Astoria Bleeds While Leaders Talk—Demand Safe Streets Now

Congestion pricing hits Manhattan at midnight. Cars pay to cross south of 60th. Lawmakers split. Some call it a burden. Others hail cleaner air, safer streets, and better transit. The toll stirs anger, hope, and a fight over who pays and who breathes.

On January 3, 2025, congestion pricing (no bill number cited) will begin in Manhattan after a federal judge allowed the toll to proceed. The policy charges most drivers $9 to enter south of 60th Street during peak hours. The matter, titled 'Congestion pricing set to begin at midnight Sunday as federal judge clears path for Manhattan toll,' has drawn sharp lines. Council Member Robert F. Holden (District 30, Queens) opposes the toll, warning, 'I don't know how my district is going to be impacted.' He fears more cars parking in Queens and unclear pollution risks. Council Member Kristy Marmorato (Bronx) calls it a 'cash grab.' In contrast, State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez and Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas support the measure, citing cleaner air, safer streets, and transit upgrades. González-Rojas says, 'Congestion pricing isn't about penalizing anyone—it's about modernizing our transportation system and tackling climate change.' The judge ordered further study on environmental impacts, but the toll begins as scheduled.

• Congestion pricing set to begin at midnight Sunday as federal judge clears path for Manhattan toll, amny.com, Published 2025-01-03

A 31-year-old woman suffered a hip and upper leg contusion after an SUV traveling south hit her on Steinway Street. The impact struck her left side as she was in the roadway. Aggressive driving was cited as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured on Steinway Street in Queens at 9:40 PM. The pedestrian was struck on the left side doors of a 2021 Honda SUV traveling south while going straight ahead. The pedestrian was located in the roadway but not at an intersection. The report explicitly cites 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as a contributing factor to the collision. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and bruising to her hip and upper leg, classified as injury severity level 3. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The crash highlights the dangers posed by aggressive driver conduct on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784268 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

On Christmas, Streetsblog and Streetfilms released a film showing the year’s wins for livable streets. The montage honors advocates and city leaders. It marks progress for safer roads. The message is clear: change is possible. The fight for safer streets continues.

This advocacy piece, published December 25, 2024, by Streetsblog NYC, is not a council bill but a year-end reflection on the livable streets movement. The article, titled 'On Christmas, Let’s Consider the Successes of the Livable Streets Movement,' features a short film by Clarence Eckerson Jr. and highlights the work of groups like OpenPlans, Streetfilms, and StreetsblogNYC. Mayor Adams, Zohran Mamdani, Vickie Paladino, Ydanis Rodriguez, and Governor Kathy Hochul are named as figures in the year’s news. The film and article celebrate progress in street safety and sustainable transportation, showing that advocacy can bring real change for vulnerable road users. No direct safety analyst note is included, but the message is one of hope and continued struggle for safer streets.

• On Christmas, Let’s Consider the Successes of the Livable Streets Movement, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-25

A 63-year-old woman suffered head contusions crossing with the signal. A pick-up truck, driven by an unlicensed male, struck her during an improper left turn. The driver’s inattention and failure to yield caused serious injury at a Queens intersection.

According to the police report, a 63-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 30 Avenue and 45 Street in Queens at 9:55 AM. She was crossing with the signal when a 2015 Ford pick-up truck, driven by an unlicensed male driver, made an improper left turn and struck her with the vehicle’s left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered head injuries classified as contusions and bruises, with an injury severity level of 3. The report cites the driver’s contributing factors as "Turning Improperly" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction." The vehicle sustained no damage. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The driver’s errors, including being unlicensed and failing to execute a proper turn, directly led to the collision and injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780751 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council moves to test bold pavement markings at crash sites. Five spots per borough. Focus: places where drivers have killed or maimed. Report to follow. Streets marked for danger.

Int 1154-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced December 19, 2024. The bill orders a pilot for high visibility pavement markings—at least five locations per borough. The city must target streets with high injury or fatality counts from bad driving. The matter title reads: 'establishing a high visibility pavement marking pilot program.' Council Member Yusef Salaam leads, joined by Menin, De La Rosa, Brooks-Powers, Cabán, Brannan, and Hanif. The law demands a report on results and challenges. The aim: mark danger, force drivers to see, and push the city to act where blood has already been spilled.

• File Int 1154-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-19

A 47-year-old woman was injured after a vehicle failed to yield right-of-way at a Queens intersection. The impact left her in shock with unknown bodily injuries. The crash exposed critical driver error in yielding at Broadway and 47th Street.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured in a crash at the intersection of Broadway and 47th Street in Queens at 8:24 p.m. The 47-year-old female pedestrian suffered injuries of unknown severity and was reported to be in shock. The primary contributing factor cited was 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' by the vehicle involved. The report explicitly identifies this driver error as the cause of the collision. No additional contributing factors related to the pedestrian's actions or safety equipment were noted. The vehicle involved is unspecified in type and details, but the driver’s failure to yield created a hazardous situation resulting in injury to a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780497 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 45-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by a vehicle making a left turn on 30 Ave in Queens. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing knee and lower leg injuries. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and shock.

According to the police report, a 45-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing at the intersection of 30 Ave and Steinway St in Queens at 2:53 p.m. The vehicle, driven by a licensed male driver, was making a left turn traveling northeast when the collision occurred. The point of impact was the vehicle's left front bumper. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor on the driver's part. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal, eliminating victim fault in the incident. Injuries included abrasions and trauma to the knee, lower leg, and foot, with the pedestrian experiencing shock. Vehicle damage was reported as none. This crash highlights the dangers posed by drivers failing to yield to pedestrians at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4778661 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan making a U-turn struck a box truck traveling straight on Steinway Street in Queens. Both sedan occupants suffered whiplash and injuries to the hip and entire body. The crash exposed dangers from improper turning maneuvers in busy traffic.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Steinway Street in Queens around 1:00 PM. A sedan was making a U-turn when it collided with a box truck traveling straight southbound. The point of impact was the sedan's left rear quarter panel and the truck's center front end. The sedan driver and front passenger were both injured, sustaining whiplash and bodily injuries to the hip and entire body. The driver was wearing a lap belt and conscious. The report cites 'Turning Improperly' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error on the sedan's part. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision highlights the risks posed by improper turning maneuvers in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777832 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

At a heated mayoral forum, Zellnor Myrie demanded a dedicated busway for Flatbush Avenue. Candidates slammed slow buses and empty promises. They called for more bus lanes, free rides, and less fare policing. Riders want action, not talk. Streets remain dangerous.

On December 6, 2024, a mayoral candidate forum spotlighted New York City's broken bus service. State Senator Zellnor Myrie, representing District 20, called for a dedicated busway on Brooklyn's Flatbush Avenue, echoing the success of Manhattan's 14th Street. The forum, hosted by Riders Alliance, saw candidates—including Myrie, Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani, Jessica Ramos, Scott Stringer, and Jim Walden—debate urgent transit reforms. The matter: 'improving NYC's slow bus service.' Myrie and others backed more bus lanes, fare-free buses, and expanding Fair Fares for low-income riders. Mamdani vowed not to cave to local opposition. All criticized Mayor Adams for stalled bus projects. The forum exposed deep frustration with city inaction and highlighted the need for bold, street-level changes to protect riders and speed up commutes.

• Could a new mayor fix New York City's terrible bus service?, gothamist.com, Published 2024-12-06

Council bill bars cars from blocking crosswalks. No standing or parking within 20 feet. City must install daylighting barriers at 1,000 intersections yearly. Streets clear. Sightlines open. Danger cut.

Int 1138-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced December 5, 2024. The bill states: “prohibiting standing or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.” Council Member Erik D. Bottcher leads, joined by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and over two dozen co-sponsors. The law orders the Department of Transportation to install daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections each year, up from 100. The city must also run outreach and education. The bill aims to keep crosswalks clear, improve visibility, and protect people on foot and bike. No more hiding behind parked cars. The committee laid the bill over on April 21, 2025.

• File Int 1138-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-05

DOT built just 5.3 miles of new bus lanes in 2024. The law demands 30. Commissioner Rodriguez called it a great job. Critics slammed the city for falling short. Riders wait. Streets stay clogged. Vulnerable New Yorkers pay the price.

On December 4, 2024, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez defended the agency’s bus lane record before critics. The Streets Master Plan requires 30 new miles of bus lanes each year. In 2024, DOT delivered only 5.3 miles—just 17 percent of the legal mandate. Rodriguez claimed, “We are doing a great job,” citing national comparisons and blaming delays on community board processes and local opposition, especially around the 96th Street project. State Sen. Jessica Ramos, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, and State Sen. Zellnor Myrie condemned the city’s self-praise and legal failure. The matter title reads: ‘We Are Doing A Great Job’ … Falling Short of Bus Lane Requirement. Several projects are planned for 2025, but completion is uncertain. The city’s slow pace leaves bus riders and other vulnerable road users exposed to dangerous, congested streets.

• DOT Commish: ‘We Are Doing A Great Job’ … Falling Short of Bus Lane Requirement, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-04

Six mayoral hopefuls faced off on transit. They clashed over congestion pricing, bus expansion, and subway safety. Zellnor Myrie pledged to defend congestion pricing. Others called for more police, more buses, and mental health teams. Streets and subways remain battlegrounds.

On December 3, 2024, at a Riders Alliance forum, six Democratic mayoral candidates—Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani, Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, Scott Stringer, and Jim Walden—debated New York City transit policy. The event focused on congestion pricing, set to begin January 5, and subway safety. The matter summary reads: 'NYC mayoral candidates participated in a transit-focused forum... discussing congestion pricing, subway safety, and transit upgrades.' Zellnor Myrie, representing District 20, criticized Mayor Adams for not defending congestion pricing and promised to support it regardless of federal politics. Ramos pushed for congestion pricing revenue to fund the MTA. Stringer called for bus expansion and DOT reform. Walden wanted more police and exemptions for seniors and disabled riders. Lander and Mamdani argued for housing and outreach teams over policing. The forum highlighted sharp divides on how to protect vulnerable New Yorkers on streets and subways.

• 2025 NYC mayoral candidates sound off on congestion pricing, subway safety, amny.com, Published 2024-12-03

Mayoral hopefuls hammered Eric Adams for broken bus lane promises. At a transit forum, they called out City Hall’s slow pace. The law demands 30 miles a year. Adams delivered half. Candidates pledged pro-transit reforms. Riders wait. Streets stay dangerous.

On December 3, 2024, a mayoral candidate forum on NYC bus service and transportation policy spotlighted City Hall’s failures. The event, organized by Riders Alliance, saw candidates attack Mayor Eric Adams for not meeting the Streets Master Plan law, which mandates 30 new miles of bus lanes each year. Adams’ administration installed only 15.7 miles last fiscal year. State Sen. Jessica Ramos said, 'The current mayor promised 150 miles of bus lanes and hasn't delivered.' Comptroller Brad Lander promised a 'professional, world-class DOT commissioner.' Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani vowed to resist business interests blocking bus projects. Sen. Zellnor Myrie, mentioned at the forum, made pro-transit promises. The forum exposed how political inaction and broken promises keep streets unsafe for bus riders and pedestrians.

• Mayoral candidates hit Adams on failed promises to boost NYC's bus service, gothamist.com, Published 2024-12-03

Six mayoral hopefuls faced off on transit. They promised bus lanes, free buses, and fair fares. Each slammed the mayor’s record. They called for less fare enforcement, more service. Riders, not drivers, took center stage. Words flew. Streets stayed dangerous.

On December 3, 2024, six candidates for New York City mayor—Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani, Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, Scott Stringer, and Jim Walden—spoke at a Riders Alliance forum. The event focused on transit policy. Candidates pledged support for bus lanes, free buses, expanded Fair Fares, and shifting gas tax funds to mass transit. Lander vowed to end subway and street homelessness for the severely mentally ill by connecting them to stable housing. Mamdani promised a world-class bus network. Myrie pushed for citywide bus lanes. Ramos called for automatic Fair Fares registration. Stringer backed more bus routes. Walden opposed fare evasion crackdowns, urging resources go to service instead. All criticized Mayor Adams’ record on bus lanes and congestion pricing. The forum highlighted a united front for safer, more accessible transit, but offered no immediate relief for vulnerable road users.

• Promises, Promises: What the Candidates Said At The Transit Forum, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-03

A 27-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by an SUV making a left turn. The driver disregarded traffic control, hitting her at an intersection in Queens. She suffered upper arm injuries and bruises but remained conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:40 a.m. on Steinway Street in Queens. A 27-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal when she was struck by a 2012 SUV making a left turn. The vehicle's point of impact was the center front end. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the primary contributing factor, indicating the driver failed to obey traffic signals. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and upper arm injury but remained conscious. The vehicle showed no damage. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This incident highlights the dangers posed by drivers disregarding traffic controls at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775171 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A moped traveling north on 25 Ave struck a 58-year-old male pedestrian. The impact caused a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, driver inattention was a key factor. The pedestrian remained conscious but seriously hurt.

At 16:01 on 25 Ave in Queens, a moped traveling straight ahead struck a 58-year-old male pedestrian, causing a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, the pedestrian was injured with an injury severity rated 3 and remained conscious. The point of impact was the center front end of the moped, which sustained no damage. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. The moped had one occupant and was traveling north at the time of the collision. This incident highlights the dangers posed by distracted vehicle operators in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775472 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A box truck struck a sedan from behind on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway in Queens. The sedan driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited the truck driver’s failure to maintain safe distance as the cause. Both vehicles traveled westbound.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:45 on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway West in Queens. A box truck traveling westbound rear-ended a sedan that was slowing or stopping. The point of impact was the truck’s left front bumper hitting the sedan’s center back end. The sedan’s female driver, age 33, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, indicating the truck driver failed to maintain a safe distance. The truck driver was licensed in New York and was also traveling westbound. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision caused damage to the center front end of the truck and the center back end of the sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773576 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council weighs Adams’s City of Yes plan. Mayoral challengers back the original, urge no watering down. They want housing, not parking. Council may weaken it. The fight is over homes versus cars. Vulnerable road users watch as parking mandates hang in the balance.

On November 21, 2024, the City Council debated Mayor Adams’s City of Yes zoning proposal, which aims to boost housing and scrap mandatory parking citywide. The Council may weaken the plan by creating a three-tiered system, risking fewer new homes. Mayoral challengers Zellnor Myrie, Brad Lander, Scott Stringer, Jessica Ramos, and Zohran Mamdani—all Democrats—strongly support the original plan. Myrie urges, 'resist efforts to revise the proposal in any way that would yield fewer homes.' Lander calls for ending exclusionary zoning and prioritizing housing over parking. Stringer calls the plan a 'small step.' Mamdani opposes changes that reduce housing or water down parking elimination. Ramos would vote yes but wants to protect neighborhood character. The Council’s decision will shape the city’s streets, homes, and the future for those outside cars.

• What Do the Mayoral Candidates Think Of ‘City of Yes’?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-11-21

Two SUVs crashed on 49th Street in Queens. One driver, age 68, suffered arm abrasions. Police cite alcohol and improper lane use. Metal twisted. One hurt. No pedestrians or cyclists involved.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided on 49th Street near 31st Avenue in Queens at 18:50. Both vehicles traveled west. One driver was passing, the other went straight. Impact struck the left rear and right front bumpers. A 68-year-old male driver was injured, suffering abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors, pointing to driver error and impaired operation. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The injured driver wore a lap belt. The crash left both vehicles damaged.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768504 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Police chases in Astoria’s 114 Precinct have surged. Cyclists and pedestrians pay the price. One cyclist is dead. NYPD ignores its own rules. Dangerous drivers face no real penalty. Officials and residents demand action. The city stalls. Streets stay deadly.

This report covers the sharp rise in high-speed police chases in the NYPD’s 114th Precinct, Astoria, Queens. The article, published October 28, 2024, details community outrage after a cyclist’s death and repeated injuries. NYPD policy says chases should end when risk outweighs reward, but enforcement fails. The Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program, which once forced repeat offenders into safety courses, has expired. Comptroller Brad Lander says, 'Drivers who are repeatedly caught by speed and red-light cameras currently face no consequences other than a fine in the mail. Repeat reckless drivers must be held to account.' State Senator Michael Gianaris calls for stronger penalties, including suspending registrations. The NYPD has not adopted reforms. Residents and advocates demand legislative action and transparency. Without it, vulnerable road users remain at risk.

• Reckless: The 114 Precinct is an Island of High-Speed Chases In Queens, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-10-28