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

A 56-year-old man crossing with the signal on 34th Street in Queens was struck and injured. The driver, traveling southbound, disregarded traffic control and failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and hip-upper leg injuries.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 23:24 on 34th Street near 30th Avenue in Queens. A 56-year-old male pedestrian was crossing with the signal at the intersection when he was struck by a southbound vehicle. The report cites the driver’s errors as 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to the hip and upper leg, classified as injury severity level 3, and remained conscious after the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted beyond crossing with the signal. The vehicle was traveling straight ahead at the time of impact, with no occupants other than the driver. This crash highlights driver failure to obey traffic controls and yield to pedestrians as the primary cause of injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774529 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council weighs Adams’s City of Yes plan. Mayoral challengers back the original, urge no watering down. They want housing, not parking. Council may weaken it. The fight is over homes versus cars. Vulnerable road users watch as parking mandates hang in the balance.

On November 21, 2024, the City Council debated Mayor Adams’s City of Yes zoning proposal, which aims to boost housing and scrap mandatory parking citywide. The Council may weaken the plan by creating a three-tiered system, risking fewer new homes. Mayoral challengers Zellnor Myrie, Brad Lander, Scott Stringer, Jessica Ramos, and Zohran Mamdani—all Democrats—strongly support the original plan. Myrie urges, 'resist efforts to revise the proposal in any way that would yield fewer homes.' Lander calls for ending exclusionary zoning and prioritizing housing over parking. Stringer calls the plan a 'small step.' Mamdani opposes changes that reduce housing or water down parking elimination. Ramos would vote yes but wants to protect neighborhood character. The Council’s decision will shape the city’s streets, homes, and the future for those outside cars.

• What Do the Mayoral Candidates Think Of ‘City of Yes’?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-11-21

A 22-year-old woman crossing Astoria Blvd with the signal was hit. She suffered hip and leg injuries. The crash happened at a Queens intersection. No driver errors listed. She remained conscious after impact.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Astoria Blvd at 21st Street in Queens at 3:35 PM. She was crossing with the signal when a vehicle struck her. The pedestrian suffered contusions and injuries to her hip and upper leg. She remained conscious after the crash. The report does not specify the vehicle type, driver actions, or any contributing factors such as failure to yield. No driver errors are listed in the data. The pedestrian’s use of the signal is noted but not cited as a factor. The incident highlights the persistent danger pedestrians face at intersections, even when following the law.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771232 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan failed to yield on 31st Street. It struck a northbound car. A one-year-old rear passenger suffered chest injuries and whiplash. The crash left him in shock. Driver error caused the harm, police said.

A sedan making a left turn on 31st Street near 31st Avenue in Queens struck a vehicle traveling north. According to the police report, the sedan driver failed to yield right-of-way. The crash injured a one-year-old boy riding in the left rear seat of the struck car. He suffered chest injuries and whiplash and was reported in shock. The child was secured with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The police report lists only the sedan driver's failure to yield as a contributing factor. No other causes or victim actions are noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4770946 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV making left turn hit a 30-year-old man crossing with the signal. Driver failed to yield. Pedestrian suffered arm abrasions. Impact at Crescent Street and 31 Avenue. System failed to protect him.

According to the police report, a 2024 Genesis SUV struck a 30-year-old male pedestrian at Crescent Street and 31 Avenue in Queens at 6:49 AM. The man was crossing with the signal when the SUV, turning left, hit him with its left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists the driver's failure to yield right-of-way as the cause. The pedestrian was conscious and classified with injury severity level 3. No contributing factors were attributed to the pedestrian. The driver was licensed and alone in the vehicle. This crash underscores the risk drivers pose when failing to yield during left turns.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766308 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Dodge pickup hit a 36-year-old woman riding her bike on 34th Avenue near 37th Street. Her body was thrown. The bike was crushed. A parked BMW was scarred. She wore a helmet. She died there, under the streetlights.

According to the police report, a Dodge pickup truck traveling straight struck a 36-year-old woman riding a bicycle on 34th Avenue near 37th Street in Queens. The report states, 'Her body was thrown. The bike lay crushed. A parked BMW scarred.' The collision resulted in the cyclist's death at the scene. The report notes the cyclist was wearing a helmet. The parked BMW sustained damage to its left front bumper. The contributing factors are listed as 'Unspecified.' The report does not cite any cyclist behavior as a contributing factor. The focus remains on the impact and the lethal force of the pickup truck, which was moving straight ahead when it struck the cyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4765626 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Zellnor Myrie enters the mayoral race. He pushes for congestion pricing, free bus service, and higher taxes on the rich to fund transit. He calls City Hall corrupt. He stands with working New Yorkers. His platform targets safer, fairer streets.

On October 22, 2024, Zellnor Myrie, representing District 20, announced his candidacy for New York City mayor. The announcement is not a council bill but a campaign launch, with Myrie’s platform focused on transportation reform. He supports congestion pricing, free bus service in every borough, and increased taxes on the wealthy to fund the MTA. Myrie described City Hall as 'engulfed in corruption' and said, 'New Yorkers are being crushed by rent and child care.' He has criticized Mayor Adams and pledged to fight for working-class New Yorkers. Though no formal safety analysis is attached, Myrie’s support for transit funding and congestion pricing signals a shift toward safer, less car-dominated streets. His campaign centers vulnerable road users and public transit riders.

• State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani joins Adams' challengers for NYC mayor, gothamist.com, Published 2024-10-22

A 68-year-old woman suffered a back injury after a sedan made a left turn and struck her at an intersection. The driver’s inattention caused the collision despite the pedestrian crossing with the signal. The victim remained conscious after impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:20 AM in Queens near 34-12 34 Avenue. A sedan traveling west was making a left turn when it struck a 68-year-old female pedestrian crossing the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained a back injury and was conscious after the collision. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The vehicle’s point of impact was the left front bumper, and no vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal is noted but not indicated as a contributing factor. The driver’s failure to maintain attention while turning created the conditions for this injury-causing collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4761071 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Governor Hochul stalls congestion pricing, leaving MTA riders in limbo. The pause threatens subway and bus service. Advocates demand any replacement funds boost operations, not highways. Riders need frequent, affordable transit—not more gridlock and pollution.

This editorial, published October 1, 2024, addresses Governor Hochul’s decision to pause congestion pricing and seek alternative funding for the MTA’s $15-billion capital plan. The article states: “If the governor wants to do the MTA and riders a favor, she should use the money she finds to instead boost MTA operations.” Author Samuel Santaella criticizes Hochul’s move, arguing it jeopardizes service for working-class New Yorkers. Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Michael Gianaris are cited as proponents of fare-free buses, while Riders Alliance pushes for six-minute service. The piece urges Hochul to reject highway expansions and instead invest in frequent, affordable transit. The editorial frames this as a fight for clean air, equity, and safety for all New Yorkers who rely on public transportation.

• OPINION: Any Money Hochul Finds to ‘Replace’ Congestion Pricing Should Fund Fares and Frequency, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-10-01

Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Council pushes Albany to let New York City ticket drivers who block bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Cyclists face death and injury. Lawmakers want action. Streets remain dangerous. The fight for safety continues.

Resolution 0574-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced September 26, 2024, it urges passage of S.5008A/A.803A. The resolution calls for a 'bicycle lane safety program...to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, and Erik D. Bottcher back the measure. The bill would let New York City use cameras to fine drivers who invade bike lanes. Cyclists are killed and injured when cars block their space. The council demands Albany act to protect vulnerable road users.

• File Res 0574-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Council pushes Albany to let New York City ticket drivers who block bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Cyclists face death and injury. Lawmakers want action. Streets remain dangerous. The fight for safety continues.

Resolution 0574-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced September 26, 2024, it urges passage of S.5008A/A.803A. The resolution calls for a 'bicycle lane safety program...to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, and Erik D. Bottcher back the measure. The bill would let New York City use cameras to fine drivers who invade bike lanes. Cyclists are killed and injured when cars block their space. The council demands Albany act to protect vulnerable road users.

• File Res 0574-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Council pushes Albany to let New York City ticket drivers who block bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Cyclists face deadly risk. Lawmakers demand action. Streets must protect the vulnerable.

Resolution 0574-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced September 26, 2024, it urges passage of S.5008A/A.803A. The measure calls for a 'bicycle lane safety program' using cameras to enforce bike lane rules. Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, and Erik D. Bottcher back the resolution. The text states: 'enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' The council demands Albany act. Cyclists die while drivers block lanes. The bill aims to hold motorists accountable and protect those most at risk.

• File Res 0574-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

A 32-year-old male driver suffered a back contusion after his SUV rear-ended a parked SUV on 21 Street near 29 Avenue in Queens. Police cite following too closely and other vehicular factors as causes. Both vehicles sustained center-end damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 5:24 AM on 21 Street near 29 Avenue in Queens. A 32-year-old male driver, restrained by a lap belt and conscious, was injured with a back contusion when his 2023 Toyota SUV struck the center back end of a parked 2004 Chevrolet SUV. The parked vehicle was stationary at the time of impact, with damage to its center front end. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors, indicating driver error in maintaining safe distance. The driver was not ejected and had a valid New York license. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The collision highlights risks posed by driver inattention or misjudgment in traffic, resulting in injury and vehicle damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4759048 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council pulled the jaywalking decriminalization bill before a vote. Advocates warned it could shield drivers who hit pedestrians. NYPD tickets mostly Black and Hispanic New Yorkers. Councilmember Cabán says the law enables biased policing. Streets remain dangerous for those on foot.

Bill to decriminalize jaywalking, sponsored by Councilmember Tiffany Cabán (District 22), was pulled for revision before a full City Council vote on September 23, 2024. The measure, under review in committee, aimed to end NYPD enforcement that disproportionately targets people of color. The bill’s summary states, 'NYPD issues hundreds of jaywalking tickets a year. Vast majority go to people of color.' Cabán, a key sponsor, argued police use jaywalking as a pretext for stop-and-frisk, calling the law archaic and motorist-centered. Advocates raised concerns that the bill’s language might let drivers escape liability for hitting pedestrians, prompting its withdrawal. The law’s enforcement remains unequal, leaving vulnerable road users exposed.

• NYPD issues hundreds of jaywalking tickets a year. Vast majority go to people of color., gothamist.com, Published 2024-09-23

A 44-year-old female taxi driver suffered hip and upper leg injuries in a left-side impact crash on 31 Avenue in Queens. She was unconscious and complained of pain or nausea. Police cited other vehicular factors as contributing causes.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling west on 31 Avenue in Queens was struck on its left side doors. The driver, a 44-year-old woman, sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg and was found unconscious at the scene. She reported complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating driver or vehicle-related errors without specifying further details. The driver was not ejected and held a valid New York driver's license. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The crash highlights risks associated with left-side impacts and driver-related vehicular errors in Queens.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4762064 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan making a left turn hit an e-scooter traveling straight on Crescent Street in Queens. The e-scooter driver suffered upper arm injuries and bruising. Police cite failure to yield and driver distraction as key factors in the collision.

According to the police report, a 49-year-old male operating an e-scooter was injured when a sedan struck him on Crescent Street, Queens, at 5:20 AM. The sedan driver was making a left turn and failed to yield right-of-way, causing the collision. The impact occurred on the left side doors of the e-scooter and the center front end of the sedan. The e-scooter driver, who was wearing a helmet, sustained an upper arm shoulder injury and contusions but was conscious and not ejected. The report explicitly lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors for the sedan driver. The sedan driver was licensed and operating a 2024 Toyota sedan. The crash highlights systemic dangers posed by driver errors in yielding and attention in interactions with vulnerable micromobility users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4757069 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan making a left turn struck a 32-year-old woman crossing with the signal at a Queens intersection. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered an elbow and lower arm injury and was left in shock.

According to the police report, a 2017 Ford sedan traveling east on 37 Street in Queens was making a left turn when it struck a 32-year-old female pedestrian crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was reported to be in shock with a minor burn complaint. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The point of impact was the center front end of the sedan, which sustained damage in the same area. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle at the time. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver errors such as failure to yield and distraction in intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4755373 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A motorcycle traveling south on 38 Street was struck from behind by a sedan. The motorcycle driver, ejected and bruised, suffered injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The sedan driver followed too closely, causing the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred near 35-30 38 Street in Queens at 13:50. A 42-year-old male motorcycle driver was injured and ejected from his vehicle, sustaining contusions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The motorcycle was traveling straight ahead southbound when it was struck at the center back end by a sedan also traveling southbound. The report identifies the sedan driver’s error as 'Following Too Closely,' which led to the rear-end collision. The motorcycle driver was not cited for any contributing factors. This crash highlights the dangers posed by drivers failing to maintain safe following distances, resulting in serious injury to vulnerable motorcyclists.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4755524 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council yanked the jaywalking bill. Lawmakers clashed over driver liability. Advocates withdrew support after amendments weakened pedestrian protections. Speaker Adrienne Adams delayed a vote. The city’s streets remain dangerous. Enforcement falls hardest on people of color. The fight continues.

Bill 2024, aimed at decriminalizing jaywalking, stalled in the City Council on September 12, 2024. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee had advanced the bill, but Speaker Adrienne Adams held it back from a full vote, citing ongoing debate. The bill’s summary: ending NYPD tickets for crossing outside crosswalks, a practice disproportionately enforced against New Yorkers of color. Councilmember Tiffany Cabán, a sponsor, condemned the law’s discriminatory impact and its failure to reduce traffic violence. After lawmakers amended the bill to shield drivers from liability in pedestrian crashes, advocates like Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives withdrew support, insisting the law should 'clearly protect [pedestrians’] right to safety and security.' The latest version still exposes jaywalkers to civil suits and mandates a city safety education campaign. The bill’s future is uncertain. Advocates demand stronger protections for people on foot.

• NYC lawmakers struggle to decriminalize jaywalking, gothamist.com, Published 2024-09-12