Main Street Bleeds While Leaders Stall: Demand Safer Streets Now

Nov 20 - A van making a left turn hit a 46-year-old man crossing Lawrence Street at a marked crosswalk without a signal. The pedestrian suffered upper arm injuries and shock. The crash exposed dangers in driver turning maneuvers at intersections.

According to the police report, at 18:13 in Queens, a van traveling east on Lawrence Street was making a left turn when it struck a 46-year-old male pedestrian crossing at a marked crosswalk without a signal. The pedestrian was injured, sustaining upper arm and shoulder injuries and was reported to be in shock. The point of impact was the van's left front bumper. The report does not list any contributing factors from the pedestrian but highlights the van driver's left turn as the pre-crash action leading to the collision. No other contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield were explicitly cited, but the incident underscores the risks posed by turning vehicles at intersections where pedestrians are present.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4772918 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 19 - A Queens SUV driver failed to yield, striking a northbound e-scooter. The e-scooter rider suffered abrasions and arm injuries, left in shock. The SUV showed no damage despite impact to its front center. Driver errors caused the collision.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on College Point Boulevard in Queens at 9:23 AM involving a 2013 Toyota SUV and an e-scooter traveling north. The SUV driver, a 45-year-old male, was cited for 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper.' The e-scooter rider was injured, sustaining abrasions and injuries to the elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was reported to be in shock. The SUV's point of impact was the center front end, while the e-scooter was struck on the left side doors. Despite the collision, the SUV sustained no damage. The report highlights driver errors as the primary cause, with no contributing factors attributed to the e-scooter rider.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4772500 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 18 - City data shows open streets thrive. Storefronts fill up. Pedestrians and cyclists bring life and cash. Cars do not. Vacancy rates drop where traffic is banned. Volunteers keep these corridors alive, but city support lags behind their success.

On November 18, 2024, the Department of City Planning released a report titled 'Storefront Activity in NYC Neighborhoods.' The analysis, covered by Streetsblog NYC, finds that open streets—car-free corridors—have about half the vacant storefronts of car-filled streets. The report states: 'vibrant public spaces are key to the success of local businesses.' City officials like Ya-Ting Liu, chief public realm officer, and volunteers such as Alex Morano and Brent Bovenzi, praised the program's impact. Bovenzi noted, 'the program is shrinking because too much of the burden falls upon volunteer labor.' The Open Streets program, now permanent, covers over 130 locations but relies heavily on volunteers. Advocates urge the city to invest more, as the data shows people-centric design drives economic recovery and safer, more vibrant neighborhoods.

• Car-Free Streets are Good For Business, Yet Another Report Shows, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-11-18

Nov 18 - City Council passed a bill to clean up battered newsracks. Erik Bottcher led the charge. The law forces owners to post contact info and lets DOT set strict standards. The goal: clear sidewalks, fewer obstacles, safer passage for all.

On November 18, 2024, the City Council approved a bill regulating sidewalk newsracks. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Erik Bottcher (District 3), passed through committee and aims to address neglected, broken, and obstructive newspaper boxes. The bill summary states it will 'establish clear guidelines and help ensure that our local publications get to maintain their newsracks while also helping to alleviate sidewalk congestion.' Bottcher’s action brings new requirements: owners must display contact information, and the Department of Transportation gains authority to set size, shape, and material standards. Sandra Ung, another council member, noted that without oversight, newsracks become a blight. The law seeks to reduce sidewalk clutter, making streets less hazardous for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.

• ‘Ugly’ NYC sidewalk newspaper boxes will get much-needed makeover under new City Council bill, nypost.com, Published 2024-11-18

Nov 11 - A sedan traveling east struck a box truck on Horace Harding Expressway. The sedan’s left front bumper took the impact. Both the female driver and male front passenger suffered injuries, including neck and shoulder pain, leaving them in shock.

According to the police report, a 2011 Nissan sedan traveling east on Horace Harding Expressway collided with a box truck. The point of impact was the sedan's left front bumper, which sustained damage. The sedan carried two occupants: a 37-year-old female driver and a 45-year-old male front passenger. Both were injured, with the driver complaining of neck pain and the passenger suffering shoulder and upper arm injuries. Both occupants were reported to be in shock and complained of pain or nausea. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead before the crash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the passenger and none for the driver. No ejections occurred. The box truck had no occupants and no reported damage. The data does not specify any pedestrian involvement or victim fault.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4770518 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 28 - A sedan crash on Elder Avenue in Queens injured a 37-year-old male driver. The collision involved multiple parked vehicles and was caused by unsafe speed. The driver suffered chest contusions but remained conscious and was not ejected from the vehicle.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 2:42 AM on Elder Avenue in Queens. The collision involved a sedan driven by a 37-year-old male who was injured with chest contusions but remained conscious and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report states the contributing factor as 'Unsafe Speed,' indicating driver error. Multiple parked sedans were struck, with damage noted on the center back end, left front quarter panel, and left front bumper of the involved vehicles. The injured driver was not using any safety equipment at the time. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were listed in the report. The crash highlights the dangers posed by excessive speed in a residential area with parked cars.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4768113 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 27 - A 74-year-old man suffered back abrasions after being struck while crossing with the signal on 61 Road near Long Island Expressway. The pedestrian was conscious but injured in this nighttime collision involving an unspecified vehicle traveling eastbound.

According to the police report, a 74-year-old male pedestrian was injured at approximately 10:54 PM on 61 Road near the Long Island Expressway. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when he was struck by an unspecified eastbound vehicle. The victim sustained back abrasions and was conscious at the scene. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the pedestrian's actions but does not specify any driver errors or contributing factors either. The collision resulted in injury severity level 3, indicating a moderate injury. No details about the vehicle type, driver behavior, or point of impact are provided in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4766695 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 17 - A Ford SUV, engaged in a police pursuit, collided with a parked Hyundai sedan on 150 Street in Queens. Both male occupants of the SUV suffered knee and lower leg contusions. The crash was caused by improper lane usage during the pursuit.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 150 Street in Queens at 5:30 p.m. The involved vehicles were a 2017 Ford SUV traveling north and a parked 2015 Hyundai sedan. The Ford SUV was engaged in a police pursuit prior to the collision. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the SUV striking the left rear bumper of the parked sedan. Both occupants of the SUV, a 24-year-old male driver and a 35-year-old male front passenger, were injured with contusions and bruises to their knees and lower legs. Both were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The report cites "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as the contributing factor to the crash, highlighting driver error during the pursuit. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4764389 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 17 - Two SUVs crashed at Booth Memorial Avenue. The eastbound driver making a left turn struck a westbound SUV going straight. Both drivers were injured, including a front passenger with facial bruises. Police cited traffic control disregard as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:24 on Booth Memorial Avenue involving two SUVs. One vehicle, a 2014 Ford SUV traveling westbound, was struck in the center front end. The other, a 2023 Jeep SUV traveling eastbound, was making a left turn and impacted the left front bumper of the Ford. The report identifies 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in failing to obey traffic signals or signs. The Ford's driver, a 25-year-old male, suffered injuries to his entire body and was in shock, while the front passenger, a 26-year-old female, sustained facial contusions. Both occupants were not ejected; the passenger wore a lap belt and harness, the driver did not use safety equipment. The crash highlights the dangers of disregarding traffic controls at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4764292 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 17 - Two sedans collided on 148 Street. One driver backed unsafely, striking the other car. The backing driver suffered a fractured, dislocated elbow. Metal twisted. No pedestrians or cyclists involved.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed at 17:00 on 148 Street in Queens. One driver, backing unsafely, struck another sedan traveling east. The backing driver, a 51-year-old man, suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow. The report lists "Backing Unsafely" as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed. Damage hit the left rear bumper of the backing sedan and the right front bumper of the other. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No victim actions contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4765078 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 13 - Two sedans traveling north collided on Main Street in Queens. The 19-year-old female driver in the rear vehicle suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both drivers were licensed and going straight when the crash occurred late at night.

According to the police report, two sedans were traveling north on Main Street in Queens around 11:35 p.m. The rear vehicle, a 2022 Mercedes driven by a 19-year-old female, struck the center back end of the front vehicle, a 2017 Lexus. The impact caused neck injuries and whiplash to the rear driver, who was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were licensed in New York and were going straight ahead prior to the collision. The point of impact on the rear vehicle was the center back end, while the front vehicle sustained damage to the left front bumper. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not attribute fault to the injured driver or note any pedestrian involvement.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4763318 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 7 - A westbound SUV struck a 23-year-old bicyclist on Booth Memorial Avenue. The cyclist suffered head abrasions. Police cite alcohol involvement and failure to yield as crash factors.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a westbound SUV struck him on Booth Memorial Avenue in Queens at 21:50. The cyclist suffered head abrasions and remained conscious. The report lists alcohol involvement and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The SUV, a 2020 Ford, was driven by a licensed male. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead. The bicyclist was not ejected. The police report does not blame the cyclist, but highlights driver impairment and failure to yield as systemic dangers in this crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4761706 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 7 - A sedan making a right turn struck a 13-year-old bicyclist traveling straight south on 150 Street. The boy suffered back abrasions and shock. Police cite driver inattention and following too closely as causes. The cyclist was not ejected from his bike.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on 150 Street was making a right turn when it rear-ended a 13-year-old bicyclist also traveling south. The bicyclist sustained abrasions to his back and was in shock but was not ejected from his bike. The report identifies driver inattention and distraction as the primary contributing factors, along with following too closely. The sedan's driver failed to maintain proper attention and distance, resulting in the collision. The bicyclist's safety equipment status is unknown, and no contributing factors related to the victim were noted. This crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving and insufficient following distance in Queens.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4761955 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 26 - Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Sep 26 - Council bill slashes legal parking time for big rigs. Ninety minutes max for tractor-trailers. Three hours for other commercial trucks. Streets clear faster. Heavy metal moves on.

Int 1069-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced September 26, 2024. The bill reads: "reducing the maximum time commercial vehicles may park." Sponsored by Kevin C. Riley and 23 others, it limits parking to three hours for most commercial vehicles, and 90 minutes for tractor-trailers, unless signs say otherwise. The law takes effect 120 days after passage. Council aims to keep streets less clogged by oversized trucks. No safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets long-term truck storage on city streets.

• File Int 1069-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Sep 22 - SUVs slowed. Sedan followed too close. Metal slammed. A 21-year-old passenger took the blow. Head bruised. Sirens cut through Queens. Impact left pain and questions.

According to the police report, a crash unfolded on the Long Island Expressway at 12:10 PM. Two SUVs slowed in traffic. A sedan behind failed to keep distance and rear-ended the second SUV. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the cause. The collision injured a 21-year-old man riding in the right rear seat of the Jeep SUV. He suffered a head contusion. He was conscious and wore a lap belt and harness. The police report points to driver error, not passenger fault. Vehicle damage confirms a chain-reaction rear-end crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4758175 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 17 - Queens lawmakers slammed e-scooters, calling them chaos. They claimed danger, but city data shows no deaths or serious injuries. Council Member Ung introduced a bill to ban the program. Gennaro and Schulman support it. DOT says the program is safe and popular.

On September 17, 2024, Council Member Sandra Ung announced a bill to ban the Queens e-scooter share program. The bill, co-sponsored by Council Members James Gennaro and Lynn Schulman, follows a press conference where lawmakers denounced the program as hazardous. Gennaro said, "The program, as designed, leads to chaos." Ung called her bill a last resort. Assembly Members Sam Berger and David Weprin, and Community Board 8 Chair Martha Taylor, joined the opposition, citing sidewalk clutter and lack of outreach. However, DOT data contradicts their claims: since the program's June launch, 37,000 riders have taken 290,000 trips with no reported serious injuries or deaths. DOT says it held 35 briefings and implemented parking corrals in dense areas. Despite high ridership and safety records, the bill seeks to end the program, centering political frustration over proven outcomes.

• Queens Pols Have Lots of Claims About the Evils of Scooter-Share, But Few Facts, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-17

Sep 7 - Two sedans crashed head-to-tail on Parsons Boulevard. Three occupants suffered head and back injuries, including whiplash. Driver distraction was cited as a contributing factor. All victims were restrained and conscious after impact.

According to the police report, at 16:49 on Parsons Boulevard near Horace Harding Expressway, two sedans traveling east collided. The impact was center front end of one vehicle striking the center back end of the other. The crash injured three occupants: a 48-year-old female driver with back injuries and whiplash, a 19-year-old female front passenger with head injuries and whiplash, and an 11-year-old female rear passenger also with head injuries and whiplash. All occupants were conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The collision caused damage to the front end of the first sedan and the rear end of the second sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4753742 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 24 - A motorcycle struck the right rear bumper of a sedan on the Long Island Expressway. The 18-year-old motorcyclist suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries. Police cited unsafe speed and following too closely as contributing factors in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Long Island Expressway at 13:25. A motorcycle traveling westbound struck the right rear bumper of a westbound sedan. The motorcyclist, an 18-year-old male wearing a helmet, sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Following Too Closely' as the primary contributing factors, both attributed to the motorcyclist. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead with no reported violations. The impact point was the motorcycle's center front end hitting the sedan's right rear bumper, causing damage to both vehicles. The collision highlights driver errors related to speed and distance management on a high-speed expressway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4753734 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 15 - City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15