Corona Bleeds: Kids Hurt, Leaders Stall, Streets Kill

A 30-year-old male bicyclist suffered a concussion after a rear-end collision with an SUV on 99th Street in Queens. Both vehicles traveled north. The SUV driver’s inattention caused the crash. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 99th Street in Queens involving a northbound SUV and a northbound bicycle. The bicyclist, a 30-year-old man, sustained a head injury resulting in a concussion. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for the crash. The SUV struck the bike from behind, impacting the bike’s center front end and the SUV’s center back end. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected but was not wearing any safety equipment. The report does not indicate any errors or contributing factors related to the bicyclist. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4631205 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A moped driver struck the left side of a parked SUV on 111 Street in Queens. The rider, a 24-year-old man, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a moped traveling south on 111 Street collided with a parked 2010 Chevrolet SUV. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male wearing a helmet, was injured with contusions and trauma to his knee and lower leg. The SUV sustained damage to its left side doors. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. The moped driver was not ejected and remained conscious. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The SUV was stationary at the time of impact. The moped driver held a permit license from New York.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634086 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 19-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured in Queens. The scooter and a sedan collided head-on. The rider suffered abrasions and upper arm injuries. Police cited driver distraction and ignoring traffic controls as causes.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 43 Avenue in Queens involving a 19-year-old male e-scooter driver and a sedan. The e-scooter driver was injured, sustaining abrasions and upper arm injuries. The report lists contributing factors as "Traffic Control Disregarded" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction." The e-scooter was traveling south, and the sedan was traveling east, both going straight ahead before impact. The point of impact was the center front end of the e-scooter and the left front bumper of the sedan. The driver of the e-scooter was not wearing any safety equipment. The report does not indicate any helmet use or signaling by the e-scooter driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630388 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

A 2009 Nissan SUV struck another vehicle on Roosevelt Avenue in Queens. Two children inside suffered shoulder injuries and whiplash. The driver’s distraction and reaction to an uninvolved vehicle caused the crash. Both passengers wore seat belts.

According to the police report, a 2009 Nissan SUV traveling east on Roosevelt Avenue collided with another vehicle also traveling east. The SUV’s driver was distracted and reacted to an uninvolved vehicle, leading to the crash. Two child passengers, ages 10 and 13, were injured with upper arm and shoulder injuries, including whiplash. Both children were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The point of impact was the SUV’s center front end and the other vehicle’s right front bumper. The report lists driver inattention and reaction to an uninvolved vehicle as contributing factors. No ejections occurred. The driver held a learner’s permit.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4626599 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 24-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and suffered a head injury with concussion. The crash occurred at 114 Street and Roosevelt Avenue. The bicyclist was not wearing a helmet. Another vehicle made a right turn, striking the cyclist head-on.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male bicyclist traveling southbound was struck by a vehicle making a right turn northbound on 114 Street near Roosevelt Avenue in Queens. The collision impacted the center front ends of both vehicles. The bicyclist was ejected and sustained a head injury resulting in a concussion. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but notes the bicyclist was not wearing a helmet. The turning vehicle’s action likely contributed to the crash. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash but seriously injured. No other occupants were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628055 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 61-year-old man was hit while crossing a marked crosswalk on 45 Avenue in Queens. The SUV, making a left turn, failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered a back contusion and remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 61-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 45 Avenue and Nicolls Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing in a marked crosswalk without a signal when a 2015 Toyota SUV, traveling east and making a left turn, struck him with the vehicle's center front end. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor for the driver. The pedestrian sustained a back contusion and was conscious after the collision. The vehicle showed no damage. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4625293 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 9-year-old boy riding as a passenger on a bike was ejected and injured in a collision with an SUV on 97 Street near Roosevelt Avenue in Queens. The boy suffered bruises and leg injuries. The crash involved improper lane usage and unsafe backing.

According to the police report, a 9-year-old bicyclist passenger was injured and ejected during a crash involving a bike and a 2021 SUV on 97 Street in Queens. The boy sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors including "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" and "Backing Unsafely." The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The SUV struck the bike's center front end with its right rear bumper while both vehicles were traveling northeast. The bicyclist's injury severity was rated as moderate (3). The report also notes a contributing factor of "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion," but the primary driver errors involved improper lane use and unsafe backing maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4616815 - 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 2023-03-21

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Governor Hochul killed the costly LaGuardia AirTrain. Two new bus routes will replace it. Jessica Ramos cheered the move. The AirTrain’s high price and twisted route drew fire. Buses promise faster, cheaper, cleaner rides for millions. Queens riders win. Cars lose.

""This is the right move. My neighbors who live around LaGuardia deserve transit that is for them, not whatever that boondoggle was. I’m so proud of East Elmhurst for standing up to this bad plan. We still have to look at how to expand transit to those parts of Queens, especially if the proposed football stadium is going to be building what effectively is a new neighborhood in Queens. The 7 alone won’t be able to handle it."" -- Jessica Ramos

On March 13, 2023, Governor Hochul canceled the Cuomo-era LaGuardia AirTrain project after an expert panel review. The panel found the $2-billion monorail would not outperform improved bus service. Instead, two new bus routes will serve the airport: an upgraded Q70 Select Bus Service with a dedicated BQE lane, and a new non-stop bus rapid transit line from Astoria-Ditmars Boulevard using electric buses and transit signal priority. The total cost is about $500 million, far less than any rail option. State Senator Jessica Ramos, district 13, praised the decision, saying, 'My neighbors who live around LaGuardia deserve transit that is for them, not whatever that boondoggle was.' The AirTrain faced mounting opposition for its cost, indirect route, and lack of transparency. The new bus plan aims to serve millions of riders annually and can be implemented within two to five years.

• Hochul Scraps ‘Wrong Way’ AirTrain for Thrilling New Tech — The Bus!, streetsblog.org, Published 2023-03-13

Governor Hochul killed the costly LaGuardia AirTrain. She chose faster, cheaper bus routes instead. The new plan brings electric buses, dedicated lanes, and direct service. Advocates cheered. Queens riders win. The AirTrain dies. Buses roll on.

On March 13, 2023, Governor Hochul and the Port Authority canceled the Cuomo-era LaGuardia AirTrain project. The decision followed an expert panel review, which found the $2 billion monorail would not outperform expanded bus service. Instead, the panel recommended two new bus routes: an upgraded Q70 Select Bus Service with a dedicated BQE lane, and a nonstop bus rapid transit line from Astoria-Ditmars Boulevard to all LaGuardia terminals, using electric buses and transit signal priority. The matter summary states: 'Gov. Hochul and the Port Authority have canceled the controversial Cuomo-era LaGuardia AirTrain project, opting instead for two new, improved bus connections to the airport.' State Senator Jessica Ramos welcomed the move, saying, 'My neighbors who live around LaGuardia deserve transit that is for them, not whatever that boondoggle was.' Advocates and elected officials praised the shift, though some called for even stronger bus priority and further transit expansion in Queens.

• Hochul Scraps ‘Wrong Way’ AirTrain for Thrilling New Tech — The Bus!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-13

State senators pressed DOTs to fight e-bike stigma and protect riders. They called for education, better battery rules, and fair treatment for delivery workers. City Hall’s inaction leaves e-bike users exposed. Bans loom while agencies stall. Vulnerable riders pay the price.

On March 2, 2023, State Sen. Jessica Ramos and colleagues sent a letter to city and state DOTs urging action against the 'demonization' of e-bikes and e-scooters. The letter, signed by Ramos and State Sen. Liz Krueger, demanded more education on safe riding and battery use, warning, 'We cannot allow a narrative to build against a vital, green, and growing mode of transportation.' Ramos criticized City Hall for failing to post speed limits and design streets for e-mobility. Krueger backed battery safety bills, while Councilman Bob Holden pushed for outright bans, citing deaths and injuries. The senators warned that inaction could lead to blanket bans, hitting delivery workers hardest. The city’s plan for safe charging hubs faces local opposition. DOT claims a 'holistic approach,' but vulnerable riders remain at risk as agencies drag their feet.

• State Pols Call on DOTs to Counter E-Bike ‘Demonization’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-10

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 2023-02-28

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 2023-02-28

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 2023-02-28

Lawmakers push two bills. One widens legal cargo bikes. One reins in dirty warehouses. Both target truck traffic choking city streets. Sponsors say the measures will cut pollution, asthma, and danger for people outside cars. Albany momentum grows.

Bills S6106 (Sen. Jessica Ramos) and A6968 (Asm. Marcela Mitaynes) are active in the New York State legislature. S6106 would expand the legal width of cargo bikes from 36 to 48 inches, making them more useful for deliveries. A6968 would let the Department of Environmental Conservation regulate emissions from last-mile warehouses and require plans to cut transportation pollution, including by using zero-emission vehicles like cargo bikes. The matter summary notes, 'The bills complement each other.' Ramos and Mitaynes sponsor the measures. Their staff and advocates say the bills will help replace polluting vans with cleaner cargo bikes, especially in low-income areas hit hard by asthma. Both bills are gaining support in Albany.

• V-DAY SPECIAL: Bigger Cargo Bikes and Last-Mile Warehouse Regulation is a Match Made In Heaven, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-14

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13