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

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 2025-08-15

Councilmember Lincoln Restler sounded the alarm. His Brooklyn district saw more traffic injuries than any other in New York City this year. Cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers face daily danger. Restler demands swift action: real protected bike lanes, not empty promises.

On September 11, 2023, Councilmember Lincoln Restler (District 33) issued a statement on street safety and protected bike lanes. The data, compiled by Transportation Alternatives, showed his Brooklyn district suffered the most traffic injuries citywide in the first half of 2023: 36 pedestrians, 24 cyclists, and 41 motorists. The matter summary reads, 'New York City is on pace for one of the deadliest years for bike riders in recent history, but it doesn't have to be this way.' Restler called on the Adams administration to 'prioritize and expedite proven solutions that will save lives, especially the swift implementation of a truly protected network of bike lanes.' The statement underscores the urgent need for systemic change as vulnerable road users bear the brunt of failed policy and dangerous streets.

• Nearly 8 people seriously injured on NYC streets daily in 2023, gothamist.com, Published 2023-09-11

QueensLink backers gathered at City Hall. They demanded new rail and park space for Queens. Elected officials and advocates pressed the MTA to act. The agency stalled, citing costs. Supporters want transit, green space, and bike paths. The fight continues.

On September 7, 2023, QueensLink supporters rallied at City Hall, pushing for the reactivation of an old rail line between southeast and central Queens. The event, covered by Streetsblog NYC, highlighted the proposal's promise: 'both new train service and park land.' State Sen. James Sanders led the call, declaring, 'Yes, we want a park and yes we want a light rail. We can have both.' Mike Scala, another advocate, stressed public support for a combined approach. The QueensLink faces competition from the QueensWay, a park-only plan with $35 million in city funding. The MTA has not committed, citing high costs and ongoing needs assessment. No formal council bill or committee action is recorded yet. Supporters remain determined to see transit, park space, and bike paths included in future city plans.

• QueensLink Transit Supporters Press Case at City Hall, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-07

A 15-year-old boy on a bike was injured in Queens. The SUV struck him on the left front bumper. He suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The boy was conscious and not ejected. Confusion by the bicyclist contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a 15-year-old male bicyclist was injured after a collision with a 2017 SUV in Queens. The SUV, driven by a licensed female driver traveling west, struck the bicyclist, who was traveling east, with its left front bumper. The bicyclist suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted in the data. The impact occurred at the center front end of the bike and the left front bumper of the SUV.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4660739 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-15

An 11-year-old riding an e-scooter collided with a sedan on Mott Avenue. The child suffered an arm abrasion. No damage to vehicles. The crash left the young rider hurt, the driver unscathed.

According to the police report, an 11-year-old boy riding an e-scooter was injured after colliding with a 2012 Nissan sedan on Mott Avenue in Queens. The child suffered an abrasion to his upper arm and shoulder. He was conscious and not ejected from the scooter. The sedan driver, licensed in New York, was uninjured. Both vehicles showed no damage. The police report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. No driver errors by the sedan operator were recorded. The e-scooter rider wore no safety equipment. No other injuries or factors were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4657073 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-15

A 9-year-old boy playing in the roadway was struck by an SUV traveling south on Beach 92 Street in Queens. The vehicle hit the child on its right front quarter panel. The boy suffered facial abrasions and remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 9-year-old male pedestrian was injured while playing in the roadway near Beach 92 Street in Queens. The child was struck by a southbound SUV impacting the right front quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained abrasions to his face and was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating the driver was traveling too fast for conditions. No other driver errors or victim factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted. The vehicle had no occupants other than the driver. The incident highlights the dangers posed by speeding vehicles in areas where children may be present.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4656339 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-15

A box truck struck the rear of a parked van on Cross Bay Boulevard in Queens. Ten passengers inside the van suffered whiplash and upper body injuries. Police cited driver inattention, distraction, and traffic control disregard as causes.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling north rear-ended a parked van on Cross Bay Boulevard in Queens. The van carried ten occupants, all injured with complaints of whiplash and upper body pain. The report lists driver errors including "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Traffic Control Disregarded." Injuries ranged from shoulder and neck pain to back and knee injuries. None of the occupants were ejected, and no safety equipment was noted. The box truck driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at impact. The van sustained damage at its center back end. The crash underscores the dangers of distracted driving and failure to obey traffic controls in Queens.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4654771 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-15

Two SUVs crashed on Beach 74 Street. A woman crossing was struck. A passenger suffered internal injuries. Unsafe speed and driver distraction fueled the wreck. One driver was unlicensed.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided on Beach 74 Street in Queens. The crash injured a 48-year-old woman crossing the street and a 35-year-old female passenger. The pedestrian suffered injuries to her entire body and minor bleeding. The passenger sustained abdominal and pelvic injuries. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor and driver inattention or distraction for the passenger's vehicle. One driver was unlicensed. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk, but this was not listed as a contributing factor. Both vehicles were damaged at their center front and back ends.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4654248 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-15

A drunk, unlicensed motorcyclist struck a 68-year-old man on the Boardwalk. The impact was head-on. The man fell, bleeding from the head, motionless. The night was silent. The rider failed to yield. The man did not get up.

A 68-year-old pedestrian suffered severe head injuries after a motorcycle hit him head-on on the Boardwalk. According to the police report, the rider was drunk and unlicensed. The report states, 'The rider was drunk. Unlicensed.' The crash left the man unconscious and bleeding. Police listed 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The motorcycle’s front end took the impact. The man’s injuries were grave. The report does not mention any actions by the pedestrian that contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4656731 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-15

Two sedans crashed on Shore Front Parkway. A 34-year-old man suffered neck injuries. Police cited improper lane use and following too closely. Metal twisted. Pain followed.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Shore Front Parkway in Queens. The 34-year-old male driver of one sedan was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. Police listed "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" and "Following Too Closely" as driver errors. The injured driver wore a lap belt and was not ejected. Both vehicles showed bumper damage at the points of impact. The other driver, a licensed woman, was traveling straight ahead. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4652585 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-15

Two sedans crashed on Cornaga Avenue in Queens. One driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The collision damaged the right side doors and front ends of both vehicles. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as a key factor.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Cornaga Avenue in Queens. One driver, a 48-year-old man wearing a lap belt and harness, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. The crash occurred when one vehicle was making a left turn and the other was traveling straight. The point of impact was the right front quarter panel on one sedan and the left front bumper on the other. The police identified failure to yield right-of-way as the primary contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and operating vehicles registered in New York. The collision caused damage to the right side doors and front ends of the vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4652986 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-15

A sedan reversed into a 22-year-old bicyclist on Cornaga Avenue. The cyclist suffered knee, leg, and foot injuries. Police cite unsafe backing by the driver. The crash left the cyclist hurt and shaken.

According to the police report, a sedan was backing unsafely on Cornaga Avenue in Queens when it struck a 22-year-old male bicyclist traveling west. The cyclist sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Backing Unsafely" as the contributing factor for the driver. The sedan's left front quarter panel hit the bike's center front end. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4652917 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-15

A 25-year-old man was struck while crossing outside an intersection in Queens. The SUV was backing up with no damage reported. The pedestrian suffered upper arm abrasions but remained conscious. No driver errors were specified in the report.

According to the police report, a 25-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing the street near 21-03 Cornaga Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was crossing without a signal or crosswalk. The involved vehicle, a 2013 SUV, was backing up at the time of the crash. The report lists no contributing driver errors or violations. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and an upper arm injury but remained conscious. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed and operating legally. No helmet or signaling factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4652914 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-15

An e-bike passenger was ejected and injured on Rockaway Beach Boulevard. The crash involved an eastbound e-bike and a westbound sedan. Driver inattention caused the collision. The passenger suffered internal injuries to the abdomen and pelvis.

According to the police report, an e-bike traveling east on Rockaway Beach Boulevard collided with a westbound sedan. The e-bike carried two occupants, including a 48-year-old male passenger riding outside the vehicle. The passenger was ejected and sustained internal injuries to the abdomen and pelvis, classified as serious. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as the contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front bumpers. The passenger was not wearing any safety equipment. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4649539 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-15

A 22-year-old woman was injured on Shore Front Parkway in Queens. She suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries. The SUV driver showed aggressive driving. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old female pedestrian was injured at an intersection on Shore Front Parkway near Beach 92 Street in Queens. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists aggressive driving and road rage as contributing factors by the SUV driver traveling eastbound. The pedestrian was not in the roadway when the incident occurred. The vehicle, a Honda SUV, showed no damage, and the driver was going straight ahead. The report does not indicate any fault or contributing factors related to the pedestrian. The primary cause cited is aggressive driving by the vehicle operator.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4648486 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-15

Council members push to end jaywalking penalties. Supporters cite biased enforcement. Critics warn of danger for pedestrians. The bill faces debate as traffic deaths fall but injuries persist. The city weighs safety against fairness in street crossings.

On July 22, 2023, Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse introduced a bill to legalize jaywalking in New York City. The measure, supported by Council Members Tiffany Caban and Shahana Hanif, aims to 'greenlight pedestrians to freely cross streets outside the crosswalk or without obeying traffic signals.' The bill responds to claims of biased enforcement against Black and Latino New Yorkers. Council Majority Leader Joseph Borelli and Councilwoman Joann Ariola oppose the bill, warning it could endanger pedestrians. The bill has not yet advanced to committee or received a hearing. The NYPD and Mayor's office are reviewing the legislation. The debate highlights the tension between enforcement fairness and the ongoing risk to vulnerable road users. No formal safety analysis has been provided.

• Far-left NYC Council Dems push to legalize jaywalking, nypost.com, Published 2023-07-22

A scooter changing lanes struck an SUV going straight south on Central Avenue. The scooter driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Both vehicles showed damage on their front and rear quarter panels. Limited view contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a motor scooter changing lanes collided with a southbound SUV traveling straight on Central Avenue. The scooter driver, a 36-year-old male wearing a helmet, sustained contusions and injuries to his knee and lower leg. The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor twice, indicating poor visibility played a key role. The SUV was impacted on its right front quarter panel, while the scooter struck with its left front bumper. The scooter driver was conscious and not ejected. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by limited sight lines during lane changes in mixed traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4647392 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-15

A sedan struck a cyclist on Cornaga Avenue in Queens. The cyclist hit the left side doors. The sedan driver suffered head injuries and whiplash but was not ejected. Police cited pedestrian/bicyclist confusion as a factor.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Cornaga Avenue in Queens involving a sedan and a bicycle. The bike struck the left side doors of the sedan, which had damage to its center front end. The sedan driver, a 33-year-old woman, was injured with head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead before the crash. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted. The cyclist's actions contributed to the crash, but the report does not assign fault to the victim.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4646601 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-15

The City Council’s Transportation Committee drags its feet. Only one minor bill—mile markers—moves forward. Thirteen key safety bills, with broad support, sit idle. Advocates fume as crashes and injuries mount. Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers stays silent. Vulnerable New Yorkers pay the price.

On July 12, 2023, the City Council’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, chaired by Councilmember Selvena Brooks-Powers, scheduled only one bill—Intro 853, requiring mile markers on select roads—for a vote. This bill has two sponsors and no opposition. Meanwhile, thirteen more significant bills, including measures to streamline bike lane installation, enable reporting of blocked bike and bus lanes, create e-bike charging stations for delivery workers, and improve truck route safety, remain unscheduled despite broad support. Only 19% of the committee’s 113 bills have had hearings; just 4% have passed. Advocates like Elizabeth Adams and Jon Orcutt decry the slow pace, especially as traffic crashes and injuries remain high. Brooks-Powers has not responded to requests for comment. Advocates demand urgent action to protect vulnerable road users and improve transit accessibility.

• Analysis: Council Transportation Committee Spinning Its Wheels, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-07-12

A motorcycle slammed into two parked sedans in Queens. The rider, a 52-year-old woman, was ejected. She suffered broken bones and dislocations. Police cited driver distraction. The sedans were empty. The street stayed silent.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling west on Rockaway Beach Boulevard struck two parked sedans. The 52-year-old woman driving the motorcycle was ejected and suffered serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. She was semiconscious at the scene and wore a helmet. The police report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. The sedans were stationary before the crash. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4644621 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-15