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

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

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 2025-08-04

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

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 2025-08-04

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 2025-08-04

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 2025-08-04

Zellnor Myrie enters the mayoral race. He pushes for congestion pricing, free bus service, and higher taxes on the rich to fund transit. He calls City Hall corrupt. He stands with working New Yorkers. His platform targets safer, fairer streets.

On October 22, 2024, Zellnor Myrie, representing District 20, announced his candidacy for New York City mayor. The announcement is not a council bill but a campaign launch, with Myrie’s platform focused on transportation reform. He supports congestion pricing, free bus service in every borough, and increased taxes on the wealthy to fund the MTA. Myrie described City Hall as 'engulfed in corruption' and said, 'New Yorkers are being crushed by rent and child care.' He has criticized Mayor Adams and pledged to fight for working-class New Yorkers. Though no formal safety analysis is attached, Myrie’s support for transit funding and congestion pricing signals a shift toward safer, less car-dominated streets. His campaign centers vulnerable road users and public transit riders.

• State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani joins Adams' challengers for NYC mayor, gothamist.com, Published 2024-10-22

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 2025-08-04

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 2025-08-04

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

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 2025-08-04

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

Council pushes Albany to let New York City ticket drivers who block bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Cyclists face death and injury. Lawmakers want action. Streets remain dangerous. The fight for safety continues.

Resolution 0574-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced September 26, 2024, it urges passage of S.5008A/A.803A. The resolution calls for a 'bicycle lane safety program...to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, and Erik D. Bottcher back the measure. The bill would let New York City use cameras to fine drivers who invade bike lanes. Cyclists are killed and injured when cars block their space. The council demands Albany act to protect vulnerable road users.

• File Res 0574-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Council pushes Albany to let New York City ticket drivers who block bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Cyclists face death and injury. Lawmakers want action. Streets remain dangerous. The fight for safety continues.

Resolution 0574-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced September 26, 2024, it urges passage of S.5008A/A.803A. The resolution calls for a 'bicycle lane safety program...to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, and Erik D. Bottcher back the measure. The bill would let New York City use cameras to fine drivers who invade bike lanes. Cyclists are killed and injured when cars block their space. The council demands Albany act to protect vulnerable road users.

• File Res 0574-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Council pushes Albany to let New York City ticket drivers who block bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Cyclists face deadly risk. Lawmakers demand action. Streets must protect the vulnerable.

Resolution 0574-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced September 26, 2024, it urges passage of S.5008A/A.803A. The measure calls for a 'bicycle lane safety program' using cameras to enforce bike lane rules. Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, and Erik D. Bottcher back the resolution. The text states: 'enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' The council demands Albany act. Cyclists die while drivers block lanes. The bill aims to hold motorists accountable and protect those most at risk.

• File Res 0574-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

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

Council pulled the jaywalking decriminalization bill before a vote. Advocates warned it could shield drivers who hit pedestrians. NYPD tickets mostly Black and Hispanic New Yorkers. Councilmember Cabán says the law enables biased policing. Streets remain dangerous for those on foot.

Bill to decriminalize jaywalking, sponsored by Councilmember Tiffany Cabán (District 22), was pulled for revision before a full City Council vote on September 23, 2024. The measure, under review in committee, aimed to end NYPD enforcement that disproportionately targets people of color. The bill’s summary states, 'NYPD issues hundreds of jaywalking tickets a year. Vast majority go to people of color.' Cabán, a key sponsor, argued police use jaywalking as a pretext for stop-and-frisk, calling the law archaic and motorist-centered. Advocates raised concerns that the bill’s language might let drivers escape liability for hitting pedestrians, prompting its withdrawal. The law’s enforcement remains unequal, leaving vulnerable road users exposed.

• NYPD issues hundreds of jaywalking tickets a year. Vast majority go to people of color., gothamist.com, Published 2024-09-23

Council yanked the jaywalking bill. Lawmakers clashed over driver liability. Advocates withdrew support after amendments weakened pedestrian protections. Speaker Adrienne Adams delayed a vote. The city’s streets remain dangerous. Enforcement falls hardest on people of color. The fight continues.

Bill 2024, aimed at decriminalizing jaywalking, stalled in the City Council on September 12, 2024. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee had advanced the bill, but Speaker Adrienne Adams held it back from a full vote, citing ongoing debate. The bill’s summary: ending NYPD tickets for crossing outside crosswalks, a practice disproportionately enforced against New Yorkers of color. Councilmember Tiffany Cabán, a sponsor, condemned the law’s discriminatory impact and its failure to reduce traffic violence. After lawmakers amended the bill to shield drivers from liability in pedestrian crashes, advocates like Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives withdrew support, insisting the law should 'clearly protect [pedestrians’] right to safety and security.' The latest version still exposes jaywalkers to civil suits and mandates a city safety education campaign. The bill’s future is uncertain. Advocates demand stronger protections for people on foot.

• NYC lawmakers struggle to decriminalize jaywalking, gothamist.com, Published 2024-09-12

Two sedans collided on 24 Street in Queens after one driver disregarded traffic control. The impact injured a right rear passenger, causing back contusions. Both drivers were licensed men traveling straight when the crash occurred late afternoon.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:52 on 24 Street near 37 Avenue in Queens. Two sedans, one traveling south and the other west, collided. The southbound vehicle struck the left front quarter panel against the westbound sedan's center front end. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error in failing to obey traffic signals or signs. The injured party was a 50-year-old female passenger seated in the right rear of the southbound sedan. She sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene, secured by a lap belt. Both drivers were licensed men from New York, traveling straight ahead prior to impact. Vehicle damage was concentrated on the left side doors of the southbound sedan and the right front bumper of the westbound sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4756579 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 2024-09-10