Glendale Bleeds: Demand Safe Streets Now

State lawmakers Mamdani and Gianaris unveiled a four-year plan to fund free MTA buses. The proposal boosts bus service, freezes fares, and expands camera enforcement. They call it urgent. The plan aims to make transit faster, cheaper, and safer for all riders.

On December 14, 2022, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Michael Gianaris introduced the Formula Three Act, a legislative proposal to overhaul MTA funding and fare policy. The plan, part of the larger Fix The MTA Package, would phase in free local and Select Bus Service, increase bus frequency by 20%, freeze fares, and expand permanent bus lane camera enforcement. Funding would rise from $200 million in 2023 to $638 million in 2026, with $488 million yearly for more buses and $300 million annually for frequent subways. Mamdani called the proposal 'urgent and necessary,' stressing that 'seniors, working class New Yorkers, people who use the bus the most are able to do so without fear of being priced out.' Gianaris said, 'incrementalism...is not working.' The lawmakers urge bold action to ensure public transit is accessible, affordable, and excellent.

• State Pols Reveal ‘Urgent And Necessary’ Plan To Fund Free MTA Buses, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-12-14

Council members push the MTA to study reviving the Rockaway Beach rail line. The move aims to connect southeast Queens, cut car trips, and open new routes. The bill signals urgency but lacks binding power. Debate continues over transit versus parkland.

On November 28, 2022, Council Members Joann Ariola and Selvena Brooks-Powers introduced a City Council resolution urging the MTA to conduct an environmental impact study for the QueensLink rail reactivation. The bill, non-binding and currently under committee review, seeks to revive 3.5 miles of the former Rockaway Beach Branch, extending the M train from Rego Park to the Rockaways. The matter title calls for 'a deeper study of the QueensLink proposal to reactivate an old rail line.' Ariola and Brooks-Powers, both representing southeastern Queens, argue the project would benefit communities with poor subway access and reduce car dependency. Ariola stated, 'I think it’s necessary and I think that it would really benefit the communities.' Brooks-Powers emphasized the resolution as a priority for the Transportation Committee. The push comes as Mayor Adams advances the QueensWay park plan, raising concerns among transit advocates. The MTA says a new study is unnecessary, but supporters insist a thorough review is needed before converting the corridor to parkland.

• Queens Pols Revive Push for MTA to Study QueensLink, As QueensWay Linear Park Surges, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-28

A 44-year-old woman was struck while crossing at a marked crosswalk on 66 Place in Queens. The vehicle, traveling north, hit her with its center front end. She suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The driver failed to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 66 Place and Central Avenue in Queens. The 44-year-old woman was crossing in a marked crosswalk when a vehicle traveling north struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian suffered contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The driver was going straight ahead and did not yield to the pedestrian. No other contributing factors or safety equipment were noted. The pedestrian was conscious and sustained moderate injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4586817 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Council pushes bills to curb deadly lithium-ion battery fires. FDNY supports bans on unsafe batteries and calls for more safety info. Advocates warn bans hit low-income delivery workers. Debate rages as fires, injuries, and deaths mount. City eyes safer charging.

On November 14, 2022, the City Council held a hearing on a package of bills addressing lithium-ion battery fires. The FDNY supported four out of five bills, including bans on second-use and non-certified batteries, a public safety campaign, and safety information for delivery workers. The FDNY expressed concern about resource demands for detailed annual fire reporting. The matter summary states the bills aim to address the rise of deadly fires from faulty batteries, often used by delivery workers. Council Member Joann Ariola urged the FDNY to consider international solutions and invest in safe charging infrastructure. Hildalyn Colón Hernández of Los Deliveristas Unidos opposed the bans, arguing they punish low-income workers and miss root causes. The city recently abandoned a proposal to ban e-bikes on NYCHA property and is working on new charging stations. The debate highlights the struggle to protect vulnerable workers while preventing more deaths and injuries.

• FDNY Backing Council Bills to Address Deadly Fires from Lithium Ion Batteries, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-14

Councilmember Joann Ariola claimed open streets, bike lanes, and traffic islands slow emergency vehicles. She blamed street safety measures for longer fire response times. FDNY officials disagreed, citing traffic volume. The debate exposes tension between safety for walkers and emergency access.

On November 5, 2022, the NYC Council debated street design and emergency response. The discussion, reported by nypost.com, focused on rising fire deaths and slower FDNY response times. The matter summary reads: 'Rising NYC fire deaths, response times blamed on traffic measures.' Councilmember Joann Ariola (District 32) argued that open street programs, bike lanes, and traffic islands hinder emergency vehicles, especially when illegal parking blocks access. She called for better enforcement. Other voices, including union leaders, echoed her concerns. However, Councilmember Shekar Krishnan defended new street designs, stating they were built with emergency input. The Department of Transportation said all projects include emergency routes and are monitored. FDNY officials attributed delays to increased post-pandemic traffic, not street safety measures. The debate highlights the ongoing conflict between car-free streets for vulnerable users and emergency vehicle access.

• Rising NYC fire deaths, response times blamed on traffic measures, nypost.com, Published 2022-11-05

A moped and sedan collided head-on on 65 Place in Queens. The unlicensed moped driver was ejected and suffered abrasions and leg injuries. Police cited failure to yield and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The sedan carried three occupants.

According to the police report, a moped traveling west on 65 Place collided head-on with an eastbound sedan. The moped driver, a 26-year-old male, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists failure to yield right-of-way and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The moped driver was unlicensed and was the sole occupant of his vehicle. The sedan, carrying three occupants including a licensed male driver, also sustained front-end damage. No safety equipment was used by the moped driver. The crash highlights driver errors on the part of the moped operator without assigning fault to the victim.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4570447 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A sedan making a right turn struck a moped traveling straight on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens. The moped driver, a 19-year-old male, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The collision damaged the sedan’s right side and the moped’s front left.

According to the police report, a sedan was making a right turn on Woodhaven Boulevard when it collided with a moped traveling straight ahead. The moped driver, a 19-year-old male with a permit license, was injured with contusions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' as a contributing factor to the crash. The sedan’s right side doors and the moped’s left front bumper sustained damage. The moped driver was wearing a helmet. No other contributing factors were noted. The sedan driver was licensed and female. The crash occurred in Queens near 81 Avenue.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4569406 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Motorcycle slammed sedan’s rear on Jackie Robinson Parkway. Rider thrown, suffered head wounds and bleeding. Sedan carried five. Passing too closely caused the crash.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling eastbound on Jackie Robinson Parkway struck the right rear bumper of a sedan while attempting to pass. The 63-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected and suffered head injuries with minor bleeding. The report lists "Passing Too Closely" as a contributing factor. The sedan, driven by a licensed woman, carried four passengers and was also headed east. The motorcyclist wore a helmet. No other contributing factors were listed in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4568167 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 13-year-old girl was hit by a northbound sedan on 69 Place near Myrtle Avenue in Queens. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to her elbow and lower arm. The sedan’s front center end was damaged.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 69 Place in Queens struck a 13-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection near Myrtle Avenue. The pedestrian was conscious but injured, sustaining abrasions and injuries to her elbow and lower arm. The report lists the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor. The sedan’s center front end was damaged on impact. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4565384 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

SUV backed unsafely on Central Avenue. Struck a 27-year-old cyclist. Rider suffered knee and leg injuries. Shock followed. Driver error and confusion marked the crash.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a Kia SUV backed unsafely on Central Avenue in Queens. The SUV's left front quarter panel struck the front of the cyclist's bike. The bicyclist suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock at the scene. The report lists driver error: "Backing Unsafely." It also notes "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. The SUV driver was licensed and female. The bicyclist was not ejected and had no visible complaints. The crash shows the danger of unsafe backing and confusion near vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4570654 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Mayor Adams broke ground on QueensWay, a $35 million park project on old rail tracks. Supporters cheer new green space for 330,000 locals. Critics warn it kills hopes for restored train service. The fight pits open space against transit justice in Queens.

On September 16, 2022, Mayor Adams announced the start of the QueensWay project, a $35 million plan to turn a defunct LIRR branch in Queens into a linear park. The first phase includes $5 million for environmental review and $30 million for the Metropolitan Hub. The matter summary states: 'converting a defunct LIRR branch into a Highline-style park in Queens.' Council Member Lynn Schulman supports the park, calling it 'shovel-ready.' Borough President Donovan Richards and Assembly Members Jenifer Rajkumar and David Weprin back both the park and the QueensLink transit proposal. Richards said, 'We need to do both when it comes to making sure that we can enhance our public transportation and also ensuring that our communities have access to open space.' Transit advocates warn the park blocks future rail service, cutting off faster commutes and cleaner air for southern Queens. The MTA previously cited high costs for transit reactivation. The debate continues over whether the right-of-way should serve parks, transit, or both.

• Mayor Launches First Phase of QueensWay Linear Park — But What About Transit?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-16

Council Member Joann Ariola voted against expanding speed cameras. Her SUV racked up 27 school-zone speeding tickets. She calls cameras a burden. Critics see hypocrisy. The vote blocks a tool proven to slow drivers and protect people on foot and bike.

On September 9, 2022, the New York City Council considered a 'home rule' message to let state lawmakers expand speed cameras to 24/7 operation. The matter summary: 'expanding New York's speed camera program.' Council Member Joann Ariola, representing southern Queens and the Rockaways, voted no. Ariola argued, 'these cameras add additional financial strain to New Yorkers,' and claimed repeat offenders with fake plates escape punishment. Ariola’s SUV has 48 violations since 2017, including 27 for speeding in school zones and two for running red lights. She insists her record did not influence her vote. Critics, like StreetsPAC’s Eric McClure, highlight the contradiction between her opposition to speed cameras and her stated concern for school safety. The vote denied a proven measure to slow traffic and protect vulnerable road users.

• Queens Pol Voted Against Speed Cameras — And Has 27 Speeding Tickets!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-09

A hit-and-run killed Be Tran in Queens. State Sen. Michael Gianaris and advocates demand swift action. They want signals, not studies. The city waits for blood before it moves. Residents, tired of carnage, rally for change. The toll mounts.

On August 17, 2022, State Senator Michael Gianaris called for urgent pedestrian safety improvements after a deadly hit-and-run in Queens. The incident, which killed 74-year-old Be Tran at Myrtle and Seneca Avenues, triggered public outcry. Gianaris criticized the city’s process, saying, 'They have to wait until that happens to get the score high enough to realize that an intersection needs protection.' He joined activists from the Ridgewood Tenants Union and Transportation Alternatives, demanding new signals and better street design. Gianaris said he contacted the Department of Transportation a year earlier with no result. The city claims over 20 traffic control approvals in Ridgewood, but residents and advocates say it’s not enough. The call comes as pedestrian deaths and injuries continue to climb citywide.

• Dangerous pedestrian crashes in Queens prompt calls for protections, gothamist.com, Published 2022-08-17

A sedan made an improper right turn on Cypress Hills Street. It struck a 35-year-old male e-bike rider traveling east. The rider suffered knee and lower leg bruises. The crash left the bicyclist injured but conscious, with no helmet reported.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Cypress Hills Street made an improper right turn and collided with an eastbound e-bike. The bicyclist, a 35-year-old man, sustained contusions to his knee and lower leg. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' as a driver error contributing to the crash. The bicyclist was not ejected and remained conscious after the impact. The report also notes 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor but does not specify helmet use. The sedan's left front bumper and the e-bike's center front end were damaged in the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4555956 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A Chevy SUV plowed into an e-bike at Metropolitan and Woodhaven. Three riders thrown. Blood on the street. A young woman’s head split open. Shock and pain. The driver failed to yield. The city’s danger laid bare in the morning light.

At the corner of Metropolitan Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens, a Chevy SUV struck an e-bike carrying three people. According to the police report, the SUV failed to yield right-of-way and hit the e-bike. A 19-year-old woman, riding as a passenger, was ejected and suffered severe head lacerations. Another 19-year-old woman and the 24-year-old e-bike driver were also ejected and injured. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The SUV driver, a 60-year-old man, was not reported injured. The crash left blood on the road and riders in shock. No mention of helmet use or signals as factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4549825 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

Steel met flesh on Metropolitan Avenue. An SUV ran the light. It struck an e-bike. Three young riders were thrown, heads bloodied. The driver failed to yield. The morning air filled with sirens and pain.

On Metropolitan Avenue near Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens, an SUV struck an e-bike carrying three people. According to the police report, the SUV disregarded traffic control and failed to yield right-of-way. The crash left a 19-year-old woman with severe head bleeding and another 19-year-old woman with minor head bleeding. The 24-year-old male e-bike driver was also injured, complaining of pain and nausea. All three were ejected from the e-bike. The SUV driver, a 60-year-old man, was not ejected and reported no injuries. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. None of the e-bike riders had safety equipment. The impact was violent, the injuries grave, the cause clear in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4550165 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

An e-scooter driver struck a parked sedan on Otto Road in Queens. The rider was ejected and suffered a head injury with minor bleeding. The crash happened at night. Police cited improper lane usage as a contributing factor.

According to the police report, a 34-year-old male e-scooter driver collided with a parked sedan on Otto Road in Queens. The rider was ejected from the scooter and sustained a head injury with minor bleeding. The sedan was stationary, parked on the street, and was struck on its left side doors. The police identified "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as the driver error contributing to the crash. The e-scooter driver was not using any safety equipment at the time of the collision. No other contributing factors were specified in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4546386 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 49-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a crash on 66 Street near Myrtle Avenue. The cyclist suffered shoulder and upper arm contusions. The collision involved a parked 2003 Honda SUV and was caused by driver inattention.

According to the police report, a 49-year-old male bicyclist was injured after colliding with a parked 2003 Honda SUV on 66 Street near Myrtle Avenue. The bicyclist was traveling east and struck the left side doors of the parked vehicle. The cyclist sustained contusions and bruises to the shoulder and upper arm but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The bicyclist was the sole occupant of the bike and was wearing a lap belt. No other contributing factors were specified. The parked vehicle was stationary at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4543374 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

A 51-year-old male driver suffered bruises to his elbow and lower arm in a Queens crash. An SUV making a left turn struck a sedan traveling straight on Woodhaven Boulevard. Both vehicles hit front center. The driver was conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens when a 2019 SUV making a left turn struck a 2021 sedan traveling straight ahead. The 51-year-old male driver of the sedan was injured, sustaining contusions to his elbow and lower arm. He was conscious and wearing a lap belt at the time. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the crash. Both vehicles sustained front-center damage. The driver of the sedan was not ejected and remained conscious after the impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4542281 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08

An e-bike collided with a sedan on Metropolitan Avenue in Queens. The bicyclist suffered abrasions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The rider remained conscious and was not ejected. No driver errors were specified in the report.

According to the police report, a 30-year-old male bicyclist riding an e-bike westbound on Metropolitan Avenue collided with a sedan traveling north. The bicyclist sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including abrasions. He remained conscious and was not ejected from the bike. The report lists no contributing driver errors or factors for the crash. The sedan had no occupants at the time and no damage was reported. The bicyclist's safety equipment status is unknown, and no helmet or signaling issues were noted. The crash occurred near Trotting Course Lane in Queens, with impact on the left side doors of the e-bike and damage to its left front quarter panel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4540426 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-08