Maspeth’s truck roads, broken bones

May 23 - Abandoned poles and wires block sidewalks, trap walkers, and threaten cyclists. This bill sets strict deadlines for removal and transfer. Delay ends. Streets clear. Danger cut.

Int 0921-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on May 23, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Justin L. Brannan with Holden, Vernikov, Marmorato, and Paladino, demands owners remove abandoned or unsafe utility poles, wires, and appurtenances within 60 days—or immediately if dangerous. Transfers to new poles must happen in 30 days. The matter title reads: 'timelines for the removal of abandoned or unsafe utility poles, wires, and appurtenances, and the transfer of appurtenances to newly erected poles.' Swift action means fewer sidewalk traps and less risk for those on foot or bike.

• File Int 0921-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-23

May 21 - A motorcycle struck the right rear bumper of a parked SUV on 60 Avenue. The motorcycle driver, a one-year-old occupant, suffered a contusion and injury to the elbow and lower arm. Police cite other vehicular factors as contributing causes.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:17 on 60 Avenue when a motorcycle traveling north collided with the right rear bumper of a stationary SUV that was parked. The motorcycle driver, a one-year-old male occupant, sustained injuries including a contusion and trauma to the elbow, lower arm, and hand. The injury severity was rated as moderate (3). The report identifies 'Other Vehicular' factors as contributing to the crash, indicating driver or vehicle-related errors on the motorcycle or SUV side. The SUV was parked and had damage to its right rear bumper, while the motorcycle had damage to its left front bumper. No ejection occurred, and the motorcycle driver was conscious. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727626 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

May 16 - 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

May 16 - Council bill redefines major transit projects. Bike lanes, busways, and bus lanes now trigger community board notice. DOT must present plans, boards get sixty days to respond. Progress reports go public. Holden and Ariola sponsor.

Int 0880-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced May 16, 2024, by Council Members Joann Ariola and Robert F. Holden, it amends city code to require community notification for any bus lane, busway, or bike lane project, no matter the size. The bill states: 'construction or removal of a bus lane, busway, or bike lane' counts as a major project. DOT must present plans to affected boards, who get sixty days to comment. DOT must post quarterly updates online. Ariola is the primary sponsor; Holden co-sponsors. The bill aims to increase transparency and community input on street changes that shape safety for all.

• File Int 0880-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

Apr 21 - Albany killed the MTA’s fare-free bus pilot. No more free rides. Lawmakers gave $12 million for better service, but not enough. Riders lose a lifeline. The city’s poorest feel the blow. Congestion pricing looms. Buses stay crowded, fares return.

On April 21, 2024, the New York State budget ended the MTA’s fare-free bus pilot. The pilot, which began in September 2023, made one bus in each borough free. Lawmakers, including Senator Michael Gianaris, pushed to expand it to 15 lines. The budget did not include this. Instead, $12.3 million was set aside to improve bus frequency, far short of the $45 million needed for expansion. The bill’s summary states, 'The MTA's experiment in fare-less city bus service will soon end after Albany lawmakers did not reauthorize it.' Gianaris pledged to keep fighting for affordable transit. Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani called the pilot 'crucial' for working-class New Yorkers. The MTA’s Janno Lieber criticized the program. No safety analyst reviewed the impact on vulnerable road users. The loss hits riders who depend on buses most.

• MTA’s free bus experiment will end after not being reauthorized in state budget, amny.com, Published 2024-04-21

Apr 17 - Two SUVs traveling east on Maurice Avenue collided in a lane-change crash. The driver of one vehicle suffered a shoulder injury and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause. Both vehicles sustained right and left side damage.

According to the police report, two Ford SUVs collided on Maurice Avenue around 4:30 p.m. The first vehicle was changing lanes when it struck the second vehicle traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the right side doors of the lane-changing SUV and the left front quarter panel of the other SUV. The driver of the lane-changing vehicle, a 53-year-old male occupant, was injured with upper arm and shoulder trauma and complained of whiplash. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The injured driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718129 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 17 - A 36-year-old man was struck by an SUV while walking on 59 Place in Queens. The impact fractured his lower leg and foot. Police report alcohol involvement and a collision with a parked vehicle, highlighting driver errors in a dangerous roadway environment.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:01 on 59 Place in Queens. A 36-year-old male pedestrian was injured with fractures to his knee, lower leg, and foot after being struck by a Toyota SUV traveling northbound. The vehicle's front center end was damaged on impact. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor, indicating driver impairment. The pedestrian was located outside an intersection, described as performing 'Other Actions in Roadway.' Two other parked SUVs were involved, one with damage to its center front end and the other to its right rear bumper. The driver of the moving SUV was licensed and male, but the report emphasizes the role of impaired driving and vehicle collision dynamics. No pedestrian fault or helmet use was noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718124 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 15 - SUV turned right, failed to yield. Struck 16-year-old boy crossing with signal. Head injury, semiconscious, bleeding. Driver’s failure to yield caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 16-year-old male pedestrian was crossing Eliot Avenue in Queens with the signal when a 2021 Dodge SUV made a right turn and struck him. The pedestrian suffered a head injury, was semiconscious, and had minor bleeding. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary contributing factor by the driver. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian’s action—crossing with the signal—was not cited as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed and traveling westbound at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717644 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 15 - A taxi struck the left rear quarter panel of a sedan traveling east on the Long Island Expressway. The sedan’s driver, a 45-year-old man, suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. Slippery pavement contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 2:10 AM on the Long Island Expressway. A taxi traveling east struck the left rear quarter panel of a sedan also traveling east. The sedan’s driver, a 45-year-old male occupant wearing a lap belt, sustained a head contusion and was conscious after the collision. The taxi driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead before impact. The report identifies slippery pavement as a contributing factor, indicating road conditions played a role. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were explicitly cited. The sedan’s driver was not ejected and suffered moderate injury severity. The collision damaged the left rear bumper of the taxi and the right front bumper of the sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717291 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Apr 11 - Council targets hidden plates. Bill makes it a crime to park, stop, or drive with covered tags. Fines reach $1,000. Jail time possible. Committee weighs action. Streets demand accountability.

Int 0766-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on April 11, 2024. The bill reads: “prohibiting the parking, standing, stopping, or operation of a motor vehicle with obscured or defaced license plates.” Council Member Oswald Feliz leads, joined by Holden, Bottcher, Gennaro, Marte, Restler, Ung, and Paladino. The bill sets fines up to $1,000 and possible jail for violators. Each offense is a misdemeanor. The council aims to strip cover for reckless drivers, making it harder to dodge tickets and accountability. No safety analyst note yet, but the intent is clear: end the shield for lawless driving.

• File Int 0766-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-11

Apr 10 - A flatbed truck hit a 27-year-old cyclist from behind on Maspeth Avenue. The impact threw him to the ground. He lost his leg. The truck kept moving. The cyclist was left unconscious, bleeding, and alone.

According to the police report, a flatbed truck traveling north on Maspeth Avenue near Rust Street struck a 27-year-old male cyclist from behind at 9:05 a.m. The narrative states, 'A flatbed truck struck a 27-year-old cyclist from behind. He flew, hit the ground, lost his leg. No helmet. Unconscious. The truck kept moving. No damage.' The cyclist was ejected from his bike and suffered an amputation to his lower leg, leaving him unconscious at the scene. The police report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor, but the primary event remains the truck striking the cyclist from behind. The truck driver continued on without stopping, and the vehicle sustained no reported damage. The report notes the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but this is mentioned only after the driver’s actions. The crash highlights the lethal consequences vulnerable road users face when struck by large vehicles on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4717086 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 27 - 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

Mar 26 - Two SUVs collided head-on in Queens at 7 PM. The 19-year-old male driver suffered full-body injuries and whiplash. Police cite aggressive driving as the key factor. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage in the violent impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred in Queens near 60-03 69 Street at 7 PM. The collision involved two SUVs traveling southbound, one driven by a 19-year-old male who was injured with whiplash and full-body trauma. The injured driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report identifies aggressive driving and road rage as the primary contributing factors to the crash. Both vehicles sustained center front-end damage, indicating a direct impact. The injured driver experienced shock and was the sole occupant of his vehicle. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior, focusing solely on the drivers' errors, specifically aggressive driving.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713384 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 20 - 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

Mar 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

Mar 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

Mar 7 - 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

Mar 4 - 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

Mar 1 - A sedan making a left turn collided with an eastbound bicyclist on Maspeth Avenue in Queens. The 22-year-old cyclist was ejected and injured, suffering abrasions and lower leg trauma. Police cite driver inattention as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Maspeth Avenue in Queens at 3:15 PM. A sedan traveling westbound was making a left turn when it struck a bicyclist traveling eastbound. The bicyclist, a 22-year-old male, was ejected from his bike and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including abrasions. The report notes the bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The primary contributing factor identified by police was driver inattention or distraction. The sedan's front center end impacted the left side doors of the bicycle. The sedan driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally, but failed to yield or properly observe the bicyclist. No other contributing factors were cited. The cyclist remained conscious after the collision but suffered serious injuries requiring medical attention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4706686 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Feb 29 - Two sedans crashed at a Queens intersection. Both drivers and two passengers suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited improper turning by one driver as a key factor. All occupants remained conscious and were not ejected despite the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Grand Avenue in Queens at 10:45. Two sedans collided, with impact points on the left front bumper of one vehicle and the right front bumper of the other. The report identifies 'Turning Improperly' as a contributing factor for one driver. Four occupants were injured: two drivers and two passengers, all male, aged 31 to 39. Injuries included neck trauma and whiplash, with injury severity rated at level 3. None of the occupants were ejected, and all remained conscious. Both vehicles were traveling straight before the crash, but one driver’s improper turn led to the collision. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing on driver error and vehicle impact details.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4706768 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18