ Shortfalls, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-12

A 39-year-old male bicyclist was partially ejected and injured on Rockaway Freeway in Queens. The SUV driver disregarded traffic control. The cyclist suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The crash caused right front bumper damage to the SUV.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Rockaway Freeway involving a 2019 Jeep SUV and a 39-year-old male bicyclist. The bicyclist was partially ejected and sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm, resulting in injury severity level 3. The report cites driver errors including 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors. The SUV, traveling east, struck the bicyclist, who was traveling south, at the center front end of both vehicles. The SUV sustained damage to its right front bumper. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The report also notes 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' but does not assign fault to the victim.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4661494 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14