Ridgewood’s daily toll: bikes down, bodies up

Sep 8 - Three eastbound drivers collided on Metropolitan Avenue in Queens. Rear impacts followed. Two women riding in back seats suffered whiplash. Police recorded Following Too Closely by the drivers.

Three eastbound drivers collided near 53-38 Metropolitan Ave in Queens. Police list a sedan, a pickup, and another sedan. A 42-year-old woman riding in the right rear seat reported neck whiplash. A 60-year-old woman in the left rear seat reported back whiplash. According to the police report, all drivers were going straight and the impacts included rear damage to two vehicles and front-end damage to one. Police recorded Following Too Closely by the drivers as the contributing factor across the crash. The drivers were listed as licensed. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4842273 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Sep 7 - Two drivers in sedans collided at Forest and Catalpa in Queens. A 24-year-old driver suffered head and crush wounds. A 75-year-old front passenger was hurt. Police recorded unsafe speed. Two parked cars were damaged.

Two drivers in sedans collided at Forest Ave and Catalpa Ave in Queens around midday. A 24-year-old male driver suffered head and crush injuries. A 75-year-old female front passenger was also hurt. The crash damaged two parked sedans. According to the police report, “Unsafe Speed” was a contributing factor. Police recorded both drivers as going straight ahead before impact. Points of impact show front-end damage to one sedan and right-side damage to the other. The record lists one driver as injured and another with unspecified injuries. No pedestrian or cyclist injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4840494 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Sep 6 - On Myrtle at Seneca in Queens, a driver in a convertible passed too close and hit an other‑motorized rider. The rider was ejected and injured his arm. Police recorded passing too closely and following too closely.

A driver in a convertible, traveling east on Myrtle Avenue at Seneca Avenue, collided with an other motorized rider who was also heading east. The 24-year-old rider was ejected and suffered an arm abrasion; he was conscious. Two occupants in the car were listed with unspecified injuries. According to the police report, police recorded passing too closely and following too closely by the drivers. Impact was to the car’s right rear; the rider’s vehicle showed left front impact. No other contributing factors were listed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4840486 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Sep 3 - A pickup driver hit a 24-year-old man on a standing scooter at Seneca Avenue and Harman Street in Queens. He suffered an arm injury. Police recorded traffic control disregarded.

The driver of a pickup hit a man riding a standing scooter in the intersection of Seneca Avenue and Harman Street in Queens at about 7:45 a.m. on Sept. 3, 2025. The 24-year-old scooter rider suffered a shoulder and upper-arm injury and was reported conscious with an abrasion. According to the police report, officers recorded Traffic Control Disregarded. The pickup's right front bumper was marked as the point of impact. The scooter was listed with no damage. No other contributing factors were noted. The crash occurred in ZIP code 11385.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4841062 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

• 2 killed in motorcycle collision with SUV in Cypress Hills, ABC7, Published 2025-09-02

Aug 30 - A pickup driver turned left from Fresh Pond Road onto Metropolitan Ave and hit a 21-year-old woman who was crossing with the signal. She fell and suffered a lower-leg injury. Police cited driver inexperience and failure to yield.

The driver of a RAM pickup made a left turn from Fresh Pond Road onto Metropolitan Avenue and struck a 21-year-old pedestrian. According to the police report, contributing factors were "Driver Inexperience" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." Police recorded that the pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the driver turned. The woman suffered a lower-leg injury (knee/lower leg/foot) and was listed in shock. The driver was licensed. The pickup showed no reported damage. No other vehicle-occupant injuries were specified in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4839428 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Aug 24 - The driver of a northbound Audi struck a 37-year-old man crossing St. Nicholas Avenue. He suffered lower-leg trauma and internal pain. Police recorded pedestrian confusion and crossing against the signal. The driver held a permit.

A driver of a northbound 2022 Audi sedan struck a 37-year-old man on St. Nicholas Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was conscious and complained of internal pain. He suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg and foot. The driver was the sole occupant and was unhurt. According to the police report, "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" was listed as the contributing factor and the pedestrian was "Crossing Against Signal." No driver errors were recorded in the data. The driver held only a permit. Point of impact and damage were the vehicle's left front quarter panel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4837776 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Aug 18 - On Fresh Pond Road at Linden, a southbound pickup swung a U-turn into a northbound moped. The rider was ejected and hurt. Metal wins. Flesh pays.

A southbound Ford pickup making a U-turn on Fresh Pond Road at Linden Street struck a northbound moped. The moped rider, a 27-year-old man, was ejected and injured. According to the police report “pre crash: Making U Turn” for the pickup and “Going Straight Ahead” for the moped. The report lists contributing factors as “Unspecified.” The pickup’s point of impact was the right front quarter panel; the moped’s was the center front end. Driver actions placed a turning truck across a through rider’s path on a busy Queens corridor. No other contributing factors were recorded in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4836893 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Aug 17 - An SUV cut left on Woodward and met a bike. Metal swung. A rider went down. She bled at the knee and stayed conscious. The driver sat belted and unhurt. Sirens filled Ridgewood air.

A westbound SUV making a left turn on Woodward Ave at Troutman St collided with a westbound bicyclist. The cyclist, a 31-year-old woman, suffered a knee and lower-leg injury and remained conscious. The SUV driver, a 48-year-old man, was uninjured. According to the police report, the sole listed factor was “Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion.” The SUV’s action—turning left across the cyclist’s path—created the conflict that led to impact at the SUV’s left-side doors and the bike’s front end. The cyclist was reported with “Helmet Only (In-Line Skater/Bicyclist)” after the driver’s turning movement is noted. This crash underscores how a left-turning SUV can endanger a person on a bike moving straight.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4835696 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Aug 14 - An SUV cut too close and hit a northbound cyclist on Himrod Street. The rider went down, hurt and in shock. Police list distraction and close passing. Queens pavement took the blow. The SUV rolled on with no damage.

A northbound SUV struck a northbound bicyclist near 1718 Himrod St in Queens. The cyclist suffered back pain and shock. According to the police report, contributing factors were “Driver Inattention/Distraction” and “Passing Too Closely.” These driver errors put the rider on the ground. Vehicle data show a left front bumper impact to the SUV and a rear impact to the bike. The SUV had no reported damage; the cyclist was injured. The report also notes the cyclist wore a helmet, but that detail comes after the driver’s failures listed by police.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4834900 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Aug 14 - Council bill sets a hard clock by schools. DOT must install approved calming or control devices within 60 days after its study, except major projects. Kids walk. Cars surge. Delay faces a limit.

Int 1353-2025 is in Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced August 14, 2025, and referred the same day. Sponsored by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. The bill would “require the NYC Department of Transportation to complete installation of any necessary traffic calming device or traffic control device on any street adjacent to a school, in no more than 60 days after DOT issues its traffic study determination.” It amends Administrative Code §19-188.2 by adding subdivision d. The mandate follows a DOT study and excludes devices installed as part of a “major transportation project” under §19-101.2. Faster fixes on school blocks. Fewer gaps where kids cross and wait.

• File Int 1353-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 14 - Sets a 60-day clock for DOT to install traffic calming or control on streets by schools once a study says yes. Exempts major projects. Students walk there. Delay leaves them in the path of cars.

Int 1353-2025 was introduced on August 14, 2025. Referred that day to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Status: in committee. It orders DOT to install any traffic calming or control device next to a school within 60 days of a study. Major transportation projects are exempt. The bill says: “the department shall complete the installation… by no later than 60 days.” Sponsors: Council Members Jennifer Gutiérrez, Farah N. Louis, and Lincoln Restler. Louis is the primary sponsor. The focus is school frontage, where children and caregivers move on foot.

• File Int 1353-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 14 - Int 1353-2025 forces DOT to move fast near schools. When a traffic study finds a calming or control device is needed, installation must finish within 60 days. The bill was referred to the Transportation and Infrastructure committee on Aug. 14, 2025.

Int. No. 1353 (status: Committee) was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on Aug. 14, 2025 (agenda and first vote listed Aug. 14, 2025). The matter is titled: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the time permitted for the installation of a traffic calming device or traffic control device on any street adjacent to a school." It was introduced by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez and cosponsored by Tiffany Cabán, Lincoln Restler and Farah N. Louis. The bill would "complete the installation... by no later than 60 days after the department issues such traffic study determination." It takes effect immediately.

• File Int 1353-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 14 - Holden targets ghost plates. Int 1358-2025 would yank city-issued parking permits when drivers hide or deface tags. Referred to Transportation. Ghost plates dodge enforcement. People walking and biking feel the hit.

Int 1358-2025 is an Introduction now in Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced August 14, 2025, and referred the same day. Sponsor: Council Member Robert F. Holden (District 30). The bill amends Administrative Code 19-166.1 to add plate-tampering to permit revocation triggers. It quotes its purpose plainly: “the revocation of city-issued parking permits for violations related to obscured or defaced license plates.” It would strip permits from individuals found guilty of parking, standing, stopping, or operating a vehicle with an obscured plate. No vote yet. The move targets a loophole that lets drivers mask identity and dodge accountability. When scofflaws skate, people outside cars pay.

• File Int 1358-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 14 - Holden targets ghost plates. Int 1358-2025 would yank city-issued parking permits when drivers hide or deface tags. Referred to Transportation. Ghost plates dodge enforcement. People walking and biking feel the hit.

Int 1358-2025 is an Introduction now in Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced August 14, 2025, and referred the same day. Sponsor: Council Member Robert F. Holden (District 30). The bill amends Administrative Code 19-166.1 to add plate-tampering to permit revocation triggers. It quotes its purpose plainly: “the revocation of city-issued parking permits for violations related to obscured or defaced license plates.” It would strip permits from individuals found guilty of parking, standing, stopping, or operating a vehicle with an obscured plate. No vote yet. The move targets a loophole that lets drivers mask identity and dodge accountability. When scofflaws skate, people outside cars pay.

• File Int 1358-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 14 - Council bill targets obscured plates. It would yank city parking permits from holders caught parking, stopping, or driving with defaced tags. Misuse and unpaid fines already trigger revocation. Referred to Transportation and Infrastructure.

Int 1358-2025 was introduced on August 14, 2025 and sent to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure the same day. Status: in committee. Sponsor: Council Member Robert F. Holden. The bill amends Admin Code Section 19-166.1 to add revocation for obscured or defaced plates: "any violation relating to the parking, standing, stopping, or operating of a motor vehicle with an obscured or defaced license plate." Existing triggers remain: three permit misuse violations; any Section 19-166 violation; or more than $350 unpaid. Revocations follow NYPD procedures for Section 14-183 permits and DOT procedures for others. Matter title: "revocation of city-issued parking permits for violations related to obscured or defaced license plates."

• File Int 1358-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 14 - Council bill targets obscured plates. It would yank city parking permits from holders caught parking, stopping, or driving with defaced tags. Misuse and unpaid fines already trigger revocation. Referred to Transportation and Infrastructure.

Int 1358-2025 was introduced on August 14, 2025 and sent to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure the same day. Status: in committee. Sponsor: Council Member Robert F. Holden. The bill amends Admin Code Section 19-166.1 to add revocation for obscured or defaced plates: "any violation relating to the parking, standing, stopping, or operating of a motor vehicle with an obscured or defaced license plate." Existing triggers remain: three permit misuse violations; any Section 19-166 violation; or more than $350 unpaid. Revocations follow NYPD procedures for Section 14-183 permits and DOT procedures for others. Matter title: "revocation of city-issued parking permits for violations related to obscured or defaced license plates."

• File Int 1358-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 14 - Hidden plates beat the cameras. Pedestrians lose. Cyclists lose. Int 1358-2025 would yank city parking permits from plate cheats. It also targets permit misuse and big unpaid fines. A strike at impunity that puts people on foot and bike at risk.

Int 1358-2025 is in Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on August 14, 2025, with same‑day referral. Primary sponsor: Council Member Lincoln Restler. Co-sponsor: Robert F. Holden. The bill quotes its aim as the “revocation of city‑issued parking permits” for “obscured or defaced license plates.” It would also revoke permits for three misuse violations, any §19‑166 violation, or unpaid violations over $350. Status: Committee. Agenda date: August 14, 2025. Obscured plates block identification and undermine camera enforcement that protects people walking and cycling. This bill goes at that shield and the culture of permit misuse that lets drivers dodge accountability.

• File Int 1358-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 13 - A driver struck a man crossing 155th Street near JFK. The car sped off. Medics rushed the victim to the hospital. He died. Police searched for footage. No arrests. The street stayed silent.

NY Daily News (2025-08-13) reports a 52-year-old man was killed crossing 155th St. at South Conduit Ave. near JFK Airport around 2:30 a.m. The driver hit the man and fled. Police said, "The driver sped off without stopping. No arrests have been made." Officers searched for surveillance footage to identify the vehicle. The article notes 68 pedestrians have died in city crashes this year. The hit-and-run highlights ongoing dangers for those on foot and the challenge of holding drivers accountable.

• Queens Hit-And-Run Kills Pedestrian Near JFK, NY Daily News, Published 2025-08-13

Aug 12 - A car tore through an Astoria intersection. It struck a food truck. Two men died on the sidewalk. The driver died too. Metal, flesh, coffee, blood. The street swallowed them. It happened fast. No one stood a chance.

According to the New York Post (2025-08-12), an 84-year-old driver sped through 42nd Street and 19th Avenue in Astoria, Queens, crashing into a food truck and killing two customers and himself. Surveillance showed the car "going about 60 miles an hour" before impact. The article quotes a witness: "Someone screamed really loudly, and I just had stepped back, like right up to the sidewalk." The force severed a victim's foot. The crash highlights the lethal risk when drivers lose control at high speed in pedestrian zones. No charges were filed; the driver died at the scene.

• Speeding Car Slams Food Truck, Kills Two, New York Post, Published 2025-08-12