Dec 16 - A sedan backing up in Queens struck its own passenger, causing upper arm injuries and unconsciousness. The crash involved limited driver visibility. The passenger, secured by a lap belt and harness, suffered serious pain and nausea from the impact.

According to the police report, a 38-year-old female front-seat passenger was injured when a 2020 Ford sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, backed into the passenger side. The point of impact was the center back end of the vehicle. The report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor, indicating the driver’s impaired visibility during the backing maneuver. The passenger, who was not ejected and wore a lap belt and harness, sustained an upper arm injury and was unconscious with complaints of pain and nausea. The crash occurred near 41-15 12th Street in Queens at 11:00 AM. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779166 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 6 - Council Member Julie Won pushes a bill to ban parking near all intersections. The move targets deadly blind spots. Advocates demand faster action. DOT lags behind. Intersections remain killing grounds for children and pedestrians. The city stalls. Lives hang in the balance.

On December 6, 2024, Council Member Julie Won (D-Queens) introduced a bill to ban parking within 20 feet of all intersections citywide—a measure known as daylighting. The bill, now before the City Council, would require the Department of Transportation to install daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections per year. The matter summary states: 'Parking right up against intersections blocks sight lines for pedestrians and drivers, leading to people to have to peak out into the street to see oncoming traffic.' Won said, 'Daylighting saves lives.' Advocates like Jackson Chabot of Open Plans back the bill, citing slow DOT progress and urgent need. Intersections account for 55 percent of pedestrian deaths and 79 percent of injuries, according to DOT. The bill follows a year of tragic child deaths and mounting public pressure for universal daylighting.

• Daylight Again! Council Seeks Universal Parking Ban At Intersections, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-06

Dec 5 - 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

Dec 5 - 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

Dec 4 - 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

Dec 3 - 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

Nov 27 - A Queens crash on 21st Street injured a 63-year-old male driver. Two sedans collided, causing facial abrasions to the driver who was conscious but injured. Illness was cited as a contributing factor, highlighting driver health risks in vehicle crashes.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 21st Street in Queens involving two sedans traveling north and south. The 63-year-old male driver of a 2014 Honda sedan sustained facial abrasions and was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Illness' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating the driver’s medical condition played a role in the incident. The point of impact was the left front bumper of both vehicles, suggesting a direct collision. The driver was not ejected and was injured but remained conscious. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The report does not cite failure to yield or other driver errors, focusing instead on the driver's illness as the primary factor. This incident underscores the systemic danger posed by medical conditions affecting driver control.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776775 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 26 - A sedan driver in Queens suffered head injuries and whiplash after a collision caused by failure to yield right-of-way. Impact struck the left side doors. Both vehicles were traveling south when the crash occurred near Crescent Street.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:32 near 38-30 Crescent Street in Queens. A female driver, age 48, was injured with head trauma and whiplash. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The injured driver was operating a 2014 Toyota sedan traveling south, starting from a parking position. The collision impacted the left side doors of her vehicle. The other involved vehicle, a 2021 Toyota sedan also traveling south, struck with its right front bumper. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and remained conscious but sustained serious injuries. The police report highlights the failure of one driver to yield right-of-way as the primary cause, with no victim fault indicated.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776773 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 21 - A 26-year-old woman suffered a head injury after a sedan failed to yield while making a left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when struck at the intersection. The driver’s failure to yield caused the collision and injury.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal on the Koch Bridge pedestrian and bike path near 23rd Street when she was struck by a northbound sedan making a left turn. The point of impact was the sedan’s right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained a head injury and was conscious at the scene. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as the primary contributing factor. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights the danger posed by drivers failing to yield to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773844 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 21 - 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

Nov 16 - SUV and sedan crashed on 30th Street. Both drivers hurt. Police cite traffic control ignored. Head injuries, whiplash, blood on the street. System failed. Metal and flesh paid the price.

According to the police report, a 2023 Toyota SUV and a 2016 Volkswagen sedan collided at 9:00 AM on 30 Street near 37 Avenue in Queens. Both drivers, men in their forties, were licensed and wore lap belts. The SUV struck the sedan's left side doors, damaging both vehicles. Both drivers suffered head injuries—one with whiplash, the other with abrasions—but remained conscious. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the main contributing factor, showing both drivers failed to obey traffic signals or signs. No other contributing factors related to victim behavior were noted. The crash left two injured and exposed the danger when drivers ignore the rules.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771783 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 13 - Council demands DOT show its work. The law forces public updates on every street safety project. No more hiding delays. No more silent cost overruns. Progress for bus riders, cyclists, and walkers must be tracked and posted.

Int 1105-2024 became law on May 10, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, sponsored by Julie Won and co-sponsored by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others, amends the city code to require the Department of Transportation to post annual and monthly updates on all projects tied to the streets master plan. The law’s title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' It forces transparency on protected bike lanes, bus lanes, pedestrian signals, and upgrades. The public will see delays, costs, and status. No more secrets. The mayor returned it unsigned, but the law stands.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-11-13

Nov 6 - A southbound bus struck the rear of a pick-up truck on Vernon Blvd in Queens. Two passengers in the truck suffered back injuries and minor burns. Police cited driver inattention and following too closely as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, at 13:03 on Vernon Blvd in Queens, a southbound Ontario Bus rear-ended a pick-up truck traveling in the same direction. The collision impacted the center back end of the pick-up truck. Two occupants in the truck, ages 21 and 36, were injured with back injuries and minor burns, both experiencing shock. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as key contributing factors to the crash. Neither occupant was ejected, and no safety equipment was reported. The bus driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The data highlights driver errors behind the crash, focusing on inattention and unsafe following distance, with no victim fault indicated.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4769538 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 5 - A 52-year-old man on a Fly motorcycle struck the rear of a vehicle on the Koch Bridge bike path. He flew from the bike, torn and bleeding, his whole body injured. The crash left the path silent, the man conscious but battered.

A violent collision unfolded on the Koch Bridge pedestrian and bike path when a 52-year-old man riding a 2023 Fly motorcycle struck the rear of another vehicle, according to the police report. The crash occurred at 21:45, with the motorcycle traveling east. The report states the rider was 'partially ejected,' suffering severe lacerations and injuries to his entire body. He was conscious at the scene. Police cite 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, placing responsibility on the motorcycle operator for failing to maintain a safe distance. The report notes the rider wore no helmet or armor. The rear impact left the path silent, the man torn open and bleeding. No contributing factors are listed for the other vehicle or any pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4769124 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 22 - A speeding pick-up truck struck a parked SUV in Queens late at night. The SUV driver suffered neck injuries but was conscious and restrained. Police cited unsafe speed and aggressive driving as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 23:30 in Queens near 36-24 23 Street. A 2023 Dodge pick-up truck traveling north struck a parked 2017 Ford SUV on its right front bumper. The SUV driver, a 34-year-old man, was injured with neck trauma but remained conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report identifies 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as contributing factors attributed to the pick-up truck driver. The parked SUV was stationary at the time of impact. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The collision caused center front end damage to the pick-up truck and right front bumper damage to the SUV. The report highlights driver errors—specifically unsafe speed and aggressive driving—as the primary causes of this crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768964 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 5 - A 23-year-old woman was struck by a northbound vehicle on 33rd Street in Queens. She suffered a concussion and head trauma. The crash happened away from an intersection. Police list contributing factors as unspecified.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old female pedestrian was struck by a northbound vehicle near 36-08 33 Street in Queens at 11:20 PM. She was not at an intersection when hit and suffered a head injury resulting in a concussion. Emergency responders found her semiconscious. The vehicle was traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. The police report lists both contributing factors as unspecified and does not detail any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No information is provided about the vehicle type or the driver. The report does not attribute any contributing factors to the pedestrian's actions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4763473 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 5 - A moped driver suffered arm injuries and partial ejection after a collision with a taxi on Broadway in Queens. The crash occurred shortly after midnight. Police cited driver inexperience and passing too closely as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash happened at 12:15 a.m. on Broadway in Queens. A 17-year-old male moped driver, who was unlicensed, was partially ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The moped was traveling eastbound going straight ahead when it collided with a westbound taxi making a left turn. The point of impact was the center front end of the moped and the left front bumper of the taxi. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Passing Too Closely' as contributing factors. The moped driver was conscious but injured. No other contributing factors related to the victim's behavior were noted. The taxi driver was licensed and operating a 2022 vehicle registered in New York.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4761065 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 1 - Governor Hochul stalls congestion pricing, leaving MTA riders in limbo. The pause threatens subway and bus service. Advocates demand any replacement funds boost operations, not highways. Riders need frequent, affordable transit—not more gridlock and pollution.

This editorial, published October 1, 2024, addresses Governor Hochul’s decision to pause congestion pricing and seek alternative funding for the MTA’s $15-billion capital plan. The article states: “If the governor wants to do the MTA and riders a favor, she should use the money she finds to instead boost MTA operations.” Author Samuel Santaella criticizes Hochul’s move, arguing it jeopardizes service for working-class New Yorkers. Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Michael Gianaris are cited as proponents of fare-free buses, while Riders Alliance pushes for six-minute service. The piece urges Hochul to reject highway expansions and instead invest in frequent, affordable transit. The editorial frames this as a fight for clean air, equity, and safety for all New Yorkers who rely on public transportation.

• OPINION: Any Money Hochul Finds to ‘Replace’ Congestion Pricing Should Fund Fares and Frequency, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-10-01

Sep 30 - A moped driver was ejected and injured after a rear-end collision on Vernon Boulevard. The crash happened at midday on the Roosevelt Island Bridge. The driver suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries, with police citing following too closely as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:15 on Vernon Boulevard near the Roosevelt Island Bridge in Queens. The moped driver, a 65-year-old man, was stopped in traffic when struck from behind at the center back end of his vehicle. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, indicating the striking vehicle failed to maintain a safe distance. The moped driver was ejected from his vehicle and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He was conscious at the scene and wearing a helmet, as noted in the report. No other contributing factors or victim errors were listed. The collision highlights the dangers of rear-end impacts and driver inattention or misjudgment in traffic congestion.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4760000 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 26 - Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26