Red Lights Run, Childhood Stolen—Demand Safe Streets Now

A young moped rider slammed into a parked car, then crashed head-on into a Volvo. He flew from the wreck, struck the pavement, and bled from the head. He lay unconscious as dawn broke on 35th Avenue.

A 20-year-old moped rider suffered severe head injuries after a violent crash on 35th Avenue near 83rd Street in Queens. According to the police report, the moped first struck a parked Ford sedan, then collided head-on with a Volvo. The rider was ejected from his vehicle, landing unconscious and bleeding from the head. The report lists his helmet status as unknown. The moped was described as 'demolished.' The Volvo involved was driven by an unlicensed operator, according to the police report. No contributing factors beyond 'unspecified' were cited in the report. The crash underscores the lethal risks faced by vulnerable road users amid systemic dangers on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727580 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Metal screamed at 88th and 35th. A chassis cab, distracted, slammed into a sedan’s rear. A 72-year-old woman, alone, belted, conscious, lost a limb. The belt held. Distraction shattered. The street bore witness to another preventable wound.

A violent collision unfolded at the corner of 88th Street and 35th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, a chassis cab traveling west struck the rear quarter panel of a southbound sedan. The impact tore metal and left a 72-year-old woman, the sedan’s sole occupant, with an amputation injury. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. The police report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The driver of the chassis cab failed to maintain focus, resulting in catastrophic harm to the sedan’s occupant. No evidence in the report attributes any contributing actions to the victim; the only cited factor is the inattention of the chassis cab driver. The crash underscores the systemic danger posed by distracted driving on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728430 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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

Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.

On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.

• Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins, nypost.com, Published 2024-05-16

Council moves to light up step streets. At least 25 stairways each year will get new lamps. Dark paths become visible. Pedestrians gain ground. Shadows shrink. Danger loses its cover.

Int 0875-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on May 16, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the installation of pedestrian lighting on step streets.' Prime sponsor Joann Ariola, joined by sixteen co-sponsors, pushes for at least 25 step streets to be lit each year until all are covered. Step streets are open-air staircases linking streets at different heights. The bill aims to strip darkness from these paths, making them safer for people on foot. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0875-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

A sedan struck a cyclist on 84 Street in Queens. The rider suffered bruises and leg injuries. Both moved south. Impact hit the sedan’s left side and the bike’s front. Confusion marked the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan and a bicycle collided at 18:27 on 84 Street near 37 Avenue in Queens. Both vehicles traveled south. The sedan’s left side doors and the bike’s center front end took the hit. The 56-year-old male cyclist was injured with contusions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He remained conscious and was not ejected. The police report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as the only contributing factor. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were cited. The cyclist wore no safety equipment. The sedan carried two occupants and the driver held a valid New York license.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4724343 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 17-year-old motorcycle driver was ejected and injured after a collision with a sedan on 30 Avenue in Queens. The crash involved failure to yield and disregarded traffic control, causing severe abrasions and full-body injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 20:38 on 30 Avenue in Queens involving a 2022 ZNEN motorcycle and a 2006 Hyundai sedan. The motorcycle driver, a 17-year-old male, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained abrasions and injuries to his entire body. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors, indicating driver errors by the motorcycle operator. The sedan driver, a licensed female from New York, was traveling south while the motorcycle was going west. Impact occurred at the left front bumper of the motorcycle and the left front quarter panel of the sedan. The motorcycle driver was conscious but injured, with no safety equipment noted. The collision highlights critical driver mistakes leading to severe injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4724318 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

New York City can cut speed limits to 20 mph this summer. Council members and advocates demand urgency. The mayor and DOT hesitate. Traffic deaths mount. The city faces a choice: act fast or let danger linger on its streets.

On May 3, 2024, the City Council debated a new policy allowing New York City to lower speed limits from 25 mph to 20 mph on most streets, following a recent state budget measure. The measure, discussed in committee, requires a Council vote for citywide changes and a six-month warning period for drivers. Kamillah Hanks (District 49) was mentioned in the debate. Assemblymember Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas stressed urgency, citing recent deaths. Brooklyn Councilmember Lincoln Restler pledged to push the measure forward. Advocates like Transportation Alternatives called for a citywide approach, not piecemeal action. The Department of Transportation thanked lawmakers but did not commit to a timeline. The debate highlights the tension between urgent safety needs and political delays. Vulnerable road users remain at risk until the city acts.

• NYC can reduce speed limits this summer, but is Mayor Adams ready?, gothamist.com, Published 2024-05-03

A motorcycle traveling west struck a sedan making a left turn eastbound on 30 Avenue in Queens. The motorcycle driver, unlicensed and speeding, was ejected and suffered severe leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention and unsafe speed as causes.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:57 on 30 Avenue in Queens. A 24-year-old male motorcycle driver, unlicensed and traveling west, collided with an eastbound sedan making a left turn. The motorcycle struck the sedan's right front bumper with its center front end. The motorcycle driver was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors attributed to the motorcycle driver. The sedan driver held a permit license, and the motorcycle driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness. The injuries were severe, classified as injury severity 3, emphasizing the impact of driver errors in this collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721634 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 28-year-old male bicyclist suffered a hip and upper leg contusion after a collision with a parked 2012 Honda SUV on Junction Boulevard in Queens. The crash involved driver inattention and improper lane usage during a passing maneuver.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:05 on Junction Boulevard in Queens. A 28-year-old male bicyclist was injured with contusions to his hip and upper leg after colliding with the right side doors of a parked 2012 Honda SUV. The bicyclist was traveling south and was passing the parked vehicle when the impact occurred on the left side doors of his bike. The report cites driver errors including "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as contributing factors. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected, and no safety equipment was noted. The data highlights the dangers posed by driver inattention and improper passing maneuvers in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717927 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 12-year-old boy suffered bruises and arm injuries after an unlicensed SUV driver distracted by passengers made a right turn and hit him at an intersection. The child was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred.

According to the police report, a 12-year-old pedestrian was injured at an intersection on Junction Boulevard at 8:14 AM. The child was crossing with the signal when a 2017 Honda SUV, traveling north and making a right turn, struck him with its right front bumper. The driver, a female, was unlicensed and distracted by passengers, contributing to the crash. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but remained conscious. Vehicle damage was noted on the left front bumper. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. No fault or blame is assigned to the pedestrian, who was lawfully crossing with the signal.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718073 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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 sedan struck a 46-year-old woman crossing 70 Street at 32 Avenue. She suffered fractured and dislocated leg injuries. Police cite driver inattention and inexperience as causes.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast on 70 Street hit a 46-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection with 32 Avenue in Queens at 3:20 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the car struck her with its right front bumper. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The woman sustained a fracture, distortion, and dislocation to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity level 3. The driver was going straight ahead before the crash. This collision shows the danger posed by distracted and inexperienced drivers to people crossing legally.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715057 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

An unlicensed female e-scooter driver was ejected and suffered a fractured elbow after colliding with a parked SUV on 37 Avenue. The SUV sustained left side damage. The crash exposed risks from unlicensed operators and stationary vehicles.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old female e-scooter driver, unlicensed and without safety equipment, was traveling westbound on 37 Avenue when she collided with a parked 2012 Ford SUV. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the e-scooter striking the left side doors of the SUV. The e-scooter driver was ejected from her vehicle and sustained a fracture and dislocation to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, injuries classified as severe. The SUV driver was licensed and stationary at the time of the crash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the e-scooter driver's unlicensed status and the presence of a parked vehicle as key elements. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. This incident underscores the dangers posed by unlicensed operators and collisions involving parked vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715160 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Two passengers suffered concussions and injuries in a Queens crash involving SUVs. The collision at 37 Avenue resulted from unsafe lane changing and other vehicular errors. Both injured occupants were restrained but sustained head and leg injuries.

At 13:16 in Queens on 37 Avenue, a collision between two SUVs injured two passengers, according to the police report. The report cites "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Other Vehicular" factors as contributing causes. One injured passenger, a 44-year-old woman seated in the middle front seat, suffered a head injury and concussion despite wearing a lap belt and harness. Another passenger, a 20-year-old man in the middle rear seat, sustained knee, lower leg, and foot injuries along with a concussion, also while restrained. The report notes the drivers were traveling straight ahead before impact, with damage to the left rear quarter panel of one SUV and the left front quarter panel of the other. One driver was licensed in New York, the other unlicensed. The collision highlights driver errors and unsafe lane changes as the primary causes of injury, with no victim fault indicated.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713517 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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

A 73-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by a sedan making a right turn in Queens. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and turned improperly. The pedestrian suffered serious arm injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, at 10:16 AM in Queens, a sedan traveling east on 82 Street made a right turn and struck a 73-year-old female pedestrian crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian was injured in the elbow, lower arm, and hand, sustaining internal complaints but remained conscious. The report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and improper turning as contributing factors. The vehicle’s point of impact was the left front bumper. The driver was licensed and operating a 2003 Toyota sedan alone. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. This crash highlights driver errors in yielding and turning that endangered a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4711388 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-03-20

A pickup driver with a record killed an 8-year-old in Queens. He pleaded not guilty. The court let him keep his license. He still drives. The boy’s family mourns. Politicians and advocates demand action. Streets stay deadly. Children pay the price.

On March 18, 2024, Jose Barcia, a pickup truck owner with a long history of unlicensed driving, pleaded not guilty to criminally negligent homicide after fatally striking 8-year-old Bayron Palomino Arroyo and injuring his brother in Queens. At arraignment, Barcia was released without surrendering his license. The Queens District Attorney’s office did not seek revocation. State Sen. Jessica Ramos led a rally, citing 'reckless drivers who refuse to yield to pedestrians' and called for stronger pedestrian safety, saying, 'driving is a privilege that can, and should be, taken away.' Adam White, a lawyer for crash victims, said the DA should have insisted Barcia not drive. The rally highlighted rising road deaths—48 killed citywide in early 2024—and called out the city’s failure to protect its most vulnerable. Vision Zero’s mission, Ramos argued, has been 'desecrated.'

• Driver Who Cops Say Killed Queens Boy is Still on the Road After Not Guilty Plea, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-18

A pickup driver killed an 8-year-old and injured his brother on 100th Street. The driver rushed a left turn, trying to beat traffic. Charges followed. State Sen. Ramos called for speed limits, fewer cars, and safer streets. The avenue is a known danger.

On March 13, 2024, in East Elmhurst, Queens, a pickup truck driver killed 8-year-old Bayron Palomino Arroyo and injured his 10-year-old brother as they crossed 100th Street. The driver, Jose Barcia, rushed a left turn from 31st Avenue and struck the children, according to NYPD Chief of Transportation Philip Rivera. Barcia faces charges of criminally negligent homicide, failure to yield, failure to exercise due care, and speeding. State Senator Jessica Ramos responded, calling for passage of 'Sammy's Law' to let the city set its own speed limits. Ramos said, 'I fight so hard for improved public transit because there are too many cars on the road, particularly SUVs and pickup trucks that do not allow for full visibility in city streets.' She urged fewer cars, especially large vehicles, and stressed the need for pedestrian safety in the budget. 31st Avenue, where the crash happened, saw 74 crashes and 47 injuries last year, far more than nearby, mostly car-free 34th Avenue.

• HORROR IN QUEENS: Child Killed, Another Injured by Reckless Driver, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-13