Forest Hills Bleeds: Speed Kills, Leaders Stall

Council wants DOT to study how street design can keep commercial trucks out of residential blocks. The bill sits in committee. Streets should shelter people, not heavy traffic.

Int 0114-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to report on 'the utility and feasibility of using street design as a means to limit or reduce the use by commercial vehicles of streets in residential neighborhoods.' Jennifer Gutiérrez leads as primary sponsor, joined by Avilés, the Public Advocate, and others. The bill was referred to committee on the day of introduction. It demands a clear look at how design can push trucks off streets where people walk, bike, and live.

• File Int 0114-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council targets fake and expired plates. Bill sets fines. Ten-day grace for expired tags. Crackdown aims at cars that dodge law and endanger streets. Committee on Public Safety holds the measure.

Int 0177-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle with fraudulent or expired license plates,' makes it illegal to drive with fake or expired plates, including temporary ones. Civil penalties apply, but drivers with expired plates get a 10-day cure period. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Feliz, Salamanca, Powers, Restler, Won, Brewer, Schulman, Ung, Marte, Hudson, Avilés, De La Rosa, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The bill targets drivers who hide behind illegal plates, a tactic often linked to hit-and-runs and reckless driving.

• File Int 0177-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council urges Albany to pass SAFE Streets Act. Lower speed limits. Rights for crash victims. Safe passing for cyclists. Complete streets. City demands action as deaths rise. Streets remain deadly. Lawmakers must act.

Resolution 0090-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it calls on the state to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law') and A.1901, part of the SAFE Streets Act. The matter title: 'Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.2422... allowing New York city to establish a lower speed limit, and A.1901, enacting a crash victims bill of rights.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif leads, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Nurse, and others. The resolution demands lower speed limits, crash victim rights, safe passing for cyclists, and complete street design. It cites rising traffic deaths and the failure of current measures. The Council wants Albany to give the city real power to protect people on its streets.

• File Res 0090-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council passed a law forcing taxis and for-hire cars to post bold warnings on doors. The signs tell passengers: look for cyclists before you open up. A small step. The city hands out the decals. No cost to drivers.

Int 0193-2024 became law on May 31, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' was sponsored by Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by over twenty council members, including Gutiérrez, Hudson, and Rivera. The law mandates clear warning decals on all rear passenger doors of taxis and for-hire vehicles. The Taxi and Limousine Commission will provide the signs at no cost. The measure aims to cut down on 'dooring'—a threat to cyclists citywide. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it became law.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

A 13-year-old boy suffered severe leg fractures after a distracted SUV driver struck him at a Queens intersection. The boy was crossing against the signal when the vehicle, traveling west, hit him with its front center. Shock and injury followed impact.

According to the police report, a 13-year-old male pedestrian was injured in Queens at the intersection of Yellowstone Boulevard and Burns Street around 3:07 PM. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when he was struck by a 2015 Toyota SUV traveling west. The point of impact was the vehicle's center front end, causing fractures and dislocations to the boy's knee, lower leg, and foot. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor, indicating the driver failed to maintain proper attention. The pedestrian's action of crossing against the signal is noted but driver error remains the primary cause. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead. The collision caused significant vehicle damage to the front center and left the pedestrian in shock with serious lower limb injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703159 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2024-02-13

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2024-02-13

Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

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 2024-01-30

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 2024-01-30

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 2024-01-30

Three sedans collided on Jackie Robinson Parkway after aggressive driving escalated. A 52-year-old female driver suffered a head injury and concussion. Impact struck right side doors and front ends, highlighting road rage’s deadly toll in NYC streets.

According to the police report, the crash involved three sedans traveling westbound on Jackie Robinson Parkway at 21:13. The collision was caused by aggressive driving and road rage, cited as contributing factors for at least one driver. The impact points included right side doors and center front ends of the vehicles. A 52-year-old female driver, wearing a lap belt and harness, was injured with a head injury and concussion but was not ejected and remained conscious. Both involved drivers were licensed in New York. The report explicitly identifies aggressive driving and road rage as the driver errors leading to the crash, with no contributing factors attributed to the victims. This incident underscores the lethal consequences of driver aggression on NYC roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698544 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A moped driver was ejected and seriously injured in a Queens crash. The collision involved a sedan and an SUV. Police cite driver inattention as a key factor. The rider suffered abdominal and pelvic injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Metropolitan Avenue in Queens at 6:30 PM. The collision involved a moped traveling north, a sedan making a left turn eastbound, and an SUV traveling south. The moped driver, a 20-year-old male, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained serious injuries to his abdomen and pelvis, including contusions and bruises. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The moped driver was wearing a helmet at the time. The sedan impacted the right rear quarter panel of the moped, while the SUV struck the moped's left front bumper area. The moped was demolished in the collision. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's actions. The focus remains on driver error and systemic danger posed by distracted driving.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697479 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A driver killed Dolma Naadhun, age seven, in Astoria. The DA dropped felony charges. The driver got probation. The city changed the intersection. Activists called for daylighting. The system failed to protect the most vulnerable. The street remains dangerous.

On January 22, 2024, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz’s office quietly downgraded charges against Claudia Mendez-Vasquez, who killed 7-year-old Dolma Naadhun in Astoria. Mendez-Vasquez, initially charged with criminally negligent homicide, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor reckless driving and received probation. The DA’s office cited the family’s wishes, but advocates and family friends called the outcome a slap on the wrist. The crash sparked local activism: the community board passed a resolution for universal daylighting—removing parked cars from corners to improve visibility. Mayor Adams pledged to daylight 1,000 intersections a year, but the Department of Transportation has resisted full implementation, citing concerns about driver behavior. The city installed a traffic signal and banned parking at two corners, but systemic danger remains. The case highlights how lenient prosecution and slow policy change leave vulnerable road users at risk.

• Driver Who Killed 7-Year-Old Gets Probation After DA Katz Quietly Downgraded Charges, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-22

A moped struck a man crossing Yellowstone Boulevard with the signal. The pedestrian’s arm shattered. The driver failed to yield and was distracted. Systemic danger left the pedestrian hurt in Queens.

According to the police report, a moped traveling north on Yellowstone Boulevard hit a 35-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing at Burns Street with the signal. The pedestrian suffered a fractured, dislocated, and distorted elbow, lower arm, and hand. He was conscious at the scene. The report cites the moped driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The point of impact was the center front end of the moped, which had no damage. The crash resulted from the driver's errors and the ongoing danger of failure to yield and distraction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4693660 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 45-year-old in-line skater was injured in Queens. A sedan struck him while making a left turn. The driver was distracted and following too closely.

A 45-year-old male in-line skater was injured when a sedan struck him in Queens. According to the police report, the driver was making a left turn when the collision occurred. The driver’s inattention and distraction, along with following too closely, contributed to the crash. The skater suffered a facial contusion but was conscious at the scene. No safety equipment was noted for the skater.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691473 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Box truck pulled from parking, hit moped moving straight. Young rider hurt, knee and leg scraped. Truck failed to yield. Steel met flesh. The street did not forgive.

According to the police report, a box truck started from parking on Yellowstone Boulevard and struck a moped traveling straight. The moped driver, a 20-year-old man, suffered abrasions to his knee and lower leg. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. The truck's left front bumper hit the moped's right side doors. The moped driver was unlicensed and wore no safety equipment, but these were not cited as causes. The truck showed damage to its left front bumper; the moped had no visible damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4689299 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

MTA plans $30 million for Queens bus overhaul. Eight new routes. More frequent service for thousands. Stops spaced farther apart. Most riders keep their stops. Councilmember Brooks-Powers doubts gains for her district. Borough President Richards backs the plan. Rollout not before 2025.

The MTA’s Queens Bus Network Redesign, announced December 12, 2023, proposes $30 million in service upgrades and expands local routes from 83 to 91. The plan, under review since 2020, aims to boost 10-minute-or-better service for 200,000 more residents, raising coverage from 60.1% to 68.9%. The official summary states the redesign will 'streamline and speed up service.' Council Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers voiced 'serious concerns' about disadvantages for her district, especially with congestion pricing. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, once critical, now supports the draft after public outreach. State Senator Leroy Comrie noted Brooks-Powers wants clarity for her community, not outright rejection. The redesign awaits further input and is expected no sooner than 2025. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• MTA’s Queens Bus Redesign: $30M in Service, 8 More Routes, Skepticism from Brooks-Powers, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-12-12

A northbound SUV struck a parked SUV on 68 Avenue in Queens. The impact hit the left rear quarter panel of the parked vehicle. The driver of the moving SUV was injured and incoherent. Air bag deployed. Traffic control disregarded caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 2012 Honda SUV traveling north on 68 Avenue collided with a parked 2022 BMW SUV. The point of impact was the left rear quarter panel of the parked vehicle. The driver of the moving SUV, a 56-year-old woman, was injured and incoherent at the scene. The air bag deployed during the crash. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The parked vehicle had no occupants at the time. The collision caused center front end damage to the moving SUV and left rear quarter panel damage to the parked SUV.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4683580 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 38-year-old woman was struck while crossing Austin Street at an intersection. She suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was in shock. The sedan involved showed no damage. The driver was making a left turn at the time of impact.

According to the police report, a 38-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Austin Street in Queens. She was crossing with the signal when a sedan, driven by a licensed female driver making a left turn, struck her with the vehicle's left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The sedan showed no damage. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors beyond the driver’s maneuver. No victim fault or safety equipment is noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4680910 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06