Crash Count for Highland Park-Cypress Hills Cemeteries (North)
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 356
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 277
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 64
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 5
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 1
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Jul 26, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Highland Park-Cypress Hills Cemeteries (North)?

Left for Dead on Cypress Avenue: How Many More Must Bleed?

Left for Dead on Cypress Avenue: How Many More Must Bleed?

Highland Park-Cypress Hills Cemeteries (North): Jan 1, 2022 - Jul 16, 2025

The Toll: Lives Broken, Streets Unforgiving

In Highland Park-Cypress Hills Cemeteries (North), the numbers do not lie. One person killed. Four left with serious injuries. Two of those injuries came from a single crash at the intersection of Cypress and Cooper Avenues—a man crossing with the signal, struck by an SUV making a left turn. He bled in the street. He survived. Not all do. NYC Open Data

In the last 12 months: 76 people hurt, 2 seriously. The violence is steady. It does not pause for children, the old, anyone. Cars, SUVs, motorcycles—they all take their share. The parkway is a ribbon of risk. The side streets are no safer.

The Human Cost: After the Crash

A crash is not just metal and glass. It is a man in the crosswalk, bleeding. It is a rider thrown from a motorcycle, helmet scraping the pavement. It is a woman with a broken leg, ejected from her e-bike on Vermont Place. The pain lingers long after the sirens fade.

Leadership: Steps Forward, Steps Back

Local leaders have moved, but not always fast enough. Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar called the situation “traffic violence,” demanding stronger city control over speed limits and cameras. She named it for what it is. State Senator Julia Salazar voted yes to extend school speed zones, a step that protects children at the curb. She backed the bill.

But the danger remains. Council Member Joann Ariola voted against expanding speed cameras, arguing about cost while her own car racked up dozens of tickets. She stood in the way. The cameras work. The votes matter.

What Now: No More Waiting

Every crash here could have been prevented. Lower the speed limit. Harden the crosswalks. Install real barriers, not plastic. Call your council member. Call the mayor. Demand action. Do not wait for another name to be added to the list.

Citations

Citations

Other Representatives

Jenifer Rajkumar
Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar
District 38
District Office:
83-91 Woodhaven Blvd., Woodhaven, NY 11421
Legislative Office:
Room 637, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
Joann Ariola
Council Member Joann Ariola
District 32
District Office:
114-12 Beach Channel Drive, Suite 1, Rockaway Park, NY 11694
718-318-6411
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1550, New York, NY 10007
212-788-7382
Twitter: JoannAriola32
Julia Salazar
State Senator Julia Salazar
District 18
District Office:
212 Evergreen Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11221
Legislative Office:
Room 514, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
Other Geographies

Highland Park-Cypress Hills Cemeteries (North) Highland Park-Cypress Hills Cemeteries (North) sits in Queens, Precinct 104, District 32, AD 38, SD 18, Queens CB5.

See also
Boroughs
City Council Districts
Community Boards
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Highland Park-Cypress Hills Cemeteries (North)

Ariola Supports Safety Boosting QueensLink Rail Study Demand

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.


2
SUV Turning Left Collides With Sedan Northbound

A southbound SUV made a left turn into the path of a northbound sedan on Vermont Place in Queens. Both drivers were injured, suffering shoulder and upper arm injuries with whiplash. The sedan’s left front bumper and SUV’s front end were damaged.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old male driver in a northbound sedan and a 3-year-old female passenger in the same vehicle were injured when a southbound SUV made a left turn and collided with the sedan’s left front bumper. Both occupants suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries and complained of whiplash. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. Both drivers were licensed and wearing seat belts. The collision caused damage to the front ends of both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4585111 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Ariola Calls for Safe Charging Infrastructure and Global Solutions

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.


Joann Ariola Criticizes Street Safety Measures for Fire Delays

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.


Rajkumar Supports QueensWay Park and QueensLink Transit Balance

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.


Cyclist Suffers Arm Fracture in Cypress Avenue Crash

A 24-year-old cyclist broke and dislocated his shoulder in a rear-end crash on Cypress Avenue. No other vehicles listed. Contributing factors remain unspecified. The rider stayed conscious, not ejected.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male cyclist was injured on Cypress Avenue in Queens. The crash left him with a fractured and dislocated upper arm. The cyclist was riding westbound when his bike was struck at the center back end. He remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists unspecified contributing factors and does not identify any driver errors or other vehicles involved. No safety equipment was noted for the cyclist. Only one bike is detailed in the report, with no further information on other vehicles or actions.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4562553 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Ariola Opposes Safety Boosting Speed Camera Expansion

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.


Salazar Supports Safety Boosting E-Bike Subsidy Program

Lawmakers push for e-bike rebates. Senate passes, Assembly stalls. Salazar and Carroll lead. Up to $1,100 for buyers. Critics call it a luxury. Carroll disagrees. Program aims for working-class riders. Cars keep killing. E-bikes offer a way out.

""When the federal government falls short, it really does fall on the state to step up and take responsibility."" -- Julia Salazar

Senate Bill 'Ride Clean' proposes up to $1,100 rebates for e-bike purchases, covering half the cost. The bill passed the Senate but stalled in the Assembly as of August 30, 2022. The measure, led by State Senator Julia Salazar and Assembly Member Robert Carroll, aims to make e-bikes accessible to working-class New Yorkers. Salazar says, 'With the Ride Clean rebate, [e-bikes] really would be much more accessible to working New Yorkers.' Carroll pushes back on critics who call e-bikes a luxury, stating, 'They don’t realize that this is not a luxury item.' The program would use NYSERDA funds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, mirroring the Drive Clean program for electric cars. Advocates cite European and U.S. models. The bill’s fate now rests with the Assembly.


Salazar Supports Safety Boosting E-Bike Subsidy Proposal

Senator Julia Salazar’s Ride Clean bill passed the New York Senate 60-3. It offers up to $1,100 for e-bike purchases. The bill aims to cut car use and emissions. It stalled in the Assembly. Lawmakers say it makes e-bikes accessible for working New Yorkers.

Senate Bill S7703, known as the Ride Clean rebate, passed the New York State Senate on June 2022 by a 60-3 vote. The bill sits stalled in the Assembly committee since January. The measure, sponsored by Senator Julia Salazar, would require NYSERDA to cover half the cost of e-bike purchases, up to $1,100. Salazar said, 'When the federal government falls short, it really does fall on the state to step up and take responsibility.' Assembly sponsor Robert Carroll added, 'This is not a luxury item.' The bill’s summary states it aims to make e-bikes accessible and reduce car dependence. If enacted, New York would join a handful of states offering direct e-bike subsidies, targeting emissions and car use in daily trips.


Sedan Slams Rear Passenger on Cooper Avenue

A sedan struck a car on Cooper Avenue. A 50-year-old woman in the back seat took the hit. She suffered back bruises. No driver errors listed. The crash left metal twisted and a passenger hurt.

According to the police report, a 2013 Toyota sedan traveling south on Cooper Avenue collided with another vehicle, striking the left front bumper and damaging the left side doors. A 50-year-old woman, seated in the left rear passenger seat, was injured. She sustained back contusions but remained conscious. The report lists no contributing driver errors or factors. The woman was not ejected and wore a lap belt. The crash shows how passengers face harm even inside cars, with no clear cause named by police.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4558501 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Improper Lane Change Injures Passenger on Parkway

Two sedans crashed on Jackie Robinson Parkway. A 67-year-old front passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Improper lane usage and unsafe lane changing caused the impact. Metal twisted. Pain followed.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling westbound on Jackie Robinson Parkway collided. The crash was caused by improper passing or lane usage and unsafe lane changing. The right front bumper of one sedan struck the left rear quarter panel of the other. A 67-year-old woman riding as a front passenger was injured, suffering neck injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as contributing factors. Damage focused on the front and rear quarter panels.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4551014 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Motorcycle Hits Right Side Doors on Jackie Robinson Pkwy

A 30-year-old male motorcyclist crashed into right side doors on Jackie Robinson Parkway. He suffered knee, lower leg, and foot fractures. The rider was conscious and wearing a helmet. The crash caused serious injuries but no ejection from the motorcycle.

According to the police report, a 30-year-old male motorcyclist traveling west on Jackie Robinson Parkway collided with right side doors. The rider was the sole occupant and was wearing a helmet. He sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify specific driver errors. The motorcyclist remained conscious and was not ejected from the vehicle. The motorcycle sustained damage to the right side doors. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4550161 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
2
SUV Slams Into Stopped Car on Cypress

SUV crashed into a stopped car on Cypress Avenue. Two women inside suffered neck and back injuries. Both stayed conscious. Metal twisted. No driver errors listed. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a 2017 Toyota SUV traveling north on Cypress Avenue in Queens rear-ended a stopped vehicle. Two women inside the SUV, aged 43 and 65, suffered whiplash and neck injuries. Both remained conscious and were not ejected. The report lists unspecified contributing factors and does not identify driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The crash caused center back-end damage to the SUV and front-end damage to the other vehicle. The women wore lap belts and harnesses. The impact left both vehicles damaged and two people hurt.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4551575 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
SUV Strikes E-Bike on Vermont Place

A 22-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a Jeep SUV made a right turn and hit him on Vermont Place in Queens. The cyclist suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries. Police cited failure to yield and improper lane usage by the bicyclist.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male riding an e-bike southbound on Vermont Place was injured after a 2021 Jeep SUV, also traveling south, made a right turn and struck the bicyclist on the right side doors. The bicyclist sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists the bicyclist's contributing factors as failure to yield right-of-way and improper passing or lane usage. The SUV driver was licensed and operating legally. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. Vehicle damage was limited to the SUV's right side doors.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4545748 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Driver Hits 8-Year-Old Pedestrian on Vermont Place

An 8-year-old girl was struck by a vehicle traveling west on Vermont Place. The impact hit the center front end of the vehicle. She suffered bruises and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver failed to yield and was distracted.

According to the police report, an 8-year-old female pedestrian was injured on Vermont Place when a vehicle traveling west struck her with its center front end. The child was not in the roadway but was hit nonetheless. She sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors as 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The vehicle was going straight ahead at the time of impact. No information about the vehicle type or driver is provided. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. The report does not indicate any contributing factors related to the pedestrian.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4545635 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
SUV Left Turn Collides With Sedan Straight

A 42-year-old man driving an SUV made a left turn on Vermont Place in Queens. His vehicle struck a sedan traveling south. The SUV driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage. The driver was conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a 42-year-old male driver in a 2014 SUV was making a left turn on Vermont Place in Queens when his vehicle collided with a southbound 2013 sedan going straight ahead. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the SUV and the center front end of the sedan. The SUV driver was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash, but was conscious and wearing a lap belt. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not specify failure to yield or other driver errors. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4541766 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Congestion Pricing Stalls: Ariola Criticizes Three-Year Delay

Three years after approval, congestion pricing remains stuck. Councilmember Joann Ariola opposes the plan, claiming it will worsen city travel. Delays threaten $1 billion in MTA funding. Vulnerable road users wait as traffic and pollution persist. No relief in sight.

On June 9, 2022, Councilmember Joann Ariola (District 32) joined critics in a policy debate over New York City's stalled congestion pricing plan. The measure, approved by state lawmakers three years ago, would charge drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street. The MTA faces hundreds of follow-up questions from the Federal Highway Administration, delaying the required environmental assessment. Ariola argued, 'I don’t believe it will work, in fact I believe it will make the city more unmanageable to travel through.' The plan is intended to reduce traffic, lower car pollution, and fund MTA capital improvements. Delays put $1 billion in annual funding at risk, threatening upgrades like accessible subway stations and zero-emission buses. As the debate drags on, vulnerable road users remain exposed to traffic and pollution hazards.


Sedan Strikes Front Passenger on Jackie Robinson Pkwy

A sedan traveling west on Jackie Robinson Parkway struck its front passenger. The 21-year-old woman suffered a head contusion. She was conscious and not ejected. The vehicle's left front bumper and center front end were damaged. Driver errors unspecified.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Jackie Robinson Parkway was involved in a crash that injured its front passenger, a 21-year-old woman. She sustained a head contusion and remained conscious throughout the incident. The vehicle's left front bumper and center front end were damaged in the collision. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead before the crash. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified, with no clear driver errors identified. The passenger was not ejected and was not using any safety equipment at the time.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4534277 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
S 5602
Rajkumar votes yes to extend school speed cameras, boosting pedestrian safety.

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.


A 8936
Salazar votes yes to require safer complete street designs, improving safety.

Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.