Aug 19 - Local officials backed DOT's protected bike lanes under the elevated 31st Street tracks. A New York State Supreme Court issued a temporary injunction that paused the plan. Leaders urged the city to move the separated lanes forward to protect cyclists and pedestrians.

Bill/file number: none. Status: press release; plan supported by local officials but temporarily blocked by a New York State Supreme Court temporary injunction. Committee: N/A. Key date: 2025-08-19 (press statement). The matter titled "Elected officials outline continued support for 31st Street protected bike lanes in Astoria" urges DOT to install protected lanes beneath the elevated tracks. Council Member Tiffany Cabán and Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas publicly backed the project. A state senator also expressed support (name withheld). Safety analysts note protected bike lanes under elevated tracks expand safe cycling infrastructure, reduce motor-vehicle-bicycle conflicts, and support mode shift to active travel; benefits depend on continuous, well-lit, accessible design to protect equity and nighttime safety.

• Elected officials outline continued support for 31st Street protected bike lanes in Astoria, AMNY, Published 2025-08-19

Aug 14 - An SUV driver swung into a rider on 31 Avenue at 54 Street. The bike hit hard. The cyclist suffered a head injury. Failure to Yield led the crash. Queens pavement took the rest.

A Nissan SUV and a bicycle collided at 54 St and 31 Ave in Queens. The bicyclist, a 22-year-old woman, was injured in the head. According to the police report, the contributing factor was “Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.” The SUV driver and vehicle registrant were listed with the same violation. The SUV was parked pre-crash with damage to the left side doors, and the bike showed front-end damage, consistent with a dooring impact. Driver failures to yield are central in this crash. The bicyclist was recorded with no safety equipment only after the driver errors already noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4835459 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-02

Aug 14 - Int. 1353 forces DOT to install approved traffic calming or control devices on streets adjacent to schools within 60 days of a traffic study. Exempts major projects. Cuts delays that keep walkers and cyclists exposed to danger.

Bill: Int. 1353 (Int 1353-2025). Status: SPONSORSHIP. Committee: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Key dates: filed 07/14/2025; published 08/14/2025. The matter "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the time permitted for the installation of a traffic calming device or traffic control device on any street adjacent to a school" requires DOT to complete installation within 60 days of a traffic study determination, except for major projects. Primary sponsor: Farah N. Louis. Co-sponsors: Jennifer Gutiérrez, Justin L. Brannan, Lincoln Restler, Tiffany Cabán. Safety analysts say the 60-day deadline shrinks harmful delays, likely improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists, aiding crossings, encouraging walking and biking to school, and advancing equity — but benefits depend on enforcement and funding.

• File Int 1353-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 14 - Int. 1353 orders the department to finish traffic calming or control devices on streets next to schools within 60 days of a study determination. The law takes effect immediately. Sponsors moved to speed protective infrastructure for children.

Bill Int. 1353-2025 is at SPONSORSHIP and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced 07/14/2025 and recorded 08/14/2025, the matter is titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the time permitted for the installation of a traffic calming device or traffic control device on any street adjacent to a school." The bill requires the department to complete installation within 60 days of a traffic study determination. Primary sponsor Farah N. Louis introduced it. Co-sponsors Jennifer Gutiérrez, Justin L. Brannan, Tiffany Cabán, Lincoln Restler and Shahana K. Hanif signed on. Requiring installation of traffic calming or control devices near schools within 60 days after a study determination is likely to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists by accelerating protective infrastructure, encouraging safer driving, and supporting ‘safety in numbers’ and equitable protection for children; however impact depends on timely, evidence-based device selection and adequate resourcing for implementation.

• File Int 1353-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 14 - Int 1353-2025 forces DOT to install traffic calming on streets beside schools within 60 days of a study finding. It shortens long delays that leave crossings and bike lanes exposed. Major transportation projects are exempt.

Int. No. 1353-2025 (status: Sponsorship; referred to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure) was filed Aug. 14, 2025 and sent to committee the same day. The matter is titled: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the time permitted for the installation of a traffic calming device or traffic control device on any street adjacent to a school." It was introduced by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez and cosponsored by Tiffany Cabán, Lincoln Restler and Farah N. Louis. The bill would require that "the department shall complete the installation... by no later than 60 days after the department issues such traffic study determination." The law takes effect immediately. The measure requires timely installation of proven devices within 60 days, reducing deployment delays and protecting pedestrians and cyclists—especially children—while reasonably exempting major projects.

• File Int 1353-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 13 - A driver struck a man crossing 155th Street near JFK. The driver fled. The man died at Jamaica Hospital. Police search for answers. Seventeen killed in Queens South this year. The toll climbs.

Gothamist (2025-08-13) reports a 52-year-old man was killed crossing 155th Street and South Conduit Avenue near JFK Airport at 2:30 a.m. The driver fled. Police said, "the driver hit the 52-year-old man as he crossed" and left the scene. No vehicle description was released. NYPD data shows 17 traffic deaths in Queens South this year, up from 13 last year. The incident highlights ongoing risks for pedestrians and the persistent issue of hit-and-run drivers in the area.

• Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK, Gothamist, Published 2025-08-13

Aug 12 - A speeding 84-year-old driver killed himself and two pedestrians in Astoria. Elected officials demanded 20 mph limits, protected bike lanes, universal daylighting, and more automated enforcement. Analysts say systemwide changes reduce traffic violence and protect pedestrians and cyclists.

""called for a lower speed limit, more protected bike lanes, universal daylighting, and the implementation of street safety plans."," -- Tiffany Cabán

Matter: "UPDATE: Speeding Senior Driver Kills Self and Two Pedestrians in Astoria, Pols Call for 20 MPH Limit." Date: August 12, 2025. Bill number: none — no bill filed. Status: advocacy and public calls; Committee: N/A. Council Member Tiffany Cabán publicly demanded a 20 mph city limit, protected bike lanes, universal daylighting, and full street safety plans. Zohran Mamdani pushed acceleration of Sammy’s Law, limits on car traffic near schools, and expanded automated enforcement. Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas voiced support. Transportation Alternatives urged using Sammy’s Law to lower limits. Safety analysts note the focus is on system-wide interventions such as lower speed limits, protected lanes, and automated enforcement, proven to cut traffic violence and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

• UPDATE: Speeding Senior Driver Kills Self and Two Pedestrians in Astoria, Pols Call for 20 MPH Limit, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-08-12

Aug 12 - A speeding 84-year-old driver killed himself and two pedestrians in Astoria. Elected officials demanded 20 mph limits, protected bike lanes, universal daylighting, and more automated enforcement. Analysts say systemwide changes reduce traffic violence and protect pedestrians and cyclists.

Matter: "UPDATE: Speeding Senior Driver Kills Self and Two Pedestrians in Astoria, Pols Call for 20 MPH Limit." Date: August 12, 2025. Bill number: none — no bill filed. Status: advocacy and public calls; Committee: N/A. Council Member Tiffany Cabán publicly demanded a 20 mph city limit, protected bike lanes, universal daylighting, and full street safety plans. Zohran Mamdani pushed acceleration of Sammy’s Law, limits on car traffic near schools, and expanded automated enforcement. Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas voiced support. Transportation Alternatives urged using Sammy’s Law to lower limits. Safety analysts note the focus is on system-wide interventions such as lower speed limits, protected lanes, and automated enforcement, proven to cut traffic violence and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

• UPDATE: Speeding Senior Driver Kills Self and Two Pedestrians in Astoria, Pols Call for 20 MPH Limit, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-08-12

Aug 12 - A speeding car tore through Astoria. The driver struck two men at a coffee cart. All three died. Parked cars blocked sightlines. The street was narrow. Danger came fast and left devastation.

Streetsblog NYC (2025-08-12) reports an 84-year-old driver sped onto 42nd Street in Astoria, hitting two pedestrians and a coffee cart. The crash killed the driver and both men. Streetsblog notes, 'The block has several auto repair shops that leave cars parked all over the sidewalk, limiting visibility.' The article highlights the city's power to lower speed limits to 20 mph, granted by the state legislature, but points out that local officials did not mention this in their initial responses. The crash underscores the risks of speeding and poor street design.

• Speeding Driver Kills Two Pedestrians in Astoria, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-08-12

Aug 8 - A northbound driver making a left turn hit a westbound motorized rider at 49 St and 31 Ave in Queens. The 44-year-old rider suffered a shoulder fracture and dislocation. Police noted failure to yield by the driver.

According to the police report, the crash involved a northbound vehicle making a left turn and a westbound vehicle going straight, with Failure to Yield Right-of-Way listed as a contributing factor. The driver making the left turn struck the center front end of the westbound machine. A 44-year-old man operating the motorized vehicle was injured; police list shoulder fracture and dislocation. Police recorded failure to yield by the driver. The rider's contributing factors are marked Unspecified in the report. No other contributing factors are listed in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4835734 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-02

Aug 8 - DOT will install protected bike lanes and traffic calming on 31st Street in Astoria. Business owners sued to stop it. The corridor has 190 injuries, 12 severe, 2 deaths since 2020. DOT vows to defend the redesign.

"DOT Stands By Astoria Safety Project Despite Foes’ Anti-Bike Lawsuit." No bill number; not before the City Council or any committee. DOT reaffirmed the redesign on August 8, 2025 after business owners sued following a heated June community board meeting. The plan adds protected bike lanes on both sides of 31st Street and painted pedestrian islands. DOT spokesman Will Livingston said, "We stand firmly behind this project and will defend our work in court." Council Member Tiffany Caban, Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, and Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas signed a letter supporting the project in June. Implementing protected bike lanes and traffic calming measures is proven to reduce injuries for all road users, encourage mode shift, and improve street equity in this high-crash corridor.

• DOT Stands By Astoria Safety Project Despite Foes’ Anti-Bike Lawsuit, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-08-08

Aug 5 - A left-turning Chevy cut across 54 St and 32 Ave and struck a 66-year-old woman in the crosswalk. She crossed with the signal. The car’s left front bumper took her down. Failure to yield put her in the ambulance.

A northbound Chevy sedan making a left at 54 St and 32 Ave in Queens struck a 66-year-old woman who was crossing with the signal at the intersection. According to the police report, the contributing factor was “Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.” The driver’s left front bumper was the point of impact, injuring the pedestrian’s leg; she was conscious and reported internal pain. Multiple entries in the report list Failure to Yield as the driver’s contributing factor. The driver was licensed. The data lists no other driver errors before impact. The pedestrian’s action—Crossing With Signal—is noted only after the driver’s failure to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4835160 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-02

Aug 4 - Gianaris backs Mamdani for mayor. Both pushed for subway funding and fare-free buses. Their alliance signals power in transit fights. No direct safety change yet for walkers or riders.

On August 4, 2025, State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris endorsed Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani for mayor. The two worked together on the 'Fix the MTA Act,' which invested in subways and piloted fare-free buses. Gianaris said Mamdani 'provides the energy and ideas' New Yorkers need. Mamdani thanked Gianaris for helping secure 'historic investments in subway and bus services.' This event, reported by City & State NY, shows political unity on transit. However, as no specific policy action or outcome is detailed, analysts find no direct safety impact for pedestrians or cyclists.

• Mike Gianaris backs Zohran Mamdani for mayor, City & State NY, Published 2025-08-04

Aug 1 - A teen drove a BMW at 100 mph without a license. He lost control. The car hit a truck. Fourteen-year-old Fortune Williams was ejected and killed. The driver now faces prison. Parents faced charges too.

Gothamist (2025-08-01) reports an 18-year-old Queens resident was sentenced to up to four years for a 2023 crash that killed 14-year-old Fortune Williams. The teen, unlicensed and speeding at over 100 mph in a 30-mph zone, lost control and struck a parked UPS truck. Prosecutors said he only had a learner's permit and had been previously ticketed for unlicensed driving. His parents, who gave him the BMW, were convicted of child endangerment. DA Melinda Katz called it 'a landmark case where both an unlicensed teenage driver and his parents were held responsible.' The case highlights failures in supervision and enforcement.

• Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger, Gothamist, Published 2025-08-01

Jul 31 - A driver in a BMW sedan hit a motorcycle stopped in traffic on Steinway Street near 30 Avenue. The 26-year-old rider suffered a leg injury. Police recorded unsafe speed and traffic control disregarded.

A driver in a 2007 BMW sedan, traveling east on Steinway Street, hit the rear of a 2020 Yamaha motorcycle that was stopped in traffic near 30 Avenue in Queens at 10:20 p.m. One person was hurt: the 26-year-old motorcycle driver, with a leg injury. According to the police report, unsafe speed and traffic control disregarded were contributing factors. The driver hit the motorcycle's rear with the sedan's left front bumper. Both vehicles were eastbound. Police recorded the crash under collision ID 4833517 in the 114th Precinct. The report lists one injured person and two damaged vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4833517 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-02

Jul 30 - A Nissan struck a 65-year-old e-biker on Second Ave. The rider fell, hit his head, and lay critical as the red light blinked. The unlicensed driver fled. Police arrested him two hours later.

West Side Spirit (2025-07-30) reports a 21-year-old unlicensed driver hit a 65-year-old e-biker on Second Ave. near 14th St., leaving the rider with serious head trauma. The driver fled, but police arrested him two hours later, charging him with "leaving the scene of an accident that caused serious injury and driving without a license." The crash shut down Second Ave. between 14th and 15th Streets. NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. The article highlights the dangers posed by unlicensed drivers and the consequences of fleeing crash scenes.

• Unlicensed Driver Hits E-Biker, Flees Scene, West Side Spirit, Published 2025-07-30

Jul 28 - A driver in an SUV rear-ended a stopped 38-year-old cyclist on Broadway at 42nd Street in Queens. The cyclist suffered a back injury. Police recorded "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Following Too Closely."

A driver in an SUV struck the rear of a stopped bicycle on Broadway at 42nd Street in Queens. The 38-year-old bicyclist suffered a back injury and complained of whiplash. The SUV’s center front end struck the bike’s center back end. According to the police report, "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Following Too Closely" contributed to the crash. The bicyclist was not ejected. The report also lists two SUV occupants, ages 38 and 80, with unspecified injuries. Helmet use is not listed as a contributing factor in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4831513 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-02

Jul 28 - Two eastbound SUVs crashed at 45th Street and 25th Avenue in Queens. A 71-year-old woman driver suffered back pain and whiplash. Police recorded Following Too Closely.

Two sport utility vehicles, both eastbound, crashed at 45th Street and 25th Avenue in Queens. A 71-year-old woman driving one SUV was injured, reporting back pain and whiplash. Two other occupants and the male driver of the second SUV were involved. According to the police report, the cause was "Following Too Closely." Police listed impact points as center front for the Kia and center back for the Audi. The report lists no other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4831693 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-02

Jul 28 - On the BQE in Queens, a driver changing lanes collided with a moped going straight. Both men were thrown. The passenger suffered fractures and dislocation. The driver bled. Police recorded unsafe speed and improper lane usage.

A crash on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in Queens involved a driver changing lanes and a moped driver traveling straight ahead. Both moped riders, 37, were ejected. The passenger sustained fractures and dislocation. The driver reported minor bleeding. According to the police report, officers recorded Unsafe Speed and Passing or Lane Usage Improper as contributing factors. Impact notes list damage to a right front quarter panel on the other vehicle and side damage on the moped. The record shows the moped carried two people and was going straight before impact. Vulnerable riders paid the price for driver errors on a high-speed corridor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4831242 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-02

Jul 24 - A firefighter died on FDR Drive. The driver fled. At Port Authority, a bus crash left over two dozen hurt. No arrests. The city’s streets remain brutal for those on foot and in transit.

Patch reported on July 24, 2025, that an FDNY firefighter was killed in a hit-and-run on FDR Drive. The driver left the scene. No arrests have been made. The article also notes, 'More Than 2 Dozen Injured In Bus Crash At Port Authority Bus Terminal.' Both incidents highlight ongoing dangers for vulnerable road users and point to gaps in enforcement and street safety. Investigations continue, but the city’s traffic violence persists.

• Firefighter Killed, Dozens Hurt In Crashes, Patch, Published 2025-07-24