Ridgewood Bleeds—But Still They Wait

Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Council bill slashes legal parking time for big rigs. Ninety minutes max for tractor-trailers. Three hours for other commercial trucks. Streets clear faster. Heavy metal moves on.

Int 1069-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced September 26, 2024. The bill reads: "reducing the maximum time commercial vehicles may park." Sponsored by Kevin C. Riley and 23 others, it limits parking to three hours for most commercial vehicles, and 90 minutes for tractor-trailers, unless signs say otherwise. The law takes effect 120 days after passage. Council aims to keep streets less clogged by oversized trucks. No safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets long-term truck storage on city streets.

• File Int 1069-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

A sedan struck a motorcycle on Forest Avenue. The rider, age 33, was thrown and hurt. He suffered leg injuries and shock. Police list no clear cause. The street turned violent. The system failed to protect.

According to the police report, a sedan and a motorcycle collided on Forest Avenue in Queens. The motorcycle driver, a 33-year-old man, was partially ejected and suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He entered shock. The sedan hit the motorcycle’s left rear quarter panel; the motorcycle’s center front end took the impact. Injury severity was moderate. The report lists contributing factors as 'Unspecified' and does not detail any driver errors. No actions by the motorcycle rider contributed to the crash. The report focuses on the collision and injuries, offering no blame to the injured rider.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4756025 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A van struck the rear of a sedan on Cypress Avenue in Queens. Both male occupants in the sedan suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The crash involved defective brakes, contributing to the collision and injuries sustained.

According to the police report, a van traveling south on Cypress Avenue rear-ended a sedan also traveling south. The point of impact was the center back end of the sedan and the center front end of the van. Both drivers were licensed males from New York. The sedan carried two occupants: a 38-year-old male driver and a 34-year-old male front passenger. Both occupants were conscious but suffered neck injuries and whiplash, with injury severity rated at level 3. The report cites 'Brakes Defective' as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating vehicle malfunction played a key role. Both vehicles were slowing or stopping prior to impact. There is no indication of victim fault or contributing pedestrian or cyclist factors. The collision highlights the danger of mechanical failure in vehicle braking systems on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4751783 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A box truck driver, distracted, rear-ended two stopped SUVs on Fresh Pond Road. Six women, drivers and passengers, suffered whiplash and full-body injuries. The crash hammered home the cost of inattention behind the wheel.

According to the police report, a GMC box truck struck two SUVs stopped in traffic on Fresh Pond Road in Queens at 5:30 p.m. The truck's center front end hit the center back ends of both SUVs. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor. Six women—drivers and passengers—were injured, all conscious, all suffering whiplash and full-body pain. All were restrained and none were ejected. The data shows no fault by the injured; the crash stemmed from the truck driver's failure to pay attention, causing a chain rear-end collision in dense city traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4751774 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

City will build protected bike lanes and new sidewalks on Cypress Avenue. Jersey barriers will shield cyclists from highway traffic. Pedestrians and riders get a safer shot at Highland Park. The stretch has seen nearly 100 injuries in three years. Danger meets concrete.

On August 23, 2024, the Department of Transportation announced a project to install protected bike lanes and new sidewalks along Cypress Avenue, connecting to Ridgewood Reservoir. The plan, presented to Queens Community Board 5 in June, calls for a two-way cycle path protected by jersey barriers and sidewalk expansions between Cooper Avenue and Cypress Hills Street. The matter summary states: 'Protected bike lanes and built-out sidewalks are coming to Cypress Avenue to provide a safe connection to Highland Park.' Council Member Bob Holden, usually a cycling skeptic, supports the project. His spokesperson said, 'This particular lane benefits those biking to and from the Ridgewood Reservoir and addresses a broader quality of life issue along Cypress Avenue.' Advocates like Bree Mobley of Ridgewood Riders back the plan, citing the area's crash history—166 crashes, 99 injuries in three years. The project targets a corridor marked by high injury and death rates, aiming to shield vulnerable road users from relentless traffic.

• New Protected Bike Lanes Will Connect to Ridgewood Reservoir, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-23

City pushes ahead with a scaled-back McGuinness Boulevard redesign. Protected bike lanes come, but dangerous elements stay. Councilmember Restler slams the compromise. Advocates and officials say safety is sacrificed for politics. DOT claims improvements, but critics remain unsatisfied.

On August 20, 2024, the city announced it will proceed with a controversial redesign of McGuinness Boulevard in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The plan, not a council bill but a Department of Transportation decision, extends parking-protected bike lanes from Calyer Street to Meeker Avenue. Councilmember Lincoln Restler, representing District 33, criticized the move, saying, 'The mayor has put forward a compromise that nobody likes.' A coalition of elected officials—including Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Comptroller Brad Lander, and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso—called for a more thorough redesign, arguing the current plan preserves dangerous elements. DOT spokesperson Vincent Barone claimed the redesign will make the corridor safer for all users, with new bike lanes and sidewalk extensions. Despite these claims, advocates and local leaders argue the plan fails to address core dangers and puts vulnerable road users at continued risk.

• City proceeds with controversial McGuinness Boulevard redesign despite opposition, gothamist.com, Published 2024-08-20

City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

A sedan turned left on 68th Avenue, striking a 64-year-old woman crossing with the signal. The driver did not stop. Her leg was crushed. The car showed no damage. The pain lingered at the intersection.

According to the police report, a sedan making a left turn at 68th Avenue and Fresh Pond Road struck a 64-year-old woman as she crossed the intersection with the pedestrian signal. The report states the driver failed to yield the right-of-way, a critical error cited as the primary contributing factor. The driver fled the scene without stopping, leaving the woman with severe crush injuries to her leg. The vehicle, a 2021 Hyundai sedan, showed no visible damage. The police report notes the pedestrian was crossing with the signal, emphasizing that driver failure to yield was the decisive factor in the collision. No other contributing behaviors by the victim are listed. The crash underscores the persistent danger posed to pedestrians by drivers who disregard right-of-way at city intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4747712 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 22-year-old male moped occupant was ejected and injured while hanging on the outside of his vehicle in Queens. The crash involved a stationary SUV and was caused by driver inattention and passing too closely. The rider suffered lower leg injuries.

According to the police report, the crash occurred in Queens near Seneca Avenue at 8:00 p.m. The injured party was a 22-year-old male riding a 2023 Zhilong moped, described as 'riding/hanging on outside' of the vehicle. The moped was traveling south while the GMC SUV was parked. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Other Vehicular' factors, including 'Passing Too Closely,' as contributing causes. The rider was ejected from the moped and sustained contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The rider was helmeted but still suffered significant injury. No damage was reported to either vehicle. The report highlights driver errors, specifically inattention and unsafe passing, as central to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4744398 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 31-year-old female bicyclist suffered upper arm injuries and shock after an SUV turning left struck her bike head-on. The crash occurred on De Kalb Avenue in Queens. Police cite driver failure to yield right-of-way as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash happened at 20:06 on De Kalb Avenue in Queens. A 31-year-old female bicyclist traveling north was struck by a 2021 Mercedes SUV making a left turn. The point of impact was the SUV's left front quarter panel and the bike's center front end. The bicyclist was injured, sustaining upper arm injuries and was in shock, with complaints of pain or nausea. The report explicitly cites the SUV driver's failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment, but no contributing factors related to the victim were listed. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling north before turning left. This collision highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles failing to yield to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4744396 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Atlantic Avenue gets a lifeline. New mid-block crossings, concrete islands, and curb extensions aim to slow cars and protect people. Local leaders call it overdue. For years, crashes haunted this corridor. Now, the city moves to put people before traffic.

On July 26, 2024, Council Member Lincoln Restler announced major street safety upgrades for Atlantic Avenue in District 33. The project, led by NYC DOT, brings mid-block crossings, concrete pedestrian islands, curb enhancements, and split-phase signals to one of Brooklyn’s deadliest corridors. The matter, titled 'Atlantic Avenue upgrade: Locals celebrate major safety fixes coming to dangerous corridor,' highlights years of advocacy after repeated crashes. Restler, who has long pushed for these changes, praised the progress: 'Atlantic Avenue has been extremely dangerous my whole life. I'm excited by the progress we're making in partnership with DOT to expand mid-block crossings and other smart interventions to slow down cars and advance safety in our community.' The announcement follows a deadly crash last spring and is part of the city’s Vision Zero push. Local officials and advocates say these changes mark a crucial step in ending the street’s legacy of danger and death.

• Atlantic Avenue upgrade: Locals celebrate major safety fixes coming to dangerous corridor, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-07-26

A 13-year-old girl suffered bruises and lower leg injuries after a sedan hit her at an intersection on Myrtle Avenue in Queens. The vehicle struck her with its front center, causing contusions but no reported vehicle damage.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Myrtle Avenue struck a 13-year-old female pedestrian at an intersection. The vehicle's point of impact was the center front end, yet no vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises, and was conscious at the scene. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian and none for the driver, with no mention of driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The pedestrian's location was at the intersection, but no pedestrian actions or safety equipment were cited as contributing factors. The collision highlights the dangers pedestrians face even when driver errors are not explicitly documented.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743652 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Low-density districts block City of Yes. Most community boards vote no. High-density areas back the plan. The fight centers on housing, parking, and who bears the city’s growth. Vulnerable New Yorkers wait as politics stall change.

Bill: City of Yes housing proposal. Status: Community board votes and public testimony as of July 22, 2024. Of 57 boards, 38 opposed the plan, 20 supported it, mostly in denser neighborhoods. The proposal, described as aiming to build 'a little more housing in every neighborhood,' faces resistance in low-density areas. Council Member Joann Ariola (R-Woodhaven) opposed more housing in her district, calling it 'suburbs.' Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso criticized neighborhoods that refuse new housing, saying it increases pressure on poorer areas. Arlene Schlesinger, a Queens resident, voiced strong opposition, especially to lifting parking mandates and adding accessory dwelling units. Community boards, often older and whiter, resist change, leaving the city’s most vulnerable to bear the brunt of housing and transportation inequity.

• Map: How Did Community Boards Vote on ‘City of Yes’ Housing Plan, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-22

A man drowned off Rockaway Beach. He is the fifth this summer. Council Member Justin Brannan and others call for more lifeguards, longer hours, and more pools. The city refuses. Drones and patrols replace real protection. Swimmers keep dying.

On July 22, 2024, after a fifth drowning at a New York City beach, Council Member Justin Brannan (District 47) joined other officials to demand urgent action. The group called for expanded lifeguard hours, more staff, and new public pools. The Adams administration rejected these measures, relying instead on NYPD drones and Parks Enforcement Patrols. The matter, described as 'Body found in fifth apparent drowning off NYC beach as pols call for more lifeguard hours,' highlights the deadly gap in city safety policy. Brannan, along with Council Member Shekar Krishnan and Borough Presidents Donovan Richards and Antonio Reynoso, urged the city to extend the beach season, increase lifeguard shifts, and offer universal swimming lessons. The city has only 870 lifeguards, far short of the 1,500 needed. Vulnerable swimmers remain at risk while officials debate. The toll mounts.

• Body found in fifth apparent drowning off NYC beach as pols call for more lifeguard hours: ‘Going to get worse’, nypost.com, Published 2024-07-22

Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso calls on Mayor Adams to cap parking in new developments. He wants fewer spaces, not just fewer mandates. Reynoso pushes for maximums in transit-rich areas. He says car culture drives danger. He demands bold action.

On July 17, 2024, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso issued a policy recommendation urging Mayor Adams to strengthen the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity rezoning proposal. Reynoso wants the city to set strict maximums on parking spaces in new developments, especially near transit. The matter summary states, 'Our recommendation is to remove as much parking as possible, but [if a] developer feels an obligation to put in a certain amount of parking, there should be a maximum allowable in transit-rich areas.' Reynoso supports eliminating parking mandates but says it is not enough. He points to developers building excess parking even near subways and calls for rules like Manhattan Core’s. Reynoso’s push aims to curb car dependency and promote safer, transit-oriented neighborhoods. He stresses the need to educate the public and break the grip of car culture.

• Brooklyn BP Wants Mayor Adams To Do More To Reduce Parking, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-17

A 43-year-old male driver suffered back injuries and whiplash after his SUV overturned in Queens. The crash involved impact with two parked SUVs, causing severe vehicle damage. Police cited other vehicular factors as contributing causes.

According to the police report, at 2:48 AM in Queens, a 43-year-old male driver operating a 2019 Ford SUV traveling west collided with two parked SUVs—a 2023 Honda and a 2023 Chevrolet—both struck on their left rear quarter panels. The impact caused the Ford SUV to overturn, resulting in the driver sustaining back injuries and whiplash. The driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor twice, indicating driver error or vehicle-related issues led to the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The overturned vehicle and injuries highlight the dangers posed by driver errors around parked cars in Queens.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737734 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A Hyundai SUV struck a parked Chevrolet sedan’s right rear quarter panel on Fairview Avenue in Queens. The sedan’s driver, a 42-year-old man, was injured and rendered unconscious. Illegal drug use was cited as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:05 on Fairview Avenue in Queens. A 2024 Hyundai SUV, traveling southeast, collided with a 2015 Chevrolet sedan that was parked and stationary. The point of impact was the sedan’s right rear quarter panel, damaged by the SUV’s left front bumper. The sedan’s driver, a 42-year-old male occupant, was injured and found unconscious, with injury severity rated as serious. The report lists "Drugs (illegal)" as a contributing factor, indicating impairment likely played a role in the SUV driver’s actions. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were specified. The sedan driver was not ejected and safety equipment status is unknown. This crash highlights the dangers posed by impaired driving and collisions with parked vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4735420 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05