Red Lights Run, Childhood Stolen—Demand Safe Streets Now

Twenty-two construction workers died last year in New York City. Lawmakers passed Carlos' Law, raising fines for negligent companies to $500,000. State Sen. Jessica Ramos calls it vital as migrants fill non-union jobs. Advocates warn: enforcement and worker awareness still lag.

Carlos' Law, passed in early 2023, raises the maximum penalty for construction companies convicted of criminal negligence leading to worker injury or death from $10,000 to $500,000. The law, named after Carlos Moncayo, aims to curb a surge in construction worker deaths—22 in the past year, the highest in five years. State Sen. Jessica Ramos, representing District 13, called the law 'critically needed' as thousands of migrants enter non-union construction jobs lacking basic safety protections. Ramos and other lawmakers supported the bill, but advocates and union officials warn that without strong enforcement and education for new arrivals, deaths and injuries will persist. The law passed after years of advocacy, but the minimum fine was removed, and nonprofits struggle to train the influx of new workers. As Ramos said, 'Behind every worker is a family expecting them to return home.'

• Construction worker deaths reach 5-year high as lawmakers seek to hold companies responsible, gothamist.com, Published 2023-01-22

A 70-year-old woman was struck by a sedan making a right turn on 76 Street in Queens. She was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The impact fractured her knee and lower leg. She remained conscious after the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on 76 Street was making a right turn when it struck a 70-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The point of impact was the sedan's left front bumper. No specific driver errors were listed in the contributing factors. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision and sustained serious lower limb injuries. The report does not indicate any helmet use or signaling issues related to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4600778 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Assembly bill A 1280 pushes for streets built for all. Dozens of lawmakers back the plan. The bill demands roads that protect walkers, cyclists, and riders. It calls for design, not luck, to keep people safe.

Assembly bill A 1280, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 13, 2023, the bill sits with the Assembly. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 70 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Kenny Burgos, and Catalina Cruz. Their action signals strong legislative momentum. The bill’s focus: force planners to build streets for people, not just cars. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear—systemic change for vulnerable road users. The bill’s progress can be tracked at the New York Assembly website.

• File A 1280, Open States, Published 2023-01-13

A 67-year-old man driving a 2019 Chevrolet sedan was injured in Queens. The sedan hit the left side doors of a parked 2015 Ford. The driver suffered back injuries but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a 67-year-old male driver in a 2019 Chevrolet sedan traveling south struck the left side doors of a 2015 Ford that was starting from parking. The impact caused damage to the sedan's left front quarter panel and the Ford's right front bumper. The driver was injured in the back and reported internal complaints but remained conscious and was not ejected. He was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any clear driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4597618 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Subway stations in outer boroughs roar back. Over 20 surpass 2019 numbers. Riders are workers, immigrants, people of color. MTA tweaks service—adds some, cuts some. Waits grow. Calls mount for more funding. Riders need frequent trains. Lives depend on it.

On January 10, 2023, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli reported that more than 20 New York City subway stations exceeded pre-pandemic ridership in December 2022. The recovery, strongest in outer boroughs and Upper Manhattan, highlights the reliance of working-class, immigrant, and communities of color on transit. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber said, 'these New Yorkers deserve the same frequent, safe reliable service that they've come to depend on over time.' State Sen. Jessica Ramos, representing the 7 train corridor, demanded state funding for six-minute off-peak service, noting, 'my neighbors are the ones who do work that they can't do from home.' The MTA has made service adjustments—some lines see more weekend trains, but peak service is trimmed, leading to longer waits. As total ridership lags, agency leaders and advocates warn that cuts hit those who need transit most. The fight for reliable, frequent service continues.

• More Than 20 Subway Stations Exceeded Pre-Pandemic Ridership Figures in December, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-10

Fans told Mets owner Steve Cohen they want safe ways to reach Citi Field. They called for protected bike lanes and better pedestrian routes. Cars came last. State Sen. Ramos demanded urgent action. The message was clear: fix deadly streets, not parking lots.

On January 9, 2023, Mets owner Steve Cohen hosted a public consultation on transportation at Citi Field. Attendees demanded safer biking and walking routes, saying, "There's really no segregated [bike] lane, so that would be the main thing." State Sen. Jessica Ramos pressed for immediate bike lanes, stressing, "We need bike lanes yesterday." The event, described as a first step in listening to community priorities, showed strong opposition to car-centric infrastructure. Multiple participants left notes calling for protected bike lanes. The session highlighted the urgent need to address dangerous conditions for pedestrians and cyclists around the stadium, with fans and officials united in demanding safer, more sustainable access.

• Fans to Mets Owner: We Don’t Want to Drive to Citi Field, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-09

A bus and an e-scooter clashed near 25-39 72nd Street. The scooter tried to pass. Metal struck. A 31-year-old woman hit head-first. Blood marked the street. She stayed conscious. Passing went wrong. The city counted another wound.

A bus and an e-scooter collided near 25-39 72nd Street in Queens. The e-scooter, operated by a 31-year-old woman, attempted to pass the bus. According to the police report, 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' was a contributing factor. The front end of the e-scooter struck, causing the rider to hit head-first and suffer severe head lacerations. She remained conscious at the scene. The bus carried two occupants, both uninjured. The report notes the e-scooter rider was not wearing a helmet, but only after citing improper lane usage as the primary factor. The crash left the street marked by blood and silence.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4605600 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A moped hit a Mercedes on 75th Street and 32nd Avenue. The rider, helmetless, struck headfirst and died on the cold asphalt. Both drivers ignored traffic control. The sedan driver survived. The street stayed silent under Queens’ night sky.

A deadly collision unfolded at the corner of 75th Street and 32nd Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, a moped slammed into the side of a southbound Mercedes. The 31-year-old moped rider, not wearing a helmet, struck headfirst and died at the scene. The sedan driver was not reported injured. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor for both drivers. Both vehicles were going straight ahead before the crash. The rider’s lack of helmet is noted, but the primary cause remains the failure to obey traffic controls. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4594841 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

An unlicensed SUV driver crashed into a stopped bus on 78 Street. The SUV driver suffered neck injuries. Police cite driver inattention. The bus driver was not hurt. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a 49-year-old unlicensed man driving an SUV struck the right rear bumper of a stopped bus on 78 Street near Northern Boulevard in Queens. The SUV driver was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash, but remained conscious. The bus, occupied only by its licensed male driver, was stopped in traffic and the driver was not hurt. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The SUV was traveling straight ahead when it hit the bus. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4594397 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A box truck driver injured his knee and lower leg in a crash on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The truck hit head-on. Slippery pavement and alcohol involvement contributed. The driver was restrained and not ejected. Two occupants were in the vehicle.

According to the police report, a 25-year-old male box truck driver was injured in a crash on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway in Queens. The truck collided front-center while traveling east. The driver suffered contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists slippery pavement and alcohol involvement as contributing factors. The driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The vehicle had two occupants. The crash highlights the dangers of impaired driving combined with hazardous road conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4590343 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A 44-year-old man was hit while crossing a marked crosswalk in Queens. The sedan struck him head-on, causing back injuries and bruising. The driver was inattentive and inexperienced. The pedestrian remained conscious after the impact.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing a marked crosswalk at 35-59 69 Street in Queens. The sedan, traveling north and going straight ahead, struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The pedestrian suffered back contusions and bruises but remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention and driver inexperience as contributing factors. No other contributing factors such as pedestrian error or safety equipment were noted. The collision caused damage to the front center of the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4592132 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Council Member Krishnan pushes a bill to cut parks project delays by a quarter. Bike and pedestrian greenways like Ocean Parkway wait years for repairs. The bill demands speed and transparency. Parks officials admit the need. The mayor’s task force circles.

On December 8, 2022, Council Member Shekar Krishnan (District 25) introduced a legislative proposal targeting the Parks Department’s long project timelines. The bill, now before the Council, calls for a 25 percent reduction in capital project durations and greater transparency through improved online tracking. Krishnan said, “The infrastructure projects, the transportation and green space projects, need to be progressing at a much much faster rate.” The bill responds to years-long delays on projects like the Ocean Parkway greenway. Parks officials acknowledge the problem and welcome collaboration. The mayor’s task force also seeks capital process reform, including design-build contracts and standardized approvals. The proposal aims to speed up critical repairs for pedestrians and cyclists, demanding accountability from city agencies.

• Council Wants to Speed Up Parks Projects (Like Those Much-Delayed Greenways!), streetsblog.org, Published 2022-12-08

Council Member Krishnan pushes bills to cut Parks project delays by a quarter. Bike and pedestrian paths rot while repairs stall for years. Lawmakers demand answers. The city’s oldest greenways stay cracked. Cyclists and walkers wait. Danger lingers.

On December 8, 2022, Council Member Shekar Krishnan introduced legislation targeting the Parks Department’s slow capital project timelines. The bills, discussed at an oversight hearing, would force Parks to devise a plan by December 1, 2023, to reduce project durations by 25 percent and improve online transparency about delays and costs. Krishnan said, “The infrastructure projects, the transportation and green space projects, need to be progressing at a much much faster rate.” The legislation responds to years-long delays on vital bike and pedestrian greenways, like Ocean Parkway, where repairs have lagged since 2019. Parks officials blame pandemic pauses and contractor reviews. The bills aim to end the cycle of neglect that leaves vulnerable road users at risk on crumbling paths. Parks spokesperson Meghan Lalor said the agency is open to working with the Council on reforms.

• Council Wants to Speed Up Parks Projects (Like Those Much-Delayed Greenways!), Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-12-08

A drunk driver killed a scooter rider on 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights. The driver stayed at the scene and was arrested. Local officials mourned the loss. The deadly corridor has seen little change despite repeated deaths. The toll mounts. Streets stay dangerous.

On November 27, 2022, State Senator Jessica Ramos responded to a fatal crash in Council District 13. The incident occurred when a drunk driver struck and killed a scooter rider on 37th Avenue, a Vision Zero priority corridor in Queens. The official matter summary reads: 'Alleged Queens drunk driver in custody after fatal collision with scooter rider.' Ramos urged residents, 'Please do your part to keep our neighbors safe,' and condemned drunk driving. Councilmember Shekar Krishnan called the death 'senseless.' Despite five pedestrian deaths on this stretch in the past decade, major safety improvements have not been made. Ramos’s statement highlights the ongoing danger for vulnerable road users and the city’s failure to fix deadly streets.

• Alleged Queens drunk driver in custody after fatal collision with scooter rider, amny.com, Published 2022-11-27

A drunk driver killed a scooter rider on 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights. The driver stayed at the scene and was arrested. Local officials mourned the loss. The deadly corridor has seen little change despite repeated deaths. The toll mounts. Streets stay dangerous.

On November 27, 2022, State Senator Jessica Ramos responded to a fatal crash in Council District 13. The incident occurred when a drunk driver struck and killed a scooter rider on 37th Avenue, a Vision Zero priority corridor in Queens. The official matter summary reads: 'Alleged Queens drunk driver in custody after fatal collision with scooter rider.' Ramos urged residents, 'Please do your part to keep our neighbors safe,' and condemned drunk driving. Councilmember Shekar Krishnan called the death 'senseless.' Despite five pedestrian deaths on this stretch in the past decade, major safety improvements have not been made. Ramos’s statement highlights the ongoing danger for vulnerable road users and the city’s failure to fix deadly streets.

• Alleged Queens drunk driver in custody after fatal collision with scooter rider, amny.com, Published 2022-11-27

A motorscooter struck a sedan’s side at 37th Avenue and 82nd Street. The unlicensed rider, without a helmet, was ejected and died on the pavement. Both drivers lacked licenses. Alcohol played a role. The street stayed cold. The loss was final.

A deadly crash unfolded at the corner of 37th Avenue and 82nd Street in Queens. According to the police report, a motorscooter slammed into the side of a sedan. The rider, unlicensed and helmetless, was ejected and died from head injuries. The sedan’s driver was also unlicensed. The report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors. No injuries were reported for the sedan’s occupants. The data highlights systemic failures: unlicensed operation, alcohol, and lack of protective equipment. The police report states, 'He died there, alone, on the cold Queens asphalt.'

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4584694 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A sedan struck a bicyclist traveling east on 34 Road near Junction Boulevard. The 33-year-old cyclist suffered bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The driver showed signs of inattention or distraction at the time of impact.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 34 Road collided with a bicyclist going straight ahead eastbound. The bicyclist, a 33-year-old man, was injured with contusions and bruises to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. The cyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The sedan's right front bumper and the bike's center front end were damaged. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4582949 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A sedan struck a parked vehicle on 32 Avenue in Queens. The driver, a 29-year-old man, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inexperience as a contributing factor. The impact damaged the center back end of the parked car.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 32 Avenue rear-ended a parked GMC sedan. The driver of the moving vehicle, a 29-year-old male occupant, sustained neck injuries and complained of whiplash. The report lists driver inexperience as a contributing factor to the crash. The point of impact was the center back end of the parked vehicle, causing damage there. No other injuries or contributing factors were noted. The driver was conscious and not ejected. The report does not indicate any fault or blame toward the injured driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4580998 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Queens Community Board 2 voted to block a new SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard. Local leaders demand housing, not more cars. They cite danger, pollution, and reckless driving. Council Member Julie Won and Assembly Member González-Rojas back the board. The fight moves to City Planning.

On November 7, 2022, Queens Community Board 2 passed a resolution rejecting a rezoning application for a Lincoln SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard, Woodside. The matter, described as a call for a moratorium on car-related development, pits housing needs against car infrastructure. Council Member Julie Won supported the board, stating, "It should be a neighborhood rezoning instead of spot rezoning... we need to make it safer and more liveable." Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas also opposed the dealership, urging the space be used for affordable housing and highlighting dangerous driving by existing dealerships. Despite Borough President Donovan Richards' support for the rezoning, citing cycling and EV promotion, the application faces strong local resistance. The City Planning Commission now reviews the case, with a City Council vote possible. The board and electeds argue more cars mean more risk for pedestrians and cyclists on a deadly stretch.

• Woodside Wants Housing, But It’s Likely to Get More SUVs, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-07

Councilmember Joann Ariola claimed open streets, bike lanes, and traffic islands slow emergency vehicles. She blamed street safety measures for longer fire response times. FDNY officials disagreed, citing traffic volume. The debate exposes tension between safety for walkers and emergency access.

On November 5, 2022, the NYC Council debated street design and emergency response. The discussion, reported by nypost.com, focused on rising fire deaths and slower FDNY response times. The matter summary reads: 'Rising NYC fire deaths, response times blamed on traffic measures.' Councilmember Joann Ariola (District 32) argued that open street programs, bike lanes, and traffic islands hinder emergency vehicles, especially when illegal parking blocks access. She called for better enforcement. Other voices, including union leaders, echoed her concerns. However, Councilmember Shekar Krishnan defended new street designs, stating they were built with emergency input. The Department of Transportation said all projects include emergency routes and are monitored. FDNY officials attributed delays to increased post-pandemic traffic, not street safety measures. The debate highlights the ongoing conflict between car-free streets for vulnerable users and emergency vehicle access.

• Rising NYC fire deaths, response times blamed on traffic measures, nypost.com, Published 2022-11-05