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

A 12-year-old boy on an e-scooter collided with an SUV in Queens. The scooter rider was partially ejected and suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The crash involved failure to yield and pedestrian confusion. The boy remained conscious after impact.

According to the police report, a 12-year-old male riding an e-scooter northbound collided with a 2012 Subaru SUV traveling eastbound in Queens. The scooter rider was partially ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors including Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion. The SUV struck the right side doors, while the e-scooter was impacted at the center front end. The scooter rider was not wearing any safety equipment. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash highlights the dangers of right-of-way violations and confusion among vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4631229 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Albany spared suburban businesses from a payroll tax hike meant to save the MTA. Black and Latino city workers now shoulder more of the cost. Lawmakers like Mamdani call it unfair. Suburban interests win. City’s vulnerable lose. Racial disparity grows.

On May 19, 2023, state lawmakers finalized a payroll tax policy as part of the MTA funding negotiations. The measure raised the payroll mobility tax only for New York City businesses with high payrolls, exempting suburban firms after pushback from their legislators. The Fiscal Policy Institute found this move shifted the tax burden onto Black and Latino workers in the city. Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani condemned the policy, saying, 'this illustrates the consequences of fiscal policy that privileges the suburbs over the larger MTA region.' Assembly Member Robert Carroll was one of the few to oppose the exemption. FPI’s Emily Eisner noted, 'there will be a 25-percent decline in the share of white workers impacted by the tax, and a 36-percent increase in the share of Black workers impacted.' Governor Hochul defended the plan as necessary to save the MTA. The bill’s racial and geographic inequity remains stark.

• Albany’s Fealty to Suburbs Hurts Black, Latino Workers: Report, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-19

A 29-year-old motorcyclist was ejected and injured after striking two sedans in Queens. Improper lane use listed as cause. Rider suffered leg injuries but was helmeted and conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old male motorcyclist traveling east near 32-14 35 Avenue in Queens collided with two sedans. The crash left the rider ejected from his motorcycle, with injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor. The motorcyclist was unlicensed. One sedan was parked, while the other was moving straight ahead. The impact struck the left side doors of the motorcycle and the left rear bumper of the parked sedan. The rider was helmeted and conscious at the scene.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630409 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

State budget expands MTA bus cameras. Now, they target drivers blocking bus stops, loading zones, bike lanes, intersections, and crosswalks. Fines start at $50. More buses get cameras. Lawmakers and advocates say this will speed up buses and protect the vulnerable.

The 2023 state budget, agreed on May 1, expands the MTA's automated bus lane enforcement camera system. The bill, backed by Governor Hochul and legislative leaders, broadens enforcement to drivers blocking bus stops, truck loading zones, bike lanes, intersections, and crosswalks. Fines start at $50, escalating for repeat offenses. The MTA will increase buses with cameras from 450 to 1,000 by year's end. Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and advocate Sara Lind support the move, calling it vital for bus reliability and street safety. Lind says, 'Camera-based enforcement is such a powerful tool for making our streets safer.' The budget also addresses MTA funding, but some, like Mamdani, criticize the city's increased financial burden. The bill aims to clear the way for buses and vulnerable road users, reducing dangerous blockages.

• Say Cheese! State Budget Lets MTA Bus Cameras Zap Bus, Loading Zone and Bike Lane Blockers, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-01

Five bus lines will run free in each borough. The MTA’s pilot aims to boost ridership and keep fares down. Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani pushed for this. The plan avoids service cuts. Riders get relief. Streets may see fewer cars.

On April 30, 2023, the MTA announced a two-year pilot for free bus service on five lines, one in each borough, as part of a state budget deal. The pilot is a key piece of the 'Fix the MTA' package. Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, a main sponsor, celebrated the inclusion of free buses, stating, 'I’m excited that the vision of free buses from our Fix the MTA package has been included in this year’s budget.' The pilot aims to increase bus ridership and keep fares low, while new funding measures—like a payroll mobility tax and increased city contributions—shore up the MTA’s finances. The plan also promises more frequent subway service and avoids steep fare hikes or service cuts. The official cost of the pilot is not yet clear, but advocates and officials say it will keep the MTA stable for four years.

• MTA will pilot free buses on five lines as part of state budget deal, amny.com, Published 2023-04-30

Mayor Adams backs free buses on ten city routes. Assembly Member Mamdani hails the move for working-class riders. But promised bus lanes and service upgrades lag. Only 11.95 miles built last year. Political fights stall progress. Riders wait. Danger lingers.

On April 19, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams endorsed a pilot to make two bus routes free in each borough, totaling ten free buses. The plan is part of the 'Fix the MTA' package, originally championed by Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and progressive allies. Adams said, 'I strongly support the thought of having 10 buses being free on lines in the city. I think it would make a major impact.' Mamdani called free buses 'transformative' for working-class New Yorkers. Despite this, other bus improvements lag. Adams pledged 150 miles of new bus lanes in four years, but only 11.95 miles were built last year. Some projects stalled amid political opposition. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber stressed the need for city commitment to bus lanes and warned of fare hikes and service cuts if funding gaps persist. No formal safety analysis was provided for vulnerable road users.

• Mayor Adams Backs Free Buses As Other Bus Commitments Fall By the Wayside, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-19

Mayor Adams threw his weight behind a pilot for free city buses. Ten lines, two per borough, could go fareless. The move targets working-class riders. The plan faces budget gridlock in Albany. Riders wait. The city’s slow buses stay slow.

On April 19, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams endorsed a pilot program to make ten New York City bus lines free. The proposal, championed by Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani and supported by Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, is tangled in state budget negotiations. The Assembly and Senate included the pilot in their responses to Governor Hochul’s executive budget, but the governor’s plan left it out. The pilot would select two routes per borough, one serving a low-income area and one a commercial corridor. 'I strongly support the thought of having ten buses being free. The lines in the city I think will make a major impact,' Adams said. Mamdani called free buses 'a huge win for working-class NYers.' The plan’s fate remains uncertain as Albany’s budget talks drag on. Advocates note the mayor’s slow progress on promised bus lanes, leaving riders with sluggish service even as fare relief is debated.

• Mayor Adams endorses pilot program for free buses in NYC, amny.com, Published 2023-04-19

E-scooter slammed into a 75-year-old man on Crescent Street. The man took bruises and leg injuries. The scooter’s front end crumpled. Police list only unspecified factors. The street left the old man bleeding.

According to the police report, an e-scooter traveling south on Crescent Street in Queens struck a 75-year-old male pedestrian outside an intersection. The pedestrian suffered contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The scooter’s center front end took damage. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for both the pedestrian and the driver. The driver was licensed and carried one passenger. No specific driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were documented in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4622227 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A hit-and-run driver killed Jaydan McLaurin, a teenage cyclist, on 21st Street in Astoria. He is the 11th cyclist killed this year. The street lacks protected bike lanes. Politicians and advocates demand urgent action. City failed to meet legal safety mandates.

On April 11, 2023, a hit-and-run driver killed Jaydan McLaurin, a teenage cyclist, on 21st Street in Astoria, Queens. This corridor is a Vision Zero priority but only has an unprotected bike lane. The crash marks the 11th cyclist death in New York City this year, a record high for this point in the year. Council Member Tiffany Cabán called the loss 'wave after wave of grief and heartbreak' and demanded safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists. Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Danny Harris urged Mayor Adams and DOT Commissioner Rodriguez to invest in safe streets and fulfill the NYC Streets Plan’s legal requirements. Advocates noted the Department of Transportation failed to expand bike and bus lanes as required last year. The call is clear: the city must act now to protect vulnerable road users.

• Teen Cyclist Killed by Hit-and-Run Driver in Queens; 11th to Die this Year, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-11

A 31-year-old woman was struck while crossing 31 Street in Queens. The sedan, making a left turn, failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver’s front center impacted the victim.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 31 Street in Queens struck a 31-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The driver was making a left turn and failed to yield right-of-way, causing the collision. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The point of impact was the vehicle’s center front end. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4620291 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 60-year-old male driver suffered neck injuries and minor burns after his sedan was struck from behind by an SUV on Astoria Boulevard in Queens. The SUV driver was distracted, causing the crash. Both vehicles traveled westbound.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Astoria Boulevard in Queens involving a 2022 SUV and a 2017 sedan, both traveling westbound. The SUV struck the sedan from behind, impacting the sedan's center front end and the SUV's center back end. The sedan's 60-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining neck injuries and minor burns, and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for the crash. Both drivers were licensed. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4619076 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A sedan turned improperly on Steinway. A motorcycle hit its rear. The rider, 57, suffered full-body injuries and shock. He wore a helmet. The sedan’s rear was smashed. The crash left the rider burned and battered.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling south collided with a sedan making an improper U-turn northbound on Steinway Street in Queens. The motorcycle driver, a 57-year-old man, suffered injuries to his entire body and was in shock. The sedan’s right rear quarter panel and bumper were damaged. The police report lists "Turning Improperly" as the contributing factor, attributed to the sedan driver. The motorcyclist wore a helmet and was not ejected. He also sustained a minor burn. No other contributing factors or violations are listed in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4619077 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Albany lawmakers plug the MTA’s budget hole and block a fare hike. They launch a free bus pilot but refuse funds for more frequent service. Riders wait. Advocates warn: infrequent buses and trains leave New Yorkers stranded, exposed, and at risk.

On March 14, 2023, state legislators proposed a budget to fill the MTA’s fiscal deficit, avoid a fare hike, and fund a pilot for free buses. The bill, still under negotiation before the April 1 deadline, does not include the $300 million sought to boost off-peak bus and subway service to every six minutes. The matter summary reads: 'Legislators in Albany have proposed a budget to fill the MTA's fiscal hole, avert a fare hike, and fund a small pilot of free buses across New York City.' Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Andrew Gounardes pledged to keep fighting for better frequency. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber praised stable funding. Advocates like Betsy Plum criticized the omission: 'The legislature's budget ignores millions of riders stranded 12, 15, 20 minutes or more on subway platforms and at bus stops.' The budget’s failure to expand service leaves vulnerable riders waiting longer, exposed to danger and delay.

• State Legislators Fill MTA Fiscal Hole, Reject Fare Hike — But Don’t Expand Service, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-14

Albany lawmakers plug the MTA’s budget hole and block a fare hike. They launch a free bus pilot but refuse to fund more frequent service. Riders wait. The streets stay dangerous. The system limps on. Vulnerable New Yorkers are left behind.

On March 14, 2023, state legislators proposed a budget to address the MTA’s fiscal crisis. The plan, discussed in committee, fills the funding gap and stops a fare hike. It launches a free bus pilot in low-income and commercial districts. The bill, backed by Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, does not include the $300 million needed to run buses and subways every six minutes off-peak. The matter summary states: 'Legislators in Albany have proposed a budget to fill the MTA's fiscal hole, avert a fare hike, and fund a small pilot of free buses.' Hoylman-Sigal supported ending Madison Square Garden’s tax break to help fund transit. Advocates and lawmakers like Zohran Mamdani blasted the omission, warning that infrequent service leaves riders stranded and exposed. The budget keeps the system afloat but fails to deliver safer, more reliable transit for those most at risk.

• State Legislators Fill MTA Fiscal Hole, Reject Fare Hike — But Don’t Expand Service, streetsblog.org, Published 2023-03-14

SUV turned left and struck a woman crossing with the signal in Queens. Driver failed to yield and was distracted. Pedestrian suffered bruises and leg injuries. System failed to protect her.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old woman was crossing 31 Street at Newtown Avenue in Queens with the signal when a northbound Jeep SUV made a left turn and struck her. The report lists driver errors as Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The pedestrian suffered contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver was licensed and the SUV was undamaged. No helmet or signal use by the pedestrian was listed as a factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4614018 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 50-year-old woman was struck by a sedan on Astoria Boulevard in Queens. The driver, distracted and inattentive, hit the pedestrian who was off the roadway. She suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling northeast on Astoria Boulevard struck a 50-year-old female pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The driver was licensed and driving straight ahead at the time of impact. There was no vehicle damage reported. The pedestrian was conscious and suffered moderate injuries. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or pedestrian error were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4613730 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 33-year-old man crossing with the signal was hit by an SUV making a left turn in Queens. The driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations to his lower leg and foot.

According to the police report, a 33-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 28 Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2009 Nissan SUV making a left turn struck him with its left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors as 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The driver was licensed and traveling northwest. There was no vehicle damage reported. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4610329 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07