Queens Kids Bleed, Politicians Wait—Who Will Stop the Next Hit-and-Run?

Council bill Int 0255-2024 demands NYPD track every time officers use cars as weapons. No more hiding behind vague reports. The city must count each incident. Data will show the toll. Vulnerable New Yorkers deserve the truth.

Int 0255-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to use of force incidents involving police department use of a motor vehicle," forces the NYPD to add 'use of a motor vehicle to gain control of a subject' as a specific reporting category in quarterly and annual use of force reports. Council Member Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Hudson, Won, Hanif, Bottcher, Brewer, Avilés, Abreu, Ossé, Krishnan, Williams, Cabán, Nurse, Sanchez, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The bill targets a gap: current NYPD reports do not name motor vehicles as a means of force. This change brings police violence by car into the light, exposing patterns that endanger pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.

• File Int 0255-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council members push for a hard look at last mile delivery hubs. Trucks swarm neighborhoods. Streets clog. Collisions rise. The bill demands data. It targets the city’s growing freight problem. Vulnerable New Yorkers walk these streets. The study could expose the toll.

Int 0113-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it orders the Department of Transportation to study how last mile delivery facilities batter local streets and communities. The bill summary reads: 'estimating the amount of delivery vehicles arriving at or departing from each facility, and the impact that additional vehicle traffic has on parking, street congestion, vehicle collisions and other traffic incidents.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams leads as primary sponsor, joined by Alexa Avilés, Shekar Krishnan, Amanda Farías, and over twenty others. The bill was referred to committee on the day it was introduced. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the bill’s focus is clear: count the trucks, count the crashes, and show the cost to people on foot and bike.

• File Int 0113-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council calls for state action on lower speed limits, crash victims’ rights, and safer street design. The resolution pushes Albany to let New York City set its own speed limits and demands stronger protections for people hurt or killed by cars.

Resolution 0090-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it urges the State Legislature and Governor to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law'), A.1901 (Crash Victims Bill of Rights), and the full SAFE Streets Act package. The matter title reads: 'Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.2422, also known as ‘Sammy’s Law,’ in relation to allowing New York city to establish a lower speed limit, and A.1901, enacting a crash victims bill of rights, as well as the other bills of the package known as the SAFE Streets Act.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif leads as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Restler, Ossé, Avilés, Sanchez, Krishnan, Rivera, Cabán, Brewer, Abreu, Marte, Brannan, Schulman, Won, Feliz, Bottcher, Nurse, Hudson, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The SAFE Streets Act targets reckless driving, demands safer street design, and gives crash victims more rights. The resolution’s focus is clear: fewer deaths, more justice, safer streets for all.

• File Res 0090-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill pushes DOT to open streets wider and longer on busy holidays. Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July Fourth, Labor Day, Halloween—cars barred, people free. Community groups get a say. Streets shift from danger to refuge, if the city acts.

Int 0270-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it amends city law to require the Department of Transportation to expand Open Streets hours on holidays with heavy foot traffic. The bill’s summary reads: 'special activation of the Open Streets program on certain holidays and time periods with significant pedestrian traffic.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rivera, Brooks-Powers, Louis, Nurse, Ossé, Sanchez, Cabán, Banks, Avilés, Riley, Salaam, Hanif, Feliz, Won, Restler, and Joseph. The bill directs DOT to seek community input for more activation days. Applications for these special activations follow the same review as regular Open Streets. The measure aims to give pedestrians and cyclists more space and time, cutting car risk when crowds surge.

• File Int 0270-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill Int 0144-2024 orders bollards at reconstructed sidewalks, curb extensions, and pedestrian ramps. The law targets spots rebuilt for disabled access. It demands a citywide study on bollard effectiveness and new guidelines within six months. Committee stalled the bill.

Int 0144-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill’s title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the installation of bollards at reconstructed sidewalks, curb extensions and pedestrian ramps.” Council Members Shekar Krishnan (primary sponsor), Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Shahana K. Hanif, and Crystal Hudson back the measure. The bill requires the Department of Transportation to install bollards where sidewalks, curb extensions, and pedestrian ramps are rebuilt for accessibility. It also mandates a study on bollard effectiveness in high pedestrian traffic areas and demands new installation guidelines within six months. The bill aims to shield vulnerable pedestrians, especially those with disabilities, from vehicle intrusion at rebuilt crossings. As of June 25, 2024, the committee has not advanced the bill.

• File Int 0144-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill targets cars blocking bike lanes, sidewalks, and hydrants within half a mile of schools. Fines set at $175. Civilians can report violations. DOT must act on complaints. Council aims to clear paths for people, not cars.

Int 0080-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after its introduction on February 8, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to hazardous obstruction by vehicles and civilian complaints to the department of transportation for hazardous obstruction violations," creates a new civil penalty for vehicles blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants within 2,640 feet of a school. The penalty is $175 per violation. The Department of Transportation must launch a civilian reporting program. If DOT prosecutes a case using civilian evidence, the complainant gets 25% of the proceeds. Council Member Carlina Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Joseph, Menin, Nurse, Hudson, Brannan, Farías, Brewer, Salaam, Hanif, Avilés, Won, Bottcher, Krishnan, Gutiérrez, Marte, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The bill aims to keep streets clear for vulnerable road users, especially near schools.

• File Int 0080-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Council backs state bills to force moped buyers to show a valid license and register at the point of sale. Unregistered mopeds menace streets. Pedestrians and cyclists pay the price. The measure aims to close loopholes and cut illegal, dangerous riding.

Resolution 0024-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 8, 2024, it urges Albany to pass A.8052 and S.7703. The resolution calls for 'purchasers of limited use motorcycles present a driver’s license appropriate for the legal operation... and register such limited use motorcycles, prior to completing a purchase.' Council Member Gale A. Brewer leads, joined by Rivera, Schulman, Krishnan, Won, Bottcher, and others. The bills would require dealers to check licenses and register mopeds at sale. The Council notes that illegal, unregistered mopeds endanger pedestrians, cyclists, and riders. NYPD seized over 8,600 illegal mopeds by September 2023. The resolution presses for safeguards to keep unlicensed, unregistered vehicles off city streets.

• File Res 0024-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Council members want 500 corridors lit for walkers each year. The bill demands bright sidewalks—no less than 1 footcandle. Most corridors must connect, forming safer, well-lit routes. The measure sits in committee, waiting for action. Darkness remains a threat.

Int 0079-2024, introduced on February 8, 2024, sits 'Laid Over in Committee' with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures,' would require the transportation commissioner to install sidewalk lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, each lit to a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux). At least 450 corridors must be contiguous to others with new or existing lighting. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and many others. The bill aims to cut through the city’s darkness, demanding light for those on foot. It remains stalled in committee, its promise unrealized.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

A 23-year-old man, riding in the back of a Nissan SUV on Northern Boulevard, was thrown from the car. His head shattered. His body twisted. The SUV rolled on, untouched. He never woke up.

A fatal crash occurred on Northern Boulevard near 82nd Street in Queens. According to the police report, a 23-year-old man riding as a rear seat passenger in a 2015 Nissan SUV was ejected from the vehicle. The report states: 'A 23-year-old man, rear seat of a 2015 Nissan SUV, was thrown from the car. Head shattered. Body twisted. The SUV rolled on, untouched. He never woke up.' The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The vehicle sustained no damage and continued moving after the passenger was ejected. The victim suffered fatal head injuries and was found unconscious. No driver errors are specified in the report, but the ejection and death of a rear seat passenger underscore the lethal risks present for vehicle occupants. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700221, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A sixty-year-old woman crossed 37th Avenue. An SUV, speeding, hit her. Steel met flesh. She fell, blood spreading on the cold street. She died before help arrived. The city’s danger revealed in a moment’s impact.

According to the police report, a 60-year-old woman was killed at the corner of 37th Avenue and 90th Street in Queens when an SUV struck her as she crossed the street. The report states the SUV was traveling at an 'Unsafe Speed.' The narrative describes the vehicle coming fast, with the impact causing fatal injuries to the pedestrian, who died before emergency responders arrived. The police report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor for the driver. The report also notes the pedestrian was 'Crossing Against Signal,' but this is mentioned only after the driver’s excessive speed is cited. The collision underscores the lethal consequences when drivers operate at unsafe speeds, especially at intersections where pedestrians are present.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699492, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A 75-year-old man crossed Roosevelt Avenue. An e-bike sped west. The man fell hard. His head hit the street. Bones snapped. He faded, silent, as traffic rolled on. The city moved. He did not.

A 75-year-old pedestrian was killed on Roosevelt Avenue near Broadway in Queens. According to the police report, the man stepped into the crosswalk as an e-bike traveled westbound. He fell, struck his head, and suffered severe fractures and dislocations. The report states he was semiconscious before becoming unresponsive. The police list the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors such as failure to yield or distraction are cited in the data. The e-bike sustained no damage. The victim was crossing at an intersection when struck.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695751, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Two sedans met mid-turn. Steel tore. A baby boy, strapped in, bled from the head. He sat silent, eyes wide. The world roared. Traffic control was ignored. The crash left wounds and shock behind.

Two sedans collided on Northern Boulevard. One sedan went straight. The other turned left. According to the police report, 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Turning Improperly' contributed to the crash. A baby boy, an occupant, suffered severe head lacerations and shock. He was strapped in with a lap belt and harness. The report describes the child sitting still, eyes wide, bleeding from the head. No mention of helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash underscores the danger when drivers ignore traffic controls and turn improperly. The impact left lasting injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4678296, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A sedan turned right on Justice Avenue. Its front end struck a 71-year-old woman crossing with the light. Her leg broke under steel. Blood pooled. She lay silent, stunned. The driver failed to yield. The street did not forgive.

A 71-year-old woman was struck and severely injured by a sedan while crossing Justice Avenue near 55th in Queens. According to the police report, she crossed with the signal when a 2002 Honda sedan turned right and hit her, crushing her lower leg and causing severe bleeding. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The impact left the woman in shock, silent beneath the car. The data shows she was in the crosswalk, obeying the signal. The driver’s failure to yield and inattention led to the crash. No helmet or signal use is listed as a factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4676206, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A man rode his motorscooter into the dark on 97th Street. He struck head-on. The Honda’s bumper crushed his skull. He died there, helmetless, thrown from the seat. The street stayed quiet. Only the machines remained.

A 36-year-old man riding a ZAIZHOU motorscooter was killed in a head-on crash with a Honda SUV on 97th Street near 50th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the man was unlicensed and wore no helmet. He was thrown from his seat and suffered fatal crush injuries to the head beneath the SUV’s left front bumper. The SUV driver held a permit. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The victim’s lack of helmet and license are noted only after the absence of driver errors. The crash left one dead at the scene, marking another fatal collision on Queens streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4651852, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council pushed for 500 solar-lit crosswalks. The bill demanded action—100 new devices each year. It called for a hard look at results. But the session ended. The bill died. Streets wait. Pedestrians keep crossing in the dark.

Int 1151-2023, introduced August 3, 2023, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, aimed to require the Department of Transportation to install at least 100 illuminated, solar-powered traffic control devices at crosswalks each year for five years—a total of 500. The bill also ordered a study comparing these devices to unlit signs, probing their power to deter traffic violations and mapping out logistical hurdles. The matter summary reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the installation of solar-powered crosswalks.' Council Member Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Menin, Brooks-Powers, Rivera, and over thirty others. The bill was filed at session’s end on December 31, 2023. No safety analyst note was provided. The city’s crosswalks remain unchanged. Vulnerable road users remain exposed.

• File Int 1151-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-08-03

A sedan turned left on Roosevelt Avenue. An e-bike rider went straight. Metal struck flesh. The rider flew, landed hard, ribs broken, pain sharp. He stayed conscious, chest crushed, breath ragged. The street stayed dark. The danger stayed real.

A crash unfolded near Roosevelt Avenue and 74th Street in Queens. A sedan, making a left turn, struck a 42-year-old man riding an e-bike straight through the intersection. According to the police report, the collision left the e-bike rider ejected and suffering severe chest injuries. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The rider was not wearing a helmet, but the primary errors cited were on the part of the sedan driver. The impact was direct and violent, leaving the rider conscious but with crushed ribs and sharp pain. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4646254, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council filed a bill to legalize crossing streets anywhere, even against signals. No more penalties for jaywalking. The measure aimed to strip state law and let pedestrians move freely. The session ended before action. Vulnerable users remain exposed.

Int 1125-2023, introduced July 13, 2023, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, sought to amend city law on pedestrian crossing and right of way. The bill stated: “Pedestrians may cross any roadway at any point, including outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk, and allow for crossing against traffic signals. It would legalize the activity commonly referred to as ‘jaywalking’ and specify that no penalties can be imposed for jaywalking.” Council Member Tiffany Cabán led as primary sponsor, joined by Narcisse, Won, Farías, Hanif, Ayala, Richardson Jordan, Krishnan, and Nurse. The bill superseded state law and removed penalties for pedestrian movement. Filed at session’s end, it did not advance. Vulnerable road users still face the same risks at crossings.

• File Int 1125-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-07-13

A Yamaha motorcycle hit a Ford’s side on 80th Street. The 21-year-old rider died, head split open. His 17-year-old passenger lay unconscious, bleeding. Both were thrown from the bike. Neither wore helmets. Traffic control was ignored. Blood pooled on the street.

A Yamaha motorcycle crashed into the side of a Ford at 80th Street and 34th Avenue in Queens. The 21-year-old rider was killed, his head split open. His 17-year-old passenger was ejected, left unconscious and bleeding from the head. According to the police report, 'Traffic Control Disregarded' was listed as a contributing factor. Both victims were thrown from the motorcycle. The report states neither wore helmets, but this is noted only after the driver error. The crash left one dead and one seriously injured, marking another violent night on Queens streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4643896, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A pickup struck an e-scooter from behind on Northern Boulevard. The rider flew. His head hit the street. Blood pooled. He did not rise. The truck followed too close. The city kept moving. The street stayed silent.

A pickup truck rear-ended an e-scooter at Northern Boulevard and 84th Street in Queens. The 30-year-old e-scooter rider was ejected and suffered severe head lacerations. According to the police report, the pickup was 'Following Too Closely' and traveling at an 'Unsafe Speed.' The rider was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but the primary causes listed are the driver’s errors. Both vehicles were moving east when the crash happened. The report describes the rider as conscious but bleeding on the asphalt after the violent impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633300, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council bill Int 1030-2023 would force DOT to show its hand. Every traffic signal and speed bump request, tracked online. Status, reason, and timeline—no more black box. The bill died in committee, but the demand for sunlight remains.

Int 1030-2023 was introduced on April 27, 2023, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill required the Department of Transportation to post details of all traffic control device and speed reducer requests on a public website. The matter summary reads: 'The required website would include, but need not be limited to, the following information: case number, general topic, issue, status, resolution, reason for approval or denial of traffic control device, and if approved, the timeline for completion.' Council Member Farah N. Louis sponsored the bill, joined by 21 co-sponsors including Williams, Hanif, and Yeger. The bill was filed at the end of session on December 31, 2023. No safety analyst note was provided, but the measure aimed to end secrecy around life-saving street changes. Public access to this data could expose delays and denials that keep streets deadly.

• File Int 1030-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-04-27