Seventy Hurt, Zero Excuses: Make Queens Streets Safe Now

Jul 10 - Two SUVs collided on Grand Central Parkway, westbound. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered neck injuries. Police cited following too closely as the cause. Both vehicles sustained front and rear bumper damage in the crash.

According to the police report, at 7:40 AM on Grand Central Parkway, two sport utility vehicles traveling westbound collided. The rear SUV, driven by a 52-year-old male occupant, struck the left rear bumper of the lead SUV with its right front bumper. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for the crash. The injured driver was conscious and suffered a neck injury, wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. Both vehicles sustained damage to their bumpers. The lead vehicle was driven by a licensed female driver from Texas, while the rear vehicle was driven by a licensed male driver from New York. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4740015 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 7 - Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 6 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 3 - Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03

May 16 - Council moves to light up step streets. At least 25 stairways each year will get new lamps. Dark paths become visible. Pedestrians gain ground. Shadows shrink. Danger loses its cover.

Int 0875-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on May 16, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the installation of pedestrian lighting on step streets.' Prime sponsor Joann Ariola, joined by sixteen co-sponsors, pushes for at least 25 step streets to be lit each year until all are covered. Step streets are open-air staircases linking streets at different heights. The bill aims to strip darkness from these paths, making them safer for people on foot. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0875-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

May 16 - Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.

On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.

• Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins, nypost.com, Published 2024-05-16

Apr 16 - Two SUVs collided on 94 Street near Grand Central Parkway. One driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention and distraction as the cause. The injured driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt during the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:00 PM on 94 Street near Grand Central Parkway involving two SUVs traveling eastbound. One driver was changing lanes when the collision happened, impacting the right rear bumper of the other vehicle. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The injured party, a 64-year-old male driver wearing a lap belt, sustained back injuries and whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious. The other vehicle was traveling straight ahead. The crash highlights the dangers of distracted lane changes and the resulting injuries to vehicle occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718034 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 27 - 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 2024-03-27

Mar 20 - 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 2024-03-20

Mar 7 - Council wants every e-bike and scooter tagged and tracked. Plates on wheels. Riders face new rules. Lawmakers say it’s about order. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait.

Int 0606-2024 was introduced on March 7, 2024, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring that every bicycle with electric assist, electric scooter and other legal motorized vehicle be licensed and registered," would force all e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles not covered by DMV rules to register with DOT and display visible plates. Council Member Inna Vernikov is the primary sponsor, joined by 26 co-sponsors including Holden, Farías, Riley, and others. The bill was laid over in committee and has not advanced. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• File Int 0606-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Feb 28 - Council demands notice before city cuts lanes or parking. Moya’s bill forces DOT to warn and hear out locals. Streets change slower. Danger lingers for those on foot and bike.

Int 0322-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Francisco P. Moya, it requires the Department of Transportation to give notice and seek comments from council members, community boards, and business groups before removing a traffic lane or parking for 500 feet or three blocks for at least a week. The bill’s matter title: 'providing notice and an opportunity for comment before implementing a major traffic change.' Moya sponsored the measure. The bill slows street redesigns. It gives drivers and businesses more say, but leaves vulnerable road users waiting for safer streets.

• File Int 0322-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council moves to ban car dealers from clogging city streets with vehicles for sale or repair. Fines and impoundment loom. Streets clear. Danger drops for those on foot and bike.

Bill Int 0462-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to limiting the parking of motor vehicles by dealers,' targets car dealers who use public streets as showrooms or repair lots. Sponsored by Francisco P. Moya (primary), with Shahana K. Hanif, Lincoln Restler, and Sandra Ung as co-sponsors, the measure bans dealers from parking, storing, or maintaining vehicles on city streets except for emergencies. Placards are required for vehicles awaiting repair. Violators face fines and possible impoundment. Owners get a defense if ticketed while a dealer holds their car. The bill aims to reclaim public space and reduce hazards for vulnerable road users.

• File Int 0462-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council demands notice before city cuts lanes or parking. Moya’s bill forces DOT to warn and hear out locals. Streets change slower. Danger lingers for those on foot and bike.

Int 0322-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Francisco P. Moya, it requires the Department of Transportation to give notice and seek comments from council members, community boards, and business groups before removing a traffic lane or parking for 500 feet or three blocks for at least a week. The bill’s matter title: 'providing notice and an opportunity for comment before implementing a major traffic change.' Moya sponsored the measure. The bill slows street redesigns. It gives drivers and businesses more say, but leaves vulnerable road users waiting for safer streets.

• File Int 0322-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council eyes new rule: no big lane or parking cuts without warning. Moya leads. DOT must hear out boards, districts, and council before ripping up streets. Delay, not safety, is the focus.

Int 0322-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Francisco P. Moya, the bill demands the Department of Transportation give notice and a chance for comment before cutting a traffic lane or parking for 500 feet or three blocks for at least a week. The matter title reads: 'providing notice and an opportunity for comment before implementing a major traffic change.' Moya sponsored the bill, which was referred to committee the same day. The bill centers on process, not protection. No safety impact for vulnerable road users is noted.

• File Int 0322-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council eyes new rule: no big lane or parking cuts without warning. Moya leads. DOT must hear out boards, districts, and council before ripping up streets. Delay, not safety, is the focus.

Int 0322-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Francisco P. Moya, the bill demands the Department of Transportation give notice and a chance for comment before cutting a traffic lane or parking for 500 feet or three blocks for at least a week. The matter title reads: 'providing notice and an opportunity for comment before implementing a major traffic change.' Moya sponsored the bill, which was referred to committee the same day. The bill centers on process, not protection. No safety impact for vulnerable road users is noted.

• File Int 0322-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 12 - Two sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway in the early morning hours. Multiple occupants, including a 9-year-old child, suffered head injuries and contusions. Driver distraction and following too closely were cited as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 2:04 a.m. on Grand Central Parkway involving multiple sedans. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as key contributing factors. A 9-year-old right rear passenger was ejected and sustained head injuries and contusions, despite using a lap belt and harness. Other occupants, including drivers aged 28, 33, and 58, were also ejected and suffered head injuries and contusions. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead when the collision occurred. Vehicle damage was noted on front and rear bumpers, indicating a chain reaction impact. The police report highlights driver errors as the primary cause, with no contributing factors attributed to the victims.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4702042 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 8 - Two sedans slammed front-first on Grand Central Parkway. One driver suffered a neck injury. Police blamed driver inattention and tailgating. Metal twisted. Sirens followed.

According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on at 9:39 a.m. on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. One driver, a 39-year-old man, was injured in the neck but remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention and following too closely as the main contributing factors. Both vehicles were traveling straight and sustained heavy front-end damage. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The injured driver wore a lap belt and harness. The crash highlights the danger when drivers lose focus and follow too close.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701117 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 4 - Three vehicles collided in a chain reaction on Grand Central Parkway. Following too closely caused rear-end impacts. A 34-year-old male passenger suffered knee and lower leg injuries, bruised but conscious, restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a chain collision occurred on Grand Central Parkway involving three vehicles traveling westbound. The contributing factors cited include 'Following Too Closely' and 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle,' indicating driver errors in maintaining safe distances. The point of impact was primarily center front and center back ends of the vehicles, consistent with rear-end collisions. A 34-year-old male occupant, seated as a left rear passenger in one of the SUVs, sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness at the time of the crash. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The collision highlights the dangers of tailgating and delayed reactions on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4693027 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 3 - SUV veered off course on Grand Central Parkway. Driver fell asleep. Three women inside hurt. Head wounds. Broken arm. All stayed belted in. Metal and bone broke. The road did not forgive.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old woman driving an SUV westbound on Grand Central Parkway fell asleep at the wheel. The vehicle struck an object with its left front bumper. Three women inside suffered injuries: the driver with unknown wounds, a 32-year-old front passenger with head trauma and pain, and a 23-year-old rear passenger with a fractured elbow and dislocation. All wore lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists "Fell Asleep" as the sole contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4659158 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 23 - A sedan struck a parked sedan on Grand Central Parkway. The moving driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the cause. Both vehicles sustained front and rear damage. The driver was conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Grand Central Parkway rear-ended a parked sedan. The driver of the moving vehicle, a male occupant wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained neck injuries and complained of whiplash. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the primary contributing factor. The collision caused center front end damage to the moving sedan and center back end damage to the parked vehicle. The driver was conscious and not ejected. No other persons were reported injured. The crash occurred during a merging maneuver. No victim fault or helmet use is mentioned in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4652932 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19