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

A sedan struck a westbound bicyclist from behind on 30 Avenue in Queens. The cyclist suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. Police cited the sedan driver’s failure to maintain safe distance as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:45 on 30 Avenue in Queens. A sedan traveling westbound collided with the rear center of a westbound bicycle. The bicyclist, a 31-year-old male, sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report identifies "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor, indicating the sedan driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the cyclist. The cyclist was not ejected and remained conscious after the impact. There are no listed contributing factors related to the bicyclist’s behavior or equipment. The collision’s impact point on the sedan was its right front bumper, matching the center back end of the bike, confirming a rear-end collision caused by the sedan driver’s error.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4753784 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

G train rolls again. After months of silence, trains run from Queens to Brooklyn. Riders endured shuttle buses, slow streets, no dedicated lanes. Council Member Restler praises upgrades, slams city for missing bus lanes. Modern signals promise speed, but funding future hangs in balance.

On September 3, 2024, the G train returned to full service after a summer shutdown for signal modernization. The $368 million project, led by the MTA, replaced century-old signals with Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC), aiming for faster, more reliable service. Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33) praised the MTA’s handling and shuttle bus communication but criticized the city for not creating dedicated bus lanes during the closure, saying, 'They expressed dismay, however, that the city had not constructed a dedicated lane so shuttle buses could move faster.' Restler called for renewed investment in the MTA, including the resumption of congestion pricing, to fund future upgrades. The project continues through 2027, but no more full shutdowns are planned. The lack of bus lanes during the outage left vulnerable riders exposed to slow, crowded streets.

• Back on track: G train returns to full service following summer shutdown, amny.com, Published 2024-09-03

State lawmakers cut funding. The MTA ends its free bus pilot. Ridership soared. Assaults on drivers fell. Assemblymember Mamdani pushed for more funding. The state said no. Riders and workers lose. The streets stay dangerous. The fight continues.

The MTA free bus pilot, funded by the state in 2023, ends August 31, 2024, after lawmakers dropped support in the latest budget. The pilot let riders skip fares on one route per borough. According to the bill summary, 'the program mainly benefitted existing riders.' Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, a strong proponent, pushed for more funding but faced MTA opposition. He said, 'When you see fare evasion at levels of 48%, that speaks to an economic issue where working-class New Yorkers are being priced out of public transit.' The pilot saw weekday ridership jump 35% and assaults on drivers drop 39% on free routes. Despite these gains, the state did not renew funding. Mamdani pledged to keep fighting for free bus service, as the MTA faces deeper funding woes.

• MTA free bus pilot ends on Sunday after state lawmakers nix funding, gothamist.com, Published 2024-08-31

Two sedans crashed at Broadway in Queens. A 73-year-old female driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite traffic control disregarded as the cause. Impact struck right side doors and front center ends, injuring one occupant.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:13 on Broadway in Queens involving two sedans traveling south and east. The 73-year-old female driver of the southbound Nissan was injured, sustaining back injuries and whiplash, and remained conscious. The collision impacted the right side doors of the Nissan and the center front end of the eastbound Toyota. The report identifies 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs by one or both drivers. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The female driver used a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4753078 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two mopeds collided at Broadway in Queens. One driver, unlicensed and making a U-turn, struck the other traveling east. The licensed driver suffered a severe leg fracture. Police cite improper turning and lane usage as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:01 PM near 32-02 Broadway in Queens. The collision involved two mopeds: one driven by a licensed male traveling east going straight ahead, and the other by an unlicensed male making a U-turn westbound. The point of impact was the center front end of the licensed driver's moped and the left front quarter panel of the unlicensed driver's moped. The licensed driver sustained a serious knee-lower leg-foot injury described as a fracture and dislocation. Contributing factors listed in the report include 'Turning Improperly' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper,' with the unlicensed driver making an improper U-turn. The report does not indicate any victim fault or helmet use. The crash highlights driver errors related to improper turning and lane usage as central causes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4750320 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan slammed forward on 30 Avenue. The driver, distracted by something outside, hit hard. She suffered a bruised back. Metal crumpled. The street stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a 33-year-old woman driving a 2020 Nissan sedan crashed while heading south on 30 Avenue in Queens. The sedan struck an object or vehicle, damaging its right front bumper. The driver, alone in the car, suffered a back contusion. The report lists 'Outside Car Distraction' as the contributing factor, marking driver error. No other people were involved. No mention of helmet or signal use appears in the report. The driver wore a lap belt and was not ejected. This crash shows the risk when attention slips behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4749876 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

DOT cuts Bedford Slip’s car-free hours. The plaza, once open all week, will now close to cars only on weekends. Locals and advocates wanted more. Businesses pushed back. Most neighbors don’t own cars. The fight for safe space continues.

On August 13, 2024, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced it would end 24/7 pedestrianization of Bedford Slip in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The decision, not a council bill but a DOT action, follows a six-week trial during the G train shutdown. DOT will allow car-free hours only on weekends from late September through year’s end. The matter summary: 'DOT Rejects 24-7 Open Street for ‘Bedford Slip,’ Preferring Weekend-Only Hours.' Council Member Lincoln Restler, State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, and Rep. Nydia Velázquez supported a permanent plaza. Katie Denny Horowitz of the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance vowed to keep pushing for full-time closure. DOT spokeswoman Mona Bruno said the agency is working with residents on a long-term vision. Most local households rely on transit, biking, or walking. The decision leaves vulnerable road users with less protection during the week.

• DOT Rejects 24-7 Open Street for ‘Bedford Slip,’ Preferring Weekend-Only Hours, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-13

A 73-year-old woman suffered neck injuries and shock after a van struck her at a Queens intersection. She was crossing with the signal when the impact occurred. The van showed no damage, highlighting the severity of pedestrian harm in vehicle collisions.

According to the police report, a 73-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 31 Street and 30 Avenue in Queens at 8:46 p.m. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a northbound Ford van struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained neck injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The van, driven by a licensed male driver, showed no damage. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not attribute fault to the pedestrian. The lack of vehicle damage despite serious pedestrian injury underscores the danger pedestrians face even when vehicles appear minimally impacted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4748082 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 73-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck at a Queens intersection. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing severe abdominal and pelvic injuries. The pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations but remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 30 Avenue near 31 Street in Queens at 8:45 PM. A 73-year-old female pedestrian was crossing the intersection with the signal when she was struck. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error. The pedestrian sustained serious injuries to her abdomen and pelvis, including fractures and dislocations, but remained conscious. The vehicle involved was unspecified in type and details. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident highlights the critical danger posed by drivers failing to yield to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4747788 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Councilwoman Joann Ariola called out Tiffany Cabán for racking up school-zone speeding tickets while pushing to cut car use. Cabán’s platform promised safer streets and fewer cars. Ariola and others say the tickets show a gap between words and actions.

On August 10, 2024, Councilwoman Joann Ariola (District 32) publicly criticized Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán after media reports revealed Cabán received four school-zone speeding tickets and three other violations since November 2022. The matter, covered by the New York Post, states: 'Cabán—who was elected to office on a platform advocating less car use and cracking down on dangerous driving—received four tickets in the past 13 months for speeding her vehicle in school zones.' Ariola, joined by Councilman Robert Holden, accused Cabán of hypocrisy, highlighting the disconnect between Cabán’s advocacy for street safety and her own driving record. Cabán’s policy platform includes converting 25% of city roadways for people, building 1,000 miles of car-free streets, and expanding bus and bike lanes. No formal council bill or committee action is attached to this event, but the public dispute underscores tensions in the city’s push for safer, less car-dominated streets.

• Socialist NYC Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán has amassed nearly $500 in traffic tickets despite pushing anti-car agenda: ‘Hypocrisy’, nypost.com, Published 2024-08-10

North Brooklyn residents and lawmakers demand DOT keep Bedford Slip car-free. The plaza, born of subway repairs, became a haven for pedestrians. Over 3,100 back it. Officials urge permanence. Opponents’ safety fears never came true. The fight for public space continues.

On August 10, 2024, North Brooklynites rallied to keep the temporary pedestrian plaza at Bedford Slip, a half-block offshoot of Bedford Avenue north of Nassau Avenue, car-free. The Department of Transportation (DOT) had closed the street to traffic during G train repairs, but plans to reopen it to vehicles. The matter, described as a push to 'continue this vital public space project as a permanent fixture,' drew support from Rep. Nydia Velázquez and State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, who sent letters urging DOT to make the plaza permanent. Local organizations, businesses, and over 3,100 petitioners back the effort, citing increased community use and safety. Previous concerns about traffic and safety did not materialize. The plaza is part of a broader movement to reclaim streets for pedestrians in Greenpoint and Williamsburg.

• ‘Save the Slip’: North Brooklynites Urge DOT to Keep Temporary Plaza, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-10

Two sedans crashed head-on on Hoyt Avenue South at 3:13 a.m. The front passenger suffered a bruised elbow and lower arm injury. Police cited driver inattention and traffic control disregard as key factors in the collision.

According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on Hoyt Avenue South at 3:13 a.m. Both vehicles sustained center front end damage. The driver of the eastbound sedan was traveling straight ahead, while the westbound sedan's pre-crash action was classified as 'Other.' The front passenger in one vehicle, a 31-year-old female, was injured with contusions to her elbow and lower arm. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors to the crash, highlighting driver errors that led to the collision. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743414 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A moped rider traveling north on 31 Avenue was struck by an eastbound SUV. The SUV driver, distracted and disregarding traffic control, collided with the moped’s front center. The moped driver was ejected and suffered leg injuries.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 31 Avenue in Queens at 9:00 p.m. A moped traveling north was struck by a Ford SUV traveling east. The point of impact was the SUV’s left rear quarter panel and the moped’s center front end. The SUV driver was cited for "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Traffic Control Disregarded." The moped driver, a 19-year-old male, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruises. The report notes no safety equipment used by the moped driver. The collision and injuries highlight the dangers posed by distracted driving and failure to obey traffic controls.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4739351 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 56-year-old woman was struck by an SUV making a left turn on 23 Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle failed to yield right-of-way. She suffered knee and lower leg abrasions but remained conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:15 on 23 Street near Astoria Boulevard in Queens. A 2020 SUV, driven by a licensed male driver, was making a left turn when it struck a 56-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The point of impact was the vehicle's left front bumper, which sustained damage. The pedestrian suffered abrasions to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity 3, and remained conscious. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor on the driver's part. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This incident highlights driver error in yielding during left turns as the critical cause of injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4739345 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan slammed into a southbound cyclist on 31 Avenue. The driver sped and blew past traffic controls. The cyclist was thrown, struck his head, and lost consciousness. Systemic danger left another New Yorker hurt.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on 31 Avenue in Queens collided with a bicyclist heading south. The cyclist, a 39-year-old man, was ejected from his bike and suffered head injuries, losing consciousness. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as driver errors. The sedan struck the left side of the bike with its front end. The cyclist wore a motorcycle helmet, but this was not a contributing factor. No other occupants were in the sedan. The crash happened at 16:33. Driver speed and disregard for traffic controls led to serious injury for the cyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737896 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan making a left turn collided with an e-scooter traveling west on 38 Street in Queens. The e-scooter driver was ejected and suffered upper arm injuries. Police cite improper lane usage and turning as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:15 on 38 Street near 28 Avenue in Queens. A sedan traveling southwest was making a left turn when it struck an e-scooter going straight west. The e-scooter driver, a 27-year-old male, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained a shoulder and upper arm abrasion injury. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors attributed to the sedan driver. The e-scooter driver was not noted for any contributing behaviors. Vehicle damage was concentrated on the sedan's left front quarter panel and the e-scooter's center front end, confirming the point of impact. The report highlights driver errors in lane use and turning as central to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737723 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan hit a motorcycle in Queens. The sedan driver suffered arm and burn injuries. Police cited driver inattention and failure to yield. Both vehicles moved southbound. Impact was forceful and direct.

According to the police report, a sedan and a motorcycle collided at 34 Street in Queens at 12:10 PM. Both vehicles traveled southbound when the sedan's right front bumper struck the motorcycle's center front. The sedan driver, a 35-year-old woman, suffered an elbow injury and a minor burn. She was in shock but not ejected. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors for the sedan driver. No victim fault or contributing behavior is noted. The crash underscores driver errors in attention and yielding that led to the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731338 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07