Ridgewood Bleeds—But Still They Wait

Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Five years after passage, the city’s commercial waste overhaul crawls forward. Only one zone starts in 2024. Fewer trucks, fewer miles, but delays keep danger rolling. Streets still wait for safer rigs. Cyclists and pedestrians remain exposed.

Bill creating the Commercial Waste Zone program, sponsored by Antonio Reynoso, passed in 2019 after deadly crashes involving private haulers. The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) announced on January 31, 2024, that only one of twenty zones—Jackson Heights, Corona, Elmhurst—will launch this year. The law aims to cut truck miles in half, add backup cameras, GPS, and safety training. DSNY spokesperson Joshua Goodman said contracts target safety and worker protections. Reynoso urged ongoing oversight, saying, 'It is important that DSNY continuously reassess implementation and course correct as needed.' Yet, delays persist, especially on installing guard rails to prevent pedestrians and cyclists from being swept under trucks. Justin Wood of NYLPI voiced concern over the slow rollout. The program promises fewer trucks and safer streets, but for now, most neighborhoods wait.

• Long-Delayed Business Waste Program to Start Later This Year, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-31

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-01-30

A moped slammed into a parked SUV on Cypress Avenue. The unlicensed rider, 41, was trapped, legs crushed, conscious in the cold. The moped’s front end folded. No other people were present. Metal and bone tangled in the night.

A violent crash unfolded on Cypress Avenue near Centre Street in Queens when a moped collided with the rear of a parked SUV, according to the police report. The report states the moped's front end 'folded in' from the impact, leaving the 41-year-old unlicensed rider trapped with crushed legs. The rider was conscious at the scene, suffering severe lower leg injuries. Police records confirm the SUV was parked and unoccupied at the time of the crash. The report notes the moped operator was 'unlicensed,' and lists 'unspecified' as contributing factors, but does not cite any victim behavior as a cause. No other injuries were reported. The crash highlights the lethal consequences when vulnerable road users and stationary vehicles collide on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698391 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A sedan making a left turn struck a northbound moped on Cypress Avenue in Queens. The moped driver, a 19-year-old male, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited obstructed view and other vehicular factors as contributing causes.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Cypress Avenue in Queens around 12:58 a.m. A sedan traveling west was making a left turn when it collided with a moped traveling north. The point of impact was the sedan's right front bumper and the moped's right front quarter panel. The moped driver, a 19-year-old male occupant, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors, indicating driver errors related to limited visibility and vehicular conditions. The sedan driver was licensed. No pedestrian or cyclist behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697380 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Two sedans collided on Fresh Pond Road in Queens. A woman and a child were hurt. Both suffered shock. The crash tore up the front ends. No driver errors listed. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed on Fresh Pond Road in Queens at 3:00 PM. A 38-year-old woman driving south in an Acura went straight. A Jeep sedan, driven by a licensed woman, turned right from the east. The Jeep’s left front bumper struck the Acura’s center front. The report lists no driver errors or contributing factors. The 38-year-old driver suffered back injuries and shock. A 4-year-old girl riding in the Jeep was injured in the face and also in shock. Both were restrained. The crash damaged the left front of the Jeep and the front of the Acura.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4696227 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Seven Brooklyn officials urge DOT to clear cars from corners. They want boulders, planters, and bike corrals—not just paint. Their call follows deadly crashes. They press the city to use state law and federal funds. DOT promises review. Advocates back the push.

On January 17, 2024, seven Brooklyn elected officials—including Council Member Shahana Hanif, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Members Marcela Mitaynes, Jo Anne Simon, Robert Carroll, and State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Andrew Gounardes—issued a joint letter to the NYC Department of Transportation. They called for 'universal daylighting with hardened materials such as boulders, planters, and bike corrals' at intersections. The officials cited recent fatal crashes and urged the city to opt into a state law banning parking within 20 feet of corners. They want federal funds used for these changes. The group opposes DOT’s slow pace and reliance on paint, demanding physical barriers. Community board leaders and advocates support the move. DOT says it will review the letter and remains committed to evidence-based daylighting.

• Seven Brooklyn Electeds Join Growing Calls For Universal Daylighting, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-17

A 14-year-old girl was injured crossing with the signal when a sedan making a right turn struck her on Cornelia Street in Queens. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, hitting her in the right front quarter panel and causing knee and lower leg injuries.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Cornelia Street in Queens was making a right turn when it struck a 14-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The point of impact was the sedan's right front quarter panel, causing damage to the vehicle's right side doors. The report explicitly cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. This crash highlights the critical danger posed by drivers failing to yield to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695658 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 12-year-old boy was injured crossing a marked crosswalk when an SUV failed to yield right-of-way. The vehicle hit him center front, causing contusions and lower leg injuries. The pedestrian was conscious but hurt at the scene.

According to the police report, at 7:45 AM, a 2017 Hyundai SUV traveling north on 60 Place struck a 12-year-old male pedestrian crossing a marked crosswalk at an intersection. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle, which sustained damage in the same area. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises, and remained conscious after the collision. The police report cites the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way and disregarding traffic control as contributing factors. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal but within a marked crosswalk. The report highlights driver error as the primary cause, with no indication of pedestrian fault.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692620 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

In Queens, aggressive driving triggered a multi-vehicle collision near Onderdonk Avenue. Two sedans and an SUV collided, injuring a 52-year-old male driver with bruises and lower leg injuries. The crash exposed risks tied to road rage and driver conduct.

According to the police report, the crash occurred around 3:30 AM near 803 Onderdonk Avenue in Queens. The collision involved two sedans and an SUV, all traveling south. The report identifies 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as the primary contributing factor. A 52-year-old male driver suffered contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, remaining conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. Vehicle damage was noted on the right rear quarter panel of the SUV and the right rear bumper of one sedan, indicating impact points. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The crash underscores the dangers of aggressive driving and its role in causing serious injuries in multi-vehicle collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691892 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Council Member Holden pushed a helmet law for all cyclists. The bill died in committee. Riders faced a $50 fine. No change for city streets. The danger remains. Cars still rule the road.

"A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear" -- Robert F. Holden

Int 1259-2023, introduced by Council Member Robert F. Holden, aimed to require every bicyclist in New York City to wear protective headgear. The bill was filed at the end of session by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, with key dates on December 6 and December 31, 2023. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear.' Holden sponsored the bill, which would have fined unhelmeted riders up to $50. The bill stalled and did not become law. No systemic change for vulnerable road users. The threat from cars remains unaddressed.

• File Int 1259-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-31

Council backs harsher penalties for drivers who hide plates. Obscured tags let reckless motorists dodge cameras and tickets. The bill aims to stop evasion and protect people on city streets.

Resolution 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, urges Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Robert F. Holden, calls for increased penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The resolution states: 'increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' It was introduced and voted on in December 2023. The bill would let authorities confiscate plate coverings, suspend registrations, and block VINs. Obscured plates let drivers evade speed and red-light cameras, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The council wants tougher enforcement to keep streets safer for all.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-31

A 51-year-old male driver was injured in a collision between a sedan and an SUV. The crash occurred on Madison Street in Queens. The driver suffered back injuries and was in shock after the impact.

A collision occurred in Queens involving a 1989 sedan and a 2011 SUV. The 51-year-old male driver of the sedan was injured, suffering back injuries. According to the police report, the contributing factor was 'Passing Too Closely.' The SUV was attempting to pass the sedan when the crash happened. The driver of the sedan was not ejected and was in shock after the incident. No safety equipment was noted for the driver. The report did not specify any additional contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4690918 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Council backs harsher penalties for drivers who hide plates. Obscured tags let reckless motorists dodge cameras and tickets. The bill aims to stop evasion and protect people on city streets.

Resolution 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, urges Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Robert F. Holden, calls for increased penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The resolution states: 'increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' It was introduced and voted on in December 2023. The bill would let authorities confiscate plate coverings, suspend registrations, and block VINs. Obscured plates let drivers evade speed and red-light cameras, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The council wants tougher enforcement to keep streets safer for all.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-20

Council backs harsher penalties for drivers who hide plates. Obscured tags let reckless motorists dodge cameras and tickets. The bill aims to stop evasion and protect people on city streets.

Resolution 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, urges Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Robert F. Holden, calls for increased penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The resolution states: 'increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' It was introduced and voted on in December 2023. The bill would let authorities confiscate plate coverings, suspend registrations, and block VINs. Obscured plates let drivers evade speed and red-light cameras, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The council wants tougher enforcement to keep streets safer for all.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-20

Council backs harsher penalties for drivers who hide plates. Obscured tags let reckless motorists dodge cameras and tickets. The bill aims to stop evasion and protect people on city streets.

Resolution 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, urges Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Robert F. Holden, calls for increased penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The resolution states: 'increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' It was introduced and voted on in December 2023. The bill would let authorities confiscate plate coverings, suspend registrations, and block VINs. Obscured plates let drivers evade speed and red-light cameras, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The council wants tougher enforcement to keep streets safer for all.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-20

A sedan slammed into the back of a car on Cypress Avenue. The crash hurt a 26-year-old woman riding in the rear seat. Police cite tailgating. The passenger suffered neck whiplash but stayed conscious.

According to the police report, a 2023 Toyota sedan traveling west on Cypress Avenue struck the rear of another vehicle. The impact injured a 26-year-old female passenger seated in the right rear seat, causing neck whiplash. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The sedan hit the center back end, damaging the right rear bumper of the lead car. No other driver errors or victim actions are noted. The injured passenger was not ejected and remained conscious. No safety equipment was used by the passenger. The crash underscores the risk posed by drivers who follow too closely.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687910 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Conduit Avenue kills. Brooklyn and Queens borough presidents call it urgent. They want DOT to turn this deadly, crash-heavy road into a safe corridor. In less than two years, 1,321 crashes. Seventy pedestrians and 14 cyclists hurt. Five dead. DOT silent.

On December 14, 2023, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards pressed the Department of Transportation to overhaul Conduit Avenue. Their letter called for a transformation of the avenue, described as "one of the most dangerous and non-inclusive roadways in the entire city." The officials urged DOT to prioritize traffic safety, cycling and mass transit infrastructure, pedestrian walkability, and green space. Between January 2022 and December 2023, Conduit Avenue saw 1,321 crashes, injuring 880 people—including 70 pedestrians and 14 cyclists—and killing five. Three intersections are listed as DOT pedestrian safety priorities, but the corridor itself is not. Richards and Reynoso have formed a task force and are pushing for action. DOT has not commented.

• Boob Tube: Brooklyn, Queens Leaders Want DOT to Fix Dangerous Conduit Ave., Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-12-14

Council Member Holden pushed a helmet law for all cyclists. The bill died in committee. Riders faced a $50 fine. The city kept its patchwork of rules. No change for those most at risk.

"A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear" -- Robert F. Holden

Int 1259-2023, introduced by Council Member Robert F. Holden, sought to require every bicyclist in New York City to wear protective headgear. The bill was filed at session's end by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after its December 6, 2023 introduction. The official summary reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear.' Holden sponsored the measure. The law would have fined unhelmeted riders up to $50, exempting those already covered by other helmet laws. The bill did not advance. No new protections for vulnerable road users resulted.

• File Int 1259-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-06

Council Member Holden pushed a helmet law for all cyclists. The bill died in committee. Riders faced a $50 fine. No change for city streets. The danger remains. Cars still rule the road.

"A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear" -- Robert F. Holden

Int 1259-2023, introduced by Council Member Robert F. Holden, aimed to require every bicyclist in New York City to wear protective headgear. The bill was filed at the end of session by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, with key dates on December 6 and December 31, 2023. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear.' Holden sponsored the bill, which would have fined unhelmeted riders up to $50. The bill stalled and did not become law. No systemic change for vulnerable road users. The threat from cars remains unaddressed.

• File Int 1259-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-06