Queens Boulevard Bleeds—And City Hall Lets It Happen

Council backs harsher penalties for drivers who hide plates. Obscured tags let reckless motorists dodge cameras and tickets. The bill aims to stop evasion and protect people on city streets.

Resolution 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, urges Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Robert F. Holden, calls for increased penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The resolution states: 'increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' It was introduced and voted on in December 2023. The bill would let authorities confiscate plate coverings, suspend registrations, and block VINs. Obscured plates let drivers evade speed and red-light cameras, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The council wants tougher enforcement to keep streets safer for all.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-20

Council backs harsher penalties for drivers who hide plates. Obscured tags let reckless motorists dodge cameras and tickets. The bill aims to stop evasion and protect people on city streets.

Resolution 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, urges Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Robert F. Holden, calls for increased penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The resolution states: 'increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' It was introduced and voted on in December 2023. The bill would let authorities confiscate plate coverings, suspend registrations, and block VINs. Obscured plates let drivers evade speed and red-light cameras, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The council wants tougher enforcement to keep streets safer for all.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-20

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

Two sedans collided on Saunders Street. A female driver suffered a back injury. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. Both vehicles struck center to rear. The injured driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling north on Saunders Street collided when one vehicle stopped in traffic and was struck from behind by another starting from parking. The female driver of the rear vehicle sustained a back injury but was conscious and wearing a lap belt. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor. The point of impact was the center back end of the front vehicle and the center front end of the rear vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4684525 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 63-year-old woman was struck while crossing at a marked crosswalk on Fitchett Street. The driver, making a left turn, failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered a fractured knee and lower leg injuries. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a driver making a left turn on Fitchett Street in Queens struck a 63-year-old female pedestrian crossing at a marked crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian with its center front end but showed no damage. The pedestrian was conscious and injured at the scene. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4683588 - 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

Two SUVs crashed on the Long Island Expressway. One overturned. Two passengers, both 27, suffered head and leg injuries. Both were conscious. The crash left metal twisted and victims hurt.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided while heading east on the Long Island Expressway. The 2019 Subaru SUV overturned after being struck at its center back end. Three people were inside. Two passengers, both 27-year-old men, were injured with abrasions and head and lower leg wounds. Both were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The report lists unspecified contributing factors and does not detail driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No ejections occurred. The crash caused severe damage and left vulnerable passengers injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4667253 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sport utility vehicle struck a parked sedan on Alderton Street. The impact hit the sedan’s left rear quarter panel. A 28-year-old front-seat passenger suffered head injuries and whiplash. The crash involved failure to yield and passing too closely.

According to the police report, a 2022 SUV traveling west on Alderton Street collided with a parked 2009 sedan. The SUV’s right front bumper struck the sedan’s left rear quarter panel. The sedan carried no occupants, but a 28-year-old female front passenger in another sedan was injured, sustaining head trauma and whiplash. The passenger was conscious and wearing a lap belt. The report lists driver errors as failure to yield right-of-way and passing too closely. No other contributing factors were noted. The collision caused damage to both vehicles and resulted in moderate injury to the passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4661736 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A BMW crashed into a GMC SUV on the Long Island Expressway. Metal twisted. Glass flew. The BMW driver, 37, suffered a torn head and deep cuts. Police cite inexperience and tailgating. The night echoed with the sound of impact.

A westbound BMW sedan struck the rear of a GMC SUV on the Long Island Expressway at 2:20 a.m. The 37-year-old BMW driver, the only occupant, was injured with severe head lacerations but remained conscious. According to the police report, 'A westbound BMW slammed into the back of a GMC SUV. Metal folded. Glass scattered. The 37-year-old driver, belted but bleeding, sat conscious behind the wheel, his head torn open by speed and inexperience.' The report lists 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The BMW’s front end and the SUV’s rear were both damaged. No injuries were reported for the SUV occupants. The crash highlights the dangers when drivers lack experience and follow too closely at speed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4660960 - 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 distracted SUV driver slammed into another SUV’s rear on the Long Island Expressway. The front driver, a 36-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles were damaged. Systemic inattention led to harm.

According to the police report, two SUVs traveling eastbound on the Long Island Expressway collided when the rear vehicle struck the center back end of the front SUV. The front driver, a 36-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and whiplash. She was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver inattention/distraction and following too closely as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed. The crash caused damage to the center back end of the front SUV and the center front end of the rear SUV.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4656884 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A truck driver lost consciousness on Queens Boulevard. His vehicle slammed front-first. He suffered a head injury and concussion. Fatigue and drowsiness caused the crash. No others were hurt.

According to the police report, a 38-year-old male driver operating a 2017 Toyota truck on Queens Boulevard lost consciousness while driving west. The truck struck an object with its center front end. The driver was semiconscious at the scene, suffering a head injury and concussion. The report lists 'Lost Consciousness' and 'Fatigued/Drowsy' as contributing factors, showing driver impairment led to the crash. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4637580 - 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

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-06-01