Queens Streets Bleed While City Stalls

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 bill orders speed humps on streets by parks over one acre. DOT must install unless safety or guidelines say no. Seventeen council members back the move. The bill sits in committee. Streets by parks may soon slow cars.

Int 0262-2024 was introduced to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on February 28, 2024. The bill states: "requiring the installation of speed humps on roadways adjacent to any park equal or greater than one acre." Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by seventeen co-sponsors including Joseph, Feliz, Louis, Marte, and others. The Department of Transportation must install speed humps on qualifying streets unless the commissioner finds it unsafe or inconsistent with DOT guidelines. The bill remains in committee. If passed, it would take effect 180 days after becoming law. The measure aims to slow traffic near parks, where walkers and children cross.

• File Int 0262-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill demands 100 miles of protected bike lanes each year for six years. Streets will change. Barriers will rise. Cyclists will get space. The city moves to shield riders from cars. The pace quickens. Safety, not talk, hits the pavement.

Int 0271-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced on February 28, 2024, the bill orders the Department of Transportation to install 100 miles of protected bike lanes per year for six years. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the installation of protected bicycle lanes.' Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Carlina Rivera, Farah N. Louis, Shahana K. Hanif, Chi A. Ossé, Gale A. Brewer, Tiffany Cabán, Sandy Nurse, Crystal Hudson, Yusef Salaam, Erik D. Bottcher, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Oswald Feliz, Julie Won, and Rita C. Joseph. The bill’s summary states protected lanes 'increase cycling and ensure the safety of New Yorkers.' If passed, the law will force the city to build real protection for people on bikes, not just paint. The measure aims to cut risk for cyclists and push back against deadly streets.

• File Int 0271-2024, 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 wants DOT to study how street design can keep commercial trucks out of residential neighborhoods. The bill demands a report. Streets packed with trucks endanger walkers and cyclists. The committee holds the bill. No action yet. Pressure mounts.

Int 0114-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, the bill orders the Department of Transportation to report on using street design to limit or reduce commercial vehicle use in residential areas. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law in relation to requiring the department of transportation to study street design as a means to limit or reduce the use by commercial vehicles of streets in residential neighborhoods.' Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez leads as primary sponsor, joined by Avilés, the Public Advocate, and others. The bill was referred to committee on the day it was introduced. Streets crowded with trucks put vulnerable road users at risk. The bill seeks data and solutions, but action is pending.

• File Int 0114-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to study charging stations for e-bike delivery workers. The bill forms a task force to weigh cost, location, and fire risk. Delivery riders face battery dangers daily. The city stalls on safe infrastructure. The committee holds the bill.

Int 0194-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 28, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law in relation to establishing a task force to study the feasibility of building charging stations for bicycles with electric assist to be used by food delivery workers,' calls for a task force to examine where and how to build charging stations for e-bike couriers. Council Members Restler (primary sponsor), Gutiérrez, Avilés, Won, Cabán, Marte, Hanif, Nurse, Hudson, Brewer, and Farías back the measure. The task force must review costs, possible third-party funding, station locations, and fire risks from lithium-ion batteries. The bill aims to protect delivery workers, who face daily hazards from unsafe charging and lack of city support. No votes have been held. The bill remains in committee.

• File Int 0194-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council calls on maritime importers to shift last-mile deliveries from trucks to boats. Streets choke on diesel rigs. Noise, fumes, danger follow. Waterways offer relief. The resolution sits in committee. Sponsors demand action. Vulnerable New Yorkers wait.

Res 0053-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The resolution urges 'top maritime importers to New York City ports to commit to making the City’s streets greener by reducing truck traffic and using marine vessels for last mile deliveries throughout the boroughs.' Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez leads as primary sponsor, joined by Avilés, Hudson, Salaam, Cabán, Ayala, Restler, Hanif, Won, Brooks-Powers, Nurse, Public Advocate Williams, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The measure responds to freight growth and truck congestion, which fuel pollution and endanger street users. The Council’s call aims to clear trucks from city streets, cut emissions, and make roads safer for everyone outside a car.

• File Res 0053-2024, 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 wants 500 solar-lit crosswalks. The bill sits in committee. Streets stay dark. Pedestrians wait. The city promises a study. Lawmakers push for light, but action lags. Danger remains while the council debates.

Int 0301-2024, introduced February 28, 2024, sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, status: Laid Over in Committee. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the installation of solar-powered crosswalks,' orders 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 department must also study their impact compared to unlit signs. Council Member Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Menin, Brooks-Powers, Rivera, Won, Narcisse, Hanks, Hanif, Bottcher, Brewer, Hudson, Schulman, and Avilés. The bill was laid over by committee on June 25, 2024. No safety analyst note was provided. Vulnerable road users remain exposed while the city delays action.

• File Int 0301-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council members push Albany to let cyclists treat stop signs as yields, red lights as stops. The resolution aims to cut conflict, keep riders moving, and match laws in safer cities. Pedestrian right-of-way stays untouched. The bill sits in committee.

Resolution 0185-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, calls on the State Legislature and Governor to pass S.2643/A.3986. The measure, introduced February 28, 2024, urges that 'bicyclists treat stop signs as yield signs, and red lights as stop signs.' Council Members Julie Won (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, Tiffany Cabán, and the Brooklyn Borough President (by request) back the move. The resolution highlights that similar laws in other states have improved safety for all road users. It stresses that pedestrian rights remain unchanged—cyclists must still yield. The bill reflects a shift toward laws that recognize the realities of cycling and aim to reduce deadly car-bike conflicts.

• File Res 0185-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill targets private car parking perks. No more city-issued permits for private vehicles without elected plates. Existing permits get revoked. Exemptions for disabled drivers and union contracts. Sponsors push to cut special treatment and reclaim curb space.

Int 0411-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, the bill reads: 'prohibiting the issuance of private vehicle parking permits and revoking such existing permits.' Council Members Julie Won (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, Gale Brewer, Christopher Marte, Erik Bottcher, Alexa Avilés, and the Brooklyn Borough President back the measure. They seek to stop city agencies from issuing parking permits to private vehicles unless the car belongs to an elected official. Permits for people with disabilities and those required by collective bargaining agreements are not affected. The bill repeals several administrative code sections tied to private parking privileges. Action aims to strip away special access, reduce curb abuse, and put public space back in public hands.

• File Int 0411-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

A box truck struck a 47-year-old man on a bike, crushing him. He was thrown, suffered fatal head trauma, and died on the cold street. The truck kept straight. The man did not move again.

A fatal collision occurred on Maurice Avenue when a box truck struck a 47-year-old male cyclist, according to the police report. The narrative states the cyclist was thrown, crushed, and killed, suffering head trauma. The police report notes the truck 'kept straight' as it struck the cyclist, who lay still after impact. The contributing factor listed by police is 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion,' but no specific driver error is cited in the data. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as recorded in the report, but this is not listed as a contributing factor to the crash. The violence of the impact and the truck's continued path underscore the danger faced by cyclists sharing streets with large vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705063, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A taxi turned left on Thomson Avenue. An SUV slammed its side. Metal screamed. Blood pooled as a woman in the back seat faded, semiconscious, her face split open, her belt holding her in place. The city’s danger pressed in.

A severe collision unfolded on Thomson Avenue when a taxi making a left turn was struck on its side by an SUV proceeding straight, according to the police report. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. Inside the taxi, a 49-year-old woman seated in the right rear position suffered severe facial lacerations and was found semiconscious, her lap belt and harness holding her in place. The narrative states, 'A taxi turned left. An SUV struck its side. Metal shrieked. In the back seat, a woman’s face split open. Blood pooled on the floor. She faded, semiconscious, her belt holding what the crash could not.' The violence of the impact and the cited driver inattention underscore the systemic dangers faced by passengers in New York City traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4702479, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

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 31-year-old man rode his e-scooter east on Queens Boulevard. The front end crumpled. He struck head-first, was ejected, and died alone in shock on the cold pavement. No helmet. No other vehicles listed. The street stayed silent.

A 31-year-old man riding an e-scooter east on Queens Boulevard near 73rd Street was killed. According to the police report, he struck head-first, was ejected, and died in shock on the pavement. The report states, 'The front end crumpled. He died in shock, alone on the cold pavement.' The only vehicle involved was the e-scooter. The police listed the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No other vehicles or people were named in the report. The man was not wearing a helmet, as noted after the absence of any specified driver errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692319, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A moped and taxi slammed head-on on Northern Boulevard. Metal shrieked. The 59-year-old moped rider, helmeted, died from massive facial injuries. The street fell silent. Inexperience and improper lane use drove the fatal impact.

A deadly crash unfolded on Northern Boulevard near 29th Street in Queens. A moped and a taxi collided head-on. The 59-year-old moped rider, wearing a helmet, was killed by severe facial injuries. According to the police report, 'Inexperience steered the crash.' The report lists 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The moped and taxi both suffered front-end damage. No injuries to the taxi driver were reported. The crash highlights the lethal consequences when driver errors—specifically inexperience and improper lane use—combine on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4682752, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Jeep rear-ended an Infiniti on Greenpoint Avenue. Metal folded. A 58-year-old woman in the front seat stayed belted. Her back broke. She was crushed but conscious. The crash left pain and wreckage behind.

A Jeep SUV struck the rear of a westbound Infiniti sedan on Greenpoint Avenue near Review Avenue. According to the police report, 'A Jeep slammed into the back of a westbound Infiniti. In the front seat, a 58-year-old woman stayed belted, conscious, and crushed. Her back broke where the metal folded. She did not fly out.' The front passenger, a 58-year-old woman, suffered a broken back and crush injuries. The police report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The injured woman was wearing a lap belt at the time of the crash. No other injuries were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4682263, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Metal screamed on the Long Island Expressway. A sedan merged east. A 23-year-old woman flew from the back seat and died. Her friend, 22, crushed in front, survived. Police found alcohol involved. The road was unforgiving. The night ended in blood.

A deadly crash tore through the Long Island Expressway at 4:29 a.m. A sedan merged eastbound. According to the police report, 'A 23-year-old woman, unbelted in the back, flew from the car and died. Her friend, 22, crushed in the front seat, lived. Alcohol was involved.' The crash involved a sedan and two SUVs, all traveling east. The report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' as a contributing factor. No other driver errors are specified. The 23-year-old woman was ejected and killed. The 22-year-old front passenger suffered crush injuries but survived. The police report does not list helmet or signal use as factors. The toll: one life lost, another scarred, and a road marked by reckless speed and alcohol.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4681105, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15