Maspeth Bleeds: Speed Kills, Leaders Stall

A 55-year-old woman suffered a neck injury and concussion after a sedan struck her at an intersection in Queens. The driver was making a left turn and failed to pay attention, causing a collision with a pedestrian crossing legally with the signal.

According to the police report, at 11:10 AM in Queens, a sedan traveling southeast was making a left turn on 55 Drive near 58 Street when it struck a 55-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal. The pedestrian sustained a neck injury and concussion but remained conscious. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The vehicle's point of impact was the center front end, and despite the collision, the sedan showed no damage. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing factors; the crash was caused by the driver's failure to maintain attention while executing the turn.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792091 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Lawmakers and advocates clashed over how to fill the MTA’s $33 billion gap. No clear plan emerged. Councilmember Claire Valdez called for details. Riders face risk as funding stalls. Outside groups pitched taxes. The capital plan hangs in limbo.

"I think that would be helpful so we can all see the details and make sure that we're allocating resources most effectively. But these are all moving targets, and we need input from all sides." -- Claire Valdez

On February 6, 2025, Councilmember Claire Valdez of District 37 joined the heated debate over the MTA’s $33 billion budget shortfall. The matter, titled 'MTA honcho Janno Leiber quiet on plan to fill $33B budget hole — but outside group pitches longshot taxes, fees,' was discussed after the Capital Plan Review Board rejected the MTA’s $68 billion five-year capital plan due to a lack of funding. Valdez said, 'I think that would be helpful so we can all see the details and make sure that we're allocating resources most effectively.' She pressed for transparency and input from all sides. Outside groups proposed new taxes and fees, but lawmakers and the governor have not endorsed any. Rider advocates stressed the urgent need for full funding, warning that delay means a more unreliable system for New Yorkers. The council has yet to reach consensus or action.

• MTA honcho Janno Leiber quiet on plan to fill $33B budget hole — but outside group pitches longshot taxes, fees, nypost.com, Published 2025-02-06

A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.

NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.

• Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-05

Senate bill S 4421 seeks a one-year fare-free bus pilot in New York City. Michael Gianaris leads. Robert Jackson, John Liu, Julia Salazar join. The move could shift riders from cars to buses. Status: sponsorship.

Senate bill S 4421, now at the sponsorship stage, proposes a one-year fare-free bus pilot in New York City. The bill summary reads: 'Provides a fare-free bus pilot program in New York City for one year, subject to appropriations.' Michael Gianaris sponsors, with Robert Jackson, John Liu, and Julia Salazar as co-sponsors. Introduced on February 4, 2025, the bill awaits committee review. No safety analyst has assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The pilot could change how New Yorkers move, but its effect on street safety remains unstudied.

• File S 4421, Open States, Published 2025-02-04

Senate bill S 3832 orders advanced safety tech in all New York vehicles. DMV must set rules. Sponsors push for stricter standards. No direct safety impact analysis for pedestrians or cyclists yet.

Senate bill S 3832, now in sponsorship, demands advanced safety technology in all vehicles statewide. The bill instructs the DMV commissioner to create new rules. Filed January 30, 2025. The matter: 'Mandates the use of advanced safety technology in vehicles in the state.' Sponsors are Brad Hoylman-Sigal (primary), Michael Gianaris, and Kristen Gonzalez. No safety analyst has reviewed the bill's impact on vulnerable road users. The measure aims to raise standards but leaves details to future regulations.

• File S 3832, Open States, Published 2025-01-30

Council wants every cyclist in New York to wear a helmet. No helmet, pay a $50 fine. The bill targets riders not already covered by other laws. Debate now sits with the transportation committee.

Bill Int 1173-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced January 23, 2025. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams leads as primary sponsor, joined by Council Members Holden, Vernikov, Narcisse, Moya, Schulman, Louis, Hanks, Brannan, and Zhuang. The measure would fine cyclists up to $50 for riding without a helmet, unless already required by other laws. The bill awaits further action in committee.

• File Int 1173-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-23

Council wants every cyclist in New York to wear a helmet. No helmet, pay a $50 fine. The bill targets riders not already covered by other laws. Debate now sits with the transportation committee.

Bill Int 1173-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced January 23, 2025. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams leads as primary sponsor, joined by Council Members Holden, Vernikov, Narcisse, Moya, Schulman, Louis, Hanks, Brannan, and Zhuang. The measure would fine cyclists up to $50 for riding without a helmet, unless already required by other laws. The bill awaits further action in committee.

• File Int 1173-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-23

Council wants helmets on every cyclist. No helmet, fifty-dollar fine. Law targets riders not covered by other rules. The bill sits in committee. Streets stay deadly. Blame stays off victims.

Bill Int 1173-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced January 23, 2025, by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Council Member Robert Holden, with co-sponsors Zhuang, Brannan, Hanks, Louis, Schulman, Moya, Narcisse, and Vernikov. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear.' It would fine any cyclist not wearing a helmet up to $50, unless already required by other laws. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users. The bill has not passed. No votes recorded.

• File Int 1173-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-23

Council wants helmets on every cyclist. No helmet, fifty-dollar fine. Law targets riders not covered by other rules. The bill sits in committee. Streets stay deadly. Blame stays off victims.

Bill Int 1173-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced January 23, 2025, by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Council Member Robert Holden, with co-sponsors Zhuang, Brannan, Hanks, Louis, Schulman, Moya, Narcisse, and Vernikov. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear.' It would fine any cyclist not wearing a helmet up to $50, unless already required by other laws. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users. The bill has not passed. No votes recorded.

• File Int 1173-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-23

A Toyota RAV4 jumped the curb on 90th Avenue, slammed into a garage, and collapsed the structure. The driver, Mamadou Barry, was trapped. First responders pulled him out, but he died at the hospital. No other injuries reported.

According to NY Daily News (2025-01-22), Mamadou Barry, 63, was driving his Toyota RAV4 along 90th Ave. in Jamaica, Queens, around 5:20 a.m. when he lost control, hopped a curb at 143rd St., and crashed into a detached garage. The impact caused the garage to collapse onto both his SUV and a parked, unoccupied Prius. Police said Barry was trapped and later died at Jamaica Hospital. The article notes, 'he lost control of the SUV, which went crashing into a detached garage in Queens, police said.' Family members stated Barry had no known medical issues. The cause of the crash remains unclear. No other injuries were reported. The incident highlights the dangers faced by drivers and bystanders in residential areas where structures sit close to the street.

• Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-01-22

Three SUVs collided on Eliot Ave in Queens, sending a rear-seat passenger into shock with back injuries. Slippery pavement contributed to the crash. The injured occupant wore a lap belt but suffered significant pain and nausea from the impact.

According to the police report, a collision involving three sport utility vehicles occurred on Eliot Ave in Queens at 7:32 pm. The crash involved vehicles traveling straight ahead from opposite directions. The report cites slippery pavement as a contributing factor to the crash. A 35-year-old female occupant seated in the right rear passenger position suffered back injuries and was not ejected. She experienced shock and complained of pain and nausea. She was restrained by a lap belt. Vehicle damage was noted on the center front end and left front bumpers of the involved SUVs. The report does not list any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding, but the hazardous road condition played a key role in the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786919 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 27-year-old man was injured crossing Flushing Avenue at a marked crosswalk. The SUV hit him head-on, causing abrasions and lower leg injuries. The pedestrian was conscious but suffered serious trauma. Driver errors remain unspecified in the report.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old male pedestrian was injured at 17:39 on Flushing Avenue in Queens while crossing at a marked crosswalk without a signal. The collision involved a 2013 Honda SUV traveling west, which struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated at level 3. The pedestrian was conscious upon impact. The report lists contributing factors as 'Unspecified' for the pedestrian and does not identify any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the police data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786932 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16

Governor Hochul pledged more police and brighter lights in the subway. Barriers and new fare gates will come to a few stations. Critics called the plans symbolic, lacking funding and detail. Andrea Stewart-Cousins stood with Hochul as the city waits for real change.

On January 14, 2025, during the State of the State address, Governor Kathy Hochul announced new subway safety measures. The proposals include NYPD officers on every overnight train, LED lighting in all stations, and limited installation of platform barriers and modern fare gates. The matter summary states: 'Hochul finally acknowledges NYC subway crime in State of the State speech—but proposals slammed as largely symbolic.' Andrea Stewart-Cousins, mentioned in the announcement, stood with Hochul. Critics, including State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, called the measures 'symbolic.' The Working Families Party warned that tax cuts without new revenue could threaten transit funding. No direct safety analyst assessment was provided, but advocates and lawmakers questioned whether these steps will protect riders or simply signal action.

• Hochul finally acknowledges NYC subway crime in ‘State of the State’ speech — but proposals slammed as largely ‘symbolic’, nypost.com, Published 2025-01-14

Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

Two SUVs collided on Grand Avenue in Queens. The driver of the rear vehicle suffered neck injuries and shock. Police cite following too closely as the cause. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound when the crash occurred, damaging front and rear ends.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 13:27 on Grand Avenue in Queens. Two SUVs, both traveling eastbound, collided when the rear vehicle struck the front vehicle's center front end with its center back end. The driver of the rear SUV, a 62-year-old male, was injured with neck pain and shock, reporting complaints of pain or nausea. The police report explicitly cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for the crash. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of impact. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision highlights driver error in maintaining unsafe following distance, resulting in injury and vehicle damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785528 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A lane change cut too close on the Long Island Expressway. Steel slammed steel. Two taxi passengers suffered head injuries amid shattered glass. Shock and bruises followed. The crash exposed dangerous driver errors and left victims broken and silent.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the eastbound Long Island Expressway around 8:30. The collision resulted from an 'Unsafe Lane Changing' maneuver by a vehicle, which cut too close and struck a taxi. The taxi sustained damage to its left side doors, while the SUV hit the taxi with its right front bumper. Two passengers in the taxi’s rear seats, a 33-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, both suffered head injuries including a concussion and contusions. Both were not wearing safety equipment and were left in shock. The report cites 'Unsafe Lane Changing' and 'Other Vehicular' factors as causes. The violent impact shattered glass and caused serious injuries. The police report clearly attributes the crash to driver errors, with no fault assigned to the injured passengers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785052 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate bill S 131 demands complete street design for state-funded projects. Sponsors push for safer roads. Guidance will go public. Streets could change. Pedestrians and cyclists stand to gain.

Senate bill S 131 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force safer street planning. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by co-sponsors Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Leroy Comrie, Jeremy Cooney, Nathalia Fernandez, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Robert Jackson, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, Christopher Ryan, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish guidance on street design. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 131, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 803 aims to keep cars out of bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Streets could clear. Cyclists might breathe easier. Lawmakers back the crackdown. The fight for safe passage continues.

Assembly bill A 803, now in sponsorship, proposes a bicycle lane safety program for New York City. It would enforce restrictions on bike lane use with photo devices. The bill summary reads: 'Establishes in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and/or protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Primary sponsor Zohran Mamdani leads, joined by Brian Cunningham, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Harvey Epstein, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill was introduced January 8, 2025. No safety analyst note was provided. The measure targets drivers who block or endanger cyclists.

• File A 803, Open States, Published 2025-01-08