Middle Village Bleeds While Leaders Hide

Council wants every cyclist in New York to wear a helmet. No helmet, pay a $50 fine. The bill targets riders not already covered by other laws. Debate now sits with the transportation committee.

Bill Int 1173-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced January 23, 2025. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams leads as primary sponsor, joined by Council Members Holden, Vernikov, Narcisse, Moya, Schulman, Louis, Hanks, Brannan, and Zhuang. The measure would fine cyclists up to $50 for riding without a helmet, unless already required by other laws. The bill awaits further action in committee.

• File Int 1173-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-23

Council wants every cyclist in New York to wear a helmet. No helmet, pay a $50 fine. The bill targets riders not already covered by other laws. Debate now sits with the transportation committee.

Bill Int 1173-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced January 23, 2025. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams leads as primary sponsor, joined by Council Members Holden, Vernikov, Narcisse, Moya, Schulman, Louis, Hanks, Brannan, and Zhuang. The measure would fine cyclists up to $50 for riding without a helmet, unless already required by other laws. The bill awaits further action in committee.

• File Int 1173-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-23

Council wants helmets on every cyclist. No helmet, fifty-dollar fine. Law targets riders not covered by other rules. The bill sits in committee. Streets stay deadly. Blame stays off victims.

Bill Int 1173-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced January 23, 2025, by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Council Member Robert Holden, with co-sponsors Zhuang, Brannan, Hanks, Louis, Schulman, Moya, Narcisse, and Vernikov. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear.' It would fine any cyclist not wearing a helmet up to $50, unless already required by other laws. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users. The bill has not passed. No votes recorded.

• File Int 1173-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-23

Council wants helmets on every cyclist. No helmet, fifty-dollar fine. Law targets riders not covered by other rules. The bill sits in committee. Streets stay deadly. Blame stays off victims.

Bill Int 1173-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced January 23, 2025, by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Council Member Robert Holden, with co-sponsors Zhuang, Brannan, Hanks, Louis, Schulman, Moya, Narcisse, and Vernikov. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear.' It would fine any cyclist not wearing a helmet up to $50, unless already required by other laws. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users. The bill has not passed. No votes recorded.

• File Int 1173-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-23

A Toyota RAV4 jumped the curb on 90th Avenue, slammed into a garage, and collapsed the structure. The driver, Mamadou Barry, was trapped. First responders pulled him out, but he died at the hospital. No other injuries reported.

According to NY Daily News (2025-01-22), Mamadou Barry, 63, was driving his Toyota RAV4 along 90th Ave. in Jamaica, Queens, around 5:20 a.m. when he lost control, hopped a curb at 143rd St., and crashed into a detached garage. The impact caused the garage to collapse onto both his SUV and a parked, unoccupied Prius. Police said Barry was trapped and later died at Jamaica Hospital. The article notes, 'he lost control of the SUV, which went crashing into a detached garage in Queens, police said.' Family members stated Barry had no known medical issues. The cause of the crash remains unclear. No other injuries were reported. The incident highlights the dangers faced by drivers and bystanders in residential areas where structures sit close to the street.

• Uber Driver Dies in Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-01-22

Two sedans collided on Woodhaven Blvd. One was parked, one turned left. Both drivers and a front passenger suffered head injuries and shock. Metal hit metal. No driver errors listed.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed on Woodhaven Blvd. One car was parked, the other made a left turn. The impact struck both vehicles at the left front bumpers. Both drivers and a front-seat passenger were injured, suffering head trauma and concussions. Shock followed. The driver of the moving sedan was licensed in North Carolina; the parked car’s driver held a New York license. No driver errors or contributing factors such as failure to yield were listed in the report. The driver wore a lap belt. The report does not assign fault or blame.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786931 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16

A sedan making a left turn struck a bicyclist traveling straight on 80 St in Queens. The bicyclist suffered bruising but was conscious and not ejected. According to the police report, pedestrian/bicyclist confusion was noted as a contributing factor.

At 10:00 AM on 80 St in Queens, a 2023 Toyota sedan driven by a licensed female driver was making a left turn when it collided with a 37-year-old male bicyclist traveling straight northbound. According to the police report, the point of impact was the sedan's left side doors and the bike's center front end. The bicyclist was injured with contusions and bruises but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report cites "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor, indicating confusion in the interaction between the vehicle and bicyclist. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were explicitly listed in the report. The bicyclist's helmet use or crossing signal status was not reported as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786387 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan making a left turn collided with an eastbound e-bike on 69 Rd near Cooper Ave. The 33-year-old bicyclist was ejected, suffering facial injuries and minor bleeding. Driver inattention was a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 69 Rd was making a left turn when it struck an eastbound e-bike. The e-bike rider, a 33-year-old male wearing a helmet, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained facial injuries with minor bleeding. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor, indicating the sedan driver failed to properly observe the bicyclist. The bicyclist's own confusion or error is noted but does not mitigate the primary driver fault. The point of impact was the sedan's left front bumper hitting the e-bike's center front end. The crash occurred at 17:10, and the bicyclist was left in shock. The sedan driver was licensed and operating a 2003 Volkswagen SUV. This collision underscores the dangers posed by distracted drivers making turns in the presence of vulnerable cyclists.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785334 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 324 demands complete street design for state- and federally-funded projects. Sponsors push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars. Safety for all hangs in the balance.

Assembly Bill A 324 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, drivers—when building or upgrading roads. Didi Barrett leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Amy Paulin, and many others. The bill also directs the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note yet, but the measure’s intent is clear: streets should protect the most vulnerable, not just move traffic.

• File A 324, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Businesses in Manhattan’s toll zone pass new $9 congestion fee to customers. Councilman Holden calls it a scam tax. Residents pay even if they don’t drive. Gridlock grows near the border. Critics warn of rising costs and slower emergency response.

On January 5, 2025, New York City began enforcing congestion pricing below 60th Street, charging drivers $9 during peak hours. The measure, discussed in the article 'NYC residents slapped with congestion pricing ‘surcharge’ by fed-up companies paying new toll: ‘Hochul inflation’,' has sparked backlash. Queens Councilman Robert F. Holden, representing District 30, condemned the move, stating, 'It’s no surprise that businesses will pass the Congestion Scam Tax on to consumers.' Companies like CompuVoip and Dream Events & Decor now add surcharges for customers in the zone. Holden’s criticism joins that of Bronx Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato and others, who warn of higher costs and increased gridlock. Emergency unions claim response times will suffer. The bill’s impact on vulnerable road users was not assessed.

• NYC residents slapped with congestion pricing ‘surcharge’ by fed-up companies paying new toll: ‘Hochul inflation’, nypost.com, Published 2025-01-05

A man crossing Cooper Avenue in a marked crosswalk was hit. He suffered a serious head injury. The driver’s errors are unspecified. The intersection left him exposed. The crash left him semiconscious and bleeding.

According to the police report, a 40-year-old male pedestrian was crossing Cooper Avenue at a marked crosswalk in Queens when a vehicle traveling east struck him. The pedestrian suffered a head injury and was semiconscious with minor bleeding after the crash. The report lists contributing factors as 'unspecified,' with no details on vehicle type or driver actions. No driver errors are identified in the data. The report centers the pedestrian’s position and injury, highlighting his vulnerability at the intersection. No fault is attributed to the victim.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781796 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council Member Holden’s e-bike registration bill faces fierce pushback. Advocates warn it targets immigrants and delivery workers. Business groups fear new costs. Supporters say it brings accountability. Streets remain deadly. Cars still kill most. Debate rages. No easy answers.

Intro. 606, known as Priscilla’s Law, was introduced by Council Member Robert F. Holden of District 30. The bill, debated on December 12, 2024, sits before the City Council. It would require all e-mobility devices not covered by the state DMV to register with the city’s Department of Transportation. The bill’s summary states it aims to increase accountability for e-bike riders after fatal crashes. Holden, the sponsor, cited dangers from unregulated e-vehicles and hit-and-runs. Advocacy groups, including Los Deliveristas Unidos and Open Plans, argue the bill would unfairly criminalize immigrants and delivery workers, and increase police stops for people of color. The NYC Hospitality Alliance warns of new financial and administrative burdens for small businesses. Both sides agree cars cause far more deaths, but the bill’s critics say better street design, not registration, would protect vulnerable road users.

• Immigrant, hospitality advocacy groups push back on NYC e-bike licensing bill, amny.com, Published 2024-12-12

Council Member Holden wants license plates on e-bikes. Lawyers say it’s illegal. The bill could block riders, clash with state law, and open doors to police stops. Critics warn it hurts city goals. The law department stays silent.

Intro 606, a City Council bill introduced by Council Member Bob Holden, would force the Department of Transportation to register e-bikes and issue license plates for a fee. The bill is named after Priscilla Loke, killed by an electric Citi Bike rider. Legal experts Daniel Flanzig, Peter Beadle, and Brandon Chamberlin argue the bill violates state law, which bars cities from imposing fees that restrict the 'free use' of bicycles. They warn it would create barriers to e-bike use and could lead to inconsistent rules across cities. Holden defends the bill as a push for 'accountability and safety.' Critics say it discourages e-bike use and risks police harassment, especially for immigrants. The city Law Department declined comment. The bill’s legal standing and impact on vulnerable road users remain sharply contested.

• Intro 606 Alert: E-Bike Licensing Bill Is Not Even Legal, Lawyers Say, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-11

E-scooter and sedan crashed on 80th Street. Both scooter riders thrown. One semiconscious, one with head injury. Police cite driver distraction. Metal twisted. Lives changed in a blink.

According to the police report, an e-scooter traveling southeast collided with a northbound sedan making a left turn on 80th Street in Queens. Two people on the e-scooter were ejected. The 32-year-old male driver was semiconscious after the crash. The 28-year-old female passenger suffered a head injury and concussion. Both vehicles took damage to their front ends. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The sedan driver was licensed. No other factors were cited. The crash left both e-scooter occupants injured and exposed the risks of distraction behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775400 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans traveling east on the Long Island Expressway collided at 9 p.m. The driver of one vehicle suffered a head injury and lost consciousness. Both vehicles sustained damage to front and rear bumpers in the impact.

According to the police report, two sedans were traveling eastbound on the Long Island Expressway when they collided. The point of impact was the right rear bumper of one vehicle and the left front bumper of the other. The driver of the sedan with three occupants, a 33-year-old male, was injured with a head injury and lost consciousness. He was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists 'Lost Consciousness' as a contributing factor but does not specify driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. The collision caused damage to the front and rear bumpers of the vehicles involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773687 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A tractor truck driver suffered head injuries and whiplash after losing control on a slippery Long Island Expressway. The truck struck the right front quarter panel, impacting the left front bumper. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, a 40-year-old male tractor truck driver was injured in a crash on the Long Island Expressway at 1:45 AM. The report cites slippery pavement as the contributing factor, which led to the driver losing control. The truck's left front bumper struck the right front quarter panel, causing damage and resulting in head injuries and whiplash to the driver. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt at the time of the crash. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The report highlights pavement slipperiness as the primary cause, emphasizing the systemic danger posed by road conditions in this incident.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773278 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 39-year-old man on a Suzuki motorcycle, helmeted but unlicensed, slammed into a turning KIA at Eliot Avenue and 69th Street. He flew from the wreck, landing headfirst. Crush injuries ended his life in the street.

A deadly crash unfolded at the corner of Eliot Avenue and 69th Street in Queens. According to the police report, a 39-year-old man, helmeted but unlicensed, was riding a Suzuki motorcycle southbound when he struck a KIA sedan making a left turn. The report states, 'He flew. Headfirst to pavement. Crush injuries. Death in the street.' The motorcyclist was ejected and suffered fatal head injuries. The KIA's right front quarter panel was damaged, indicating the point of impact during the left turn. The police report lists the motorcyclist as unlicensed but does not specify any driver errors or contributing factors beyond 'Unspecified.' The focus remains on the lethal outcome of the collision and the systemic dangers present at this intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768223 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04