Three Dead, Hundreds Hurt—City Lets Blood Spill on Jackson Avenue

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 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

A 32-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by an eastbound SUV making a left turn. The pedestrian suffered abrasions to her elbow and lower arm. The driver’s inattention caused the collision at a Queens intersection.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on 44 Drive near Hunter Street in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when she was struck by a 2020 Toyota SUV traveling eastbound and making a left turn. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained abrasions to her elbow and lower arm and remained conscious after the collision. The report explicitly cites driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. The vehicle sustained no damage. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in intersections, where vulnerable pedestrians are at risk despite following crossing signals.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4753968 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

G train rolls again. After months of silence, trains run from Queens to Brooklyn. Riders endured shuttle buses, slow streets, no dedicated lanes. Council Member Restler praises upgrades, slams city for missing bus lanes. Modern signals promise speed, but funding future hangs in balance.

On September 3, 2024, the G train returned to full service after a summer shutdown for signal modernization. The $368 million project, led by the MTA, replaced century-old signals with Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC), aiming for faster, more reliable service. Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33) praised the MTA’s handling and shuttle bus communication but criticized the city for not creating dedicated bus lanes during the closure, saying, 'They expressed dismay, however, that the city had not constructed a dedicated lane so shuttle buses could move faster.' Restler called for renewed investment in the MTA, including the resumption of congestion pricing, to fund future upgrades. The project continues through 2027, but no more full shutdowns are planned. The lack of bus lanes during the outage left vulnerable riders exposed to slow, crowded streets.

• Back on track: G train returns to full service following summer shutdown, amny.com, Published 2024-09-03

State lawmakers cut funding. The MTA ends its free bus pilot. Ridership soared. Assaults on drivers fell. Assemblymember Mamdani pushed for more funding. The state said no. Riders and workers lose. The streets stay dangerous. The fight continues.

The MTA free bus pilot, funded by the state in 2023, ends August 31, 2024, after lawmakers dropped support in the latest budget. The pilot let riders skip fares on one route per borough. According to the bill summary, 'the program mainly benefitted existing riders.' Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, a strong proponent, pushed for more funding but faced MTA opposition. He said, 'When you see fare evasion at levels of 48%, that speaks to an economic issue where working-class New Yorkers are being priced out of public transit.' The pilot saw weekday ridership jump 35% and assaults on drivers drop 39% on free routes. Despite these gains, the state did not renew funding. Mamdani pledged to keep fighting for free bus service, as the MTA faces deeper funding woes.

• MTA free bus pilot ends on Sunday after state lawmakers nix funding, gothamist.com, Published 2024-08-31

SUV stopped on Queens Boulevard. Garbage truck struck from behind. Defective brakes and distraction listed. Woman driver hurt. Back pain and whiplash. Night crash. System failed her.

According to the police report, a crash occurred at 11:40 PM on Queens Boulevard near Jackson Avenue. An SUV, stopped in traffic, was struck in the rear by a garbage truck. The SUV driver, a 48-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. The report cites 'Brakes Defective' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The garbage truck sustained front-end damage. The system failed to prevent danger. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The victim was conscious and restrained. The crash highlights mechanical failure and driver error.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4751154 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: '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, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: '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, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

DOT cuts Bedford Slip’s car-free hours. The plaza, once open all week, will now close to cars only on weekends. Locals and advocates wanted more. Businesses pushed back. Most neighbors don’t own cars. The fight for safe space continues.

On August 13, 2024, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced it would end 24/7 pedestrianization of Bedford Slip in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The decision, not a council bill but a DOT action, follows a six-week trial during the G train shutdown. DOT will allow car-free hours only on weekends from late September through year’s end. The matter summary: 'DOT Rejects 24-7 Open Street for ‘Bedford Slip,’ Preferring Weekend-Only Hours.' Council Member Lincoln Restler, State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, and Rep. Nydia Velázquez supported a permanent plaza. Katie Denny Horowitz of the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance vowed to keep pushing for full-time closure. DOT spokeswoman Mona Bruno said the agency is working with residents on a long-term vision. Most local households rely on transit, biking, or walking. The decision leaves vulnerable road users with less protection during the week.

• DOT Rejects 24-7 Open Street for ‘Bedford Slip,’ Preferring Weekend-Only Hours, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-13

A pick-up truck made an improper U-turn on Jackson Avenue, striking a southbound cyclist on the right side. The 40-year-old bicyclist suffered abdominal and pelvic abrasions but remained conscious. The truck showed no damage despite the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:45 on Jackson Avenue in Queens. A pick-up truck was making an improper U-turn when it collided with a cyclist traveling straight southbound. The point of impact was the cyclist's right side doors, causing abrasions to the cyclist's abdomen and pelvis. The bicyclist, a 40-year-old male, was injured but conscious and was not ejected from his bike. The truck sustained no damage to its front end. The report explicitly cites 'Turning Improperly' as the contributing factor, identifying the driver's error as the cause. The cyclist was not noted to have any contributing factors such as helmet use or crossing signals. The focus remains on the truck driver's failure to yield and execute a safe turn.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4748125 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A box truck making a right turn collided with a pickup truck passing southbound on the Long Island Expressway. The pickup driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely and improper lane usage as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:02 on the Long Island Expressway involving a GMC box truck making a right turn and a Ford pickup truck passing southbound. The pickup driver, a 42-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report identifies driver errors including "Following Too Closely" and "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" by the pickup driver. The box truck driver was making a right turn at the time of impact. Neither vehicle sustained damage, and no occupants were ejected. The collision's point of impact was the pickup's right front bumper and the box truck's left rear bumper. These factors highlight driver inattention and risky passing maneuvers as causes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4748121 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

North Brooklyn residents and lawmakers demand DOT keep Bedford Slip car-free. The plaza, born of subway repairs, became a haven for pedestrians. Over 3,100 back it. Officials urge permanence. Opponents’ safety fears never came true. The fight for public space continues.

On August 10, 2024, North Brooklynites rallied to keep the temporary pedestrian plaza at Bedford Slip, a half-block offshoot of Bedford Avenue north of Nassau Avenue, car-free. The Department of Transportation (DOT) had closed the street to traffic during G train repairs, but plans to reopen it to vehicles. The matter, described as a push to 'continue this vital public space project as a permanent fixture,' drew support from Rep. Nydia Velázquez and State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, who sent letters urging DOT to make the plaza permanent. Local organizations, businesses, and over 3,100 petitioners back the effort, citing increased community use and safety. Previous concerns about traffic and safety did not materialize. The plaza is part of a broader movement to reclaim streets for pedestrians in Greenpoint and Williamsburg.

• ‘Save the Slip’: North Brooklynites Urge DOT to Keep Temporary Plaza, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-10

A box truck making a left turn collided with a sedan traveling straight east on Jackson Avenue in Queens. The sedan driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and inexperience as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:20 on Jackson Avenue in Queens. A box truck was making a left turn when it collided with a sedan traveling straight ahead eastbound. The point of impact was the left front quarter panel of the sedan and the right front bumper of the truck. The sedan driver, a 41-year-old male, was injured with head trauma and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report identifies driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both vehicles, with additional driver inexperience noted for the sedan driver. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction and inexperience in multi-vehicle crashes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4746873 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan turning left struck a pedestrian crossing outside an intersection in Queens. The 29-year-old man suffered a fractured knee and lower leg. The driver’s improper turning caused the collision, leaving the victim injured but conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 2018 Alfa sedan driven by a licensed female driver from New Jersey was making a left turn on Jackson Avenue in Queens at 9:38 p.m. The vehicle struck a 29-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal. The point of impact was the center front end of the sedan. The pedestrian sustained a severe injury described as a fracture, distortion, and dislocation to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report explicitly cites "Turning Improperly" as the contributing factor to the crash. No damage was reported to the vehicle, and the pedestrian was conscious after the impact. The data does not list any pedestrian errors contributing to the crash, focusing the cause on the driver’s failure to execute a proper turn.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4742262 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 4-year-old boy was injured crossing 9 Street in Queens when a southbound taxi struck him at the center front end. The child suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries. The taxi driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at impact.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling south on 9 Street struck a 4-year-old pedestrian who was crossing the street outside of an intersection or crosswalk. The child sustained abrasions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity level of 3. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead at the time of impact, with the point of impact at the center front end of the vehicle. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, only noting 'Unspecified' for pedestrian contributing factors. The taxi sustained no damage. This crash highlights the dangers posed by vehicles to young pedestrians crossing mid-block, emphasizing driver responsibility in urban environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4738467 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A moped turned right, striking a bicycle from behind on Queens Boulevard. A GMC SUV then hit a 36-year-old pedestrian head-on, crushing his lower body. Both drivers failed to yield right-of-way, causing chaos at the intersection.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at Queens Boulevard and Jackson Avenue in Queens around 19:43. A moped was making a right turn and struck a bicycle from behind, damaging the moped's left side doors and the bike's center back end. Subsequently, a GMC SUV traveling straight ahead struck a 36-year-old pedestrian head-on, causing contusions and crush injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor for both the moped and SUV drivers. Additionally, the pedestrian was noted for 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly,' while the bicyclist was cited for 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded.' The sequence highlights systemic dangers when multiple drivers fail to yield at busy intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4739338 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Queens residents gathered under the 7 train. They blasted Governor Hochul’s sudden halt of congestion pricing. Protesters called it a betrayal of millions who rely on transit. Anger burned over lost upgrades, broken promises, and a system that favors drivers over straphangers.

On June 11, 2024, three dozen Queens residents rallied against Governor Hochul’s last-minute decision to pause congestion pricing. The protest, organized by Laura Shepard of Transportation Alternatives, took place under the 7 train. Jaqi Cohen of Tri-State Transportation Campaign declared, “She can't ignore the needs of New York's eight million transit riders.” Restaurant owner Michael Fuquay said, “You want to know how my employees get to work? They walk, they bike, they take the bus.” State Assembly candidate Claire Valdez called the move “a slap in the face to millions who use public transit.” The MTA’s capital plan, including long-awaited elevator upgrades at 46 St-Bliss St and 33 St-Rawson, now hangs in the balance. Protesters condemned the governor’s action as a blow to vulnerable New Yorkers who depend on safe, reliable transit.

• Queens Residents Rally Against Hochul’s Congestion Pricing Flip Flop, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-11

A bus traveling east on 23 Street collided with a southbound bicyclist. The cyclist suffered injuries to his entire body but remained conscious. The crash resulted from driver inattention and distraction, highlighting dangerous lapses in vehicle operation.

According to the police report, a bus driven by a licensed male operator was traveling straight ahead eastbound on 23 Street when it struck a bicyclist moving southbound. The point of impact was the bus's left front bumper and the bike's center front end. The bicyclist, a 31-year-old male, was injured across his entire body but was conscious and not ejected from his bike. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor twice, indicating the bus driver’s failure to maintain proper attention. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment, but no contributing factors related to the victim were listed. This crash underscores the systemic danger posed by distracted driving in interactions with vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731597 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07