Eight Dead in Elmhurst—How Many More Before City Hall Acts?

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

A dump truck, turning right at 57th Avenue and 80th Street, struck a 43-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She died there, morning light on the asphalt. The truck showed no damage. The driver failed to yield. The city grieves.

According to the police report, a 43-year-old woman was killed at the corner of 57th Avenue and 80th Street in Queens. She was crossing with the signal when a southbound dump truck, making a right turn, struck her. The report states the truck showed no damage. The woman died at the scene. The police report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor, underscoring the driver's responsibility in the collision. The vehicle involved was a large Ford dump truck, classified as an oversized vehicle, which the report also lists as a contributing factor. The victim's behavior—crossing with the signal—is noted in the report, but only after the driver's errors. The impact, the loss, and the systemic risk posed by oversized vehicles remain clear.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709152 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

Lawmakers push $90 million for faster, freer buses. The plan boosts service and expands free routes. Riders win more access. The bill also funds rail links and fare breaks for low-income, seniors, and disabled. Enforcement on tolls gets softer. Streets shift for people.

On March 12, 2024, state lawmakers released a budget proposal targeting New York City transit. The bill, led by Andrea Stewart-Cousins and mentioned in the Assembly and Senate one-house budgets, calls for $90 million to increase bus frequency and expand the MTA's free bus pilot. The matter summary states: 'State lawmakers proposed spending $90 million this year to improve bus service frequency and expand the scope of the MTA's free bus pilot.' The proposal, supported by Sen. Michael Gianaris and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, also adopts the FARES Act, extending half-price MetroCards to commuter rail, and funds new discounts for seniors and people with disabilities. Lawmakers back the QueensLink rail project and recommend subway improvements. They reject tougher toll enforcement, instead supporting the Toll Payer Protection Act. The plan aims to make transit faster, cheaper, and more accessible for millions of riders.

• State lawmakers propose $90 million for more frequent buses, fare-free pilot in budget response, amny.com, Published 2024-03-12

Albany lawmakers want more buses and cheaper fares. They propose $90 million for frequent service and 15 new free routes. The plan targets gridlock and aims to boost ridership before congestion pricing hits. Riders in every borough stand to gain.

Bill proposals in the New York State Assembly and Senate, introduced in February 2024 by State Sen. Michael Gianaris and Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, seek $90 million for increased bus service and 15 more free bus routes. These measures, part of the 'Get Congestion Pricing Right' package, appear in both houses’ 'one-house' budgets as of March 12, 2024. The matter summary states: 'City buses would run more frequently under new proposals from state legislators in Albany, who included increased bus services and new fare discounts in budget proposals.' Mamdani and Gianaris led the push, citing the need for better transit before congestion pricing launches this summer. Their plan includes expanded Fair Fares, new discounts for seniors and disabled riders, and a weekly CityTicket for unlimited intracity rail travel. Advocates and lawmakers argue these steps are critical for equity and access, especially as the city prepares to charge drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street. The proposals now enter negotiations with Governor Hochul.

• Legislators Propose More Bus Service, Transit Discounts In State Budget Negotiations, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-12

Two men in a sedan suffered neck injuries on 86 Street near Roosevelt Avenue. A van struck the car. Police cite driver inattention and improper lane use. Both passengers were conscious. Metal and glass did not yield.

According to the police report, a sedan and a van collided on 86 Street near Roosevelt Avenue in Queens at 13:49. The sedan was entering a parked position when the van, traveling east, struck it. The impact hit the sedan's left front and the van's right front. Two male passengers in the sedan, ages 32 and 39, suffered neck injuries described as whiplash. Both were conscious and wore lap belts and harnesses. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as contributing factors. These driver errors led to the crash and the injuries sustained by the passengers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4710341 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

An SUV making a left turn struck a bicyclist traveling east on Roosevelt Avenue. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries, sustaining contusions. Police cited improper lane usage by the SUV driver as a contributing factor in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Roosevelt Avenue at 14:30. A 2023 SUV, traveling northwest and making a left turn, collided with a bicyclist traveling eastbound. The point of impact was the SUV's left front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 56-year-old male, was injured with contusions and trauma to the knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious and was not ejected. The police report identifies the SUV driver's error as "Passing or Lane Usage Improper," indicating a failure to yield or misjudgment during the turn. There were no contributing factors listed for the bicyclist. Vehicle damage was limited to the SUV's left front quarter panel, and the bike showed no damage. The report focuses on the driver's improper lane use as the cause of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707959 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

Council wants every e-bike and scooter tagged and tracked. Plates on wheels. Riders face new rules. Lawmakers say it’s about order. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait.

Int 0606-2024 was introduced on March 7, 2024, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring that every bicycle with electric assist, electric scooter and other legal motorized vehicle be licensed and registered," would force all e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles not covered by DMV rules to register with DOT and display visible plates. Council Member Inna Vernikov is the primary sponsor, joined by 26 co-sponsors including Holden, Farías, Riley, and others. The bill was laid over in committee and has not advanced. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• File Int 0606-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

An SUV traveling north struck an eastbound e-bike making a left turn on Junction Boulevard. The e-bike rider suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Impact occurred on the bike’s right side and the SUV’s left front bumper, causing bruising and contusions.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 4:15 on Junction Boulevard. The e-bike rider, a 40-year-old male, was making a left turn traveling east when the SUV, moving straight ahead northbound, collided with the right side doors of the e-bike. The SUV sustained damage to its left front bumper. The bicyclist was injured with contusions and bruises to the knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists no specific contributing factors but highlights the collision occurred during the e-bike’s left turn and the SUV’s straight travel, indicating a failure to yield or improper turn by the SUV driver as the likely cause. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707215 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-12

Lawmakers push to triple fare-free bus lines. Fifteen routes, more buses, faster rides. Focus on low-income neighborhoods. The move aims to shift New Yorkers from cars to transit. Congestion pricing looms. Riders want speed, reliability, and access.

Senator Michael Gianaris introduced the 'Congestion Pricing Done Right' bill on March 4, 2024. The bill, now before the legislature, seeks to expand New York City's fare-free bus pilot from five to fifteen lines, with three in each borough. The measure promises $45 million for better bus reliability and frequency, targeting low-income and disadvantaged communities. The bill summary states: 'expand and extend New York City's fare-free bus pilot program.' Gianaris, as sponsor, aims to boost mass transit before congestion pricing takes effect. Supporters, including Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, Riders Alliance, and the Transport Workers Union, stress that affordable, frequent buses are vital for safety and equity. MTA Chair Janno Lieber backs more service but warns that bus lanes lag behind. The bill focuses on routes that can handle more buses without new infrastructure, aiming to make public transit a real alternative to cars.

• More free rides? State lawmakers look to triple size of NYC fare-free bus pilot, increase frequency ahead of congestion pricing, amny.com, Published 2024-03-04

Council eyes bigger NYPD tow pounds. Bill demands enough space to haul away law-breaking cars. Public reports would track towing. Committee shelves action. Streets wait.

Int 0179-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Public Safety, would require the NYPD to run tow pounds with enough capacity to deter illegal driving. The bill, introduced February 28, 2024, and discussed again on April 28, 2025, reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to police department tow pound capacity.' Council Member Kamillah Hanks led as primary sponsor, joined by Feliz, Farías, Narcisse, Restler, Hudson, Louis, and Holden. The bill also calls for public reports on towing operations. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users.

• File Int 0179-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council targets repair shops and rentals clogging city streets with business vehicles. Fines hit hard. Streets clear for people, not profit. Committee weighs next move.

Bill Int 0227-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after its introduction on February 28, 2024. The measure, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...prohibiting certain commercial establishments from parking vehicles on city streets,' cracks down on auto shops, rental businesses, and gas stations using public streets for business parking. Council Members Nantasha M. Williams (primary sponsor), Vickie Paladino, Erik D. Bottcher, and Robert F. Holden back the bill. Violators face $250–$400 daily fines and possible impoundment. The law aims to reclaim curb space for the public, not private fleets. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0227-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to stop drivers from hogging curb. No more saving spots with cars. No more leaving vehicles parked for weeks. Streets clear, rules tight. Holden leads the charge. Committee weighs the bill.

Bill Int 0223-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Robert F. Holden, it bans using a car to reserve a public parking space and blocks parking in one spot for over five days. The matter title: 'prohibiting the use of a vehicle to reserve a parking space and prohibiting the continuous parking of a vehicle in the same location for more than five consecutive days.' Holden sponsored the bill, now under committee review. The Department of Transportation must alert vehicle owners and stakeholders. No safety analyst has yet assessed the impact on pedestrians or cyclists.

• File Int 0223-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council wants DOT to check 100 speed camera spots a year for raised speed bumps. If possible, bumps go in within a year. DOT must track and report on driver behavior changes. No delay. No loopholes.

Int 0161-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Members Louis (primary), Carr, Ung, Holden, Ariola, Paladino, and Morano. The bill orders DOT to assess at least 100 speed camera locations each year for raised speed reducer feasibility. If feasible, DOT must install the bump within a year. The law demands annual reports on these checks and on shifts in dangerous driving at treated sites. The bill summary reads: 'requiring a raised speed reducer feasibility assessment at speed camera locations.' Council aims to force physical changes where cameras alone fail.

• File Int 0161-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to stop drivers from hogging curb. No more saving spots with cars. No more leaving vehicles parked for weeks. Streets clear, rules tight. Holden leads the charge. Committee weighs the bill.

Bill Int 0223-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Robert F. Holden, it bans using a car to reserve a public parking space and blocks parking in one spot for over five days. The matter title: 'prohibiting the use of a vehicle to reserve a parking space and prohibiting the continuous parking of a vehicle in the same location for more than five consecutive days.' Holden sponsored the bill, now under committee review. The Department of Transportation must alert vehicle owners and stakeholders. No safety analyst has yet assessed the impact on pedestrians or cyclists.

• File Int 0223-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to stop drivers from using cars as barricades. No more saving spots. No more leaving cars idle for days. Streets clear. Danger drops for those on foot and bike.

Bill Int 0223-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Robert F. Holden, it bans using vehicles to reserve parking and blocks cars from sitting in one spot over five days. The matter title reads: 'prohibiting the use of a vehicle to reserve a parking space and prohibiting the continuous parking of a vehicle in the same location for more than five consecutive days.' Holden sponsored the bill, which also requires DOT outreach to alert drivers and stakeholders. No votes yet. The bill aims to keep curb space moving and cut hazards for people outside cars.

• File Int 0223-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to stop drivers from using cars as barricades. No more saving spots. No more leaving cars idle for days. Streets clear. Danger drops for those on foot and bike.

Bill Int 0223-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Robert F. Holden, it bans using vehicles to reserve parking and blocks cars from sitting in one spot over five days. The matter title reads: 'prohibiting the use of a vehicle to reserve a parking space and prohibiting the continuous parking of a vehicle in the same location for more than five consecutive days.' Holden sponsored the bill, which also requires DOT outreach to alert drivers and stakeholders. No votes yet. The bill aims to keep curb space moving and cut hazards for people outside cars.

• File Int 0223-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill demands NYPD track every time cops use cars as weapons. No more hiding behind vague stats. Each crash, each injury, must be counted. The city moves closer to truth.

Int 0255-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by Hudson, Won, Hanif, Bottcher, Brewer, Avilés, Abreu, Ossé, Krishnan, Williams, Cabán, Nurse, Sanchez, and at the Brooklyn Borough President's request. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to use of force incidents involving police department use of a motor vehicle.' It forces the NYPD to report every use of a car to control a subject. No more lumping these acts with other force. The bill aims for hard numbers and real accountability. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, passengers—will no longer be invisible in police data.

• File Int 0255-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council urges Albany to pass SAFE Streets Act. Lower speed limits. Rights for crash victims. Safe passing for cyclists. Complete streets. City demands action as deaths rise. Streets remain deadly. Lawmakers must act.

Resolution 0090-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it calls on the state to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law') and A.1901, part of the SAFE Streets Act. The matter title: 'Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.2422... allowing New York city to establish a lower speed limit, and A.1901, enacting a crash victims bill of rights.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif leads, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Nurse, and others. The resolution demands lower speed limits, crash victim rights, safe passing for cyclists, and complete street design. It cites rising traffic deaths and the failure of current measures. The Council wants Albany to give the city real power to protect people on its streets.

• File Res 0090-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council passed a law forcing taxis and for-hire cars to post bold warnings on doors. The signs tell passengers: look for cyclists before you open up. A small step. The city hands out the decals. No cost to drivers.

Int 0193-2024 became law on May 31, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' was sponsored by Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by over twenty council members, including Gutiérrez, Hudson, and Rivera. The law mandates clear warning decals on all rear passenger doors of taxis and for-hire vehicles. The Taxi and Limousine Commission will provide the signs at no cost. The measure aims to cut down on 'dooring'—a threat to cyclists citywide. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it became law.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28