District 32’s deadly roads: Belt, Woodhaven, Cross Bay

Jun 26 - A man on a motorcycle died after being ejected on Jackie Robinson Parkway. Head injury. Helmet listed. Police cite unspecified factors. The road claimed another life. No other injuries reported.

A 39-year-old man riding a motorcycle east on Jackie Robinson Parkway was killed after being ejected from his bike. According to the police report, the rider suffered a fatal head injury and was wearing a helmet. The report lists 'Unspecified' as the contributing factor. No other injuries were reported. The crash left the motorcycle damaged on its left front quarter panel. The police report does not name any specific driver errors or outside causes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4823332 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 23 - A pickup fleeing police struck Amanda Servedio on her bike. The crash hurled her thirty feet. She died at the scene. The driver, Bekim Fiseku, ran. Police chased him through residential streets. Eight months later, they made an arrest.

According to NY Daily News (2025-06-23), Amanda Servedio, 37, was killed when a Dodge Ram pickup, fleeing NYPD officers, struck her at 37th St. and 34th Ave. in Queens. The driver, Bekim Fiseku, was wanted for burglary and had tape over his license plate. Police chased him nearly a mile through residential streets. A witness said, "She went airborne. She flew like 30 feet. It was a lot of force." The article highlights concerns about NYPD's pursuit tactics, quoting the victim's father: "It was probably not the place to be doing a high-speed chase, in the residential neighborhood." Fiseku faces murder and manslaughter charges. The case raises questions about the risks of police chases in dense city neighborhoods.

• Police Chase Ends With Cyclist Killed, NY Daily News, Published 2025-06-23

Jun 22 - Two sedans crashed in Queens. Five men hurt. One suffered neck and crush injuries. Police cite inattention and inexperience. Impact tore metal. Streets stayed dangerous.

Two sedans crashed at 96th Street and 149th Avenue in Queens. Five men were injured, including one with neck and crush injuries. According to the police report, both 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The impact struck the left front bumper and left side doors, damaging both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4822057 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 13 - A Chevy Tahoe struck a 74-year-old man crossing Northern Blvd. Hours later, a BMW hit a moped rider turning in Brooklyn. Both victims died. Both drivers stayed. No charges. The Tahoe had a record of violations. The city streets stayed deadly.

NY Daily News (June 13, 2025) reports two fatal crashes in New York City within 24 hours. Eric Wexler, 74, was hit by a 2017 Chevy Tahoe while crossing Northern Blvd. in Queens. Police said the Tahoe had 'six speeding and one red light violation,' though it was unclear who drove during those incidents. The driver stayed at the scene; no charges were filed. Less than a day later, Rino El-Saieh, 42, was killed when a 17-year-old BMW driver struck his moped during a left turn in Brooklyn. The BMW then crashed into parked cars. The teen also remained at the scene and faced no immediate charges. Both crashes highlight persistent dangers for pedestrians and riders, and raise questions about enforcement and vehicle histories.

• Two Killed In Separate NYC Crashes, NY Daily News, Published 2025-06-13

Jun 11 - Council bill demands bike and scooter share firms post road rules at stations and in apps. Riders must review rules yearly. No charge for time spent reading. City aims for clarity, not confusion.

Int 1304-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on June 11, 2025. The bill, titled "requiring micromobility share system operators to display rules of the road for safe operation," compels operators to show safety rules on apps and at stations. Users must review these rules at least once a year before unlocking a device. The bill bars operators from charging for this time. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Hanif, Brewer, Restler, Louis, Narcisse, Lee, Marte, Hanks, Ariola, and Morano. The law aims to make safety rules visible and unavoidable for every rider.

• File Int 1304-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-11

Jun 11 - Council bill orders bike and scooter share firms to show road rules on apps and stations. Riders must review rules yearly. No extra fees. Aim: clear, visible rules for all. Committee review underway.

Bill Int 1304-2025 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on June 11, 2025. The bill, titled “A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring micromobility share system operators to display rules of the road for safe operation,” demands that operators of shared bikes and scooters display city and state traffic rules on apps and at stations. Riders must review these rules at least once a year before unlocking a device. Sponsors include Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary), Hanif, Brewer, Restler, Louis, Narcisse, Lee, Marte, Hanks, Banks, Ariola, and Morano. The bill bars operators from charging users for time spent reviewing safety rules. The measure aims to make the rules clear and visible to all users.

• File Int 1304-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-11

Jun 11 - Council bill orders bike and scooter share firms to show road rules at docks and in apps. Riders must review rules yearly. No extra fees. Aim: clear, visible reminders. Committee review underway.

Bill Int 1304-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on June 11, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring micromobility share system operators to display rules of the road for safe operation," demands operators post rules at stations and in apps. Riders must review these rules at least once a year before unlocking a device. The law bars operators from charging for the review time. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Hanif, Brewer, Restler, Louis, Narcisse, Lee, Marte, Hanks, Banks, Gutiérrez, Ariola, and Morano. The measure aims for clear, accessible safety information but does not address street design or enforcement.

• File Int 1304-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-11

May 14 - 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

May 3 - SUV and sedan collided on Belt Parkway. One driver suffered head injuries and crush wounds, partially ejected. Police cite following too closely. Metal and glass scattered. No pedestrians involved.

A collision on Belt Parkway involved a sedan and an SUV, both traveling west. According to the police report, 'Following Too Closely' was listed as a contributing factor. One driver, a 57-year-old woman, was partially ejected and sustained head injuries and crush wounds. Another driver, a 53-year-old man, was not ejected and reported no injuries. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left metal and glass across the roadway. The police report notes the use of lap belts but lists no other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4810253 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 1 - Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.

Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.

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

May 1 - Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.

Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.

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

May 1 - A man crossed Linden Boulevard. A black car hit him and fled. Another car ran over him. He died in the hospital. The first driver vanished. The second stayed. Police search. The street stayed open. Blood on the asphalt.

Patch reported on May 1, 2025, that Christopher Gayton, 62, was killed at Linden Boulevard and 166 Street in Queens. He was struck by an eastbound black vehicle whose driver fled, then run over by a 2024 Ford Edge. The Ford's driver remained at the scene. Police said, 'Police are still searching for the first driver who fled the scene.' No charges have been filed. The NYPD Highway District's Collision Investigation Squad is investigating. The crash highlights the dangers of multi-lane arterial roads and the ongoing risks for pedestrians in Queens. No arrests have been made.

• Pedestrian Killed In Queens Double Collision, Patch, Published 2025-05-01

Apr 27 - 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

Apr 25 - A motorcycle sped through a red on Woodhaven. Metal hit flesh. A 23-year-old woman died in the crosswalk. The street ran red. The city slept. The driver ignored traffic control and speed.

A 23-year-old woman was killed at Woodhaven Boulevard near 83rd Street when a northbound motorcycle struck her in the intersection. According to the police report, the motorcycle disregarded traffic control and traveled at unsafe speed. The pedestrian died at the scene from severe injuries. The driver, a 34-year-old man, wore a helmet. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808010 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 25 - A BMW driver rammed a motorcyclist on Woodhaven Boulevard. The bike burst into flames. The rider died at the scene. Helmet cam footage captured the deadly chase. The driver faces murder charges. Streets became a killing ground.

NY Daily News reported on April 25, 2025, that Jorden Rosen, 42, was charged with murder after striking and killing William McField, 55, in Queens. The incident began with a minor collision and escalated as both vehicles ran a red light. Helmet cam footage showed Rosen rear-ending the motorcycle, causing it to catch fire and kill McField instantly. Queens DA Melinda Katz stated, "As alleged, this defendant plowed his BMW SUV into a motorcyclist shortly after the two had a minor collision." The BMW also struck another car before stopping. Rosen had prior traffic summonses for speeding and driving the wrong way. The case highlights the lethal risk of aggressive driving and the deadly power imbalance between cars and vulnerable road users.

• BMW Driver Kills Motorcyclist In Queens, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-25

Apr 21 - Metal bolts crashed through a windshield in Queens. Glass exploded over the passenger. The No. 7 train rumbled above. Danger rained down. This was not the first time. The system failed to shield those below.

ABC7 reported on April 21, 2025, that debris from the No. 7 subway train fell onto a car at Queens Plaza, shattering the windshield and denting the hood. Rahimi, the driver, said, "We were driving right off here. Something fell off the train, damaging the windshield." Passenger Malnick described, "A bolt hit and then right away just the sound of glass exploding and glass all over me." The incident echoes previous cases: in 2019, falling debris from elevated tracks struck vehicles three times in a month. The MTA responded then by intensifying inspections, but the problem persists. The agency now says it is investigating and will inspect the area. The repeated incidents highlight ongoing risks from aging infrastructure above city streets.

• Falling Subway Debris Strikes Car In Queens, ABC7, Published 2025-04-21

Apr 20 - A fire truck turned onto Juniper Boulevard. The driver struck a man on a bicycle. He died at the scene. Police closed the street. Another life ended in the crosswalk’s shadow. The city investigates. The street stays dangerous.

ABC7 reported on April 20, 2025, that an FDNY truck struck and killed a bicyclist in Middle Village, Queens. The crash happened as the truck turned onto Juniper Boulevard from 80th Street. According to police, 'the truck was turning onto Juniper Boulevard from 80th Street in Middle Village when the collision occurred.' The cyclist, an adult male, was pronounced dead at the scene. The NYPD is investigating. The incident highlights the risks faced by cyclists at intersections and the dangers of large vehicles turning across paths. Policy questions remain about intersection design and vehicle operation in dense neighborhoods.

• FDNY Truck Turns, Cyclist Killed In Queens, ABC7, Published 2025-04-20

Apr 19 - A fire truck turned onto Juniper Blvd North and struck a cyclist. The man died at the scene. No arrests. Police investigate. The street outside the park became a site of sudden, final impact.

According to NY Daily News (April 19, 2025), an FDNY fire truck fatally struck a cyclist at 80th St. and Juniper Blvd North in Middle Village, Queens. The article reports, "An FDNY fire truck was traveling north on 80th St. and was turning onto Juniper Blvd North just outside Juniper Valley Park when it collided with an unidentified man riding a bicycle." The cyclist died at the scene. Police have not made arrests. It is unclear if the truck was responding to an emergency. The NYPD Collision Investigation Squad is reviewing the case. The crash highlights the risk at intersections where large vehicles turn across paths used by cyclists. No information on traffic signals or right-of-way was provided.

• Cyclist Killed By FDNY Truck In Queens, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-19

Apr 10 - Council passed a law forcing DOT to post sharp, regular updates on street safety projects. Progress on bike lanes, bus lanes, and signals must go public. No more hiding delays or cost overruns. The city must show its work.

Bill Int 1105-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced November 13, 2024, it passed Council on April 10, 2025, and became law May 10, 2025. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' Council Member Julie Won led sponsorship, joined by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others. The law demands DOT post annual and monthly updates on every project tied to the master plan—listing details, timelines, funding, and setbacks. This law brings sunlight to street safety work, making the city answer for every mile and missed deadline.

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

Apr 10 - Council passed a law forcing DOT to post sharp, regular updates on street safety projects. Progress on bike lanes, bus lanes, and signals must go public. No more hiding delays or cost overruns. The city must show its work.

Bill Int 1105-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced November 13, 2024, it passed Council on April 10, 2025, and became law May 10, 2025. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' Council Member Julie Won led sponsorship, joined by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others. The law demands DOT post annual and monthly updates on every project tied to the master plan—listing details, timelines, funding, and setbacks. This law brings sunlight to street safety work, making the city answer for every mile and missed deadline.

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