Astoria Bleeds While Leaders Talk—Demand Safe Streets Now

A 51-year-old man was struck and injured by a sedan on 25 Ave in Queens. The driver, unlicensed and distracted, failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered a severe head injury and was unconscious at the scene.

According to the police report, at 4:13 AM on 25 Ave near the Brooklyn Queens Expressway in Queens, a 51-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being struck by a 2023 Porsche sedan traveling east. The driver, a female from Connecticut, was unlicensed and driving straight ahead when the collision occurred. The point of impact was the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian was located outside an intersection, performing other actions in the roadway. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian suffered a severe head injury and was found unconscious. Vehicle damage was limited to the right front bumper. The report focuses on driver errors without attributing fault to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4767285 - 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 cyclist’s front wheel slams into a 17-year-old crossing 31st Avenue. Her knee splits open. Blood stains the street. She lies conscious, torn and bleeding in the evening light. The crash leaves pain and silence in its wake.

According to the police report, a cyclist traveling east on 31st Avenue near 51st Street struck a 17-year-old girl as she crossed the roadway. The report details that the bike’s front wheel impacted her leg, causing severe lacerations to her knee and lower leg. The victim remained conscious but was left bleeding on the asphalt. Police cite 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors to the crash. The victim was not at an intersection and was crossing without a signal, but the report explicitly lists driver inattention and obstructed view as primary causes. The collision underscores the dangers faced by pedestrians on city streets when drivers—regardless of vehicle type—fail to maintain awareness and visibility.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4765119 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan making a right turn struck a 23-year-old bicyclist traveling east on Steinway Street. The cyclist was partially ejected and suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries. The crash occurred late at night under driver distraction conditions.

According to the police report, the collision occurred at 22:35 on Steinway Street in Queens. A sedan, driven by a licensed male driver, was making a right turn southbound when it struck a bicyclist traveling eastbound. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The sedan's point of impact was the right front quarter panel, while the bike was hit on its left front bumper. No damage was reported to either vehicle. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The report does not indicate any contributing factors related to the bicyclist's behavior. The incident highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving during turning maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766304 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A pick-up truck and sedan collided on Astoria Boulevard in Queens. Three occupants in the truck suffered injuries including whiplash and abrasions. Police cited traffic control disregard and unsafe speed as contributing factors to the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:54 on Astoria Boulevard in Queens involving a 2023 pick-up truck and a 2023 sedan. The pick-up truck was traveling south and the sedan east, both going straight ahead when the collision occurred. The point of impact was the left side doors of the truck and the center front end of the sedan. The truck carried three occupants: a 35-year-old male driver who suffered whiplash and injuries to his entire body, a 31-year-old female front passenger with abrasions on her elbow and lower arm, and a 29-year-old female rear passenger with a head abrasion. All occupants were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses; airbags deployed for the passengers. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed' as the primary contributing factors, indicating driver errors led to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4761281 - 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

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

The Cross Bay Bridge’s deadly ramp is gone. In its place: a wide, gentle slope. Pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users now cross safely. The upgrade, forced by a 2021 law, marks progress. But other bridges still leave vulnerable users stranded. Advocates demand more.

On September 25, 2024, the MTA completed a major upgrade to the Cross Bay Bridge, replacing its hazardous Rockaway-side ramp with a wider, ADA-compliant path. This action fulfills a mandate from the 2021 MTA Bike Access bill. Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, who sponsored the law, said, "I'm excited about the ADA-accessible ramp on the Cross Bay Bridge and that cyclists and pedestrians can access this space... because we passed my legislation." The MTA also announced similar improvements for the Henry Hudson and Triboro Bridges. However, plans for the Verrazzano, Gil Hodges-Marine Parkway, Bronx-Whitestone, and Throgs Neck bridges remain uncertain. Cycling advocates praised the MTA’s progress but criticized its reluctance to consider lane conversions for safer, broader access. The new ramp removes a deadly barrier, but the fight for safe passage on all city bridges continues.

• The Cross Bay Bridge Pedestrian ‘Ramp of Death’ Has Been Replaced, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-25

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 17-year-old bicyclist struck a parked SUV on Steinway Street. He was ejected and suffered fractured, dislocated lower leg bones. Police cite failure to yield. The crash left the teen in shock.

According to the police report, a 17-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured after colliding with the left side doors of a parked 2020 Acura SUV near 25-82 Steinway Street in Queens. The crash happened at 15:40. The bicyclist suffered fractures, distortions, and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was left in shock. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor, highlighting a driver error that led to the collision. The SUV was stationary before impact. No safety equipment was noted on the bicyclist. The incident underscores the dangers of right-of-way violations and parked vehicles in city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4756797 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A moped traveling east struck a stationary SUV in Queens. The collision ejected a 16-year-old female passenger, causing whiplash and full-body injuries. Police cite the moped driver’s failure to yield and unsafe speed as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a moped driven by an unlicensed male driver traveling east collided with a station wagon/SUV that was starting from parking on 38-12 Broadway in Queens. The point of impact was the moped’s center front end against the SUV’s left front bumper. The crash ejected a 16-year-old female occupant from the moped, who suffered whiplash and injuries to her entire body. The report lists the contributing factors as failure to yield right-of-way and unsafe speed by the moped driver. The injured passenger was not wearing any safety equipment. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling east as well. The collision highlights driver errors by the moped operator, including unsafe speed and failure to yield, which directly led to serious injury of the vulnerable passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4755793 - 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

A 36-year-old man crossing 31 Avenue with the signal suffered facial abrasions. He was conscious. The vehicle type is unknown. No driver errors were reported. The street left him exposed.

According to the police report, a 36-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing 31 Avenue at 51 Street in Queens at 19:14. The man was crossing with the signal when he was struck by an unspecified vehicle. He suffered abrasions to his face and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or distraction. No pedestrian actions were cited as contributing factors. The data underscores the risk faced by pedestrians, even when following the law, and notes the absence of documented driver fault in this incident.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4755763 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A six-year-old girl suffered knee and lower leg injuries after an SUV struck her while she played in the roadway. The vehicle, traveling north on 45 Street, impacted the pedestrian with its right front bumper. The child was injured but not ejected.

According to the police report, a 2021 Mercedes SUV was traveling north on 45 Street in Queens around 4:30 p.m. when it struck a six-year-old female pedestrian playing in the roadway at an intersection. The point of impact was the vehicle's right front bumper. The child sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report lists the pedestrian's contributing factors as unspecified. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were explicitly cited in the report. The vehicle sustained no damage, and the driver was licensed and operating the vehicle going straight ahead. The incident highlights the dangers posed to young pedestrians in roadway areas.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4753786 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Unlicensed SUV driver blew past traffic control, smashed a parked car, then hit a sedan. Three men in the SUV bruised and battered. Alcohol and disregard fueled the Queens crash.

According to the police report, a 2012 Honda SUV driven by an unlicensed 31-year-old man disregarded traffic control on 34 Avenue in Queens at 1:55 a.m. The SUV struck the right side doors of an eastbound sedan and hit the rear of a parked Subaru SUV. Three men inside the Honda, all 31, suffered head and pelvic contusions. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a driver error and 'Alcohol Involvement' for two occupants. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling straight. Damage hit the SUV's right side and the sedan's front. Systemic dangers: driver error and alcohol.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4754033 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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