Queens Streets Bleed While City Stalls

Council passed a law to overhaul city truck routes. The bill orders daylighting at intersections and new signage. It aims to cut crashes, boost visibility, and shrink truck miles. Sponsors demand safer streets for people on foot and bike. Change is now law.

Int 0708-2022, now Local Law 171 of 2023, was enacted by the City Council on December 16, 2023, after passing the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The law, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to redesigning the city truck route network," requires the Department of Transportation to redesign truck routes to "improve safety, increase visibility, reduce traffic congestion, and reduce vehicle miles traveled." Council Member Tiffany Cabán led as primary sponsor, joined by dozens of co-sponsors. The law mandates daylighting—removing parking near intersections—to clear sight lines for drivers and protect people crossing. DOT must consult with safety groups, residents, and businesses, and replace truck route signage for better clarity. The law sets deadlines: initial report by November 2023, implementation by June 2024, and new signage by July 2024. This overhaul targets the deadly risk trucks pose to vulnerable road users at city intersections.

• File Int 0708-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-11-15

Parks closed Queensbridge Greenway with no warning. Cyclists lost their only safe route. Barricades blocked all. After outcry, Parks swapped chains for bollards. Cars kept out. Cyclists returned. The bike lane gap on Vernon Boulevard remains. Relief, but danger persists.

On October 27, 2023, the Parks Department reopened the Queensbridge Greenway after a sudden closure. The closure, prompted by Council Member Julie Won’s concerns about cars and mopeds endangering park users, left cyclists stranded. Parks gave no explanation, then removed chained fencing and installed three bollards to block cars. Won met with Parks and pushed for a solution, but declined to say if she supports a continuous protected bike lane on Vernon Boulevard. The matter summary: 'The Parks Department reopened the greenway path through Queensbridge Park less than 48 hours after Streetsblog reported the abrupt, unexplained closure of a crucial cycling route.' Cyclists and advocates welcomed the reopening but criticized the lack of notice and the ongoing gap in protected bike infrastructure. Won is also working with DOT and NYCHA to install more barriers in nearby parks. The greenway remains the only protected route for cyclists in the area.

• BACK OPEN: City Swaps Barricades for Bollards After Abruptly Closing Queensbridge Greenway, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-27

A sedan swung broadside on 44 Road. An e-scooter hit hard. The rider, thirty-three, flew from his seat. He landed torn and bleeding under the streetlights. Driver inattention ruled the night. The helmet stayed on. The pain did not.

A crash unfolded on 44 Road near 21st Street in Queens. A sedan making a U-turn crossed paths with an e-scooter traveling straight. The e-scooter struck the sedan’s left front quarter panel. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was listed as the contributing factor for both vehicles. The 33-year-old e-scooter rider was ejected and suffered severe lacerations across his body. He remained conscious at the scene. The report notes the rider wore a helmet, but only after citing driver inattention as the primary cause. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673848, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

City shut the Queensbridge Park greenway without warning. Barricades forced cyclists onto Vernon Boulevard, a busy, unprotected street. Council Member Julie Won’s office claimed credit, then denied responsibility. No safe detour exists. Cyclists now face cars and trucks. Danger rises.

On October 24, 2023, city officials abruptly closed a key segment of the Queensbridge Park greenway. No public input, no warning. Metal barricades blocked entrances, pushing cyclists into traffic on Vernon Boulevard. The Parks Department refused comment. Council Member Julie Won’s office first took credit, citing 'valid concerns' about e-bikes and cars near children. Later, Won’s spokesperson Jenna Laing said Parks made the call. The council member declined further comment. The matter summary reads: 'City abruptly shuts Queens greenway segment, putting cyclists in danger.' Residents and advocates condemned the move, noting the city’s slow pace on new bike lanes but swift removal of existing ones. Advocates like Laura Shepard called for protected lanes or bollards. The district has high rates of bike injuries. No safe alternative has been provided. Cyclists remain exposed.

• City Abruptly Shuts Queens Greenway Segment, Putting Cyclists in Danger; Council Member Takes Credit, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-24

Council passed a law forcing DOT to report cars with unreadable plates dodging cameras. The bill targets drivers hiding their plates from red light and speed cameras. Reports must show where, when, and how plates go unseen. Data goes public, every quarter.

Int 0712-2022, now enacted as Local Law 155 of 2023, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the full Council on October 19, 2023. The law, sponsored by Gale A. Brewer with co-sponsors including Erik D. Bottcher, Lincoln Restler, and others, amends the city code to require the Department of Transportation to report on vehicles with license plates unreadable by photo violation monitoring systems. The law’s title states it is 'in relation to reporting on motor vehicles with license plates that are unreadable by photo violation monitoring systems.' DOT must post quarterly reports showing the time, location, and reasons plates evade cameras—whether by concealment, distortion, or missing tags. The law aims to expose drivers who dodge automated enforcement, shining light on a loophole that puts pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The reports must be public and sent to the Mayor and Council Speaker.

• File Int 0712-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-10-19

Council passed Int 1164-2023. The law forces DOT to map out where street safety money goes. It tracks past investment, crash rates, and who gets left behind. The city must show its work, district by district. No more hiding the gaps.

Int 1164-2023, now enacted, amends the city code to require an 'investment roadmap' in every Streets Master Plan starting December 1, 2026. The bill moved through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passing on October 19, 2023, and became law on November 19, 2023. The law states: 'The department shall prioritize and promote...the safety of all street users...and improving equity in infrastructure investment.' Sponsored by Kevin C. Riley (primary), with Brooks-Powers, Narcisse, Hanif, Brewer, Restler, and Rivera as co-sponsors, the bill demands DOT report, by neighborhood, on safety infrastructure investment, crash rates, and demographics. It shines a light on which districts get safety upgrades and which are left exposed. The roadmap aims to close the gap for underserved areas, forcing transparency and accountability for every dollar spent on street safety.

• File Int 1164-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-10-19

A motorcycle tore down 69th Street. Wrong lane. Steel met steel. The rider, 29, flew from the seat. Legs crushed. He wore a helmet. He stayed awake. Northbound ended in pain on 50th Avenue.

A 29-year-old man riding a 2021 Honda motorcycle crashed head-on at 69th Street and 50th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the motorcycle 'slammed head-on.' The rider was ejected and suffered crush injuries to his legs but remained conscious. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor. The crash involved the motorcycle traveling north and another vehicle traveling south, both with center front-end damage. The rider wore a helmet, as noted in the report. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4670641, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Honda sedan plowed into two stopped cars on Borden Avenue. Metal screamed. A 57-year-old man lost part of his arm. His hand crushed where speed met steel. The crash left blood on the morning. The city moved on.

A violent crash unfolded on Borden Avenue near Greenpoint Avenue. According to the police report, a Honda sedan struck two vehicles stopped in traffic. The impact tore through metal. A 57-year-old man, belted and conscious, suffered a traumatic arm amputation. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The data shows no errors by the injured man. The crash involved a BMW SUV and two Honda sedans. The force of the collision crushed the victim’s hand and arm. The morning commute became a scene of pain and loss.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4662214, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A sedan slammed into an eastbound e-bike on Greenpoint Avenue near Borden. The rider, 27, went down hard. Blood pooled. Head injury. Sirens broke the silence. Traffic signals meant nothing. Steel met flesh. The street stayed dangerous.

A sedan collided head-on with an eastbound e-bike on Greenpoint Avenue near Borden Avenue. The 27-year-old e-bike rider suffered a severe head injury and was found unconscious, bleeding heavily. According to the police report, 'Traffic signals ignored. Speed unchecked.' The crash report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating the sedan driver failed to obey traffic signals. The e-bike rider was not blamed for the crash. No mention of helmet use or signaling was listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights the danger when drivers disregard traffic controls, leaving vulnerable road users exposed to grave harm.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653367, 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

The Council passed a law forcing DOT to map every bike lane, hazard, and obstruction. Cyclists and pedestrians get a clear look at danger. The searchable map must show blocked lanes, crash sites, and repairs. No more hiding unsafe streets.

Int 0289-2022, now Local Law 124 of 2023, was enacted by the City Council on September 3, 2023, after passing the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The law requires the Department of Transportation to publish a monthly-updated, searchable map of all city bike lanes. The map must show obstructions, construction, crash patterns, shared paths, conflict points, resurfacing, parking, bike share docks, open streets, repair shops, and reporting tools. The bill’s matter title reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to develop a map of bicycle infrastructure conditions.' Council Member Crystal Hudson sponsored the bill, joined by Rivera, Sanchez, Stevens, Yeger, Restler, Avilés, and others. The law brings sunlight to hidden hazards, giving vulnerable road users the facts they need to see the city’s dangers in plain sight.

• File Int 0289-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-08-03

A 33-year-old man walked the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. A southbound Ford SUV hit him head-on. The crash killed him. No crosswalk. The road fell silent. Headlights caught the end. Another life lost to steel and speed.

A 33-year-old man was killed when a 2005 Ford SUV struck him head-on as he walked on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway at night. According to the police report, 'A man, 33, walked the dark roadway. A southbound 2005 Ford SUV struck him head-on. No crosswalk. No time to stop.' The pedestrian suffered fatal injuries to his entire body. The crash occurred away from any intersection. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors were detailed in the data. The victim was not described as using any safety equipment, and no mention of helmet or signals appears in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4646702, 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

Night on Vernon Boulevard. A woman on a bike hits an SUV’s side. She flies off, head bleeding, still conscious. Her wheel twists. The SUV’s door buckles. Darkness and confusion fill the street. The crash leaves scars and questions.

A 32-year-old woman riding north on Vernon Boulevard collided with the side of a station wagon/SUV near midnight. According to the police report, the cyclist was ejected from her bike and suffered a head injury with severe bleeding. She remained conscious at the scene. The report notes, 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as contributing factors. The SUV’s left side doors were crumpled by the impact, and the cyclist’s front wheel was twisted. The report also states the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but this is mentioned only after the listed contributing factors. The crash unfolded in darkness, with limited visibility and confusion playing a role.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4642535, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A box truck and an e-bike turned right on rain-slick Northern Boulevard. The cyclist went down. His leg split open. Blood pooled on the street. The truck kept moving. The man stayed conscious, pain sharp, asphalt wet.

A box truck and a Citibike rider both turned right at Northern Boulevard and 37th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the pavement was slippery from rain. The cyclist, a 32-year-old man, lost control and crashed. His leg suffered a severe, bleeding injury. The truck was not damaged and did not stop. The police report lists 'Pavement Slippery' as a contributing factor. No driver errors were cited for the truck. The cyclist was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. The man remained conscious at the scene.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4640116, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A motorcycle struck a turning sedan on Northern Boulevard. The rider, 42, flew from his seat. His arm torn, blood pooling on the street. Both drivers distracted. The doors crumpled. The silence after was louder than the crash.

A motorcycle collided with a sedan at Northern Boulevard and 49th Street in Queens. The 42-year-old motorcycle rider was ejected and suffered severe lacerations to his arm. According to the police report, 'Both drivers distracted.' The crash occurred as the sedan made a left turn and the motorcycle traveled straight. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both vehicles. The rider was helmeted and conscious after impact. The sedan's right-side doors were crushed. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634478, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

DOT delayed the Queensboro Bridge pedestrian path for the fourth time. Cyclists and walkers remain crammed together. Council Member Julie Won called out the danger. DOT blames supply chain woes. Lives hang in the balance while cars keep their lanes.

On May 23, 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced at a City Council hearing that the dedicated pedestrian path on the Queensboro Bridge would be delayed until at least mid-2024. This is the fourth delay for the project, which was originally promised by the end of 2022. The matter, discussed in the Council, centers on transforming the south outer roadway from a car lane into a pedestrian path, giving cyclists sole access to the north outer roadway. Council Member Julie Won (D-Astoria) expressed frustration, stating, 'It was announced that it would be open in 2022 ... and last year you said that it may be 2024. You now have a delayed update again.' Won highlighted the life-and-death risk for vulnerable users forced to share a narrow, overcrowded path. DOT First Deputy Commissioner Margaret Forgione cited supply chain issues, especially with paint, as the reason for the delay, but refused to cede a car lane, citing traffic concerns. Advocacy group Bike New York's Jon Orcutt urged the city to test weekend closures for cars. The delay keeps pedestrians and cyclists in harm’s way.

• Not Again: Queensboro Bridge Pedestrian Path Delayed Til ‘Mid-2024’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-23

Steel and rubber slammed together on the Long Island Expressway. A box truck, SUV, and motorcycle collided. The biker, 51, was crushed. His leg shattered. Blood pooled. Engines cooled. The road did not stop.

A violent crash unfolded on the Long Island Expressway near Vandam Street in Queens. According to the police report, a box truck, an SUV, and a motorcycle collided. The 51-year-old motorcyclist was crushed, suffering severe injuries to his leg. The report states: 'The biker, 51, was crushed beneath steel and rubber. His leg shattered. He stayed awake. Engines cooled. Blood pooled. The road kept moving.' Police listed 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as a contributing factor. No other injuries were reported for the truck or SUV occupants. The motorcyclist wore a helmet, as noted in the data, but the crash left him badly hurt. The system failed to protect the most vulnerable.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629055, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Mercedes SUV hit an e-bike on Roosevelt Avenue. The SUV driver failed to yield. A 22-year-old woman riding as passenger was crushed at the legs. She stayed conscious. Steel and inattention met flesh. The street bore the cost.

A Mercedes SUV struck an eastbound e-bike near Roosevelt Avenue and 69th Street in Queens. According to the police report, the SUV driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive. The crash crushed the legs of a 22-year-old woman riding as a passenger on the e-bike. She remained conscious after the impact. The e-bike rider, a 28-year-old man, was unlicensed, but the report centers driver errors as the cause. The police report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628996, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A taxi and sedan crashed head-on on Northern Boulevard. Steel tore steel. A young woman in the back seat bled from the face. The sedan driver had no license. Lane misuse and failure to yield fueled the wreck. Three people left hurt.

A taxi and a sedan collided head-on on Northern Boulevard. According to the police report, 'A taxi and a southbound sedan slammed head-on. A 25-year-old woman in the back seat bled from the face. She wore a harness. The sedan driver had no license.' Three people were injured: the 25-year-old rear passenger suffered severe facial bleeding, the sedan driver had minor eye bleeding, and the taxi driver complained of neck pain. The police report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The sedan driver was unlicensed at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4624514, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15