Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Astoria (North)-Ditmars-Steinway?
Queens Streets Bleed While City Hall Sleeps
Astoria (North)-Ditmars-Steinway: Jan 1, 2022 - Jun 4, 2025
The Deaths Keep Coming
A cyclist, age 62, crushed by a concrete mixer on 29th Street. A 50-year-old man, dead in the road at Steinway and Astoria Boulevard. A 17-year-old, killed as a passenger in a sedan on Astoria Boulevard. A 15-year-old, thrown from a moped on 43rd Street. Five dead in this corner of Queens since 2022. Three of them in the last 18 months.
In the last year alone, 215 people were injured in crashes here. Two were hurt so badly they may never walk the same. Children are not spared: two killed, sixteen more injured. The numbers do not rest. They do not heal. See the official crash data.
The Machines That Kill
Cars and SUVs strike the hardest. In the last three years, they killed one, left seventeen with bleeding wounds, and broke bones in two more. Motorcycles and mopeds left two more bleeding in the street. Trucks and buses, always looming, have not spared this place. The dead and wounded are not numbers. They are neighbors, children, parents.
Leadership: Promises and Silence
The city passed Sammy’s Law. The council can now lower speed limits to 20 mph. But the limit here is still higher. No council vote. No mayoral order. Speed cameras work, but their future is in Albany’s hands. Each day of delay is another day of risk.
What Next? The Cost of Waiting
This is not fate. Lower speeds save lives. Cameras catch the reckless. Streets can be rebuilt to protect the living, not just move the fast. But nothing changes unless you demand it.
Call your council member. Call the mayor. Demand a 20 mph speed limit. Demand speed cameras stay on. Demand streets where children can cross and live.
Citations
Other Representatives
District 34
75-35 31st Ave. Suite 206B (2nd Floor), East Elmhurst, NY 11370
Room 654, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
District 22
30-83 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11102
718-274-4500
250 Broadway, Suite 1778, New York, NY 10007
212-788-6969
District 11
134-01 20th Avenue 2nd Floor, College Point, NY 11356
Room 913, Legislative Office Building 188 State St., Albany, NY 12247
▸ Other Geographies
Astoria (North)-Ditmars-Steinway Astoria (North)-Ditmars-Steinway sits in Queens, Precinct 114, District 22, AD 34, SD 11, Queens CB1.
▸ See also
Traffic Safety Timeline for Astoria (North)-Ditmars-Steinway
S 840Gianaris votes yes in committee, boosting funding for safer street designs.▸Senate passed S 840. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. No mention of direct safety gains for people on foot or bike.
Senate bill S 840, sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy and co-sponsored by Robert Rolison, passed committee on January 9, 2023. The bill, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects; relates to the state share of municipal projects where the municipality funds a complete street design,' sets funding formulas for state and municipal projects. Seventeen senators voted yes. The bill does not address direct safety impacts for vulnerable road users. No analyst note on safety.
-
File S 840,
Open States,
Published 2023-01-09
S 840Gianaris votes yes in committee, boosting funding for safer street designs.▸Senate passed S 840. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. No mention of direct safety gains for people on foot or bike.
Senate bill S 840, sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy and co-sponsored by Robert Rolison, passed committee on January 9, 2023. The bill, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects; relates to the state share of municipal projects where the municipality funds a complete street design,' sets funding formulas for state and municipal projects. Seventeen senators voted yes. The bill does not address direct safety impacts for vulnerable road users. No analyst note on safety.
-
File S 840,
Open States,
Published 2023-01-09
Cabán Calls for Urgent Safety Improvements After Fatal Crash▸A cement truck killed Tamara Chuchi Kao, 62, on 24th Avenue. Locals and officials had begged for safer streets. No bike lanes. Trucks thunder past homes. City promised action after the crash. Cyclists keep dying. The danger remains, unyielding.
On January 6, 2023, Astoria residents and Council Member Tiffany Cabán renewed demands for safety on 24th Avenue after a cement truck killed Citi Bike rider Tamara Chuchi Kao. The street, a DOT truck route, lacks bike lanes. Kao was the fourth cyclist killed in western Queens in under three years. Former Councilmember Costa Constantinides called the area a 'serious safety risk' and urged the DOT to study improvements and reroute trucks. Cabán called the crash 'devastating' and pressed city agencies for action. DOT spokesman Vin Barone promised immediate steps at the crash site and talks on protected bike lanes. Less than 1.5 percent of streets in Council District 22 have protected bike paths. Residents say the city prioritizes highway access over safety. The city plans to add leading pedestrian intervals at the intersection.
-
Locals Have Been Begging for Safer Street Where Trucker Killed Citi Bike Rider,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2023-01-06
Concrete Mixer Turns, Cyclist Dies in Queens▸A concrete mixer turned right on 24th Avenue. Its bumper struck a 62-year-old woman on her bike. She flew from the saddle. She died on the cold street. Heavy steel met flesh. The city’s streets took another life.
A 62-year-old woman riding a bicycle east on 24th Avenue in Queens was killed when a concrete mixer truck turned right and struck her with its front bumper. According to the police report, 'A concrete mixer turned right. A 62-year-old woman pedaled east. The truck’s bumper struck her head. She flew from the bike. No helmet. No chance. She died alone on the cold street.' The crash data lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors beyond the truck’s right turn. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but this detail appears only after the sequence of impact. The collision underscores the deadly risk for cyclists sharing space with massive trucks on city streets.
S 100Gianaris co-sponsors bill to consider, not require, complete street design.▸Senate bill S 100 demands complete street design in state and federally funded projects. Lawmakers push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars.
Senate bill S 100 was introduced on January 4, 2023, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Jeremy Cooney, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 100,
Open States,
Published 2023-01-04
S 343Gianaris co-sponsors bill to create vehicle pedestrian safety rating system.▸Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.
Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 343,
Open States,
Published 2023-01-04
S 343Stavisky co-sponsors bill to create vehicle pedestrian safety rating system.▸Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.
Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 343,
Open States,
Published 2023-01-04
Two Taxis Crash at Astoria Boulevard Intersection▸Two taxis slammed together at Astoria Boulevard and 37 Street. One driver suffered chest injuries and whiplash. Police cite ignored traffic control and driver distraction. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two taxis collided at the intersection of Astoria Boulevard and 37 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling straight, one northbound, the other westbound. The crash struck the right front bumper of one taxi and the left front bumper of the other. A 35-year-old male driver was injured, suffering chest trauma and whiplash. He was not ejected and remained conscious. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as driver errors. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. No other injuries were reported.
SUV Turning Left on Red Hits Sedan▸A Kia SUV made a left turn on red and struck a Lexus sedan going straight south on Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The sedan’s driver, 59, suffered full-body injuries and shock. The crash damaged the front and right side of the vehicles.
According to the police report, a 59-year-old male driver in a 2013 Lexus sedan was traveling straight south on Ditmars Boulevard when he was struck by a 2021 Kia SUV making a left turn on red. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the sedan and the right front quarter panel of the SUV. The sedan driver sustained injuries to his entire body and was in shock but was not ejected from the vehicle. Contributing factors included unsafe speed and an unspecified factor. Both drivers were licensed. The crash caused significant damage to the center front end of the sedan and the right side doors of the SUV.
Gianaris Opposes Free Bus Service Despite Safety Boost▸Senator Michael Gianaris faces criticism for backing free city buses by 2026. The editorial slams the plan’s $638 million price tag and attacks its supporters. No mention of safety. The fight is about money, not lives on the street.
On December 16, 2022, an editorial targeted State Senator Michael Gianaris (District 12) for supporting a proposal to make all New York City buses free by 2026. The piece, titled 'Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,' appeared in the New York Post. It claims the plan would add $638 million a year to the MTA’s deficits and criticizes the idea as reckless. Gianaris, along with Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, is called out for joining the push. The editorial’s focus is fiscal: 'making all city buses free by 2026... would add an estimated $638 million a year to the MTA’s multi-billion dollar deficits.' There is no assessment of how this policy would affect vulnerable road users. The debate here is about budgets, not street safety.
-
Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-12-16
SUV Strikes Pedestrian in Marked Crosswalk▸A 31-year-old man was hit crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk. The driver, heading east in a BMW SUV, failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk without a signal. The driver, operating a 2020 BMW SUV traveling eastbound, struck the pedestrian with the vehicle's center front end. The report lists driver errors as Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The pedestrian sustained a head contusion and was conscious after the collision. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing factors.
Gianaris Opposes Incremental MTA Funding Calls for Bold Action▸State lawmakers Mamdani and Gianaris unveiled a four-year plan to fund free MTA buses. The proposal boosts bus service, freezes fares, and expands camera enforcement. They call it urgent. The plan aims to make transit faster, cheaper, and safer for all riders.
On December 14, 2022, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Michael Gianaris introduced the Formula Three Act, a legislative proposal to overhaul MTA funding and fare policy. The plan, part of the larger Fix The MTA Package, would phase in free local and Select Bus Service, increase bus frequency by 20%, freeze fares, and expand permanent bus lane camera enforcement. Funding would rise from $200 million in 2023 to $638 million in 2026, with $488 million yearly for more buses and $300 million annually for frequent subways. Mamdani called the proposal 'urgent and necessary,' stressing that 'seniors, working class New Yorkers, people who use the bus the most are able to do so without fear of being priced out.' Gianaris said, 'incrementalism...is not working.' The lawmakers urge bold action to ensure public transit is accessible, affordable, and excellent.
-
State Pols Reveal ‘Urgent And Necessary’ Plan To Fund Free MTA Buses,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-12-14
Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Crash Shatters Leg▸Three sedans slammed together on Grand Central Parkway. One driver’s leg broke. Police cite alcohol. Airbags burst. All drivers licensed, all going straight. Metal twisted. One man left hurt, awake, and strapped in.
According to the police report, three sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway. The crash left a 44-year-old male driver with fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. He was conscious, restrained by a lap belt and harness, and airbags deployed. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. All drivers were licensed men traveling straight. The collision caused center front-end damage to two vehicles and side damage to another. No ejections occurred. Alcohol involvement stands out as the key driver error in this crash.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A woman crossing with the signal was hit by an SUV making a left turn in Queens. The impact struck her head, causing abrasions. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was conscious but injured at the scene.
According to the police report, a female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 29 Street and 23 Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a southbound SUV made a left turn and struck her with the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered a head abrasion and remained conscious. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was licensed and operating a 1983 Ford SUV. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian's injury severity was moderate, and no other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.
González-Rojas Opposes Car Dealership Rezoning Supports Safer Housing▸Queens Community Board 2 voted to block a new SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard. Local leaders demand housing, not more cars. They cite danger, pollution, and reckless driving. Council Member Julie Won and Assembly Member González-Rojas back the board. The fight moves to City Planning.
On November 7, 2022, Queens Community Board 2 passed a resolution rejecting a rezoning application for a Lincoln SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard, Woodside. The matter, described as a call for a moratorium on car-related development, pits housing needs against car infrastructure. Council Member Julie Won supported the board, stating, "It should be a neighborhood rezoning instead of spot rezoning... we need to make it safer and more liveable." Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas also opposed the dealership, urging the space be used for affordable housing and highlighting dangerous driving by existing dealerships. Despite Borough President Donovan Richards' support for the rezoning, citing cycling and EV promotion, the application faces strong local resistance. The City Planning Commission now reviews the case, with a City Council vote possible. The board and electeds argue more cars mean more risk for pedestrians and cyclists on a deadly stretch.
-
Woodside Wants Housing, But It’s Likely to Get More SUVs,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-11-07
González-Rojas Opposes Adams Slowdown on Safety Boosting Bus Lanes▸Bus lanes crawl while people die. Advocates and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas rally on Northern Boulevard. Only 5.4 miles built, far short of the 20-mile goal. The city stalls. Streets stay deadly. Families mourn. The clock runs out.
On November 1, 2022, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas joined advocates in Jackson Heights to demand faster bus lane construction under the New York City Streets Plan. The plan, launched to comply with a 2019 law, mandates 150 miles of protected bus lanes by 2026—20 miles in 2022 alone. With two months left, only 5.4 miles were finished. González-Rojas declared, 'We demand to get our 20 miles of bus lanes.' The rally took place on Northern Boulevard, a corridor scarred by pedestrian deaths, including 9-year-old Giovanni Ampuero. His father spoke out: 'If you don’t improve the street, people are going to still get killed.' The Department of Transportation claims progress and a $900 million investment, but the pace lags. The city’s delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk, as deadly streets remain unchanged.
-
Adams admin has slowed to a crawl on bus lane construction, advocates say,
amny.com,
Published 2022-11-01
González-Rojas Celebrates Safety-Boosting MTA Bridge Bike Access▸Cyclists can now cross the Cross Bay Bridge. The Henry Hudson Bridge will follow after renovations. Assembly Member Gonzalez-Rojas pushed the law. Advocates pressed the MTA. Progress is slow, but real. Bike access grows. Riders still face gaps and delays.
Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas sponsored the 2021 bill that forced the MTA to plan bike and pedestrian access on its bridges. On October 26, 2022, the MTA announced legal cycling on the Cross Bay Bridge, with sharrows painted on the path. The Henry Hudson Bridge will open to cyclists after a major renovation, expected by 2025. The MTA will award a contract for that work next year. Gonzalez-Rojas said, 'This is what we worked toward when...we introduced and passed the MTA Bike Access bill.' Bike New York’s Jon Orcutt called the move 'pretty good progress.' The MTA also plans to add bike parking at 37 subway stations and expand bike access near transit. The Verrazzano Bridge remains off-limits for now. The announcement marks a step forward, but cyclists still face barriers and delays.
-
Cyclists Will Finally Be Welcome on Cross Bay and Henry Hudson Bridges,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-10-26
Two Sedans Collide on Steinway Street Queens▸Two sedans crashed head-to-head on Steinway Street in Queens. Both vehicles traveled north. The left rear bumper of one hit the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger suffered injuries and shock. Alcohol was involved in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans collided on Steinway Street in Queens, both traveling north. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of one vehicle striking the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger in one sedan was injured and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash caused damage to both vehicles' bumpers.
Improper Lane Use Triggers Queens Head-On Crash▸Two sedans slammed head-on on 20 Avenue. One driver, 36, broke and dislocated his shoulder. Police cite improper lane use and traffic control ignored. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on 20 Avenue near Steinway Street in Queens. The 36-year-old male driver of one vehicle suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. He was conscious and wore a lap belt. Both cars struck center front ends while traveling straight. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted. The crash left one driver seriously hurt and both vehicles damaged.
Distracted Drivers Crash Sedans on 21 Avenue▸Two sedans slammed together on 21 Avenue in Queens. A right rear passenger took a neck injury and burn. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control ignored. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of 21 Avenue and 24 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were going straight when they struck, with one car's center front end hitting the other's right front bumper. A 40-year-old man riding in the right rear passenger seat was injured, suffering a neck injury and minor burn. He was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash left both sedans with heavy front-end damage.
Senate passed S 840. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. No mention of direct safety gains for people on foot or bike.
Senate bill S 840, sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy and co-sponsored by Robert Rolison, passed committee on January 9, 2023. The bill, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects; relates to the state share of municipal projects where the municipality funds a complete street design,' sets funding formulas for state and municipal projects. Seventeen senators voted yes. The bill does not address direct safety impacts for vulnerable road users. No analyst note on safety.
- File S 840, Open States, Published 2023-01-09
S 840Gianaris votes yes in committee, boosting funding for safer street designs.▸Senate passed S 840. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. No mention of direct safety gains for people on foot or bike.
Senate bill S 840, sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy and co-sponsored by Robert Rolison, passed committee on January 9, 2023. The bill, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects; relates to the state share of municipal projects where the municipality funds a complete street design,' sets funding formulas for state and municipal projects. Seventeen senators voted yes. The bill does not address direct safety impacts for vulnerable road users. No analyst note on safety.
-
File S 840,
Open States,
Published 2023-01-09
Cabán Calls for Urgent Safety Improvements After Fatal Crash▸A cement truck killed Tamara Chuchi Kao, 62, on 24th Avenue. Locals and officials had begged for safer streets. No bike lanes. Trucks thunder past homes. City promised action after the crash. Cyclists keep dying. The danger remains, unyielding.
On January 6, 2023, Astoria residents and Council Member Tiffany Cabán renewed demands for safety on 24th Avenue after a cement truck killed Citi Bike rider Tamara Chuchi Kao. The street, a DOT truck route, lacks bike lanes. Kao was the fourth cyclist killed in western Queens in under three years. Former Councilmember Costa Constantinides called the area a 'serious safety risk' and urged the DOT to study improvements and reroute trucks. Cabán called the crash 'devastating' and pressed city agencies for action. DOT spokesman Vin Barone promised immediate steps at the crash site and talks on protected bike lanes. Less than 1.5 percent of streets in Council District 22 have protected bike paths. Residents say the city prioritizes highway access over safety. The city plans to add leading pedestrian intervals at the intersection.
-
Locals Have Been Begging for Safer Street Where Trucker Killed Citi Bike Rider,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2023-01-06
Concrete Mixer Turns, Cyclist Dies in Queens▸A concrete mixer turned right on 24th Avenue. Its bumper struck a 62-year-old woman on her bike. She flew from the saddle. She died on the cold street. Heavy steel met flesh. The city’s streets took another life.
A 62-year-old woman riding a bicycle east on 24th Avenue in Queens was killed when a concrete mixer truck turned right and struck her with its front bumper. According to the police report, 'A concrete mixer turned right. A 62-year-old woman pedaled east. The truck’s bumper struck her head. She flew from the bike. No helmet. No chance. She died alone on the cold street.' The crash data lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors beyond the truck’s right turn. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but this detail appears only after the sequence of impact. The collision underscores the deadly risk for cyclists sharing space with massive trucks on city streets.
S 100Gianaris co-sponsors bill to consider, not require, complete street design.▸Senate bill S 100 demands complete street design in state and federally funded projects. Lawmakers push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars.
Senate bill S 100 was introduced on January 4, 2023, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Jeremy Cooney, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 100,
Open States,
Published 2023-01-04
S 343Gianaris co-sponsors bill to create vehicle pedestrian safety rating system.▸Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.
Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 343,
Open States,
Published 2023-01-04
S 343Stavisky co-sponsors bill to create vehicle pedestrian safety rating system.▸Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.
Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 343,
Open States,
Published 2023-01-04
Two Taxis Crash at Astoria Boulevard Intersection▸Two taxis slammed together at Astoria Boulevard and 37 Street. One driver suffered chest injuries and whiplash. Police cite ignored traffic control and driver distraction. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two taxis collided at the intersection of Astoria Boulevard and 37 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling straight, one northbound, the other westbound. The crash struck the right front bumper of one taxi and the left front bumper of the other. A 35-year-old male driver was injured, suffering chest trauma and whiplash. He was not ejected and remained conscious. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as driver errors. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. No other injuries were reported.
SUV Turning Left on Red Hits Sedan▸A Kia SUV made a left turn on red and struck a Lexus sedan going straight south on Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The sedan’s driver, 59, suffered full-body injuries and shock. The crash damaged the front and right side of the vehicles.
According to the police report, a 59-year-old male driver in a 2013 Lexus sedan was traveling straight south on Ditmars Boulevard when he was struck by a 2021 Kia SUV making a left turn on red. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the sedan and the right front quarter panel of the SUV. The sedan driver sustained injuries to his entire body and was in shock but was not ejected from the vehicle. Contributing factors included unsafe speed and an unspecified factor. Both drivers were licensed. The crash caused significant damage to the center front end of the sedan and the right side doors of the SUV.
Gianaris Opposes Free Bus Service Despite Safety Boost▸Senator Michael Gianaris faces criticism for backing free city buses by 2026. The editorial slams the plan’s $638 million price tag and attacks its supporters. No mention of safety. The fight is about money, not lives on the street.
On December 16, 2022, an editorial targeted State Senator Michael Gianaris (District 12) for supporting a proposal to make all New York City buses free by 2026. The piece, titled 'Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,' appeared in the New York Post. It claims the plan would add $638 million a year to the MTA’s deficits and criticizes the idea as reckless. Gianaris, along with Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, is called out for joining the push. The editorial’s focus is fiscal: 'making all city buses free by 2026... would add an estimated $638 million a year to the MTA’s multi-billion dollar deficits.' There is no assessment of how this policy would affect vulnerable road users. The debate here is about budgets, not street safety.
-
Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-12-16
SUV Strikes Pedestrian in Marked Crosswalk▸A 31-year-old man was hit crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk. The driver, heading east in a BMW SUV, failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk without a signal. The driver, operating a 2020 BMW SUV traveling eastbound, struck the pedestrian with the vehicle's center front end. The report lists driver errors as Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The pedestrian sustained a head contusion and was conscious after the collision. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing factors.
Gianaris Opposes Incremental MTA Funding Calls for Bold Action▸State lawmakers Mamdani and Gianaris unveiled a four-year plan to fund free MTA buses. The proposal boosts bus service, freezes fares, and expands camera enforcement. They call it urgent. The plan aims to make transit faster, cheaper, and safer for all riders.
On December 14, 2022, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Michael Gianaris introduced the Formula Three Act, a legislative proposal to overhaul MTA funding and fare policy. The plan, part of the larger Fix The MTA Package, would phase in free local and Select Bus Service, increase bus frequency by 20%, freeze fares, and expand permanent bus lane camera enforcement. Funding would rise from $200 million in 2023 to $638 million in 2026, with $488 million yearly for more buses and $300 million annually for frequent subways. Mamdani called the proposal 'urgent and necessary,' stressing that 'seniors, working class New Yorkers, people who use the bus the most are able to do so without fear of being priced out.' Gianaris said, 'incrementalism...is not working.' The lawmakers urge bold action to ensure public transit is accessible, affordable, and excellent.
-
State Pols Reveal ‘Urgent And Necessary’ Plan To Fund Free MTA Buses,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-12-14
Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Crash Shatters Leg▸Three sedans slammed together on Grand Central Parkway. One driver’s leg broke. Police cite alcohol. Airbags burst. All drivers licensed, all going straight. Metal twisted. One man left hurt, awake, and strapped in.
According to the police report, three sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway. The crash left a 44-year-old male driver with fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. He was conscious, restrained by a lap belt and harness, and airbags deployed. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. All drivers were licensed men traveling straight. The collision caused center front-end damage to two vehicles and side damage to another. No ejections occurred. Alcohol involvement stands out as the key driver error in this crash.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A woman crossing with the signal was hit by an SUV making a left turn in Queens. The impact struck her head, causing abrasions. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was conscious but injured at the scene.
According to the police report, a female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 29 Street and 23 Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a southbound SUV made a left turn and struck her with the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered a head abrasion and remained conscious. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was licensed and operating a 1983 Ford SUV. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian's injury severity was moderate, and no other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.
González-Rojas Opposes Car Dealership Rezoning Supports Safer Housing▸Queens Community Board 2 voted to block a new SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard. Local leaders demand housing, not more cars. They cite danger, pollution, and reckless driving. Council Member Julie Won and Assembly Member González-Rojas back the board. The fight moves to City Planning.
On November 7, 2022, Queens Community Board 2 passed a resolution rejecting a rezoning application for a Lincoln SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard, Woodside. The matter, described as a call for a moratorium on car-related development, pits housing needs against car infrastructure. Council Member Julie Won supported the board, stating, "It should be a neighborhood rezoning instead of spot rezoning... we need to make it safer and more liveable." Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas also opposed the dealership, urging the space be used for affordable housing and highlighting dangerous driving by existing dealerships. Despite Borough President Donovan Richards' support for the rezoning, citing cycling and EV promotion, the application faces strong local resistance. The City Planning Commission now reviews the case, with a City Council vote possible. The board and electeds argue more cars mean more risk for pedestrians and cyclists on a deadly stretch.
-
Woodside Wants Housing, But It’s Likely to Get More SUVs,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-11-07
González-Rojas Opposes Adams Slowdown on Safety Boosting Bus Lanes▸Bus lanes crawl while people die. Advocates and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas rally on Northern Boulevard. Only 5.4 miles built, far short of the 20-mile goal. The city stalls. Streets stay deadly. Families mourn. The clock runs out.
On November 1, 2022, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas joined advocates in Jackson Heights to demand faster bus lane construction under the New York City Streets Plan. The plan, launched to comply with a 2019 law, mandates 150 miles of protected bus lanes by 2026—20 miles in 2022 alone. With two months left, only 5.4 miles were finished. González-Rojas declared, 'We demand to get our 20 miles of bus lanes.' The rally took place on Northern Boulevard, a corridor scarred by pedestrian deaths, including 9-year-old Giovanni Ampuero. His father spoke out: 'If you don’t improve the street, people are going to still get killed.' The Department of Transportation claims progress and a $900 million investment, but the pace lags. The city’s delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk, as deadly streets remain unchanged.
-
Adams admin has slowed to a crawl on bus lane construction, advocates say,
amny.com,
Published 2022-11-01
González-Rojas Celebrates Safety-Boosting MTA Bridge Bike Access▸Cyclists can now cross the Cross Bay Bridge. The Henry Hudson Bridge will follow after renovations. Assembly Member Gonzalez-Rojas pushed the law. Advocates pressed the MTA. Progress is slow, but real. Bike access grows. Riders still face gaps and delays.
Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas sponsored the 2021 bill that forced the MTA to plan bike and pedestrian access on its bridges. On October 26, 2022, the MTA announced legal cycling on the Cross Bay Bridge, with sharrows painted on the path. The Henry Hudson Bridge will open to cyclists after a major renovation, expected by 2025. The MTA will award a contract for that work next year. Gonzalez-Rojas said, 'This is what we worked toward when...we introduced and passed the MTA Bike Access bill.' Bike New York’s Jon Orcutt called the move 'pretty good progress.' The MTA also plans to add bike parking at 37 subway stations and expand bike access near transit. The Verrazzano Bridge remains off-limits for now. The announcement marks a step forward, but cyclists still face barriers and delays.
-
Cyclists Will Finally Be Welcome on Cross Bay and Henry Hudson Bridges,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-10-26
Two Sedans Collide on Steinway Street Queens▸Two sedans crashed head-to-head on Steinway Street in Queens. Both vehicles traveled north. The left rear bumper of one hit the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger suffered injuries and shock. Alcohol was involved in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans collided on Steinway Street in Queens, both traveling north. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of one vehicle striking the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger in one sedan was injured and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash caused damage to both vehicles' bumpers.
Improper Lane Use Triggers Queens Head-On Crash▸Two sedans slammed head-on on 20 Avenue. One driver, 36, broke and dislocated his shoulder. Police cite improper lane use and traffic control ignored. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on 20 Avenue near Steinway Street in Queens. The 36-year-old male driver of one vehicle suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. He was conscious and wore a lap belt. Both cars struck center front ends while traveling straight. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted. The crash left one driver seriously hurt and both vehicles damaged.
Distracted Drivers Crash Sedans on 21 Avenue▸Two sedans slammed together on 21 Avenue in Queens. A right rear passenger took a neck injury and burn. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control ignored. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of 21 Avenue and 24 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were going straight when they struck, with one car's center front end hitting the other's right front bumper. A 40-year-old man riding in the right rear passenger seat was injured, suffering a neck injury and minor burn. He was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash left both sedans with heavy front-end damage.
Senate passed S 840. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. No mention of direct safety gains for people on foot or bike.
Senate bill S 840, sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy and co-sponsored by Robert Rolison, passed committee on January 9, 2023. The bill, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects; relates to the state share of municipal projects where the municipality funds a complete street design,' sets funding formulas for state and municipal projects. Seventeen senators voted yes. The bill does not address direct safety impacts for vulnerable road users. No analyst note on safety.
- File S 840, Open States, Published 2023-01-09
Cabán Calls for Urgent Safety Improvements After Fatal Crash▸A cement truck killed Tamara Chuchi Kao, 62, on 24th Avenue. Locals and officials had begged for safer streets. No bike lanes. Trucks thunder past homes. City promised action after the crash. Cyclists keep dying. The danger remains, unyielding.
On January 6, 2023, Astoria residents and Council Member Tiffany Cabán renewed demands for safety on 24th Avenue after a cement truck killed Citi Bike rider Tamara Chuchi Kao. The street, a DOT truck route, lacks bike lanes. Kao was the fourth cyclist killed in western Queens in under three years. Former Councilmember Costa Constantinides called the area a 'serious safety risk' and urged the DOT to study improvements and reroute trucks. Cabán called the crash 'devastating' and pressed city agencies for action. DOT spokesman Vin Barone promised immediate steps at the crash site and talks on protected bike lanes. Less than 1.5 percent of streets in Council District 22 have protected bike paths. Residents say the city prioritizes highway access over safety. The city plans to add leading pedestrian intervals at the intersection.
-
Locals Have Been Begging for Safer Street Where Trucker Killed Citi Bike Rider,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2023-01-06
Concrete Mixer Turns, Cyclist Dies in Queens▸A concrete mixer turned right on 24th Avenue. Its bumper struck a 62-year-old woman on her bike. She flew from the saddle. She died on the cold street. Heavy steel met flesh. The city’s streets took another life.
A 62-year-old woman riding a bicycle east on 24th Avenue in Queens was killed when a concrete mixer truck turned right and struck her with its front bumper. According to the police report, 'A concrete mixer turned right. A 62-year-old woman pedaled east. The truck’s bumper struck her head. She flew from the bike. No helmet. No chance. She died alone on the cold street.' The crash data lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors beyond the truck’s right turn. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but this detail appears only after the sequence of impact. The collision underscores the deadly risk for cyclists sharing space with massive trucks on city streets.
S 100Gianaris co-sponsors bill to consider, not require, complete street design.▸Senate bill S 100 demands complete street design in state and federally funded projects. Lawmakers push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars.
Senate bill S 100 was introduced on January 4, 2023, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Jeremy Cooney, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 100,
Open States,
Published 2023-01-04
S 343Gianaris co-sponsors bill to create vehicle pedestrian safety rating system.▸Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.
Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 343,
Open States,
Published 2023-01-04
S 343Stavisky co-sponsors bill to create vehicle pedestrian safety rating system.▸Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.
Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 343,
Open States,
Published 2023-01-04
Two Taxis Crash at Astoria Boulevard Intersection▸Two taxis slammed together at Astoria Boulevard and 37 Street. One driver suffered chest injuries and whiplash. Police cite ignored traffic control and driver distraction. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two taxis collided at the intersection of Astoria Boulevard and 37 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling straight, one northbound, the other westbound. The crash struck the right front bumper of one taxi and the left front bumper of the other. A 35-year-old male driver was injured, suffering chest trauma and whiplash. He was not ejected and remained conscious. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as driver errors. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. No other injuries were reported.
SUV Turning Left on Red Hits Sedan▸A Kia SUV made a left turn on red and struck a Lexus sedan going straight south on Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The sedan’s driver, 59, suffered full-body injuries and shock. The crash damaged the front and right side of the vehicles.
According to the police report, a 59-year-old male driver in a 2013 Lexus sedan was traveling straight south on Ditmars Boulevard when he was struck by a 2021 Kia SUV making a left turn on red. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the sedan and the right front quarter panel of the SUV. The sedan driver sustained injuries to his entire body and was in shock but was not ejected from the vehicle. Contributing factors included unsafe speed and an unspecified factor. Both drivers were licensed. The crash caused significant damage to the center front end of the sedan and the right side doors of the SUV.
Gianaris Opposes Free Bus Service Despite Safety Boost▸Senator Michael Gianaris faces criticism for backing free city buses by 2026. The editorial slams the plan’s $638 million price tag and attacks its supporters. No mention of safety. The fight is about money, not lives on the street.
On December 16, 2022, an editorial targeted State Senator Michael Gianaris (District 12) for supporting a proposal to make all New York City buses free by 2026. The piece, titled 'Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,' appeared in the New York Post. It claims the plan would add $638 million a year to the MTA’s deficits and criticizes the idea as reckless. Gianaris, along with Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, is called out for joining the push. The editorial’s focus is fiscal: 'making all city buses free by 2026... would add an estimated $638 million a year to the MTA’s multi-billion dollar deficits.' There is no assessment of how this policy would affect vulnerable road users. The debate here is about budgets, not street safety.
-
Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-12-16
SUV Strikes Pedestrian in Marked Crosswalk▸A 31-year-old man was hit crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk. The driver, heading east in a BMW SUV, failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk without a signal. The driver, operating a 2020 BMW SUV traveling eastbound, struck the pedestrian with the vehicle's center front end. The report lists driver errors as Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The pedestrian sustained a head contusion and was conscious after the collision. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing factors.
Gianaris Opposes Incremental MTA Funding Calls for Bold Action▸State lawmakers Mamdani and Gianaris unveiled a four-year plan to fund free MTA buses. The proposal boosts bus service, freezes fares, and expands camera enforcement. They call it urgent. The plan aims to make transit faster, cheaper, and safer for all riders.
On December 14, 2022, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Michael Gianaris introduced the Formula Three Act, a legislative proposal to overhaul MTA funding and fare policy. The plan, part of the larger Fix The MTA Package, would phase in free local and Select Bus Service, increase bus frequency by 20%, freeze fares, and expand permanent bus lane camera enforcement. Funding would rise from $200 million in 2023 to $638 million in 2026, with $488 million yearly for more buses and $300 million annually for frequent subways. Mamdani called the proposal 'urgent and necessary,' stressing that 'seniors, working class New Yorkers, people who use the bus the most are able to do so without fear of being priced out.' Gianaris said, 'incrementalism...is not working.' The lawmakers urge bold action to ensure public transit is accessible, affordable, and excellent.
-
State Pols Reveal ‘Urgent And Necessary’ Plan To Fund Free MTA Buses,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-12-14
Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Crash Shatters Leg▸Three sedans slammed together on Grand Central Parkway. One driver’s leg broke. Police cite alcohol. Airbags burst. All drivers licensed, all going straight. Metal twisted. One man left hurt, awake, and strapped in.
According to the police report, three sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway. The crash left a 44-year-old male driver with fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. He was conscious, restrained by a lap belt and harness, and airbags deployed. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. All drivers were licensed men traveling straight. The collision caused center front-end damage to two vehicles and side damage to another. No ejections occurred. Alcohol involvement stands out as the key driver error in this crash.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A woman crossing with the signal was hit by an SUV making a left turn in Queens. The impact struck her head, causing abrasions. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was conscious but injured at the scene.
According to the police report, a female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 29 Street and 23 Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a southbound SUV made a left turn and struck her with the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered a head abrasion and remained conscious. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was licensed and operating a 1983 Ford SUV. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian's injury severity was moderate, and no other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.
González-Rojas Opposes Car Dealership Rezoning Supports Safer Housing▸Queens Community Board 2 voted to block a new SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard. Local leaders demand housing, not more cars. They cite danger, pollution, and reckless driving. Council Member Julie Won and Assembly Member González-Rojas back the board. The fight moves to City Planning.
On November 7, 2022, Queens Community Board 2 passed a resolution rejecting a rezoning application for a Lincoln SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard, Woodside. The matter, described as a call for a moratorium on car-related development, pits housing needs against car infrastructure. Council Member Julie Won supported the board, stating, "It should be a neighborhood rezoning instead of spot rezoning... we need to make it safer and more liveable." Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas also opposed the dealership, urging the space be used for affordable housing and highlighting dangerous driving by existing dealerships. Despite Borough President Donovan Richards' support for the rezoning, citing cycling and EV promotion, the application faces strong local resistance. The City Planning Commission now reviews the case, with a City Council vote possible. The board and electeds argue more cars mean more risk for pedestrians and cyclists on a deadly stretch.
-
Woodside Wants Housing, But It’s Likely to Get More SUVs,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-11-07
González-Rojas Opposes Adams Slowdown on Safety Boosting Bus Lanes▸Bus lanes crawl while people die. Advocates and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas rally on Northern Boulevard. Only 5.4 miles built, far short of the 20-mile goal. The city stalls. Streets stay deadly. Families mourn. The clock runs out.
On November 1, 2022, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas joined advocates in Jackson Heights to demand faster bus lane construction under the New York City Streets Plan. The plan, launched to comply with a 2019 law, mandates 150 miles of protected bus lanes by 2026—20 miles in 2022 alone. With two months left, only 5.4 miles were finished. González-Rojas declared, 'We demand to get our 20 miles of bus lanes.' The rally took place on Northern Boulevard, a corridor scarred by pedestrian deaths, including 9-year-old Giovanni Ampuero. His father spoke out: 'If you don’t improve the street, people are going to still get killed.' The Department of Transportation claims progress and a $900 million investment, but the pace lags. The city’s delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk, as deadly streets remain unchanged.
-
Adams admin has slowed to a crawl on bus lane construction, advocates say,
amny.com,
Published 2022-11-01
González-Rojas Celebrates Safety-Boosting MTA Bridge Bike Access▸Cyclists can now cross the Cross Bay Bridge. The Henry Hudson Bridge will follow after renovations. Assembly Member Gonzalez-Rojas pushed the law. Advocates pressed the MTA. Progress is slow, but real. Bike access grows. Riders still face gaps and delays.
Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas sponsored the 2021 bill that forced the MTA to plan bike and pedestrian access on its bridges. On October 26, 2022, the MTA announced legal cycling on the Cross Bay Bridge, with sharrows painted on the path. The Henry Hudson Bridge will open to cyclists after a major renovation, expected by 2025. The MTA will award a contract for that work next year. Gonzalez-Rojas said, 'This is what we worked toward when...we introduced and passed the MTA Bike Access bill.' Bike New York’s Jon Orcutt called the move 'pretty good progress.' The MTA also plans to add bike parking at 37 subway stations and expand bike access near transit. The Verrazzano Bridge remains off-limits for now. The announcement marks a step forward, but cyclists still face barriers and delays.
-
Cyclists Will Finally Be Welcome on Cross Bay and Henry Hudson Bridges,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-10-26
Two Sedans Collide on Steinway Street Queens▸Two sedans crashed head-to-head on Steinway Street in Queens. Both vehicles traveled north. The left rear bumper of one hit the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger suffered injuries and shock. Alcohol was involved in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans collided on Steinway Street in Queens, both traveling north. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of one vehicle striking the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger in one sedan was injured and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash caused damage to both vehicles' bumpers.
Improper Lane Use Triggers Queens Head-On Crash▸Two sedans slammed head-on on 20 Avenue. One driver, 36, broke and dislocated his shoulder. Police cite improper lane use and traffic control ignored. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on 20 Avenue near Steinway Street in Queens. The 36-year-old male driver of one vehicle suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. He was conscious and wore a lap belt. Both cars struck center front ends while traveling straight. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted. The crash left one driver seriously hurt and both vehicles damaged.
Distracted Drivers Crash Sedans on 21 Avenue▸Two sedans slammed together on 21 Avenue in Queens. A right rear passenger took a neck injury and burn. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control ignored. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of 21 Avenue and 24 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were going straight when they struck, with one car's center front end hitting the other's right front bumper. A 40-year-old man riding in the right rear passenger seat was injured, suffering a neck injury and minor burn. He was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash left both sedans with heavy front-end damage.
A cement truck killed Tamara Chuchi Kao, 62, on 24th Avenue. Locals and officials had begged for safer streets. No bike lanes. Trucks thunder past homes. City promised action after the crash. Cyclists keep dying. The danger remains, unyielding.
On January 6, 2023, Astoria residents and Council Member Tiffany Cabán renewed demands for safety on 24th Avenue after a cement truck killed Citi Bike rider Tamara Chuchi Kao. The street, a DOT truck route, lacks bike lanes. Kao was the fourth cyclist killed in western Queens in under three years. Former Councilmember Costa Constantinides called the area a 'serious safety risk' and urged the DOT to study improvements and reroute trucks. Cabán called the crash 'devastating' and pressed city agencies for action. DOT spokesman Vin Barone promised immediate steps at the crash site and talks on protected bike lanes. Less than 1.5 percent of streets in Council District 22 have protected bike paths. Residents say the city prioritizes highway access over safety. The city plans to add leading pedestrian intervals at the intersection.
- Locals Have Been Begging for Safer Street Where Trucker Killed Citi Bike Rider, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-06
Concrete Mixer Turns, Cyclist Dies in Queens▸A concrete mixer turned right on 24th Avenue. Its bumper struck a 62-year-old woman on her bike. She flew from the saddle. She died on the cold street. Heavy steel met flesh. The city’s streets took another life.
A 62-year-old woman riding a bicycle east on 24th Avenue in Queens was killed when a concrete mixer truck turned right and struck her with its front bumper. According to the police report, 'A concrete mixer turned right. A 62-year-old woman pedaled east. The truck’s bumper struck her head. She flew from the bike. No helmet. No chance. She died alone on the cold street.' The crash data lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors beyond the truck’s right turn. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but this detail appears only after the sequence of impact. The collision underscores the deadly risk for cyclists sharing space with massive trucks on city streets.
S 100Gianaris co-sponsors bill to consider, not require, complete street design.▸Senate bill S 100 demands complete street design in state and federally funded projects. Lawmakers push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars.
Senate bill S 100 was introduced on January 4, 2023, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Jeremy Cooney, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 100,
Open States,
Published 2023-01-04
S 343Gianaris co-sponsors bill to create vehicle pedestrian safety rating system.▸Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.
Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 343,
Open States,
Published 2023-01-04
S 343Stavisky co-sponsors bill to create vehicle pedestrian safety rating system.▸Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.
Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 343,
Open States,
Published 2023-01-04
Two Taxis Crash at Astoria Boulevard Intersection▸Two taxis slammed together at Astoria Boulevard and 37 Street. One driver suffered chest injuries and whiplash. Police cite ignored traffic control and driver distraction. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two taxis collided at the intersection of Astoria Boulevard and 37 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling straight, one northbound, the other westbound. The crash struck the right front bumper of one taxi and the left front bumper of the other. A 35-year-old male driver was injured, suffering chest trauma and whiplash. He was not ejected and remained conscious. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as driver errors. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. No other injuries were reported.
SUV Turning Left on Red Hits Sedan▸A Kia SUV made a left turn on red and struck a Lexus sedan going straight south on Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The sedan’s driver, 59, suffered full-body injuries and shock. The crash damaged the front and right side of the vehicles.
According to the police report, a 59-year-old male driver in a 2013 Lexus sedan was traveling straight south on Ditmars Boulevard when he was struck by a 2021 Kia SUV making a left turn on red. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the sedan and the right front quarter panel of the SUV. The sedan driver sustained injuries to his entire body and was in shock but was not ejected from the vehicle. Contributing factors included unsafe speed and an unspecified factor. Both drivers were licensed. The crash caused significant damage to the center front end of the sedan and the right side doors of the SUV.
Gianaris Opposes Free Bus Service Despite Safety Boost▸Senator Michael Gianaris faces criticism for backing free city buses by 2026. The editorial slams the plan’s $638 million price tag and attacks its supporters. No mention of safety. The fight is about money, not lives on the street.
On December 16, 2022, an editorial targeted State Senator Michael Gianaris (District 12) for supporting a proposal to make all New York City buses free by 2026. The piece, titled 'Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,' appeared in the New York Post. It claims the plan would add $638 million a year to the MTA’s deficits and criticizes the idea as reckless. Gianaris, along with Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, is called out for joining the push. The editorial’s focus is fiscal: 'making all city buses free by 2026... would add an estimated $638 million a year to the MTA’s multi-billion dollar deficits.' There is no assessment of how this policy would affect vulnerable road users. The debate here is about budgets, not street safety.
-
Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-12-16
SUV Strikes Pedestrian in Marked Crosswalk▸A 31-year-old man was hit crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk. The driver, heading east in a BMW SUV, failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk without a signal. The driver, operating a 2020 BMW SUV traveling eastbound, struck the pedestrian with the vehicle's center front end. The report lists driver errors as Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The pedestrian sustained a head contusion and was conscious after the collision. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing factors.
Gianaris Opposes Incremental MTA Funding Calls for Bold Action▸State lawmakers Mamdani and Gianaris unveiled a four-year plan to fund free MTA buses. The proposal boosts bus service, freezes fares, and expands camera enforcement. They call it urgent. The plan aims to make transit faster, cheaper, and safer for all riders.
On December 14, 2022, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Michael Gianaris introduced the Formula Three Act, a legislative proposal to overhaul MTA funding and fare policy. The plan, part of the larger Fix The MTA Package, would phase in free local and Select Bus Service, increase bus frequency by 20%, freeze fares, and expand permanent bus lane camera enforcement. Funding would rise from $200 million in 2023 to $638 million in 2026, with $488 million yearly for more buses and $300 million annually for frequent subways. Mamdani called the proposal 'urgent and necessary,' stressing that 'seniors, working class New Yorkers, people who use the bus the most are able to do so without fear of being priced out.' Gianaris said, 'incrementalism...is not working.' The lawmakers urge bold action to ensure public transit is accessible, affordable, and excellent.
-
State Pols Reveal ‘Urgent And Necessary’ Plan To Fund Free MTA Buses,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-12-14
Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Crash Shatters Leg▸Three sedans slammed together on Grand Central Parkway. One driver’s leg broke. Police cite alcohol. Airbags burst. All drivers licensed, all going straight. Metal twisted. One man left hurt, awake, and strapped in.
According to the police report, three sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway. The crash left a 44-year-old male driver with fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. He was conscious, restrained by a lap belt and harness, and airbags deployed. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. All drivers were licensed men traveling straight. The collision caused center front-end damage to two vehicles and side damage to another. No ejections occurred. Alcohol involvement stands out as the key driver error in this crash.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A woman crossing with the signal was hit by an SUV making a left turn in Queens. The impact struck her head, causing abrasions. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was conscious but injured at the scene.
According to the police report, a female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 29 Street and 23 Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a southbound SUV made a left turn and struck her with the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered a head abrasion and remained conscious. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was licensed and operating a 1983 Ford SUV. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian's injury severity was moderate, and no other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.
González-Rojas Opposes Car Dealership Rezoning Supports Safer Housing▸Queens Community Board 2 voted to block a new SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard. Local leaders demand housing, not more cars. They cite danger, pollution, and reckless driving. Council Member Julie Won and Assembly Member González-Rojas back the board. The fight moves to City Planning.
On November 7, 2022, Queens Community Board 2 passed a resolution rejecting a rezoning application for a Lincoln SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard, Woodside. The matter, described as a call for a moratorium on car-related development, pits housing needs against car infrastructure. Council Member Julie Won supported the board, stating, "It should be a neighborhood rezoning instead of spot rezoning... we need to make it safer and more liveable." Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas also opposed the dealership, urging the space be used for affordable housing and highlighting dangerous driving by existing dealerships. Despite Borough President Donovan Richards' support for the rezoning, citing cycling and EV promotion, the application faces strong local resistance. The City Planning Commission now reviews the case, with a City Council vote possible. The board and electeds argue more cars mean more risk for pedestrians and cyclists on a deadly stretch.
-
Woodside Wants Housing, But It’s Likely to Get More SUVs,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-11-07
González-Rojas Opposes Adams Slowdown on Safety Boosting Bus Lanes▸Bus lanes crawl while people die. Advocates and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas rally on Northern Boulevard. Only 5.4 miles built, far short of the 20-mile goal. The city stalls. Streets stay deadly. Families mourn. The clock runs out.
On November 1, 2022, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas joined advocates in Jackson Heights to demand faster bus lane construction under the New York City Streets Plan. The plan, launched to comply with a 2019 law, mandates 150 miles of protected bus lanes by 2026—20 miles in 2022 alone. With two months left, only 5.4 miles were finished. González-Rojas declared, 'We demand to get our 20 miles of bus lanes.' The rally took place on Northern Boulevard, a corridor scarred by pedestrian deaths, including 9-year-old Giovanni Ampuero. His father spoke out: 'If you don’t improve the street, people are going to still get killed.' The Department of Transportation claims progress and a $900 million investment, but the pace lags. The city’s delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk, as deadly streets remain unchanged.
-
Adams admin has slowed to a crawl on bus lane construction, advocates say,
amny.com,
Published 2022-11-01
González-Rojas Celebrates Safety-Boosting MTA Bridge Bike Access▸Cyclists can now cross the Cross Bay Bridge. The Henry Hudson Bridge will follow after renovations. Assembly Member Gonzalez-Rojas pushed the law. Advocates pressed the MTA. Progress is slow, but real. Bike access grows. Riders still face gaps and delays.
Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas sponsored the 2021 bill that forced the MTA to plan bike and pedestrian access on its bridges. On October 26, 2022, the MTA announced legal cycling on the Cross Bay Bridge, with sharrows painted on the path. The Henry Hudson Bridge will open to cyclists after a major renovation, expected by 2025. The MTA will award a contract for that work next year. Gonzalez-Rojas said, 'This is what we worked toward when...we introduced and passed the MTA Bike Access bill.' Bike New York’s Jon Orcutt called the move 'pretty good progress.' The MTA also plans to add bike parking at 37 subway stations and expand bike access near transit. The Verrazzano Bridge remains off-limits for now. The announcement marks a step forward, but cyclists still face barriers and delays.
-
Cyclists Will Finally Be Welcome on Cross Bay and Henry Hudson Bridges,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-10-26
Two Sedans Collide on Steinway Street Queens▸Two sedans crashed head-to-head on Steinway Street in Queens. Both vehicles traveled north. The left rear bumper of one hit the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger suffered injuries and shock. Alcohol was involved in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans collided on Steinway Street in Queens, both traveling north. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of one vehicle striking the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger in one sedan was injured and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash caused damage to both vehicles' bumpers.
Improper Lane Use Triggers Queens Head-On Crash▸Two sedans slammed head-on on 20 Avenue. One driver, 36, broke and dislocated his shoulder. Police cite improper lane use and traffic control ignored. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on 20 Avenue near Steinway Street in Queens. The 36-year-old male driver of one vehicle suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. He was conscious and wore a lap belt. Both cars struck center front ends while traveling straight. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted. The crash left one driver seriously hurt and both vehicles damaged.
Distracted Drivers Crash Sedans on 21 Avenue▸Two sedans slammed together on 21 Avenue in Queens. A right rear passenger took a neck injury and burn. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control ignored. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of 21 Avenue and 24 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were going straight when they struck, with one car's center front end hitting the other's right front bumper. A 40-year-old man riding in the right rear passenger seat was injured, suffering a neck injury and minor burn. He was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash left both sedans with heavy front-end damage.
A concrete mixer turned right on 24th Avenue. Its bumper struck a 62-year-old woman on her bike. She flew from the saddle. She died on the cold street. Heavy steel met flesh. The city’s streets took another life.
A 62-year-old woman riding a bicycle east on 24th Avenue in Queens was killed when a concrete mixer truck turned right and struck her with its front bumper. According to the police report, 'A concrete mixer turned right. A 62-year-old woman pedaled east. The truck’s bumper struck her head. She flew from the bike. No helmet. No chance. She died alone on the cold street.' The crash data lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors beyond the truck’s right turn. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but this detail appears only after the sequence of impact. The collision underscores the deadly risk for cyclists sharing space with massive trucks on city streets.
S 100Gianaris co-sponsors bill to consider, not require, complete street design.▸Senate bill S 100 demands complete street design in state and federally funded projects. Lawmakers push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars.
Senate bill S 100 was introduced on January 4, 2023, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Jeremy Cooney, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 100,
Open States,
Published 2023-01-04
S 343Gianaris co-sponsors bill to create vehicle pedestrian safety rating system.▸Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.
Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 343,
Open States,
Published 2023-01-04
S 343Stavisky co-sponsors bill to create vehicle pedestrian safety rating system.▸Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.
Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 343,
Open States,
Published 2023-01-04
Two Taxis Crash at Astoria Boulevard Intersection▸Two taxis slammed together at Astoria Boulevard and 37 Street. One driver suffered chest injuries and whiplash. Police cite ignored traffic control and driver distraction. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two taxis collided at the intersection of Astoria Boulevard and 37 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling straight, one northbound, the other westbound. The crash struck the right front bumper of one taxi and the left front bumper of the other. A 35-year-old male driver was injured, suffering chest trauma and whiplash. He was not ejected and remained conscious. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as driver errors. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. No other injuries were reported.
SUV Turning Left on Red Hits Sedan▸A Kia SUV made a left turn on red and struck a Lexus sedan going straight south on Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The sedan’s driver, 59, suffered full-body injuries and shock. The crash damaged the front and right side of the vehicles.
According to the police report, a 59-year-old male driver in a 2013 Lexus sedan was traveling straight south on Ditmars Boulevard when he was struck by a 2021 Kia SUV making a left turn on red. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the sedan and the right front quarter panel of the SUV. The sedan driver sustained injuries to his entire body and was in shock but was not ejected from the vehicle. Contributing factors included unsafe speed and an unspecified factor. Both drivers were licensed. The crash caused significant damage to the center front end of the sedan and the right side doors of the SUV.
Gianaris Opposes Free Bus Service Despite Safety Boost▸Senator Michael Gianaris faces criticism for backing free city buses by 2026. The editorial slams the plan’s $638 million price tag and attacks its supporters. No mention of safety. The fight is about money, not lives on the street.
On December 16, 2022, an editorial targeted State Senator Michael Gianaris (District 12) for supporting a proposal to make all New York City buses free by 2026. The piece, titled 'Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,' appeared in the New York Post. It claims the plan would add $638 million a year to the MTA’s deficits and criticizes the idea as reckless. Gianaris, along with Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, is called out for joining the push. The editorial’s focus is fiscal: 'making all city buses free by 2026... would add an estimated $638 million a year to the MTA’s multi-billion dollar deficits.' There is no assessment of how this policy would affect vulnerable road users. The debate here is about budgets, not street safety.
-
Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-12-16
SUV Strikes Pedestrian in Marked Crosswalk▸A 31-year-old man was hit crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk. The driver, heading east in a BMW SUV, failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk without a signal. The driver, operating a 2020 BMW SUV traveling eastbound, struck the pedestrian with the vehicle's center front end. The report lists driver errors as Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The pedestrian sustained a head contusion and was conscious after the collision. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing factors.
Gianaris Opposes Incremental MTA Funding Calls for Bold Action▸State lawmakers Mamdani and Gianaris unveiled a four-year plan to fund free MTA buses. The proposal boosts bus service, freezes fares, and expands camera enforcement. They call it urgent. The plan aims to make transit faster, cheaper, and safer for all riders.
On December 14, 2022, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Michael Gianaris introduced the Formula Three Act, a legislative proposal to overhaul MTA funding and fare policy. The plan, part of the larger Fix The MTA Package, would phase in free local and Select Bus Service, increase bus frequency by 20%, freeze fares, and expand permanent bus lane camera enforcement. Funding would rise from $200 million in 2023 to $638 million in 2026, with $488 million yearly for more buses and $300 million annually for frequent subways. Mamdani called the proposal 'urgent and necessary,' stressing that 'seniors, working class New Yorkers, people who use the bus the most are able to do so without fear of being priced out.' Gianaris said, 'incrementalism...is not working.' The lawmakers urge bold action to ensure public transit is accessible, affordable, and excellent.
-
State Pols Reveal ‘Urgent And Necessary’ Plan To Fund Free MTA Buses,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-12-14
Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Crash Shatters Leg▸Three sedans slammed together on Grand Central Parkway. One driver’s leg broke. Police cite alcohol. Airbags burst. All drivers licensed, all going straight. Metal twisted. One man left hurt, awake, and strapped in.
According to the police report, three sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway. The crash left a 44-year-old male driver with fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. He was conscious, restrained by a lap belt and harness, and airbags deployed. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. All drivers were licensed men traveling straight. The collision caused center front-end damage to two vehicles and side damage to another. No ejections occurred. Alcohol involvement stands out as the key driver error in this crash.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A woman crossing with the signal was hit by an SUV making a left turn in Queens. The impact struck her head, causing abrasions. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was conscious but injured at the scene.
According to the police report, a female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 29 Street and 23 Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a southbound SUV made a left turn and struck her with the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered a head abrasion and remained conscious. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was licensed and operating a 1983 Ford SUV. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian's injury severity was moderate, and no other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.
González-Rojas Opposes Car Dealership Rezoning Supports Safer Housing▸Queens Community Board 2 voted to block a new SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard. Local leaders demand housing, not more cars. They cite danger, pollution, and reckless driving. Council Member Julie Won and Assembly Member González-Rojas back the board. The fight moves to City Planning.
On November 7, 2022, Queens Community Board 2 passed a resolution rejecting a rezoning application for a Lincoln SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard, Woodside. The matter, described as a call for a moratorium on car-related development, pits housing needs against car infrastructure. Council Member Julie Won supported the board, stating, "It should be a neighborhood rezoning instead of spot rezoning... we need to make it safer and more liveable." Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas also opposed the dealership, urging the space be used for affordable housing and highlighting dangerous driving by existing dealerships. Despite Borough President Donovan Richards' support for the rezoning, citing cycling and EV promotion, the application faces strong local resistance. The City Planning Commission now reviews the case, with a City Council vote possible. The board and electeds argue more cars mean more risk for pedestrians and cyclists on a deadly stretch.
-
Woodside Wants Housing, But It’s Likely to Get More SUVs,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-11-07
González-Rojas Opposes Adams Slowdown on Safety Boosting Bus Lanes▸Bus lanes crawl while people die. Advocates and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas rally on Northern Boulevard. Only 5.4 miles built, far short of the 20-mile goal. The city stalls. Streets stay deadly. Families mourn. The clock runs out.
On November 1, 2022, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas joined advocates in Jackson Heights to demand faster bus lane construction under the New York City Streets Plan. The plan, launched to comply with a 2019 law, mandates 150 miles of protected bus lanes by 2026—20 miles in 2022 alone. With two months left, only 5.4 miles were finished. González-Rojas declared, 'We demand to get our 20 miles of bus lanes.' The rally took place on Northern Boulevard, a corridor scarred by pedestrian deaths, including 9-year-old Giovanni Ampuero. His father spoke out: 'If you don’t improve the street, people are going to still get killed.' The Department of Transportation claims progress and a $900 million investment, but the pace lags. The city’s delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk, as deadly streets remain unchanged.
-
Adams admin has slowed to a crawl on bus lane construction, advocates say,
amny.com,
Published 2022-11-01
González-Rojas Celebrates Safety-Boosting MTA Bridge Bike Access▸Cyclists can now cross the Cross Bay Bridge. The Henry Hudson Bridge will follow after renovations. Assembly Member Gonzalez-Rojas pushed the law. Advocates pressed the MTA. Progress is slow, but real. Bike access grows. Riders still face gaps and delays.
Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas sponsored the 2021 bill that forced the MTA to plan bike and pedestrian access on its bridges. On October 26, 2022, the MTA announced legal cycling on the Cross Bay Bridge, with sharrows painted on the path. The Henry Hudson Bridge will open to cyclists after a major renovation, expected by 2025. The MTA will award a contract for that work next year. Gonzalez-Rojas said, 'This is what we worked toward when...we introduced and passed the MTA Bike Access bill.' Bike New York’s Jon Orcutt called the move 'pretty good progress.' The MTA also plans to add bike parking at 37 subway stations and expand bike access near transit. The Verrazzano Bridge remains off-limits for now. The announcement marks a step forward, but cyclists still face barriers and delays.
-
Cyclists Will Finally Be Welcome on Cross Bay and Henry Hudson Bridges,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-10-26
Two Sedans Collide on Steinway Street Queens▸Two sedans crashed head-to-head on Steinway Street in Queens. Both vehicles traveled north. The left rear bumper of one hit the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger suffered injuries and shock. Alcohol was involved in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans collided on Steinway Street in Queens, both traveling north. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of one vehicle striking the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger in one sedan was injured and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash caused damage to both vehicles' bumpers.
Improper Lane Use Triggers Queens Head-On Crash▸Two sedans slammed head-on on 20 Avenue. One driver, 36, broke and dislocated his shoulder. Police cite improper lane use and traffic control ignored. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on 20 Avenue near Steinway Street in Queens. The 36-year-old male driver of one vehicle suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. He was conscious and wore a lap belt. Both cars struck center front ends while traveling straight. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted. The crash left one driver seriously hurt and both vehicles damaged.
Distracted Drivers Crash Sedans on 21 Avenue▸Two sedans slammed together on 21 Avenue in Queens. A right rear passenger took a neck injury and burn. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control ignored. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of 21 Avenue and 24 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were going straight when they struck, with one car's center front end hitting the other's right front bumper. A 40-year-old man riding in the right rear passenger seat was injured, suffering a neck injury and minor burn. He was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash left both sedans with heavy front-end damage.
Senate bill S 100 demands complete street design in state and federally funded projects. Lawmakers push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars.
Senate bill S 100 was introduced on January 4, 2023, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Jeremy Cooney, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note was provided.
- File S 100, Open States, Published 2023-01-04
S 343Gianaris co-sponsors bill to create vehicle pedestrian safety rating system.▸Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.
Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 343,
Open States,
Published 2023-01-04
S 343Stavisky co-sponsors bill to create vehicle pedestrian safety rating system.▸Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.
Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 343,
Open States,
Published 2023-01-04
Two Taxis Crash at Astoria Boulevard Intersection▸Two taxis slammed together at Astoria Boulevard and 37 Street. One driver suffered chest injuries and whiplash. Police cite ignored traffic control and driver distraction. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two taxis collided at the intersection of Astoria Boulevard and 37 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling straight, one northbound, the other westbound. The crash struck the right front bumper of one taxi and the left front bumper of the other. A 35-year-old male driver was injured, suffering chest trauma and whiplash. He was not ejected and remained conscious. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as driver errors. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. No other injuries were reported.
SUV Turning Left on Red Hits Sedan▸A Kia SUV made a left turn on red and struck a Lexus sedan going straight south on Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The sedan’s driver, 59, suffered full-body injuries and shock. The crash damaged the front and right side of the vehicles.
According to the police report, a 59-year-old male driver in a 2013 Lexus sedan was traveling straight south on Ditmars Boulevard when he was struck by a 2021 Kia SUV making a left turn on red. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the sedan and the right front quarter panel of the SUV. The sedan driver sustained injuries to his entire body and was in shock but was not ejected from the vehicle. Contributing factors included unsafe speed and an unspecified factor. Both drivers were licensed. The crash caused significant damage to the center front end of the sedan and the right side doors of the SUV.
Gianaris Opposes Free Bus Service Despite Safety Boost▸Senator Michael Gianaris faces criticism for backing free city buses by 2026. The editorial slams the plan’s $638 million price tag and attacks its supporters. No mention of safety. The fight is about money, not lives on the street.
On December 16, 2022, an editorial targeted State Senator Michael Gianaris (District 12) for supporting a proposal to make all New York City buses free by 2026. The piece, titled 'Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,' appeared in the New York Post. It claims the plan would add $638 million a year to the MTA’s deficits and criticizes the idea as reckless. Gianaris, along with Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, is called out for joining the push. The editorial’s focus is fiscal: 'making all city buses free by 2026... would add an estimated $638 million a year to the MTA’s multi-billion dollar deficits.' There is no assessment of how this policy would affect vulnerable road users. The debate here is about budgets, not street safety.
-
Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-12-16
SUV Strikes Pedestrian in Marked Crosswalk▸A 31-year-old man was hit crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk. The driver, heading east in a BMW SUV, failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk without a signal. The driver, operating a 2020 BMW SUV traveling eastbound, struck the pedestrian with the vehicle's center front end. The report lists driver errors as Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The pedestrian sustained a head contusion and was conscious after the collision. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing factors.
Gianaris Opposes Incremental MTA Funding Calls for Bold Action▸State lawmakers Mamdani and Gianaris unveiled a four-year plan to fund free MTA buses. The proposal boosts bus service, freezes fares, and expands camera enforcement. They call it urgent. The plan aims to make transit faster, cheaper, and safer for all riders.
On December 14, 2022, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Michael Gianaris introduced the Formula Three Act, a legislative proposal to overhaul MTA funding and fare policy. The plan, part of the larger Fix The MTA Package, would phase in free local and Select Bus Service, increase bus frequency by 20%, freeze fares, and expand permanent bus lane camera enforcement. Funding would rise from $200 million in 2023 to $638 million in 2026, with $488 million yearly for more buses and $300 million annually for frequent subways. Mamdani called the proposal 'urgent and necessary,' stressing that 'seniors, working class New Yorkers, people who use the bus the most are able to do so without fear of being priced out.' Gianaris said, 'incrementalism...is not working.' The lawmakers urge bold action to ensure public transit is accessible, affordable, and excellent.
-
State Pols Reveal ‘Urgent And Necessary’ Plan To Fund Free MTA Buses,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-12-14
Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Crash Shatters Leg▸Three sedans slammed together on Grand Central Parkway. One driver’s leg broke. Police cite alcohol. Airbags burst. All drivers licensed, all going straight. Metal twisted. One man left hurt, awake, and strapped in.
According to the police report, three sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway. The crash left a 44-year-old male driver with fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. He was conscious, restrained by a lap belt and harness, and airbags deployed. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. All drivers were licensed men traveling straight. The collision caused center front-end damage to two vehicles and side damage to another. No ejections occurred. Alcohol involvement stands out as the key driver error in this crash.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A woman crossing with the signal was hit by an SUV making a left turn in Queens. The impact struck her head, causing abrasions. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was conscious but injured at the scene.
According to the police report, a female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 29 Street and 23 Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a southbound SUV made a left turn and struck her with the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered a head abrasion and remained conscious. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was licensed and operating a 1983 Ford SUV. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian's injury severity was moderate, and no other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.
González-Rojas Opposes Car Dealership Rezoning Supports Safer Housing▸Queens Community Board 2 voted to block a new SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard. Local leaders demand housing, not more cars. They cite danger, pollution, and reckless driving. Council Member Julie Won and Assembly Member González-Rojas back the board. The fight moves to City Planning.
On November 7, 2022, Queens Community Board 2 passed a resolution rejecting a rezoning application for a Lincoln SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard, Woodside. The matter, described as a call for a moratorium on car-related development, pits housing needs against car infrastructure. Council Member Julie Won supported the board, stating, "It should be a neighborhood rezoning instead of spot rezoning... we need to make it safer and more liveable." Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas also opposed the dealership, urging the space be used for affordable housing and highlighting dangerous driving by existing dealerships. Despite Borough President Donovan Richards' support for the rezoning, citing cycling and EV promotion, the application faces strong local resistance. The City Planning Commission now reviews the case, with a City Council vote possible. The board and electeds argue more cars mean more risk for pedestrians and cyclists on a deadly stretch.
-
Woodside Wants Housing, But It’s Likely to Get More SUVs,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-11-07
González-Rojas Opposes Adams Slowdown on Safety Boosting Bus Lanes▸Bus lanes crawl while people die. Advocates and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas rally on Northern Boulevard. Only 5.4 miles built, far short of the 20-mile goal. The city stalls. Streets stay deadly. Families mourn. The clock runs out.
On November 1, 2022, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas joined advocates in Jackson Heights to demand faster bus lane construction under the New York City Streets Plan. The plan, launched to comply with a 2019 law, mandates 150 miles of protected bus lanes by 2026—20 miles in 2022 alone. With two months left, only 5.4 miles were finished. González-Rojas declared, 'We demand to get our 20 miles of bus lanes.' The rally took place on Northern Boulevard, a corridor scarred by pedestrian deaths, including 9-year-old Giovanni Ampuero. His father spoke out: 'If you don’t improve the street, people are going to still get killed.' The Department of Transportation claims progress and a $900 million investment, but the pace lags. The city’s delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk, as deadly streets remain unchanged.
-
Adams admin has slowed to a crawl on bus lane construction, advocates say,
amny.com,
Published 2022-11-01
González-Rojas Celebrates Safety-Boosting MTA Bridge Bike Access▸Cyclists can now cross the Cross Bay Bridge. The Henry Hudson Bridge will follow after renovations. Assembly Member Gonzalez-Rojas pushed the law. Advocates pressed the MTA. Progress is slow, but real. Bike access grows. Riders still face gaps and delays.
Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas sponsored the 2021 bill that forced the MTA to plan bike and pedestrian access on its bridges. On October 26, 2022, the MTA announced legal cycling on the Cross Bay Bridge, with sharrows painted on the path. The Henry Hudson Bridge will open to cyclists after a major renovation, expected by 2025. The MTA will award a contract for that work next year. Gonzalez-Rojas said, 'This is what we worked toward when...we introduced and passed the MTA Bike Access bill.' Bike New York’s Jon Orcutt called the move 'pretty good progress.' The MTA also plans to add bike parking at 37 subway stations and expand bike access near transit. The Verrazzano Bridge remains off-limits for now. The announcement marks a step forward, but cyclists still face barriers and delays.
-
Cyclists Will Finally Be Welcome on Cross Bay and Henry Hudson Bridges,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-10-26
Two Sedans Collide on Steinway Street Queens▸Two sedans crashed head-to-head on Steinway Street in Queens. Both vehicles traveled north. The left rear bumper of one hit the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger suffered injuries and shock. Alcohol was involved in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans collided on Steinway Street in Queens, both traveling north. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of one vehicle striking the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger in one sedan was injured and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash caused damage to both vehicles' bumpers.
Improper Lane Use Triggers Queens Head-On Crash▸Two sedans slammed head-on on 20 Avenue. One driver, 36, broke and dislocated his shoulder. Police cite improper lane use and traffic control ignored. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on 20 Avenue near Steinway Street in Queens. The 36-year-old male driver of one vehicle suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. He was conscious and wore a lap belt. Both cars struck center front ends while traveling straight. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted. The crash left one driver seriously hurt and both vehicles damaged.
Distracted Drivers Crash Sedans on 21 Avenue▸Two sedans slammed together on 21 Avenue in Queens. A right rear passenger took a neck injury and burn. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control ignored. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of 21 Avenue and 24 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were going straight when they struck, with one car's center front end hitting the other's right front bumper. A 40-year-old man riding in the right rear passenger seat was injured, suffering a neck injury and minor burn. He was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash left both sedans with heavy front-end damage.
Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.
Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.
- File S 343, Open States, Published 2023-01-04
S 343Stavisky co-sponsors bill to create vehicle pedestrian safety rating system.▸Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.
Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 343,
Open States,
Published 2023-01-04
Two Taxis Crash at Astoria Boulevard Intersection▸Two taxis slammed together at Astoria Boulevard and 37 Street. One driver suffered chest injuries and whiplash. Police cite ignored traffic control and driver distraction. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two taxis collided at the intersection of Astoria Boulevard and 37 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling straight, one northbound, the other westbound. The crash struck the right front bumper of one taxi and the left front bumper of the other. A 35-year-old male driver was injured, suffering chest trauma and whiplash. He was not ejected and remained conscious. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as driver errors. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. No other injuries were reported.
SUV Turning Left on Red Hits Sedan▸A Kia SUV made a left turn on red and struck a Lexus sedan going straight south on Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The sedan’s driver, 59, suffered full-body injuries and shock. The crash damaged the front and right side of the vehicles.
According to the police report, a 59-year-old male driver in a 2013 Lexus sedan was traveling straight south on Ditmars Boulevard when he was struck by a 2021 Kia SUV making a left turn on red. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the sedan and the right front quarter panel of the SUV. The sedan driver sustained injuries to his entire body and was in shock but was not ejected from the vehicle. Contributing factors included unsafe speed and an unspecified factor. Both drivers were licensed. The crash caused significant damage to the center front end of the sedan and the right side doors of the SUV.
Gianaris Opposes Free Bus Service Despite Safety Boost▸Senator Michael Gianaris faces criticism for backing free city buses by 2026. The editorial slams the plan’s $638 million price tag and attacks its supporters. No mention of safety. The fight is about money, not lives on the street.
On December 16, 2022, an editorial targeted State Senator Michael Gianaris (District 12) for supporting a proposal to make all New York City buses free by 2026. The piece, titled 'Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,' appeared in the New York Post. It claims the plan would add $638 million a year to the MTA’s deficits and criticizes the idea as reckless. Gianaris, along with Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, is called out for joining the push. The editorial’s focus is fiscal: 'making all city buses free by 2026... would add an estimated $638 million a year to the MTA’s multi-billion dollar deficits.' There is no assessment of how this policy would affect vulnerable road users. The debate here is about budgets, not street safety.
-
Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-12-16
SUV Strikes Pedestrian in Marked Crosswalk▸A 31-year-old man was hit crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk. The driver, heading east in a BMW SUV, failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk without a signal. The driver, operating a 2020 BMW SUV traveling eastbound, struck the pedestrian with the vehicle's center front end. The report lists driver errors as Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The pedestrian sustained a head contusion and was conscious after the collision. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing factors.
Gianaris Opposes Incremental MTA Funding Calls for Bold Action▸State lawmakers Mamdani and Gianaris unveiled a four-year plan to fund free MTA buses. The proposal boosts bus service, freezes fares, and expands camera enforcement. They call it urgent. The plan aims to make transit faster, cheaper, and safer for all riders.
On December 14, 2022, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Michael Gianaris introduced the Formula Three Act, a legislative proposal to overhaul MTA funding and fare policy. The plan, part of the larger Fix The MTA Package, would phase in free local and Select Bus Service, increase bus frequency by 20%, freeze fares, and expand permanent bus lane camera enforcement. Funding would rise from $200 million in 2023 to $638 million in 2026, with $488 million yearly for more buses and $300 million annually for frequent subways. Mamdani called the proposal 'urgent and necessary,' stressing that 'seniors, working class New Yorkers, people who use the bus the most are able to do so without fear of being priced out.' Gianaris said, 'incrementalism...is not working.' The lawmakers urge bold action to ensure public transit is accessible, affordable, and excellent.
-
State Pols Reveal ‘Urgent And Necessary’ Plan To Fund Free MTA Buses,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-12-14
Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Crash Shatters Leg▸Three sedans slammed together on Grand Central Parkway. One driver’s leg broke. Police cite alcohol. Airbags burst. All drivers licensed, all going straight. Metal twisted. One man left hurt, awake, and strapped in.
According to the police report, three sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway. The crash left a 44-year-old male driver with fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. He was conscious, restrained by a lap belt and harness, and airbags deployed. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. All drivers were licensed men traveling straight. The collision caused center front-end damage to two vehicles and side damage to another. No ejections occurred. Alcohol involvement stands out as the key driver error in this crash.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A woman crossing with the signal was hit by an SUV making a left turn in Queens. The impact struck her head, causing abrasions. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was conscious but injured at the scene.
According to the police report, a female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 29 Street and 23 Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a southbound SUV made a left turn and struck her with the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered a head abrasion and remained conscious. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was licensed and operating a 1983 Ford SUV. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian's injury severity was moderate, and no other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.
González-Rojas Opposes Car Dealership Rezoning Supports Safer Housing▸Queens Community Board 2 voted to block a new SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard. Local leaders demand housing, not more cars. They cite danger, pollution, and reckless driving. Council Member Julie Won and Assembly Member González-Rojas back the board. The fight moves to City Planning.
On November 7, 2022, Queens Community Board 2 passed a resolution rejecting a rezoning application for a Lincoln SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard, Woodside. The matter, described as a call for a moratorium on car-related development, pits housing needs against car infrastructure. Council Member Julie Won supported the board, stating, "It should be a neighborhood rezoning instead of spot rezoning... we need to make it safer and more liveable." Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas also opposed the dealership, urging the space be used for affordable housing and highlighting dangerous driving by existing dealerships. Despite Borough President Donovan Richards' support for the rezoning, citing cycling and EV promotion, the application faces strong local resistance. The City Planning Commission now reviews the case, with a City Council vote possible. The board and electeds argue more cars mean more risk for pedestrians and cyclists on a deadly stretch.
-
Woodside Wants Housing, But It’s Likely to Get More SUVs,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-11-07
González-Rojas Opposes Adams Slowdown on Safety Boosting Bus Lanes▸Bus lanes crawl while people die. Advocates and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas rally on Northern Boulevard. Only 5.4 miles built, far short of the 20-mile goal. The city stalls. Streets stay deadly. Families mourn. The clock runs out.
On November 1, 2022, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas joined advocates in Jackson Heights to demand faster bus lane construction under the New York City Streets Plan. The plan, launched to comply with a 2019 law, mandates 150 miles of protected bus lanes by 2026—20 miles in 2022 alone. With two months left, only 5.4 miles were finished. González-Rojas declared, 'We demand to get our 20 miles of bus lanes.' The rally took place on Northern Boulevard, a corridor scarred by pedestrian deaths, including 9-year-old Giovanni Ampuero. His father spoke out: 'If you don’t improve the street, people are going to still get killed.' The Department of Transportation claims progress and a $900 million investment, but the pace lags. The city’s delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk, as deadly streets remain unchanged.
-
Adams admin has slowed to a crawl on bus lane construction, advocates say,
amny.com,
Published 2022-11-01
González-Rojas Celebrates Safety-Boosting MTA Bridge Bike Access▸Cyclists can now cross the Cross Bay Bridge. The Henry Hudson Bridge will follow after renovations. Assembly Member Gonzalez-Rojas pushed the law. Advocates pressed the MTA. Progress is slow, but real. Bike access grows. Riders still face gaps and delays.
Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas sponsored the 2021 bill that forced the MTA to plan bike and pedestrian access on its bridges. On October 26, 2022, the MTA announced legal cycling on the Cross Bay Bridge, with sharrows painted on the path. The Henry Hudson Bridge will open to cyclists after a major renovation, expected by 2025. The MTA will award a contract for that work next year. Gonzalez-Rojas said, 'This is what we worked toward when...we introduced and passed the MTA Bike Access bill.' Bike New York’s Jon Orcutt called the move 'pretty good progress.' The MTA also plans to add bike parking at 37 subway stations and expand bike access near transit. The Verrazzano Bridge remains off-limits for now. The announcement marks a step forward, but cyclists still face barriers and delays.
-
Cyclists Will Finally Be Welcome on Cross Bay and Henry Hudson Bridges,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-10-26
Two Sedans Collide on Steinway Street Queens▸Two sedans crashed head-to-head on Steinway Street in Queens. Both vehicles traveled north. The left rear bumper of one hit the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger suffered injuries and shock. Alcohol was involved in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans collided on Steinway Street in Queens, both traveling north. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of one vehicle striking the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger in one sedan was injured and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash caused damage to both vehicles' bumpers.
Improper Lane Use Triggers Queens Head-On Crash▸Two sedans slammed head-on on 20 Avenue. One driver, 36, broke and dislocated his shoulder. Police cite improper lane use and traffic control ignored. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on 20 Avenue near Steinway Street in Queens. The 36-year-old male driver of one vehicle suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. He was conscious and wore a lap belt. Both cars struck center front ends while traveling straight. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted. The crash left one driver seriously hurt and both vehicles damaged.
Distracted Drivers Crash Sedans on 21 Avenue▸Two sedans slammed together on 21 Avenue in Queens. A right rear passenger took a neck injury and burn. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control ignored. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of 21 Avenue and 24 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were going straight when they struck, with one car's center front end hitting the other's right front bumper. A 40-year-old man riding in the right rear passenger seat was injured, suffering a neck injury and minor burn. He was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash left both sedans with heavy front-end damage.
Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.
Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.
- File S 343, Open States, Published 2023-01-04
Two Taxis Crash at Astoria Boulevard Intersection▸Two taxis slammed together at Astoria Boulevard and 37 Street. One driver suffered chest injuries and whiplash. Police cite ignored traffic control and driver distraction. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two taxis collided at the intersection of Astoria Boulevard and 37 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling straight, one northbound, the other westbound. The crash struck the right front bumper of one taxi and the left front bumper of the other. A 35-year-old male driver was injured, suffering chest trauma and whiplash. He was not ejected and remained conscious. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as driver errors. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. No other injuries were reported.
SUV Turning Left on Red Hits Sedan▸A Kia SUV made a left turn on red and struck a Lexus sedan going straight south on Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The sedan’s driver, 59, suffered full-body injuries and shock. The crash damaged the front and right side of the vehicles.
According to the police report, a 59-year-old male driver in a 2013 Lexus sedan was traveling straight south on Ditmars Boulevard when he was struck by a 2021 Kia SUV making a left turn on red. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the sedan and the right front quarter panel of the SUV. The sedan driver sustained injuries to his entire body and was in shock but was not ejected from the vehicle. Contributing factors included unsafe speed and an unspecified factor. Both drivers were licensed. The crash caused significant damage to the center front end of the sedan and the right side doors of the SUV.
Gianaris Opposes Free Bus Service Despite Safety Boost▸Senator Michael Gianaris faces criticism for backing free city buses by 2026. The editorial slams the plan’s $638 million price tag and attacks its supporters. No mention of safety. The fight is about money, not lives on the street.
On December 16, 2022, an editorial targeted State Senator Michael Gianaris (District 12) for supporting a proposal to make all New York City buses free by 2026. The piece, titled 'Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,' appeared in the New York Post. It claims the plan would add $638 million a year to the MTA’s deficits and criticizes the idea as reckless. Gianaris, along with Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, is called out for joining the push. The editorial’s focus is fiscal: 'making all city buses free by 2026... would add an estimated $638 million a year to the MTA’s multi-billion dollar deficits.' There is no assessment of how this policy would affect vulnerable road users. The debate here is about budgets, not street safety.
-
Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-12-16
SUV Strikes Pedestrian in Marked Crosswalk▸A 31-year-old man was hit crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk. The driver, heading east in a BMW SUV, failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk without a signal. The driver, operating a 2020 BMW SUV traveling eastbound, struck the pedestrian with the vehicle's center front end. The report lists driver errors as Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The pedestrian sustained a head contusion and was conscious after the collision. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing factors.
Gianaris Opposes Incremental MTA Funding Calls for Bold Action▸State lawmakers Mamdani and Gianaris unveiled a four-year plan to fund free MTA buses. The proposal boosts bus service, freezes fares, and expands camera enforcement. They call it urgent. The plan aims to make transit faster, cheaper, and safer for all riders.
On December 14, 2022, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Michael Gianaris introduced the Formula Three Act, a legislative proposal to overhaul MTA funding and fare policy. The plan, part of the larger Fix The MTA Package, would phase in free local and Select Bus Service, increase bus frequency by 20%, freeze fares, and expand permanent bus lane camera enforcement. Funding would rise from $200 million in 2023 to $638 million in 2026, with $488 million yearly for more buses and $300 million annually for frequent subways. Mamdani called the proposal 'urgent and necessary,' stressing that 'seniors, working class New Yorkers, people who use the bus the most are able to do so without fear of being priced out.' Gianaris said, 'incrementalism...is not working.' The lawmakers urge bold action to ensure public transit is accessible, affordable, and excellent.
-
State Pols Reveal ‘Urgent And Necessary’ Plan To Fund Free MTA Buses,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-12-14
Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Crash Shatters Leg▸Three sedans slammed together on Grand Central Parkway. One driver’s leg broke. Police cite alcohol. Airbags burst. All drivers licensed, all going straight. Metal twisted. One man left hurt, awake, and strapped in.
According to the police report, three sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway. The crash left a 44-year-old male driver with fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. He was conscious, restrained by a lap belt and harness, and airbags deployed. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. All drivers were licensed men traveling straight. The collision caused center front-end damage to two vehicles and side damage to another. No ejections occurred. Alcohol involvement stands out as the key driver error in this crash.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A woman crossing with the signal was hit by an SUV making a left turn in Queens. The impact struck her head, causing abrasions. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was conscious but injured at the scene.
According to the police report, a female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 29 Street and 23 Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a southbound SUV made a left turn and struck her with the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered a head abrasion and remained conscious. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was licensed and operating a 1983 Ford SUV. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian's injury severity was moderate, and no other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.
González-Rojas Opposes Car Dealership Rezoning Supports Safer Housing▸Queens Community Board 2 voted to block a new SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard. Local leaders demand housing, not more cars. They cite danger, pollution, and reckless driving. Council Member Julie Won and Assembly Member González-Rojas back the board. The fight moves to City Planning.
On November 7, 2022, Queens Community Board 2 passed a resolution rejecting a rezoning application for a Lincoln SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard, Woodside. The matter, described as a call for a moratorium on car-related development, pits housing needs against car infrastructure. Council Member Julie Won supported the board, stating, "It should be a neighborhood rezoning instead of spot rezoning... we need to make it safer and more liveable." Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas also opposed the dealership, urging the space be used for affordable housing and highlighting dangerous driving by existing dealerships. Despite Borough President Donovan Richards' support for the rezoning, citing cycling and EV promotion, the application faces strong local resistance. The City Planning Commission now reviews the case, with a City Council vote possible. The board and electeds argue more cars mean more risk for pedestrians and cyclists on a deadly stretch.
-
Woodside Wants Housing, But It’s Likely to Get More SUVs,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-11-07
González-Rojas Opposes Adams Slowdown on Safety Boosting Bus Lanes▸Bus lanes crawl while people die. Advocates and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas rally on Northern Boulevard. Only 5.4 miles built, far short of the 20-mile goal. The city stalls. Streets stay deadly. Families mourn. The clock runs out.
On November 1, 2022, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas joined advocates in Jackson Heights to demand faster bus lane construction under the New York City Streets Plan. The plan, launched to comply with a 2019 law, mandates 150 miles of protected bus lanes by 2026—20 miles in 2022 alone. With two months left, only 5.4 miles were finished. González-Rojas declared, 'We demand to get our 20 miles of bus lanes.' The rally took place on Northern Boulevard, a corridor scarred by pedestrian deaths, including 9-year-old Giovanni Ampuero. His father spoke out: 'If you don’t improve the street, people are going to still get killed.' The Department of Transportation claims progress and a $900 million investment, but the pace lags. The city’s delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk, as deadly streets remain unchanged.
-
Adams admin has slowed to a crawl on bus lane construction, advocates say,
amny.com,
Published 2022-11-01
González-Rojas Celebrates Safety-Boosting MTA Bridge Bike Access▸Cyclists can now cross the Cross Bay Bridge. The Henry Hudson Bridge will follow after renovations. Assembly Member Gonzalez-Rojas pushed the law. Advocates pressed the MTA. Progress is slow, but real. Bike access grows. Riders still face gaps and delays.
Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas sponsored the 2021 bill that forced the MTA to plan bike and pedestrian access on its bridges. On October 26, 2022, the MTA announced legal cycling on the Cross Bay Bridge, with sharrows painted on the path. The Henry Hudson Bridge will open to cyclists after a major renovation, expected by 2025. The MTA will award a contract for that work next year. Gonzalez-Rojas said, 'This is what we worked toward when...we introduced and passed the MTA Bike Access bill.' Bike New York’s Jon Orcutt called the move 'pretty good progress.' The MTA also plans to add bike parking at 37 subway stations and expand bike access near transit. The Verrazzano Bridge remains off-limits for now. The announcement marks a step forward, but cyclists still face barriers and delays.
-
Cyclists Will Finally Be Welcome on Cross Bay and Henry Hudson Bridges,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-10-26
Two Sedans Collide on Steinway Street Queens▸Two sedans crashed head-to-head on Steinway Street in Queens. Both vehicles traveled north. The left rear bumper of one hit the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger suffered injuries and shock. Alcohol was involved in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans collided on Steinway Street in Queens, both traveling north. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of one vehicle striking the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger in one sedan was injured and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash caused damage to both vehicles' bumpers.
Improper Lane Use Triggers Queens Head-On Crash▸Two sedans slammed head-on on 20 Avenue. One driver, 36, broke and dislocated his shoulder. Police cite improper lane use and traffic control ignored. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on 20 Avenue near Steinway Street in Queens. The 36-year-old male driver of one vehicle suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. He was conscious and wore a lap belt. Both cars struck center front ends while traveling straight. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted. The crash left one driver seriously hurt and both vehicles damaged.
Distracted Drivers Crash Sedans on 21 Avenue▸Two sedans slammed together on 21 Avenue in Queens. A right rear passenger took a neck injury and burn. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control ignored. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of 21 Avenue and 24 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were going straight when they struck, with one car's center front end hitting the other's right front bumper. A 40-year-old man riding in the right rear passenger seat was injured, suffering a neck injury and minor burn. He was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash left both sedans with heavy front-end damage.
Two taxis slammed together at Astoria Boulevard and 37 Street. One driver suffered chest injuries and whiplash. Police cite ignored traffic control and driver distraction. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two taxis collided at the intersection of Astoria Boulevard and 37 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling straight, one northbound, the other westbound. The crash struck the right front bumper of one taxi and the left front bumper of the other. A 35-year-old male driver was injured, suffering chest trauma and whiplash. He was not ejected and remained conscious. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as driver errors. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. No other injuries were reported.
SUV Turning Left on Red Hits Sedan▸A Kia SUV made a left turn on red and struck a Lexus sedan going straight south on Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The sedan’s driver, 59, suffered full-body injuries and shock. The crash damaged the front and right side of the vehicles.
According to the police report, a 59-year-old male driver in a 2013 Lexus sedan was traveling straight south on Ditmars Boulevard when he was struck by a 2021 Kia SUV making a left turn on red. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the sedan and the right front quarter panel of the SUV. The sedan driver sustained injuries to his entire body and was in shock but was not ejected from the vehicle. Contributing factors included unsafe speed and an unspecified factor. Both drivers were licensed. The crash caused significant damage to the center front end of the sedan and the right side doors of the SUV.
Gianaris Opposes Free Bus Service Despite Safety Boost▸Senator Michael Gianaris faces criticism for backing free city buses by 2026. The editorial slams the plan’s $638 million price tag and attacks its supporters. No mention of safety. The fight is about money, not lives on the street.
On December 16, 2022, an editorial targeted State Senator Michael Gianaris (District 12) for supporting a proposal to make all New York City buses free by 2026. The piece, titled 'Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,' appeared in the New York Post. It claims the plan would add $638 million a year to the MTA’s deficits and criticizes the idea as reckless. Gianaris, along with Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, is called out for joining the push. The editorial’s focus is fiscal: 'making all city buses free by 2026... would add an estimated $638 million a year to the MTA’s multi-billion dollar deficits.' There is no assessment of how this policy would affect vulnerable road users. The debate here is about budgets, not street safety.
-
Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-12-16
SUV Strikes Pedestrian in Marked Crosswalk▸A 31-year-old man was hit crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk. The driver, heading east in a BMW SUV, failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk without a signal. The driver, operating a 2020 BMW SUV traveling eastbound, struck the pedestrian with the vehicle's center front end. The report lists driver errors as Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The pedestrian sustained a head contusion and was conscious after the collision. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing factors.
Gianaris Opposes Incremental MTA Funding Calls for Bold Action▸State lawmakers Mamdani and Gianaris unveiled a four-year plan to fund free MTA buses. The proposal boosts bus service, freezes fares, and expands camera enforcement. They call it urgent. The plan aims to make transit faster, cheaper, and safer for all riders.
On December 14, 2022, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Michael Gianaris introduced the Formula Three Act, a legislative proposal to overhaul MTA funding and fare policy. The plan, part of the larger Fix The MTA Package, would phase in free local and Select Bus Service, increase bus frequency by 20%, freeze fares, and expand permanent bus lane camera enforcement. Funding would rise from $200 million in 2023 to $638 million in 2026, with $488 million yearly for more buses and $300 million annually for frequent subways. Mamdani called the proposal 'urgent and necessary,' stressing that 'seniors, working class New Yorkers, people who use the bus the most are able to do so without fear of being priced out.' Gianaris said, 'incrementalism...is not working.' The lawmakers urge bold action to ensure public transit is accessible, affordable, and excellent.
-
State Pols Reveal ‘Urgent And Necessary’ Plan To Fund Free MTA Buses,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-12-14
Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Crash Shatters Leg▸Three sedans slammed together on Grand Central Parkway. One driver’s leg broke. Police cite alcohol. Airbags burst. All drivers licensed, all going straight. Metal twisted. One man left hurt, awake, and strapped in.
According to the police report, three sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway. The crash left a 44-year-old male driver with fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. He was conscious, restrained by a lap belt and harness, and airbags deployed. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. All drivers were licensed men traveling straight. The collision caused center front-end damage to two vehicles and side damage to another. No ejections occurred. Alcohol involvement stands out as the key driver error in this crash.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A woman crossing with the signal was hit by an SUV making a left turn in Queens. The impact struck her head, causing abrasions. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was conscious but injured at the scene.
According to the police report, a female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 29 Street and 23 Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a southbound SUV made a left turn and struck her with the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered a head abrasion and remained conscious. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was licensed and operating a 1983 Ford SUV. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian's injury severity was moderate, and no other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.
González-Rojas Opposes Car Dealership Rezoning Supports Safer Housing▸Queens Community Board 2 voted to block a new SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard. Local leaders demand housing, not more cars. They cite danger, pollution, and reckless driving. Council Member Julie Won and Assembly Member González-Rojas back the board. The fight moves to City Planning.
On November 7, 2022, Queens Community Board 2 passed a resolution rejecting a rezoning application for a Lincoln SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard, Woodside. The matter, described as a call for a moratorium on car-related development, pits housing needs against car infrastructure. Council Member Julie Won supported the board, stating, "It should be a neighborhood rezoning instead of spot rezoning... we need to make it safer and more liveable." Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas also opposed the dealership, urging the space be used for affordable housing and highlighting dangerous driving by existing dealerships. Despite Borough President Donovan Richards' support for the rezoning, citing cycling and EV promotion, the application faces strong local resistance. The City Planning Commission now reviews the case, with a City Council vote possible. The board and electeds argue more cars mean more risk for pedestrians and cyclists on a deadly stretch.
-
Woodside Wants Housing, But It’s Likely to Get More SUVs,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-11-07
González-Rojas Opposes Adams Slowdown on Safety Boosting Bus Lanes▸Bus lanes crawl while people die. Advocates and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas rally on Northern Boulevard. Only 5.4 miles built, far short of the 20-mile goal. The city stalls. Streets stay deadly. Families mourn. The clock runs out.
On November 1, 2022, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas joined advocates in Jackson Heights to demand faster bus lane construction under the New York City Streets Plan. The plan, launched to comply with a 2019 law, mandates 150 miles of protected bus lanes by 2026—20 miles in 2022 alone. With two months left, only 5.4 miles were finished. González-Rojas declared, 'We demand to get our 20 miles of bus lanes.' The rally took place on Northern Boulevard, a corridor scarred by pedestrian deaths, including 9-year-old Giovanni Ampuero. His father spoke out: 'If you don’t improve the street, people are going to still get killed.' The Department of Transportation claims progress and a $900 million investment, but the pace lags. The city’s delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk, as deadly streets remain unchanged.
-
Adams admin has slowed to a crawl on bus lane construction, advocates say,
amny.com,
Published 2022-11-01
González-Rojas Celebrates Safety-Boosting MTA Bridge Bike Access▸Cyclists can now cross the Cross Bay Bridge. The Henry Hudson Bridge will follow after renovations. Assembly Member Gonzalez-Rojas pushed the law. Advocates pressed the MTA. Progress is slow, but real. Bike access grows. Riders still face gaps and delays.
Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas sponsored the 2021 bill that forced the MTA to plan bike and pedestrian access on its bridges. On October 26, 2022, the MTA announced legal cycling on the Cross Bay Bridge, with sharrows painted on the path. The Henry Hudson Bridge will open to cyclists after a major renovation, expected by 2025. The MTA will award a contract for that work next year. Gonzalez-Rojas said, 'This is what we worked toward when...we introduced and passed the MTA Bike Access bill.' Bike New York’s Jon Orcutt called the move 'pretty good progress.' The MTA also plans to add bike parking at 37 subway stations and expand bike access near transit. The Verrazzano Bridge remains off-limits for now. The announcement marks a step forward, but cyclists still face barriers and delays.
-
Cyclists Will Finally Be Welcome on Cross Bay and Henry Hudson Bridges,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-10-26
Two Sedans Collide on Steinway Street Queens▸Two sedans crashed head-to-head on Steinway Street in Queens. Both vehicles traveled north. The left rear bumper of one hit the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger suffered injuries and shock. Alcohol was involved in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans collided on Steinway Street in Queens, both traveling north. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of one vehicle striking the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger in one sedan was injured and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash caused damage to both vehicles' bumpers.
Improper Lane Use Triggers Queens Head-On Crash▸Two sedans slammed head-on on 20 Avenue. One driver, 36, broke and dislocated his shoulder. Police cite improper lane use and traffic control ignored. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on 20 Avenue near Steinway Street in Queens. The 36-year-old male driver of one vehicle suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. He was conscious and wore a lap belt. Both cars struck center front ends while traveling straight. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted. The crash left one driver seriously hurt and both vehicles damaged.
Distracted Drivers Crash Sedans on 21 Avenue▸Two sedans slammed together on 21 Avenue in Queens. A right rear passenger took a neck injury and burn. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control ignored. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of 21 Avenue and 24 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were going straight when they struck, with one car's center front end hitting the other's right front bumper. A 40-year-old man riding in the right rear passenger seat was injured, suffering a neck injury and minor burn. He was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash left both sedans with heavy front-end damage.
A Kia SUV made a left turn on red and struck a Lexus sedan going straight south on Ditmars Boulevard in Queens. The sedan’s driver, 59, suffered full-body injuries and shock. The crash damaged the front and right side of the vehicles.
According to the police report, a 59-year-old male driver in a 2013 Lexus sedan was traveling straight south on Ditmars Boulevard when he was struck by a 2021 Kia SUV making a left turn on red. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the sedan and the right front quarter panel of the SUV. The sedan driver sustained injuries to his entire body and was in shock but was not ejected from the vehicle. Contributing factors included unsafe speed and an unspecified factor. Both drivers were licensed. The crash caused significant damage to the center front end of the sedan and the right side doors of the SUV.
Gianaris Opposes Free Bus Service Despite Safety Boost▸Senator Michael Gianaris faces criticism for backing free city buses by 2026. The editorial slams the plan’s $638 million price tag and attacks its supporters. No mention of safety. The fight is about money, not lives on the street.
On December 16, 2022, an editorial targeted State Senator Michael Gianaris (District 12) for supporting a proposal to make all New York City buses free by 2026. The piece, titled 'Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,' appeared in the New York Post. It claims the plan would add $638 million a year to the MTA’s deficits and criticizes the idea as reckless. Gianaris, along with Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, is called out for joining the push. The editorial’s focus is fiscal: 'making all city buses free by 2026... would add an estimated $638 million a year to the MTA’s multi-billion dollar deficits.' There is no assessment of how this policy would affect vulnerable road users. The debate here is about budgets, not street safety.
-
Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,
nypost.com,
Published 2022-12-16
SUV Strikes Pedestrian in Marked Crosswalk▸A 31-year-old man was hit crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk. The driver, heading east in a BMW SUV, failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk without a signal. The driver, operating a 2020 BMW SUV traveling eastbound, struck the pedestrian with the vehicle's center front end. The report lists driver errors as Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The pedestrian sustained a head contusion and was conscious after the collision. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing factors.
Gianaris Opposes Incremental MTA Funding Calls for Bold Action▸State lawmakers Mamdani and Gianaris unveiled a four-year plan to fund free MTA buses. The proposal boosts bus service, freezes fares, and expands camera enforcement. They call it urgent. The plan aims to make transit faster, cheaper, and safer for all riders.
On December 14, 2022, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Michael Gianaris introduced the Formula Three Act, a legislative proposal to overhaul MTA funding and fare policy. The plan, part of the larger Fix The MTA Package, would phase in free local and Select Bus Service, increase bus frequency by 20%, freeze fares, and expand permanent bus lane camera enforcement. Funding would rise from $200 million in 2023 to $638 million in 2026, with $488 million yearly for more buses and $300 million annually for frequent subways. Mamdani called the proposal 'urgent and necessary,' stressing that 'seniors, working class New Yorkers, people who use the bus the most are able to do so without fear of being priced out.' Gianaris said, 'incrementalism...is not working.' The lawmakers urge bold action to ensure public transit is accessible, affordable, and excellent.
-
State Pols Reveal ‘Urgent And Necessary’ Plan To Fund Free MTA Buses,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-12-14
Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Crash Shatters Leg▸Three sedans slammed together on Grand Central Parkway. One driver’s leg broke. Police cite alcohol. Airbags burst. All drivers licensed, all going straight. Metal twisted. One man left hurt, awake, and strapped in.
According to the police report, three sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway. The crash left a 44-year-old male driver with fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. He was conscious, restrained by a lap belt and harness, and airbags deployed. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. All drivers were licensed men traveling straight. The collision caused center front-end damage to two vehicles and side damage to another. No ejections occurred. Alcohol involvement stands out as the key driver error in this crash.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A woman crossing with the signal was hit by an SUV making a left turn in Queens. The impact struck her head, causing abrasions. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was conscious but injured at the scene.
According to the police report, a female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 29 Street and 23 Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a southbound SUV made a left turn and struck her with the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered a head abrasion and remained conscious. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was licensed and operating a 1983 Ford SUV. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian's injury severity was moderate, and no other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.
González-Rojas Opposes Car Dealership Rezoning Supports Safer Housing▸Queens Community Board 2 voted to block a new SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard. Local leaders demand housing, not more cars. They cite danger, pollution, and reckless driving. Council Member Julie Won and Assembly Member González-Rojas back the board. The fight moves to City Planning.
On November 7, 2022, Queens Community Board 2 passed a resolution rejecting a rezoning application for a Lincoln SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard, Woodside. The matter, described as a call for a moratorium on car-related development, pits housing needs against car infrastructure. Council Member Julie Won supported the board, stating, "It should be a neighborhood rezoning instead of spot rezoning... we need to make it safer and more liveable." Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas also opposed the dealership, urging the space be used for affordable housing and highlighting dangerous driving by existing dealerships. Despite Borough President Donovan Richards' support for the rezoning, citing cycling and EV promotion, the application faces strong local resistance. The City Planning Commission now reviews the case, with a City Council vote possible. The board and electeds argue more cars mean more risk for pedestrians and cyclists on a deadly stretch.
-
Woodside Wants Housing, But It’s Likely to Get More SUVs,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-11-07
González-Rojas Opposes Adams Slowdown on Safety Boosting Bus Lanes▸Bus lanes crawl while people die. Advocates and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas rally on Northern Boulevard. Only 5.4 miles built, far short of the 20-mile goal. The city stalls. Streets stay deadly. Families mourn. The clock runs out.
On November 1, 2022, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas joined advocates in Jackson Heights to demand faster bus lane construction under the New York City Streets Plan. The plan, launched to comply with a 2019 law, mandates 150 miles of protected bus lanes by 2026—20 miles in 2022 alone. With two months left, only 5.4 miles were finished. González-Rojas declared, 'We demand to get our 20 miles of bus lanes.' The rally took place on Northern Boulevard, a corridor scarred by pedestrian deaths, including 9-year-old Giovanni Ampuero. His father spoke out: 'If you don’t improve the street, people are going to still get killed.' The Department of Transportation claims progress and a $900 million investment, but the pace lags. The city’s delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk, as deadly streets remain unchanged.
-
Adams admin has slowed to a crawl on bus lane construction, advocates say,
amny.com,
Published 2022-11-01
González-Rojas Celebrates Safety-Boosting MTA Bridge Bike Access▸Cyclists can now cross the Cross Bay Bridge. The Henry Hudson Bridge will follow after renovations. Assembly Member Gonzalez-Rojas pushed the law. Advocates pressed the MTA. Progress is slow, but real. Bike access grows. Riders still face gaps and delays.
Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas sponsored the 2021 bill that forced the MTA to plan bike and pedestrian access on its bridges. On October 26, 2022, the MTA announced legal cycling on the Cross Bay Bridge, with sharrows painted on the path. The Henry Hudson Bridge will open to cyclists after a major renovation, expected by 2025. The MTA will award a contract for that work next year. Gonzalez-Rojas said, 'This is what we worked toward when...we introduced and passed the MTA Bike Access bill.' Bike New York’s Jon Orcutt called the move 'pretty good progress.' The MTA also plans to add bike parking at 37 subway stations and expand bike access near transit. The Verrazzano Bridge remains off-limits for now. The announcement marks a step forward, but cyclists still face barriers and delays.
-
Cyclists Will Finally Be Welcome on Cross Bay and Henry Hudson Bridges,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-10-26
Two Sedans Collide on Steinway Street Queens▸Two sedans crashed head-to-head on Steinway Street in Queens. Both vehicles traveled north. The left rear bumper of one hit the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger suffered injuries and shock. Alcohol was involved in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans collided on Steinway Street in Queens, both traveling north. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of one vehicle striking the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger in one sedan was injured and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash caused damage to both vehicles' bumpers.
Improper Lane Use Triggers Queens Head-On Crash▸Two sedans slammed head-on on 20 Avenue. One driver, 36, broke and dislocated his shoulder. Police cite improper lane use and traffic control ignored. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on 20 Avenue near Steinway Street in Queens. The 36-year-old male driver of one vehicle suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. He was conscious and wore a lap belt. Both cars struck center front ends while traveling straight. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted. The crash left one driver seriously hurt and both vehicles damaged.
Distracted Drivers Crash Sedans on 21 Avenue▸Two sedans slammed together on 21 Avenue in Queens. A right rear passenger took a neck injury and burn. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control ignored. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of 21 Avenue and 24 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were going straight when they struck, with one car's center front end hitting the other's right front bumper. A 40-year-old man riding in the right rear passenger seat was injured, suffering a neck injury and minor burn. He was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash left both sedans with heavy front-end damage.
Senator Michael Gianaris faces criticism for backing free city buses by 2026. The editorial slams the plan’s $638 million price tag and attacks its supporters. No mention of safety. The fight is about money, not lives on the street.
On December 16, 2022, an editorial targeted State Senator Michael Gianaris (District 12) for supporting a proposal to make all New York City buses free by 2026. The piece, titled 'Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,' appeared in the New York Post. It claims the plan would add $638 million a year to the MTA’s deficits and criticizes the idea as reckless. Gianaris, along with Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, is called out for joining the push. The editorial’s focus is fiscal: 'making all city buses free by 2026... would add an estimated $638 million a year to the MTA’s multi-billion dollar deficits.' There is no assessment of how this policy would affect vulnerable road users. The debate here is about budgets, not street safety.
- Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy, nypost.com, Published 2022-12-16
SUV Strikes Pedestrian in Marked Crosswalk▸A 31-year-old man was hit crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk. The driver, heading east in a BMW SUV, failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk without a signal. The driver, operating a 2020 BMW SUV traveling eastbound, struck the pedestrian with the vehicle's center front end. The report lists driver errors as Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The pedestrian sustained a head contusion and was conscious after the collision. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing factors.
Gianaris Opposes Incremental MTA Funding Calls for Bold Action▸State lawmakers Mamdani and Gianaris unveiled a four-year plan to fund free MTA buses. The proposal boosts bus service, freezes fares, and expands camera enforcement. They call it urgent. The plan aims to make transit faster, cheaper, and safer for all riders.
On December 14, 2022, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Michael Gianaris introduced the Formula Three Act, a legislative proposal to overhaul MTA funding and fare policy. The plan, part of the larger Fix The MTA Package, would phase in free local and Select Bus Service, increase bus frequency by 20%, freeze fares, and expand permanent bus lane camera enforcement. Funding would rise from $200 million in 2023 to $638 million in 2026, with $488 million yearly for more buses and $300 million annually for frequent subways. Mamdani called the proposal 'urgent and necessary,' stressing that 'seniors, working class New Yorkers, people who use the bus the most are able to do so without fear of being priced out.' Gianaris said, 'incrementalism...is not working.' The lawmakers urge bold action to ensure public transit is accessible, affordable, and excellent.
-
State Pols Reveal ‘Urgent And Necessary’ Plan To Fund Free MTA Buses,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-12-14
Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Crash Shatters Leg▸Three sedans slammed together on Grand Central Parkway. One driver’s leg broke. Police cite alcohol. Airbags burst. All drivers licensed, all going straight. Metal twisted. One man left hurt, awake, and strapped in.
According to the police report, three sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway. The crash left a 44-year-old male driver with fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. He was conscious, restrained by a lap belt and harness, and airbags deployed. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. All drivers were licensed men traveling straight. The collision caused center front-end damage to two vehicles and side damage to another. No ejections occurred. Alcohol involvement stands out as the key driver error in this crash.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A woman crossing with the signal was hit by an SUV making a left turn in Queens. The impact struck her head, causing abrasions. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was conscious but injured at the scene.
According to the police report, a female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 29 Street and 23 Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a southbound SUV made a left turn and struck her with the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered a head abrasion and remained conscious. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was licensed and operating a 1983 Ford SUV. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian's injury severity was moderate, and no other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.
González-Rojas Opposes Car Dealership Rezoning Supports Safer Housing▸Queens Community Board 2 voted to block a new SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard. Local leaders demand housing, not more cars. They cite danger, pollution, and reckless driving. Council Member Julie Won and Assembly Member González-Rojas back the board. The fight moves to City Planning.
On November 7, 2022, Queens Community Board 2 passed a resolution rejecting a rezoning application for a Lincoln SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard, Woodside. The matter, described as a call for a moratorium on car-related development, pits housing needs against car infrastructure. Council Member Julie Won supported the board, stating, "It should be a neighborhood rezoning instead of spot rezoning... we need to make it safer and more liveable." Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas also opposed the dealership, urging the space be used for affordable housing and highlighting dangerous driving by existing dealerships. Despite Borough President Donovan Richards' support for the rezoning, citing cycling and EV promotion, the application faces strong local resistance. The City Planning Commission now reviews the case, with a City Council vote possible. The board and electeds argue more cars mean more risk for pedestrians and cyclists on a deadly stretch.
-
Woodside Wants Housing, But It’s Likely to Get More SUVs,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-11-07
González-Rojas Opposes Adams Slowdown on Safety Boosting Bus Lanes▸Bus lanes crawl while people die. Advocates and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas rally on Northern Boulevard. Only 5.4 miles built, far short of the 20-mile goal. The city stalls. Streets stay deadly. Families mourn. The clock runs out.
On November 1, 2022, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas joined advocates in Jackson Heights to demand faster bus lane construction under the New York City Streets Plan. The plan, launched to comply with a 2019 law, mandates 150 miles of protected bus lanes by 2026—20 miles in 2022 alone. With two months left, only 5.4 miles were finished. González-Rojas declared, 'We demand to get our 20 miles of bus lanes.' The rally took place on Northern Boulevard, a corridor scarred by pedestrian deaths, including 9-year-old Giovanni Ampuero. His father spoke out: 'If you don’t improve the street, people are going to still get killed.' The Department of Transportation claims progress and a $900 million investment, but the pace lags. The city’s delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk, as deadly streets remain unchanged.
-
Adams admin has slowed to a crawl on bus lane construction, advocates say,
amny.com,
Published 2022-11-01
González-Rojas Celebrates Safety-Boosting MTA Bridge Bike Access▸Cyclists can now cross the Cross Bay Bridge. The Henry Hudson Bridge will follow after renovations. Assembly Member Gonzalez-Rojas pushed the law. Advocates pressed the MTA. Progress is slow, but real. Bike access grows. Riders still face gaps and delays.
Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas sponsored the 2021 bill that forced the MTA to plan bike and pedestrian access on its bridges. On October 26, 2022, the MTA announced legal cycling on the Cross Bay Bridge, with sharrows painted on the path. The Henry Hudson Bridge will open to cyclists after a major renovation, expected by 2025. The MTA will award a contract for that work next year. Gonzalez-Rojas said, 'This is what we worked toward when...we introduced and passed the MTA Bike Access bill.' Bike New York’s Jon Orcutt called the move 'pretty good progress.' The MTA also plans to add bike parking at 37 subway stations and expand bike access near transit. The Verrazzano Bridge remains off-limits for now. The announcement marks a step forward, but cyclists still face barriers and delays.
-
Cyclists Will Finally Be Welcome on Cross Bay and Henry Hudson Bridges,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-10-26
Two Sedans Collide on Steinway Street Queens▸Two sedans crashed head-to-head on Steinway Street in Queens. Both vehicles traveled north. The left rear bumper of one hit the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger suffered injuries and shock. Alcohol was involved in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans collided on Steinway Street in Queens, both traveling north. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of one vehicle striking the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger in one sedan was injured and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash caused damage to both vehicles' bumpers.
Improper Lane Use Triggers Queens Head-On Crash▸Two sedans slammed head-on on 20 Avenue. One driver, 36, broke and dislocated his shoulder. Police cite improper lane use and traffic control ignored. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on 20 Avenue near Steinway Street in Queens. The 36-year-old male driver of one vehicle suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. He was conscious and wore a lap belt. Both cars struck center front ends while traveling straight. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted. The crash left one driver seriously hurt and both vehicles damaged.
Distracted Drivers Crash Sedans on 21 Avenue▸Two sedans slammed together on 21 Avenue in Queens. A right rear passenger took a neck injury and burn. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control ignored. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of 21 Avenue and 24 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were going straight when they struck, with one car's center front end hitting the other's right front bumper. A 40-year-old man riding in the right rear passenger seat was injured, suffering a neck injury and minor burn. He was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash left both sedans with heavy front-end damage.
A 31-year-old man was hit crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk. The driver, heading east in a BMW SUV, failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 31-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing 21 Avenue in a marked crosswalk without a signal. The driver, operating a 2020 BMW SUV traveling eastbound, struck the pedestrian with the vehicle's center front end. The report lists driver errors as Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The pedestrian sustained a head contusion and was conscious after the collision. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing factors.
Gianaris Opposes Incremental MTA Funding Calls for Bold Action▸State lawmakers Mamdani and Gianaris unveiled a four-year plan to fund free MTA buses. The proposal boosts bus service, freezes fares, and expands camera enforcement. They call it urgent. The plan aims to make transit faster, cheaper, and safer for all riders.
On December 14, 2022, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Michael Gianaris introduced the Formula Three Act, a legislative proposal to overhaul MTA funding and fare policy. The plan, part of the larger Fix The MTA Package, would phase in free local and Select Bus Service, increase bus frequency by 20%, freeze fares, and expand permanent bus lane camera enforcement. Funding would rise from $200 million in 2023 to $638 million in 2026, with $488 million yearly for more buses and $300 million annually for frequent subways. Mamdani called the proposal 'urgent and necessary,' stressing that 'seniors, working class New Yorkers, people who use the bus the most are able to do so without fear of being priced out.' Gianaris said, 'incrementalism...is not working.' The lawmakers urge bold action to ensure public transit is accessible, affordable, and excellent.
-
State Pols Reveal ‘Urgent And Necessary’ Plan To Fund Free MTA Buses,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-12-14
Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Crash Shatters Leg▸Three sedans slammed together on Grand Central Parkway. One driver’s leg broke. Police cite alcohol. Airbags burst. All drivers licensed, all going straight. Metal twisted. One man left hurt, awake, and strapped in.
According to the police report, three sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway. The crash left a 44-year-old male driver with fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. He was conscious, restrained by a lap belt and harness, and airbags deployed. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. All drivers were licensed men traveling straight. The collision caused center front-end damage to two vehicles and side damage to another. No ejections occurred. Alcohol involvement stands out as the key driver error in this crash.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A woman crossing with the signal was hit by an SUV making a left turn in Queens. The impact struck her head, causing abrasions. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was conscious but injured at the scene.
According to the police report, a female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 29 Street and 23 Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a southbound SUV made a left turn and struck her with the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered a head abrasion and remained conscious. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was licensed and operating a 1983 Ford SUV. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian's injury severity was moderate, and no other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.
González-Rojas Opposes Car Dealership Rezoning Supports Safer Housing▸Queens Community Board 2 voted to block a new SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard. Local leaders demand housing, not more cars. They cite danger, pollution, and reckless driving. Council Member Julie Won and Assembly Member González-Rojas back the board. The fight moves to City Planning.
On November 7, 2022, Queens Community Board 2 passed a resolution rejecting a rezoning application for a Lincoln SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard, Woodside. The matter, described as a call for a moratorium on car-related development, pits housing needs against car infrastructure. Council Member Julie Won supported the board, stating, "It should be a neighborhood rezoning instead of spot rezoning... we need to make it safer and more liveable." Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas also opposed the dealership, urging the space be used for affordable housing and highlighting dangerous driving by existing dealerships. Despite Borough President Donovan Richards' support for the rezoning, citing cycling and EV promotion, the application faces strong local resistance. The City Planning Commission now reviews the case, with a City Council vote possible. The board and electeds argue more cars mean more risk for pedestrians and cyclists on a deadly stretch.
-
Woodside Wants Housing, But It’s Likely to Get More SUVs,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-11-07
González-Rojas Opposes Adams Slowdown on Safety Boosting Bus Lanes▸Bus lanes crawl while people die. Advocates and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas rally on Northern Boulevard. Only 5.4 miles built, far short of the 20-mile goal. The city stalls. Streets stay deadly. Families mourn. The clock runs out.
On November 1, 2022, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas joined advocates in Jackson Heights to demand faster bus lane construction under the New York City Streets Plan. The plan, launched to comply with a 2019 law, mandates 150 miles of protected bus lanes by 2026—20 miles in 2022 alone. With two months left, only 5.4 miles were finished. González-Rojas declared, 'We demand to get our 20 miles of bus lanes.' The rally took place on Northern Boulevard, a corridor scarred by pedestrian deaths, including 9-year-old Giovanni Ampuero. His father spoke out: 'If you don’t improve the street, people are going to still get killed.' The Department of Transportation claims progress and a $900 million investment, but the pace lags. The city’s delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk, as deadly streets remain unchanged.
-
Adams admin has slowed to a crawl on bus lane construction, advocates say,
amny.com,
Published 2022-11-01
González-Rojas Celebrates Safety-Boosting MTA Bridge Bike Access▸Cyclists can now cross the Cross Bay Bridge. The Henry Hudson Bridge will follow after renovations. Assembly Member Gonzalez-Rojas pushed the law. Advocates pressed the MTA. Progress is slow, but real. Bike access grows. Riders still face gaps and delays.
Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas sponsored the 2021 bill that forced the MTA to plan bike and pedestrian access on its bridges. On October 26, 2022, the MTA announced legal cycling on the Cross Bay Bridge, with sharrows painted on the path. The Henry Hudson Bridge will open to cyclists after a major renovation, expected by 2025. The MTA will award a contract for that work next year. Gonzalez-Rojas said, 'This is what we worked toward when...we introduced and passed the MTA Bike Access bill.' Bike New York’s Jon Orcutt called the move 'pretty good progress.' The MTA also plans to add bike parking at 37 subway stations and expand bike access near transit. The Verrazzano Bridge remains off-limits for now. The announcement marks a step forward, but cyclists still face barriers and delays.
-
Cyclists Will Finally Be Welcome on Cross Bay and Henry Hudson Bridges,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-10-26
Two Sedans Collide on Steinway Street Queens▸Two sedans crashed head-to-head on Steinway Street in Queens. Both vehicles traveled north. The left rear bumper of one hit the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger suffered injuries and shock. Alcohol was involved in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans collided on Steinway Street in Queens, both traveling north. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of one vehicle striking the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger in one sedan was injured and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash caused damage to both vehicles' bumpers.
Improper Lane Use Triggers Queens Head-On Crash▸Two sedans slammed head-on on 20 Avenue. One driver, 36, broke and dislocated his shoulder. Police cite improper lane use and traffic control ignored. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on 20 Avenue near Steinway Street in Queens. The 36-year-old male driver of one vehicle suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. He was conscious and wore a lap belt. Both cars struck center front ends while traveling straight. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted. The crash left one driver seriously hurt and both vehicles damaged.
Distracted Drivers Crash Sedans on 21 Avenue▸Two sedans slammed together on 21 Avenue in Queens. A right rear passenger took a neck injury and burn. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control ignored. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of 21 Avenue and 24 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were going straight when they struck, with one car's center front end hitting the other's right front bumper. A 40-year-old man riding in the right rear passenger seat was injured, suffering a neck injury and minor burn. He was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash left both sedans with heavy front-end damage.
State lawmakers Mamdani and Gianaris unveiled a four-year plan to fund free MTA buses. The proposal boosts bus service, freezes fares, and expands camera enforcement. They call it urgent. The plan aims to make transit faster, cheaper, and safer for all riders.
On December 14, 2022, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Michael Gianaris introduced the Formula Three Act, a legislative proposal to overhaul MTA funding and fare policy. The plan, part of the larger Fix The MTA Package, would phase in free local and Select Bus Service, increase bus frequency by 20%, freeze fares, and expand permanent bus lane camera enforcement. Funding would rise from $200 million in 2023 to $638 million in 2026, with $488 million yearly for more buses and $300 million annually for frequent subways. Mamdani called the proposal 'urgent and necessary,' stressing that 'seniors, working class New Yorkers, people who use the bus the most are able to do so without fear of being priced out.' Gianaris said, 'incrementalism...is not working.' The lawmakers urge bold action to ensure public transit is accessible, affordable, and excellent.
- State Pols Reveal ‘Urgent And Necessary’ Plan To Fund Free MTA Buses, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-12-14
Alcohol-Fueled Sedan Crash Shatters Leg▸Three sedans slammed together on Grand Central Parkway. One driver’s leg broke. Police cite alcohol. Airbags burst. All drivers licensed, all going straight. Metal twisted. One man left hurt, awake, and strapped in.
According to the police report, three sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway. The crash left a 44-year-old male driver with fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. He was conscious, restrained by a lap belt and harness, and airbags deployed. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. All drivers were licensed men traveling straight. The collision caused center front-end damage to two vehicles and side damage to another. No ejections occurred. Alcohol involvement stands out as the key driver error in this crash.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A woman crossing with the signal was hit by an SUV making a left turn in Queens. The impact struck her head, causing abrasions. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was conscious but injured at the scene.
According to the police report, a female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 29 Street and 23 Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a southbound SUV made a left turn and struck her with the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered a head abrasion and remained conscious. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was licensed and operating a 1983 Ford SUV. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian's injury severity was moderate, and no other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.
González-Rojas Opposes Car Dealership Rezoning Supports Safer Housing▸Queens Community Board 2 voted to block a new SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard. Local leaders demand housing, not more cars. They cite danger, pollution, and reckless driving. Council Member Julie Won and Assembly Member González-Rojas back the board. The fight moves to City Planning.
On November 7, 2022, Queens Community Board 2 passed a resolution rejecting a rezoning application for a Lincoln SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard, Woodside. The matter, described as a call for a moratorium on car-related development, pits housing needs against car infrastructure. Council Member Julie Won supported the board, stating, "It should be a neighborhood rezoning instead of spot rezoning... we need to make it safer and more liveable." Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas also opposed the dealership, urging the space be used for affordable housing and highlighting dangerous driving by existing dealerships. Despite Borough President Donovan Richards' support for the rezoning, citing cycling and EV promotion, the application faces strong local resistance. The City Planning Commission now reviews the case, with a City Council vote possible. The board and electeds argue more cars mean more risk for pedestrians and cyclists on a deadly stretch.
-
Woodside Wants Housing, But It’s Likely to Get More SUVs,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-11-07
González-Rojas Opposes Adams Slowdown on Safety Boosting Bus Lanes▸Bus lanes crawl while people die. Advocates and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas rally on Northern Boulevard. Only 5.4 miles built, far short of the 20-mile goal. The city stalls. Streets stay deadly. Families mourn. The clock runs out.
On November 1, 2022, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas joined advocates in Jackson Heights to demand faster bus lane construction under the New York City Streets Plan. The plan, launched to comply with a 2019 law, mandates 150 miles of protected bus lanes by 2026—20 miles in 2022 alone. With two months left, only 5.4 miles were finished. González-Rojas declared, 'We demand to get our 20 miles of bus lanes.' The rally took place on Northern Boulevard, a corridor scarred by pedestrian deaths, including 9-year-old Giovanni Ampuero. His father spoke out: 'If you don’t improve the street, people are going to still get killed.' The Department of Transportation claims progress and a $900 million investment, but the pace lags. The city’s delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk, as deadly streets remain unchanged.
-
Adams admin has slowed to a crawl on bus lane construction, advocates say,
amny.com,
Published 2022-11-01
González-Rojas Celebrates Safety-Boosting MTA Bridge Bike Access▸Cyclists can now cross the Cross Bay Bridge. The Henry Hudson Bridge will follow after renovations. Assembly Member Gonzalez-Rojas pushed the law. Advocates pressed the MTA. Progress is slow, but real. Bike access grows. Riders still face gaps and delays.
Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas sponsored the 2021 bill that forced the MTA to plan bike and pedestrian access on its bridges. On October 26, 2022, the MTA announced legal cycling on the Cross Bay Bridge, with sharrows painted on the path. The Henry Hudson Bridge will open to cyclists after a major renovation, expected by 2025. The MTA will award a contract for that work next year. Gonzalez-Rojas said, 'This is what we worked toward when...we introduced and passed the MTA Bike Access bill.' Bike New York’s Jon Orcutt called the move 'pretty good progress.' The MTA also plans to add bike parking at 37 subway stations and expand bike access near transit. The Verrazzano Bridge remains off-limits for now. The announcement marks a step forward, but cyclists still face barriers and delays.
-
Cyclists Will Finally Be Welcome on Cross Bay and Henry Hudson Bridges,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-10-26
Two Sedans Collide on Steinway Street Queens▸Two sedans crashed head-to-head on Steinway Street in Queens. Both vehicles traveled north. The left rear bumper of one hit the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger suffered injuries and shock. Alcohol was involved in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans collided on Steinway Street in Queens, both traveling north. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of one vehicle striking the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger in one sedan was injured and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash caused damage to both vehicles' bumpers.
Improper Lane Use Triggers Queens Head-On Crash▸Two sedans slammed head-on on 20 Avenue. One driver, 36, broke and dislocated his shoulder. Police cite improper lane use and traffic control ignored. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on 20 Avenue near Steinway Street in Queens. The 36-year-old male driver of one vehicle suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. He was conscious and wore a lap belt. Both cars struck center front ends while traveling straight. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted. The crash left one driver seriously hurt and both vehicles damaged.
Distracted Drivers Crash Sedans on 21 Avenue▸Two sedans slammed together on 21 Avenue in Queens. A right rear passenger took a neck injury and burn. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control ignored. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of 21 Avenue and 24 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were going straight when they struck, with one car's center front end hitting the other's right front bumper. A 40-year-old man riding in the right rear passenger seat was injured, suffering a neck injury and minor burn. He was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash left both sedans with heavy front-end damage.
Three sedans slammed together on Grand Central Parkway. One driver’s leg broke. Police cite alcohol. Airbags burst. All drivers licensed, all going straight. Metal twisted. One man left hurt, awake, and strapped in.
According to the police report, three sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway. The crash left a 44-year-old male driver with fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. He was conscious, restrained by a lap belt and harness, and airbags deployed. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. All drivers were licensed men traveling straight. The collision caused center front-end damage to two vehicles and side damage to another. No ejections occurred. Alcohol involvement stands out as the key driver error in this crash.
SUV Strikes Pedestrian Crossing With Signal▸A woman crossing with the signal was hit by an SUV making a left turn in Queens. The impact struck her head, causing abrasions. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was conscious but injured at the scene.
According to the police report, a female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 29 Street and 23 Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a southbound SUV made a left turn and struck her with the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered a head abrasion and remained conscious. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was licensed and operating a 1983 Ford SUV. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian's injury severity was moderate, and no other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.
González-Rojas Opposes Car Dealership Rezoning Supports Safer Housing▸Queens Community Board 2 voted to block a new SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard. Local leaders demand housing, not more cars. They cite danger, pollution, and reckless driving. Council Member Julie Won and Assembly Member González-Rojas back the board. The fight moves to City Planning.
On November 7, 2022, Queens Community Board 2 passed a resolution rejecting a rezoning application for a Lincoln SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard, Woodside. The matter, described as a call for a moratorium on car-related development, pits housing needs against car infrastructure. Council Member Julie Won supported the board, stating, "It should be a neighborhood rezoning instead of spot rezoning... we need to make it safer and more liveable." Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas also opposed the dealership, urging the space be used for affordable housing and highlighting dangerous driving by existing dealerships. Despite Borough President Donovan Richards' support for the rezoning, citing cycling and EV promotion, the application faces strong local resistance. The City Planning Commission now reviews the case, with a City Council vote possible. The board and electeds argue more cars mean more risk for pedestrians and cyclists on a deadly stretch.
-
Woodside Wants Housing, But It’s Likely to Get More SUVs,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-11-07
González-Rojas Opposes Adams Slowdown on Safety Boosting Bus Lanes▸Bus lanes crawl while people die. Advocates and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas rally on Northern Boulevard. Only 5.4 miles built, far short of the 20-mile goal. The city stalls. Streets stay deadly. Families mourn. The clock runs out.
On November 1, 2022, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas joined advocates in Jackson Heights to demand faster bus lane construction under the New York City Streets Plan. The plan, launched to comply with a 2019 law, mandates 150 miles of protected bus lanes by 2026—20 miles in 2022 alone. With two months left, only 5.4 miles were finished. González-Rojas declared, 'We demand to get our 20 miles of bus lanes.' The rally took place on Northern Boulevard, a corridor scarred by pedestrian deaths, including 9-year-old Giovanni Ampuero. His father spoke out: 'If you don’t improve the street, people are going to still get killed.' The Department of Transportation claims progress and a $900 million investment, but the pace lags. The city’s delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk, as deadly streets remain unchanged.
-
Adams admin has slowed to a crawl on bus lane construction, advocates say,
amny.com,
Published 2022-11-01
González-Rojas Celebrates Safety-Boosting MTA Bridge Bike Access▸Cyclists can now cross the Cross Bay Bridge. The Henry Hudson Bridge will follow after renovations. Assembly Member Gonzalez-Rojas pushed the law. Advocates pressed the MTA. Progress is slow, but real. Bike access grows. Riders still face gaps and delays.
Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas sponsored the 2021 bill that forced the MTA to plan bike and pedestrian access on its bridges. On October 26, 2022, the MTA announced legal cycling on the Cross Bay Bridge, with sharrows painted on the path. The Henry Hudson Bridge will open to cyclists after a major renovation, expected by 2025. The MTA will award a contract for that work next year. Gonzalez-Rojas said, 'This is what we worked toward when...we introduced and passed the MTA Bike Access bill.' Bike New York’s Jon Orcutt called the move 'pretty good progress.' The MTA also plans to add bike parking at 37 subway stations and expand bike access near transit. The Verrazzano Bridge remains off-limits for now. The announcement marks a step forward, but cyclists still face barriers and delays.
-
Cyclists Will Finally Be Welcome on Cross Bay and Henry Hudson Bridges,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-10-26
Two Sedans Collide on Steinway Street Queens▸Two sedans crashed head-to-head on Steinway Street in Queens. Both vehicles traveled north. The left rear bumper of one hit the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger suffered injuries and shock. Alcohol was involved in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans collided on Steinway Street in Queens, both traveling north. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of one vehicle striking the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger in one sedan was injured and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash caused damage to both vehicles' bumpers.
Improper Lane Use Triggers Queens Head-On Crash▸Two sedans slammed head-on on 20 Avenue. One driver, 36, broke and dislocated his shoulder. Police cite improper lane use and traffic control ignored. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on 20 Avenue near Steinway Street in Queens. The 36-year-old male driver of one vehicle suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. He was conscious and wore a lap belt. Both cars struck center front ends while traveling straight. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted. The crash left one driver seriously hurt and both vehicles damaged.
Distracted Drivers Crash Sedans on 21 Avenue▸Two sedans slammed together on 21 Avenue in Queens. A right rear passenger took a neck injury and burn. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control ignored. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of 21 Avenue and 24 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were going straight when they struck, with one car's center front end hitting the other's right front bumper. A 40-year-old man riding in the right rear passenger seat was injured, suffering a neck injury and minor burn. He was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash left both sedans with heavy front-end damage.
A woman crossing with the signal was hit by an SUV making a left turn in Queens. The impact struck her head, causing abrasions. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was conscious but injured at the scene.
According to the police report, a female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 29 Street and 23 Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a southbound SUV made a left turn and struck her with the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered a head abrasion and remained conscious. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was licensed and operating a 1983 Ford SUV. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian's injury severity was moderate, and no other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.
González-Rojas Opposes Car Dealership Rezoning Supports Safer Housing▸Queens Community Board 2 voted to block a new SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard. Local leaders demand housing, not more cars. They cite danger, pollution, and reckless driving. Council Member Julie Won and Assembly Member González-Rojas back the board. The fight moves to City Planning.
On November 7, 2022, Queens Community Board 2 passed a resolution rejecting a rezoning application for a Lincoln SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard, Woodside. The matter, described as a call for a moratorium on car-related development, pits housing needs against car infrastructure. Council Member Julie Won supported the board, stating, "It should be a neighborhood rezoning instead of spot rezoning... we need to make it safer and more liveable." Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas also opposed the dealership, urging the space be used for affordable housing and highlighting dangerous driving by existing dealerships. Despite Borough President Donovan Richards' support for the rezoning, citing cycling and EV promotion, the application faces strong local resistance. The City Planning Commission now reviews the case, with a City Council vote possible. The board and electeds argue more cars mean more risk for pedestrians and cyclists on a deadly stretch.
-
Woodside Wants Housing, But It’s Likely to Get More SUVs,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-11-07
González-Rojas Opposes Adams Slowdown on Safety Boosting Bus Lanes▸Bus lanes crawl while people die. Advocates and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas rally on Northern Boulevard. Only 5.4 miles built, far short of the 20-mile goal. The city stalls. Streets stay deadly. Families mourn. The clock runs out.
On November 1, 2022, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas joined advocates in Jackson Heights to demand faster bus lane construction under the New York City Streets Plan. The plan, launched to comply with a 2019 law, mandates 150 miles of protected bus lanes by 2026—20 miles in 2022 alone. With two months left, only 5.4 miles were finished. González-Rojas declared, 'We demand to get our 20 miles of bus lanes.' The rally took place on Northern Boulevard, a corridor scarred by pedestrian deaths, including 9-year-old Giovanni Ampuero. His father spoke out: 'If you don’t improve the street, people are going to still get killed.' The Department of Transportation claims progress and a $900 million investment, but the pace lags. The city’s delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk, as deadly streets remain unchanged.
-
Adams admin has slowed to a crawl on bus lane construction, advocates say,
amny.com,
Published 2022-11-01
González-Rojas Celebrates Safety-Boosting MTA Bridge Bike Access▸Cyclists can now cross the Cross Bay Bridge. The Henry Hudson Bridge will follow after renovations. Assembly Member Gonzalez-Rojas pushed the law. Advocates pressed the MTA. Progress is slow, but real. Bike access grows. Riders still face gaps and delays.
Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas sponsored the 2021 bill that forced the MTA to plan bike and pedestrian access on its bridges. On October 26, 2022, the MTA announced legal cycling on the Cross Bay Bridge, with sharrows painted on the path. The Henry Hudson Bridge will open to cyclists after a major renovation, expected by 2025. The MTA will award a contract for that work next year. Gonzalez-Rojas said, 'This is what we worked toward when...we introduced and passed the MTA Bike Access bill.' Bike New York’s Jon Orcutt called the move 'pretty good progress.' The MTA also plans to add bike parking at 37 subway stations and expand bike access near transit. The Verrazzano Bridge remains off-limits for now. The announcement marks a step forward, but cyclists still face barriers and delays.
-
Cyclists Will Finally Be Welcome on Cross Bay and Henry Hudson Bridges,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-10-26
Two Sedans Collide on Steinway Street Queens▸Two sedans crashed head-to-head on Steinway Street in Queens. Both vehicles traveled north. The left rear bumper of one hit the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger suffered injuries and shock. Alcohol was involved in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans collided on Steinway Street in Queens, both traveling north. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of one vehicle striking the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger in one sedan was injured and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash caused damage to both vehicles' bumpers.
Improper Lane Use Triggers Queens Head-On Crash▸Two sedans slammed head-on on 20 Avenue. One driver, 36, broke and dislocated his shoulder. Police cite improper lane use and traffic control ignored. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on 20 Avenue near Steinway Street in Queens. The 36-year-old male driver of one vehicle suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. He was conscious and wore a lap belt. Both cars struck center front ends while traveling straight. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted. The crash left one driver seriously hurt and both vehicles damaged.
Distracted Drivers Crash Sedans on 21 Avenue▸Two sedans slammed together on 21 Avenue in Queens. A right rear passenger took a neck injury and burn. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control ignored. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of 21 Avenue and 24 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were going straight when they struck, with one car's center front end hitting the other's right front bumper. A 40-year-old man riding in the right rear passenger seat was injured, suffering a neck injury and minor burn. He was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash left both sedans with heavy front-end damage.
Queens Community Board 2 voted to block a new SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard. Local leaders demand housing, not more cars. They cite danger, pollution, and reckless driving. Council Member Julie Won and Assembly Member González-Rojas back the board. The fight moves to City Planning.
On November 7, 2022, Queens Community Board 2 passed a resolution rejecting a rezoning application for a Lincoln SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard, Woodside. The matter, described as a call for a moratorium on car-related development, pits housing needs against car infrastructure. Council Member Julie Won supported the board, stating, "It should be a neighborhood rezoning instead of spot rezoning... we need to make it safer and more liveable." Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas also opposed the dealership, urging the space be used for affordable housing and highlighting dangerous driving by existing dealerships. Despite Borough President Donovan Richards' support for the rezoning, citing cycling and EV promotion, the application faces strong local resistance. The City Planning Commission now reviews the case, with a City Council vote possible. The board and electeds argue more cars mean more risk for pedestrians and cyclists on a deadly stretch.
- Woodside Wants Housing, But It’s Likely to Get More SUVs, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-07
González-Rojas Opposes Adams Slowdown on Safety Boosting Bus Lanes▸Bus lanes crawl while people die. Advocates and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas rally on Northern Boulevard. Only 5.4 miles built, far short of the 20-mile goal. The city stalls. Streets stay deadly. Families mourn. The clock runs out.
On November 1, 2022, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas joined advocates in Jackson Heights to demand faster bus lane construction under the New York City Streets Plan. The plan, launched to comply with a 2019 law, mandates 150 miles of protected bus lanes by 2026—20 miles in 2022 alone. With two months left, only 5.4 miles were finished. González-Rojas declared, 'We demand to get our 20 miles of bus lanes.' The rally took place on Northern Boulevard, a corridor scarred by pedestrian deaths, including 9-year-old Giovanni Ampuero. His father spoke out: 'If you don’t improve the street, people are going to still get killed.' The Department of Transportation claims progress and a $900 million investment, but the pace lags. The city’s delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk, as deadly streets remain unchanged.
-
Adams admin has slowed to a crawl on bus lane construction, advocates say,
amny.com,
Published 2022-11-01
González-Rojas Celebrates Safety-Boosting MTA Bridge Bike Access▸Cyclists can now cross the Cross Bay Bridge. The Henry Hudson Bridge will follow after renovations. Assembly Member Gonzalez-Rojas pushed the law. Advocates pressed the MTA. Progress is slow, but real. Bike access grows. Riders still face gaps and delays.
Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas sponsored the 2021 bill that forced the MTA to plan bike and pedestrian access on its bridges. On October 26, 2022, the MTA announced legal cycling on the Cross Bay Bridge, with sharrows painted on the path. The Henry Hudson Bridge will open to cyclists after a major renovation, expected by 2025. The MTA will award a contract for that work next year. Gonzalez-Rojas said, 'This is what we worked toward when...we introduced and passed the MTA Bike Access bill.' Bike New York’s Jon Orcutt called the move 'pretty good progress.' The MTA also plans to add bike parking at 37 subway stations and expand bike access near transit. The Verrazzano Bridge remains off-limits for now. The announcement marks a step forward, but cyclists still face barriers and delays.
-
Cyclists Will Finally Be Welcome on Cross Bay and Henry Hudson Bridges,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-10-26
Two Sedans Collide on Steinway Street Queens▸Two sedans crashed head-to-head on Steinway Street in Queens. Both vehicles traveled north. The left rear bumper of one hit the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger suffered injuries and shock. Alcohol was involved in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans collided on Steinway Street in Queens, both traveling north. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of one vehicle striking the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger in one sedan was injured and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash caused damage to both vehicles' bumpers.
Improper Lane Use Triggers Queens Head-On Crash▸Two sedans slammed head-on on 20 Avenue. One driver, 36, broke and dislocated his shoulder. Police cite improper lane use and traffic control ignored. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on 20 Avenue near Steinway Street in Queens. The 36-year-old male driver of one vehicle suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. He was conscious and wore a lap belt. Both cars struck center front ends while traveling straight. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted. The crash left one driver seriously hurt and both vehicles damaged.
Distracted Drivers Crash Sedans on 21 Avenue▸Two sedans slammed together on 21 Avenue in Queens. A right rear passenger took a neck injury and burn. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control ignored. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of 21 Avenue and 24 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were going straight when they struck, with one car's center front end hitting the other's right front bumper. A 40-year-old man riding in the right rear passenger seat was injured, suffering a neck injury and minor burn. He was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash left both sedans with heavy front-end damage.
Bus lanes crawl while people die. Advocates and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas rally on Northern Boulevard. Only 5.4 miles built, far short of the 20-mile goal. The city stalls. Streets stay deadly. Families mourn. The clock runs out.
On November 1, 2022, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas joined advocates in Jackson Heights to demand faster bus lane construction under the New York City Streets Plan. The plan, launched to comply with a 2019 law, mandates 150 miles of protected bus lanes by 2026—20 miles in 2022 alone. With two months left, only 5.4 miles were finished. González-Rojas declared, 'We demand to get our 20 miles of bus lanes.' The rally took place on Northern Boulevard, a corridor scarred by pedestrian deaths, including 9-year-old Giovanni Ampuero. His father spoke out: 'If you don’t improve the street, people are going to still get killed.' The Department of Transportation claims progress and a $900 million investment, but the pace lags. The city’s delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk, as deadly streets remain unchanged.
- Adams admin has slowed to a crawl on bus lane construction, advocates say, amny.com, Published 2022-11-01
González-Rojas Celebrates Safety-Boosting MTA Bridge Bike Access▸Cyclists can now cross the Cross Bay Bridge. The Henry Hudson Bridge will follow after renovations. Assembly Member Gonzalez-Rojas pushed the law. Advocates pressed the MTA. Progress is slow, but real. Bike access grows. Riders still face gaps and delays.
Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas sponsored the 2021 bill that forced the MTA to plan bike and pedestrian access on its bridges. On October 26, 2022, the MTA announced legal cycling on the Cross Bay Bridge, with sharrows painted on the path. The Henry Hudson Bridge will open to cyclists after a major renovation, expected by 2025. The MTA will award a contract for that work next year. Gonzalez-Rojas said, 'This is what we worked toward when...we introduced and passed the MTA Bike Access bill.' Bike New York’s Jon Orcutt called the move 'pretty good progress.' The MTA also plans to add bike parking at 37 subway stations and expand bike access near transit. The Verrazzano Bridge remains off-limits for now. The announcement marks a step forward, but cyclists still face barriers and delays.
-
Cyclists Will Finally Be Welcome on Cross Bay and Henry Hudson Bridges,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2022-10-26
Two Sedans Collide on Steinway Street Queens▸Two sedans crashed head-to-head on Steinway Street in Queens. Both vehicles traveled north. The left rear bumper of one hit the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger suffered injuries and shock. Alcohol was involved in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans collided on Steinway Street in Queens, both traveling north. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of one vehicle striking the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger in one sedan was injured and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash caused damage to both vehicles' bumpers.
Improper Lane Use Triggers Queens Head-On Crash▸Two sedans slammed head-on on 20 Avenue. One driver, 36, broke and dislocated his shoulder. Police cite improper lane use and traffic control ignored. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on 20 Avenue near Steinway Street in Queens. The 36-year-old male driver of one vehicle suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. He was conscious and wore a lap belt. Both cars struck center front ends while traveling straight. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted. The crash left one driver seriously hurt and both vehicles damaged.
Distracted Drivers Crash Sedans on 21 Avenue▸Two sedans slammed together on 21 Avenue in Queens. A right rear passenger took a neck injury and burn. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control ignored. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of 21 Avenue and 24 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were going straight when they struck, with one car's center front end hitting the other's right front bumper. A 40-year-old man riding in the right rear passenger seat was injured, suffering a neck injury and minor burn. He was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash left both sedans with heavy front-end damage.
Cyclists can now cross the Cross Bay Bridge. The Henry Hudson Bridge will follow after renovations. Assembly Member Gonzalez-Rojas pushed the law. Advocates pressed the MTA. Progress is slow, but real. Bike access grows. Riders still face gaps and delays.
Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas sponsored the 2021 bill that forced the MTA to plan bike and pedestrian access on its bridges. On October 26, 2022, the MTA announced legal cycling on the Cross Bay Bridge, with sharrows painted on the path. The Henry Hudson Bridge will open to cyclists after a major renovation, expected by 2025. The MTA will award a contract for that work next year. Gonzalez-Rojas said, 'This is what we worked toward when...we introduced and passed the MTA Bike Access bill.' Bike New York’s Jon Orcutt called the move 'pretty good progress.' The MTA also plans to add bike parking at 37 subway stations and expand bike access near transit. The Verrazzano Bridge remains off-limits for now. The announcement marks a step forward, but cyclists still face barriers and delays.
- Cyclists Will Finally Be Welcome on Cross Bay and Henry Hudson Bridges, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-10-26
Two Sedans Collide on Steinway Street Queens▸Two sedans crashed head-to-head on Steinway Street in Queens. Both vehicles traveled north. The left rear bumper of one hit the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger suffered injuries and shock. Alcohol was involved in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans collided on Steinway Street in Queens, both traveling north. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of one vehicle striking the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger in one sedan was injured and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash caused damage to both vehicles' bumpers.
Improper Lane Use Triggers Queens Head-On Crash▸Two sedans slammed head-on on 20 Avenue. One driver, 36, broke and dislocated his shoulder. Police cite improper lane use and traffic control ignored. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on 20 Avenue near Steinway Street in Queens. The 36-year-old male driver of one vehicle suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. He was conscious and wore a lap belt. Both cars struck center front ends while traveling straight. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted. The crash left one driver seriously hurt and both vehicles damaged.
Distracted Drivers Crash Sedans on 21 Avenue▸Two sedans slammed together on 21 Avenue in Queens. A right rear passenger took a neck injury and burn. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control ignored. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of 21 Avenue and 24 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were going straight when they struck, with one car's center front end hitting the other's right front bumper. A 40-year-old man riding in the right rear passenger seat was injured, suffering a neck injury and minor burn. He was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash left both sedans with heavy front-end damage.
Two sedans crashed head-to-head on Steinway Street in Queens. Both vehicles traveled north. The left rear bumper of one hit the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger suffered injuries and shock. Alcohol was involved in the crash.
According to the police report, two sedans collided on Steinway Street in Queens, both traveling north. The point of impact was the left rear bumper of one vehicle striking the right front bumper of the other. A 39-year-old female passenger in one sedan was injured and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified. The drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash caused damage to both vehicles' bumpers.
Improper Lane Use Triggers Queens Head-On Crash▸Two sedans slammed head-on on 20 Avenue. One driver, 36, broke and dislocated his shoulder. Police cite improper lane use and traffic control ignored. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on 20 Avenue near Steinway Street in Queens. The 36-year-old male driver of one vehicle suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. He was conscious and wore a lap belt. Both cars struck center front ends while traveling straight. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted. The crash left one driver seriously hurt and both vehicles damaged.
Distracted Drivers Crash Sedans on 21 Avenue▸Two sedans slammed together on 21 Avenue in Queens. A right rear passenger took a neck injury and burn. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control ignored. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of 21 Avenue and 24 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were going straight when they struck, with one car's center front end hitting the other's right front bumper. A 40-year-old man riding in the right rear passenger seat was injured, suffering a neck injury and minor burn. He was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash left both sedans with heavy front-end damage.
Two sedans slammed head-on on 20 Avenue. One driver, 36, broke and dislocated his shoulder. Police cite improper lane use and traffic control ignored. Metal twisted. Pain followed.
According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on 20 Avenue near Steinway Street in Queens. The 36-year-old male driver of one vehicle suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. He was conscious and wore a lap belt. Both cars struck center front ends while traveling straight. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted. The crash left one driver seriously hurt and both vehicles damaged.
Distracted Drivers Crash Sedans on 21 Avenue▸Two sedans slammed together on 21 Avenue in Queens. A right rear passenger took a neck injury and burn. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control ignored. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of 21 Avenue and 24 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were going straight when they struck, with one car's center front end hitting the other's right front bumper. A 40-year-old man riding in the right rear passenger seat was injured, suffering a neck injury and minor burn. He was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash left both sedans with heavy front-end damage.
Two sedans slammed together on 21 Avenue in Queens. A right rear passenger took a neck injury and burn. Police cite driver distraction and traffic control ignored. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.
According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of 21 Avenue and 24 Street in Queens. Both vehicles were going straight when they struck, with one car's center front end hitting the other's right front bumper. A 40-year-old man riding in the right rear passenger seat was injured, suffering a neck injury and minor burn. He was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash left both sedans with heavy front-end damage.