Linden Boulevard Bleeds—How Many Dead Before Council Acts?

An SUV turned left on Sutphin Boulevard. The bumper hit an 84-year-old woman in the crosswalk. Blood pooled. She crossed with the light. The driver kept turning. She was left injured on the street.

An 84-year-old woman was struck by a southbound SUV while crossing Sutphin Boulevard at 107th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, she was in the crosswalk and had the signal. The SUV turned left and its bumper struck her head, causing severe bleeding. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The woman suffered a head injury. The driver, an 82-year-old man, continued the turn after impact. No other injuries were reported. The crash highlights the danger faced by pedestrians, even when following the signal.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4542250, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A sedan swung wide on 114th Street. The driver used a cell phone. A motorcycle slammed into the rear. The rider, 27, bled from his shoulder. He lay still. The phone kept ringing. Streets in Queens stayed loud and dangerous.

A crash unfolded on 114th Street near North Conduit Avenue in Queens. A sedan, making a U-turn, was struck in the rear by a motorcycle. The 27-year-old motorcyclist suffered severe lacerations to his shoulder and upper arm. According to the police report, the sedan driver was using a hand-held cell phone at the time of the collision. The report lists 'Cell Phone (hand-Held)' as a contributing factor. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the data, but the primary cause cited is driver distraction. No injuries were reported for the sedan occupants. The crash highlights the danger of distraction behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4541854, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Park Slope pedestrian was hit by a driver with 12 camera tickets. No law stopped him. Council leaders blocked tougher penalties. Repeat offenders keep driving. The city’s system protects dangerous drivers. Victims pay the price. Streets remain unsafe.

This case centers on City Council inaction regarding escalating fines for repeat camera violations. A driver with nine speeding and three red light tickets struck a pedestrian in Park Slope on June 17, 2022. Despite this record, the driver faced no license consequences. A state bill to expand speed camera hours originally included escalating fines for repeat offenders, but Council leaders refused to approve that provision. Other bills to count camera tickets toward license penalties also failed due to lack of Council support. Assembly Member Bill Magnarelli supported cameras and future escalating fines, while Council Speaker Adrienne Adams declined comment. The matter highlights a system where, as one witness said, 'government chooses not to hold drivers accountable.' The city’s refusal to act leaves reckless drivers on the road and vulnerable users at risk.

• CYCLE OF RAGE: Another Ticking Time Bomb Goes Off in Park Slope, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-06-17

City leaders struck a budget deal. $53 million goes to the Streets Master Plan—far less than the Council wanted. Advocates call it a step, not a leap. The mayor and speaker skipped safety talk. Streets still wait for real protection.

On June 13, 2022, the City Council and Mayor Adams reached a budget agreement, allocating $53 million in operating funds for the Department of Transportation for the fiscal year starting July 1. This is a down payment on the mayor's promised $904 million for the Streets Master Plan, but falls short of the Council's $3.1 billion ask to double the plan's targets. The plan mandates 250 miles of protected bike lanes, 150 miles of dedicated bus lanes, and new public plazas. The official matter summary notes, 'the agreement provided far less for street safety projects than the Council originally sought.' Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Mayor Adams announced the deal, but neither mentioned street safety in their press conference. Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, chair of the Transportation Committee, did not comment. Advocates praised the funding as a significant step, but stressed the need for strong implementation to protect vulnerable road users.

• THE HANDSHAKE: Budget Deal Seals Big Funding for Safety … But Much Less Than the Council Sought, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-06-13

Council members clash over speed camera expansion. Some demand revenue for local safety fixes. Others fear 24/7 cameras target Black and brown neighborhoods. Lives hang in the balance. The fight is not just in Albany. It’s here, on city streets.

Bill SB5602, now under City Council debate, would expand speed camera hours and stiffen penalties. The Council’s support for a required home rule message remains uncertain. The measure’s summary: 'Mayor Adams seeks Albany's approval to reauthorize NYC's speed camera program.' Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers backs home rule and cameras but questions where the money goes: 'Does DOT receive back any revenue?' Council Member Charles Barron supports cameras near schools but is noncommittal on home rule, noting, 'We have some of the highest fatalities and accidents, yet we don't see the highest amount of resources.' Speaker Adrienne Adams has voiced skepticism, calling cameras a way to 'nickel and dime' New Yorkers. Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson warns 24/7 cameras could hit Black and brown communities hardest. Assembly Member Dick Gottfried supports cameras and home rule, but many lawmakers hesitate. Advocates urge using revenue for street redesigns in underinvested areas. The debate exposes deep divides over equity, enforcement, and the city’s duty to protect its most vulnerable.

• Not Just Albany: Council Members Also Wary on Speed Cameras … Unless Mayor Allocates Money to their Districts, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-05-16

A new study finds support for traffic cameras jumps when racial justice is part of the pitch. Reminding people of police bias and violence sways opinion. Seventy-one percent back cameras with this framing, compared to fifty-seven percent without it.

On April 25, 2022, researchers released a study titled 'Can A Racial Justice Frame Help Overcome Opposition to Automated Traffic Enforcement?'. The study is not a council bill, but it shapes policy debate. It found that support for automated enforcement—like speed and red-light cameras—increased from 57% to 71% when survey participants were told about racial bias in police traffic stops and the potential for cameras to reduce violent encounters. The study's summary states: 'An interpersonal racial justice frame increases support for traffic safety cameras.' The research follows scrutiny of camera enforcement in New York City and Chicago. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams has echoed concerns about equity, noting speed cameras may disproportionately impact communities of color. The study highlights that framing enforcement as a racial justice issue can shift public opinion and may help reduce police encounters that endanger Black and Latino New Yorkers.

• Support For Camera Enforcement Increases When Put in Racial Justice Context, Study Finds, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-04-25

A new study finds support for traffic cameras jumps when racial justice is front and center. Framing cameras as an alternative to biased police stops sways public opinion. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams echoes concerns about burden on communities of color.

On April 25, 2022, a public research release highlighted a study titled 'Can A Racial Justice Frame Help Overcome Opposition to Automated Traffic Enforcement?' The study found that support for traffic safety cameras rose from 57 percent to 71 percent when participants heard about racial bias in police stops and the potential for cameras to reduce violent encounters. The matter summary states, 'Most Americans support traffic safety cameras, especially when framed in the context of racial justice.' Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, District 28, was mentioned in the report, expressing concern that speed cameras may disproportionately burden communities of color. The study underscores that police are 40 percent more likely to stop Black drivers, and 88 percent of suspended license arrests in NYC last year were people of color. The findings suggest that racial justice framing can shift public opinion and may help replace police stops with automated enforcement.

• Support For Camera Enforcement Increases When Put in Racial Justice Context, Study Finds, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-04-25

Mayor Adams wants $904 million for safer streets. Bike lanes, bus lanes, pedestrian zones. The plan falls short of Council demands. Traffic deaths are up. The city lags behind global leaders. The fight for safer roads continues. Vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

On April 23, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced a $904 million budget proposal for street redesign and safety improvements in New York City. The plan, tied to the 2019 'streets master plan' law, aims to add 250 miles of protected bike lanes and 150 miles of bus lanes by 2026. The proposal, described as a 'historic investment,' must be negotiated with the City Council by June. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams is involved in ongoing talks. The mayor’s plan is less ambitious than the Council’s $3.1 billion proposal, which would add 500 miles of bike lanes and more pedestrian plazas. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez admitted delays in upgrading bike lane barriers. The announcement comes as fatal crashes surge—traffic deaths rose 44% in early 2022. Mayor Adams called for action against dangerous drivers, underscoring the urgent need for safer streets.

• Mayor Adams proposes $904M investment for overhaul of NYC’s streets, hailing ‘historic’ makeover, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-04-23

Mayor Adams pledged $900 million for protected bike and bus lanes. Council Member Lincoln Restler called it a dramatic step for street safety. The sum falls short of Council’s ask, but promises hardened lanes and real barriers for cyclists and bus riders.

On April 23, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced a $900 million budget proposal for street safety infrastructure. The plan, part of ongoing budget talks, aims to fund hundreds of miles of protected bike and bus lanes, plus concrete barriers. Council Member Lincoln Restler of District 33, a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, praised the move as 'a very clear commitment to addressing street safety across the five boroughs.' The proposal supports the Streets Master Plan, which mandates 250 miles of protected bike lanes and 150 miles of protected bus lanes in five years. Restler emphasized that the funding will harden bike lanes, replacing paint with physical barriers to keep cars out and protect cyclists. The Council had requested $3.1 billion, but Restler called the $900 million a dramatic investment. The budget must be finalized by June 30.

• Mayor Adams pledges more than $900 million to enhancing traffic safety, gothamist.com, Published 2022-04-23

Mayor Adams wants $904 million to rebuild city streets. He promises new bike lanes, bus lanes, and safer spaces for people. The plan follows a deadly spike in crashes. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams joins the talks. The money falls short of Council demands.

On April 23, 2022, Mayor Adams announced a $904 million budget proposal for street redesign and safety improvements. The plan, discussed with Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (District 28), aims to add hundreds of miles of protected bike and bus lanes and revamp pedestrian spaces. The mayor called it a 'historic investment' and said, 'We must do our part, and that is to ensure that the pathways are safe.' The proposal fulfills a 2019 law mandating a citywide streets master plan but offers less than the $3.1 billion the Council sought. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez admitted delays in upgrading bike lane barriers. The announcement comes as fatal crashes rise sharply, underscoring the urgent need for safer streets.

• Mayor Adams proposes $904M investment for overhaul of NYC streets, hailing ‘historic’ makeover, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-04-23

Mayor Adams will expand the Clean Curbs trash bin program to every borough. The city aims to clear sidewalks of garbage bags. Council leaders back the move. BIDs will help. No timeline yet. The plan faces hurdles but promises cleaner, safer streets for all.

On April 21, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced the city will extend its limited Clean Curbs pilot program to all five boroughs. The program, funded with a $1.3 million citywide budget, installs curbside trash enclosures to reduce sidewalk garbage. The first bins appeared at Seventh Avenue and W. 41st Street in Manhattan, with Brooklyn next. Speaker Adrienne Adams praised the pilot, saying, 'New Yorkers deserve to live in communities that are safe and clean.' The Council prioritized this effort in its Preliminary Budget Response. Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are key partners, though some worry about privatizing public space. The program faces logistical and political hurdles, including site plans and maintenance agreements. Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi called it 'a new vision' for safer, cleaner public spaces. The expansion aims to clear sidewalks, making streets safer for pedestrians and all vulnerable road users.

• City Will Extend Tiny Clean Curbs Program to All Boroughs, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-04-21

City Council demands $3.1 billion for safer streets. Speaker Adrienne Adams leads the call. The plan promises hundreds of miles of bike lanes, bus lanes, and car-free busways. The mayor reviews the proposal. Streets remain dangerous. Action is urgent.

On April 4, 2022, the New York City Council, led by Speaker Adrienne Adams (District 28), called for $3.1 billion in the city budget to fund the Streets Master Plan. The proposal, now under review by the mayor, would expand street infrastructure: 500 miles of new bus lanes, 500 miles of protected bike lanes, 38 million square feet of pedestrian space, and 40 miles of car-free busways. The Council's matter title urges the mayor to 'reimagine the city’s streetscape with new bike paths, bus lanes and pedestrian space.' Adams emphasized the need for 'robust investments that strengthen our communities and deliver opportunities for all New Yorkers.' Transportation Alternatives and advocates back the plan, citing its benefits for under-resourced neighborhoods. The Department of Transportation’s own plan admits a funding gap. The Council’s push aims to close it and put safety first.

• Council calls for $3 billion to reimagine the city’s streetscape, crainsnewyork.com, Published 2022-04-04

City Council demands $3.1 billion for safer streets. Speaker Adrienne Adams leads the call. The plan promises hundreds of miles of new bus lanes, protected bike paths, and vast pedestrian zones. The mayor weighs the proposal. The city’s future hangs in the balance.

On April 4, 2022, the City Council, led by Speaker Adrienne Adams (District 28), called for a $3.1 billion investment in the city’s Streets Master Plan. The proposal, now under budget review, seeks to fund at least 500 miles of new bus lanes, 500 miles of protected bike lanes, 38 million square feet of pedestrian space, and 40 miles of car-free busways. The Council’s action responds to the mayor’s $98.5 billion budget and aims to surpass the targets set by the Department of Transportation’s NYC Streets Plan. Adams stated, “To secure an equitable recovery for our city and improve public safety, we must focus on robust investments that strengthen our communities.” The Council’s push highlights the urgent need for safe, accessible streets and addresses the city’s funding gap for critical infrastructure.

• Council calls for $3B to reimagine the city’s streetscape, crainsnewyork.com, Published 2022-04-04

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams demands $3.1 billion extra for buses, bikes, and walkers. The plan calls for hundreds of new bus and bike lanes, plus more space for people on foot. City Hall hesitates. Streets remain dangerous. Negotiations grind on.

On April 3, 2022, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (District 28) led a push to boost the NYC Streets Plan budget by $3.1 billion. The proposal, responding to Mayor Eric Adams’s $98.5 billion budget, seeks 'robust investments that strengthen our communities and deliver opportunities for all New Yorkers.' The Council wants at least 500 miles of new bus lanes, 500 miles of protected bike lanes, 40 miles of busways, and 38 million square feet of pedestrian space. Adams’s advocacy comes as the Department of Transportation admits it lacks resources to meet even current targets, and the Mayor calls for agency cuts. The proposal remains under negotiation before the July 1 budget deadline. The Council’s plan centers vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, and bus riders—by demanding more space and protection from cars.

• Dollars and street $ense: City Council wants $3 billion more in city budget for ‘Streets Plan’, amny.com, Published 2022-04-03

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams demands $3.1 billion for bike lanes, bus lanes, and car-free busways. The plan dwarfs past efforts. It would rip out car space, open streets to people, and speed up buses. The mayor’s budget cuts face fierce resistance.

On April 3, 2022, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams led the City Council in calling for a $3.1 billion investment in street redesign. The proposal, part of the council’s response to the mayor’s $98.5 billion preliminary budget, seeks to expand protected bike lanes to 500 miles, bus lanes to 500 miles, and add 38 million feet of pedestrian space. The council’s plan also introduces 40 miles of car-free busways, a benchmark not found in the mayor’s plan or previous legislation. Adams and other council leaders argue this funding is vital, stating, 'To secure an equitable recovery for our city and improve public safety, we must focus on robust investments.' Transit advocates back the plan, urging the mayor to support safer, more accessible streets for all New Yorkers.

• Council calls for 'unprecedented' $3.1 billion streets plan commitment, gothamist.com, Published 2022-04-03

A Honda tore down Belt Parkway at 4 a.m. The driver looked away. A tire failed. The car smashed into a parked Infiniti. Blood pooled in the back seat. Three women hurt. Metal twisted. The night held its breath.

On Belt Parkway, a 2008 Honda sedan crashed into a parked Infiniti at 4 a.m. Several passengers were injured, including a 20-year-old woman with severe head bleeding and two others with pain across their bodies. According to the police report, 'A 2008 Honda slammed into a parked Infiniti. A tire failed. The driver looked away.' The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Tire Failure/Inadequate' as contributing factors. Multiple passengers suffered injuries, but all remained conscious. Lap belts were in use. The crash left the Honda’s front end crushed and the Infiniti’s rear smashed. No pedestrians were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4513784, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Nissan tore down South Conduit Avenue. The driver lost control. The car slammed hard. Metal folded. A 19-year-old woman in the front seat died. The driver, also 19, survived with pain. Speed killed. The night swallowed her quiet.

A 2001 Nissan sedan crashed on South Conduit Avenue. According to the police report, the car struck at high speed. The front end crumpled. A 19-year-old woman riding in the front passenger seat suffered fatal neck injuries and died at the scene. The 19-year-old male driver was injured, reporting pain and nausea. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the main contributing factor. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The data does not mention helmet or signal use as factors. The crash left one young woman dead and another young man hurt. The night ended in silence and steel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4514831, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Nissan tore down 140th Street and smashed into three parked sedans. The driver bled from the head but stayed awake. The street was quiet. Metal crumpled. Police said alcohol played a role. No bystanders were hurt. The cars never moved.

A 2003 Nissan sedan crashed into three parked cars on 140th Street near 130th Avenue in Queens. The 29-year-old male driver suffered a head injury and severe bleeding but remained conscious. According to the police report, 'alcohol was involved.' The parked vehicles—two sedans from New York and one from Georgia—were unoccupied and stationary. No pedestrians, cyclists, or bystanders were reported injured. The police report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' as a contributing factor in the crash. The data shows no helmet or signal issues. The impact left the parked cars damaged and the driver hurt, highlighting the danger when drivers operate under the influence.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4512040, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams cast doubt on speed cameras. She echoed claims they are cash grabs, not safety tools. Her words clashed with data and advocates. Victims’ families pushed back. The city’s record shows cameras cut speeding and crashes.

On January 21, 2022, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams made public statements on WNYC questioning New York City’s speed camera program. She echoed a caller’s claim that cameras are 'a money-making operation and not really as a safety situation,' and suggested cameras may not be near schools as required. Adams said, 'Speed cameras, we’re gonna talk about that because we happen to be sharing the same concerns here in southeast Queens.' Her stance contrasts with former Speaker Corey Johnson’s support for speed cameras. Advocates and families of crash victims responded, citing data that cameras reduce speeding and collisions. Evidence shows cameras are placed in high-speed areas and only ticket drivers exceeding the limit by 11 mph or more. The Department of Transportation did not comment, and Adams did not clarify her remarks.

• Speaker Adams Offers Misinformation on Speed Cameras, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-01-21