Middle Village Bleeds While Leaders Hide

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

A sedan hit a 29-year-old man working in the roadway on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver was distracted, causing the collision. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Woodhaven Boulevard struck a pedestrian working in the roadway outside an intersection. The 29-year-old male pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The point of impact was the sedan's left front bumper. The driver was licensed and going straight ahead. The vehicle sustained no damage. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but not ejected. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4678454 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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 63-year-old woman crossed with the light. An SUV turned and struck her head. She fell, bleeding and unconscious. Alcohol was in the blood. Two SUVs at the scene. The street corner in Queens ran red with danger.

A 63-year-old woman was hit by a turning SUV while crossing 71st Street in Queens with the signal. According to the police report, she was struck in the head and collapsed, unconscious and bleeding. Two SUVs were involved: one parked, one turning. The report states, 'Alcohol was in the blood.' The listed contributing factor is 'Alcohol Involvement.' The woman, a pedestrian, suffered severe head injuries. No driver errors beyond alcohol involvement are listed. The report does not mention helmet or signal use as contributing factors. The crash left a vulnerable road user gravely hurt at a city intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4666210 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A moped struck the left rear bumper of an SUV on Eliot Avenue in Queens. The moped driver, 57, was ejected and suffered a neck injury and concussion. Unsafe speed was cited as a factor. Both vehicles were traveling straight.

According to the police report, a moped traveling east collided with the left rear bumper of a southbound SUV on Eliot Avenue in Queens. The moped driver, a 57-year-old man, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained a neck injury and concussion. The report lists unsafe speed as the contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead prior to impact. The SUV sustained damage to its left rear bumper, while the moped was damaged at its center front end. No safety equipment was noted for the moped driver. The report does not indicate any fault or error on the part of the SUV driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4665372 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Sedan slammed into moped merging on 74 Street near Eliot Avenue. Both moped riders thrown, battered, bruised. Driver errors: improper lane use, inexperience. Metal twisted. Blood on the street.

According to the police report, a sedan hit a moped merging westbound on 74 Street at Eliot Avenue in Queens. The 25-year-old male moped driver and 23-year-old female passenger were ejected and injured, suffering head and body bruises. The report lists the sedan driver’s errors as "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" and "Driver Inexperience." The sedan’s right front quarter panel and the moped’s center front end were damaged. Both moped occupants wore no safety equipment. The crash left two vulnerable riders hurt and exposed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4664196 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 traveling east struck a parked sedan from behind on 69 Drive in Queens. The driver of the moving vehicle, a 50-year-old man, suffered upper arm injuries and minor bleeding. Police cited driver fatigue as the cause.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on 69 Drive in Queens collided with a parked sedan. The driver of the moving vehicle, a 50-year-old man, was injured with upper arm and shoulder trauma and minor bleeding. He was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The report lists "Fell Asleep" as the contributing factor for the crash. The parked vehicle sustained damage to its center back end, while the moving sedan was damaged at its center front end. No other occupants were involved. The crash highlights driver fatigue as the primary error leading to the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4651822 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs collided on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens. A male driver suffered neck injury and whiplash. Police cite distraction and tailgating. Both vehicles traveled north. No ejection. Impact was forceful and sudden.

According to the police report, two SUVs crashed on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens. The rear SUV struck a stopped SUV, injuring its male driver, who suffered neck pain and whiplash. The report lists driver inattention and following too closely as contributing factors. Both vehicles were traveling north; the front SUV was stopped in traffic, the rear was slowing or stopping. The injured driver was harnessed and conscious. No ejection occurred. The crash underscores the dangers of distraction and unsafe following distance behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4651898 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Chevy pickup struck an 88-year-old man on Dry Harbor Road. The man crossed outside a crosswalk. The truck hit him head-on. He suffered head trauma and broken limbs. He died in the street. The driver had no license.

An 88-year-old man was killed on Dry Harbor Road near 61st Street in Queens. According to the police report, the man was crossing the street outside a crosswalk when a westbound Chevy pickup truck struck him head-on. The pedestrian suffered head trauma and broken limbs and died at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The driver was unlicensed at the time of the crash. No other contributing factors, such as helmet use or signal violations, were noted in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4650689 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 16-year-old unlicensed e-bike driver collided head-on with a sedan making a left turn on 80 Street in Queens. Three teens on the e-bike were injured, two ejected. Injuries included fractures and contusions. The driver disregarded traffic control.

According to the police report, a 16-year-old unlicensed e-bike driver traveling north on 80 Street collided with a southbound sedan making a left turn. The e-bike carried three occupants: the driver and two passengers, ages 16 and 17. The driver was ejected and suffered a head contusion. One passenger was also ejected and sustained abrasions, while the other passenger suffered fractures and dislocations to the knee and lower leg. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating the e-bike driver failed to obey traffic signals or signs. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling legally. None of the e-bike occupants wore safety equipment. The crash caused center front-end damage to both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4641087 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 2023-06-06

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 2023-06-06

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 2023-06-06

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 2023-06-06

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 2023-06-06

An 87-year-old woman suffered injuries and shock in a Queens crash. Her sedan was struck in the rear while backing. Police cited driver inattention as a factor. The driver was restrained by a lap belt and not ejected.

According to the police report, an 87-year-old female driver was injured in a collision on Juniper Boulevard South in Queens. The crash involved a 2015 Hyundai sedan traveling east that was backing up when it was struck in the center back end, damaging the right rear quarter panel. The driver, who was wearing a lap belt, suffered injuries and shock but was not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The incident highlights the dangers of distracted driving and the vulnerability of elderly drivers in crashes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4635988 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04