Dead in the Crosswalk, Ignored in City Hall

The city dropped plans to ban bikes on Rockaway’s boardwalk after fierce protest. Council Member Joann Ariola welcomed the reversal but demanded tougher enforcement against reckless cyclists. Locals pushed for clearer signs and marked lanes. The board voted for new safety measures.

On May 14, 2025, a proposed ban on bicycles along Rockaway Beach’s boardwalk was canceled after public backlash. The plan, discussed at a community board meeting, would have barred cyclists from Beach 108th to Beach 73rd Street during summer months. Council Member Joann Ariola, representing District 32, expressed relief at the reversal, stating, 'I’m glad that the Parks Department is going to continue allowing Rockaway residents to enjoy their bikes on the boardwalk this summer, but now we need real enforcement.' Instead of a ban, the Parks Department will increase signage and enforcement, especially near concessions. The community board voted 30-1 for new signs and called for marked bike lanes, an 8 mph speed limit, and clearer right-of-way rules. Board chair Dolores Orr stressed these safety improvements have been needed since the boardwalk’s post-Sandy rebuild.

• Controversial NYC boardwalk bicycle ban scrapped after local outrage, protests: ‘Bad timing’, nypost.com, Published 2025-05-14

On Belt Parkway, two cars collided. One driver suffered head injuries and was partially ejected. Police cite following too closely. Metal twisted, glass shattered. The crash left pain and questions in its wake.

Two vehicles, a sedan and an SUV, collided on Belt Parkway. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Following Too Closely.' One driver, a 57-year-old woman, was partially ejected and suffered head injuries and crush injuries. Three other occupants, including both drivers and a passenger, were listed with unspecified injuries. The police report notes that both vehicles sustained front-end damage. The data lists 'Following Too Closely' as the primary contributing factor. No other driver errors or contributing factors are mentioned. The report does not specify any actions by the injured parties that contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4810253, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Council passed a bill forcing taxis and for-hire cars to post warnings on rear doors. The decals tell riders to watch for cyclists before swinging open. The law aims to cut dooring. Signs come free from the city. Cyclists face less risk.

Int 0193-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, moved through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed the Council on May 1, 2025. The bill reads: 'requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door.' Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Jennifer Gutiérrez and a long list of co-sponsors. The Council voted overwhelmingly in favor. The law orders all taxis and for-hire vehicles to post warning decals on rear passenger doors, alerting riders to check for cyclists before opening. The Taxi and Limousine Commission will provide the signs at no cost. The measure targets dooring, a common threat to cyclists. The bill takes effect 120 days after becoming law.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-01

A soul singer crossed Woodhaven at Myrtle. A Yamaha motorcycle struck her. She died at Jamaica Hospital. The rider kept going as the light changed. Police have not charged him. Dreams ended in the street. The city moves on.

NY Daily News reported on April 27, 2025, that Breanna Henderson, 23, was fatally struck by a Yamaha motorcycle while crossing Woodhaven Blvd. at Myrtle Ave. in Queens. The crash happened around 2:20 a.m. as the traffic light turned from yellow to red. The article notes, 'the motorcyclist hit her as the light turned from yellow to red.' Police have not charged the 34-year-old rider, and the investigation continues. Henderson was returning home from a performance. The incident highlights the persistent dangers faced by pedestrians at major intersections and the risks posed by vehicles failing to yield during signal changes.

• Singer Killed Crossing Woodhaven Boulevard, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-27

A motorcycle roars through a red at Woodhaven Boulevard. Metal collides with flesh. A young woman, twenty-three, falls broken in the night. The street runs red. She dies there, as the city sleeps, struck down by speed and disregard.

According to the police report, a fatal crash occurred on Woodhaven Boulevard near 83rd Street in Queens at 2:20 a.m. A motorcycle, traveling north, 'barrels fast, ignoring the light.' The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors for the driver. The motorcycle struck a 23-year-old woman crossing at the intersection. The report states she was 'crossing against the signal,' but the focus remains on the driver's actions: running the light and speeding. The impact was severe, with the victim suffering fatal injuries to her entire body. The police narrative describes the scene: 'Metal strikes flesh. The street runs red. She dies there, whole body broken, as the city sleeps.' Driver error—disregard for traffic control and unsafe speed—stands at the center of this tragedy.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808010, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Council passed a law forcing DOT to post updates on every street safety project. Each month, the public will see which projects are planned, which are stalled, and which are done. No more hiding delays or cost overruns. Sunlight on every mile.

Bill Int 1105-2024, now on the Mayor's desk, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced November 13, 2024, and passed committee and full Council votes on April 10, 2025. The law, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan,' demands the Department of Transportation post annual and monthly updates on all benchmark projects—protected bike lanes, bus lanes, signals, and upgrades. Council Member Julie Won led as primary sponsor, joined by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others. The law requires public reporting on project status, funding, delays, and overruns. This measure brings hard oversight and transparency to the city’s street safety promises.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-04-10

A Ford SUV veered sharply on 87th Street as its driver lost consciousness. Two men, aged 31 and 67, were struck mid-block and killed. Parked cars shattered. The street fell silent. The deadly crash exposed the peril of driver incapacitation.

According to the police report, at 10:31 a.m. on 87th Street near Atlantic Avenue in Queens, a Ford SUV traveling south veered off course when the driver lost consciousness. The vehicle struck two men, aged 31 and 67, walking mid-block, killing them both with injuries to their entire bodies. The report highlights 'Lost Consciousness' as the primary contributing factor on the part of the SUV driver. Parked cars were also hit and damaged in the crash. No other driver errors or pedestrian behaviors were cited as contributing factors. This incident underscores the lethal risk posed by sudden driver incapacitation and the vulnerability of pedestrians outside intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801846, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

DOT will erase a car lane on Sixth Avenue. The bike lane grows from six to ten feet. Community Board 5 backs the plan. Critics shout about gridlock. Supporters call for safer streets. The city moves ahead. Cyclists and pedestrians wait.

On March 1, 2025, the NYC Department of Transportation announced a plan to remove one of four vehicle lanes on Sixth Avenue, Manhattan, expanding the bike lane from six to ten feet between West 14th and West 35th Streets. The proposal, presented to Community Board 5's transportation committee, passed with a 10-2 vote. The matter summary reads: 'DOT plans to widen the Sixth Avenue bike lane... eliminating one of the four vehicle lanes.' Council Member Joann Ariola, mentioned in the debate, strongly opposed the move, warning it 'will seriously impede emergency responders.' Other council members and residents voiced sharp criticism, calling the redesign dangerous and disruptive. DOT officials insist the plan is rooted in community input and data. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided for vulnerable road users.

• Car-hating NYC bureaucrats quietly making congestion worse with plan to cut vehicle lanes, nypost.com, Published 2025-03-01

City Council passed a law forcing DOT to repaint pavement markings within five days after resurfacing. Streets stripped bare by fresh asphalt must get lines back fast. Delays require public notice. The law aims to keep crosswalks and lanes visible, protecting walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced January 8, 2025, passed March 15, and became Local Law 28 of 2025. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law orders DOT to install pavement or temporary markings within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must post notices explaining the delay and set a new timeline. DOT must also report yearly on compliance. The law responds to a simple fact: missing markings mean danger for people on foot and bike. With this law, the city moves to close that deadly gap.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

MTA claims fewer cars and faster buses after congestion pricing. Councilwoman Joann Ariola calls the numbers fake. Critics say January is slow anyway. Some streets clear, others jammed. The toll divides the city. Vulnerable road users watch from the curb.

On January 13, 2025, Councilwoman Joann Ariola (District 32) publicly challenged the MTA’s first-week report on New York City’s congestion pricing plan. The MTA claimed, 'There is less traffic and quicker streets,' citing a 16% drop in Midtown traffic and faster bus times. Ariola dismissed the data as 'fugazi.' The plan, imposed by the state, began January 5 with a $9 toll per car. Critics, including Ariola, Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, questioned the numbers and economic impact. Susan Lee of New Yorkers Against Congestion Taxes noted, 'January is usually the slowest month,' and warned that some areas saw more congestion as drivers dodged tolls. The council’s debate highlights deep skepticism about the plan’s real effect on city streets and the daily safety of those outside cars.

• MTA touts success of first week of NYC congestion pricing plan — but do their numbers back up claims?, nypost.com, Published 2025-01-13

Steel buckled on Cross Bay Boulevard. A Chevy SUV, driver inattentive, rammed a stopped Jeep. The Jeep’s driver, thirty-four, strapped in, crushed and stunned, hurt everywhere. The crash left pain and shock in its wake.

A 2010 Chevy SUV struck a stopped Jeep from behind near 125th on Cross Bay Boulevard in Queens, according to the police report. The report states that the Chevy SUV was 'going straight ahead' when it collided with the Jeep, which was 'stopped in traffic.' The impact crumpled steel and left the 34-year-old Jeep driver with crush injuries to his entire body. He was found in shock, still strapped in his seat. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor in the crash, underscoring the danger of inattentive driving. No evidence in the report suggests any error or contributing factor on the part of the injured Jeep driver. The collision highlights the risks posed by distracted drivers to everyone on New York City streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4787298, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Five days. Five attacks. Blood on the subway rails. Cops, National Guard, Guardian Angels—none stopped the violence. Council members blast failed safety plans. Riders pay the price. City Hall promises change. Riders wait. Danger rides the rails.

On January 2, 2025, Councilwoman Inna Vernikov (District 48) joined other city officials responding to a spike in subway violence. The event, covered by nypost.com, details five consecutive days of stabbings, slashings, and a fatal arson, despite increased NYPD, National Guard, and Guardian Angels patrols. The matter summary reads: 'NYC subways have experienced five consecutive days of violent attacks, including stabbings, slashings, and a fatal arson, despite increased patrols.' Council members Joann Ariola, Robert Holden, and Joe Borelli criticized current safety measures and leadership, calling for stronger action. Mayor Eric Adams backed more police and mental health interventions, while Governor Hochul's National Guard deployment drew fire. City Hall pledged to work with Albany on the Supportive Interventions Act. No direct safety analyst assessment was provided for vulnerable road users.

• NYC subways have seen attacks for 5 days in a row — despite cops, National Guard and even the Guardian Angels on patrol, nypost.com, Published 2025-01-02

Steel met skull on Beach 116th. A sedan reversed. A 79-year-old man stepped from behind a parked car. He fell, head torn open, blood pooling on cold Queens pavement. The car showed no damage. The man stayed conscious, wounded and alone.

A 79-year-old pedestrian suffered severe head lacerations when a sedan reversed and struck him near Beach 116th Street, according to the police report. The incident occurred as the man 'stepped from behind a parked car.' The report states the sedan was 'backing unsafely,' directly citing this driver action as a contributing factor. The narrative details, 'Steel struck skull. He fell. Blood spread on the cold street.' Despite the impact, the vehicle showed 'no damage.' The pedestrian remained conscious at the scene, his 'head torn open.' The police report also lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a secondary factor, but the primary focus remains on the unsafe reversing maneuver by the driver. The collision underscores the lethal risk posed when drivers back unsafely, especially in areas with limited visibility.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785091, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Council wants autism warning plaques on city streets. Parents could request signs. The bill sits in committee. Sponsors say it alerts drivers. No proven safety gain for children. The city keeps counting on signs. Streets stay dangerous.

Int 1142-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced December 19, 2024. The bill is titled, "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing child with autism warning plaques on streets." Council Member Kevin C. Riley is the primary sponsor, joined by Ariola, Joseph, Moya, Won, Banks, Narcisse, Paladino, and Marmorato. Their action: referral to committee. The bill requires the Department of Transportation to install warning plaques at the request of a parent or guardian. It details the process for requesting, installing, and removing these signs. The stated aim is to alert motorists to the presence of a child with autism. There is no evidence these plaques reduce crashes or protect children. The city continues to rely on signage, not street redesign, to address systemic danger.

• File Int 1142-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-19

City Council passed a law forcing DOT to check with FDNY before approving open streets, bike lanes, or big street changes. Firehouses get notified. Council members and boards get updates. The law aims for more eyes, more voices, but adds hurdles for street redesigns.

Bill Int 0104-2024, now Local Law 6 of 2025, was enacted by the City Council on January 18, 2025, after passing both the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the full Council in December 2024. The law requires the Department of Transportation to consult with the Fire Department before approving open street applications, bicycle lane projects, or major transportation projects. The official matter title states the law amends the city code to require DOT to consult with FDNY and notify affected firehouses before moving forward. Primary sponsor Kalman Yeger, with co-sponsors including Joann Ariola, Robert Holden, Lynn Schulman, and others, pushed the bill through. The law expands notification and comment rights for firehouses and community boards, adding new steps before any street or lane changes. No safety analyst assessed the direct impact on vulnerable road users. The law’s effect: more agencies weigh in, but the process for safer streets grows longer and more complex.

• File Int 0104-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-19

Council bill Intro 103 forces DOT to notify members for every parking change. Critics say it slows life-saving street redesigns. Advocates warn it props up car culture and blocks safer bike lanes. The bill risks more sidewalk riding and fewer safe crossings.

Intro 103, now before the City Council, would require the Department of Transportation to notify Council members every time a single parking spot is repurposed—for car-share, bike corrals, or Citi Bike docks. The bill, sponsored by Council Member Joann Ariola, claims residents need notice before losing parking. But DOT and street safety advocates slam the measure as a bureaucratic drag on urgent safety fixes. Council Member Lincoln Restler calls it 'additional hoops and hurdles' for street safety. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso says, 'I don’t know why we entertain any effort to stop or slow-roll safe street design.' Open Plans and StreetsPAC argue the bill props up car dominance and blocks safer, more sustainable streets. The bill could make it harder to move bike infrastructure off sidewalks, risking more sidewalk riding and fewer safe crossings for pedestrians. Similar bills (Intro 606, Intro 104) face the same criticism.

• Council Members Want To Be Notified When City Repurposes ‘Their’ Parking, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-18

A sedan crashed into a parked SUV on Belt Parkway. Metal screamed. A 26-year-old man, belted and alone, suffered crushing injuries. The police report cites following too closely and driver inattention. The night swallowed the wreckage.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling westbound on Belt Parkway slammed into a parked SUV. The report states, 'A sedan slammed into a parked SUV. Metal tore. A 26-year-old man, belted and alone, crushed across the body.' The driver, a 26-year-old man, was injured and remained conscious after the crash, suffering injuries to his entire body. The police report explicitly lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The SUV was stationary at the time of the collision, while the sedan was moving straight ahead. The impact crushed the sedan's front end and damaged the SUV's rear. No mention is made of any victim behavior contributing to the crash. The report centers on driver error and the dangers of inattention behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775496, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A 2002 Suzuki motorcycle crashed hard at 1 a.m. on Jackie Robinson Parkway. The driver, 36, thrown and bleeding from the head. The passenger, 52, left with a torn leg. Helmets on. Both hit the ground. The road stayed quiet.

According to the police report, a 2002 Suzuki motorcycle crashed at 1 a.m. on Jackie Robinson Parkway. The report states, 'A 2002 Suzuki slammed headlong. The man, 36, thrown and bleeding from the head. The woman, 52, leg torn open.' Both occupants were ejected from the motorcycle and suffered severe lacerations—one to the head, the other to the lower leg. The report notes both wore helmets. The vehicle's point of impact was the center front end, and the motorcycle was traveling straight ahead. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified' for both the driver and passenger, providing no further detail on the cause. No evidence of victim error is cited. The crash left both individuals injured and the road silent.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773058, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A Ford pickup swung left on 107th Avenue. Its right bumper caught a 64-year-old woman crossing. Blood spilled from her head. The truck stood unmarked. She stayed conscious. The street fell silent, danger written in metal and flesh.

According to the police report, a Ford pickup truck made a left turn on 107th Avenue near 88th Street in Queens. The truck’s right front bumper struck a 64-year-old woman who was crossing the street. She suffered a head injury with severe bleeding but remained conscious at the scene. The report notes the vehicle was an 'Oversized Vehicle,' listing this as a contributing factor. The pickup showed no visible damage after the collision. The pedestrian was not in a marked crosswalk or at a signal, but the report does not cite this as a contributing factor—driver error and the oversized nature of the vehicle are explicitly highlighted. The incident underscores the lethal risk oversized vehicles pose to vulnerable road users in city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4772092, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A BMW SUV veered to change lanes on Belt Parkway. Steel screamed. The SUV slammed a sedan’s rear. The SUV driver, 25, died crushed inside. Airbag bloomed, useless. Speed and sudden movement left carnage and silence behind.

According to the police report, a BMW SUV traveling eastbound on Belt Parkway attempted a lane change at high speed. The SUV struck the rear of a sedan, causing catastrophic damage. The report details that the SUV's driver, a 25-year-old man, was killed in the crash, his body crushed inward despite the deployment of the airbag and use of a lap belt. The sedan, an Acura, was traveling straight ahead when it was hit. The police report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor, highlighting the systemic danger of excessive speed during lane changes. No contributing factors are attributed to the sedan’s driver. The violence of the impact underscores the lethal consequences when speed and abrupt maneuvers combine on city highways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4769296, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14