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

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-01-30

A moped rider was injured after an SUV struck the right side of the vehicle on 34 Avenue. The collision ejected the 25-year-old driver, causing abrasions and lower leg injuries. Police cited failure to yield as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:45 on 34 Avenue involving a northbound SUV and an eastbound moped. The SUV's center front end impacted the right side doors of the moped. The moped driver, a 25-year-old male, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report identifies 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error on the part of the SUV operator. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead prior to the collision. The moped rider was conscious after the crash but suffered moderate injury severity. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699153 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A sedan backing north on 34 Street struck a 6-year-old girl crossing with the signal. She suffered a facial bruise but stayed conscious. The car showed no damage. Unsafe backing put a child in harm’s way.

According to the police report, a sedan was backing unsafely northbound on 34 Street at 7:55 AM when it struck a 6-year-old girl who was crossing with the signal at an intersection. The child suffered a contusion to her face and remained conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Backing Unsafely' as the primary contributing factor. The sedan showed no visible damage despite the impact at its center back end. No other driver errors or victim actions were cited. This crash underscores the risk of vehicles reversing where children and other pedestrians are legally crossing.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698867 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Pickup truck rear-ended SUV on 34 Street in Queens. SUV passenger suffered back injury and whiplash. Both vehicles moved east. Impact crushed SUV’s rear. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

According to the police report, a pickup truck struck the rear of an SUV on 34 Street near Astoria Boulevard in Queens. The SUV carried two people. A 41-year-old male passenger in the middle front seat suffered back injuries and whiplash. He was conscious and belted. The report lists unspecified contributing factors. Both vehicles traveled straight. The pickup truck’s front end hit the SUV’s rear, causing injury. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The data points to driver error by the pickup truck operator, who failed to maintain a safe following distance. No victim actions contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697730 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A motorcycle struck a sedan making a left turn on 30 Avenue in Queens. The motorcycle driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries and shock. Police cited failure to yield and driver distraction as causes. The sedan’s left front bumper was damaged.

According to the police report, a sedan was making a left turn on 30 Avenue in Queens when it was struck by a motorcycle traveling straight westbound. The motorcycle driver, a 32-year-old man, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock. The report lists driver errors including failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction. The sedan’s left front bumper and the motorcycle’s center front end were damaged. The motorcycle driver was not ejected and was the sole occupant of his vehicle. The sedan also had one occupant, the driver. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4688936 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 67-year-old woman crossing 30 Avenue in Queens was struck by an SUV making a right turn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. The vehicle showed no damage.

According to the police report, a 67-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 30 Avenue and 33 Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when an SUV traveling north made a right turn and struck her with its right front bumper. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor for the driver. The pedestrian sustained a head contusion and was conscious at the scene. The vehicle, a 2023 Mercedes SUV, showed no damage. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4688445 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Mayor Adams gutted the McGuinness Blvd. safety plan. Two lanes each way remain. Bike lanes go unprotected. Crossing distances stretch. Local leaders say nothing changed for people on foot. Cyclists dodge cars and illegal parking. The danger stays. The fight continues.

On November 29, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams’s administration scaled back the Department of Transportation’s original McGuinness Boulevard redesign. The DOT’s first plan would have cut traffic lanes and added a parking-protected bike lane. Adams ordered a weaker version after business pushback. The compromise left two car lanes in each direction during the day. Elected officials—U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, and Council Member Lincoln Restler—sent a letter urging DOT to restore the full safety plan, writing, “Nothing has been done to improve conditions for pedestrians.” Advocates say the new design increases crossing distances and leaves cyclists and pedestrians exposed. DOT says work will continue into 2024. The boulevard remains dangerous for vulnerable road users.

• Eric Adams’s McGuinness Blvd. Capitulation Did ‘Nothing’ for Pedestrians, Greenpoint Pols Charge, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-11-29

Red Hook chokes on truck fumes. Lawmakers move. The Clean Deliveries Act aims to cut emissions from sprawling e-commerce warehouses. Kristen Gonzalez and others demand action. Diesel trucks crowd narrow streets. Pollution and danger rise. Residents pay the price.

Bill: Clean Deliveries Act. Announced November 29, 2023. Status: Proposed. Committee: Not specified. Lawmakers, including State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez (District 59), call for strict regulation of emissions from last-mile e-commerce warehouses. The bill would require environmental reviews for warehouses over 50,000 square feet, mandate plans to cut air pollution, and push for zero-emission delivery vehicles. Gonzalez said, 'The unchecked growth of large warehouses in neighborhoods across NYC has worsened air quality, noise pollution, and traffic safety for everyday New Yorkers.' Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes, a co-sponsor, highlighted the link between warehouse traffic, pollution, and traffic violence. The Red Hook Business Alliance and community advocates back the bill, citing heavy truck traffic, poor air, and threats to safety in working-class neighborhoods. The legislation aims to hold warehouse operators accountable and protect residents from the mounting toll of delivery-driven pollution and danger.

• Lawmakers say influx of e-commerce warehouses has spiked greenhouse gas emissions in Red Hook, urge regulation, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-11-29

A 17-year-old moped driver was ejected after crashing on Hoyt Avenue South. The rider suffered a head contusion and bruises. The crash involved unsafe speed and an improper turn. The rider was conscious but injured, without safety equipment.

According to the police report, a 17-year-old male moped driver was injured after being ejected during a crash on Hoyt Avenue South. The report lists unsafe speed and turning improperly as contributing factors. The rider suffered a head injury and contusions. The moped was traveling southeast and made a right turn when the collision occurred, impacting the left front quarter panel. The rider was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash left the rider conscious but with serious injuries. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4681982 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A taxi backing north on 30 Street hit an 81-year-old woman walking outside the intersection. The impact struck her head, causing bruising. The driver failed to watch behind, distracted and reversing unsafely. The pedestrian was conscious but injured.

According to the police report, a 2014 Toyota taxi was backing north on 30 Street in Queens when it struck an 81-year-old female pedestrian not at an intersection. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists the driver's errors as "Backing Unsafely" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction." The point of impact was the taxi's right rear bumper. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian's injury severity was moderate, with a contusion and bruising. The report does not mention any contributing factors related to the pedestrian, focusing solely on the driver's unsafe backing maneuver and distraction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4683530 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A motorcycle struck the right side of an SUV on Broadway in Queens. The 26-year-old rider was ejected, suffering a head injury and concussion. The rider was unconscious at the scene, wearing a helmet. Unsafe speed was cited as a factor.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male motorcycle driver traveling east on Broadway collided with a northbound SUV. The motorcycle impacted the right side doors of the SUV, causing the rider to be ejected and sustain a head injury with a concussion. The rider was unconscious at the scene and was wearing a helmet. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the crash. No other driver errors were specified. The SUV driver’s license status and actions are not detailed in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4680187 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Bus ridership in New York City is back to pre-pandemic numbers—if you count those who ride without paying. The MTA pushes fare enforcement. Lawmakers and labor say focus on service, not punishment. Riders, mostly working class, depend on these buses to survive.

This policy debate, highlighted on November 16, 2023, centers on bus fare evasion, free bus pilot expansion, and transit funding. Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria) leads the charge, arguing, "We are hitting numbers that we are not recognizing, because our focus has been on fares." The MTA claims fare compliance is vital, but Mamdani and union voices like JP Patafio of TWU Local 100 urge investment in service and affordability. The matter underscores the working-class reliance on buses and the stalled rollout of OMNY, which limits all-door boarding. The debate pits fare enforcement against calls for free or reduced fares, with advocates demanding progressive taxation to fund transit. No formal council bill or vote is attached, but the stakes for vulnerable riders are clear: service, not policing, keeps them moving.

• Bus Ridership is Near 2019 Levels (If You Count the People Who Don’t Pay), Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-11-16

An ambulance struck a sedan on 34 Street in Queens. The sedan driver, a 36-year-old man, suffered head injuries and whiplash. The ambulance hit the sedan’s left front quarter panel. Police cited traffic control disregard as a factor.

According to the police report, an ambulance traveling west on 34 Street collided with a sedan traveling south. The point of impact was the ambulance’s center front end and the sedan’s left front quarter panel. The sedan’s 36-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining head trauma and whiplash, and was conscious at the scene. The driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The ambulance carried two occupants, and the sedan had one. The crash caused damage primarily to the front of both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4677870 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A sedan and moped crashed on Broadway in Queens. The moped driver suffered leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention. Both vehicles moved west. Metal hit metal. One man hurt.

According to the police report, a sedan and a moped collided on 30-08 Broadway in Queens. The moped driver, a 22-year-old man, was injured in the crash, suffering trauma to his knee and lower leg. Police list driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. Both vehicles were traveling west when the moped struck the sedan’s right front quarter panel. The moped driver was unlicensed. The sedan was operated by a licensed male driver. No helmet or signaling issues were reported. The crash damaged the moped’s center front end and the sedan’s right front quarter panel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4670292 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Two SUVs crashed head-on on 29 Street. The 27-year-old male driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The impact hit the left side doors of one vehicle and the front center of the other. Driver distraction caused the collision.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on 29 Street. The 27-year-old male driver of one SUV was injured, sustaining neck pain and whiplash. The crash involved impact to the left side doors of one vehicle and the front center end of the other. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The report cites driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The injured driver was conscious and restrained by a harness at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4669608 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

An e-scooter rider was hit on the left side by an SUV starting in traffic on Broadway. The rider, a 30-year-old woman, was ejected and injured in the knee and lower leg. The SUV showed no damage. The rider was unlicensed.

According to the police report, an SUV traveling south on Broadway struck an e-scooter traveling west. The point of impact was the left side doors of the e-scooter and the center front end of the SUV. The e-scooter driver, a 30-year-old woman, was ejected and suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The SUV was starting in traffic when the collision occurred and sustained no damage. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor. The e-scooter driver was unlicensed. No helmet or signaling factors were noted. The crash highlights dangers from improper lane use and driver errors in mixed traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4669860 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Astoria residents packed a hall. They demanded safer streets after a child died. Online groups drove turnout. Cyclists and pedestrians led the call. The community board pushed for daylighting. Most locals walk, bike, or ride transit. The fight is urgent. The danger is real.

"Astorians showed up last night for pedestrian + bike safety: over 150 neighbors packed the room at Variety Boys & Girls Club to talk about how we make our streets safer." -- Zohran Mamdani

On October 3, 2023, Astoria activists mobilized for street safety after a fatal crash killed a 7-year-old girl. No formal council bill number is listed, but the Transportation Committee of Community Board 1 passed a resolution urging DOT to daylight all intersections. The matter, described as 'community advocacy for street safety and bike infrastructure,' drew over 150 residents to a public workshop. Council Member Zohran Kwame Mamdani attended, stating, 'Astorians showed up last night for pedestrian + bike safety.' Online organizing, especially on the MicromobilityNYC subreddit, brought new voices to the table and pressured NYPD to take traffic enforcement seriously. The area lacks protected bike lanes—only 3 percent of streets have them—while most residents do not own cars and rely on walking, biking, or transit. The activism is diverse, persistent, and focused on ending traffic violence.

• Astoria Organizers Lead the Way on Street Safety with a Reddit Strategy, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-03

MTA rolls out free bus routes in all five boroughs. Digital signs mark the buses. Riders board without paying. The pilot covers 44,000 daily trips. Lawmakers say this is a step toward greener, fairer transit. The agency will study the results.

On September 24, 2023, the MTA launched a free bus pilot in every New York City borough. The pilot, part of a state budget deal, makes one route per borough fare-free for up to a year. The official summary states: 'One MTA bus route will be free in each New York City borough starting Sunday.' Queens Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, mentioned in the coverage, said, 'Getting more New Yorkers on to public transit must be at the forefront of our plan for a greener NY.' The pilot covers the B60 in Brooklyn, M116 in Manhattan, Q4 in Queens, S46/S96 in Staten Island, and BX18 in the Bronx. About 44,000 weekday riders are affected. The MTA will monitor ridership and study the impact. Progressive lawmakers back the move to help low-income New Yorkers. No direct safety analysis was provided for vulnerable road users.

• Every NYC borough gets a free MTA bus route starting Sunday, gothamist.com, Published 2023-09-24

A 75-year-old woman was injured crossing outside an intersection in Queens. An SUV backing unsafely struck her, causing elbow and lower arm injuries and minor burns. The driver was licensed and alone. The pedestrian suffered shock at the scene.

According to the police report, a 75-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing outside an intersection on 34 Street in Queens. The crash involved a 2021 SUV backing unsafely. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, along with minor burns. The report lists "Backing Unsafely" as the contributing factor. The SUV driver, a licensed male, was entering a parked position at the time. There was no vehicle damage reported. The pedestrian was in shock following the collision. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4664717 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Over 200 Astoria residents packed a DOT workshop after a spike in traffic deaths. Cyclists and pedestrians have died. Drivers speed, double-park, and ignore signals. Councilwoman Cabán and others demand urgent action. DOT vows to return with a safety plan.

On September 14, 2023, the Department of Transportation held a public street safety workshop in Astoria, Queens, following a surge in traffic violence. The event, covered on September 18, 2023, drew over 200 residents and was organized by Western Queens elected officials. The workshop addressed a 'significant increase in traffic-related deaths, including several high-profile fatalities involving cyclists and pedestrians.' Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani called the deaths preventable and demanded urgent changes. Cabán stated, 'If it saves lives, it’s worth doing.' DOT officials, including Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia and senior program manager Kyle Gorman, presented plans for 31st Avenue and collected resident feedback on dangerous driving, lack of protected bike lanes, and unsafe intersections. The DOT pledged to return with a proposal. No formal bill number or committee was cited; the event focused on immediate community engagement and systemic change.

• Astoria residents turnout for DOT street safety workshop following surge in traffic violence this year, amny.com, Published 2023-09-18