Crash Count for Sunnyside Yards (North)
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 463
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 329
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 77
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 6
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 2
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Jul 26, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Sunnyside Yards (North)?

No More Limps: Demand 20 MPH Before Sunnyside Bleeds Again

Sunnyside Yards (North): Jan 1, 2022 - Jun 6, 2025

The Numbers Behind the Pain

No one died in Sunnyside Yards (North) this past year. But the numbers do not comfort. Seventy-nine people were hurt in 103 crashes in the last twelve months alone. Not one was called a serious injury, but pain lingers. Limps last. The body remembers. See the NYC Open Data.

Crashes do not spare the young. Three children were injured. The most battered age group: 35 to 44, with 27 injuries. The streets do not care who you are. They take what they want.

The Machines That Hit

Cars and trucks did most of the harm. In the last three years, they killed two people and left dozens more bleeding. Bikes and mopeds were not spared either. One cyclist was killed. Trucks, sedans, SUVs, bikes—they all left marks. The street is a battlefield, and the weapons are steel and speed.

What Leaders Have Done—and Not Done

City Hall claims progress. They point to new speed cameras, intersection redesigns, and the passage of Sammy’s Law, which lets the city lower speed limits to 20 mph. But the limit has not dropped yet. The law sits unused. The cameras need Albany’s blessing to keep running. Each delay is another roll of the dice.

No local leader has stood up to demand more for Sunnyside Yards (North). No council member has called for urgent redesigns or a citywide 20 mph limit. The silence is loud. The danger is louder.

What Comes Next

This is not fate. This is policy. Every injury is a choice made by someone in power. Call your council member. Demand the 20 mph limit. Demand real protection for people walking and biking. Do not wait for the next crash. Do not let another family join the count.

Take action now.

Citations

Citations
  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634478 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-04

Other Representatives

Claire Valdez
Assembly Member Claire Valdez
District 37
District Office:
45-10 Skillman Ave. 1st Floor, Sunnyside, NY 11104
Legislative Office:
Room 427, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
Julie Won
Council Member Julie Won
District 26
District Office:
37-04 Queens Boulevard, Suite 205, Long Island City, NY 11101
718-383-9566
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1749, New York, NY 10007
212-788-6975
Twitter: CMJulieWon
Michael Gianaris
State Senator Michael Gianaris
District 12
District Office:
22-07 45th St. Suite 1008, Astoria, NY 11105
Legislative Office:
Albany, NY 12247
Other Geographies

Sunnyside Yards (North) Sunnyside Yards (North) sits in Queens, Precinct 114, District 26, AD 37, SD 12, Queens CB1.

See also
Boroughs
City Council Districts
Community Boards
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Sunnyside Yards (North)

S 915
Gianaris votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.

Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.

Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.


Gianaris Supports Safety Boosting Stop Super Speeders Bill

Another joins Families for Safe Streets. Another life lost. The toll rises. Grief sharpens the call for change. Streets stay deadly. The city fails to shield its own. The group grows. The danger remains.

On June 3, 2025, Gersh Kuntzman issued an advocacy statement, reported by Streetsblog NYC. The statement reads, 'There's a new member of Families for Safe Streets, which is not good news.' Joe Jankoski, mourning Amanda Servedio, spoke out after her death by a recidivist speeder. The group’s ranks swell with each tragedy. No specific bill or committee is named in this event. Kuntzman’s statement underscores the relentless danger faced by pedestrians and cyclists. The safety analyst notes: the event describes a new member joining an advocacy group, which does not directly affect pedestrian or cyclist safety at the population level. The city’s streets remain perilous. The group’s growth is a grim measure of failure.


S 8117
Gianaris votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.

Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.

Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.


Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality

A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.

According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.


Cyclist Sues NYPD Over Red Light Tickets

Police ticket cyclists for obeying walk signals. Law says cyclists can cross with pedestrians. NYPD ignores it. Tickets pile up. One rider fights back in court. The city’s policy stands, unmoved by the law.

According to the New York Post (May 13, 2025), cyclist Oliver Casey Esparza filed a federal lawsuit against the NYPD, alleging officers wrongfully ticket cyclists for running red lights even when they follow pedestrian crossing signals, as permitted by a 2019 City Council law. The suit claims, 'the city maintains a policy and practice of detaining, ticketing, and prosecuting cyclists who lawfully ride through an intersection when the pedestrian control signal indicates white/walk.' Esparza received a $190 summons at Third Avenue and East 42nd Street, Manhattan, despite acting within the law. The lawsuit names current and former NYPD commissioners, accusing them of knowingly violating civil rights. The article notes a sharp rise in tickets for cyclists in early 2025. The NYPD declined to comment. The case highlights a gap between city law and police enforcement, raising questions about policy compliance and systemic accountability.


Michael Gianaris Welcomes Safety Boosting Queensboro Bridge Bike Pedestrian Split

Queensboro Bridge now splits bikes and walkers. Years of shared chaos end. Cyclists get the north lane. Pedestrians get the south. Advocates fought for this. Delays angered many. Michael Gianaris welcomes the change. Safety for vulnerable users finally comes to the bridge.

On May 13, 2025, New York City completed a long-stalled plan to separate cyclists and pedestrians on the Queensboro Bridge. The project, first announced under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, faced delays after Mayor Eric Adams took office. The north outer roadway is now for cyclists, the south for pedestrians. State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, District 12, praised the completion, saying, 'After years of advocacy, many of us were excited to see [the city's Department of Transportation] complete the work to open new, dedicated pedestrian paths on the Queensboro Bridge.' Gianaris also criticized the unexplained delays. The plan ends years of conflict and danger for vulnerable road users forced to share a narrow lane. The change follows similar improvements on the Brooklyn Bridge in 2021.


Cyclist Fractures Arm in Northern Blvd Crash

A cyclist’s arm broke on Northern Blvd. A BMW sedan struck him. Police cite traffic control ignored. The cyclist left hurt. Metal met flesh. The street stayed dangerous.

A cyclist, age 34, suffered a fractured arm after a crash with a BMW sedan at Northern Blvd and 35 Ave in Queens. According to the police report, the crash involved 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded.' The cyclist was injured, while the sedan driver was not reported hurt. The police report lists traffic control disregarded as a contributing factor. The cyclist was not using safety equipment, but this is noted only after the driver’s actions. The crash left the cyclist with a serious arm injury, underscoring the risks faced by vulnerable road users.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4811224 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
S 4804
Gianaris votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.

Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.

Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.


S 4804
Gianaris votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.

Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.

Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.


Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash

A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.

ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.


Int 0193-2024
Won votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.

Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.

Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.


Int 0193-2024
Won votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, safety impact neutral.

Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.

Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.


Singer Killed Crossing Woodhaven Boulevard

A soul singer crossed Woodhaven at Myrtle. A Yamaha motorcycle struck her. She died at Jamaica Hospital. The rider kept going as the light changed. Police have not charged him. Dreams ended in the street. The city moves on.

NY Daily News reported on April 27, 2025, that Breanna Henderson, 23, was fatally struck by a Yamaha motorcycle while crossing Woodhaven Blvd. at Myrtle Ave. in Queens. The crash happened around 2:20 a.m. as the traffic light turned from yellow to red. The article notes, 'the motorcyclist hit her as the light turned from yellow to red.' Police have not charged the 34-year-old rider, and the investigation continues. Henderson was returning home from a performance. The incident highlights the persistent dangers faced by pedestrians at major intersections and the risks posed by vehicles failing to yield during signal changes.


Driver Dies After Belt Parkway Crash

A Brooklyn man lost control on Belt Parkway. His SUV struck a tree near JFK. Emergency crews arrived but could not save him. The road stayed quiet. Police kept watch. The investigation continues.

The Brooklyn Paper reported on April 23, 2025, that a 57-year-old Brooklyn man died after crashing his SUV on the Belt Parkway near JFK Airport. Police said the driver "failed to navigate the roadway and struck a tree." Emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene. The NYPD's Highway District Collision Investigation Squad is handling the case, and no arrests have been made. The article highlights the crash location—westbound Belt Parkway, just west of 130th Street—and notes the ongoing investigation. The incident underscores the dangers present on high-speed parkways and the unforgiving design of tree-lined medians.


Falling Subway Debris Strikes Car In Queens

Metal bolts crashed through a windshield in Queens. Glass exploded over the passenger. The No. 7 train rumbled above. Danger rained down. This was not the first time. The system failed to shield those below.

ABC7 reported on April 21, 2025, that debris from the No. 7 subway train fell onto a car at Queens Plaza, shattering the windshield and denting the hood. Rahimi, the driver, said, "We were driving right off here. Something fell off the train, damaging the windshield." Passenger Malnick described, "A bolt hit and then right away just the sound of glass exploding and glass all over me." The incident echoes previous cases: in 2019, falling debris from elevated tracks struck vehicles three times in a month. The MTA responded then by intensifying inspections, but the problem persists. The agency now says it is investigating and will inspect the area. The repeated incidents highlight ongoing risks from aging infrastructure above city streets.


FDNY Truck Strikes Cyclist In Queens

A fire truck turned onto Juniper Boulevard. It hit a man on a bike. He died there, on the street. Police are investigating. The crash happened in Middle Village, Queens. Metal met flesh. The city keeps moving.

ABC7 reported on April 20, 2025, that an FDNY truck struck and killed a bicyclist in Middle Village, Queens. The collision happened as the truck was 'turning onto Juniper Boulevard from 80th Street.' The victim, an adult male, was pronounced dead at the scene. The NYPD is investigating the incident. The article notes the truck's turning movement but does not detail further driver actions. This fatal crash highlights the risks at intersections where large vehicles and cyclists cross paths. No information was provided about charges or policy changes.


FDNY Firetruck Kills Cyclist Near Park

A firetruck struck a cyclist on Juniper Boulevard. The truck turned with lights and sirens. The cyclist was crushed under the rear wheels. Sheets covered the scene. Firefighters stood by, shaken. The victim died instantly. The investigation continues.

According to the New York Post (April 19, 2025), an FDNY Rescue Company 4 firetruck fatally struck a cyclist near Juniper Valley Park in Queens while responding to a call. The article states, "The truck was making a turn onto Juniper Boulevard...when the fatal accident occurred." Police reported the truck had lights and sirens activated. The cyclist ended up beneath the rear wheels and was pronounced dead at the scene. Photos showed emergency sheets covering the area. Witness Miguel Vega described firefighters as "shaken, like shocked." The incident highlights the dangers at intersections, especially when emergency vehicles turn. The crash is under investigation, with no details yet on policy or procedural changes.


Ex-Firefighter Charged In Queens Fatal Crash

A former firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. He struck Justin Diaz’s car at 83 mph. Diaz died a block from home. The driver was drunk, high, and unregistered. The court revoked his bail. Diaz’s family mourns.

ABC7 reported on April 17, 2025, that ex-FDNY firefighter Michael Peña faces manslaughter and DWI charges after a deadly crash in Queens. Prosecutors allege Peña was drunk, high, and speeding at 83 mph—three times the limit—when he ran a red light and T-boned 23-year-old Justin Diaz’s car. Surveillance and body camera footage show Peña admitting to running the light. Five hours after the crash, tests confirmed intoxication by alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine. Peña’s record includes prior arrests and 25 school zone speeding tickets. He also drove an unregistered vehicle with an obstructed plate and tinted windshield. The victim, Diaz, was headed to work and had just graduated college. The case highlights repeated driver violations and systemic failures in enforcement.


Valdez Faces Backlash Over Safety Boosting Driver Fees

Claire Valdez drew fire for pushing driver fees and congestion pricing. Letters slammed her for targeting car owners. Critics called her proposals unfair to workers with no transit options. The debate rages as streets stay deadly for those outside a car.

On April 15, 2025, public reaction flared against proposals linked to Assemblywoman Claire Valdez of District 37. The discussion, reported by nydailynews.com, centered on Valdez's support for measures like a Vehicle-miles Traveled fee and charging for on-street parking. The article quotes, 'Her op-ed is filled with proposals/ideas for how to make drivers pay for subway improvements.' Letters from readers, including Thomas Murawski and Thomas Bower, accused Valdez of unfairly targeting drivers and ignoring the needs of workers without transit options. Valdez was mentioned, not directly quoted, in the backlash. No formal council bill or vote was involved. There is no available safety analyst assessment of the impact on vulnerable road users.


Pick-up Truck Fails to Yield, Strikes E-Bike Rider

A pick-up truck turned right on Northern Blvd, striking a westbound e-bike. The cyclist was ejected and injured. Police cite failure to yield. The truck driver was unhurt.

A pick-up truck making a right turn on Northern Blvd in Queens struck a westbound e-bike. The 39-year-old cyclist was ejected and suffered a hip and upper leg contusion. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The truck driver and another occupant were uninjured. The cyclist was left in shock. No other contributing factors were listed by police. The report does not mention helmet use or signaling as factors.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808899 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04