Red Lights Run, Childhood Stolen—Demand Safe Streets Now

A driver struck a man crossing 155th Street near JFK. The driver fled. The man died at Jamaica Hospital. Police search for answers. Seventeen killed in Queens South this year. The toll climbs.

Gothamist (2025-08-13) reports a 52-year-old man was killed crossing 155th Street and South Conduit Avenue near JFK Airport at 2:30 a.m. The driver fled. Police said, "the driver hit the 52-year-old man as he crossed" and left the scene. No vehicle description was released. NYPD data shows 17 traffic deaths in Queens South this year, up from 13 last year. The incident highlights ongoing risks for pedestrians and the persistent issue of hit-and-run drivers in the area.

• Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK, Gothamist, Published 2025-08-13

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4834556 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4835000 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

A speeding driver killed himself and two pedestrians in Astoria. Politicians demand lower speed limits, protected lanes, and daylighting. Slower speeds save lives. The city holds the power. Action is overdue.

On August 12, 2025, after a deadly Astoria crash, Council Member Tiffany Caban, Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, and Zohran Mamdani called for urgent street safety reforms. Caban demanded a 20 mph limit, protected bike lanes, and universal daylighting. Mamdani backed Sammy’s Law and curbs on car traffic near schools. Transportation Alternatives urged the city to use its new authority to lower speed limits, stating, "Slower speeds are proven to reduce crashes dramatically." Safety analysts confirm: lowering limits cuts crash severity and frequency, protecting pedestrians and cyclists without burdening them. No bill was filed, but the call is clear—speed kills, and the city can stop it.

• UPDATE: Speeding Senior Driver Kills Self and Two Pedestrians in Astoria, Pols Call for 20 MPH Limit, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-08-12

Astoria shopkeepers fight a protected bike lane on 31st Street. They claim city plans threaten their business and public safety. The lawsuit lands in Queens Supreme Court. The city faces pushback, progress stalls.

NY1 reported on August 11, 2025, that over a dozen Astoria business owners filed suit to block a protected bike lane on 31st Street. The petition, lodged in Queens Supreme Court, claims the redesign from 36th Avenue to Newton Avenue would 'hurt their day-to-day operations and jeopardize public safety.' Owners accuse the city of acting in an 'arbitrary and capricious' way, moving forward despite objections. The case highlights ongoing tension between street safety projects and local business concerns. The outcome could shape future protected bike lane installations citywide.

• Astoria Businesses Sue Over Bike Lane, NY1, Published 2025-08-11

SUV turned left. Motorcycle struck. Passenger bruised. Police cite driver distraction. Queens street, early morning. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

A station wagon SUV turned left at 77-01 Roosevelt Avenue and collided with a motorcycle going straight. One motorcycle passenger, a 31-year-old woman, suffered a hip and leg contusion. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was listed as a contributing factor for both vehicles. The crash left four others with unspecified injuries. The data shows both drivers failed to pay attention, leading to the impact. No other contributing factors were listed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4834525 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

Dirt bike and sedan collided on Roosevelt Ave. Rider thrown, leg fractured. Police cite driver inattention and unsafe speed. Streets stayed loud. Metal and bone broke in the dark.

A dirt bike and a sedan collided at 78-01 Roosevelt Ave in Queens. The 25-year-old dirt bike rider was partially ejected and suffered a fractured leg. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed' contributed to the crash. The dirt bike rider wore a helmet. No other serious injuries were reported. The sedan driver was licensed; the dirt bike rider was not. The crash left one person hurt and exposed the danger of speed and distraction on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4833521 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

DOT stands firm on Astoria’s protected bike lanes. Businesses sue. Misinformation clouds facts. Cyclists and pedestrians face delay. Safety waits while lawsuits drag on.

On August 8, 2025, the Department of Transportation reaffirmed its commitment to protected bike lanes and traffic calming on 31st Street in Astoria, despite a lawsuit from local businesses. The project, not tied to a council bill or committee, aims to cut injuries on a deadly corridor. DOT spokesman Will Livingston said, “We stand firmly behind this project and will defend our work in court.” Council Member Tiffany Caban, Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, and Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas backed the redesign in June. The safety analyst warns: opposition and misinformation from businesses can stall proven safety measures, putting vulnerable road users at risk.

• DOT Stands By Astoria Safety Project Despite Foes’ Anti-Bike Lawsuit, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-08-08

Two sedans crashed on Junction Boulevard. A 57-year-old passenger suffered back injuries. Police cite driver inattention and inexperience. Metal twisted. Pain followed. The street stayed busy.

A crash involving two sedans unfolded on Junction Boulevard at Northern Boulevard in Queens. According to the police report, a 57-year-old right rear passenger was injured, suffering whiplash and back pain. Both drivers and other occupants were listed as involved but with unspecified injuries. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. No mention of helmet or signal use appears in the data. The impact struck the center front and back ends of the vehicles. The crash left one passenger hurt and exposed the danger of distracted, inexperienced driving.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4832793 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

A car struck and killed a 23-year-old man on 101st Street. The driver sped off after an encounter at the window. Police found the victim with severe trauma. He died at Jamaica Hospital.

According to the New York Post (2025-08-01), a 23-year-old man died after being run over on 101st Street and Liberty Boulevard in Queens. The article reports, "Sonalall approached the driver's side window and flashed what appeared to be a gun, startling the motorist, who then drove off, striking Sonalall." The Queens District Attorney's Office did not charge the driver, citing fear for his life. The incident highlights the lethal risk when vehicles are used in moments of conflict. No charges were filed, raising questions about how self-defense is interpreted in car-related deaths.

• Man Killed By Driver In Queens Street, New York Post, Published 2025-08-01

E-bike and motorcycle collided at Northern Blvd and 85th St. Two women on foot and a male cyclist suffered leg injuries. Police cite improper lane use. The toll is pain, fractures, and chaos.

An e-bike and a motorcycle crashed at Northern Blvd and 85th St in Queens. Two female pedestrians, ages 77 and 67, were struck at the intersection and injured in the legs. A 53-year-old male cyclist was ejected and suffered a leg fracture. According to the police report, 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' was a contributing factor. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed. No helmet or signal use was listed as a factor. The crash left three vulnerable road users hurt, underscoring the danger of improper lane use.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4832003 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

A moped and sedan collided on 84th Street. One man on the moped suffered arm injuries. Police cite improper passing or lane use. Streets remain dangerous for those outside cars.

A crash on 84th Street at 37th Avenue in Queens involved a sedan and a moped. One man, riding the moped, was injured in the arm and reported minor bleeding. According to the police report, 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' was listed as a contributing factor. The moped was passing when it struck the sedan. No other injuries were reported. The report does not mention helmet use as a factor. The data highlights the risk when drivers fail to use lanes properly.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4829888 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

Motorcycle struck sedan’s rear on Astoria Boulevard. Rider bruised his leg. Both drivers distracted. Streets unforgiving. Metal and flesh collided. System failed to protect.

A motorcycle crashed into the rear of a sedan on Astoria Boulevard at 82nd Street in Queens. The 20-year-old motorcycle rider suffered a knee and foot contusion. According to the police report, both drivers were inattentive and distracted. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The motorcycle rider wore a helmet. The sedan driver held only a permit. No other injuries were reported. The crash underscores the danger when drivers lose focus, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4828918 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

A 15-year-old boy fell from a 7 train at Queensboro Plaza. He landed on the tracks. Medics rushed him to Bellevue. He died. The city mourns another young life lost to the subway’s hard edge.

According to amny (July 8, 2025), Carlos Oliver, 15, died after falling from atop a 7 train at Queensboro Plaza. Police found him on the tracks around 2:45 a.m. and he was pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital. The article quotes NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow: “This was as avoidable as it is tragic.” The MTA has updated its “Ride Inside, Stay Alive” campaign, broadcasting warnings every 10 to 15 minutes along the 7 line. The incident highlights ongoing risks in the subway system and the need for effective deterrence and safety measures.

• Teen Dies Falling From 7 Train, amny, Published 2025-07-08

City aims to carve bike lanes into 31st Street. Merchants fear lost access. Residents cite danger. DOT points to dozens hurt, two killed. The street stays deadly. The fight over space continues.

According to the New York Post (2025-07-05), the NYC Department of Transportation plans to narrow lanes and add bike paths on 31st Street in Astoria, Queens. The DOT cites 126 injured vehicle occupants, 33 injured pedestrians, 24 injured cyclists, and two deaths from 2020 to 2024, calling it 'one of the most dangerous streets in Queens.' Business owners warn the changes will block deliveries and threaten livelihoods. Residents worry about access and safety, especially for the elderly and students. The plan highlights the tension between street redesigns and the needs of vulnerable road users.

• City Bike Lane Plan Sparks Queens Clash, New York Post, Published 2025-07-05

A sedan hit a man crossing at Roosevelt Avenue. The car's front slammed his lower leg. Police cite driver distraction. The man was bruised but conscious.

A sedan traveling south struck a male pedestrian at the intersection of 81-01 Roosevelt Avenue in Queens. The impact hit the man's lower leg, causing a contusion. According to the police report, the crash resulted from 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The pedestrian was injured but remained conscious at the scene. The report lists no other contributing factors from the pedestrian. The sedan's front end took the brunt of the collision. No further details about the driver were provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4825831 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-30

Voters chose candidates who back bike lanes, open streets, and transit. Opponents lost. The message is clear: New Yorkers want safer roads. No new laws yet, but the council’s direction is set. Vulnerable road users watch and wait.

On June 25, 2025, New York City held local elections with major implications for street safety. The event, covered by Streetsblog NYC, saw candidates who championed 'the importance of bike lanes, public transit, and open streets' win across the city. Council members Lincoln Restler, Shahana Hanif, Shekar Krishnan, Chi Oss, Crystal Hudson, and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams all prevailed on platforms supporting safer streets. Mark Levine, who called for bold highway changes, won the Comptroller race. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text is a vague statement of support for livable streets but does not describe a specific policy action or legislative change, so its direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists cannot be determined.' The victories signal a mandate for people-first streets, but concrete safety gains depend on future action.

• Down-Ballot Recap: A Great Night for the Livable Streets Movement, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-25

Albany stalled. Lawmakers dragged their feet. No new laws for safer streets. Pedestrians and cyclists left exposed. The car stays king. The status quo kills. Vulnerable New Yorkers pay the price.

The 2025 Albany legislative session ended June 25, with lawmakers failing to pass key street safety bills. The Streetsblog NYC report reads: "Our elected officials in Albany have failed the livable streets movement again." Despite support for measures like speed camera reauthorization, most bills to protect pedestrians and cyclists died in committee or never reached the floor. Assembly Member Amy Sohn and others criticized the lack of action. The only major win was extending the city’s speed camera program. A safety analyst notes: 'Failure to advance livable streets policies likely maintains the status quo, which typically prioritizes car-centric infrastructure and neglects the safety and needs of pedestrians and cyclists.' The session’s inaction leaves vulnerable road users at risk. No progress. No protection.

• D-Minus! The Albany Report Card for 2025, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-25

A cyclist died on Astoria Boulevard. A fleeing driver struck her. She flew from her bike, hit a parked car, and never got up. Police stopped the chase. The driver kept going. The street stayed deadly.

According to the New York Post (published June 24, 2025), Bekim Fiseku, 53, was charged after fatally striking cyclist Amanda Servedio, 36, while fleeing a burglary in Queens. Surveillance video showed Servedio "went flying off her bicycle and slammed into a parked BMW while Fiseku sped off." Police ended their pursuit to help Servedio, who died at Elmhurst Hospital. Fiseku was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction at the time. The article highlights that Fiseku had three passengers and was fleeing police, raising questions about police pursuit protocols and the risks to vulnerable road users. The crash underscores ongoing dangers for cyclists on city streets.

• Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run, New York Post, Published 2025-06-24