Glendale Bleeds: Demand Safe Streets Now

A sedan starting from parking struck an SUV going straight east on Myrtle Avenue. Three occupants in the sedan suffered back and leg injuries. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. All victims were shocked and complained of pain or nausea.

According to the police report, a 2019 Kia sedan, driven by a 40-year-old woman, was starting from parking on Myrtle Avenue when it collided with a 2019 Ford SUV traveling east. The point of impact was the sedan's left front quarter panel and the SUV's right rear quarter panel. The sedan carried three occupants: the driver and two passengers aged 52 and 46. All three were injured, suffering back and lower leg injuries, and experienced shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the crash, attributed to the sedan driver. None of the occupants were ejected. Safety equipment was noted as lap belts and harnesses for the sedan passengers. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4686117 - 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. 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

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

Republicans attack Democrats for backing Manhattan’s $15 congestion toll. Michael Gianaris shrugs off GOP outrage. The fight centers on drivers, but the city’s streets remain deadly for those on foot and bike. The toll’s impact on safety goes unmentioned.

On December 3, 2023, partisan lines hardened over New York’s congestion pricing law. The $15 toll, set to hit drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street, became a political weapon. State Sen. Michael Gianaris, mentioned in the debate, dismissed Republican attacks as ineffective. The measure, approved in 2019 by Democrats, aims to raise $1 billion for mass transit and reduce traffic. GOP figures like Nicole Malliotakis and Michael Lawler call it a 'burdensome tax' and 'outrageous cash grab.' Mayor Eric Adams seeks exemptions for medical trips. The bill’s matter title frames it as a major election issue: 'NY GOP eager to pin $15 congestion tax on Democrats in 2024 elections.' No safety analyst has assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The debate centers on drivers and politics, not on the lives at risk in city crosswalks.

• NY GOP eager to pin $15 congestion tax on Democrats in 2024 elections, nypost.com, Published 2023-12-03

Manhattan Community Board 6 shot down Council Member Holden’s e-bike registration bill. The board called it broad, incomplete, and toothless. Members said it would not fix safety. They warned it could push cyclists off the street while ignoring illegal mopeds.

On November 8, 2023, Manhattan Community Board 6 voted on Council Member Bob Holden’s e-bike registration bill. The bill, before the Transportation Committee, would require licensing and visible plates for all e-bikes, scooters, and legal motorized vehicles not already registered with the DMV. The board opposed the measure, passing a resolution 21-15 (with five abstentions), calling it 'overly broad and ineffective at addressing safety concerns.' The matter summary reads: 'Require registration and licensing for all e-bikes and legal motorized vehicles.' Board members Brian Van Nieuwenhoven and Jason Froimowitz criticized the bill as incomplete and unrealistic, noting it would not solve dangerous operation or enforcement issues. Holden dismissed the board’s opposition as unrepresentative. The board also passed a separate resolution supporting daylighting at intersections.

• Manhattan CB6 Rejects E-Bike Registration Bill, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-11-09

A 7-year-old girl was struck at a marked crosswalk on 66 Street and Myrtle Avenue. The sedan driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was distracted. The child suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was in shock.

According to the police report, a 7-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing a marked crosswalk at the intersection of 66 Street and Myrtle Avenue. The driver of a 2016 Infiniti sedan was making a left turn when the collision occurred. The report lists driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock at the scene. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed and traveling southeast. The report does not indicate any fault or action by the pedestrian beyond crossing without signal.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4677663 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 47-year-old man was hit by a bus on Woodhaven Boulevard near Metropolitan Avenue. The pedestrian suffered a shoulder and upper arm injury and bruising. The bus showed no damage. Police list unspecified contributing factors. The man remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 47-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being struck by a bus traveling south on Woodhaven Boulevard near Metropolitan Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was located at the intersection and engaged in unspecified actions in the roadway. He sustained a contusion and upper arm and shoulder injuries but remained conscious. The bus, operated by a licensed male driver, was going straight ahead and impacted the pedestrian with its center front end. The vehicle sustained no damage. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian and no driver errors or violations are noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675906 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Senate bill S 7732 would force e-bikes and scooters to carry plates, insurance, and licenses. Riders face new hurdles. Streets stay hostile. No relief for those on foot or bike.

Senate bill S 7732, sponsored by Simcha Felder and co-sponsored by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., sits in the sponsorship stage as of November 1, 2023. The bill 'relates to the regulation of bicycles with electric assist and electric scooters; requires license plates... liability insurance... operator's safety manual and licensing.' The bill targets e-bike and scooter riders with new requirements. No committee action or votes yet. No evidence these measures protect pedestrians or cyclists. Systemic street danger remains unaddressed.

• File S 7732, Open States, Published 2023-11-01

A 14-year-old e-bike rider was injured in Queens when an SUV made a left turn and struck the bike head-on. The rider suffered abrasions and leg injuries. Police cited traffic control disregard as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a 14-year-old male e-bike driver traveling east on Central Avenue was struck by a northwesterly-bound SUV making a left turn. The collision occurred at the center front ends of both vehicles. The e-bike rider sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to obey traffic signals or signs. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted. The e-bike rider was wearing a helmet, but this was not listed as a contributing factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4667575 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Over 200 Astoria residents packed a DOT workshop after a spike in traffic deaths. Cyclists and pedestrians have died. Drivers speed, double-park, and ignore signals. Councilwoman Cabán and others demand urgent action. DOT vows to return with a safety plan.

On September 14, 2023, the Department of Transportation held a public street safety workshop in Astoria, Queens, following a surge in traffic violence. The event, covered on September 18, 2023, drew over 200 residents and was organized by Western Queens elected officials. The workshop addressed a 'significant increase in traffic-related deaths, including several high-profile fatalities involving cyclists and pedestrians.' Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani called the deaths preventable and demanded urgent changes. Cabán stated, 'If it saves lives, it’s worth doing.' DOT officials, including Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia and senior program manager Kyle Gorman, presented plans for 31st Avenue and collected resident feedback on dangerous driving, lack of protected bike lanes, and unsafe intersections. The DOT pledged to return with a proposal. No formal bill number or committee was cited; the event focused on immediate community engagement and systemic change.

• Astoria residents turnout for DOT street safety workshop following surge in traffic violence this year, amny.com, Published 2023-09-18

A BMW SUV struck a 37-year-old male e-bicyclist on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens. The cyclist suffered full-body injuries and minor bleeding. Police cited the driver for disregarding traffic control. The rider wore a helmet and was not ejected.

According to the police report, a 2019 BMW SUV traveling south on Woodhaven Boulevard collided with a westbound e-bike. The e-bicyclist, a 37-year-old man, sustained injuries to his entire body and experienced minor bleeding. The cyclist was wearing a helmet at the time and was not ejected from his bike. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to obey traffic signals or signs. The SUV's right front bumper struck the right side doors of the e-bike. No damage was reported to the e-bike. The driver of the SUV was licensed and traveling straight ahead prior to impact. The collision left the cyclist in shock but did not specify further medical details.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655305 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Assembly bill A 7979 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets triggers a speed limiter. Lawmakers move to curb repeat danger. No more unchecked speeding. Streets demand it.

Assembly bill A 7979, now in sponsorship, sits before the New York State Assembly. Introduced August 18, 2023, it 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during an eighteen month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Assemblymember Emily Gallagher leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, Tony Simone, Jo Anne Simon, and others. The bill aims to force chronic speeders to slow down. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear: rein in repeat offenders, protect those outside the car.

• File A 7979, Open States, Published 2023-08-18

A sedan turning left struck an e-bike heading north on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens. The e-bike driver, 24, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The sedan’s right side was damaged. Police cited traffic control disregard and failure to yield.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male e-bike driver was injured when a 2020 Honda sedan made a left turn and collided with the e-bike traveling straight north on Woodhaven Boulevard. The point of impact was the sedan’s right side doors and the e-bike’s center front end. The e-bike driver sustained contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver errors including traffic control disregarded and failure to yield right-of-way. The sedan carried four occupants and was driven by a licensed male driver from Texas. No safety equipment was noted for the e-bike rider. The collision caused damage to the sedan’s right side doors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4656748 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Senate bill S 7621 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets trigger mandatory speed control tech. Sponsors push to curb repeat danger. No votes yet. Streets stay tense.

Senate bill S 7621, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed August 2, 2023, it 'relates to requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Jeremy Cooney, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill forces drivers with eleven points in eighteen months, or six speed/red light camera tickets in a year, to install speed-limiting devices. No safety analyst note yet. The measure aims to cut repeat speeding and protect those outside the car.

• File S 7621, Open States, Published 2023-08-02

Council members push to end jaywalking penalties. Supporters cite biased enforcement. Critics warn of danger for pedestrians. The bill faces debate as traffic deaths fall but injuries persist. The city weighs safety against fairness in street crossings.

On July 22, 2023, Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse introduced a bill to legalize jaywalking in New York City. The measure, supported by Council Members Tiffany Caban and Shahana Hanif, aims to 'greenlight pedestrians to freely cross streets outside the crosswalk or without obeying traffic signals.' The bill responds to claims of biased enforcement against Black and Latino New Yorkers. Council Majority Leader Joseph Borelli and Councilwoman Joann Ariola oppose the bill, warning it could endanger pedestrians. The bill has not yet advanced to committee or received a hearing. The NYPD and Mayor's office are reviewing the legislation. The debate highlights the tension between enforcement fairness and the ongoing risk to vulnerable road users. No formal safety analysis has been provided.

• Far-left NYC Council Dems push to legalize jaywalking, nypost.com, Published 2023-07-22

A new storm-resistant street opened on Beach 108th in Rockaway. Porous pavement, wider sidewalks, and bike lanes now line the block. The project promises less flooding and safer passage for people on foot and bike. Connections to the ferry and boardwalk improved.

On June 18, 2023, Council Member Joann Ariola (District 32) marked the completion of a major infrastructure project in Rockaway. The work, running from Beach Channel Drive to Shore Front Parkway, added porous pavement, new bike lanes, and wider pedestrian walkways. The city says the 11,000 square feet of new surface can absorb nearly 1.3 million gallons of stormwater each year. Ariola said, 'At long last, we will finally have a safe, steady, and efficient flow of traffic here, and the area is now more resilient than ever before.' The project, part of a $16.6 million investment begun in March 2021, also repaired or replaced 1,100 feet of storm sewer and added new left turn lanes. The changes give cyclists and pedestrians an easier, safer route to the Rockaway ferry terminal and boardwalk.

• New storm-resistant street with ‘porous pavement’ opens in Rockaway, just in time for hurricane season, gothamist.com, Published 2023-06-18

A motorcycle struck a sedan making a left turn on Myrtle Avenue. The motorcyclist, wearing a helmet, suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The sedan driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing the crash.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling west on Myrtle Avenue collided with a BMW sedan making a left turn eastbound. The motorcyclist, an 18-year-old male driver, was injured with abrasions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The sedan driver, a licensed female, caused the crash by turning left without yielding. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time. Both vehicles sustained front-center damage. No pedestrians were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4636221 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-08

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-08