About these crash totals
Counts come from NYC police crash reports (NYC Open Data). We sum all crashes, injuries, and deaths for this area across the selected time window shown on the card. Injury severity follows the official definitions in the NYPD dataset.
- Crashes: number of police‑reported collisions (all road users).
- All injuries: total injured people in those crashes.
- Moderate / Serious: subcategories reported by officers (e.g., broken bones vs. life‑threatening trauma).
- Deaths: people who died due to a crash.
Notes: Police reports can be corrected after initial publication. Minor incidents without a police report are not included.
Close▸ Killed 14
▸ Crush Injuries 4
▸ Amputation 1
▸ Severe Bleeding 5
▸ Severe Lacerations 4
▸ Concussion 3
▸ Whiplash 35
▸ Contusion/Bruise 56
▸ Abrasion 31
▸ Pain/Nausea 11
About this chart
We group pedestrian injuries and deaths by the vehicle type that struck them (as recorded in police reports). Use the dropdown to view totals, serious injuries, or deaths.
- Trucks/Buses, SUVs/Cars, Mopeds, and Bikes reflect the reporting categories in the crash dataset.
- Counts include people on foot only; crashes with no injured pedestrians are not shown here.
Notes: Police classification can change during investigations. Small categories may have year-to-year variance.
CloseAbout these numbers
These totals count vehicles with at least the shown number of camera‑issued speeding violations (school‑zone speed cameras) in any rolling 12‑month window in this district. Totals are summed from 2022 to the present for this geography.
- ≥ 6 (6+): advocates’ standard for repeat speeding offenders who should face escalating consequences.
- ≥ 16 (16+): threshold in the current edited bill awaiting State Senate action.
Caught Speeding Recently in Maspeth
- 2025 Black BMW Suburban (LKJ4511) – 40 times • 1 in last 90d here
- 2024 White Subaru Suburban (LAA4692) – 20 times • 1 in last 90d here
- 2021 Blue Dodge Sedan (LFJ1130) – 15 times • 1 in last 90d here
- 2022 White RAM Pickup (JPA2060) – 15 times • 2 in last 90d here
- 2019 Me/Be Sedan (LFV0188) – 14 times • 1 in last 90d here
About this list
This ranks vehicles by the number of NYC school‑zone speed‑camera violations they received in the last 12 months anywhere in the city. The smaller note shows how many times the same plate was caught in this area in the last 90 days.
Camera violations are issued by NYC DOT’s program. Counts reflect issued tickets and may omit dismissed or pending cases. Plate text is shown verbatim as recorded.
CloseMaurice and Borden: a body on the asphalt, a pattern in plain sight
Maspeth: Jan 1, 2022 - Nov 1, 2025
Just before 9 AM on Oct 16, at Borden Ave and Maurice Ave, a truck driver hit and killed a person walking. City data records the death.
They were one of 13 people killed on Maspeth streets since 2022. The same records count 1,166 injured. Trucks and buses figure in the toll. They are tied to 16 pedestrian injury crashes here, including 4 deaths. The dataset says so.
Morning isn’t safe here
The 8 AM hour is the deadliest in this area, with 3 deaths on the books. Late morning and evening take more: 2 deaths at 10 AM, 2 at 6 PM, 2 at 11 PM. This is not a freak spike. It’s a schedule. Source.
Police reports cite drivers’ failures we know well: failure to yield, inattention, and speed appear in the files. A left turn with a pedestrian crossing. A parked door flung into a bike’s path. A truck starting from a stop. Each is written down in the system. See records.
Where people keep getting hurt
Maurice Avenue. Grand Avenue. The Long Island Expressway frontage. Those names repeat. Maurice has 3 deaths. Grand has 2. The L.I.E. entries list heavy harm: 206 injuries and a death. These are the places where lives come apart. Records here.
This year is not better. So far, this area counts 11 serious injuries, up from 2 at this point last year, while deaths hold at 2 in both periods. The bodies change; the pattern does not. City data.
What leaders do — and don’t
Queens leaders warned about delays that put people at risk. “Any further delays to this project that is otherwise ready to open will unnecessarily put at risk the thousands of New Yorkers who cycle and walk the current shared path every day,” read a public letter about the Queensboro Bridge path. Streetsblog reported it.
There are concrete steps on the table now.
- The Stop Super Speeders Act would require speed‑limiting tech for drivers who rack up violations. The Senate version is S 4045; the Assembly version is A 2299. In Queens’s SD 12, State Senator Michael Gianaris co‑sponsored S 4045 and voted yes in committee, twice in June 2025. Record. In AD 37, Assembly Member Claire Valdez is listed as a co‑sponsor of A 2299. Record.
- On the Council side, Robert F. Holden is the primary sponsor of a bill to strip bus and bike lane benchmarks from the Streets Master Plan (Int 1362‑2025). That is a choice with consequences on streets like Grand and Maurice.
What would make Maurice and Grand safer now
- Daylight the corners and harden turns along Grand and Maurice. Give people in the crosswalk a fighting chance.
- Give pedestrians a head start with leading pedestrian intervals at high‑injury junctions on Grand Avenue and near the L.I.E. frontage.
- Set and enforce truck routes and low‑speed operations by the depots around Maurice Avenue; focus inspections at the morning peak.
These are not theories. They match where and when people are dying and getting maimed here. The numbers point to the same corners, the same hours.
Citywide fixes matter here too. Lower speeds save lives. The state bills to rein in repeat speeders exist. The sponsors are named. The votes are recorded. The next step is simple: pass them, use them, and slow the streets.
Start with the corners where a person fell at Maurice and Borden. Then keep going.
Take one step now. Ask your officials to act on slower speeds and speed limiters. Here’s how.
Frequently Asked Questions
▸ How were these numbers calculated?
▸ What spots in Maspeth see the most harm?
▸ When are crashes most deadly here?
▸ Which vehicles are linked to the worst outcomes for people walking?
▸ What is CrashCount?
Citations
▸ Citations
- Motor Vehicle Collisions – Crashes - Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-01
- File S 4045, Open States, Published 2025-06-11
- File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16
- Pols Demand Adams Open Queensboro Bridge Pedestrian Path, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-04-09
Other Representatives
Assembly Member Claire Valdez
District 37
Council Member Robert F. Holden
District 30
State Senator Michael Gianaris
District 12
▸ Other Geographies
Maspeth Maspeth sits in Queens, Precinct 104, District 30, AD 37, SD 12, Queens CB5.
▸ See also
Traffic Safety Timeline for Maspeth
24
Unsafe Speed in Queens Four-Car Crash▸Aug 24 - Drivers in two sedans and two SUVs collided on Maurice Ave at 56 Ave in Queens. Two passengers and a driver were injured. Police recorded unsafe speed by a driver.
Drivers in two sedans and two SUVs collided eastbound on Maurice Ave at 56 Ave in Queens. Two passengers were hurt: a 30-year-old woman with lower-leg injuries and a 34-year-old woman with whole-body pain. A 26-year-old male driver suffered a head injury. Others were listed with unspecified injuries. According to the police report, "Unsafe Speed" was a contributing factor. Police recorded unsafe speed by a driver. Pre-crash entries show several cars starting in traffic and one going straight ahead, all eastbound. Damage ran from center front to back ends across the line. The record lists two Hondas and two SUVs, one registered in New Jersey.
24
Distracted Sedan Strikes Cyclist on Grand▸Aug 24 - A sedan hit a southbound cyclist on Grand Ave near the Queens Midtown Expressway. The 50-year-old man was ejected, semiconscious with head trauma and minor bleeding. Police cited driver inattention.
According to the police report, contributing factors included "Driver Inattention/Distraction." A sedan and a bicycle collided on Grand Ave at the Queens Midtown Expressway in Queens. The bicyclist, a 50-year-old man, was ejected and found semiconscious with a head injury and minor bleeding. Police data also lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" for the bicyclist after the driver factor. The sedan was traveling east; the bicycle was traveling south. Both were reported as going straight ahead. The sedan's point of impact is recorded as the left side doors, and the report records Driver Inattention/Distraction for the sedan's driver.
21
Unlicensed motorcyclist hit by northbound sedan▸Aug 21 - Northbound Chevy struck a southbound motorcycle in Maspeth. The bike was demolished. The rider, 43, was injured and partially ejected. A parked Audi took a glancing hit. Police cite driver inexperience.
A northbound 2024 Chevy sedan hit a southbound 2024 JIAJU motorcycle near 59-12 61 St in Queens. The motorcycle was demolished. The 43-year-old male rider was injured and partially ejected. A parked 2007 Audi sedan was also struck on the left rear. According to the police report, the contributing factor was “Driver Inexperience.” The crash data lists the motorcycle operator as unlicensed. The report shows the Chevy’s center front end as the point of impact and notes damage consistent with a frontal strike. The motorcycle rider’s helmet status appears only as a data field label and is not cited as a cause in the report.
14Int 1358-2025
Holden co-sponsors permit revocation for placard abuse and obscured plates, improving safety.▸Aug 14 - Int 1358-2025 yanks city parking permits from drivers with obscured or defaced plates. It also targets placard misuse and unpaid fines over $350. The move restores camera enforcement. Pedestrians and cyclists gain space and accountability.
Int 1358-2025. Status: Sponsorship, referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on August 14, 2025. The bill seeks the “revocation of city-issued parking permits for violations related to obscured or defaced license plates.” Primary sponsor: Council Member Lincoln Restler. Co-sponsor: Council Member Robert F. Holden. The measure would revoke permits after three misuse violations, any §19-166 offense, unpaid violations over $350, or operating with an obscured plate. Revoking city-issued parking permits for obscured/defaced plates and placard misuse increases accountability, restores automated enforcement, and deters illegal parking. This reduces bike lane and crosswalk blocking and curbs impunity among placard holders, improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
-
File Int 1358-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-08-14
14Int 1362-2025
Holden is primary sponsor of bill removing bus and bike lane benchmarks.▸Aug 14 - Int. No. 1362 strips city definitions and benchmarks for protected bicycle lanes and protected bus lanes. It removes targets and accountability. The change will slow deployment of separated bike and bus infrastructure and erode safety and equity for pedestrians and cyclists.
Int. No. 1362 (filed Aug. 14, 2025; stage: SPONSORSHIP) was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The matter is titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to removing benchmarks for bus lanes and bicycle lanes and repealing certain definitions in relation thereto." Council Member Robert F. Holden is the primary sponsor. Co-sponsors are Vickie Paladino, Joann Ariola, and Inna Vernikov. The bill repeals the definitions of "protected bicycle lane" and "protected bus lane" and removes benchmark requirements from the streets master plan. Safety analysts note that removing explicit benchmarks and definitions weakens accountability for building separated cycling and bus infrastructure, likely decreasing street equity and safety-in-numbers for pedestrians and cyclists.
-
File Int 1362-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-08-14
14Int 1362-2025
Holden is primary sponsor removing bus and bike lane benchmarks from streets master plan.▸Aug 14 - Int 1362 strips definitions for protected bus and bike lanes and removes benchmarks from the streets master plan. It guts measurable targets. Safe space for pedestrians and cyclists is at risk. The city could slow needed separated infrastructure.
Bill: Int. No. 1362 (Int 1362-2025). Status: SPONSORSHIP. Committee: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Event date: 2025-08-14. The matter reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to removing benchmarks for bus lanes and bicycle lanes from the streets master plan and repealing certain definitions in relation thereto." Council Member Robert F. Holden is the primary sponsor. Joann Ariola and Vickie Paladino are co-sponsors. The draft repeals the definitions of "protected bicycle lane" and "protected bus lane" and removes explicit benchmarks tied to transit signal priority, bus stop upgrades, accessible pedestrian signals and intersection redesigns. Removing those benchmarks weakens commitments to high‑quality separated infrastructure and measurable mode‑shift targets, likely slowing deployment of safe space for pedestrians and cyclists and undermining equitable street redesigns.
-
File Int 1362-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-08-14
14Int 1362-2025
Holden is primary sponsor removing bus and bike lane benchmarks.▸Aug 14 - Int 1362 repeals the definitions of “protected bicycle lane” and “protected bus lane” and strips explicit benchmarks for protected lanes from the streets master plan. It preserves signal and pedestrian targets but weakens commitments to physical protection, threatening safety and equity.
Bill Int 1362-2025. Status: Sponsorship, introduced Aug 14, 2025. Referred to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The measure, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to removing benchmarks for bus lanes and bicycle lanes from the streets master plan and repealing certain definitions in relation thereto," repeals the definitions of "protected bicycle lane" and "protected bus lane" and removes related benchmarks in the master plan (master plan dates referenced include Dec. 1, 2021 and Dec. 1, 2026). Primary sponsor: Robert F. Holden. Co-sponsors: Inna Vernikov, Joann Ariola, Chris Banks, Vickie Paladino. Safety analysts warn: "Removing explicit benchmarks and definitions for protected bus and bicycle lanes weakens commitments to physically protected infrastructure... likely reducing mode shift to walking and cycling and worsening equity and safety-in-numbers; the retained measures focus on signals and pedestrian amenities but do not replace the protective effect of designated protected lanes."
-
File Int 1362-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-08-14
13
Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK▸Aug 13 - A driver struck a man crossing 155th Street near JFK. The driver fled. The man died at Jamaica Hospital. Police search for answers. Seventeen killed in Queens South this year. The toll climbs.
Gothamist (2025-08-13) reports a 52-year-old man was killed crossing 155th Street and South Conduit Avenue near JFK Airport at 2:30 a.m. The driver fled. Police said, "the driver hit the 52-year-old man as he crossed" and left the scene. No vehicle description was released. NYPD data shows 17 traffic deaths in Queens South this year, up from 13 last year. The incident highlights ongoing risks for pedestrians and the persistent issue of hit-and-run drivers in the area.
-
Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-13
12
Speeding Driver Kills Two Pedestrians in Astoria▸Aug 12 - A speeding car tore through Astoria. The driver struck two men at a coffee cart. All three died. Parked cars blocked sightlines. The street was narrow. Danger came fast and left devastation.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-08-12) reports an 84-year-old driver sped onto 42nd Street in Astoria, hitting two pedestrians and a coffee cart. The crash killed the driver and both men. Streetsblog notes, 'The block has several auto repair shops that leave cars parked all over the sidewalk, limiting visibility.' The article highlights the city's power to lower speed limits to 20 mph, granted by the state legislature, but points out that local officials did not mention this in their initial responses. The crash underscores the risks of speeding and poor street design.
-
Speeding Driver Kills Two Pedestrians in Astoria,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-12
11
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Aug 11 - A westbound dump truck rear-ended a westbound sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Two women in the sedan were injured; a 29-year-old front passenger suffered crush injuries and the 42-year-old driver suffered back injuries.
A westbound dump truck struck the center back end of a westbound sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. Two sedan occupants were injured: a 29-year-old front passenger with crush injuries and a 42-year-old driver with back injuries. According to the police report, the contributing factors were “Traffic Control Disregarded,” “Unsafe Lane Changing,” and “Oversized Vehicle.” The sedan showed left rear bumper damage; the truck had center front-end damage consistent with a rear impact. Police listed the driver errors above. No pedestrians or cyclists were reported; the sedan passengers bore the harm.
10
Driver hits man off roadway on 60 Ave▸Aug 10 - A driver hit a 33-year-old man off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He stayed conscious. His knee, lower leg, and foot were hurt. Police list no driver errors.
A driver hit a 33-year-old man walking off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He was a pedestrian, not in the street. He stayed conscious. He suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. According to the police report, the pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of the crash. The report lists no driver errors or contributing factors. Police did not record failure to yield, distraction, speeding, or impairment. The report lists the vehicle type as unspecified and notes no direction of travel. It provides no information on the driver. No further details appear in the report.
8
Holden Opposes Safety‑Boosting Daylighting Citing DOT Report▸Aug 8 - DOT leans on a costly report and pro-car politicians to stall universal daylighting. Corners stay parked. Visibility stays poor. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a proven, system‑wide safety measure while parking is put first.
"Pro-car politicians like Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden, and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella have cited the DOT's report to oppose the bill, prioritizing parking over safety" -- Robert F. Holden
Bill: universal daylighting (no bill number listed). Status: stalled amid DOT opposition despite broad Council support. Committee: not listed. Key date: August 8, 2025 (Streetsblog NYC report). Matter title quoted: "We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting 'Scare Tactic' Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols." DOT released a report claiming $3 billion in costs and 300,000 lost parking spots. Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella cited the report and opposed the measure. Council Member Julie Won and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla called the report flawed; Won asked, "It isn’t unreasonable to invest under $10k to save the lives of children and all pedestrians with daylighting?" Safety analyst: DOT's opposition undermines a proven, system-wide safety measure for pedestrians and cyclists, prioritizing parking over vulnerable road user safety and risking mode shift and equitable street access.
-
We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting ‘Scare Tactic’ Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-08
6
Holden Sponsors Ban on Horse Drawn Carriages▸Aug 6 - A horse named Lady died in Hell's Kitchen. Photos reignited calls to ban carriages. The City Council stalled. Unions and leaders blocked hearings. Advocates warned of more injuries. Analysts say the ban would have minimal direct effect on pedestrians and cyclists.
Bill 2025, proposed to ban horse-drawn carriages, remained stalled as of August 6, 2025. The measure sits in the City Council health committee chaired by Lynn C. Schulman. Queens Councilman Robert F. Holden is the bill's sponsor. Speaker Adrienne Adams has not publicly taken a position. The article ran under the headline "Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages." Advocates rallied and warned, "without a ban there will be more crashes, injuries, and possibly deaths." TWU Local 100 opposes the ban. The proposed ban on horse-drawn carriages may have minimal direct impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety, as these vehicles are a small share of street traffic; the primary safety risks for vulnerable road users stem from motor vehicles and street design.
-
Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages,
Crain's New York Business,
Published 2025-08-06
4
Gianaris Backs Mamdani and Safety‑Boosting Fix the MTA Act▸Aug 4 - Gianaris backs Mamdani for mayor. Both pushed for subway funding and fare-free buses. Their alliance signals power in transit fights. No direct safety change yet for walkers or riders.
On August 4, 2025, State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris endorsed Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani for mayor. The two worked together on the 'Fix the MTA Act,' which invested in subways and piloted fare-free buses. Gianaris said Mamdani 'provides the energy and ideas' New Yorkers need. Mamdani thanked Gianaris for helping secure 'historic investments in subway and bus services.' This event, reported by City & State NY, shows political unity on transit. However, as no specific policy action or outcome is detailed, analysts find no direct safety impact for pedestrians or cyclists.
-
Mike Gianaris backs Zohran Mamdani for mayor,
City & State NY,
Published 2025-08-04
2
Parked SUV Driver Doors Teen Rider▸Aug 2 - On Grand Ave in Queens, a parked SUV driver swung a door into an 18‑year‑old on an e‑bike. The rider went down, arm scraped and bleeding. Police recorded driver inattention. Metal and skin. Sudden stop.
An 18-year-old e-bike rider was injured when a parked Ford SUV’s driver opened a left-side door at 65-41 Grand Ave in Queens. The rider, traveling west, hit the door and fell. He suffered an abrasion to his lower arm and remained conscious. According to the police report, officers recorded Driver Inattention/Distraction for the SUV driver as a contributing factor. The report also noted Driver Inattention/Distraction for the injured rider. The e-bike showed center-front damage; the SUV had damage to its left-side doors. No other injuries were reported.
1
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger▸Aug 1 - A teen drove a BMW at 100 mph without a license. He lost control. The car hit a truck. Fourteen-year-old Fortune Williams was ejected and killed. The driver now faces prison. Parents faced charges too.
Gothamist (2025-08-01) reports an 18-year-old Queens resident was sentenced to up to four years for a 2023 crash that killed 14-year-old Fortune Williams. The teen, unlicensed and speeding at over 100 mph in a 30-mph zone, lost control and struck a parked UPS truck. Prosecutors said he only had a learner's permit and had been previously ticketed for unlicensed driving. His parents, who gave him the BMW, were convicted of child endangerment. DA Melinda Katz called it 'a landmark case where both an unlicensed teenage driver and his parents were held responsible.' The case highlights failures in supervision and enforcement.
-
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-01
23
Holden Urges Council to Pass Ryders Law▸Jul 23 - Dozens rallied at City Hall. They demanded Ryder's Law. Council Member Holden led. NYCLASS joined. The call was sharp: end horse carriages. The industry faces fierce opposition. The council stalls. The danger remains.
"The fact that a visibly sick horse like Ryder was allowed to work at all is unbelievable and inexcusable. This case proves that current regulations don't protect the horses, and it's time for the City Council to act." -- Robert F. Holden
On July 23, 2025, Council Member Robert Holden and animal advocates rallied at City Hall, demanding passage of Ryder's Law to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Holden, has not yet reached a council vote or hearing. The rally followed a 'not guilty' verdict in a high-profile horse abuse case. The matter, described as a push 'to end the horse carriage industry in NYC,' drew support from NYCLASS and others. Holden blasted city oversight as 'inexcusable.' Despite the outcry, a safety analyst notes: ending horse carriages will not significantly improve safety for pedestrians or cyclists, since carriages are a small part of street traffic and their removal does not fix systemic road dangers.
20
Driver Turning Left Hits Two Crosswalkers▸Jul 20 - The driver of a sedan turned left and hit a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman who were crossing 69 Street with the signal. Both suffered leg injuries and were conscious after the crash in Queens.
The driver of a sedan made a left turn on 69 Street at the Long Island Expressway and struck two people who were crossing with the signal: a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman. "According to the police report," both victims were injured—the boy complained of hip and upper-leg pain and the woman suffered abrasions to her lower leg and foot. Police listed the contributing factor as "Unspecified" and did not record a specific driver error in the data. The report notes the vehicle’s pre-crash action as Making Left Turn and records both victims as conscious after the impact.
16
Pickup Truck Failed to Yield on Maspeth Ave▸Jul 16 - Driver of a pickup hit a 33-year-old cyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected. Police cited failure to yield.
The driver of a pickup truck hit a 33-year-old male bicyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl in Queens. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected; he was conscious. According to the police report, both the driver and the cyclist were involved in a "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." Police recorded failure to yield by the driver. The report lists the pickup as 'Parked' pre-crash and the bicycle as 'Going Straight Ahead.' The bike shows front-end damage; the pickup shows no damage.
10
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Jul 10 - A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Three people in the sedan were injured. The driver suffered crush injuries; two passengers had concussions and upper-body trauma. Police cited unsafe lane changing and turning improperly.
A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, injuring all three people inside the sedan. The driver, a 30-year-old man, sustained crush injuries. A front passenger, a 39-year-old woman, was unconscious with a concussion and shoulder/upper-arm injuries. A rear passenger, a 35-year-old man, complained of a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Turning Improperly." Police recorded the dump truck was going straight and struck the sedan's center back end while the sedan was slowing or stopping.
Aug 24 - Drivers in two sedans and two SUVs collided on Maurice Ave at 56 Ave in Queens. Two passengers and a driver were injured. Police recorded unsafe speed by a driver.
Drivers in two sedans and two SUVs collided eastbound on Maurice Ave at 56 Ave in Queens. Two passengers were hurt: a 30-year-old woman with lower-leg injuries and a 34-year-old woman with whole-body pain. A 26-year-old male driver suffered a head injury. Others were listed with unspecified injuries. According to the police report, "Unsafe Speed" was a contributing factor. Police recorded unsafe speed by a driver. Pre-crash entries show several cars starting in traffic and one going straight ahead, all eastbound. Damage ran from center front to back ends across the line. The record lists two Hondas and two SUVs, one registered in New Jersey.
24
Distracted Sedan Strikes Cyclist on Grand▸Aug 24 - A sedan hit a southbound cyclist on Grand Ave near the Queens Midtown Expressway. The 50-year-old man was ejected, semiconscious with head trauma and minor bleeding. Police cited driver inattention.
According to the police report, contributing factors included "Driver Inattention/Distraction." A sedan and a bicycle collided on Grand Ave at the Queens Midtown Expressway in Queens. The bicyclist, a 50-year-old man, was ejected and found semiconscious with a head injury and minor bleeding. Police data also lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" for the bicyclist after the driver factor. The sedan was traveling east; the bicycle was traveling south. Both were reported as going straight ahead. The sedan's point of impact is recorded as the left side doors, and the report records Driver Inattention/Distraction for the sedan's driver.
21
Unlicensed motorcyclist hit by northbound sedan▸Aug 21 - Northbound Chevy struck a southbound motorcycle in Maspeth. The bike was demolished. The rider, 43, was injured and partially ejected. A parked Audi took a glancing hit. Police cite driver inexperience.
A northbound 2024 Chevy sedan hit a southbound 2024 JIAJU motorcycle near 59-12 61 St in Queens. The motorcycle was demolished. The 43-year-old male rider was injured and partially ejected. A parked 2007 Audi sedan was also struck on the left rear. According to the police report, the contributing factor was “Driver Inexperience.” The crash data lists the motorcycle operator as unlicensed. The report shows the Chevy’s center front end as the point of impact and notes damage consistent with a frontal strike. The motorcycle rider’s helmet status appears only as a data field label and is not cited as a cause in the report.
14Int 1358-2025
Holden co-sponsors permit revocation for placard abuse and obscured plates, improving safety.▸Aug 14 - Int 1358-2025 yanks city parking permits from drivers with obscured or defaced plates. It also targets placard misuse and unpaid fines over $350. The move restores camera enforcement. Pedestrians and cyclists gain space and accountability.
Int 1358-2025. Status: Sponsorship, referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on August 14, 2025. The bill seeks the “revocation of city-issued parking permits for violations related to obscured or defaced license plates.” Primary sponsor: Council Member Lincoln Restler. Co-sponsor: Council Member Robert F. Holden. The measure would revoke permits after three misuse violations, any §19-166 offense, unpaid violations over $350, or operating with an obscured plate. Revoking city-issued parking permits for obscured/defaced plates and placard misuse increases accountability, restores automated enforcement, and deters illegal parking. This reduces bike lane and crosswalk blocking and curbs impunity among placard holders, improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
-
File Int 1358-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-08-14
14Int 1362-2025
Holden is primary sponsor of bill removing bus and bike lane benchmarks.▸Aug 14 - Int. No. 1362 strips city definitions and benchmarks for protected bicycle lanes and protected bus lanes. It removes targets and accountability. The change will slow deployment of separated bike and bus infrastructure and erode safety and equity for pedestrians and cyclists.
Int. No. 1362 (filed Aug. 14, 2025; stage: SPONSORSHIP) was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The matter is titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to removing benchmarks for bus lanes and bicycle lanes and repealing certain definitions in relation thereto." Council Member Robert F. Holden is the primary sponsor. Co-sponsors are Vickie Paladino, Joann Ariola, and Inna Vernikov. The bill repeals the definitions of "protected bicycle lane" and "protected bus lane" and removes benchmark requirements from the streets master plan. Safety analysts note that removing explicit benchmarks and definitions weakens accountability for building separated cycling and bus infrastructure, likely decreasing street equity and safety-in-numbers for pedestrians and cyclists.
-
File Int 1362-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-08-14
14Int 1362-2025
Holden is primary sponsor removing bus and bike lane benchmarks from streets master plan.▸Aug 14 - Int 1362 strips definitions for protected bus and bike lanes and removes benchmarks from the streets master plan. It guts measurable targets. Safe space for pedestrians and cyclists is at risk. The city could slow needed separated infrastructure.
Bill: Int. No. 1362 (Int 1362-2025). Status: SPONSORSHIP. Committee: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Event date: 2025-08-14. The matter reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to removing benchmarks for bus lanes and bicycle lanes from the streets master plan and repealing certain definitions in relation thereto." Council Member Robert F. Holden is the primary sponsor. Joann Ariola and Vickie Paladino are co-sponsors. The draft repeals the definitions of "protected bicycle lane" and "protected bus lane" and removes explicit benchmarks tied to transit signal priority, bus stop upgrades, accessible pedestrian signals and intersection redesigns. Removing those benchmarks weakens commitments to high‑quality separated infrastructure and measurable mode‑shift targets, likely slowing deployment of safe space for pedestrians and cyclists and undermining equitable street redesigns.
-
File Int 1362-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-08-14
14Int 1362-2025
Holden is primary sponsor removing bus and bike lane benchmarks.▸Aug 14 - Int 1362 repeals the definitions of “protected bicycle lane” and “protected bus lane” and strips explicit benchmarks for protected lanes from the streets master plan. It preserves signal and pedestrian targets but weakens commitments to physical protection, threatening safety and equity.
Bill Int 1362-2025. Status: Sponsorship, introduced Aug 14, 2025. Referred to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The measure, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to removing benchmarks for bus lanes and bicycle lanes from the streets master plan and repealing certain definitions in relation thereto," repeals the definitions of "protected bicycle lane" and "protected bus lane" and removes related benchmarks in the master plan (master plan dates referenced include Dec. 1, 2021 and Dec. 1, 2026). Primary sponsor: Robert F. Holden. Co-sponsors: Inna Vernikov, Joann Ariola, Chris Banks, Vickie Paladino. Safety analysts warn: "Removing explicit benchmarks and definitions for protected bus and bicycle lanes weakens commitments to physically protected infrastructure... likely reducing mode shift to walking and cycling and worsening equity and safety-in-numbers; the retained measures focus on signals and pedestrian amenities but do not replace the protective effect of designated protected lanes."
-
File Int 1362-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-08-14
13
Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK▸Aug 13 - A driver struck a man crossing 155th Street near JFK. The driver fled. The man died at Jamaica Hospital. Police search for answers. Seventeen killed in Queens South this year. The toll climbs.
Gothamist (2025-08-13) reports a 52-year-old man was killed crossing 155th Street and South Conduit Avenue near JFK Airport at 2:30 a.m. The driver fled. Police said, "the driver hit the 52-year-old man as he crossed" and left the scene. No vehicle description was released. NYPD data shows 17 traffic deaths in Queens South this year, up from 13 last year. The incident highlights ongoing risks for pedestrians and the persistent issue of hit-and-run drivers in the area.
-
Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-13
12
Speeding Driver Kills Two Pedestrians in Astoria▸Aug 12 - A speeding car tore through Astoria. The driver struck two men at a coffee cart. All three died. Parked cars blocked sightlines. The street was narrow. Danger came fast and left devastation.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-08-12) reports an 84-year-old driver sped onto 42nd Street in Astoria, hitting two pedestrians and a coffee cart. The crash killed the driver and both men. Streetsblog notes, 'The block has several auto repair shops that leave cars parked all over the sidewalk, limiting visibility.' The article highlights the city's power to lower speed limits to 20 mph, granted by the state legislature, but points out that local officials did not mention this in their initial responses. The crash underscores the risks of speeding and poor street design.
-
Speeding Driver Kills Two Pedestrians in Astoria,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-12
11
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Aug 11 - A westbound dump truck rear-ended a westbound sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Two women in the sedan were injured; a 29-year-old front passenger suffered crush injuries and the 42-year-old driver suffered back injuries.
A westbound dump truck struck the center back end of a westbound sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. Two sedan occupants were injured: a 29-year-old front passenger with crush injuries and a 42-year-old driver with back injuries. According to the police report, the contributing factors were “Traffic Control Disregarded,” “Unsafe Lane Changing,” and “Oversized Vehicle.” The sedan showed left rear bumper damage; the truck had center front-end damage consistent with a rear impact. Police listed the driver errors above. No pedestrians or cyclists were reported; the sedan passengers bore the harm.
10
Driver hits man off roadway on 60 Ave▸Aug 10 - A driver hit a 33-year-old man off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He stayed conscious. His knee, lower leg, and foot were hurt. Police list no driver errors.
A driver hit a 33-year-old man walking off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He was a pedestrian, not in the street. He stayed conscious. He suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. According to the police report, the pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of the crash. The report lists no driver errors or contributing factors. Police did not record failure to yield, distraction, speeding, or impairment. The report lists the vehicle type as unspecified and notes no direction of travel. It provides no information on the driver. No further details appear in the report.
8
Holden Opposes Safety‑Boosting Daylighting Citing DOT Report▸Aug 8 - DOT leans on a costly report and pro-car politicians to stall universal daylighting. Corners stay parked. Visibility stays poor. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a proven, system‑wide safety measure while parking is put first.
"Pro-car politicians like Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden, and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella have cited the DOT's report to oppose the bill, prioritizing parking over safety" -- Robert F. Holden
Bill: universal daylighting (no bill number listed). Status: stalled amid DOT opposition despite broad Council support. Committee: not listed. Key date: August 8, 2025 (Streetsblog NYC report). Matter title quoted: "We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting 'Scare Tactic' Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols." DOT released a report claiming $3 billion in costs and 300,000 lost parking spots. Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella cited the report and opposed the measure. Council Member Julie Won and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla called the report flawed; Won asked, "It isn’t unreasonable to invest under $10k to save the lives of children and all pedestrians with daylighting?" Safety analyst: DOT's opposition undermines a proven, system-wide safety measure for pedestrians and cyclists, prioritizing parking over vulnerable road user safety and risking mode shift and equitable street access.
-
We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting ‘Scare Tactic’ Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-08
6
Holden Sponsors Ban on Horse Drawn Carriages▸Aug 6 - A horse named Lady died in Hell's Kitchen. Photos reignited calls to ban carriages. The City Council stalled. Unions and leaders blocked hearings. Advocates warned of more injuries. Analysts say the ban would have minimal direct effect on pedestrians and cyclists.
Bill 2025, proposed to ban horse-drawn carriages, remained stalled as of August 6, 2025. The measure sits in the City Council health committee chaired by Lynn C. Schulman. Queens Councilman Robert F. Holden is the bill's sponsor. Speaker Adrienne Adams has not publicly taken a position. The article ran under the headline "Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages." Advocates rallied and warned, "without a ban there will be more crashes, injuries, and possibly deaths." TWU Local 100 opposes the ban. The proposed ban on horse-drawn carriages may have minimal direct impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety, as these vehicles are a small share of street traffic; the primary safety risks for vulnerable road users stem from motor vehicles and street design.
-
Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages,
Crain's New York Business,
Published 2025-08-06
4
Gianaris Backs Mamdani and Safety‑Boosting Fix the MTA Act▸Aug 4 - Gianaris backs Mamdani for mayor. Both pushed for subway funding and fare-free buses. Their alliance signals power in transit fights. No direct safety change yet for walkers or riders.
On August 4, 2025, State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris endorsed Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani for mayor. The two worked together on the 'Fix the MTA Act,' which invested in subways and piloted fare-free buses. Gianaris said Mamdani 'provides the energy and ideas' New Yorkers need. Mamdani thanked Gianaris for helping secure 'historic investments in subway and bus services.' This event, reported by City & State NY, shows political unity on transit. However, as no specific policy action or outcome is detailed, analysts find no direct safety impact for pedestrians or cyclists.
-
Mike Gianaris backs Zohran Mamdani for mayor,
City & State NY,
Published 2025-08-04
2
Parked SUV Driver Doors Teen Rider▸Aug 2 - On Grand Ave in Queens, a parked SUV driver swung a door into an 18‑year‑old on an e‑bike. The rider went down, arm scraped and bleeding. Police recorded driver inattention. Metal and skin. Sudden stop.
An 18-year-old e-bike rider was injured when a parked Ford SUV’s driver opened a left-side door at 65-41 Grand Ave in Queens. The rider, traveling west, hit the door and fell. He suffered an abrasion to his lower arm and remained conscious. According to the police report, officers recorded Driver Inattention/Distraction for the SUV driver as a contributing factor. The report also noted Driver Inattention/Distraction for the injured rider. The e-bike showed center-front damage; the SUV had damage to its left-side doors. No other injuries were reported.
1
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger▸Aug 1 - A teen drove a BMW at 100 mph without a license. He lost control. The car hit a truck. Fourteen-year-old Fortune Williams was ejected and killed. The driver now faces prison. Parents faced charges too.
Gothamist (2025-08-01) reports an 18-year-old Queens resident was sentenced to up to four years for a 2023 crash that killed 14-year-old Fortune Williams. The teen, unlicensed and speeding at over 100 mph in a 30-mph zone, lost control and struck a parked UPS truck. Prosecutors said he only had a learner's permit and had been previously ticketed for unlicensed driving. His parents, who gave him the BMW, were convicted of child endangerment. DA Melinda Katz called it 'a landmark case where both an unlicensed teenage driver and his parents were held responsible.' The case highlights failures in supervision and enforcement.
-
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-01
23
Holden Urges Council to Pass Ryders Law▸Jul 23 - Dozens rallied at City Hall. They demanded Ryder's Law. Council Member Holden led. NYCLASS joined. The call was sharp: end horse carriages. The industry faces fierce opposition. The council stalls. The danger remains.
"The fact that a visibly sick horse like Ryder was allowed to work at all is unbelievable and inexcusable. This case proves that current regulations don't protect the horses, and it's time for the City Council to act." -- Robert F. Holden
On July 23, 2025, Council Member Robert Holden and animal advocates rallied at City Hall, demanding passage of Ryder's Law to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Holden, has not yet reached a council vote or hearing. The rally followed a 'not guilty' verdict in a high-profile horse abuse case. The matter, described as a push 'to end the horse carriage industry in NYC,' drew support from NYCLASS and others. Holden blasted city oversight as 'inexcusable.' Despite the outcry, a safety analyst notes: ending horse carriages will not significantly improve safety for pedestrians or cyclists, since carriages are a small part of street traffic and their removal does not fix systemic road dangers.
20
Driver Turning Left Hits Two Crosswalkers▸Jul 20 - The driver of a sedan turned left and hit a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman who were crossing 69 Street with the signal. Both suffered leg injuries and were conscious after the crash in Queens.
The driver of a sedan made a left turn on 69 Street at the Long Island Expressway and struck two people who were crossing with the signal: a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman. "According to the police report," both victims were injured—the boy complained of hip and upper-leg pain and the woman suffered abrasions to her lower leg and foot. Police listed the contributing factor as "Unspecified" and did not record a specific driver error in the data. The report notes the vehicle’s pre-crash action as Making Left Turn and records both victims as conscious after the impact.
16
Pickup Truck Failed to Yield on Maspeth Ave▸Jul 16 - Driver of a pickup hit a 33-year-old cyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected. Police cited failure to yield.
The driver of a pickup truck hit a 33-year-old male bicyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl in Queens. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected; he was conscious. According to the police report, both the driver and the cyclist were involved in a "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." Police recorded failure to yield by the driver. The report lists the pickup as 'Parked' pre-crash and the bicycle as 'Going Straight Ahead.' The bike shows front-end damage; the pickup shows no damage.
10
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Jul 10 - A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Three people in the sedan were injured. The driver suffered crush injuries; two passengers had concussions and upper-body trauma. Police cited unsafe lane changing and turning improperly.
A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, injuring all three people inside the sedan. The driver, a 30-year-old man, sustained crush injuries. A front passenger, a 39-year-old woman, was unconscious with a concussion and shoulder/upper-arm injuries. A rear passenger, a 35-year-old man, complained of a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Turning Improperly." Police recorded the dump truck was going straight and struck the sedan's center back end while the sedan was slowing or stopping.
Aug 24 - A sedan hit a southbound cyclist on Grand Ave near the Queens Midtown Expressway. The 50-year-old man was ejected, semiconscious with head trauma and minor bleeding. Police cited driver inattention.
According to the police report, contributing factors included "Driver Inattention/Distraction." A sedan and a bicycle collided on Grand Ave at the Queens Midtown Expressway in Queens. The bicyclist, a 50-year-old man, was ejected and found semiconscious with a head injury and minor bleeding. Police data also lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" for the bicyclist after the driver factor. The sedan was traveling east; the bicycle was traveling south. Both were reported as going straight ahead. The sedan's point of impact is recorded as the left side doors, and the report records Driver Inattention/Distraction for the sedan's driver.
21
Unlicensed motorcyclist hit by northbound sedan▸Aug 21 - Northbound Chevy struck a southbound motorcycle in Maspeth. The bike was demolished. The rider, 43, was injured and partially ejected. A parked Audi took a glancing hit. Police cite driver inexperience.
A northbound 2024 Chevy sedan hit a southbound 2024 JIAJU motorcycle near 59-12 61 St in Queens. The motorcycle was demolished. The 43-year-old male rider was injured and partially ejected. A parked 2007 Audi sedan was also struck on the left rear. According to the police report, the contributing factor was “Driver Inexperience.” The crash data lists the motorcycle operator as unlicensed. The report shows the Chevy’s center front end as the point of impact and notes damage consistent with a frontal strike. The motorcycle rider’s helmet status appears only as a data field label and is not cited as a cause in the report.
14Int 1358-2025
Holden co-sponsors permit revocation for placard abuse and obscured plates, improving safety.▸Aug 14 - Int 1358-2025 yanks city parking permits from drivers with obscured or defaced plates. It also targets placard misuse and unpaid fines over $350. The move restores camera enforcement. Pedestrians and cyclists gain space and accountability.
Int 1358-2025. Status: Sponsorship, referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on August 14, 2025. The bill seeks the “revocation of city-issued parking permits for violations related to obscured or defaced license plates.” Primary sponsor: Council Member Lincoln Restler. Co-sponsor: Council Member Robert F. Holden. The measure would revoke permits after three misuse violations, any §19-166 offense, unpaid violations over $350, or operating with an obscured plate. Revoking city-issued parking permits for obscured/defaced plates and placard misuse increases accountability, restores automated enforcement, and deters illegal parking. This reduces bike lane and crosswalk blocking and curbs impunity among placard holders, improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
-
File Int 1358-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-08-14
14Int 1362-2025
Holden is primary sponsor of bill removing bus and bike lane benchmarks.▸Aug 14 - Int. No. 1362 strips city definitions and benchmarks for protected bicycle lanes and protected bus lanes. It removes targets and accountability. The change will slow deployment of separated bike and bus infrastructure and erode safety and equity for pedestrians and cyclists.
Int. No. 1362 (filed Aug. 14, 2025; stage: SPONSORSHIP) was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The matter is titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to removing benchmarks for bus lanes and bicycle lanes and repealing certain definitions in relation thereto." Council Member Robert F. Holden is the primary sponsor. Co-sponsors are Vickie Paladino, Joann Ariola, and Inna Vernikov. The bill repeals the definitions of "protected bicycle lane" and "protected bus lane" and removes benchmark requirements from the streets master plan. Safety analysts note that removing explicit benchmarks and definitions weakens accountability for building separated cycling and bus infrastructure, likely decreasing street equity and safety-in-numbers for pedestrians and cyclists.
-
File Int 1362-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-08-14
14Int 1362-2025
Holden is primary sponsor removing bus and bike lane benchmarks from streets master plan.▸Aug 14 - Int 1362 strips definitions for protected bus and bike lanes and removes benchmarks from the streets master plan. It guts measurable targets. Safe space for pedestrians and cyclists is at risk. The city could slow needed separated infrastructure.
Bill: Int. No. 1362 (Int 1362-2025). Status: SPONSORSHIP. Committee: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Event date: 2025-08-14. The matter reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to removing benchmarks for bus lanes and bicycle lanes from the streets master plan and repealing certain definitions in relation thereto." Council Member Robert F. Holden is the primary sponsor. Joann Ariola and Vickie Paladino are co-sponsors. The draft repeals the definitions of "protected bicycle lane" and "protected bus lane" and removes explicit benchmarks tied to transit signal priority, bus stop upgrades, accessible pedestrian signals and intersection redesigns. Removing those benchmarks weakens commitments to high‑quality separated infrastructure and measurable mode‑shift targets, likely slowing deployment of safe space for pedestrians and cyclists and undermining equitable street redesigns.
-
File Int 1362-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-08-14
14Int 1362-2025
Holden is primary sponsor removing bus and bike lane benchmarks.▸Aug 14 - Int 1362 repeals the definitions of “protected bicycle lane” and “protected bus lane” and strips explicit benchmarks for protected lanes from the streets master plan. It preserves signal and pedestrian targets but weakens commitments to physical protection, threatening safety and equity.
Bill Int 1362-2025. Status: Sponsorship, introduced Aug 14, 2025. Referred to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The measure, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to removing benchmarks for bus lanes and bicycle lanes from the streets master plan and repealing certain definitions in relation thereto," repeals the definitions of "protected bicycle lane" and "protected bus lane" and removes related benchmarks in the master plan (master plan dates referenced include Dec. 1, 2021 and Dec. 1, 2026). Primary sponsor: Robert F. Holden. Co-sponsors: Inna Vernikov, Joann Ariola, Chris Banks, Vickie Paladino. Safety analysts warn: "Removing explicit benchmarks and definitions for protected bus and bicycle lanes weakens commitments to physically protected infrastructure... likely reducing mode shift to walking and cycling and worsening equity and safety-in-numbers; the retained measures focus on signals and pedestrian amenities but do not replace the protective effect of designated protected lanes."
-
File Int 1362-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-08-14
13
Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK▸Aug 13 - A driver struck a man crossing 155th Street near JFK. The driver fled. The man died at Jamaica Hospital. Police search for answers. Seventeen killed in Queens South this year. The toll climbs.
Gothamist (2025-08-13) reports a 52-year-old man was killed crossing 155th Street and South Conduit Avenue near JFK Airport at 2:30 a.m. The driver fled. Police said, "the driver hit the 52-year-old man as he crossed" and left the scene. No vehicle description was released. NYPD data shows 17 traffic deaths in Queens South this year, up from 13 last year. The incident highlights ongoing risks for pedestrians and the persistent issue of hit-and-run drivers in the area.
-
Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-13
12
Speeding Driver Kills Two Pedestrians in Astoria▸Aug 12 - A speeding car tore through Astoria. The driver struck two men at a coffee cart. All three died. Parked cars blocked sightlines. The street was narrow. Danger came fast and left devastation.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-08-12) reports an 84-year-old driver sped onto 42nd Street in Astoria, hitting two pedestrians and a coffee cart. The crash killed the driver and both men. Streetsblog notes, 'The block has several auto repair shops that leave cars parked all over the sidewalk, limiting visibility.' The article highlights the city's power to lower speed limits to 20 mph, granted by the state legislature, but points out that local officials did not mention this in their initial responses. The crash underscores the risks of speeding and poor street design.
-
Speeding Driver Kills Two Pedestrians in Astoria,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-12
11
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Aug 11 - A westbound dump truck rear-ended a westbound sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Two women in the sedan were injured; a 29-year-old front passenger suffered crush injuries and the 42-year-old driver suffered back injuries.
A westbound dump truck struck the center back end of a westbound sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. Two sedan occupants were injured: a 29-year-old front passenger with crush injuries and a 42-year-old driver with back injuries. According to the police report, the contributing factors were “Traffic Control Disregarded,” “Unsafe Lane Changing,” and “Oversized Vehicle.” The sedan showed left rear bumper damage; the truck had center front-end damage consistent with a rear impact. Police listed the driver errors above. No pedestrians or cyclists were reported; the sedan passengers bore the harm.
10
Driver hits man off roadway on 60 Ave▸Aug 10 - A driver hit a 33-year-old man off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He stayed conscious. His knee, lower leg, and foot were hurt. Police list no driver errors.
A driver hit a 33-year-old man walking off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He was a pedestrian, not in the street. He stayed conscious. He suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. According to the police report, the pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of the crash. The report lists no driver errors or contributing factors. Police did not record failure to yield, distraction, speeding, or impairment. The report lists the vehicle type as unspecified and notes no direction of travel. It provides no information on the driver. No further details appear in the report.
8
Holden Opposes Safety‑Boosting Daylighting Citing DOT Report▸Aug 8 - DOT leans on a costly report and pro-car politicians to stall universal daylighting. Corners stay parked. Visibility stays poor. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a proven, system‑wide safety measure while parking is put first.
"Pro-car politicians like Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden, and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella have cited the DOT's report to oppose the bill, prioritizing parking over safety" -- Robert F. Holden
Bill: universal daylighting (no bill number listed). Status: stalled amid DOT opposition despite broad Council support. Committee: not listed. Key date: August 8, 2025 (Streetsblog NYC report). Matter title quoted: "We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting 'Scare Tactic' Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols." DOT released a report claiming $3 billion in costs and 300,000 lost parking spots. Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella cited the report and opposed the measure. Council Member Julie Won and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla called the report flawed; Won asked, "It isn’t unreasonable to invest under $10k to save the lives of children and all pedestrians with daylighting?" Safety analyst: DOT's opposition undermines a proven, system-wide safety measure for pedestrians and cyclists, prioritizing parking over vulnerable road user safety and risking mode shift and equitable street access.
-
We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting ‘Scare Tactic’ Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-08
6
Holden Sponsors Ban on Horse Drawn Carriages▸Aug 6 - A horse named Lady died in Hell's Kitchen. Photos reignited calls to ban carriages. The City Council stalled. Unions and leaders blocked hearings. Advocates warned of more injuries. Analysts say the ban would have minimal direct effect on pedestrians and cyclists.
Bill 2025, proposed to ban horse-drawn carriages, remained stalled as of August 6, 2025. The measure sits in the City Council health committee chaired by Lynn C. Schulman. Queens Councilman Robert F. Holden is the bill's sponsor. Speaker Adrienne Adams has not publicly taken a position. The article ran under the headline "Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages." Advocates rallied and warned, "without a ban there will be more crashes, injuries, and possibly deaths." TWU Local 100 opposes the ban. The proposed ban on horse-drawn carriages may have minimal direct impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety, as these vehicles are a small share of street traffic; the primary safety risks for vulnerable road users stem from motor vehicles and street design.
-
Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages,
Crain's New York Business,
Published 2025-08-06
4
Gianaris Backs Mamdani and Safety‑Boosting Fix the MTA Act▸Aug 4 - Gianaris backs Mamdani for mayor. Both pushed for subway funding and fare-free buses. Their alliance signals power in transit fights. No direct safety change yet for walkers or riders.
On August 4, 2025, State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris endorsed Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani for mayor. The two worked together on the 'Fix the MTA Act,' which invested in subways and piloted fare-free buses. Gianaris said Mamdani 'provides the energy and ideas' New Yorkers need. Mamdani thanked Gianaris for helping secure 'historic investments in subway and bus services.' This event, reported by City & State NY, shows political unity on transit. However, as no specific policy action or outcome is detailed, analysts find no direct safety impact for pedestrians or cyclists.
-
Mike Gianaris backs Zohran Mamdani for mayor,
City & State NY,
Published 2025-08-04
2
Parked SUV Driver Doors Teen Rider▸Aug 2 - On Grand Ave in Queens, a parked SUV driver swung a door into an 18‑year‑old on an e‑bike. The rider went down, arm scraped and bleeding. Police recorded driver inattention. Metal and skin. Sudden stop.
An 18-year-old e-bike rider was injured when a parked Ford SUV’s driver opened a left-side door at 65-41 Grand Ave in Queens. The rider, traveling west, hit the door and fell. He suffered an abrasion to his lower arm and remained conscious. According to the police report, officers recorded Driver Inattention/Distraction for the SUV driver as a contributing factor. The report also noted Driver Inattention/Distraction for the injured rider. The e-bike showed center-front damage; the SUV had damage to its left-side doors. No other injuries were reported.
1
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger▸Aug 1 - A teen drove a BMW at 100 mph without a license. He lost control. The car hit a truck. Fourteen-year-old Fortune Williams was ejected and killed. The driver now faces prison. Parents faced charges too.
Gothamist (2025-08-01) reports an 18-year-old Queens resident was sentenced to up to four years for a 2023 crash that killed 14-year-old Fortune Williams. The teen, unlicensed and speeding at over 100 mph in a 30-mph zone, lost control and struck a parked UPS truck. Prosecutors said he only had a learner's permit and had been previously ticketed for unlicensed driving. His parents, who gave him the BMW, were convicted of child endangerment. DA Melinda Katz called it 'a landmark case where both an unlicensed teenage driver and his parents were held responsible.' The case highlights failures in supervision and enforcement.
-
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-01
23
Holden Urges Council to Pass Ryders Law▸Jul 23 - Dozens rallied at City Hall. They demanded Ryder's Law. Council Member Holden led. NYCLASS joined. The call was sharp: end horse carriages. The industry faces fierce opposition. The council stalls. The danger remains.
"The fact that a visibly sick horse like Ryder was allowed to work at all is unbelievable and inexcusable. This case proves that current regulations don't protect the horses, and it's time for the City Council to act." -- Robert F. Holden
On July 23, 2025, Council Member Robert Holden and animal advocates rallied at City Hall, demanding passage of Ryder's Law to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Holden, has not yet reached a council vote or hearing. The rally followed a 'not guilty' verdict in a high-profile horse abuse case. The matter, described as a push 'to end the horse carriage industry in NYC,' drew support from NYCLASS and others. Holden blasted city oversight as 'inexcusable.' Despite the outcry, a safety analyst notes: ending horse carriages will not significantly improve safety for pedestrians or cyclists, since carriages are a small part of street traffic and their removal does not fix systemic road dangers.
20
Driver Turning Left Hits Two Crosswalkers▸Jul 20 - The driver of a sedan turned left and hit a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman who were crossing 69 Street with the signal. Both suffered leg injuries and were conscious after the crash in Queens.
The driver of a sedan made a left turn on 69 Street at the Long Island Expressway and struck two people who were crossing with the signal: a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman. "According to the police report," both victims were injured—the boy complained of hip and upper-leg pain and the woman suffered abrasions to her lower leg and foot. Police listed the contributing factor as "Unspecified" and did not record a specific driver error in the data. The report notes the vehicle’s pre-crash action as Making Left Turn and records both victims as conscious after the impact.
16
Pickup Truck Failed to Yield on Maspeth Ave▸Jul 16 - Driver of a pickup hit a 33-year-old cyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected. Police cited failure to yield.
The driver of a pickup truck hit a 33-year-old male bicyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl in Queens. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected; he was conscious. According to the police report, both the driver and the cyclist were involved in a "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." Police recorded failure to yield by the driver. The report lists the pickup as 'Parked' pre-crash and the bicycle as 'Going Straight Ahead.' The bike shows front-end damage; the pickup shows no damage.
10
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Jul 10 - A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Three people in the sedan were injured. The driver suffered crush injuries; two passengers had concussions and upper-body trauma. Police cited unsafe lane changing and turning improperly.
A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, injuring all three people inside the sedan. The driver, a 30-year-old man, sustained crush injuries. A front passenger, a 39-year-old woman, was unconscious with a concussion and shoulder/upper-arm injuries. A rear passenger, a 35-year-old man, complained of a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Turning Improperly." Police recorded the dump truck was going straight and struck the sedan's center back end while the sedan was slowing or stopping.
Aug 21 - Northbound Chevy struck a southbound motorcycle in Maspeth. The bike was demolished. The rider, 43, was injured and partially ejected. A parked Audi took a glancing hit. Police cite driver inexperience.
A northbound 2024 Chevy sedan hit a southbound 2024 JIAJU motorcycle near 59-12 61 St in Queens. The motorcycle was demolished. The 43-year-old male rider was injured and partially ejected. A parked 2007 Audi sedan was also struck on the left rear. According to the police report, the contributing factor was “Driver Inexperience.” The crash data lists the motorcycle operator as unlicensed. The report shows the Chevy’s center front end as the point of impact and notes damage consistent with a frontal strike. The motorcycle rider’s helmet status appears only as a data field label and is not cited as a cause in the report.
14Int 1358-2025
Holden co-sponsors permit revocation for placard abuse and obscured plates, improving safety.▸Aug 14 - Int 1358-2025 yanks city parking permits from drivers with obscured or defaced plates. It also targets placard misuse and unpaid fines over $350. The move restores camera enforcement. Pedestrians and cyclists gain space and accountability.
Int 1358-2025. Status: Sponsorship, referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on August 14, 2025. The bill seeks the “revocation of city-issued parking permits for violations related to obscured or defaced license plates.” Primary sponsor: Council Member Lincoln Restler. Co-sponsor: Council Member Robert F. Holden. The measure would revoke permits after three misuse violations, any §19-166 offense, unpaid violations over $350, or operating with an obscured plate. Revoking city-issued parking permits for obscured/defaced plates and placard misuse increases accountability, restores automated enforcement, and deters illegal parking. This reduces bike lane and crosswalk blocking and curbs impunity among placard holders, improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
-
File Int 1358-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-08-14
14Int 1362-2025
Holden is primary sponsor of bill removing bus and bike lane benchmarks.▸Aug 14 - Int. No. 1362 strips city definitions and benchmarks for protected bicycle lanes and protected bus lanes. It removes targets and accountability. The change will slow deployment of separated bike and bus infrastructure and erode safety and equity for pedestrians and cyclists.
Int. No. 1362 (filed Aug. 14, 2025; stage: SPONSORSHIP) was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The matter is titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to removing benchmarks for bus lanes and bicycle lanes and repealing certain definitions in relation thereto." Council Member Robert F. Holden is the primary sponsor. Co-sponsors are Vickie Paladino, Joann Ariola, and Inna Vernikov. The bill repeals the definitions of "protected bicycle lane" and "protected bus lane" and removes benchmark requirements from the streets master plan. Safety analysts note that removing explicit benchmarks and definitions weakens accountability for building separated cycling and bus infrastructure, likely decreasing street equity and safety-in-numbers for pedestrians and cyclists.
-
File Int 1362-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-08-14
14Int 1362-2025
Holden is primary sponsor removing bus and bike lane benchmarks from streets master plan.▸Aug 14 - Int 1362 strips definitions for protected bus and bike lanes and removes benchmarks from the streets master plan. It guts measurable targets. Safe space for pedestrians and cyclists is at risk. The city could slow needed separated infrastructure.
Bill: Int. No. 1362 (Int 1362-2025). Status: SPONSORSHIP. Committee: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Event date: 2025-08-14. The matter reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to removing benchmarks for bus lanes and bicycle lanes from the streets master plan and repealing certain definitions in relation thereto." Council Member Robert F. Holden is the primary sponsor. Joann Ariola and Vickie Paladino are co-sponsors. The draft repeals the definitions of "protected bicycle lane" and "protected bus lane" and removes explicit benchmarks tied to transit signal priority, bus stop upgrades, accessible pedestrian signals and intersection redesigns. Removing those benchmarks weakens commitments to high‑quality separated infrastructure and measurable mode‑shift targets, likely slowing deployment of safe space for pedestrians and cyclists and undermining equitable street redesigns.
-
File Int 1362-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-08-14
14Int 1362-2025
Holden is primary sponsor removing bus and bike lane benchmarks.▸Aug 14 - Int 1362 repeals the definitions of “protected bicycle lane” and “protected bus lane” and strips explicit benchmarks for protected lanes from the streets master plan. It preserves signal and pedestrian targets but weakens commitments to physical protection, threatening safety and equity.
Bill Int 1362-2025. Status: Sponsorship, introduced Aug 14, 2025. Referred to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The measure, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to removing benchmarks for bus lanes and bicycle lanes from the streets master plan and repealing certain definitions in relation thereto," repeals the definitions of "protected bicycle lane" and "protected bus lane" and removes related benchmarks in the master plan (master plan dates referenced include Dec. 1, 2021 and Dec. 1, 2026). Primary sponsor: Robert F. Holden. Co-sponsors: Inna Vernikov, Joann Ariola, Chris Banks, Vickie Paladino. Safety analysts warn: "Removing explicit benchmarks and definitions for protected bus and bicycle lanes weakens commitments to physically protected infrastructure... likely reducing mode shift to walking and cycling and worsening equity and safety-in-numbers; the retained measures focus on signals and pedestrian amenities but do not replace the protective effect of designated protected lanes."
-
File Int 1362-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-08-14
13
Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK▸Aug 13 - A driver struck a man crossing 155th Street near JFK. The driver fled. The man died at Jamaica Hospital. Police search for answers. Seventeen killed in Queens South this year. The toll climbs.
Gothamist (2025-08-13) reports a 52-year-old man was killed crossing 155th Street and South Conduit Avenue near JFK Airport at 2:30 a.m. The driver fled. Police said, "the driver hit the 52-year-old man as he crossed" and left the scene. No vehicle description was released. NYPD data shows 17 traffic deaths in Queens South this year, up from 13 last year. The incident highlights ongoing risks for pedestrians and the persistent issue of hit-and-run drivers in the area.
-
Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-13
12
Speeding Driver Kills Two Pedestrians in Astoria▸Aug 12 - A speeding car tore through Astoria. The driver struck two men at a coffee cart. All three died. Parked cars blocked sightlines. The street was narrow. Danger came fast and left devastation.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-08-12) reports an 84-year-old driver sped onto 42nd Street in Astoria, hitting two pedestrians and a coffee cart. The crash killed the driver and both men. Streetsblog notes, 'The block has several auto repair shops that leave cars parked all over the sidewalk, limiting visibility.' The article highlights the city's power to lower speed limits to 20 mph, granted by the state legislature, but points out that local officials did not mention this in their initial responses. The crash underscores the risks of speeding and poor street design.
-
Speeding Driver Kills Two Pedestrians in Astoria,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-12
11
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Aug 11 - A westbound dump truck rear-ended a westbound sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Two women in the sedan were injured; a 29-year-old front passenger suffered crush injuries and the 42-year-old driver suffered back injuries.
A westbound dump truck struck the center back end of a westbound sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. Two sedan occupants were injured: a 29-year-old front passenger with crush injuries and a 42-year-old driver with back injuries. According to the police report, the contributing factors were “Traffic Control Disregarded,” “Unsafe Lane Changing,” and “Oversized Vehicle.” The sedan showed left rear bumper damage; the truck had center front-end damage consistent with a rear impact. Police listed the driver errors above. No pedestrians or cyclists were reported; the sedan passengers bore the harm.
10
Driver hits man off roadway on 60 Ave▸Aug 10 - A driver hit a 33-year-old man off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He stayed conscious. His knee, lower leg, and foot were hurt. Police list no driver errors.
A driver hit a 33-year-old man walking off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He was a pedestrian, not in the street. He stayed conscious. He suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. According to the police report, the pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of the crash. The report lists no driver errors or contributing factors. Police did not record failure to yield, distraction, speeding, or impairment. The report lists the vehicle type as unspecified and notes no direction of travel. It provides no information on the driver. No further details appear in the report.
8
Holden Opposes Safety‑Boosting Daylighting Citing DOT Report▸Aug 8 - DOT leans on a costly report and pro-car politicians to stall universal daylighting. Corners stay parked. Visibility stays poor. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a proven, system‑wide safety measure while parking is put first.
"Pro-car politicians like Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden, and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella have cited the DOT's report to oppose the bill, prioritizing parking over safety" -- Robert F. Holden
Bill: universal daylighting (no bill number listed). Status: stalled amid DOT opposition despite broad Council support. Committee: not listed. Key date: August 8, 2025 (Streetsblog NYC report). Matter title quoted: "We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting 'Scare Tactic' Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols." DOT released a report claiming $3 billion in costs and 300,000 lost parking spots. Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella cited the report and opposed the measure. Council Member Julie Won and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla called the report flawed; Won asked, "It isn’t unreasonable to invest under $10k to save the lives of children and all pedestrians with daylighting?" Safety analyst: DOT's opposition undermines a proven, system-wide safety measure for pedestrians and cyclists, prioritizing parking over vulnerable road user safety and risking mode shift and equitable street access.
-
We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting ‘Scare Tactic’ Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-08
6
Holden Sponsors Ban on Horse Drawn Carriages▸Aug 6 - A horse named Lady died in Hell's Kitchen. Photos reignited calls to ban carriages. The City Council stalled. Unions and leaders blocked hearings. Advocates warned of more injuries. Analysts say the ban would have minimal direct effect on pedestrians and cyclists.
Bill 2025, proposed to ban horse-drawn carriages, remained stalled as of August 6, 2025. The measure sits in the City Council health committee chaired by Lynn C. Schulman. Queens Councilman Robert F. Holden is the bill's sponsor. Speaker Adrienne Adams has not publicly taken a position. The article ran under the headline "Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages." Advocates rallied and warned, "without a ban there will be more crashes, injuries, and possibly deaths." TWU Local 100 opposes the ban. The proposed ban on horse-drawn carriages may have minimal direct impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety, as these vehicles are a small share of street traffic; the primary safety risks for vulnerable road users stem from motor vehicles and street design.
-
Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages,
Crain's New York Business,
Published 2025-08-06
4
Gianaris Backs Mamdani and Safety‑Boosting Fix the MTA Act▸Aug 4 - Gianaris backs Mamdani for mayor. Both pushed for subway funding and fare-free buses. Their alliance signals power in transit fights. No direct safety change yet for walkers or riders.
On August 4, 2025, State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris endorsed Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani for mayor. The two worked together on the 'Fix the MTA Act,' which invested in subways and piloted fare-free buses. Gianaris said Mamdani 'provides the energy and ideas' New Yorkers need. Mamdani thanked Gianaris for helping secure 'historic investments in subway and bus services.' This event, reported by City & State NY, shows political unity on transit. However, as no specific policy action or outcome is detailed, analysts find no direct safety impact for pedestrians or cyclists.
-
Mike Gianaris backs Zohran Mamdani for mayor,
City & State NY,
Published 2025-08-04
2
Parked SUV Driver Doors Teen Rider▸Aug 2 - On Grand Ave in Queens, a parked SUV driver swung a door into an 18‑year‑old on an e‑bike. The rider went down, arm scraped and bleeding. Police recorded driver inattention. Metal and skin. Sudden stop.
An 18-year-old e-bike rider was injured when a parked Ford SUV’s driver opened a left-side door at 65-41 Grand Ave in Queens. The rider, traveling west, hit the door and fell. He suffered an abrasion to his lower arm and remained conscious. According to the police report, officers recorded Driver Inattention/Distraction for the SUV driver as a contributing factor. The report also noted Driver Inattention/Distraction for the injured rider. The e-bike showed center-front damage; the SUV had damage to its left-side doors. No other injuries were reported.
1
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger▸Aug 1 - A teen drove a BMW at 100 mph without a license. He lost control. The car hit a truck. Fourteen-year-old Fortune Williams was ejected and killed. The driver now faces prison. Parents faced charges too.
Gothamist (2025-08-01) reports an 18-year-old Queens resident was sentenced to up to four years for a 2023 crash that killed 14-year-old Fortune Williams. The teen, unlicensed and speeding at over 100 mph in a 30-mph zone, lost control and struck a parked UPS truck. Prosecutors said he only had a learner's permit and had been previously ticketed for unlicensed driving. His parents, who gave him the BMW, were convicted of child endangerment. DA Melinda Katz called it 'a landmark case where both an unlicensed teenage driver and his parents were held responsible.' The case highlights failures in supervision and enforcement.
-
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-01
23
Holden Urges Council to Pass Ryders Law▸Jul 23 - Dozens rallied at City Hall. They demanded Ryder's Law. Council Member Holden led. NYCLASS joined. The call was sharp: end horse carriages. The industry faces fierce opposition. The council stalls. The danger remains.
"The fact that a visibly sick horse like Ryder was allowed to work at all is unbelievable and inexcusable. This case proves that current regulations don't protect the horses, and it's time for the City Council to act." -- Robert F. Holden
On July 23, 2025, Council Member Robert Holden and animal advocates rallied at City Hall, demanding passage of Ryder's Law to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Holden, has not yet reached a council vote or hearing. The rally followed a 'not guilty' verdict in a high-profile horse abuse case. The matter, described as a push 'to end the horse carriage industry in NYC,' drew support from NYCLASS and others. Holden blasted city oversight as 'inexcusable.' Despite the outcry, a safety analyst notes: ending horse carriages will not significantly improve safety for pedestrians or cyclists, since carriages are a small part of street traffic and their removal does not fix systemic road dangers.
20
Driver Turning Left Hits Two Crosswalkers▸Jul 20 - The driver of a sedan turned left and hit a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman who were crossing 69 Street with the signal. Both suffered leg injuries and were conscious after the crash in Queens.
The driver of a sedan made a left turn on 69 Street at the Long Island Expressway and struck two people who were crossing with the signal: a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman. "According to the police report," both victims were injured—the boy complained of hip and upper-leg pain and the woman suffered abrasions to her lower leg and foot. Police listed the contributing factor as "Unspecified" and did not record a specific driver error in the data. The report notes the vehicle’s pre-crash action as Making Left Turn and records both victims as conscious after the impact.
16
Pickup Truck Failed to Yield on Maspeth Ave▸Jul 16 - Driver of a pickup hit a 33-year-old cyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected. Police cited failure to yield.
The driver of a pickup truck hit a 33-year-old male bicyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl in Queens. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected; he was conscious. According to the police report, both the driver and the cyclist were involved in a "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." Police recorded failure to yield by the driver. The report lists the pickup as 'Parked' pre-crash and the bicycle as 'Going Straight Ahead.' The bike shows front-end damage; the pickup shows no damage.
10
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Jul 10 - A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Three people in the sedan were injured. The driver suffered crush injuries; two passengers had concussions and upper-body trauma. Police cited unsafe lane changing and turning improperly.
A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, injuring all three people inside the sedan. The driver, a 30-year-old man, sustained crush injuries. A front passenger, a 39-year-old woman, was unconscious with a concussion and shoulder/upper-arm injuries. A rear passenger, a 35-year-old man, complained of a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Turning Improperly." Police recorded the dump truck was going straight and struck the sedan's center back end while the sedan was slowing or stopping.
Aug 14 - Int 1358-2025 yanks city parking permits from drivers with obscured or defaced plates. It also targets placard misuse and unpaid fines over $350. The move restores camera enforcement. Pedestrians and cyclists gain space and accountability.
Int 1358-2025. Status: Sponsorship, referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on August 14, 2025. The bill seeks the “revocation of city-issued parking permits for violations related to obscured or defaced license plates.” Primary sponsor: Council Member Lincoln Restler. Co-sponsor: Council Member Robert F. Holden. The measure would revoke permits after three misuse violations, any §19-166 offense, unpaid violations over $350, or operating with an obscured plate. Revoking city-issued parking permits for obscured/defaced plates and placard misuse increases accountability, restores automated enforcement, and deters illegal parking. This reduces bike lane and crosswalk blocking and curbs impunity among placard holders, improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
- File Int 1358-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14
14Int 1362-2025
Holden is primary sponsor of bill removing bus and bike lane benchmarks.▸Aug 14 - Int. No. 1362 strips city definitions and benchmarks for protected bicycle lanes and protected bus lanes. It removes targets and accountability. The change will slow deployment of separated bike and bus infrastructure and erode safety and equity for pedestrians and cyclists.
Int. No. 1362 (filed Aug. 14, 2025; stage: SPONSORSHIP) was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The matter is titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to removing benchmarks for bus lanes and bicycle lanes and repealing certain definitions in relation thereto." Council Member Robert F. Holden is the primary sponsor. Co-sponsors are Vickie Paladino, Joann Ariola, and Inna Vernikov. The bill repeals the definitions of "protected bicycle lane" and "protected bus lane" and removes benchmark requirements from the streets master plan. Safety analysts note that removing explicit benchmarks and definitions weakens accountability for building separated cycling and bus infrastructure, likely decreasing street equity and safety-in-numbers for pedestrians and cyclists.
-
File Int 1362-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-08-14
14Int 1362-2025
Holden is primary sponsor removing bus and bike lane benchmarks from streets master plan.▸Aug 14 - Int 1362 strips definitions for protected bus and bike lanes and removes benchmarks from the streets master plan. It guts measurable targets. Safe space for pedestrians and cyclists is at risk. The city could slow needed separated infrastructure.
Bill: Int. No. 1362 (Int 1362-2025). Status: SPONSORSHIP. Committee: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Event date: 2025-08-14. The matter reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to removing benchmarks for bus lanes and bicycle lanes from the streets master plan and repealing certain definitions in relation thereto." Council Member Robert F. Holden is the primary sponsor. Joann Ariola and Vickie Paladino are co-sponsors. The draft repeals the definitions of "protected bicycle lane" and "protected bus lane" and removes explicit benchmarks tied to transit signal priority, bus stop upgrades, accessible pedestrian signals and intersection redesigns. Removing those benchmarks weakens commitments to high‑quality separated infrastructure and measurable mode‑shift targets, likely slowing deployment of safe space for pedestrians and cyclists and undermining equitable street redesigns.
-
File Int 1362-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-08-14
14Int 1362-2025
Holden is primary sponsor removing bus and bike lane benchmarks.▸Aug 14 - Int 1362 repeals the definitions of “protected bicycle lane” and “protected bus lane” and strips explicit benchmarks for protected lanes from the streets master plan. It preserves signal and pedestrian targets but weakens commitments to physical protection, threatening safety and equity.
Bill Int 1362-2025. Status: Sponsorship, introduced Aug 14, 2025. Referred to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The measure, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to removing benchmarks for bus lanes and bicycle lanes from the streets master plan and repealing certain definitions in relation thereto," repeals the definitions of "protected bicycle lane" and "protected bus lane" and removes related benchmarks in the master plan (master plan dates referenced include Dec. 1, 2021 and Dec. 1, 2026). Primary sponsor: Robert F. Holden. Co-sponsors: Inna Vernikov, Joann Ariola, Chris Banks, Vickie Paladino. Safety analysts warn: "Removing explicit benchmarks and definitions for protected bus and bicycle lanes weakens commitments to physically protected infrastructure... likely reducing mode shift to walking and cycling and worsening equity and safety-in-numbers; the retained measures focus on signals and pedestrian amenities but do not replace the protective effect of designated protected lanes."
-
File Int 1362-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-08-14
13
Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK▸Aug 13 - A driver struck a man crossing 155th Street near JFK. The driver fled. The man died at Jamaica Hospital. Police search for answers. Seventeen killed in Queens South this year. The toll climbs.
Gothamist (2025-08-13) reports a 52-year-old man was killed crossing 155th Street and South Conduit Avenue near JFK Airport at 2:30 a.m. The driver fled. Police said, "the driver hit the 52-year-old man as he crossed" and left the scene. No vehicle description was released. NYPD data shows 17 traffic deaths in Queens South this year, up from 13 last year. The incident highlights ongoing risks for pedestrians and the persistent issue of hit-and-run drivers in the area.
-
Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-13
12
Speeding Driver Kills Two Pedestrians in Astoria▸Aug 12 - A speeding car tore through Astoria. The driver struck two men at a coffee cart. All three died. Parked cars blocked sightlines. The street was narrow. Danger came fast and left devastation.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-08-12) reports an 84-year-old driver sped onto 42nd Street in Astoria, hitting two pedestrians and a coffee cart. The crash killed the driver and both men. Streetsblog notes, 'The block has several auto repair shops that leave cars parked all over the sidewalk, limiting visibility.' The article highlights the city's power to lower speed limits to 20 mph, granted by the state legislature, but points out that local officials did not mention this in their initial responses. The crash underscores the risks of speeding and poor street design.
-
Speeding Driver Kills Two Pedestrians in Astoria,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-12
11
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Aug 11 - A westbound dump truck rear-ended a westbound sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Two women in the sedan were injured; a 29-year-old front passenger suffered crush injuries and the 42-year-old driver suffered back injuries.
A westbound dump truck struck the center back end of a westbound sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. Two sedan occupants were injured: a 29-year-old front passenger with crush injuries and a 42-year-old driver with back injuries. According to the police report, the contributing factors were “Traffic Control Disregarded,” “Unsafe Lane Changing,” and “Oversized Vehicle.” The sedan showed left rear bumper damage; the truck had center front-end damage consistent with a rear impact. Police listed the driver errors above. No pedestrians or cyclists were reported; the sedan passengers bore the harm.
10
Driver hits man off roadway on 60 Ave▸Aug 10 - A driver hit a 33-year-old man off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He stayed conscious. His knee, lower leg, and foot were hurt. Police list no driver errors.
A driver hit a 33-year-old man walking off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He was a pedestrian, not in the street. He stayed conscious. He suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. According to the police report, the pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of the crash. The report lists no driver errors or contributing factors. Police did not record failure to yield, distraction, speeding, or impairment. The report lists the vehicle type as unspecified and notes no direction of travel. It provides no information on the driver. No further details appear in the report.
8
Holden Opposes Safety‑Boosting Daylighting Citing DOT Report▸Aug 8 - DOT leans on a costly report and pro-car politicians to stall universal daylighting. Corners stay parked. Visibility stays poor. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a proven, system‑wide safety measure while parking is put first.
"Pro-car politicians like Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden, and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella have cited the DOT's report to oppose the bill, prioritizing parking over safety" -- Robert F. Holden
Bill: universal daylighting (no bill number listed). Status: stalled amid DOT opposition despite broad Council support. Committee: not listed. Key date: August 8, 2025 (Streetsblog NYC report). Matter title quoted: "We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting 'Scare Tactic' Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols." DOT released a report claiming $3 billion in costs and 300,000 lost parking spots. Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella cited the report and opposed the measure. Council Member Julie Won and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla called the report flawed; Won asked, "It isn’t unreasonable to invest under $10k to save the lives of children and all pedestrians with daylighting?" Safety analyst: DOT's opposition undermines a proven, system-wide safety measure for pedestrians and cyclists, prioritizing parking over vulnerable road user safety and risking mode shift and equitable street access.
-
We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting ‘Scare Tactic’ Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-08
6
Holden Sponsors Ban on Horse Drawn Carriages▸Aug 6 - A horse named Lady died in Hell's Kitchen. Photos reignited calls to ban carriages. The City Council stalled. Unions and leaders blocked hearings. Advocates warned of more injuries. Analysts say the ban would have minimal direct effect on pedestrians and cyclists.
Bill 2025, proposed to ban horse-drawn carriages, remained stalled as of August 6, 2025. The measure sits in the City Council health committee chaired by Lynn C. Schulman. Queens Councilman Robert F. Holden is the bill's sponsor. Speaker Adrienne Adams has not publicly taken a position. The article ran under the headline "Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages." Advocates rallied and warned, "without a ban there will be more crashes, injuries, and possibly deaths." TWU Local 100 opposes the ban. The proposed ban on horse-drawn carriages may have minimal direct impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety, as these vehicles are a small share of street traffic; the primary safety risks for vulnerable road users stem from motor vehicles and street design.
-
Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages,
Crain's New York Business,
Published 2025-08-06
4
Gianaris Backs Mamdani and Safety‑Boosting Fix the MTA Act▸Aug 4 - Gianaris backs Mamdani for mayor. Both pushed for subway funding and fare-free buses. Their alliance signals power in transit fights. No direct safety change yet for walkers or riders.
On August 4, 2025, State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris endorsed Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani for mayor. The two worked together on the 'Fix the MTA Act,' which invested in subways and piloted fare-free buses. Gianaris said Mamdani 'provides the energy and ideas' New Yorkers need. Mamdani thanked Gianaris for helping secure 'historic investments in subway and bus services.' This event, reported by City & State NY, shows political unity on transit. However, as no specific policy action or outcome is detailed, analysts find no direct safety impact for pedestrians or cyclists.
-
Mike Gianaris backs Zohran Mamdani for mayor,
City & State NY,
Published 2025-08-04
2
Parked SUV Driver Doors Teen Rider▸Aug 2 - On Grand Ave in Queens, a parked SUV driver swung a door into an 18‑year‑old on an e‑bike. The rider went down, arm scraped and bleeding. Police recorded driver inattention. Metal and skin. Sudden stop.
An 18-year-old e-bike rider was injured when a parked Ford SUV’s driver opened a left-side door at 65-41 Grand Ave in Queens. The rider, traveling west, hit the door and fell. He suffered an abrasion to his lower arm and remained conscious. According to the police report, officers recorded Driver Inattention/Distraction for the SUV driver as a contributing factor. The report also noted Driver Inattention/Distraction for the injured rider. The e-bike showed center-front damage; the SUV had damage to its left-side doors. No other injuries were reported.
1
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger▸Aug 1 - A teen drove a BMW at 100 mph without a license. He lost control. The car hit a truck. Fourteen-year-old Fortune Williams was ejected and killed. The driver now faces prison. Parents faced charges too.
Gothamist (2025-08-01) reports an 18-year-old Queens resident was sentenced to up to four years for a 2023 crash that killed 14-year-old Fortune Williams. The teen, unlicensed and speeding at over 100 mph in a 30-mph zone, lost control and struck a parked UPS truck. Prosecutors said he only had a learner's permit and had been previously ticketed for unlicensed driving. His parents, who gave him the BMW, were convicted of child endangerment. DA Melinda Katz called it 'a landmark case where both an unlicensed teenage driver and his parents were held responsible.' The case highlights failures in supervision and enforcement.
-
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-01
23
Holden Urges Council to Pass Ryders Law▸Jul 23 - Dozens rallied at City Hall. They demanded Ryder's Law. Council Member Holden led. NYCLASS joined. The call was sharp: end horse carriages. The industry faces fierce opposition. The council stalls. The danger remains.
"The fact that a visibly sick horse like Ryder was allowed to work at all is unbelievable and inexcusable. This case proves that current regulations don't protect the horses, and it's time for the City Council to act." -- Robert F. Holden
On July 23, 2025, Council Member Robert Holden and animal advocates rallied at City Hall, demanding passage of Ryder's Law to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Holden, has not yet reached a council vote or hearing. The rally followed a 'not guilty' verdict in a high-profile horse abuse case. The matter, described as a push 'to end the horse carriage industry in NYC,' drew support from NYCLASS and others. Holden blasted city oversight as 'inexcusable.' Despite the outcry, a safety analyst notes: ending horse carriages will not significantly improve safety for pedestrians or cyclists, since carriages are a small part of street traffic and their removal does not fix systemic road dangers.
20
Driver Turning Left Hits Two Crosswalkers▸Jul 20 - The driver of a sedan turned left and hit a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman who were crossing 69 Street with the signal. Both suffered leg injuries and were conscious after the crash in Queens.
The driver of a sedan made a left turn on 69 Street at the Long Island Expressway and struck two people who were crossing with the signal: a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman. "According to the police report," both victims were injured—the boy complained of hip and upper-leg pain and the woman suffered abrasions to her lower leg and foot. Police listed the contributing factor as "Unspecified" and did not record a specific driver error in the data. The report notes the vehicle’s pre-crash action as Making Left Turn and records both victims as conscious after the impact.
16
Pickup Truck Failed to Yield on Maspeth Ave▸Jul 16 - Driver of a pickup hit a 33-year-old cyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected. Police cited failure to yield.
The driver of a pickup truck hit a 33-year-old male bicyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl in Queens. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected; he was conscious. According to the police report, both the driver and the cyclist were involved in a "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." Police recorded failure to yield by the driver. The report lists the pickup as 'Parked' pre-crash and the bicycle as 'Going Straight Ahead.' The bike shows front-end damage; the pickup shows no damage.
10
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Jul 10 - A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Three people in the sedan were injured. The driver suffered crush injuries; two passengers had concussions and upper-body trauma. Police cited unsafe lane changing and turning improperly.
A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, injuring all three people inside the sedan. The driver, a 30-year-old man, sustained crush injuries. A front passenger, a 39-year-old woman, was unconscious with a concussion and shoulder/upper-arm injuries. A rear passenger, a 35-year-old man, complained of a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Turning Improperly." Police recorded the dump truck was going straight and struck the sedan's center back end while the sedan was slowing or stopping.
Aug 14 - Int. No. 1362 strips city definitions and benchmarks for protected bicycle lanes and protected bus lanes. It removes targets and accountability. The change will slow deployment of separated bike and bus infrastructure and erode safety and equity for pedestrians and cyclists.
Int. No. 1362 (filed Aug. 14, 2025; stage: SPONSORSHIP) was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The matter is titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to removing benchmarks for bus lanes and bicycle lanes and repealing certain definitions in relation thereto." Council Member Robert F. Holden is the primary sponsor. Co-sponsors are Vickie Paladino, Joann Ariola, and Inna Vernikov. The bill repeals the definitions of "protected bicycle lane" and "protected bus lane" and removes benchmark requirements from the streets master plan. Safety analysts note that removing explicit benchmarks and definitions weakens accountability for building separated cycling and bus infrastructure, likely decreasing street equity and safety-in-numbers for pedestrians and cyclists.
- File Int 1362-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14
14Int 1362-2025
Holden is primary sponsor removing bus and bike lane benchmarks from streets master plan.▸Aug 14 - Int 1362 strips definitions for protected bus and bike lanes and removes benchmarks from the streets master plan. It guts measurable targets. Safe space for pedestrians and cyclists is at risk. The city could slow needed separated infrastructure.
Bill: Int. No. 1362 (Int 1362-2025). Status: SPONSORSHIP. Committee: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Event date: 2025-08-14. The matter reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to removing benchmarks for bus lanes and bicycle lanes from the streets master plan and repealing certain definitions in relation thereto." Council Member Robert F. Holden is the primary sponsor. Joann Ariola and Vickie Paladino are co-sponsors. The draft repeals the definitions of "protected bicycle lane" and "protected bus lane" and removes explicit benchmarks tied to transit signal priority, bus stop upgrades, accessible pedestrian signals and intersection redesigns. Removing those benchmarks weakens commitments to high‑quality separated infrastructure and measurable mode‑shift targets, likely slowing deployment of safe space for pedestrians and cyclists and undermining equitable street redesigns.
-
File Int 1362-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-08-14
14Int 1362-2025
Holden is primary sponsor removing bus and bike lane benchmarks.▸Aug 14 - Int 1362 repeals the definitions of “protected bicycle lane” and “protected bus lane” and strips explicit benchmarks for protected lanes from the streets master plan. It preserves signal and pedestrian targets but weakens commitments to physical protection, threatening safety and equity.
Bill Int 1362-2025. Status: Sponsorship, introduced Aug 14, 2025. Referred to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The measure, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to removing benchmarks for bus lanes and bicycle lanes from the streets master plan and repealing certain definitions in relation thereto," repeals the definitions of "protected bicycle lane" and "protected bus lane" and removes related benchmarks in the master plan (master plan dates referenced include Dec. 1, 2021 and Dec. 1, 2026). Primary sponsor: Robert F. Holden. Co-sponsors: Inna Vernikov, Joann Ariola, Chris Banks, Vickie Paladino. Safety analysts warn: "Removing explicit benchmarks and definitions for protected bus and bicycle lanes weakens commitments to physically protected infrastructure... likely reducing mode shift to walking and cycling and worsening equity and safety-in-numbers; the retained measures focus on signals and pedestrian amenities but do not replace the protective effect of designated protected lanes."
-
File Int 1362-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-08-14
13
Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK▸Aug 13 - A driver struck a man crossing 155th Street near JFK. The driver fled. The man died at Jamaica Hospital. Police search for answers. Seventeen killed in Queens South this year. The toll climbs.
Gothamist (2025-08-13) reports a 52-year-old man was killed crossing 155th Street and South Conduit Avenue near JFK Airport at 2:30 a.m. The driver fled. Police said, "the driver hit the 52-year-old man as he crossed" and left the scene. No vehicle description was released. NYPD data shows 17 traffic deaths in Queens South this year, up from 13 last year. The incident highlights ongoing risks for pedestrians and the persistent issue of hit-and-run drivers in the area.
-
Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-13
12
Speeding Driver Kills Two Pedestrians in Astoria▸Aug 12 - A speeding car tore through Astoria. The driver struck two men at a coffee cart. All three died. Parked cars blocked sightlines. The street was narrow. Danger came fast and left devastation.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-08-12) reports an 84-year-old driver sped onto 42nd Street in Astoria, hitting two pedestrians and a coffee cart. The crash killed the driver and both men. Streetsblog notes, 'The block has several auto repair shops that leave cars parked all over the sidewalk, limiting visibility.' The article highlights the city's power to lower speed limits to 20 mph, granted by the state legislature, but points out that local officials did not mention this in their initial responses. The crash underscores the risks of speeding and poor street design.
-
Speeding Driver Kills Two Pedestrians in Astoria,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-12
11
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Aug 11 - A westbound dump truck rear-ended a westbound sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Two women in the sedan were injured; a 29-year-old front passenger suffered crush injuries and the 42-year-old driver suffered back injuries.
A westbound dump truck struck the center back end of a westbound sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. Two sedan occupants were injured: a 29-year-old front passenger with crush injuries and a 42-year-old driver with back injuries. According to the police report, the contributing factors were “Traffic Control Disregarded,” “Unsafe Lane Changing,” and “Oversized Vehicle.” The sedan showed left rear bumper damage; the truck had center front-end damage consistent with a rear impact. Police listed the driver errors above. No pedestrians or cyclists were reported; the sedan passengers bore the harm.
10
Driver hits man off roadway on 60 Ave▸Aug 10 - A driver hit a 33-year-old man off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He stayed conscious. His knee, lower leg, and foot were hurt. Police list no driver errors.
A driver hit a 33-year-old man walking off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He was a pedestrian, not in the street. He stayed conscious. He suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. According to the police report, the pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of the crash. The report lists no driver errors or contributing factors. Police did not record failure to yield, distraction, speeding, or impairment. The report lists the vehicle type as unspecified and notes no direction of travel. It provides no information on the driver. No further details appear in the report.
8
Holden Opposes Safety‑Boosting Daylighting Citing DOT Report▸Aug 8 - DOT leans on a costly report and pro-car politicians to stall universal daylighting. Corners stay parked. Visibility stays poor. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a proven, system‑wide safety measure while parking is put first.
"Pro-car politicians like Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden, and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella have cited the DOT's report to oppose the bill, prioritizing parking over safety" -- Robert F. Holden
Bill: universal daylighting (no bill number listed). Status: stalled amid DOT opposition despite broad Council support. Committee: not listed. Key date: August 8, 2025 (Streetsblog NYC report). Matter title quoted: "We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting 'Scare Tactic' Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols." DOT released a report claiming $3 billion in costs and 300,000 lost parking spots. Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella cited the report and opposed the measure. Council Member Julie Won and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla called the report flawed; Won asked, "It isn’t unreasonable to invest under $10k to save the lives of children and all pedestrians with daylighting?" Safety analyst: DOT's opposition undermines a proven, system-wide safety measure for pedestrians and cyclists, prioritizing parking over vulnerable road user safety and risking mode shift and equitable street access.
-
We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting ‘Scare Tactic’ Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-08
6
Holden Sponsors Ban on Horse Drawn Carriages▸Aug 6 - A horse named Lady died in Hell's Kitchen. Photos reignited calls to ban carriages. The City Council stalled. Unions and leaders blocked hearings. Advocates warned of more injuries. Analysts say the ban would have minimal direct effect on pedestrians and cyclists.
Bill 2025, proposed to ban horse-drawn carriages, remained stalled as of August 6, 2025. The measure sits in the City Council health committee chaired by Lynn C. Schulman. Queens Councilman Robert F. Holden is the bill's sponsor. Speaker Adrienne Adams has not publicly taken a position. The article ran under the headline "Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages." Advocates rallied and warned, "without a ban there will be more crashes, injuries, and possibly deaths." TWU Local 100 opposes the ban. The proposed ban on horse-drawn carriages may have minimal direct impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety, as these vehicles are a small share of street traffic; the primary safety risks for vulnerable road users stem from motor vehicles and street design.
-
Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages,
Crain's New York Business,
Published 2025-08-06
4
Gianaris Backs Mamdani and Safety‑Boosting Fix the MTA Act▸Aug 4 - Gianaris backs Mamdani for mayor. Both pushed for subway funding and fare-free buses. Their alliance signals power in transit fights. No direct safety change yet for walkers or riders.
On August 4, 2025, State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris endorsed Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani for mayor. The two worked together on the 'Fix the MTA Act,' which invested in subways and piloted fare-free buses. Gianaris said Mamdani 'provides the energy and ideas' New Yorkers need. Mamdani thanked Gianaris for helping secure 'historic investments in subway and bus services.' This event, reported by City & State NY, shows political unity on transit. However, as no specific policy action or outcome is detailed, analysts find no direct safety impact for pedestrians or cyclists.
-
Mike Gianaris backs Zohran Mamdani for mayor,
City & State NY,
Published 2025-08-04
2
Parked SUV Driver Doors Teen Rider▸Aug 2 - On Grand Ave in Queens, a parked SUV driver swung a door into an 18‑year‑old on an e‑bike. The rider went down, arm scraped and bleeding. Police recorded driver inattention. Metal and skin. Sudden stop.
An 18-year-old e-bike rider was injured when a parked Ford SUV’s driver opened a left-side door at 65-41 Grand Ave in Queens. The rider, traveling west, hit the door and fell. He suffered an abrasion to his lower arm and remained conscious. According to the police report, officers recorded Driver Inattention/Distraction for the SUV driver as a contributing factor. The report also noted Driver Inattention/Distraction for the injured rider. The e-bike showed center-front damage; the SUV had damage to its left-side doors. No other injuries were reported.
1
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger▸Aug 1 - A teen drove a BMW at 100 mph without a license. He lost control. The car hit a truck. Fourteen-year-old Fortune Williams was ejected and killed. The driver now faces prison. Parents faced charges too.
Gothamist (2025-08-01) reports an 18-year-old Queens resident was sentenced to up to four years for a 2023 crash that killed 14-year-old Fortune Williams. The teen, unlicensed and speeding at over 100 mph in a 30-mph zone, lost control and struck a parked UPS truck. Prosecutors said he only had a learner's permit and had been previously ticketed for unlicensed driving. His parents, who gave him the BMW, were convicted of child endangerment. DA Melinda Katz called it 'a landmark case where both an unlicensed teenage driver and his parents were held responsible.' The case highlights failures in supervision and enforcement.
-
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-01
23
Holden Urges Council to Pass Ryders Law▸Jul 23 - Dozens rallied at City Hall. They demanded Ryder's Law. Council Member Holden led. NYCLASS joined. The call was sharp: end horse carriages. The industry faces fierce opposition. The council stalls. The danger remains.
"The fact that a visibly sick horse like Ryder was allowed to work at all is unbelievable and inexcusable. This case proves that current regulations don't protect the horses, and it's time for the City Council to act." -- Robert F. Holden
On July 23, 2025, Council Member Robert Holden and animal advocates rallied at City Hall, demanding passage of Ryder's Law to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Holden, has not yet reached a council vote or hearing. The rally followed a 'not guilty' verdict in a high-profile horse abuse case. The matter, described as a push 'to end the horse carriage industry in NYC,' drew support from NYCLASS and others. Holden blasted city oversight as 'inexcusable.' Despite the outcry, a safety analyst notes: ending horse carriages will not significantly improve safety for pedestrians or cyclists, since carriages are a small part of street traffic and their removal does not fix systemic road dangers.
20
Driver Turning Left Hits Two Crosswalkers▸Jul 20 - The driver of a sedan turned left and hit a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman who were crossing 69 Street with the signal. Both suffered leg injuries and were conscious after the crash in Queens.
The driver of a sedan made a left turn on 69 Street at the Long Island Expressway and struck two people who were crossing with the signal: a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman. "According to the police report," both victims were injured—the boy complained of hip and upper-leg pain and the woman suffered abrasions to her lower leg and foot. Police listed the contributing factor as "Unspecified" and did not record a specific driver error in the data. The report notes the vehicle’s pre-crash action as Making Left Turn and records both victims as conscious after the impact.
16
Pickup Truck Failed to Yield on Maspeth Ave▸Jul 16 - Driver of a pickup hit a 33-year-old cyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected. Police cited failure to yield.
The driver of a pickup truck hit a 33-year-old male bicyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl in Queens. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected; he was conscious. According to the police report, both the driver and the cyclist were involved in a "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." Police recorded failure to yield by the driver. The report lists the pickup as 'Parked' pre-crash and the bicycle as 'Going Straight Ahead.' The bike shows front-end damage; the pickup shows no damage.
10
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Jul 10 - A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Three people in the sedan were injured. The driver suffered crush injuries; two passengers had concussions and upper-body trauma. Police cited unsafe lane changing and turning improperly.
A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, injuring all three people inside the sedan. The driver, a 30-year-old man, sustained crush injuries. A front passenger, a 39-year-old woman, was unconscious with a concussion and shoulder/upper-arm injuries. A rear passenger, a 35-year-old man, complained of a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Turning Improperly." Police recorded the dump truck was going straight and struck the sedan's center back end while the sedan was slowing or stopping.
Aug 14 - Int 1362 strips definitions for protected bus and bike lanes and removes benchmarks from the streets master plan. It guts measurable targets. Safe space for pedestrians and cyclists is at risk. The city could slow needed separated infrastructure.
Bill: Int. No. 1362 (Int 1362-2025). Status: SPONSORSHIP. Committee: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Event date: 2025-08-14. The matter reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to removing benchmarks for bus lanes and bicycle lanes from the streets master plan and repealing certain definitions in relation thereto." Council Member Robert F. Holden is the primary sponsor. Joann Ariola and Vickie Paladino are co-sponsors. The draft repeals the definitions of "protected bicycle lane" and "protected bus lane" and removes explicit benchmarks tied to transit signal priority, bus stop upgrades, accessible pedestrian signals and intersection redesigns. Removing those benchmarks weakens commitments to high‑quality separated infrastructure and measurable mode‑shift targets, likely slowing deployment of safe space for pedestrians and cyclists and undermining equitable street redesigns.
- File Int 1362-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14
14Int 1362-2025
Holden is primary sponsor removing bus and bike lane benchmarks.▸Aug 14 - Int 1362 repeals the definitions of “protected bicycle lane” and “protected bus lane” and strips explicit benchmarks for protected lanes from the streets master plan. It preserves signal and pedestrian targets but weakens commitments to physical protection, threatening safety and equity.
Bill Int 1362-2025. Status: Sponsorship, introduced Aug 14, 2025. Referred to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The measure, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to removing benchmarks for bus lanes and bicycle lanes from the streets master plan and repealing certain definitions in relation thereto," repeals the definitions of "protected bicycle lane" and "protected bus lane" and removes related benchmarks in the master plan (master plan dates referenced include Dec. 1, 2021 and Dec. 1, 2026). Primary sponsor: Robert F. Holden. Co-sponsors: Inna Vernikov, Joann Ariola, Chris Banks, Vickie Paladino. Safety analysts warn: "Removing explicit benchmarks and definitions for protected bus and bicycle lanes weakens commitments to physically protected infrastructure... likely reducing mode shift to walking and cycling and worsening equity and safety-in-numbers; the retained measures focus on signals and pedestrian amenities but do not replace the protective effect of designated protected lanes."
-
File Int 1362-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-08-14
13
Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK▸Aug 13 - A driver struck a man crossing 155th Street near JFK. The driver fled. The man died at Jamaica Hospital. Police search for answers. Seventeen killed in Queens South this year. The toll climbs.
Gothamist (2025-08-13) reports a 52-year-old man was killed crossing 155th Street and South Conduit Avenue near JFK Airport at 2:30 a.m. The driver fled. Police said, "the driver hit the 52-year-old man as he crossed" and left the scene. No vehicle description was released. NYPD data shows 17 traffic deaths in Queens South this year, up from 13 last year. The incident highlights ongoing risks for pedestrians and the persistent issue of hit-and-run drivers in the area.
-
Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-13
12
Speeding Driver Kills Two Pedestrians in Astoria▸Aug 12 - A speeding car tore through Astoria. The driver struck two men at a coffee cart. All three died. Parked cars blocked sightlines. The street was narrow. Danger came fast and left devastation.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-08-12) reports an 84-year-old driver sped onto 42nd Street in Astoria, hitting two pedestrians and a coffee cart. The crash killed the driver and both men. Streetsblog notes, 'The block has several auto repair shops that leave cars parked all over the sidewalk, limiting visibility.' The article highlights the city's power to lower speed limits to 20 mph, granted by the state legislature, but points out that local officials did not mention this in their initial responses. The crash underscores the risks of speeding and poor street design.
-
Speeding Driver Kills Two Pedestrians in Astoria,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-12
11
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Aug 11 - A westbound dump truck rear-ended a westbound sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Two women in the sedan were injured; a 29-year-old front passenger suffered crush injuries and the 42-year-old driver suffered back injuries.
A westbound dump truck struck the center back end of a westbound sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. Two sedan occupants were injured: a 29-year-old front passenger with crush injuries and a 42-year-old driver with back injuries. According to the police report, the contributing factors were “Traffic Control Disregarded,” “Unsafe Lane Changing,” and “Oversized Vehicle.” The sedan showed left rear bumper damage; the truck had center front-end damage consistent with a rear impact. Police listed the driver errors above. No pedestrians or cyclists were reported; the sedan passengers bore the harm.
10
Driver hits man off roadway on 60 Ave▸Aug 10 - A driver hit a 33-year-old man off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He stayed conscious. His knee, lower leg, and foot were hurt. Police list no driver errors.
A driver hit a 33-year-old man walking off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He was a pedestrian, not in the street. He stayed conscious. He suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. According to the police report, the pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of the crash. The report lists no driver errors or contributing factors. Police did not record failure to yield, distraction, speeding, or impairment. The report lists the vehicle type as unspecified and notes no direction of travel. It provides no information on the driver. No further details appear in the report.
8
Holden Opposes Safety‑Boosting Daylighting Citing DOT Report▸Aug 8 - DOT leans on a costly report and pro-car politicians to stall universal daylighting. Corners stay parked. Visibility stays poor. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a proven, system‑wide safety measure while parking is put first.
"Pro-car politicians like Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden, and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella have cited the DOT's report to oppose the bill, prioritizing parking over safety" -- Robert F. Holden
Bill: universal daylighting (no bill number listed). Status: stalled amid DOT opposition despite broad Council support. Committee: not listed. Key date: August 8, 2025 (Streetsblog NYC report). Matter title quoted: "We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting 'Scare Tactic' Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols." DOT released a report claiming $3 billion in costs and 300,000 lost parking spots. Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella cited the report and opposed the measure. Council Member Julie Won and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla called the report flawed; Won asked, "It isn’t unreasonable to invest under $10k to save the lives of children and all pedestrians with daylighting?" Safety analyst: DOT's opposition undermines a proven, system-wide safety measure for pedestrians and cyclists, prioritizing parking over vulnerable road user safety and risking mode shift and equitable street access.
-
We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting ‘Scare Tactic’ Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-08
6
Holden Sponsors Ban on Horse Drawn Carriages▸Aug 6 - A horse named Lady died in Hell's Kitchen. Photos reignited calls to ban carriages. The City Council stalled. Unions and leaders blocked hearings. Advocates warned of more injuries. Analysts say the ban would have minimal direct effect on pedestrians and cyclists.
Bill 2025, proposed to ban horse-drawn carriages, remained stalled as of August 6, 2025. The measure sits in the City Council health committee chaired by Lynn C. Schulman. Queens Councilman Robert F. Holden is the bill's sponsor. Speaker Adrienne Adams has not publicly taken a position. The article ran under the headline "Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages." Advocates rallied and warned, "without a ban there will be more crashes, injuries, and possibly deaths." TWU Local 100 opposes the ban. The proposed ban on horse-drawn carriages may have minimal direct impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety, as these vehicles are a small share of street traffic; the primary safety risks for vulnerable road users stem from motor vehicles and street design.
-
Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages,
Crain's New York Business,
Published 2025-08-06
4
Gianaris Backs Mamdani and Safety‑Boosting Fix the MTA Act▸Aug 4 - Gianaris backs Mamdani for mayor. Both pushed for subway funding and fare-free buses. Their alliance signals power in transit fights. No direct safety change yet for walkers or riders.
On August 4, 2025, State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris endorsed Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani for mayor. The two worked together on the 'Fix the MTA Act,' which invested in subways and piloted fare-free buses. Gianaris said Mamdani 'provides the energy and ideas' New Yorkers need. Mamdani thanked Gianaris for helping secure 'historic investments in subway and bus services.' This event, reported by City & State NY, shows political unity on transit. However, as no specific policy action or outcome is detailed, analysts find no direct safety impact for pedestrians or cyclists.
-
Mike Gianaris backs Zohran Mamdani for mayor,
City & State NY,
Published 2025-08-04
2
Parked SUV Driver Doors Teen Rider▸Aug 2 - On Grand Ave in Queens, a parked SUV driver swung a door into an 18‑year‑old on an e‑bike. The rider went down, arm scraped and bleeding. Police recorded driver inattention. Metal and skin. Sudden stop.
An 18-year-old e-bike rider was injured when a parked Ford SUV’s driver opened a left-side door at 65-41 Grand Ave in Queens. The rider, traveling west, hit the door and fell. He suffered an abrasion to his lower arm and remained conscious. According to the police report, officers recorded Driver Inattention/Distraction for the SUV driver as a contributing factor. The report also noted Driver Inattention/Distraction for the injured rider. The e-bike showed center-front damage; the SUV had damage to its left-side doors. No other injuries were reported.
1
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger▸Aug 1 - A teen drove a BMW at 100 mph without a license. He lost control. The car hit a truck. Fourteen-year-old Fortune Williams was ejected and killed. The driver now faces prison. Parents faced charges too.
Gothamist (2025-08-01) reports an 18-year-old Queens resident was sentenced to up to four years for a 2023 crash that killed 14-year-old Fortune Williams. The teen, unlicensed and speeding at over 100 mph in a 30-mph zone, lost control and struck a parked UPS truck. Prosecutors said he only had a learner's permit and had been previously ticketed for unlicensed driving. His parents, who gave him the BMW, were convicted of child endangerment. DA Melinda Katz called it 'a landmark case where both an unlicensed teenage driver and his parents were held responsible.' The case highlights failures in supervision and enforcement.
-
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-01
23
Holden Urges Council to Pass Ryders Law▸Jul 23 - Dozens rallied at City Hall. They demanded Ryder's Law. Council Member Holden led. NYCLASS joined. The call was sharp: end horse carriages. The industry faces fierce opposition. The council stalls. The danger remains.
"The fact that a visibly sick horse like Ryder was allowed to work at all is unbelievable and inexcusable. This case proves that current regulations don't protect the horses, and it's time for the City Council to act." -- Robert F. Holden
On July 23, 2025, Council Member Robert Holden and animal advocates rallied at City Hall, demanding passage of Ryder's Law to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Holden, has not yet reached a council vote or hearing. The rally followed a 'not guilty' verdict in a high-profile horse abuse case. The matter, described as a push 'to end the horse carriage industry in NYC,' drew support from NYCLASS and others. Holden blasted city oversight as 'inexcusable.' Despite the outcry, a safety analyst notes: ending horse carriages will not significantly improve safety for pedestrians or cyclists, since carriages are a small part of street traffic and their removal does not fix systemic road dangers.
20
Driver Turning Left Hits Two Crosswalkers▸Jul 20 - The driver of a sedan turned left and hit a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman who were crossing 69 Street with the signal. Both suffered leg injuries and were conscious after the crash in Queens.
The driver of a sedan made a left turn on 69 Street at the Long Island Expressway and struck two people who were crossing with the signal: a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman. "According to the police report," both victims were injured—the boy complained of hip and upper-leg pain and the woman suffered abrasions to her lower leg and foot. Police listed the contributing factor as "Unspecified" and did not record a specific driver error in the data. The report notes the vehicle’s pre-crash action as Making Left Turn and records both victims as conscious after the impact.
16
Pickup Truck Failed to Yield on Maspeth Ave▸Jul 16 - Driver of a pickup hit a 33-year-old cyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected. Police cited failure to yield.
The driver of a pickup truck hit a 33-year-old male bicyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl in Queens. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected; he was conscious. According to the police report, both the driver and the cyclist were involved in a "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." Police recorded failure to yield by the driver. The report lists the pickup as 'Parked' pre-crash and the bicycle as 'Going Straight Ahead.' The bike shows front-end damage; the pickup shows no damage.
10
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Jul 10 - A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Three people in the sedan were injured. The driver suffered crush injuries; two passengers had concussions and upper-body trauma. Police cited unsafe lane changing and turning improperly.
A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, injuring all three people inside the sedan. The driver, a 30-year-old man, sustained crush injuries. A front passenger, a 39-year-old woman, was unconscious with a concussion and shoulder/upper-arm injuries. A rear passenger, a 35-year-old man, complained of a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Turning Improperly." Police recorded the dump truck was going straight and struck the sedan's center back end while the sedan was slowing or stopping.
Aug 14 - Int 1362 repeals the definitions of “protected bicycle lane” and “protected bus lane” and strips explicit benchmarks for protected lanes from the streets master plan. It preserves signal and pedestrian targets but weakens commitments to physical protection, threatening safety and equity.
Bill Int 1362-2025. Status: Sponsorship, introduced Aug 14, 2025. Referred to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The measure, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to removing benchmarks for bus lanes and bicycle lanes from the streets master plan and repealing certain definitions in relation thereto," repeals the definitions of "protected bicycle lane" and "protected bus lane" and removes related benchmarks in the master plan (master plan dates referenced include Dec. 1, 2021 and Dec. 1, 2026). Primary sponsor: Robert F. Holden. Co-sponsors: Inna Vernikov, Joann Ariola, Chris Banks, Vickie Paladino. Safety analysts warn: "Removing explicit benchmarks and definitions for protected bus and bicycle lanes weakens commitments to physically protected infrastructure... likely reducing mode shift to walking and cycling and worsening equity and safety-in-numbers; the retained measures focus on signals and pedestrian amenities but do not replace the protective effect of designated protected lanes."
- File Int 1362-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14
13
Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK▸Aug 13 - A driver struck a man crossing 155th Street near JFK. The driver fled. The man died at Jamaica Hospital. Police search for answers. Seventeen killed in Queens South this year. The toll climbs.
Gothamist (2025-08-13) reports a 52-year-old man was killed crossing 155th Street and South Conduit Avenue near JFK Airport at 2:30 a.m. The driver fled. Police said, "the driver hit the 52-year-old man as he crossed" and left the scene. No vehicle description was released. NYPD data shows 17 traffic deaths in Queens South this year, up from 13 last year. The incident highlights ongoing risks for pedestrians and the persistent issue of hit-and-run drivers in the area.
-
Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-13
12
Speeding Driver Kills Two Pedestrians in Astoria▸Aug 12 - A speeding car tore through Astoria. The driver struck two men at a coffee cart. All three died. Parked cars blocked sightlines. The street was narrow. Danger came fast and left devastation.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-08-12) reports an 84-year-old driver sped onto 42nd Street in Astoria, hitting two pedestrians and a coffee cart. The crash killed the driver and both men. Streetsblog notes, 'The block has several auto repair shops that leave cars parked all over the sidewalk, limiting visibility.' The article highlights the city's power to lower speed limits to 20 mph, granted by the state legislature, but points out that local officials did not mention this in their initial responses. The crash underscores the risks of speeding and poor street design.
-
Speeding Driver Kills Two Pedestrians in Astoria,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-12
11
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Aug 11 - A westbound dump truck rear-ended a westbound sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Two women in the sedan were injured; a 29-year-old front passenger suffered crush injuries and the 42-year-old driver suffered back injuries.
A westbound dump truck struck the center back end of a westbound sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. Two sedan occupants were injured: a 29-year-old front passenger with crush injuries and a 42-year-old driver with back injuries. According to the police report, the contributing factors were “Traffic Control Disregarded,” “Unsafe Lane Changing,” and “Oversized Vehicle.” The sedan showed left rear bumper damage; the truck had center front-end damage consistent with a rear impact. Police listed the driver errors above. No pedestrians or cyclists were reported; the sedan passengers bore the harm.
10
Driver hits man off roadway on 60 Ave▸Aug 10 - A driver hit a 33-year-old man off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He stayed conscious. His knee, lower leg, and foot were hurt. Police list no driver errors.
A driver hit a 33-year-old man walking off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He was a pedestrian, not in the street. He stayed conscious. He suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. According to the police report, the pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of the crash. The report lists no driver errors or contributing factors. Police did not record failure to yield, distraction, speeding, or impairment. The report lists the vehicle type as unspecified and notes no direction of travel. It provides no information on the driver. No further details appear in the report.
8
Holden Opposes Safety‑Boosting Daylighting Citing DOT Report▸Aug 8 - DOT leans on a costly report and pro-car politicians to stall universal daylighting. Corners stay parked. Visibility stays poor. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a proven, system‑wide safety measure while parking is put first.
"Pro-car politicians like Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden, and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella have cited the DOT's report to oppose the bill, prioritizing parking over safety" -- Robert F. Holden
Bill: universal daylighting (no bill number listed). Status: stalled amid DOT opposition despite broad Council support. Committee: not listed. Key date: August 8, 2025 (Streetsblog NYC report). Matter title quoted: "We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting 'Scare Tactic' Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols." DOT released a report claiming $3 billion in costs and 300,000 lost parking spots. Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella cited the report and opposed the measure. Council Member Julie Won and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla called the report flawed; Won asked, "It isn’t unreasonable to invest under $10k to save the lives of children and all pedestrians with daylighting?" Safety analyst: DOT's opposition undermines a proven, system-wide safety measure for pedestrians and cyclists, prioritizing parking over vulnerable road user safety and risking mode shift and equitable street access.
-
We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting ‘Scare Tactic’ Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-08
6
Holden Sponsors Ban on Horse Drawn Carriages▸Aug 6 - A horse named Lady died in Hell's Kitchen. Photos reignited calls to ban carriages. The City Council stalled. Unions and leaders blocked hearings. Advocates warned of more injuries. Analysts say the ban would have minimal direct effect on pedestrians and cyclists.
Bill 2025, proposed to ban horse-drawn carriages, remained stalled as of August 6, 2025. The measure sits in the City Council health committee chaired by Lynn C. Schulman. Queens Councilman Robert F. Holden is the bill's sponsor. Speaker Adrienne Adams has not publicly taken a position. The article ran under the headline "Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages." Advocates rallied and warned, "without a ban there will be more crashes, injuries, and possibly deaths." TWU Local 100 opposes the ban. The proposed ban on horse-drawn carriages may have minimal direct impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety, as these vehicles are a small share of street traffic; the primary safety risks for vulnerable road users stem from motor vehicles and street design.
-
Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages,
Crain's New York Business,
Published 2025-08-06
4
Gianaris Backs Mamdani and Safety‑Boosting Fix the MTA Act▸Aug 4 - Gianaris backs Mamdani for mayor. Both pushed for subway funding and fare-free buses. Their alliance signals power in transit fights. No direct safety change yet for walkers or riders.
On August 4, 2025, State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris endorsed Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani for mayor. The two worked together on the 'Fix the MTA Act,' which invested in subways and piloted fare-free buses. Gianaris said Mamdani 'provides the energy and ideas' New Yorkers need. Mamdani thanked Gianaris for helping secure 'historic investments in subway and bus services.' This event, reported by City & State NY, shows political unity on transit. However, as no specific policy action or outcome is detailed, analysts find no direct safety impact for pedestrians or cyclists.
-
Mike Gianaris backs Zohran Mamdani for mayor,
City & State NY,
Published 2025-08-04
2
Parked SUV Driver Doors Teen Rider▸Aug 2 - On Grand Ave in Queens, a parked SUV driver swung a door into an 18‑year‑old on an e‑bike. The rider went down, arm scraped and bleeding. Police recorded driver inattention. Metal and skin. Sudden stop.
An 18-year-old e-bike rider was injured when a parked Ford SUV’s driver opened a left-side door at 65-41 Grand Ave in Queens. The rider, traveling west, hit the door and fell. He suffered an abrasion to his lower arm and remained conscious. According to the police report, officers recorded Driver Inattention/Distraction for the SUV driver as a contributing factor. The report also noted Driver Inattention/Distraction for the injured rider. The e-bike showed center-front damage; the SUV had damage to its left-side doors. No other injuries were reported.
1
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger▸Aug 1 - A teen drove a BMW at 100 mph without a license. He lost control. The car hit a truck. Fourteen-year-old Fortune Williams was ejected and killed. The driver now faces prison. Parents faced charges too.
Gothamist (2025-08-01) reports an 18-year-old Queens resident was sentenced to up to four years for a 2023 crash that killed 14-year-old Fortune Williams. The teen, unlicensed and speeding at over 100 mph in a 30-mph zone, lost control and struck a parked UPS truck. Prosecutors said he only had a learner's permit and had been previously ticketed for unlicensed driving. His parents, who gave him the BMW, were convicted of child endangerment. DA Melinda Katz called it 'a landmark case where both an unlicensed teenage driver and his parents were held responsible.' The case highlights failures in supervision and enforcement.
-
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-01
23
Holden Urges Council to Pass Ryders Law▸Jul 23 - Dozens rallied at City Hall. They demanded Ryder's Law. Council Member Holden led. NYCLASS joined. The call was sharp: end horse carriages. The industry faces fierce opposition. The council stalls. The danger remains.
"The fact that a visibly sick horse like Ryder was allowed to work at all is unbelievable and inexcusable. This case proves that current regulations don't protect the horses, and it's time for the City Council to act." -- Robert F. Holden
On July 23, 2025, Council Member Robert Holden and animal advocates rallied at City Hall, demanding passage of Ryder's Law to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Holden, has not yet reached a council vote or hearing. The rally followed a 'not guilty' verdict in a high-profile horse abuse case. The matter, described as a push 'to end the horse carriage industry in NYC,' drew support from NYCLASS and others. Holden blasted city oversight as 'inexcusable.' Despite the outcry, a safety analyst notes: ending horse carriages will not significantly improve safety for pedestrians or cyclists, since carriages are a small part of street traffic and their removal does not fix systemic road dangers.
20
Driver Turning Left Hits Two Crosswalkers▸Jul 20 - The driver of a sedan turned left and hit a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman who were crossing 69 Street with the signal. Both suffered leg injuries and were conscious after the crash in Queens.
The driver of a sedan made a left turn on 69 Street at the Long Island Expressway and struck two people who were crossing with the signal: a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman. "According to the police report," both victims were injured—the boy complained of hip and upper-leg pain and the woman suffered abrasions to her lower leg and foot. Police listed the contributing factor as "Unspecified" and did not record a specific driver error in the data. The report notes the vehicle’s pre-crash action as Making Left Turn and records both victims as conscious after the impact.
16
Pickup Truck Failed to Yield on Maspeth Ave▸Jul 16 - Driver of a pickup hit a 33-year-old cyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected. Police cited failure to yield.
The driver of a pickup truck hit a 33-year-old male bicyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl in Queens. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected; he was conscious. According to the police report, both the driver and the cyclist were involved in a "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." Police recorded failure to yield by the driver. The report lists the pickup as 'Parked' pre-crash and the bicycle as 'Going Straight Ahead.' The bike shows front-end damage; the pickup shows no damage.
10
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Jul 10 - A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Three people in the sedan were injured. The driver suffered crush injuries; two passengers had concussions and upper-body trauma. Police cited unsafe lane changing and turning improperly.
A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, injuring all three people inside the sedan. The driver, a 30-year-old man, sustained crush injuries. A front passenger, a 39-year-old woman, was unconscious with a concussion and shoulder/upper-arm injuries. A rear passenger, a 35-year-old man, complained of a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Turning Improperly." Police recorded the dump truck was going straight and struck the sedan's center back end while the sedan was slowing or stopping.
Aug 13 - A driver struck a man crossing 155th Street near JFK. The driver fled. The man died at Jamaica Hospital. Police search for answers. Seventeen killed in Queens South this year. The toll climbs.
Gothamist (2025-08-13) reports a 52-year-old man was killed crossing 155th Street and South Conduit Avenue near JFK Airport at 2:30 a.m. The driver fled. Police said, "the driver hit the 52-year-old man as he crossed" and left the scene. No vehicle description was released. NYPD data shows 17 traffic deaths in Queens South this year, up from 13 last year. The incident highlights ongoing risks for pedestrians and the persistent issue of hit-and-run drivers in the area.
- Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK, Gothamist, Published 2025-08-13
12
Speeding Driver Kills Two Pedestrians in Astoria▸Aug 12 - A speeding car tore through Astoria. The driver struck two men at a coffee cart. All three died. Parked cars blocked sightlines. The street was narrow. Danger came fast and left devastation.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-08-12) reports an 84-year-old driver sped onto 42nd Street in Astoria, hitting two pedestrians and a coffee cart. The crash killed the driver and both men. Streetsblog notes, 'The block has several auto repair shops that leave cars parked all over the sidewalk, limiting visibility.' The article highlights the city's power to lower speed limits to 20 mph, granted by the state legislature, but points out that local officials did not mention this in their initial responses. The crash underscores the risks of speeding and poor street design.
-
Speeding Driver Kills Two Pedestrians in Astoria,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-12
11
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Aug 11 - A westbound dump truck rear-ended a westbound sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Two women in the sedan were injured; a 29-year-old front passenger suffered crush injuries and the 42-year-old driver suffered back injuries.
A westbound dump truck struck the center back end of a westbound sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. Two sedan occupants were injured: a 29-year-old front passenger with crush injuries and a 42-year-old driver with back injuries. According to the police report, the contributing factors were “Traffic Control Disregarded,” “Unsafe Lane Changing,” and “Oversized Vehicle.” The sedan showed left rear bumper damage; the truck had center front-end damage consistent with a rear impact. Police listed the driver errors above. No pedestrians or cyclists were reported; the sedan passengers bore the harm.
10
Driver hits man off roadway on 60 Ave▸Aug 10 - A driver hit a 33-year-old man off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He stayed conscious. His knee, lower leg, and foot were hurt. Police list no driver errors.
A driver hit a 33-year-old man walking off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He was a pedestrian, not in the street. He stayed conscious. He suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. According to the police report, the pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of the crash. The report lists no driver errors or contributing factors. Police did not record failure to yield, distraction, speeding, or impairment. The report lists the vehicle type as unspecified and notes no direction of travel. It provides no information on the driver. No further details appear in the report.
8
Holden Opposes Safety‑Boosting Daylighting Citing DOT Report▸Aug 8 - DOT leans on a costly report and pro-car politicians to stall universal daylighting. Corners stay parked. Visibility stays poor. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a proven, system‑wide safety measure while parking is put first.
"Pro-car politicians like Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden, and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella have cited the DOT's report to oppose the bill, prioritizing parking over safety" -- Robert F. Holden
Bill: universal daylighting (no bill number listed). Status: stalled amid DOT opposition despite broad Council support. Committee: not listed. Key date: August 8, 2025 (Streetsblog NYC report). Matter title quoted: "We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting 'Scare Tactic' Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols." DOT released a report claiming $3 billion in costs and 300,000 lost parking spots. Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella cited the report and opposed the measure. Council Member Julie Won and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla called the report flawed; Won asked, "It isn’t unreasonable to invest under $10k to save the lives of children and all pedestrians with daylighting?" Safety analyst: DOT's opposition undermines a proven, system-wide safety measure for pedestrians and cyclists, prioritizing parking over vulnerable road user safety and risking mode shift and equitable street access.
-
We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting ‘Scare Tactic’ Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-08
6
Holden Sponsors Ban on Horse Drawn Carriages▸Aug 6 - A horse named Lady died in Hell's Kitchen. Photos reignited calls to ban carriages. The City Council stalled. Unions and leaders blocked hearings. Advocates warned of more injuries. Analysts say the ban would have minimal direct effect on pedestrians and cyclists.
Bill 2025, proposed to ban horse-drawn carriages, remained stalled as of August 6, 2025. The measure sits in the City Council health committee chaired by Lynn C. Schulman. Queens Councilman Robert F. Holden is the bill's sponsor. Speaker Adrienne Adams has not publicly taken a position. The article ran under the headline "Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages." Advocates rallied and warned, "without a ban there will be more crashes, injuries, and possibly deaths." TWU Local 100 opposes the ban. The proposed ban on horse-drawn carriages may have minimal direct impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety, as these vehicles are a small share of street traffic; the primary safety risks for vulnerable road users stem from motor vehicles and street design.
-
Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages,
Crain's New York Business,
Published 2025-08-06
4
Gianaris Backs Mamdani and Safety‑Boosting Fix the MTA Act▸Aug 4 - Gianaris backs Mamdani for mayor. Both pushed for subway funding and fare-free buses. Their alliance signals power in transit fights. No direct safety change yet for walkers or riders.
On August 4, 2025, State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris endorsed Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani for mayor. The two worked together on the 'Fix the MTA Act,' which invested in subways and piloted fare-free buses. Gianaris said Mamdani 'provides the energy and ideas' New Yorkers need. Mamdani thanked Gianaris for helping secure 'historic investments in subway and bus services.' This event, reported by City & State NY, shows political unity on transit. However, as no specific policy action or outcome is detailed, analysts find no direct safety impact for pedestrians or cyclists.
-
Mike Gianaris backs Zohran Mamdani for mayor,
City & State NY,
Published 2025-08-04
2
Parked SUV Driver Doors Teen Rider▸Aug 2 - On Grand Ave in Queens, a parked SUV driver swung a door into an 18‑year‑old on an e‑bike. The rider went down, arm scraped and bleeding. Police recorded driver inattention. Metal and skin. Sudden stop.
An 18-year-old e-bike rider was injured when a parked Ford SUV’s driver opened a left-side door at 65-41 Grand Ave in Queens. The rider, traveling west, hit the door and fell. He suffered an abrasion to his lower arm and remained conscious. According to the police report, officers recorded Driver Inattention/Distraction for the SUV driver as a contributing factor. The report also noted Driver Inattention/Distraction for the injured rider. The e-bike showed center-front damage; the SUV had damage to its left-side doors. No other injuries were reported.
1
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger▸Aug 1 - A teen drove a BMW at 100 mph without a license. He lost control. The car hit a truck. Fourteen-year-old Fortune Williams was ejected and killed. The driver now faces prison. Parents faced charges too.
Gothamist (2025-08-01) reports an 18-year-old Queens resident was sentenced to up to four years for a 2023 crash that killed 14-year-old Fortune Williams. The teen, unlicensed and speeding at over 100 mph in a 30-mph zone, lost control and struck a parked UPS truck. Prosecutors said he only had a learner's permit and had been previously ticketed for unlicensed driving. His parents, who gave him the BMW, were convicted of child endangerment. DA Melinda Katz called it 'a landmark case where both an unlicensed teenage driver and his parents were held responsible.' The case highlights failures in supervision and enforcement.
-
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-01
23
Holden Urges Council to Pass Ryders Law▸Jul 23 - Dozens rallied at City Hall. They demanded Ryder's Law. Council Member Holden led. NYCLASS joined. The call was sharp: end horse carriages. The industry faces fierce opposition. The council stalls. The danger remains.
"The fact that a visibly sick horse like Ryder was allowed to work at all is unbelievable and inexcusable. This case proves that current regulations don't protect the horses, and it's time for the City Council to act." -- Robert F. Holden
On July 23, 2025, Council Member Robert Holden and animal advocates rallied at City Hall, demanding passage of Ryder's Law to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Holden, has not yet reached a council vote or hearing. The rally followed a 'not guilty' verdict in a high-profile horse abuse case. The matter, described as a push 'to end the horse carriage industry in NYC,' drew support from NYCLASS and others. Holden blasted city oversight as 'inexcusable.' Despite the outcry, a safety analyst notes: ending horse carriages will not significantly improve safety for pedestrians or cyclists, since carriages are a small part of street traffic and their removal does not fix systemic road dangers.
20
Driver Turning Left Hits Two Crosswalkers▸Jul 20 - The driver of a sedan turned left and hit a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman who were crossing 69 Street with the signal. Both suffered leg injuries and were conscious after the crash in Queens.
The driver of a sedan made a left turn on 69 Street at the Long Island Expressway and struck two people who were crossing with the signal: a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman. "According to the police report," both victims were injured—the boy complained of hip and upper-leg pain and the woman suffered abrasions to her lower leg and foot. Police listed the contributing factor as "Unspecified" and did not record a specific driver error in the data. The report notes the vehicle’s pre-crash action as Making Left Turn and records both victims as conscious after the impact.
16
Pickup Truck Failed to Yield on Maspeth Ave▸Jul 16 - Driver of a pickup hit a 33-year-old cyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected. Police cited failure to yield.
The driver of a pickup truck hit a 33-year-old male bicyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl in Queens. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected; he was conscious. According to the police report, both the driver and the cyclist were involved in a "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." Police recorded failure to yield by the driver. The report lists the pickup as 'Parked' pre-crash and the bicycle as 'Going Straight Ahead.' The bike shows front-end damage; the pickup shows no damage.
10
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Jul 10 - A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Three people in the sedan were injured. The driver suffered crush injuries; two passengers had concussions and upper-body trauma. Police cited unsafe lane changing and turning improperly.
A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, injuring all three people inside the sedan. The driver, a 30-year-old man, sustained crush injuries. A front passenger, a 39-year-old woman, was unconscious with a concussion and shoulder/upper-arm injuries. A rear passenger, a 35-year-old man, complained of a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Turning Improperly." Police recorded the dump truck was going straight and struck the sedan's center back end while the sedan was slowing or stopping.
Aug 12 - A speeding car tore through Astoria. The driver struck two men at a coffee cart. All three died. Parked cars blocked sightlines. The street was narrow. Danger came fast and left devastation.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-08-12) reports an 84-year-old driver sped onto 42nd Street in Astoria, hitting two pedestrians and a coffee cart. The crash killed the driver and both men. Streetsblog notes, 'The block has several auto repair shops that leave cars parked all over the sidewalk, limiting visibility.' The article highlights the city's power to lower speed limits to 20 mph, granted by the state legislature, but points out that local officials did not mention this in their initial responses. The crash underscores the risks of speeding and poor street design.
- Speeding Driver Kills Two Pedestrians in Astoria, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-08-12
11
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Aug 11 - A westbound dump truck rear-ended a westbound sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Two women in the sedan were injured; a 29-year-old front passenger suffered crush injuries and the 42-year-old driver suffered back injuries.
A westbound dump truck struck the center back end of a westbound sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. Two sedan occupants were injured: a 29-year-old front passenger with crush injuries and a 42-year-old driver with back injuries. According to the police report, the contributing factors were “Traffic Control Disregarded,” “Unsafe Lane Changing,” and “Oversized Vehicle.” The sedan showed left rear bumper damage; the truck had center front-end damage consistent with a rear impact. Police listed the driver errors above. No pedestrians or cyclists were reported; the sedan passengers bore the harm.
10
Driver hits man off roadway on 60 Ave▸Aug 10 - A driver hit a 33-year-old man off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He stayed conscious. His knee, lower leg, and foot were hurt. Police list no driver errors.
A driver hit a 33-year-old man walking off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He was a pedestrian, not in the street. He stayed conscious. He suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. According to the police report, the pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of the crash. The report lists no driver errors or contributing factors. Police did not record failure to yield, distraction, speeding, or impairment. The report lists the vehicle type as unspecified and notes no direction of travel. It provides no information on the driver. No further details appear in the report.
8
Holden Opposes Safety‑Boosting Daylighting Citing DOT Report▸Aug 8 - DOT leans on a costly report and pro-car politicians to stall universal daylighting. Corners stay parked. Visibility stays poor. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a proven, system‑wide safety measure while parking is put first.
"Pro-car politicians like Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden, and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella have cited the DOT's report to oppose the bill, prioritizing parking over safety" -- Robert F. Holden
Bill: universal daylighting (no bill number listed). Status: stalled amid DOT opposition despite broad Council support. Committee: not listed. Key date: August 8, 2025 (Streetsblog NYC report). Matter title quoted: "We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting 'Scare Tactic' Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols." DOT released a report claiming $3 billion in costs and 300,000 lost parking spots. Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella cited the report and opposed the measure. Council Member Julie Won and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla called the report flawed; Won asked, "It isn’t unreasonable to invest under $10k to save the lives of children and all pedestrians with daylighting?" Safety analyst: DOT's opposition undermines a proven, system-wide safety measure for pedestrians and cyclists, prioritizing parking over vulnerable road user safety and risking mode shift and equitable street access.
-
We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting ‘Scare Tactic’ Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-08
6
Holden Sponsors Ban on Horse Drawn Carriages▸Aug 6 - A horse named Lady died in Hell's Kitchen. Photos reignited calls to ban carriages. The City Council stalled. Unions and leaders blocked hearings. Advocates warned of more injuries. Analysts say the ban would have minimal direct effect on pedestrians and cyclists.
Bill 2025, proposed to ban horse-drawn carriages, remained stalled as of August 6, 2025. The measure sits in the City Council health committee chaired by Lynn C. Schulman. Queens Councilman Robert F. Holden is the bill's sponsor. Speaker Adrienne Adams has not publicly taken a position. The article ran under the headline "Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages." Advocates rallied and warned, "without a ban there will be more crashes, injuries, and possibly deaths." TWU Local 100 opposes the ban. The proposed ban on horse-drawn carriages may have minimal direct impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety, as these vehicles are a small share of street traffic; the primary safety risks for vulnerable road users stem from motor vehicles and street design.
-
Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages,
Crain's New York Business,
Published 2025-08-06
4
Gianaris Backs Mamdani and Safety‑Boosting Fix the MTA Act▸Aug 4 - Gianaris backs Mamdani for mayor. Both pushed for subway funding and fare-free buses. Their alliance signals power in transit fights. No direct safety change yet for walkers or riders.
On August 4, 2025, State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris endorsed Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani for mayor. The two worked together on the 'Fix the MTA Act,' which invested in subways and piloted fare-free buses. Gianaris said Mamdani 'provides the energy and ideas' New Yorkers need. Mamdani thanked Gianaris for helping secure 'historic investments in subway and bus services.' This event, reported by City & State NY, shows political unity on transit. However, as no specific policy action or outcome is detailed, analysts find no direct safety impact for pedestrians or cyclists.
-
Mike Gianaris backs Zohran Mamdani for mayor,
City & State NY,
Published 2025-08-04
2
Parked SUV Driver Doors Teen Rider▸Aug 2 - On Grand Ave in Queens, a parked SUV driver swung a door into an 18‑year‑old on an e‑bike. The rider went down, arm scraped and bleeding. Police recorded driver inattention. Metal and skin. Sudden stop.
An 18-year-old e-bike rider was injured when a parked Ford SUV’s driver opened a left-side door at 65-41 Grand Ave in Queens. The rider, traveling west, hit the door and fell. He suffered an abrasion to his lower arm and remained conscious. According to the police report, officers recorded Driver Inattention/Distraction for the SUV driver as a contributing factor. The report also noted Driver Inattention/Distraction for the injured rider. The e-bike showed center-front damage; the SUV had damage to its left-side doors. No other injuries were reported.
1
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger▸Aug 1 - A teen drove a BMW at 100 mph without a license. He lost control. The car hit a truck. Fourteen-year-old Fortune Williams was ejected and killed. The driver now faces prison. Parents faced charges too.
Gothamist (2025-08-01) reports an 18-year-old Queens resident was sentenced to up to four years for a 2023 crash that killed 14-year-old Fortune Williams. The teen, unlicensed and speeding at over 100 mph in a 30-mph zone, lost control and struck a parked UPS truck. Prosecutors said he only had a learner's permit and had been previously ticketed for unlicensed driving. His parents, who gave him the BMW, were convicted of child endangerment. DA Melinda Katz called it 'a landmark case where both an unlicensed teenage driver and his parents were held responsible.' The case highlights failures in supervision and enforcement.
-
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-01
23
Holden Urges Council to Pass Ryders Law▸Jul 23 - Dozens rallied at City Hall. They demanded Ryder's Law. Council Member Holden led. NYCLASS joined. The call was sharp: end horse carriages. The industry faces fierce opposition. The council stalls. The danger remains.
"The fact that a visibly sick horse like Ryder was allowed to work at all is unbelievable and inexcusable. This case proves that current regulations don't protect the horses, and it's time for the City Council to act." -- Robert F. Holden
On July 23, 2025, Council Member Robert Holden and animal advocates rallied at City Hall, demanding passage of Ryder's Law to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Holden, has not yet reached a council vote or hearing. The rally followed a 'not guilty' verdict in a high-profile horse abuse case. The matter, described as a push 'to end the horse carriage industry in NYC,' drew support from NYCLASS and others. Holden blasted city oversight as 'inexcusable.' Despite the outcry, a safety analyst notes: ending horse carriages will not significantly improve safety for pedestrians or cyclists, since carriages are a small part of street traffic and their removal does not fix systemic road dangers.
20
Driver Turning Left Hits Two Crosswalkers▸Jul 20 - The driver of a sedan turned left and hit a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman who were crossing 69 Street with the signal. Both suffered leg injuries and were conscious after the crash in Queens.
The driver of a sedan made a left turn on 69 Street at the Long Island Expressway and struck two people who were crossing with the signal: a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman. "According to the police report," both victims were injured—the boy complained of hip and upper-leg pain and the woman suffered abrasions to her lower leg and foot. Police listed the contributing factor as "Unspecified" and did not record a specific driver error in the data. The report notes the vehicle’s pre-crash action as Making Left Turn and records both victims as conscious after the impact.
16
Pickup Truck Failed to Yield on Maspeth Ave▸Jul 16 - Driver of a pickup hit a 33-year-old cyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected. Police cited failure to yield.
The driver of a pickup truck hit a 33-year-old male bicyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl in Queens. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected; he was conscious. According to the police report, both the driver and the cyclist were involved in a "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." Police recorded failure to yield by the driver. The report lists the pickup as 'Parked' pre-crash and the bicycle as 'Going Straight Ahead.' The bike shows front-end damage; the pickup shows no damage.
10
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Jul 10 - A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Three people in the sedan were injured. The driver suffered crush injuries; two passengers had concussions and upper-body trauma. Police cited unsafe lane changing and turning improperly.
A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, injuring all three people inside the sedan. The driver, a 30-year-old man, sustained crush injuries. A front passenger, a 39-year-old woman, was unconscious with a concussion and shoulder/upper-arm injuries. A rear passenger, a 35-year-old man, complained of a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Turning Improperly." Police recorded the dump truck was going straight and struck the sedan's center back end while the sedan was slowing or stopping.
Aug 11 - A westbound dump truck rear-ended a westbound sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Two women in the sedan were injured; a 29-year-old front passenger suffered crush injuries and the 42-year-old driver suffered back injuries.
A westbound dump truck struck the center back end of a westbound sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. Two sedan occupants were injured: a 29-year-old front passenger with crush injuries and a 42-year-old driver with back injuries. According to the police report, the contributing factors were “Traffic Control Disregarded,” “Unsafe Lane Changing,” and “Oversized Vehicle.” The sedan showed left rear bumper damage; the truck had center front-end damage consistent with a rear impact. Police listed the driver errors above. No pedestrians or cyclists were reported; the sedan passengers bore the harm.
10
Driver hits man off roadway on 60 Ave▸Aug 10 - A driver hit a 33-year-old man off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He stayed conscious. His knee, lower leg, and foot were hurt. Police list no driver errors.
A driver hit a 33-year-old man walking off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He was a pedestrian, not in the street. He stayed conscious. He suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. According to the police report, the pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of the crash. The report lists no driver errors or contributing factors. Police did not record failure to yield, distraction, speeding, or impairment. The report lists the vehicle type as unspecified and notes no direction of travel. It provides no information on the driver. No further details appear in the report.
8
Holden Opposes Safety‑Boosting Daylighting Citing DOT Report▸Aug 8 - DOT leans on a costly report and pro-car politicians to stall universal daylighting. Corners stay parked. Visibility stays poor. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a proven, system‑wide safety measure while parking is put first.
"Pro-car politicians like Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden, and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella have cited the DOT's report to oppose the bill, prioritizing parking over safety" -- Robert F. Holden
Bill: universal daylighting (no bill number listed). Status: stalled amid DOT opposition despite broad Council support. Committee: not listed. Key date: August 8, 2025 (Streetsblog NYC report). Matter title quoted: "We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting 'Scare Tactic' Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols." DOT released a report claiming $3 billion in costs and 300,000 lost parking spots. Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella cited the report and opposed the measure. Council Member Julie Won and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla called the report flawed; Won asked, "It isn’t unreasonable to invest under $10k to save the lives of children and all pedestrians with daylighting?" Safety analyst: DOT's opposition undermines a proven, system-wide safety measure for pedestrians and cyclists, prioritizing parking over vulnerable road user safety and risking mode shift and equitable street access.
-
We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting ‘Scare Tactic’ Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-08
6
Holden Sponsors Ban on Horse Drawn Carriages▸Aug 6 - A horse named Lady died in Hell's Kitchen. Photos reignited calls to ban carriages. The City Council stalled. Unions and leaders blocked hearings. Advocates warned of more injuries. Analysts say the ban would have minimal direct effect on pedestrians and cyclists.
Bill 2025, proposed to ban horse-drawn carriages, remained stalled as of August 6, 2025. The measure sits in the City Council health committee chaired by Lynn C. Schulman. Queens Councilman Robert F. Holden is the bill's sponsor. Speaker Adrienne Adams has not publicly taken a position. The article ran under the headline "Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages." Advocates rallied and warned, "without a ban there will be more crashes, injuries, and possibly deaths." TWU Local 100 opposes the ban. The proposed ban on horse-drawn carriages may have minimal direct impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety, as these vehicles are a small share of street traffic; the primary safety risks for vulnerable road users stem from motor vehicles and street design.
-
Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages,
Crain's New York Business,
Published 2025-08-06
4
Gianaris Backs Mamdani and Safety‑Boosting Fix the MTA Act▸Aug 4 - Gianaris backs Mamdani for mayor. Both pushed for subway funding and fare-free buses. Their alliance signals power in transit fights. No direct safety change yet for walkers or riders.
On August 4, 2025, State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris endorsed Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani for mayor. The two worked together on the 'Fix the MTA Act,' which invested in subways and piloted fare-free buses. Gianaris said Mamdani 'provides the energy and ideas' New Yorkers need. Mamdani thanked Gianaris for helping secure 'historic investments in subway and bus services.' This event, reported by City & State NY, shows political unity on transit. However, as no specific policy action or outcome is detailed, analysts find no direct safety impact for pedestrians or cyclists.
-
Mike Gianaris backs Zohran Mamdani for mayor,
City & State NY,
Published 2025-08-04
2
Parked SUV Driver Doors Teen Rider▸Aug 2 - On Grand Ave in Queens, a parked SUV driver swung a door into an 18‑year‑old on an e‑bike. The rider went down, arm scraped and bleeding. Police recorded driver inattention. Metal and skin. Sudden stop.
An 18-year-old e-bike rider was injured when a parked Ford SUV’s driver opened a left-side door at 65-41 Grand Ave in Queens. The rider, traveling west, hit the door and fell. He suffered an abrasion to his lower arm and remained conscious. According to the police report, officers recorded Driver Inattention/Distraction for the SUV driver as a contributing factor. The report also noted Driver Inattention/Distraction for the injured rider. The e-bike showed center-front damage; the SUV had damage to its left-side doors. No other injuries were reported.
1
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger▸Aug 1 - A teen drove a BMW at 100 mph without a license. He lost control. The car hit a truck. Fourteen-year-old Fortune Williams was ejected and killed. The driver now faces prison. Parents faced charges too.
Gothamist (2025-08-01) reports an 18-year-old Queens resident was sentenced to up to four years for a 2023 crash that killed 14-year-old Fortune Williams. The teen, unlicensed and speeding at over 100 mph in a 30-mph zone, lost control and struck a parked UPS truck. Prosecutors said he only had a learner's permit and had been previously ticketed for unlicensed driving. His parents, who gave him the BMW, were convicted of child endangerment. DA Melinda Katz called it 'a landmark case where both an unlicensed teenage driver and his parents were held responsible.' The case highlights failures in supervision and enforcement.
-
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-01
23
Holden Urges Council to Pass Ryders Law▸Jul 23 - Dozens rallied at City Hall. They demanded Ryder's Law. Council Member Holden led. NYCLASS joined. The call was sharp: end horse carriages. The industry faces fierce opposition. The council stalls. The danger remains.
"The fact that a visibly sick horse like Ryder was allowed to work at all is unbelievable and inexcusable. This case proves that current regulations don't protect the horses, and it's time for the City Council to act." -- Robert F. Holden
On July 23, 2025, Council Member Robert Holden and animal advocates rallied at City Hall, demanding passage of Ryder's Law to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Holden, has not yet reached a council vote or hearing. The rally followed a 'not guilty' verdict in a high-profile horse abuse case. The matter, described as a push 'to end the horse carriage industry in NYC,' drew support from NYCLASS and others. Holden blasted city oversight as 'inexcusable.' Despite the outcry, a safety analyst notes: ending horse carriages will not significantly improve safety for pedestrians or cyclists, since carriages are a small part of street traffic and their removal does not fix systemic road dangers.
20
Driver Turning Left Hits Two Crosswalkers▸Jul 20 - The driver of a sedan turned left and hit a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman who were crossing 69 Street with the signal. Both suffered leg injuries and were conscious after the crash in Queens.
The driver of a sedan made a left turn on 69 Street at the Long Island Expressway and struck two people who were crossing with the signal: a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman. "According to the police report," both victims were injured—the boy complained of hip and upper-leg pain and the woman suffered abrasions to her lower leg and foot. Police listed the contributing factor as "Unspecified" and did not record a specific driver error in the data. The report notes the vehicle’s pre-crash action as Making Left Turn and records both victims as conscious after the impact.
16
Pickup Truck Failed to Yield on Maspeth Ave▸Jul 16 - Driver of a pickup hit a 33-year-old cyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected. Police cited failure to yield.
The driver of a pickup truck hit a 33-year-old male bicyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl in Queens. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected; he was conscious. According to the police report, both the driver and the cyclist were involved in a "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." Police recorded failure to yield by the driver. The report lists the pickup as 'Parked' pre-crash and the bicycle as 'Going Straight Ahead.' The bike shows front-end damage; the pickup shows no damage.
10
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Jul 10 - A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Three people in the sedan were injured. The driver suffered crush injuries; two passengers had concussions and upper-body trauma. Police cited unsafe lane changing and turning improperly.
A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, injuring all three people inside the sedan. The driver, a 30-year-old man, sustained crush injuries. A front passenger, a 39-year-old woman, was unconscious with a concussion and shoulder/upper-arm injuries. A rear passenger, a 35-year-old man, complained of a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Turning Improperly." Police recorded the dump truck was going straight and struck the sedan's center back end while the sedan was slowing or stopping.
Aug 10 - A driver hit a 33-year-old man off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He stayed conscious. His knee, lower leg, and foot were hurt. Police list no driver errors.
A driver hit a 33-year-old man walking off the roadway on 60 Ave in Queens. He was a pedestrian, not in the street. He stayed conscious. He suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. According to the police report, the pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of the crash. The report lists no driver errors or contributing factors. Police did not record failure to yield, distraction, speeding, or impairment. The report lists the vehicle type as unspecified and notes no direction of travel. It provides no information on the driver. No further details appear in the report.
8
Holden Opposes Safety‑Boosting Daylighting Citing DOT Report▸Aug 8 - DOT leans on a costly report and pro-car politicians to stall universal daylighting. Corners stay parked. Visibility stays poor. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a proven, system‑wide safety measure while parking is put first.
"Pro-car politicians like Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden, and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella have cited the DOT's report to oppose the bill, prioritizing parking over safety" -- Robert F. Holden
Bill: universal daylighting (no bill number listed). Status: stalled amid DOT opposition despite broad Council support. Committee: not listed. Key date: August 8, 2025 (Streetsblog NYC report). Matter title quoted: "We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting 'Scare Tactic' Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols." DOT released a report claiming $3 billion in costs and 300,000 lost parking spots. Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella cited the report and opposed the measure. Council Member Julie Won and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla called the report flawed; Won asked, "It isn’t unreasonable to invest under $10k to save the lives of children and all pedestrians with daylighting?" Safety analyst: DOT's opposition undermines a proven, system-wide safety measure for pedestrians and cyclists, prioritizing parking over vulnerable road user safety and risking mode shift and equitable street access.
-
We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting ‘Scare Tactic’ Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-08-08
6
Holden Sponsors Ban on Horse Drawn Carriages▸Aug 6 - A horse named Lady died in Hell's Kitchen. Photos reignited calls to ban carriages. The City Council stalled. Unions and leaders blocked hearings. Advocates warned of more injuries. Analysts say the ban would have minimal direct effect on pedestrians and cyclists.
Bill 2025, proposed to ban horse-drawn carriages, remained stalled as of August 6, 2025. The measure sits in the City Council health committee chaired by Lynn C. Schulman. Queens Councilman Robert F. Holden is the bill's sponsor. Speaker Adrienne Adams has not publicly taken a position. The article ran under the headline "Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages." Advocates rallied and warned, "without a ban there will be more crashes, injuries, and possibly deaths." TWU Local 100 opposes the ban. The proposed ban on horse-drawn carriages may have minimal direct impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety, as these vehicles are a small share of street traffic; the primary safety risks for vulnerable road users stem from motor vehicles and street design.
-
Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages,
Crain's New York Business,
Published 2025-08-06
4
Gianaris Backs Mamdani and Safety‑Boosting Fix the MTA Act▸Aug 4 - Gianaris backs Mamdani for mayor. Both pushed for subway funding and fare-free buses. Their alliance signals power in transit fights. No direct safety change yet for walkers or riders.
On August 4, 2025, State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris endorsed Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani for mayor. The two worked together on the 'Fix the MTA Act,' which invested in subways and piloted fare-free buses. Gianaris said Mamdani 'provides the energy and ideas' New Yorkers need. Mamdani thanked Gianaris for helping secure 'historic investments in subway and bus services.' This event, reported by City & State NY, shows political unity on transit. However, as no specific policy action or outcome is detailed, analysts find no direct safety impact for pedestrians or cyclists.
-
Mike Gianaris backs Zohran Mamdani for mayor,
City & State NY,
Published 2025-08-04
2
Parked SUV Driver Doors Teen Rider▸Aug 2 - On Grand Ave in Queens, a parked SUV driver swung a door into an 18‑year‑old on an e‑bike. The rider went down, arm scraped and bleeding. Police recorded driver inattention. Metal and skin. Sudden stop.
An 18-year-old e-bike rider was injured when a parked Ford SUV’s driver opened a left-side door at 65-41 Grand Ave in Queens. The rider, traveling west, hit the door and fell. He suffered an abrasion to his lower arm and remained conscious. According to the police report, officers recorded Driver Inattention/Distraction for the SUV driver as a contributing factor. The report also noted Driver Inattention/Distraction for the injured rider. The e-bike showed center-front damage; the SUV had damage to its left-side doors. No other injuries were reported.
1
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger▸Aug 1 - A teen drove a BMW at 100 mph without a license. He lost control. The car hit a truck. Fourteen-year-old Fortune Williams was ejected and killed. The driver now faces prison. Parents faced charges too.
Gothamist (2025-08-01) reports an 18-year-old Queens resident was sentenced to up to four years for a 2023 crash that killed 14-year-old Fortune Williams. The teen, unlicensed and speeding at over 100 mph in a 30-mph zone, lost control and struck a parked UPS truck. Prosecutors said he only had a learner's permit and had been previously ticketed for unlicensed driving. His parents, who gave him the BMW, were convicted of child endangerment. DA Melinda Katz called it 'a landmark case where both an unlicensed teenage driver and his parents were held responsible.' The case highlights failures in supervision and enforcement.
-
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-01
23
Holden Urges Council to Pass Ryders Law▸Jul 23 - Dozens rallied at City Hall. They demanded Ryder's Law. Council Member Holden led. NYCLASS joined. The call was sharp: end horse carriages. The industry faces fierce opposition. The council stalls. The danger remains.
"The fact that a visibly sick horse like Ryder was allowed to work at all is unbelievable and inexcusable. This case proves that current regulations don't protect the horses, and it's time for the City Council to act." -- Robert F. Holden
On July 23, 2025, Council Member Robert Holden and animal advocates rallied at City Hall, demanding passage of Ryder's Law to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Holden, has not yet reached a council vote or hearing. The rally followed a 'not guilty' verdict in a high-profile horse abuse case. The matter, described as a push 'to end the horse carriage industry in NYC,' drew support from NYCLASS and others. Holden blasted city oversight as 'inexcusable.' Despite the outcry, a safety analyst notes: ending horse carriages will not significantly improve safety for pedestrians or cyclists, since carriages are a small part of street traffic and their removal does not fix systemic road dangers.
20
Driver Turning Left Hits Two Crosswalkers▸Jul 20 - The driver of a sedan turned left and hit a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman who were crossing 69 Street with the signal. Both suffered leg injuries and were conscious after the crash in Queens.
The driver of a sedan made a left turn on 69 Street at the Long Island Expressway and struck two people who were crossing with the signal: a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman. "According to the police report," both victims were injured—the boy complained of hip and upper-leg pain and the woman suffered abrasions to her lower leg and foot. Police listed the contributing factor as "Unspecified" and did not record a specific driver error in the data. The report notes the vehicle’s pre-crash action as Making Left Turn and records both victims as conscious after the impact.
16
Pickup Truck Failed to Yield on Maspeth Ave▸Jul 16 - Driver of a pickup hit a 33-year-old cyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected. Police cited failure to yield.
The driver of a pickup truck hit a 33-year-old male bicyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl in Queens. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected; he was conscious. According to the police report, both the driver and the cyclist were involved in a "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." Police recorded failure to yield by the driver. The report lists the pickup as 'Parked' pre-crash and the bicycle as 'Going Straight Ahead.' The bike shows front-end damage; the pickup shows no damage.
10
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Jul 10 - A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Three people in the sedan were injured. The driver suffered crush injuries; two passengers had concussions and upper-body trauma. Police cited unsafe lane changing and turning improperly.
A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, injuring all three people inside the sedan. The driver, a 30-year-old man, sustained crush injuries. A front passenger, a 39-year-old woman, was unconscious with a concussion and shoulder/upper-arm injuries. A rear passenger, a 35-year-old man, complained of a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Turning Improperly." Police recorded the dump truck was going straight and struck the sedan's center back end while the sedan was slowing or stopping.
Aug 8 - DOT leans on a costly report and pro-car politicians to stall universal daylighting. Corners stay parked. Visibility stays poor. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a proven, system‑wide safety measure while parking is put first.
"Pro-car politicians like Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden, and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella have cited the DOT's report to oppose the bill, prioritizing parking over safety" -- Robert F. Holden
Bill: universal daylighting (no bill number listed). Status: stalled amid DOT opposition despite broad Council support. Committee: not listed. Key date: August 8, 2025 (Streetsblog NYC report). Matter title quoted: "We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting 'Scare Tactic' Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols." DOT released a report claiming $3 billion in costs and 300,000 lost parking spots. Council Members Inna Vernikov, Bob Holden and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella cited the report and opposed the measure. Council Member Julie Won and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla called the report flawed; Won asked, "It isn’t unreasonable to invest under $10k to save the lives of children and all pedestrians with daylighting?" Safety analyst: DOT's opposition undermines a proven, system-wide safety measure for pedestrians and cyclists, prioritizing parking over vulnerable road user safety and risking mode shift and equitable street access.
- We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting ‘Scare Tactic’ Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-08-08
6
Holden Sponsors Ban on Horse Drawn Carriages▸Aug 6 - A horse named Lady died in Hell's Kitchen. Photos reignited calls to ban carriages. The City Council stalled. Unions and leaders blocked hearings. Advocates warned of more injuries. Analysts say the ban would have minimal direct effect on pedestrians and cyclists.
Bill 2025, proposed to ban horse-drawn carriages, remained stalled as of August 6, 2025. The measure sits in the City Council health committee chaired by Lynn C. Schulman. Queens Councilman Robert F. Holden is the bill's sponsor. Speaker Adrienne Adams has not publicly taken a position. The article ran under the headline "Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages." Advocates rallied and warned, "without a ban there will be more crashes, injuries, and possibly deaths." TWU Local 100 opposes the ban. The proposed ban on horse-drawn carriages may have minimal direct impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety, as these vehicles are a small share of street traffic; the primary safety risks for vulnerable road users stem from motor vehicles and street design.
-
Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages,
Crain's New York Business,
Published 2025-08-06
4
Gianaris Backs Mamdani and Safety‑Boosting Fix the MTA Act▸Aug 4 - Gianaris backs Mamdani for mayor. Both pushed for subway funding and fare-free buses. Their alliance signals power in transit fights. No direct safety change yet for walkers or riders.
On August 4, 2025, State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris endorsed Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani for mayor. The two worked together on the 'Fix the MTA Act,' which invested in subways and piloted fare-free buses. Gianaris said Mamdani 'provides the energy and ideas' New Yorkers need. Mamdani thanked Gianaris for helping secure 'historic investments in subway and bus services.' This event, reported by City & State NY, shows political unity on transit. However, as no specific policy action or outcome is detailed, analysts find no direct safety impact for pedestrians or cyclists.
-
Mike Gianaris backs Zohran Mamdani for mayor,
City & State NY,
Published 2025-08-04
2
Parked SUV Driver Doors Teen Rider▸Aug 2 - On Grand Ave in Queens, a parked SUV driver swung a door into an 18‑year‑old on an e‑bike. The rider went down, arm scraped and bleeding. Police recorded driver inattention. Metal and skin. Sudden stop.
An 18-year-old e-bike rider was injured when a parked Ford SUV’s driver opened a left-side door at 65-41 Grand Ave in Queens. The rider, traveling west, hit the door and fell. He suffered an abrasion to his lower arm and remained conscious. According to the police report, officers recorded Driver Inattention/Distraction for the SUV driver as a contributing factor. The report also noted Driver Inattention/Distraction for the injured rider. The e-bike showed center-front damage; the SUV had damage to its left-side doors. No other injuries were reported.
1
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger▸Aug 1 - A teen drove a BMW at 100 mph without a license. He lost control. The car hit a truck. Fourteen-year-old Fortune Williams was ejected and killed. The driver now faces prison. Parents faced charges too.
Gothamist (2025-08-01) reports an 18-year-old Queens resident was sentenced to up to four years for a 2023 crash that killed 14-year-old Fortune Williams. The teen, unlicensed and speeding at over 100 mph in a 30-mph zone, lost control and struck a parked UPS truck. Prosecutors said he only had a learner's permit and had been previously ticketed for unlicensed driving. His parents, who gave him the BMW, were convicted of child endangerment. DA Melinda Katz called it 'a landmark case where both an unlicensed teenage driver and his parents were held responsible.' The case highlights failures in supervision and enforcement.
-
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-01
23
Holden Urges Council to Pass Ryders Law▸Jul 23 - Dozens rallied at City Hall. They demanded Ryder's Law. Council Member Holden led. NYCLASS joined. The call was sharp: end horse carriages. The industry faces fierce opposition. The council stalls. The danger remains.
"The fact that a visibly sick horse like Ryder was allowed to work at all is unbelievable and inexcusable. This case proves that current regulations don't protect the horses, and it's time for the City Council to act." -- Robert F. Holden
On July 23, 2025, Council Member Robert Holden and animal advocates rallied at City Hall, demanding passage of Ryder's Law to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Holden, has not yet reached a council vote or hearing. The rally followed a 'not guilty' verdict in a high-profile horse abuse case. The matter, described as a push 'to end the horse carriage industry in NYC,' drew support from NYCLASS and others. Holden blasted city oversight as 'inexcusable.' Despite the outcry, a safety analyst notes: ending horse carriages will not significantly improve safety for pedestrians or cyclists, since carriages are a small part of street traffic and their removal does not fix systemic road dangers.
20
Driver Turning Left Hits Two Crosswalkers▸Jul 20 - The driver of a sedan turned left and hit a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman who were crossing 69 Street with the signal. Both suffered leg injuries and were conscious after the crash in Queens.
The driver of a sedan made a left turn on 69 Street at the Long Island Expressway and struck two people who were crossing with the signal: a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman. "According to the police report," both victims were injured—the boy complained of hip and upper-leg pain and the woman suffered abrasions to her lower leg and foot. Police listed the contributing factor as "Unspecified" and did not record a specific driver error in the data. The report notes the vehicle’s pre-crash action as Making Left Turn and records both victims as conscious after the impact.
16
Pickup Truck Failed to Yield on Maspeth Ave▸Jul 16 - Driver of a pickup hit a 33-year-old cyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected. Police cited failure to yield.
The driver of a pickup truck hit a 33-year-old male bicyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl in Queens. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected; he was conscious. According to the police report, both the driver and the cyclist were involved in a "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." Police recorded failure to yield by the driver. The report lists the pickup as 'Parked' pre-crash and the bicycle as 'Going Straight Ahead.' The bike shows front-end damage; the pickup shows no damage.
10
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Jul 10 - A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Three people in the sedan were injured. The driver suffered crush injuries; two passengers had concussions and upper-body trauma. Police cited unsafe lane changing and turning improperly.
A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, injuring all three people inside the sedan. The driver, a 30-year-old man, sustained crush injuries. A front passenger, a 39-year-old woman, was unconscious with a concussion and shoulder/upper-arm injuries. A rear passenger, a 35-year-old man, complained of a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Turning Improperly." Police recorded the dump truck was going straight and struck the sedan's center back end while the sedan was slowing or stopping.
Aug 6 - A horse named Lady died in Hell's Kitchen. Photos reignited calls to ban carriages. The City Council stalled. Unions and leaders blocked hearings. Advocates warned of more injuries. Analysts say the ban would have minimal direct effect on pedestrians and cyclists.
Bill 2025, proposed to ban horse-drawn carriages, remained stalled as of August 6, 2025. The measure sits in the City Council health committee chaired by Lynn C. Schulman. Queens Councilman Robert F. Holden is the bill's sponsor. Speaker Adrienne Adams has not publicly taken a position. The article ran under the headline "Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages." Advocates rallied and warned, "without a ban there will be more crashes, injuries, and possibly deaths." TWU Local 100 opposes the ban. The proposed ban on horse-drawn carriages may have minimal direct impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety, as these vehicles are a small share of street traffic; the primary safety risks for vulnerable road users stem from motor vehicles and street design.
- Gruesome images unlikely to sway lawmakers to ban horse-drawn carriages, Crain's New York Business, Published 2025-08-06
4
Gianaris Backs Mamdani and Safety‑Boosting Fix the MTA Act▸Aug 4 - Gianaris backs Mamdani for mayor. Both pushed for subway funding and fare-free buses. Their alliance signals power in transit fights. No direct safety change yet for walkers or riders.
On August 4, 2025, State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris endorsed Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani for mayor. The two worked together on the 'Fix the MTA Act,' which invested in subways and piloted fare-free buses. Gianaris said Mamdani 'provides the energy and ideas' New Yorkers need. Mamdani thanked Gianaris for helping secure 'historic investments in subway and bus services.' This event, reported by City & State NY, shows political unity on transit. However, as no specific policy action or outcome is detailed, analysts find no direct safety impact for pedestrians or cyclists.
-
Mike Gianaris backs Zohran Mamdani for mayor,
City & State NY,
Published 2025-08-04
2
Parked SUV Driver Doors Teen Rider▸Aug 2 - On Grand Ave in Queens, a parked SUV driver swung a door into an 18‑year‑old on an e‑bike. The rider went down, arm scraped and bleeding. Police recorded driver inattention. Metal and skin. Sudden stop.
An 18-year-old e-bike rider was injured when a parked Ford SUV’s driver opened a left-side door at 65-41 Grand Ave in Queens. The rider, traveling west, hit the door and fell. He suffered an abrasion to his lower arm and remained conscious. According to the police report, officers recorded Driver Inattention/Distraction for the SUV driver as a contributing factor. The report also noted Driver Inattention/Distraction for the injured rider. The e-bike showed center-front damage; the SUV had damage to its left-side doors. No other injuries were reported.
1
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger▸Aug 1 - A teen drove a BMW at 100 mph without a license. He lost control. The car hit a truck. Fourteen-year-old Fortune Williams was ejected and killed. The driver now faces prison. Parents faced charges too.
Gothamist (2025-08-01) reports an 18-year-old Queens resident was sentenced to up to four years for a 2023 crash that killed 14-year-old Fortune Williams. The teen, unlicensed and speeding at over 100 mph in a 30-mph zone, lost control and struck a parked UPS truck. Prosecutors said he only had a learner's permit and had been previously ticketed for unlicensed driving. His parents, who gave him the BMW, were convicted of child endangerment. DA Melinda Katz called it 'a landmark case where both an unlicensed teenage driver and his parents were held responsible.' The case highlights failures in supervision and enforcement.
-
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-01
23
Holden Urges Council to Pass Ryders Law▸Jul 23 - Dozens rallied at City Hall. They demanded Ryder's Law. Council Member Holden led. NYCLASS joined. The call was sharp: end horse carriages. The industry faces fierce opposition. The council stalls. The danger remains.
"The fact that a visibly sick horse like Ryder was allowed to work at all is unbelievable and inexcusable. This case proves that current regulations don't protect the horses, and it's time for the City Council to act." -- Robert F. Holden
On July 23, 2025, Council Member Robert Holden and animal advocates rallied at City Hall, demanding passage of Ryder's Law to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Holden, has not yet reached a council vote or hearing. The rally followed a 'not guilty' verdict in a high-profile horse abuse case. The matter, described as a push 'to end the horse carriage industry in NYC,' drew support from NYCLASS and others. Holden blasted city oversight as 'inexcusable.' Despite the outcry, a safety analyst notes: ending horse carriages will not significantly improve safety for pedestrians or cyclists, since carriages are a small part of street traffic and their removal does not fix systemic road dangers.
20
Driver Turning Left Hits Two Crosswalkers▸Jul 20 - The driver of a sedan turned left and hit a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman who were crossing 69 Street with the signal. Both suffered leg injuries and were conscious after the crash in Queens.
The driver of a sedan made a left turn on 69 Street at the Long Island Expressway and struck two people who were crossing with the signal: a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman. "According to the police report," both victims were injured—the boy complained of hip and upper-leg pain and the woman suffered abrasions to her lower leg and foot. Police listed the contributing factor as "Unspecified" and did not record a specific driver error in the data. The report notes the vehicle’s pre-crash action as Making Left Turn and records both victims as conscious after the impact.
16
Pickup Truck Failed to Yield on Maspeth Ave▸Jul 16 - Driver of a pickup hit a 33-year-old cyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected. Police cited failure to yield.
The driver of a pickup truck hit a 33-year-old male bicyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl in Queens. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected; he was conscious. According to the police report, both the driver and the cyclist were involved in a "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." Police recorded failure to yield by the driver. The report lists the pickup as 'Parked' pre-crash and the bicycle as 'Going Straight Ahead.' The bike shows front-end damage; the pickup shows no damage.
10
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Jul 10 - A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Three people in the sedan were injured. The driver suffered crush injuries; two passengers had concussions and upper-body trauma. Police cited unsafe lane changing and turning improperly.
A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, injuring all three people inside the sedan. The driver, a 30-year-old man, sustained crush injuries. A front passenger, a 39-year-old woman, was unconscious with a concussion and shoulder/upper-arm injuries. A rear passenger, a 35-year-old man, complained of a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Turning Improperly." Police recorded the dump truck was going straight and struck the sedan's center back end while the sedan was slowing or stopping.
Aug 4 - Gianaris backs Mamdani for mayor. Both pushed for subway funding and fare-free buses. Their alliance signals power in transit fights. No direct safety change yet for walkers or riders.
On August 4, 2025, State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris endorsed Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani for mayor. The two worked together on the 'Fix the MTA Act,' which invested in subways and piloted fare-free buses. Gianaris said Mamdani 'provides the energy and ideas' New Yorkers need. Mamdani thanked Gianaris for helping secure 'historic investments in subway and bus services.' This event, reported by City & State NY, shows political unity on transit. However, as no specific policy action or outcome is detailed, analysts find no direct safety impact for pedestrians or cyclists.
- Mike Gianaris backs Zohran Mamdani for mayor, City & State NY, Published 2025-08-04
2
Parked SUV Driver Doors Teen Rider▸Aug 2 - On Grand Ave in Queens, a parked SUV driver swung a door into an 18‑year‑old on an e‑bike. The rider went down, arm scraped and bleeding. Police recorded driver inattention. Metal and skin. Sudden stop.
An 18-year-old e-bike rider was injured when a parked Ford SUV’s driver opened a left-side door at 65-41 Grand Ave in Queens. The rider, traveling west, hit the door and fell. He suffered an abrasion to his lower arm and remained conscious. According to the police report, officers recorded Driver Inattention/Distraction for the SUV driver as a contributing factor. The report also noted Driver Inattention/Distraction for the injured rider. The e-bike showed center-front damage; the SUV had damage to its left-side doors. No other injuries were reported.
1
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger▸Aug 1 - A teen drove a BMW at 100 mph without a license. He lost control. The car hit a truck. Fourteen-year-old Fortune Williams was ejected and killed. The driver now faces prison. Parents faced charges too.
Gothamist (2025-08-01) reports an 18-year-old Queens resident was sentenced to up to four years for a 2023 crash that killed 14-year-old Fortune Williams. The teen, unlicensed and speeding at over 100 mph in a 30-mph zone, lost control and struck a parked UPS truck. Prosecutors said he only had a learner's permit and had been previously ticketed for unlicensed driving. His parents, who gave him the BMW, were convicted of child endangerment. DA Melinda Katz called it 'a landmark case where both an unlicensed teenage driver and his parents were held responsible.' The case highlights failures in supervision and enforcement.
-
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-01
23
Holden Urges Council to Pass Ryders Law▸Jul 23 - Dozens rallied at City Hall. They demanded Ryder's Law. Council Member Holden led. NYCLASS joined. The call was sharp: end horse carriages. The industry faces fierce opposition. The council stalls. The danger remains.
"The fact that a visibly sick horse like Ryder was allowed to work at all is unbelievable and inexcusable. This case proves that current regulations don't protect the horses, and it's time for the City Council to act." -- Robert F. Holden
On July 23, 2025, Council Member Robert Holden and animal advocates rallied at City Hall, demanding passage of Ryder's Law to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Holden, has not yet reached a council vote or hearing. The rally followed a 'not guilty' verdict in a high-profile horse abuse case. The matter, described as a push 'to end the horse carriage industry in NYC,' drew support from NYCLASS and others. Holden blasted city oversight as 'inexcusable.' Despite the outcry, a safety analyst notes: ending horse carriages will not significantly improve safety for pedestrians or cyclists, since carriages are a small part of street traffic and their removal does not fix systemic road dangers.
20
Driver Turning Left Hits Two Crosswalkers▸Jul 20 - The driver of a sedan turned left and hit a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman who were crossing 69 Street with the signal. Both suffered leg injuries and were conscious after the crash in Queens.
The driver of a sedan made a left turn on 69 Street at the Long Island Expressway and struck two people who were crossing with the signal: a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman. "According to the police report," both victims were injured—the boy complained of hip and upper-leg pain and the woman suffered abrasions to her lower leg and foot. Police listed the contributing factor as "Unspecified" and did not record a specific driver error in the data. The report notes the vehicle’s pre-crash action as Making Left Turn and records both victims as conscious after the impact.
16
Pickup Truck Failed to Yield on Maspeth Ave▸Jul 16 - Driver of a pickup hit a 33-year-old cyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected. Police cited failure to yield.
The driver of a pickup truck hit a 33-year-old male bicyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl in Queens. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected; he was conscious. According to the police report, both the driver and the cyclist were involved in a "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." Police recorded failure to yield by the driver. The report lists the pickup as 'Parked' pre-crash and the bicycle as 'Going Straight Ahead.' The bike shows front-end damage; the pickup shows no damage.
10
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Jul 10 - A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Three people in the sedan were injured. The driver suffered crush injuries; two passengers had concussions and upper-body trauma. Police cited unsafe lane changing and turning improperly.
A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, injuring all three people inside the sedan. The driver, a 30-year-old man, sustained crush injuries. A front passenger, a 39-year-old woman, was unconscious with a concussion and shoulder/upper-arm injuries. A rear passenger, a 35-year-old man, complained of a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Turning Improperly." Police recorded the dump truck was going straight and struck the sedan's center back end while the sedan was slowing or stopping.
Aug 2 - On Grand Ave in Queens, a parked SUV driver swung a door into an 18‑year‑old on an e‑bike. The rider went down, arm scraped and bleeding. Police recorded driver inattention. Metal and skin. Sudden stop.
An 18-year-old e-bike rider was injured when a parked Ford SUV’s driver opened a left-side door at 65-41 Grand Ave in Queens. The rider, traveling west, hit the door and fell. He suffered an abrasion to his lower arm and remained conscious. According to the police report, officers recorded Driver Inattention/Distraction for the SUV driver as a contributing factor. The report also noted Driver Inattention/Distraction for the injured rider. The e-bike showed center-front damage; the SUV had damage to its left-side doors. No other injuries were reported.
1
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger▸Aug 1 - A teen drove a BMW at 100 mph without a license. He lost control. The car hit a truck. Fourteen-year-old Fortune Williams was ejected and killed. The driver now faces prison. Parents faced charges too.
Gothamist (2025-08-01) reports an 18-year-old Queens resident was sentenced to up to four years for a 2023 crash that killed 14-year-old Fortune Williams. The teen, unlicensed and speeding at over 100 mph in a 30-mph zone, lost control and struck a parked UPS truck. Prosecutors said he only had a learner's permit and had been previously ticketed for unlicensed driving. His parents, who gave him the BMW, were convicted of child endangerment. DA Melinda Katz called it 'a landmark case where both an unlicensed teenage driver and his parents were held responsible.' The case highlights failures in supervision and enforcement.
-
Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-08-01
23
Holden Urges Council to Pass Ryders Law▸Jul 23 - Dozens rallied at City Hall. They demanded Ryder's Law. Council Member Holden led. NYCLASS joined. The call was sharp: end horse carriages. The industry faces fierce opposition. The council stalls. The danger remains.
"The fact that a visibly sick horse like Ryder was allowed to work at all is unbelievable and inexcusable. This case proves that current regulations don't protect the horses, and it's time for the City Council to act." -- Robert F. Holden
On July 23, 2025, Council Member Robert Holden and animal advocates rallied at City Hall, demanding passage of Ryder's Law to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Holden, has not yet reached a council vote or hearing. The rally followed a 'not guilty' verdict in a high-profile horse abuse case. The matter, described as a push 'to end the horse carriage industry in NYC,' drew support from NYCLASS and others. Holden blasted city oversight as 'inexcusable.' Despite the outcry, a safety analyst notes: ending horse carriages will not significantly improve safety for pedestrians or cyclists, since carriages are a small part of street traffic and their removal does not fix systemic road dangers.
20
Driver Turning Left Hits Two Crosswalkers▸Jul 20 - The driver of a sedan turned left and hit a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman who were crossing 69 Street with the signal. Both suffered leg injuries and were conscious after the crash in Queens.
The driver of a sedan made a left turn on 69 Street at the Long Island Expressway and struck two people who were crossing with the signal: a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman. "According to the police report," both victims were injured—the boy complained of hip and upper-leg pain and the woman suffered abrasions to her lower leg and foot. Police listed the contributing factor as "Unspecified" and did not record a specific driver error in the data. The report notes the vehicle’s pre-crash action as Making Left Turn and records both victims as conscious after the impact.
16
Pickup Truck Failed to Yield on Maspeth Ave▸Jul 16 - Driver of a pickup hit a 33-year-old cyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected. Police cited failure to yield.
The driver of a pickup truck hit a 33-year-old male bicyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl in Queens. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected; he was conscious. According to the police report, both the driver and the cyclist were involved in a "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." Police recorded failure to yield by the driver. The report lists the pickup as 'Parked' pre-crash and the bicycle as 'Going Straight Ahead.' The bike shows front-end damage; the pickup shows no damage.
10
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Jul 10 - A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Three people in the sedan were injured. The driver suffered crush injuries; two passengers had concussions and upper-body trauma. Police cited unsafe lane changing and turning improperly.
A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, injuring all three people inside the sedan. The driver, a 30-year-old man, sustained crush injuries. A front passenger, a 39-year-old woman, was unconscious with a concussion and shoulder/upper-arm injuries. A rear passenger, a 35-year-old man, complained of a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Turning Improperly." Police recorded the dump truck was going straight and struck the sedan's center back end while the sedan was slowing or stopping.
Aug 1 - A teen drove a BMW at 100 mph without a license. He lost control. The car hit a truck. Fourteen-year-old Fortune Williams was ejected and killed. The driver now faces prison. Parents faced charges too.
Gothamist (2025-08-01) reports an 18-year-old Queens resident was sentenced to up to four years for a 2023 crash that killed 14-year-old Fortune Williams. The teen, unlicensed and speeding at over 100 mph in a 30-mph zone, lost control and struck a parked UPS truck. Prosecutors said he only had a learner's permit and had been previously ticketed for unlicensed driving. His parents, who gave him the BMW, were convicted of child endangerment. DA Melinda Katz called it 'a landmark case where both an unlicensed teenage driver and his parents were held responsible.' The case highlights failures in supervision and enforcement.
- Unlicensed Teen Driver Kills Passenger, Gothamist, Published 2025-08-01
23
Holden Urges Council to Pass Ryders Law▸Jul 23 - Dozens rallied at City Hall. They demanded Ryder's Law. Council Member Holden led. NYCLASS joined. The call was sharp: end horse carriages. The industry faces fierce opposition. The council stalls. The danger remains.
"The fact that a visibly sick horse like Ryder was allowed to work at all is unbelievable and inexcusable. This case proves that current regulations don't protect the horses, and it's time for the City Council to act." -- Robert F. Holden
On July 23, 2025, Council Member Robert Holden and animal advocates rallied at City Hall, demanding passage of Ryder's Law to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Holden, has not yet reached a council vote or hearing. The rally followed a 'not guilty' verdict in a high-profile horse abuse case. The matter, described as a push 'to end the horse carriage industry in NYC,' drew support from NYCLASS and others. Holden blasted city oversight as 'inexcusable.' Despite the outcry, a safety analyst notes: ending horse carriages will not significantly improve safety for pedestrians or cyclists, since carriages are a small part of street traffic and their removal does not fix systemic road dangers.
20
Driver Turning Left Hits Two Crosswalkers▸Jul 20 - The driver of a sedan turned left and hit a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman who were crossing 69 Street with the signal. Both suffered leg injuries and were conscious after the crash in Queens.
The driver of a sedan made a left turn on 69 Street at the Long Island Expressway and struck two people who were crossing with the signal: a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman. "According to the police report," both victims were injured—the boy complained of hip and upper-leg pain and the woman suffered abrasions to her lower leg and foot. Police listed the contributing factor as "Unspecified" and did not record a specific driver error in the data. The report notes the vehicle’s pre-crash action as Making Left Turn and records both victims as conscious after the impact.
16
Pickup Truck Failed to Yield on Maspeth Ave▸Jul 16 - Driver of a pickup hit a 33-year-old cyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected. Police cited failure to yield.
The driver of a pickup truck hit a 33-year-old male bicyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl in Queens. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected; he was conscious. According to the police report, both the driver and the cyclist were involved in a "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." Police recorded failure to yield by the driver. The report lists the pickup as 'Parked' pre-crash and the bicycle as 'Going Straight Ahead.' The bike shows front-end damage; the pickup shows no damage.
10
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Jul 10 - A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Three people in the sedan were injured. The driver suffered crush injuries; two passengers had concussions and upper-body trauma. Police cited unsafe lane changing and turning improperly.
A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, injuring all three people inside the sedan. The driver, a 30-year-old man, sustained crush injuries. A front passenger, a 39-year-old woman, was unconscious with a concussion and shoulder/upper-arm injuries. A rear passenger, a 35-year-old man, complained of a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Turning Improperly." Police recorded the dump truck was going straight and struck the sedan's center back end while the sedan was slowing or stopping.
Jul 23 - Dozens rallied at City Hall. They demanded Ryder's Law. Council Member Holden led. NYCLASS joined. The call was sharp: end horse carriages. The industry faces fierce opposition. The council stalls. The danger remains.
"The fact that a visibly sick horse like Ryder was allowed to work at all is unbelievable and inexcusable. This case proves that current regulations don't protect the horses, and it's time for the City Council to act." -- Robert F. Holden
On July 23, 2025, Council Member Robert Holden and animal advocates rallied at City Hall, demanding passage of Ryder's Law to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Holden, has not yet reached a council vote or hearing. The rally followed a 'not guilty' verdict in a high-profile horse abuse case. The matter, described as a push 'to end the horse carriage industry in NYC,' drew support from NYCLASS and others. Holden blasted city oversight as 'inexcusable.' Despite the outcry, a safety analyst notes: ending horse carriages will not significantly improve safety for pedestrians or cyclists, since carriages are a small part of street traffic and their removal does not fix systemic road dangers.
20
Driver Turning Left Hits Two Crosswalkers▸Jul 20 - The driver of a sedan turned left and hit a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman who were crossing 69 Street with the signal. Both suffered leg injuries and were conscious after the crash in Queens.
The driver of a sedan made a left turn on 69 Street at the Long Island Expressway and struck two people who were crossing with the signal: a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman. "According to the police report," both victims were injured—the boy complained of hip and upper-leg pain and the woman suffered abrasions to her lower leg and foot. Police listed the contributing factor as "Unspecified" and did not record a specific driver error in the data. The report notes the vehicle’s pre-crash action as Making Left Turn and records both victims as conscious after the impact.
16
Pickup Truck Failed to Yield on Maspeth Ave▸Jul 16 - Driver of a pickup hit a 33-year-old cyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected. Police cited failure to yield.
The driver of a pickup truck hit a 33-year-old male bicyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl in Queens. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected; he was conscious. According to the police report, both the driver and the cyclist were involved in a "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." Police recorded failure to yield by the driver. The report lists the pickup as 'Parked' pre-crash and the bicycle as 'Going Straight Ahead.' The bike shows front-end damage; the pickup shows no damage.
10
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Jul 10 - A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Three people in the sedan were injured. The driver suffered crush injuries; two passengers had concussions and upper-body trauma. Police cited unsafe lane changing and turning improperly.
A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, injuring all three people inside the sedan. The driver, a 30-year-old man, sustained crush injuries. A front passenger, a 39-year-old woman, was unconscious with a concussion and shoulder/upper-arm injuries. A rear passenger, a 35-year-old man, complained of a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Turning Improperly." Police recorded the dump truck was going straight and struck the sedan's center back end while the sedan was slowing or stopping.
Jul 20 - The driver of a sedan turned left and hit a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman who were crossing 69 Street with the signal. Both suffered leg injuries and were conscious after the crash in Queens.
The driver of a sedan made a left turn on 69 Street at the Long Island Expressway and struck two people who were crossing with the signal: a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman. "According to the police report," both victims were injured—the boy complained of hip and upper-leg pain and the woman suffered abrasions to her lower leg and foot. Police listed the contributing factor as "Unspecified" and did not record a specific driver error in the data. The report notes the vehicle’s pre-crash action as Making Left Turn and records both victims as conscious after the impact.
16
Pickup Truck Failed to Yield on Maspeth Ave▸Jul 16 - Driver of a pickup hit a 33-year-old cyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected. Police cited failure to yield.
The driver of a pickup truck hit a 33-year-old male bicyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl in Queens. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected; he was conscious. According to the police report, both the driver and the cyclist were involved in a "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." Police recorded failure to yield by the driver. The report lists the pickup as 'Parked' pre-crash and the bicycle as 'Going Straight Ahead.' The bike shows front-end damage; the pickup shows no damage.
10
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Jul 10 - A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Three people in the sedan were injured. The driver suffered crush injuries; two passengers had concussions and upper-body trauma. Police cited unsafe lane changing and turning improperly.
A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, injuring all three people inside the sedan. The driver, a 30-year-old man, sustained crush injuries. A front passenger, a 39-year-old woman, was unconscious with a concussion and shoulder/upper-arm injuries. A rear passenger, a 35-year-old man, complained of a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Turning Improperly." Police recorded the dump truck was going straight and struck the sedan's center back end while the sedan was slowing or stopping.
Jul 16 - Driver of a pickup hit a 33-year-old cyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected. Police cited failure to yield.
The driver of a pickup truck hit a 33-year-old male bicyclist on Maspeth Ave at 58 Pl in Queens. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was partially ejected; he was conscious. According to the police report, both the driver and the cyclist were involved in a "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." Police recorded failure to yield by the driver. The report lists the pickup as 'Parked' pre-crash and the bicycle as 'Going Straight Ahead.' The bike shows front-end damage; the pickup shows no damage.
10
Dump Truck Rear-Ends Sedan on LIE▸Jul 10 - A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Three people in the sedan were injured. The driver suffered crush injuries; two passengers had concussions and upper-body trauma. Police cited unsafe lane changing and turning improperly.
A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, injuring all three people inside the sedan. The driver, a 30-year-old man, sustained crush injuries. A front passenger, a 39-year-old woman, was unconscious with a concussion and shoulder/upper-arm injuries. A rear passenger, a 35-year-old man, complained of a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Turning Improperly." Police recorded the dump truck was going straight and struck the sedan's center back end while the sedan was slowing or stopping.
Jul 10 - A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. Three people in the sedan were injured. The driver suffered crush injuries; two passengers had concussions and upper-body trauma. Police cited unsafe lane changing and turning improperly.
A dump truck rear-ended a sedan on the Long Island Expressway in Queens, injuring all three people inside the sedan. The driver, a 30-year-old man, sustained crush injuries. A front passenger, a 39-year-old woman, was unconscious with a concussion and shoulder/upper-arm injuries. A rear passenger, a 35-year-old man, complained of a concussion and back injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by "Unsafe Lane Changing" and "Turning Improperly." Police recorded the dump truck was going straight and struck the sedan's center back end while the sedan was slowing or stopping.