Maspeth Bleeds: Speed Kills, Leaders Stall

An 18-year-old male e-bike rider was ejected and injured in a Queens crash. The collision happened at Fresh Pond Road. The rider suffered abrasions and arm injuries. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as a factor in the crash.

According to the police report, an 18-year-old male bicyclist riding an e-bike was injured and ejected during a collision at Fresh Pond Road in Queens. The rider sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The e-bike was traveling north, going straight ahead, when it collided with a vehicle making a U-turn traveling south. The point of impact was the center front end of the e-bike and the right side doors of the other vehicle. The police report lists failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor. The rider was wearing a motorcycle helmet. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4619393 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A driver killed a 7-year-old girl at 45th Street and Newtown Road. The city will install a traffic signal. Local leaders and family demanded action. DOT promises more safety. Residents call for broader change. One light will not fix the corridor.

On April 1, 2023, NYC DOT announced a new traffic signal for 45th Street and Newtown Road in Queens. This follows the February death of Dolma Naadhun, age 7, struck by a driver with a learner’s permit. The matter, titled 'NYC to install a traffic signal at the site of Queens crash that killed 7-year-old,' drew support from State Sen. Michael Gianaris, who said, 'I am glad the city is installing a traffic signal at the site of Naadhun's tragic death, in accordance with her family’s wishes.' Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez stated, 'No loss of life on our streets is acceptable.' The DOT has already added curb extensions and new crosswalks. Community members, including Alex Duncan, argue that one signal is not enough and demand systemic safety changes along the corridor. The signal is set for installation in May.

• NYC to install a traffic signal at the site of Queens crash that killed 7-year-old, gothamist.com, Published 2023-04-01

A new traffic light will rise at a deadly Queens corner. A girl died here. Her brother begged for change. The city listened. Officials promise more: stop signs, curb extensions, clearer crosswalks. The driver who killed her ran a stop sign. He was unlicensed.

On March 30, 2023, the NYC Department of Transportation announced new safety measures at a Queens intersection where 7-year-old Dolma Naadhum was killed by an SUV. The agency will install a traffic light by May, following a petition from Dolma’s brother and pressure from local leaders. State Senator Michael Gianaris, representing District 12, pledged to honor the family's request, stating, 'We fix Newtown Road where this happened.' The DOT will also add all-way stop signs at a nearby crossing and has already improved crosswalks, extended curbs, and restricted parking for better visibility. The driver in the fatal crash ran a stop sign and lacked a proper license. The city’s action comes after years of complaints about dangerous driving at this intersection.

• NYC to install traffic light at corner where girl died after brother’s plea, nypost.com, Published 2023-03-30

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

Albany’s push for residential parking permits risks locking in car dominance. Critics say low fees fuel car ownership, crowding out transit, bikes, and green space. Experts warn it’s a subsidy for drivers, not a fix for congestion or emissions.

On March 16, 2023, a Senate proposal surfaced to create a Residential Parking Permit system in New York City. The plan, now under City Council review, would charge drivers up to $30 per month for curbside parking, with revenue aimed at funding the MTA. The proposal leaves key details—like reserving 20% of spaces for non-residents—to the Council. The bill’s summary claims it will reduce emissions and support transit. Senator Michael Gianaris supports the measure, but critics are blunt. Bike New York’s Jon Orcutt calls it a 'big nothingburger.' Donald Shoup says the $30 fee is a subsidy for cars. Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives argues, 'public space should be used for transit, bike lanes, and green space, not car storage.' Studies show similar programs in other cities have failed to cut congestion or emissions, and may even increase car ownership. The Department of Transportation has testified against the plan, warning it entrenches private car storage at the expense of vulnerable road users.

• Albany’s Residential Parking Program Won’t Be Good for New York City: Analysis, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-16

A box truck struck a stopped sedan on Grand Avenue in Queens. The sedan driver, a 54-year-old man, suffered head injuries and whiplash. The truck showed no damage. Driver inattention and following too closely caused the crash.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling west on Grand Avenue rear-ended a sedan stopped in traffic. The sedan's 54-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining head trauma and whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. The report lists driver errors as 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' by the truck driver. The truck driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The truck showed no damage, while the sedan sustained damage to its center back end. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4612192 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A girl died at a Queens intersection. Her brother started a petition. Over 26,000 signed. Neighbors and State Sen. Michael Gianaris demand a traffic light. DOT hesitates. Drivers keep ignoring stop signs. The crosswalk remains deadly. The city stalls. Families mourn.

On March 5, 2023, State Senator Michael Gianaris responded to the death of Dolma Naadhum, a 7-year-old killed at a Newtown Road intersection in Astoria, Queens. The incident sparked a petition—over 26,000 signatures—calling for traffic lights to replace stop signs at three crossings. Gianaris pledged to 'make sure we fix Newtown Road where this happened, and to honor her father's request that there be traffic lights there.' The Department of Transportation upgraded crosswalk markings but has not committed to a traffic light, citing a low crash history. Residents and the victim’s family say the intersection remains dangerous, with drivers ignoring stop signs. Gianaris’s support highlights official recognition of the need for stronger protections for pedestrians, especially children, at this site.

• 11-year-old brother of NYC girl killed at intersection calls for new traffic light, nypost.com, Published 2023-03-05

A box truck struck a 32-year-old man in Queens at 8:41 a.m. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee and lower leg. The driver failed to yield and was distracted. The victim was conscious and not in the roadway.

According to the police report, a box truck making a right turn in Queens struck a 32-year-old male pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors including Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The point of impact was the truck's right front quarter panel. The vehicle showed no damage. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. No safety equipment or victim fault was noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4609791 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

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

A 36-year-old male bicyclist was injured on 69 Street in Queens. The cyclist struck a parked sedan while traveling northwest. The impact caused abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as a factor.

According to the police report, a 36-year-old male bicyclist traveling northwest on 69 Street collided with a parked sedan. The bicyclist suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing driver error. The parked sedan showed no damage. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4605976 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

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

A bus struck a motorcycle from behind on 69th Street in Queens. The motorcyclist, a 27-year-old man, suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries. The bus was making a right turn. The motorcyclist wore a helmet and remained conscious.

According to the police report, a bus traveling north on 69th Street in Queens made a right turn and collided with a motorcycle going straight ahead. The bus hit the motorcycle at the center back end, causing damage to both vehicles. The motorcyclist, a 27-year-old male occupant, was injured with contusions and bruises to his shoulder and upper arm but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the bus driver failed to maintain a safe distance. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4605092 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A sedan turning left struck an e-bike going straight on 69 Street in Queens. The e-bike rider, a 52-year-old man, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The sedan’s right front bumper took damage. The e-bike driver was conscious and bruised.

According to the police report, a 2021 Jeep sedan was making a left turn on 69 Street in Queens when it collided with an e-bike traveling south straight ahead. The e-bike rider, a 52-year-old man, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was conscious after the crash. The sedan’s right front bumper was damaged on impact. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. The e-bike driver was unlicensed. No other driver errors are specified. The e-bike rider was not ejected and wore no helmet, but no helmet use is noted as a contributing factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4605088 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

MTA Chair Janno Lieber told lawmakers the agency needs $350 million yearly to avoid fare hikes. Legislators pushed back. They called for taxing the wealthy, not straphangers. The fight centers on who pays for transit. Riders wait. The stakes are high.

On February 6, 2023, during a legislative hearing on MTA funding and fare policy, MTA Chair Janno Lieber testified that the agency needs $350 million more each year to prevent subway and bus fare hikes. The hearing, part of the state budget process, saw Lieber defend Governor Hochul’s proposed 5.5-percent fare increase as a return to regular hikes paused during the pandemic. Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and colleagues pushed the 'Fix the MTA' package to freeze fares, boost service, and make buses free. Mamdani argued, 'It is simply not acceptable to put the cost of a basic public good on the backs of working class New Yorkers.' Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris criticized Lieber for insisting on fare hikes while dismissing other budget solutions. Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas opposed making her constituents pay more. Lieber expressed concern about free buses, preferring targeted affordability programs. The hearing highlighted a sharp divide: lawmakers want to protect riders; the MTA wants stable funding. No direct safety impact for vulnerable road users was assessed.

• MTA Could Nix Fare Hikes with Just $350M More Per Year, Lieber Says, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-06

Senate bill S 1952 orders advanced safety tech in all New York vehicles. DMV must set rules. Hoylman-Sigal leads. Gianaris and Gonzalez back him. No safety analyst review yet. Action at sponsorship stage.

Senate bill S 1952, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 17, 2023, it 'mandates the use of advanced safety technology in vehicles in the state; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles to promulgate certain rules and regulations.' Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal sponsors, joined by Michael Gianaris and Kristen Gonzalez. No safety analyst has reviewed the bill's impact on vulnerable road users. The bill awaits further action and committee assignment.

• File S 1952, Open States, Published 2023-01-17

Two sedans crashed on 71 Street in Queens. One driver failed to yield while making a left turn. A front passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The impact hit the right side doors and right front bumper. Driver inexperience contributed.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on 71 Street in Queens. One vehicle was traveling east going straight, while the other was making a left turn northbound. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the eastbound sedan and the right side doors of the turning sedan. The front passenger in the turning vehicle, a 58-year-old woman, was injured with neck trauma and whiplash. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists driver errors including Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inexperience. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4600044 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Senate passed S 840. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. No mention of direct safety gains for people on foot or bike.

Senate bill S 840, sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy and co-sponsored by Robert Rolison, passed committee on January 9, 2023. The bill, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects; relates to the state share of municipal projects where the municipality funds a complete street design,' sets funding formulas for state and municipal projects. Seventeen senators voted yes. The bill does not address direct safety impacts for vulnerable road users. No analyst note on safety.

• File S 840, Open States, Published 2023-01-09

Senate passed S 840. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. No mention of direct safety gains for people on foot or bike.

Senate bill S 840, sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy and co-sponsored by Robert Rolison, passed committee on January 9, 2023. The bill, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects; relates to the state share of municipal projects where the municipality funds a complete street design,' sets funding formulas for state and municipal projects. Seventeen senators voted yes. The bill does not address direct safety impacts for vulnerable road users. No analyst note on safety.

• File S 840, Open States, Published 2023-01-09