Astoria Bleeds While Leaders Talk—Demand Safe Streets Now

Legislators blasted Mayor Adams for failing bus riders. They unveiled a $90-million plan to boost bus service. Adams faces accusations of incompetence and ignoring the law. Bus speeds drop. Riders wait. The mayor stalls. Streets stay dangerous for those outside cars.

On February 9, 2024, at a legislative press conference, State Sen. Mike Gianaris and Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani announced a $90-million proposal to expand bus service and the MTA's free bus pilot. The event, covered by Streetsblog NYC, became a public reckoning for Mayor Adams's transportation record. The matter: 'a proposal in Albany to increase bus service before congestion pricing begins.' Mamdani accused Adams of 'incompetence' and violating the Streets Master Plan law, which requires 30 miles of new bus lanes each year. Reporters pressed for answers on mayoral compliance. MTA CEO Janno Lieber praised Adams's past promises but noted the lack of progress. The mayor's spokesperson defended the administration, but data shows bus speeds have dropped since Adams took office. No safety analyst has formally assessed the impact, but the lack of bus lanes leaves vulnerable road users exposed to traffic danger and slow, unreliable transit.

• Pressure Mounts on ‘Incompetent’ Mayor Adams To Build Some Freakin’ Bus Lanes, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-09

Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Lawmakers want $90 million for more buses as congestion pricing nears. Gianaris and Mamdani lead the charge. Critics say it’s late. Riders on free bus lines surged. The plan faces union warnings and legal threats. Streets wait for relief.

On February 8, 2024, State Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani called for $90 million to expand MTA bus service before the $15 congestion pricing toll begins. Their proposal seeks $45 million in this year’s budget to boost bus frequency, with another $45 million to triple free buses citywide. The lawmakers’ push follows a successful fare-free pilot, which Mamdani says increased ridership by over 20%. Gianaris admitted, 'It should have been done sooner.' Critics argue the move is too late, as congestion pricing was approved in 2019. Some unions warn of possible driver shortages, but Mamdani insists existing buses and operators can handle the expansion. The funding proposal comes as the congestion toll faces lawsuits and could launch by mid-June. No formal safety analysis was provided for vulnerable road users.

• NY lawmakers ripped over push for $90M bus service expansion as $15 congestion pricing looms: ‘Covering their a—s’, nypost.com, Published 2024-02-08

Lawmakers want $90 million for more buses as congestion pricing nears. Gianaris and Mamdani lead the charge. Critics say it’s late. Riders on free bus lines surged. The plan faces union warnings and legal threats. Streets wait for relief.

On February 8, 2024, State Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani called for $90 million to expand MTA bus service before the $15 congestion pricing toll begins. Their proposal seeks $45 million in this year’s budget to boost bus frequency, with another $45 million to triple free buses citywide. The lawmakers’ push follows a successful fare-free pilot, which Mamdani says increased ridership by over 20%. Gianaris admitted, 'It should have been done sooner.' Critics argue the move is too late, as congestion pricing was approved in 2019. Some unions warn of possible driver shortages, but Mamdani insists existing buses and operators can handle the expansion. The funding proposal comes as the congestion toll faces lawsuits and could launch by mid-June. No formal safety analysis was provided for vulnerable road users.

• NY lawmakers ripped over push for $90M bus service expansion as $15 congestion pricing looms: ‘Covering their a—s’, nypost.com, Published 2024-02-08

Mayor Adams boasted of bus lane progress. The numbers tell a different story. His administration missed legal targets two years running. Bus speeds fell. Promised projects stalled or died. Riders wait. Streets stay dangerous. Words do not move buses.

On February 6, 2024, Mayor Eric Adams declared his administration had done an 'amazing job' building bus lanes in New York City. In reality, Adams missed legal targets: only 12.9 miles built in 2022 out of 20 required, and 13.3 miles in 2023 out of 30. Bus speeds dropped from 7.7 mph in January 2022 to 7.4 mph in December 2023. Adams claimed his approach was 'revolutionary' for prioritizing community input. Critics, including Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and Riders Alliance spokesman Danny Pearlstein, countered that Adams canceled or stalled key projects like Fordham Road, despite strong community support. Mamdani said, 'he's made 1.4 million daily bus riders take the slowest buses in the country.' The mayor’s promises remain unmet. Bus riders and pedestrians still wait for safer, faster streets.

• ‘We’ve Done An Amazing Job Building Bus Lanes,’ Says Mayor Who Keeps Killing Bus Lanes, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-06

Mayor Adams boasts of bus lane progress. The numbers tell another story. Promised miles not built. Bus speeds drop. Riders stranded. Assembly Member Mamdani calls out broken promises. The city stalls. Streets stay dangerous for those outside cars.

On February 6, 2024, Mayor Adams declared his administration had done an 'amazing job' building bus lanes. The facts cut through the claim. In 2022, only 12.9 miles of bus lanes were built out of a required 20. In 2023, just 13.3 miles out of a required 30. The Department of Transportation missed legal targets both years. The matter, as reported, states: 'Mayor Adams claimed... his administration has done an "amazing job" building bus lanes... despite missing legally required targets.' Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, representing District 36, slammed the mayor for scrapping key projects and failing bus riders. Mamdani said, '49 percent of bus riders are dissatisfied with wait times... instead he's made 1.4 million daily bus riders take the slowest buses in the country.' Riders Alliance joined the criticism, demanding a real plan for the 130 miles of overdue bus lanes. The city’s inaction leaves vulnerable road users exposed, with no clear agenda for safer, faster streets.

• We've Done An Amazing Job Building Bus Lanes,' Says Mayor Who Keeps Killing Bus Lanes, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-02-06

A 23-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries when a Ford pick-up truck backed unsafely on Steinway Street in Queens. The truck’s right rear bumper struck her outside the roadway. Driver inattention and unsafe backing caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old female pedestrian was injured by a 2009 Ford pick-up truck backing on Steinway Street in Queens at 5:30 p.m. The truck, traveling north, was backing when it struck the pedestrian with its right rear bumper. The pedestrian was not in the roadway and suffered contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle alone. The collision caused damage to the truck’s right rear bumper. The pedestrian remained conscious but sustained injury severity level 3. The crash highlights the dangers of unsafe backing maneuvers and distracted driving in urban environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699156 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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

Advocates stormed Albany for Sammy’s Law. They want New York City to set its own speed limits. Last year, Speaker Heastie blocked a vote. Mothers starved in protest. Lawmakers stalled. Now, survivors and families demand action. Data shows lower speeds save lives.

On January 23, 2024, advocates launched a renewed push for Sammy’s Law in Albany. The bill, which would let New York City control its own speed limits, stalled last year when Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie refused to allow a vote, despite majority support. Brooklyn Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, a strong supporter, noted, 'Even [lawmakers] who had City Council members from their districts supporting the bill were still not interested.' Queens Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, recently injured by a driver, said, 'Had the car been going faster ... I might not be here.' Amy Cohen of Families for Safe Streets highlighted broad support: 'We have organizations from across the city supporting Sammy’s Law.' City data shows a 36% drop in pedestrian deaths after the 2014 speed limit reduction. The bill remains in limbo, but advocates are not backing down.

• This Year’s Mettle: The Push for Sammy’s Law Begins — With or Without Carl Heastie, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-23

A 32-year-old woman was struck while crossing at an intersection in Queens. She suffered bruises and injuries to her elbow and lower arm. The pedestrian was conscious and crossing with the signal when the crash occurred.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 34 Avenue and 44 Street in Queens at 17:15. She was crossing with the signal when struck, sustaining contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. The report does not list any contributing factors for the driver or the pedestrian. The vehicle involved is unspecified, and no driver errors such as failure to yield or reckless driving are documented in the data. The focus remains on the pedestrian’s injuries and the location of the collision, highlighting the vulnerability of pedestrians even when crossing legally.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695542 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A driver hit Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas in a Jackson Heights crosswalk. She broke her arm. The driver failed to yield. The intersection lacked daylighting. González-Rojas vows to fight for lower speed limits and more protected bike lanes. Danger remains for all.

On January 7, 2024, Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas was struck by a driver while crossing 78th Street near 35th Avenue in Jackson Heights. She suffered a broken arm and bruises. The driver received a summons for failure to yield. González-Rojas called the intersection dangerous, citing poor visibility and lack of daylighting. She stated, "If we had universal daylighting—he could have seen me." González-Rojas renewed her push for Sammy’s Law, which would let New York City set speed limits below 25 mph, and called for more protected bike lanes. She said, "I absolutely had the right of way. He just turned right into me—and the next thing you know I was on the floor." The incident highlights the ongoing risk to pedestrians and the urgent need for systemic street safety reforms.

• Queens Pol Recovering From Broken Arm, Bruises After Driver Strikes Her in Crosswalk, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-07

A sedan struck a stopped SUV on Steinway Street in Queens. The sedan driver, a 24-year-old woman, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited unsafe speed and driver distraction as causes. Both vehicles traveled north at the time of collision.

According to the police report, a 2016 Dodge sedan traveling north on Steinway Street rear-ended a stopped 2017 Ford SUV. The sedan’s 24-year-old female driver was injured, sustaining knee and lower leg trauma and experiencing shock. The report lists unsafe speed and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The SUV was stopped in traffic when struck from behind. The sedan’s front bumper hit the SUV’s rear center. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. No other injuries or contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4688656 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 26-year-old woman was injured while getting on a vehicle on 42 Street in Queens. The SUV driver showed aggressive driving. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was in shock at the scene.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old female pedestrian was injured while getting on or off a vehicle on 42 Street in Queens. The driver of a 2023 Nissan SUV was traveling south, going straight ahead when the crash occurred. The report lists aggressive driving and road rage as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock. The vehicle showed no damage and the point of impact was noted as 'No Damage.' The report does not indicate any fault or error on the part of the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687683 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Republicans attack Democrats for backing Manhattan’s $15 congestion toll. Michael Gianaris shrugs off GOP outrage. The fight centers on drivers, but the city’s streets remain deadly for those on foot and bike. The toll’s impact on safety goes unmentioned.

On December 3, 2023, partisan lines hardened over New York’s congestion pricing law. The $15 toll, set to hit drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street, became a political weapon. State Sen. Michael Gianaris, mentioned in the debate, dismissed Republican attacks as ineffective. The measure, approved in 2019 by Democrats, aims to raise $1 billion for mass transit and reduce traffic. GOP figures like Nicole Malliotakis and Michael Lawler call it a 'burdensome tax' and 'outrageous cash grab.' Mayor Eric Adams seeks exemptions for medical trips. The bill’s matter title frames it as a major election issue: 'NY GOP eager to pin $15 congestion tax on Democrats in 2024 elections.' No safety analyst has assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The debate centers on drivers and politics, not on the lives at risk in city crosswalks.

• NY GOP eager to pin $15 congestion tax on Democrats in 2024 elections, nypost.com, Published 2023-12-03

A motorcycle collided with a sedan on 53 Place in Queens. The motorcyclist was ejected and suffered a head injury, including a concussion. The sedan was damaged on its right rear quarter panel. The motorcyclist was conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling east struck a southbound sedan on 53 Place in Queens. The motorcyclist, a 39-year-old man, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained a head injury, including a concussion. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Cell Phone (hands-free)' as contributing factors. The sedan was damaged on its right rear quarter panel. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet and remained conscious after the crash. The driver errors noted include disregarding traffic control devices. No other contributing factors related to the victim were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4683763 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 51-year-old woman was hit while crossing 36 Avenue in Queens. The driver disregarded traffic control. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee and lower leg. Alcohol was involved. The vehicle showed no damage.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 36 Avenue and 38 Street in Queens. The 51-year-old woman was crossing with the signal when the crash occurred. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Alcohol Involvement' as contributing factors. The vehicle was traveling east, going straight ahead, and struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The vehicle sustained no damage. The driver’s failure to obey traffic signals was a key factor in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4682796 - 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

A sedan plowed into two parked SUVs on 43rd Street. The driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver distraction. Both SUVs were empty. Metal crumpled. No one else hurt.

According to the police report, a sedan heading north on 43rd Street in Queens struck two parked SUVs. The sedan's right front bumper hit the left side doors and rear bumper of the SUVs. The sedan driver, a 43-year-old man, sustained neck injuries and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a contributing factor. Both SUVs were unoccupied at the time of the crash. The driver was restrained by a lap belt and harness. No other injuries or contributing factors were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4679722 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A sedan and an SUV crashed on 41 Street in Queens. The SUV driver made a left turn and hit the sedan’s front end. A front-seat passenger suffered head injuries and whiplash. Driver distraction and improper lane use caused the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north and an SUV traveling west collided on 41 Street in Queens. Both drivers were making left turns when the SUV struck the sedan’s center front end. The front passenger in the SUV, a 32-year-old woman, was injured with head trauma and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention and improper lane usage as contributing factors. The SUV’s right front quarter panel and the sedan’s center front end sustained damage. No ejections occurred. The crash highlights driver errors without assigning fault to the injured passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4677872 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

An 86-year-old woman emerged from behind a parked vehicle on Steinway Street in Queens. A northbound SUV struck her center front. She suffered pelvis and abdomen fractures. The driver was inattentive and distracted. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, an 86-year-old female pedestrian was injured after emerging from behind a parked vehicle on Steinway Street in Queens. She was struck by a northbound Jeep SUV traveling straight ahead. The impact was to the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to her abdomen and pelvis, classified as serious injuries. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle without damage. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675794 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06