Four Dead in Queensbridge—How Many Numbers Before City Hall Wakes Up?

A sedan driver ignored traffic control and alcohol laws. He changed lanes, struck SUVs. A 21-year-old passenger suffered facial abrasions. The crash left metal twisted, lives shaken. Systemic danger on Queens streets.

According to the police report, a crash erupted at 16:55 near 40-09 12 Street in Queens. A sedan, driven by an unlicensed man, changed lanes and struck multiple SUVs. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Alcohol Involvement' as contributing factors. The sedan's right front bumper hit the right rear quarter panel of a Tesla SUV. A 21-year-old male front passenger in one SUV sustained facial abrasions and was conscious at the scene. Police highlight unlicensed driving, lane changing, and traffic control disregard as primary causes. No fault is attributed to the injured passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731348 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A Mazda SUV slammed into a parked taxi on 36th Avenue. The SUV driver lost consciousness and died at the wheel. The taxi’s left side crumpled. No passengers. No escape. Metal bent. Silence followed where breath once was.

A fatal collision unfolded on 36th Avenue near 36-13 in Queens when a Mazda SUV veered into a parked taxi, according to the police report. The crash occurred at 2:00 p.m. The SUV driver, age 42, lost consciousness and died at the wheel. The police report lists 'Lost Consciousness' as the contributing factor. The impact buckled the taxi’s left side doors. No passengers were present in either vehicle. The narrative states, 'No escape. Just silence where breath once was.' The report does not cite any contributing behaviors from the taxi driver or any other victims. The focus remains on the sudden incapacitation of the SUV driver, which led directly to the collision and fatality.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729469 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A sedan turned right. A motorcycle tried to pass. Both riders were thrown. The driver, unlicensed but helmeted, hit face-first. The passenger, unprotected, suffered leg injuries. Steel met flesh on 21st Street.

According to the police report, a sedan making a right turn collided with a motorcycle carrying two people on 21st Street in Queens. The motorcycle driver, unlicensed but wearing a helmet, was passing improperly. The sedan struck the motorcycle's front. Both riders were ejected. The 20-year-old driver suffered facial injuries. The 15-year-old passenger, with no safety equipment, was hurt in the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor, pointing to error by the motorcycle driver. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling south. No victim actions contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728522 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

A 27-year-old male motorcycle driver was ejected and injured in a crash on 36 Avenue in Queens. The impact struck the motorcycle’s left rear quarter panel. The rider suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries, remaining conscious after the collision.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling east on 36 Avenue in Queens collided with another vehicle, impacting the motorcycle's left rear quarter panel. The 27-year-old male motorcycle driver was ejected from the vehicle and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including abrasions. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor, indicating driver error related to lane management. The rider was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were cited. The motorcycle was a 2023 Zhilo model, and the driver held a valid New York license. The collision highlights the dangers of improper lane usage leading to severe injuries for vulnerable motorcycle occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727644 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-05-21

A crash on Broadway in Queens left two drivers hurt. One suffered a concussion. The other felt pain and nausea. Police cite traffic control ignored, unsafe speed, and lane changes as causes.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at 22:40 on Broadway near 14 Street in Queens. Two drivers were injured. A 44-year-old man suffered a concussion and injuries to his entire body. A 34-year-old woman reported pain and nausea. The crash involved a parked sedan and two SUVs, one making a left turn. The report lists driver errors: "Traffic Control Disregarded," "Unsafe Speed," and "Unsafe Lane Changing." No victim actions contributed. The report notes the female driver wore a lap belt and the male driver used an air bag and harness. The crash underscores driver error and systemic risk on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726307 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A sedan traveling east on 38 Avenue struck two five-year-old pedestrians crossing with the signal. Both children suffered moderate injuries to their legs and back. The driver, also injured, failed to yield right-of-way and disregarded traffic control.

According to the police report, a 2013 Lexus sedan driven by a licensed male driver was traveling straight east on 38 Avenue in Queens when it struck two five-year-old pedestrians at the intersection. Both children were crossing with the signal but were injured—one with back injuries and the other with injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver sustained chest injuries and was wearing a lap belt. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and disregard of traffic control as contributing factors. The vehicle’s point of impact was the center front end, and no vehicle damage was reported. The driver and both pedestrians were in shock and complained of pain or nausea. The crash highlights critical driver errors leading to harm of vulnerable pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723712 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A sedan making a U-turn collided with a northbound motorcycle on 31 Street in Queens. The motorcycle driver suffered full-body injuries and shock. Police cited driver inexperience as a key factor in the crash’s violent impact and injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:11 on 31 Street near 39 Avenue in Queens. A sedan was making a U-turn when it struck the center front end of a northbound motorcycle. The motorcycle driver, a 36-year-old male, was injured across his entire body and experienced shock. The report highlights "Driver Inexperience" as a contributing factor to the collision. The sedan’s impact was at the center back end, indicating the U-turn maneuver led to the crash. The motorcycle driver was not ejected and was wearing a helmet or similar protective gear, but no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The report focuses on the sedan driver’s error in executing the U-turn, which caused the collision and serious injury to the motorcyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721494 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Albany sends $12 million to expand city bus service. The free bus pilot dies. Riders get more buses but lose free rides. Councilmember Hanks pushes for more OMNY machines. The city moves, but not all riders win.

On April 26, 2024, New York State lawmakers approved over $12 million to increase bus service across New York City. The decision ended funding for the MTA's pilot program that made one bus route in each borough free. The matter, titled 'NYC to get a boost in bus service, but pilot program for free routes ends,' highlights the trade-off: more buses, but no more free rides. Councilmember Kamillah Hanks of District 49 introduced a resolution urging the MTA to install at least 30 OMNY card vending machines in every borough, noting not all riders can pay by smartphone. The bill is not tied to a specific council committee or number. Hanks is mentioned for her advocacy on OMNY access. The move increases bus frequency but leaves low-income and cash riders behind. No direct safety impact for vulnerable road users was assessed.

• NYC to get a boost in bus service, but pilot program for free routes ends, gothamist.com, Published 2024-04-26

Albany killed the MTA’s fare-free bus pilot. No more free rides. Lawmakers gave $12 million for better service, but not enough. Riders lose a lifeline. The city’s poorest feel the blow. Congestion pricing looms. Buses stay crowded, fares return.

On April 21, 2024, the New York State budget ended the MTA’s fare-free bus pilot. The pilot, which began in September 2023, made one bus in each borough free. Lawmakers, including Senator Michael Gianaris, pushed to expand it to 15 lines. The budget did not include this. Instead, $12.3 million was set aside to improve bus frequency, far short of the $45 million needed for expansion. The bill’s summary states, 'The MTA's experiment in fare-less city bus service will soon end after Albany lawmakers did not reauthorize it.' Gianaris pledged to keep fighting for affordable transit. Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani called the pilot 'crucial' for working-class New Yorkers. The MTA’s Janno Lieber criticized the program. No safety analyst reviewed the impact on vulnerable road users. The loss hits riders who depend on buses most.

• MTA’s free bus experiment will end after not being reauthorized in state budget, amny.com, Published 2024-04-21

Mayor Adams wants Randy Mastro, a foe of bike lanes and congestion pricing, to lead the Law Department. Council members push back. Mastro’s record signals danger for pedestrians and cyclists. His history favors cars. The fight over his confirmation has begun.

""No way in hell I vote to confirm Randy Mastro."" -- Tiffany Cabán

On April 18, 2024, a New York Times report revealed Mayor Adams’s intent to appoint Randy Mastro, former Giuliani deputy mayor, as head of the city’s Law Department. Mastro is known for opposing bike lanes and congestion pricing, having fought the Prospect Park West bike lane and represented New Jersey against congestion pricing. Council Members Sandy Nurse and Tiffany Caban voiced strong opposition, with Caban declaring, 'No way in hell I vote to confirm Randy Mastro.' Joe Borelli, a congestion pricing opponent, supported the move, saying, 'I want more people who think like me on congestion pricing in City Hall.' The appointment signals a car-first agenda. Council resistance is fierce. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, bus riders—face greater risk if Mastro’s priorities shape city policy.

• Randy Mastro Aspires to Join Mayor’s Inner Circle of Congestion Pricing Foes, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-04-18

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2024-04-15

A collision between an eastbound SUV and a southbound sedan on Queens' 22 Street injured a rear passenger. The impact struck the sedan's right side doors, causing contusions to the passenger’s elbow and lower arm. Driver errors led to the crash.

According to the police report, at 6:25 AM on 22 Street in Queens, a Station Wagon/SUV traveling east and a sedan traveling south collided. The point of impact was the right side doors of the sedan, which sustained damage there. The sedan carried two occupants; the right rear passenger, a 35-year-old male, was injured with contusions and bruises to his elbow and lower arm but was conscious and not ejected. The report cites driver errors including 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed men from New York. The injured passenger was secured with a lap belt and harness. These driver mistakes directly caused the collision and subsequent injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716400 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Council orders DOT to reveal bike and micromobility numbers. Streets and bridges get counted. Riders’ paths mapped. City must show where safety fails and where it works. Data goes public. No more hiding the truth.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and became law September 14, 2024, as Local Law 88. The law’s title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Schulman, Hudson, Restler, and others. The law forces DOT to publish monthly and annual data on bike and micromobility use, plus crash and safety project details. The city must show where riders go, where danger lurks, and what it does to fix it. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it stands.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-11

Council orders DOT to reveal bike and micromobility numbers. Streets and bridges get counted. Riders’ paths mapped. City must show where safety fails and where it works. Data goes public. No more hiding the truth.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and became law September 14, 2024, as Local Law 88. The law’s title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Schulman, Hudson, Restler, and others. The law forces DOT to publish monthly and annual data on bike and micromobility use, plus crash and safety project details. The city must show where riders go, where danger lurks, and what it does to fix it. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it stands.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-11

Mayor Adams broke the law. He built too few bus lanes. Riders wait. Buses crawl. Council Member Mamdani calls him out. City Hall dodges. Streets stay clogged. Vulnerable New Yorkers pay the price. The city drags its feet. The danger grows.

This is not a bill, but a policy failure. In 2022, city law required 20 miles of new bus lanes. Adams built 12.9. In 2023, the law demanded 30 miles. Only 7.8 appeared. Council Member Zohran Kwame Mamdani slammed the mayor: 'How can he call himself a law and order mayor, when New Yorkers can’t trust him to follow the law?' The Adams administration, through spokesperson Liz Garcia, claimed progress: 'We continue to work with our partners in the MTA and with communities across the city to build on this record of success.' But the numbers tell a harsher story. Bus speeds have dropped since Adams took office. Riders, many with no other option, face longer waits and slower trips. The city’s failure to build bus lanes leaves streets more dangerous for those outside cars.

• Wednesday’s Headlines: Get the Buses Moving Edition, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-04-10

A 16-year-old male bicyclist suffered a fractured hip and upper leg after an SUV made an improper U-turn and hit him. The collision occurred in Queens at 16:07. The SUV’s right side doors impacted the bike’s front end, causing serious injury.

According to the police report, a 16-year-old male bicyclist traveling north was struck by a 2012 Toyota SUV making an improper U-turn traveling south on 38-30 31 Street in Queens at 16:07. The SUV’s right side doors collided with the bike’s right front bumper, causing center front end damage to the bike and right side door damage to the SUV. The bicyclist sustained a serious injury described as a fracture and dislocation to the hip and upper leg. The report explicitly cites the SUV driver’s error as 'Turning Improperly.' No contributing factors related to the bicyclist were noted. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from the bike. This crash highlights the danger posed by improper turning maneuvers by vehicle drivers to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716280 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Cars choke the Queensbridge Baby Greenway. Police refuse to act. Residents plead for help. Council Member Julie Won calls for fencing and bollards. The Parks Department promises a barricade plan. No timeline. The greenway remains a parking lot. Pedestrians lose ground.

On March 29, 2024, Council Member Julie Won called for urgent action to stop illegal car parking on the Queensbridge Baby Greenway in Long Island City. The matter, described as 'lawlessness on the greenway,' has seen police ignore months of resident complaints. Won, through Chief of Staff Nick Gulotta, demanded the Parks Department install fencing and bollards to block cars. 'Council Member Won fully supports the call for the Parks Department to install fencing and bollards to prevent cars from illegally parking and driving through the Queensbridge Baby Park Greenway,' Gulotta said. The Parks Department claims to be working on a 'barricade plan' with NYCHA, but offers no timeline. The greenway, once a haven for pedestrians and cyclists, now serves as a parking lot. The NYPD and Parks Department pass blame. Vulnerable road users remain exposed. The system fails to protect them.

• Can We Just Keep Cars Off the Queensbridge Baby Greenway?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-29

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2024-03-27