Sidewalks Aren’t Safe—Blood on Astoria Streets, Silence from City Hall

A car struck and killed a 23-year-old man in Ozone Park. The driver fled, then turned himself in. Police say the crash followed a heated confrontation. The victim died at Jamaica Hospital.

ABC7 reported on August 1, 2025, that a 23-year-old man died after being hit by a car at 101st Avenue and Liberty Boulevard in Queens. Police said the incident followed a domestic dispute. The driver, who was the woman's current boyfriend, told police the victim approached his car "while flashing what appeared to be a gun" and was struck as the driver tried to leave. The driver later went to the police. No charges had been filed as of publication, with the district attorney still reviewing the case. The crash highlights the lethal risk when vehicles are used during conflicts.

• Man Killed By Car In Queens Dispute, ABC7, Published 2025-08-01

Water rose fast. Cars stranded. People climbed roofs to escape. Rescue teams pulled them out. Rain hammered Queens. The road drowned, then cleared. Danger came quick. Relief came late.

ABC7 reported on July 31, 2025, that flash flooding trapped drivers on the Clearview Expressway in Queens. Video showed people perched atop cars, waiting for rescue. A witness described, "10 feet deep, people sitting on top of cars, 6 or 7." Mayor Eric Adams declared a localized State of Emergency. The flooding left vehicles stranded and forced emergency response. The article highlights the risk of sudden, severe weather overwhelming city infrastructure, stranding vulnerable road users in harm’s way.

• Flash Flood Traps Cars On Expressway, ABC7, Published 2025-07-31

Adams stalled safety. Duggan calls for action. Streets wait for bus lanes, bike lanes, open space. The next mayor holds the key. Lives depend on leadership.

"The frontrunner correctly noted in the clip that making buses faster 'isn't complicated, it doesn't cost much, you don't need Albany. All the tools are in the power of City Hall.'" -- Zohran Mamdani

On July 21, 2025, Kevin Duggan published a policy analysis in Streetsblog NYC. The article, 'The Next Mayor Can Unlock Easy Transportation Wins … If He Wants,' criticizes Mayor Eric Adams for neglecting bus and bike projects, stalling open streets, and failing on pedestrian safety. Duggan urges the next mayor to revive stalled projects and expand busways, bike lanes, and public space. The piece features support from advocates and candidates. No council bill or vote is attached. As no specific policy is enacted, there is no direct safety impact to assess for pedestrians or cyclists.

• The Next Mayor Can Unlock Easy Transportation Wins … If He Wants, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-21

Candles flickered in Queens. Workers mourned the dead. Portraits lined the park. Grief and anger mixed. Demands for safety echoed. Fatigue and risk shadow every shift. The toll grows. The city listens.

amny reported on July 11, 2025, that rideshare and delivery workers gathered in Little Bay Park to honor colleagues killed on the job. The Justice for App Workers coalition demanded safety reforms, including panic buttons and limits on shift lengths. 'These deaths were not inevitable; they happened because billion-dollar companies chose profit over safety,' said Adaligisa Payero. Speakers highlighted long hours and fatigue as key dangers. The coalition called for tech companies and lawmakers to act, noting that app-based workers face higher injury and death rates than many traditional employees.

• Memorial Honors Fallen App-Based Workers, amny, Published 2025-07-11

City halts 34th Street busway. Mayor Adams caves to loud minority. Streets stay ruled by cars. Pedestrians and cyclists left exposed. No relief. No progress. Danger lingers. Lives at risk.

On July 7, 2025, David Meyer of Streetsblog NYC condemned the city’s decision to stall the 34th Street busway. The article, titled 'The 34th Street busway is the latest casualty of the mayor's lack of a spine on transportation issues,' highlights how Mayor Adams ignored broad support and bowed to a vocal few. Meyer supports the busway and criticizes the mayor’s retreat. No council bill number or committee is tied to this action. The delay blocks safer, more equitable streets. As the safety analyst notes, canceling or delaying the busway keeps car dominance and denies protection to pedestrians and cyclists.

• Monday’s Headlines: Run This Town Edition, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-07

Two drivers struck at 30 Ave and 33 St. Both hurt. Alcohol and ignored signals marked the scene. Metal twisted. Pain followed. System failed to protect.

Two vehicles collided at 30 Ave and 33 St in Queens. Both drivers, a 62-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, suffered injuries. According to the police report, 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' were listed as contributing factors for both drivers. The crash involved a sedan and an SUV, each traveling straight. The impact left one driver bruised and in shock, the other in pain and incoherent. The report highlights driver errors—alcohol use and ignoring traffic controls—as key causes. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The system allowed danger to reach the vulnerable.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4825385 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A BMW flew over a Belt Parkway barrier at dawn. Metal twisted. Six hurt. Two critical. Flames rose. Police say speed may have played a role. The crash left wreckage and questions in its wake.

According to the New York Post (2025-07-05), a BMW traveling east on the Belt Parkway in Queens struck a concrete median, vaulted over it, and hit two oncoming vehicles. The article states, "Six people were injured—two critically—in a fiery crash." Police noted, "speed may have been an issue." The NYPD Collision Investigation Squad is investigating. The incident highlights the dangers of high speeds and highway design where barriers failed to contain a vehicle, putting multiple road users at risk.

• BMW Vaults Median, Six Injured In Queens, New York Post, Published 2025-07-05

Zohran Mamdani pledges bold action for safer streets. He backs protected lanes, busways, and Vision Zero. His words promise change, but this is talk, not law.

On July 4, 2025, Streetsblog NYC published mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s answers to its survey. The event, titled 'Beach Reading: Zohran Mamdani’s Answers to Streetsblog’s Mayoral Candidate Survey,' features Mamdani’s support for pedestrianization, protected bike lanes, bus lanes, and Vision Zero. He calls for moving traffic enforcement from NYPD to DOT and ending parking mandates. Mamdani’s stance is clear: prioritize vulnerable road users. This is an informational statement, not a policy change. As noted by safety analysts, this event does not directly affect conditions for pedestrian or cyclist safety.

• Beach Reading: Zohran Mamdani’s Answers to Streetsblog’s Mayoral Candidate Survey, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-04

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

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

A driver hit a man crossing with the signal on 31st Street. The impact bruised his shoulder. Police cite failure to yield. The street turned dangerous in a heartbeat.

A 31-year-old man was struck while crossing 31st Street at Newtown Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a southbound vehicle hit him, causing a shoulder contusion. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. No vehicle type or driver details were provided. The pedestrian was injured at the intersection. The police report does not mention any other contributing factors from the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4827316 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

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

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

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

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

Streetsblog gathered street-safety leaders. They ranked mayoral candidates by their promises for safer streets. No council action. No new law. Just a sharp look at who stands with people, not cars. The city’s future rides on these choices.

On June 19, 2025, Streetsblog NYC published 'Streetsblog Celebrities Reveal Their Mayoral Rankings!' The article asked, 'Who did the legends of the livable streets movement rank for mayor?' and used a ranked-choice simulator to show results. No council bill, vote, or committee action took place. No council members were involved. Instead, advocates like Zohran Mamdani, Brad Lander, Zellnor Myrie, Adrienne Adams, Michael Blake, and Scott Stringer ranked candidates based on their records and promises for safer streets. Streetsblog made no endorsements. According to safety analysts, this event did not create any policy or legislative change for pedestrian or cyclist safety. It simply revealed which candidates street-safety advocates trust to protect vulnerable road users.

• Streetsblog Celebrities Reveal Their Mayoral Rankings!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-19

SUV door swung open. Cyclist struck. Arm bruised. Police cite failure to keep right and inattention. Bike ride cut short by careless action. Danger lingers on Queens streets.

A 22-year-old cyclist was injured when a Ford SUV's right-side doors blocked her path on 30th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the crash involved 'Failure to Keep Right' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The cyclist suffered a contusion to her arm. The report lists helmet use for the cyclist, but the primary causes are driver errors. No injuries were reported for the SUV occupant. The incident highlights the risk posed by inattentive drivers and improper vehicle positioning.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4822158 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Grubhub axed over 50 delivery workers in two weeks. Wonder, the new owner, pulled the trigger. Workers lost income. Streets lost eyes. Fewer riders mean more danger. The city’s arteries run thinner. The system failed the people who keep it moving.

On June 18, 2025, more than 50 delivery workers were deactivated from Grubhub after its $650-million acquisition by Wonder. The protest, covered by Streetsblog NYC, centers on mass deactivations and the fight for gig worker protections. Sophia Lebowitz opposes the deactivations and supports worker rights. The article states, 'More than 50 delivery workers have had their accounts deactivated by Grubhub in the past two weeks, and they're blaming the company's new owner, Wonder.' Council Member Tiffany Cabán’s 'Secure Jobs Act' is cited as a possible remedy, requiring companies to give reason for termination, even for gig workers. The safety analyst warns: deactivating accounts pushes workers into riskier, informal jobs, increases unsafe cycling, and erodes safety in numbers for vulnerable road users. The city’s streets grow more dangerous when riders disappear.

• Small ‘Wonder’: Delivery Workers Protest Deactivations By New Food App Power Player, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-18