No One Died, But Everyone Bleeds: Astoria’s Streets Are Still Unsafe

Aug 12 - A speeding 84-year-old driver killed himself and two pedestrians in Astoria. Elected officials demanded 20 mph limits, protected bike lanes, universal daylighting, and more automated enforcement. Analysts say systemwide changes reduce traffic violence and protect pedestrians and cyclists.

""called for a lower speed limit, more protected bike lanes, universal daylighting, and the implementation of street safety plans."," -- Tiffany Cabán

Matter: "UPDATE: Speeding Senior Driver Kills Self and Two Pedestrians in Astoria, Pols Call for 20 MPH Limit." Date: August 12, 2025. Bill number: none — no bill filed. Status: advocacy and public calls; Committee: N/A. Council Member Tiffany Cabán publicly demanded a 20 mph city limit, protected bike lanes, universal daylighting, and full street safety plans. Zohran Mamdani pushed acceleration of Sammy’s Law, limits on car traffic near schools, and expanded automated enforcement. Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas voiced support. Transportation Alternatives urged using Sammy’s Law to lower limits. Safety analysts note the focus is on system-wide interventions such as lower speed limits, protected lanes, and automated enforcement, proven to cut traffic violence and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

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

Aug 12 - A speeding car tore through a stop sign in Astoria, struck a parked coffee truck, killed two men on foot, and left wreckage and grief behind.

ABC7 reported on August 12, 2025, that an 84-year-old driver sped through a stop sign at 19th Avenue and 42nd Street, crashing into a parked coffee truck and striking two men. Both pedestrians, ages 41 and 70, died. The Toyota then spun and hit a Volvo making a U-turn. Witness George Giakoumis said the car was "going at least 60+ miles an hour just right through the stop sign." The crash highlights persistent speeding and dangerous driving at this Astoria intersection. The article notes the area is "prone to speeding and racing," raising questions about street safety and enforcement.

• Speeding Car Slams Coffee Truck, Kills Two, ABC7, Published 2025-08-12

Aug 8 - Businesses sued to block protected bike lanes on 31st Street. DOT stands firm. Two killed, 190 injured here since 2020. The street stays dangerous. The fight is over space, speed, and who gets to survive.

Streetsblog NYC (2025-08-08) reports that Astoria businesses sued to stop a DOT project adding protected bike lanes and traffic calming to 31st Street. The suit claims the redesign would "jeopardize" safety and hinder emergency access, despite DOT data showing 190 injuries and two deaths in the area since 2020. DOT says the project targets "unpredictable vehicle movements" and double parking, with design elements "found on streets across the city." The agency says it incorporated feedback from 90% of local businesses. The legal fight spotlights tension between safety improvements and business concerns, as the corridor ranks among Queens' most crash-prone.

• Astoria Bike Lane Lawsuit Challenges Safety, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-08-08

Aug 8 - DOT will install protected bike lanes and traffic calming on 31st Street in Astoria. Business owners sued to stop it. The corridor has 190 injuries, 12 severe, 2 deaths since 2020. DOT vows to defend the redesign.

"DOT Stands By Astoria Safety Project Despite Foes’ Anti-Bike Lawsuit." No bill number; not before the City Council or any committee. DOT reaffirmed the redesign on August 8, 2025 after business owners sued following a heated June community board meeting. The plan adds protected bike lanes on both sides of 31st Street and painted pedestrian islands. DOT spokesman Will Livingston said, "We stand firmly behind this project and will defend our work in court." Council Member Tiffany Caban, Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, and Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas signed a letter supporting the project in June. Implementing protected bike lanes and traffic calming measures is proven to reduce injuries for all road users, encourage mode shift, and improve street equity in this high-crash corridor.

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

Aug 3 - Two SUVs collided on 30 Drive in Queens. Both drivers were injured. A 49-year-old man had a bruised arm. A 52-year-old woman suffered whiplash. Police recorded failure to yield by the driver.

Two SUVs collided on 30 Drive in Queens, injuring both drivers. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' A 49-year-old male driver suffered a contusion to his elbow and lower arm. A 52-year-old female driver suffered a neck injury listed as whiplash. Police recorded the point of impact as the center front end of one SUV and the right rear quarter panel of the other. Both drivers were conscious and not ejected. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4832589 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Aug 1 - A car struck and killed a 23-year-old man on 101st Street. The driver sped off after an encounter at the window. Police found the victim with severe trauma. He died at Jamaica Hospital.

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

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

Jul 31 - A driver on a moped hit a 37-year-old man crossing 21st Street near 30-89 in Queens. Police recorded driver inattention and passenger distraction. He suffered a back contusion and stayed conscious.

A driver on a moped, traveling south and going straight, hit a 37-year-old man crossing 21st Street at 30-89 in Queens. It happened around 6:22 p.m. on July 31, 2025, in ZIP 11102. The man suffered a back contusion. He stayed conscious. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passenger Distraction' contributed to the crash. The data lists no other contributing factors. Police recorded the crash in the 114th Precinct. The report lists the pre-crash action as going straight ahead. No helmet or signal issues are listed for the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4832580 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Jul 13 - A Lexus driver with a suspended license struck and killed a 15-year-old on an e-bike in Nassau County. The driver fled but was caught. The teen died at the scene. The car had dozens of prior violations.

According to NY Daily News (2025-07-13), a 15-year-old fleeing police on an e-bike was killed by a Lexus driver with a suspended license and a long record of violations. The driver, Ruyan Ali, crossed into oncoming traffic to pass a stopped car and struck the teen, then tried to flee. Police said Ali had 'at least three license suspensions' and the Lexus had '53 speeding camera violations.' Ali faces charges for leaving the scene and unlicensed operation. The NYPD's Force Investigation Division is investigating.

• Unlicensed Driver Kills Teen On E-Bike, NY Daily News, Published 2025-07-13

Jul 8 - Hillside Avenue chokes on cars. Buses crawl at four miles per hour. New lanes promise relief for 215,000 riders. Space shifts from cars to buses. Streets change. Riders wait.

Gothamist (2025-07-08) reports new bus lanes are coming to Hillside Avenue, Queens. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said the corridor suffers from 'an inconsistent, patchwork design' and blocked lanes. Buses crawl at four miles per hour due to congestion. Only a third of road space serves buses, though 83% of transit users ride them. The project adds camera-enforced bus lanes, parking, and loading zones. Policy shifts road space from private cars to public transit, aiming to speed up service for 215,000 daily riders.

• Bus Lanes Target Congestion On Hillside Avenue, Gothamist, Published 2025-07-08

Jul 3 - A sedan making a U-turn struck a motorcycle on 21st Street. The rider was ejected and injured. Police cite improper passing and failure to yield. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

A crash on 21st Street at 31st Avenue in Queens involved a sedan, a motorcycle, and a bus. The sedan, making a U-turn, collided with a motorcycle going straight. The 47-year-old motorcyclist was ejected and suffered a leg injury. According to the police report, 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' contributed to the crash. The rider wore a helmet, as noted in the report. The bus was not damaged. The system allowed dangerous maneuvers and failed to protect the most exposed road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4825180 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-03

Jul 2 - Mamdani fights for fast, free buses. He builds coalitions. He wins a pilot. More buses, fewer cars. Streets clear. Danger drops for those on foot and bike.

This review, published July 2, 2025 by Streetsblog NYC, examines Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani’s record on MTA policy. There is no formal bill number or committee, but the focus is his push for 'fast and free buses,' fare freezes, and bus lane enforcement. Mamdani led efforts in Albany for a fare-free bus pilot and more frequent service. Sen. Mike Gianaris credits Mamdani for getting free buses done. Safety analysts note: 'Policies promoting fast and free buses encourage mode shift from private vehicles to public transit, reducing traffic volumes and improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists through lower exposure to motor vehicle risk.'

• How Will Mamdani Govern? His Earlier MTA Advocacy Gives Some Hints, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-02

Jul 2 - Zohran Mamdani’s fare-free bus pilot drew more riders. Fewer cars. Streets safer. City weighs expansion. Vulnerable users stand to gain. The debate: cost, service, and public space.

Bill: Fare-free bus pilot, led by Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, reported July 2, 2025, by New York Magazine - Curbed. The pilot ran for one year, costing $15 million, with increased ridership and fewer assaults on drivers. Mamdani supports expanding bus lanes and meeting Streets Master Plan mandates. State Senator Michael Gianaris backed the pilot, calling the cost manageable. Experts warn of service tradeoffs. The safety analyst notes: increased ridership signals a shift from cars, boosting safety for pedestrians and cyclists through safety in numbers and less vehicle traffic. Expansion remains debated.

• What It Would Take to Make Buses Free, New York Magazine - Curbed, Published 2025-07-02

Jun 30 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

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

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

Jun 30 - Albany lawmakers killed a bill to make apps insure delivery workers. DoorDash lobbied hard. Cyclists and walkers left exposed. No coverage. Profits protected. Safety denied.

Bill to require app companies to provide $50,000 insurance for delivery workers, pedestrians, and cyclists was introduced by Assembly Member Robert Carroll. It passed the Senate but died in the Assembly on June 30, 2025, after DoorDash called it 'costly.' Amy Sohn reported the defeat. The bill aimed to cover injuries from crashes and bar retaliation against workers filing claims. DoorDash lobbied against it, backing a weaker bill. The safety analyst notes this defeat reduces accountability and weakens protections for pedestrians and cyclists. Corporate pressure won. Vulnerable road users lost.

• DoorDash Lobbying Sunk Bill to Require Apps to Insure Delivery Workers, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-30

Jun 30 - A van turned left at rush hour. The scooter rider flew from his device. He died at the hospital. The street stayed open. The investigation continues.

According to amny (2025-06-30), Shaun Lagredelle, 39, was riding a stand-up scooter west on 116th Avenue when a Ford Transit van, driven by a 43-year-old woman, turned left onto Nashville Boulevard and struck him. Police said, "As the van attempted to turn left onto Nashville Boulevard, it collided with the scooter, immediately propelling Lagredelle off the device." Lagredelle suffered fatal injuries. No arrests have been made. The NYPD Collision Investigation Squad is reviewing the case. The crash highlights ongoing risks at intersections for scooter riders.

• Scooter Rider Killed In Queens Collision, amny, Published 2025-06-30

Jun 26 - Zohran Mamdani beat Andrew Cuomo for the Democratic mayoral nod. He vows faster buses, more bike lanes, and car-free space. Streets remain deadly. Change hinges on action.

Bill number not assigned. On June 26, 2025, Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic primary for NYC mayor. The matter, as reported by Sophia Lebowitz, states Mamdani's platform: 'make buses fast and free, add more protected bike lanes, and increase car-free public space.' Mamdani promises political will for proven safety measures. No specific legislation or committee action yet. The safety analyst notes: 'The event describes a political nomination outcome without reference to any specific transportation policy or legislation, so it has no direct impact on pedestrian or cyclist safety.'

• Here’s What Mamdani Can Steal From Other Candidates To Strengthen His Livable Streets Platform, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-26

Jun 25 - Voters chose candidates who back bike lanes, open streets, and transit. Opponents lost. The message is clear: New Yorkers want safer roads. No new laws yet, but the council’s direction is set. Vulnerable road users watch and wait.

""A life of dignity should not be reserved for a fortunate few," said Mamdani, who has called for pedestrianizing streets in the congestion relief zone, expanding protected bike infrastructure, and cracking down on NYPD parking abuse." -- Zohran Mamdani

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

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

Jun 24 - A pickup tore through Astoria. It struck Amanda Servedio, a cyclist with the right of way. She flew from her bike. The driver fled. Police found the truck later. Servedio died at Elmhurst Hospital. The city lost another rider.

Gothamist reported on June 24, 2025, that Bekim Fiseku was indicted for murder and manslaughter after fatally striking cyclist Amanda Servedio in Astoria. Prosecutors say Fiseku, fleeing police after an attempted burglary, sped through red lights and bike lanes, ultimately hitting Servedio at 37th Street and 34th Avenue. Surveillance captured the chase. The indictment states, 'The defendant allegedly led police on a 10-minute chase through the crowded streets.' Servedio, 36, was returning from a cycling event and had the right of way. Fiseku abandoned his truck and evaded arrest until February. The case highlights the lethal risk posed by reckless drivers and high-speed police pursuits on city streets.

• Cyclist Killed In Astoria Police Chase, Gothamist, Published 2025-06-24

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

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

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

Jun 20 - DOT pushes ahead. Protected bike lanes coming to 31st Street. Community board erupts. Lawmakers back the plan. Business owners protest. City stands with cyclists and pedestrians. Proven safety gains for vulnerable users. Change rolls forward. Streets shift. Lives may be spared.

On June 20, 2025, the Department of Transportation reaffirmed its plan to install protected bike lanes under the elevated tracks on 31st Street in Astoria. The proposal, discussed at a heated community board meeting, remains active and is set for installation after summer repaving. Council Member Tiffany Caban, State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, and Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas endorsed the plan in a letter, stating it would 'protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers while making our streets safer and less congested.' DOT spokesman Will Livingston said the design improves safety and supports local businesses. Despite opposition from some business owners, the plan moves forward. Safety analysts note: 'Protected bike lanes are proven to reduce injuries and fatalities for cyclists and pedestrians, encourage mode shift, and improve street equity by reallocating space from cars to vulnerable users.'

• DOT Stands By Astoria Bike Lane Plan Despite Foes’ ‘Childish’ Outbursts, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-20