Astoria Bleeds While Leaders Talk—Demand Safe Streets Now

Two sedans slammed together on Astoria Boulevard. A woman, driving south, took the hit. She suffered abrasions and full-body injuries. Police flagged traffic control disregard and distraction.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of Astoria Boulevard and 44 Street in Queens just after midnight. The southbound sedan, driven by a 33-year-old woman, struck the eastbound sedan’s rear quarter panel. She suffered abrasions and injuries to her entire body. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed; the woman in New York, the man in New Hampshire. Both vehicles sustained significant damage. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4597833 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Assembly bill A 1280 pushes for streets built for all. Dozens of lawmakers back the plan. The bill demands roads that protect walkers, cyclists, and riders. It calls for design, not luck, to keep people safe.

Assembly bill A 1280, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 13, 2023, the bill sits with the Assembly. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 70 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Kenny Burgos, and Catalina Cruz. Their action signals strong legislative momentum. The bill’s focus: force planners to build streets for people, not just cars. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear—systemic change for vulnerable road users. The bill’s progress can be tracked at the New York Assembly website.

• File A 1280, Open States, Published 2023-01-13

Assembly bill A 1280 pushes for streets built for all. Dozens of lawmakers back the plan. The bill demands roads that protect walkers, cyclists, and riders. It calls for design, not luck, to keep people safe.

Assembly bill A 1280, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 13, 2023, the bill sits with the Assembly. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 70 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Kenny Burgos, and Catalina Cruz. Their action signals strong legislative momentum. The bill’s focus: force planners to build streets for people, not just cars. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear—systemic change for vulnerable road users. The bill’s progress can be tracked at the New York Assembly website.

• File A 1280, Open States, Published 2023-01-13

Governor Hochul promised new transit lines and speed limit control. She pushed the Brooklyn-Queens light rail but skipped a plan to save the MTA. Assemblymember Mamdani warned of fare hikes and cuts. Riders face uncertainty. The city waits for real answers.

On January 10, 2023, Governor Hochul announced major transit proposals in her State of the State address. The centerpiece: advancing the Brooklyn-to-Queens Interborough Express light rail, described as 'better access to jobs, education and economic opportunities for some 900,000 New Yorkers.' Hochul also backed city control of speed limits, expanded CityTicket, and transit-oriented development. Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, representing District 36, criticized Hochul for omitting a concrete plan to address the MTA’s financial crisis, warning 'fare hikes and service cuts remain possible.' The speech left the MTA’s future in limbo. No safety analyst assessment was provided for vulnerable road users. The bill’s fate and impact on street safety remain uncertain.

• Hochul promises Brooklyn-Queens light rail, other major transit initiatives, but omits concrete plan to save cash-strapped MTA, amny.com, Published 2023-01-10

Governor Hochul dodged the MTA’s $600 million budget gap. No new revenue plan. Assemblymember Mamdani sounded the alarm. Riders face fare hikes and service cuts. The city’s lifeblood hangs in the balance. Vulnerable New Yorkers wait for answers.

On January 10, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her State of the State address but failed to outline a plan to fill the MTA’s $600 million operating deficit. The event, covered in 'Hochul punts on new MTA revenue source amid threat of big fare hikes,' saw Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani (District 36) publicly criticize the lack of specifics, warning, 'In her silence on addressing the MTA’s operating deficit, Gov. Hochul leaves the possibility of fare hikes and service cuts on the table.' The MTA faces steep fare increases and possible service cuts if new funding is not secured. Hochul announced plans to rezone for more housing near transit to boost ridership, but offered no immediate relief. The absence of a concrete funding plan leaves vulnerable riders—those who depend on transit—at risk. No safety analyst note was provided.

• Hochul punts on new MTA revenue source amid threat of big fare hikes, gothamist.com, Published 2023-01-10

Senate passed S 840. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. No mention of direct safety gains for people on foot or bike.

Senate bill S 840, sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy and co-sponsored by Robert Rolison, passed committee on January 9, 2023. The bill, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects; relates to the state share of municipal projects where the municipality funds a complete street design,' sets funding formulas for state and municipal projects. Seventeen senators voted yes. The bill does not address direct safety impacts for vulnerable road users. No analyst note on safety.

• File S 840, Open States, Published 2023-01-09

Senate passed S 840. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. No mention of direct safety gains for people on foot or bike.

Senate bill S 840, sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy and co-sponsored by Robert Rolison, passed committee on January 9, 2023. The bill, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects; relates to the state share of municipal projects where the municipality funds a complete street design,' sets funding formulas for state and municipal projects. Seventeen senators voted yes. The bill does not address direct safety impacts for vulnerable road users. No analyst note on safety.

• File S 840, Open States, Published 2023-01-09

A cement truck killed Tamara Chuchi Kao, 62, on 24th Avenue. Locals and officials had begged for safer streets. No bike lanes. Trucks thunder past homes. City promised action after the crash. Cyclists keep dying. The danger remains, unyielding.

On January 6, 2023, Astoria residents and Council Member Tiffany Cabán renewed demands for safety on 24th Avenue after a cement truck killed Citi Bike rider Tamara Chuchi Kao. The street, a DOT truck route, lacks bike lanes. Kao was the fourth cyclist killed in western Queens in under three years. Former Councilmember Costa Constantinides called the area a 'serious safety risk' and urged the DOT to study improvements and reroute trucks. Cabán called the crash 'devastating' and pressed city agencies for action. DOT spokesman Vin Barone promised immediate steps at the crash site and talks on protected bike lanes. Less than 1.5 percent of streets in Council District 22 have protected bike paths. Residents say the city prioritizes highway access over safety. The city plans to add leading pedestrian intervals at the intersection.

• Locals Have Been Begging for Safer Street Where Trucker Killed Citi Bike Rider, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-06

A cement truck driver turned right and struck a woman on a Citi Bike in Astoria. She died at the scene, less than a mile from home. This marks the fourth cyclist killed in the area in under three years. Streets remain deadly.

On January 5, 2023, a cement truck driver fatally struck 62-year-old Tamara Chuchi Kao as she rode a Citi Bike in Astoria, Queens. The driver turned right from 24th Avenue onto 29th Street, hitting Kao and killing her instantly. Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani called the crash 'absolutely heartbreaking,' noting Kao was the fourth cyclist killed in Astoria in 2.5 years. State Senator Kristen Gonzalez blamed 'poorly designed streets,' saying, 'traffic violence is the outcome of poorly designed streets and is a solvable problem.' The area has almost no protected bike lanes. In 2022, Community Board 1 saw 1,979 crashes, injuring 120 cyclists and 163 pedestrians. Politicians and residents demand safer streets, better enforcement, and an end to car dominance. The deadly toll continues.

• BREAKING: Cement Truck Driver Fatally Strikes Woman on Citi Bike in Astoria, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-05

Senate bill S 100 demands complete street design in state and federally funded projects. Lawmakers push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars.

Senate bill S 100 was introduced on January 4, 2023, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Jeremy Cooney, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 100, Open States, Published 2023-01-04

Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.

Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 343, Open States, Published 2023-01-04

Two sedans crashed at 47 Street and 28 Avenue in Queens. Both drivers were injured with back pain and whiplash. The impact hit the right front quarter panel of one car and the center front end of the other. Failure to yield caused the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on 47 Street near 28 Avenue in Queens. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead—one eastbound, the other northbound. The crash involved a right front quarter panel impact on the Chevrolet and a center front end impact on the Toyota. Two men, a 45-year-old driver and a 31-year-old front passenger in the Chevrolet, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both were conscious and restrained by lap belts. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The crash caused moderate injuries but no ejections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4594591 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Two sedans crashed head-to-tail on Steinway Street in Queens. Both vehicles traveled north. The rear sedan struck the front car’s center back end. Two passengers suffered back injuries and whiplash. Driver distraction caused the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling north on Steinway Street collided when the rear vehicle struck the center back end of the front vehicle. The crash injured two male passengers, ages 23 and 24, both suffering back injuries and whiplash. Both were restrained with lap belts and remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The rear vehicle, a 2018 BMW with a driver holding a learner's permit, caused the impact. The front vehicle, a 2018 Dodge, sustained damage to its right front bumper. No ejections occurred. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction in multi-vehicle collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4592740 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

MTA leaders warn: no new money, no full service. Peak hour cuts, longer waits. Riders and workers brace for frustration. Advocates and lawmakers push Albany to fill the gap. The board’s budget opens the door to fare hikes and more pain.

On December 22, 2022, MTA leaders announced that without recurring state funding, service cuts are inevitable. The MTA Board approved a 2023 budget allowing fare hikes and service changes, pending Albany’s action. Chairman Janno Lieber said, "All good things can happen if people are willing to pay for them, or help figure out recurring funding sources, which is what MTA needs to achieve fiscal stability." New York City Transit President Richard Davey explained that peak hour service would be trimmed, with modest increases in wait times, while some weekend service would expand. Transit advocates and union leaders, including Richard Davis, condemned the cuts, warning of increased rider frustration and assaults on workers. Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani urged passage of bills to freeze fares and fill the MTA’s fiscal gap, stating, "We have to fix the rot at the heart of the transit system." No formal safety analyst assessment was provided, but the debate centers on the risk to riders and workers if service shrinks.

• MTA Bosses Say Albany Can Pay to Keep Full Service Five Days Per Week, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-12-22

A van turned right on Steinway Street. Its rear struck a sixteen-year-old girl crossing. She hit the cold asphalt. Broken pelvis. She stayed conscious. The street held her. The van kept moving. The city did not stop.

A van making a right turn on Steinway Street near 35th Avenue struck a sixteen-year-old girl as she crossed the intersection. According to the police report, 'the right rear struck her pelvis. She fell hard. Cold asphalt. Broken bones. Eyes open. Breathing.' The girl suffered crush injuries to her abdomen and pelvis but remained conscious at the scene. The police report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor in the crash. No injuries were reported among the van's occupants. The data shows the driver was licensed and making a right turn when the impact occurred. The report does not list any helmet or signal issues.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4591323 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A 59-year-old woman crossing Steinway Street with the signal was struck by an SUV making a U-turn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was in shock.

According to the police report, a 59-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Steinway Street at an intersection in Queens. The driver of a 2006 SUV was making a U-turn and failed to yield right-of-way, contributing to the collision. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as additional factors. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal and suffered injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, along with a minor burn. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle southwestbound. There was no reported damage to the vehicle. The pedestrian was left in shock following the impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4590635 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Senator Michael Gianaris faces criticism for backing free city buses by 2026. The editorial slams the plan’s $638 million price tag and attacks its supporters. No mention of safety. The fight is about money, not lives on the street.

On December 16, 2022, an editorial targeted State Senator Michael Gianaris (District 12) for supporting a proposal to make all New York City buses free by 2026. The piece, titled 'Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,' appeared in the New York Post. It claims the plan would add $638 million a year to the MTA’s deficits and criticizes the idea as reckless. Gianaris, along with Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, is called out for joining the push. The editorial’s focus is fiscal: 'making all city buses free by 2026... would add an estimated $638 million a year to the MTA’s multi-billion dollar deficits.' There is no assessment of how this policy would affect vulnerable road users. The debate here is about budgets, not street safety.

• Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy, nypost.com, Published 2022-12-16

Senator Michael Gianaris faces criticism for backing free city buses by 2026. The editorial slams the plan’s $638 million price tag and attacks its supporters. No mention of safety. The fight is about money, not lives on the street.

On December 16, 2022, an editorial targeted State Senator Michael Gianaris (District 12) for supporting a proposal to make all New York City buses free by 2026. The piece, titled 'Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy,' appeared in the New York Post. It claims the plan would add $638 million a year to the MTA’s deficits and criticizes the idea as reckless. Gianaris, along with Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, is called out for joining the push. The editorial’s focus is fiscal: 'making all city buses free by 2026... would add an estimated $638 million a year to the MTA’s multi-billion dollar deficits.' There is no assessment of how this policy would affect vulnerable road users. The debate here is about budgets, not street safety.

• Sen. Gianaris’ latest ‘bust the MTA’ budget idiocy, nypost.com, Published 2022-12-16

Two sedans crashed at 41 Street and 34 Avenue in Queens. One driver suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The impact hit the front center of one car and the left side doors of the other. Driver distraction played a role.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at the intersection of 41 Street and 34 Avenue in Queens. One driver, a 26-year-old male, was injured with abrasions to his elbow and lower arm but remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt. The crash involved a northbound Honda going straight and a westbound Tesla making a left turn. The point of impact was the center front end of the Honda and the left side doors of the Tesla. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4593349 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

State lawmakers Mamdani and Gianaris unveiled a four-year plan to fund free MTA buses. The proposal boosts bus service, freezes fares, and expands camera enforcement. They call it urgent. The plan aims to make transit faster, cheaper, and safer for all riders.

On December 14, 2022, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Michael Gianaris introduced the Formula Three Act, a legislative proposal to overhaul MTA funding and fare policy. The plan, part of the larger Fix The MTA Package, would phase in free local and Select Bus Service, increase bus frequency by 20%, freeze fares, and expand permanent bus lane camera enforcement. Funding would rise from $200 million in 2023 to $638 million in 2026, with $488 million yearly for more buses and $300 million annually for frequent subways. Mamdani called the proposal 'urgent and necessary,' stressing that 'seniors, working class New Yorkers, people who use the bus the most are able to do so without fear of being priced out.' Gianaris said, 'incrementalism...is not working.' The lawmakers urge bold action to ensure public transit is accessible, affordable, and excellent.

• State Pols Reveal ‘Urgent And Necessary’ Plan To Fund Free MTA Buses, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-12-14