Queens Streets Bleed While Leaders Stall: Demand Action Now

Two cars collided at Beach 122nd Street. Driver distraction sent metal into flesh. Two passengers hurt. Impact struck bumpers. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

Two vehicles, a sedan and an SUV, collided at Beach 122nd Street in Queens. According to the police report, driver inattention and distraction caused the crash. Two passengers, a 23-year-old woman and an 82-year-old woman, suffered injuries to the leg and neck. Both drivers and two other occupants were also involved, including an infant and an 84-year-old man. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the sole contributing factor. The impact struck the right front bumper of the sedan and the rear of the SUV. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812643 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Five dead. Forty badly hurt. The Conduit slices through Queens and Brooklyn, fast and wide. DOT will study a fix. Borough presidents called for urgent change. The city will listen to neighbors. The old highway’s days are numbered. Lives hang in the balance.

""The current state of the Conduit falls significantly short of meeting the needs of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike. It's confusing, it's poorly designed ... and we know the lack of sufficient pedestrian and bike infrastructure makes it even more dangerous for the neighbors of Queens and Brooklyn."" -- Donovan J. Richards

On May 13, 2025, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a city-funded public engagement process for a major safety redesign of Conduit Boulevard, a three-mile corridor linking Atlantic Avenue to the Belt Parkway and JFK Airport. The project follows urgent requests in 2023 from Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, "Brooklyn and Queens deserve a Conduit Boulevard that improves daily life, not a roadway that puts pedestrians and drivers at risk and physically divides entire neighborhoods." The corridor has seen five deaths and 40 severe injuries in five years. The median’s dirt paths show heavy pedestrian use, but only 15 crosswalks span the stretch. The public process begins in June and may run into 2026. The redesign aims to end decades of danger for vulnerable road users.

• Can New York City Fix Its Deadly ‘Conduit’ to JFK Airport?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-05-13

A cyclist struck a 75-year-old woman on the Boardwalk. She suffered a facial fracture and lost consciousness. The crash left the cyclist unhurt. Confusion played a role, police say.

A 75-year-old pedestrian was hit by a cyclist on the Boardwalk at Beach 91st Street in Queens. She suffered a facial fracture and was found unconscious. According to the police report, 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' contributed to the crash. The cyclist, a 36-year-old man, was not injured. The report lists confusion as a factor for both parties. The cyclist wore a helmet, but the police report does not cite helmet use as a contributing factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812368 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan reversed into a man on Beach Channel Drive. The impact bruised his leg. Police cite driver distraction and unsafe backing. The street stayed dangerous. The man stayed conscious.

A sedan struck a 30-year-old male pedestrian while backing on Beach Channel Drive in Queens. According to the police report, the pedestrian suffered a contusion to his lower leg and remained conscious. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Backing Unsafely' as contributing factors. The driver, a 78-year-old woman, was licensed and wore a seatbelt. No vehicle damage was reported. The crash highlights the risk to people on foot when drivers reverse without care.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812641 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

NYPD targets cyclists with criminal summonses. Minor infractions become court cases. Riders face fear, confusion, and entrapment. Streets grow hostile. Enforcement is uneven. Safety suffers. The crackdown punishes the vulnerable. City leaders question the policy.

On May 6, 2025, Streetsblog NYC reported on the NYPD's new traffic enforcement policy targeting cyclists and e-bike riders. The policy, supported by Mayor Adams and Police Commissioner Tisch, escalates minor cycling infractions to criminal court summonses. The article, titled 'As NYPD’s Criminal Crackdown on Cyclists Expands, It Grows More Absurd: Victims,' details complaints of overzealous, inconsistent enforcement and alleged entrapment. Council Transportation Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers questioned the need for criminal court involvement, while Comptroller Brad Lander called the crackdown 'performative' and dangerous. The safety analyst notes: 'Policies that empower discretionary or punitive enforcement against cyclists can deter active transportation, increase fear and mistrust, and shift responsibility away from systemic safety improvements, ultimately undermining population-level safety for vulnerable road users.' The crackdown draws widespread criticism for endangering those outside cars.

• As NYPD’s Criminal Crackdown on Cyclists Expands, It Grows More Absurd: Victims, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-05-06

NYPD targets cyclists with criminal summonses for minor offenses. Riders face tickets for headphones, stop line slips. Complaints of entrapment rise. Advocates and lawmakers slam the crackdown. Data shows e-bikes rarely harm pedestrians. Council eyes hearings. Streets stay dangerous.

On May 6, 2025, the NYPD’s new policy of issuing criminal court summonses to cyclists and e-bike riders for low-level traffic offenses drew sharp criticism. The policy, backed by Mayor Adams and Police Commissioner Tisch, claims to target 'quality of life' offenses. Cyclists report tickets for minor or fabricated infractions, including headphone use and stopping ahead of painted lines. Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander called the crackdown 'performative,' urging alternatives like the Idaho Stop and stricter delivery app regulation. Council Transportation Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers questioned the need for criminal court involvement and signaled interest in a hearing. The article notes e-bike riders cause few pedestrian injuries. The City Council previously limited criminal summonses for minor infractions over racial profiling concerns. Critics say the crackdown punishes vulnerable road users while failing to improve street safety.

• As NYPD’s Criminal Crackdown on Cyclists Expands, It Grows More Absurd: Victims, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-05-06

Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.

Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 4804, Open States, Published 2025-05-06

Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.

Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 4804, Open States, Published 2025-05-06

SUV struck bus from behind on Rockaway Beach Boulevard. Nineteen-year-old driver injured, face hit, whiplash. Police cite following too closely. Streets remain unforgiving.

A station wagon/SUV crashed into the back of a bus on Rockaway Beach Boulevard at Beach 149 Street in Queens. One nineteen-year-old male driver suffered facial injuries and whiplash. According to the police report, 'Following Too Closely' was the contributing factor. The bus and SUV were both traveling west. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors for the drivers or occupants. The impact left the SUV's front and the bus's rear damaged.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4810892 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.

ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.

• Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-05-02

Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.

Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-01

Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.

Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-01

Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.

Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-01

Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.

Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-01

A nine-year-old boy crossing Oak Drive was hit by an SUV. He suffered a bruised leg. The driver was licensed. Police list contributing factors as unspecified.

A nine-year-old pedestrian was struck by a northbound SUV while crossing Oak Drive near Reads Lane in Queens. According to the police report, the child suffered a contusion to his knee and lower leg. The driver, a 46-year-old woman, was licensed and uninjured. The report lists contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors such as failure to yield or distraction are noted in the data. No mention of helmet use or pedestrian signals appears in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4815513 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided at Seagirt Boulevard and Beach 9 Street. One driver suffered a bruised arm. Police cite improper turning and failure to yield. Metal and glass. Sirens in the dusk.

Two sedans crashed at Seagirt Boulevard and Beach 9 Street in Queens. According to the police report, one driver, a 36-year-old man, was injured with a shoulder contusion. Both vehicles were making conflicting movements: one turning left, the other going straight. Police list 'Turning Improperly' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash left one driver hurt and others shaken.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4809428 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A soul singer crossed Woodhaven at Myrtle. A Yamaha motorcycle struck her. She died at Jamaica Hospital. The rider kept going as the light changed. Police have not charged him. Dreams ended in the street. The city moves on.

NY Daily News reported on April 27, 2025, that Breanna Henderson, 23, was fatally struck by a Yamaha motorcycle while crossing Woodhaven Blvd. at Myrtle Ave. in Queens. The crash happened around 2:20 a.m. as the traffic light turned from yellow to red. The article notes, 'the motorcyclist hit her as the light turned from yellow to red.' Police have not charged the 34-year-old rider, and the investigation continues. Henderson was returning home from a performance. The incident highlights the persistent dangers faced by pedestrians at major intersections and the risks posed by vehicles failing to yield during signal changes.

• Singer Killed Crossing Woodhaven Boulevard, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-27

Council Member Joann Ariola blasted congestion pricing after a fatal subway stabbing. Assaults on trains are up. Riders feel trapped between danger and high tolls. Police patrols have grown, but fear lingers. The city’s most vulnerable face the risk underground.

On April 26, 2025, City Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola (District 32) publicly criticized New York’s congestion pricing policy, linking it to rising subway assaults. The event, covered by nypost.com, followed a fatal stabbing and NYPD data showing felony assaults up 9% this year. Ariola warned, 'Forcing more New Yorkers underground with this ridiculous congestion pricing scheme is going to put more people into contact with the dangerously unwell.' She called the subway the city's 'de facto mental institution and homeless shelter.' The policy, supported by Governor Hochul, has increased subway and bus ridership by 6% and 9%. Ariola’s stance: congestion pricing endangers vulnerable riders, forcing them into unsafe conditions. The city has responded with more police and outreach, but many riders remain fearful.

• Riders seeing ‘crazy s–t’ in NYC subways as ridership — and assaults — surge, nypost.com, Published 2025-04-26

A sedan slammed into another stopped car on Rockaway Freeway. One driver suffered head injuries and shock. Police cite following too closely. The street saw metal, glass, and pain.

Two sedans collided on Rockaway Freeway near Beach 44th Street in Queens. According to the police report, one sedan struck another that was stopped in traffic. The 61-year-old woman driving the front car suffered a head injury and shock. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and wore seat belts. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left one driver hurt and exposed the danger of tailgating on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812660 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Parks Department blocks bikes from Rockaway Boardwalk, closes Hudson River Greenway, and lets cars back into Silver Lake Park. Cyclists, kids, and seniors lose safe routes. Council Member Brooks-Powers and residents protest. Advocates demand better maintenance and real transportation focus.

On April 24, 2025, the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation faced backlash for policies affecting key bike infrastructure. The department banned bikes from a major stretch of the Rockaway Boardwalk, closed parts of the Hudson River Greenway, and allowed cars back into Silver Lake Park. Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, speaking for local families, condemned the boardwalk ban: "It was about the children that take advantage of biking on the boardwalk...We’re now shifting them into the street." Residents and advocates argue these moves ignore years of complaints about poor maintenance and lack of coordination with DOT. They highlight that car-free conditions in Silver Lake Park improved safety, especially for children. Advocates call for shifting road maintenance from Parks to DOT and demand structural changes. The Parks Department’s focus on recreation, not transportation, leaves vulnerable road users exposed and frustrated.

• Parks Dept. Controls Vital Bike Infrastructure But Treats Riders Like An Afterthought, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-04-24