Main Street Bleeds While Leaders Stall: Demand Safer Streets Now

Aug 6 - A 23-year-old woman driving east on Booth Memorial Avenue collided with a parked sedan. The impact crushed the front center of her vehicle. She was injured and semiconscious, wearing a lap belt. Police cited unsafe speed as a contributing factor.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Booth Memorial Avenue in Queens at 1:29 a.m. A 23-year-old female driver traveling east in a 2020 sedan struck a parked 2024 sedan. The point of impact was the center front end of the moving vehicle and the center back end of the parked vehicle. The driver was injured and semiconscious, secured by a lap belt, and was not ejected. The report explicitly identifies 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor to the collision. There were no other contributing factors related to the victim's behavior listed. The crash resulted in significant damage to the front of the moving sedan, highlighting the dangers of excessive speed even in low-traffic conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4745819 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 28 - A 60-year-old female e-bike rider was ejected and sustained full-body injuries including a concussion. The crash occurred on Main Street in Queens when a vehicle failed to yield right-of-way, striking the rider’s right side and causing severe trauma.

According to the police report, the crash happened at 4:00 PM on Main Street near Peck Avenue in Queens. The injured party was a 60-year-old female e-bike rider traveling westbound who was ejected upon impact. The collision involved a vehicle traveling northbound that struck the e-bike on the right side doors with its left front bumper. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor by the vehicle driver. The bicyclist suffered injuries to her entire body and was unconscious with a concussion. The report notes no safety equipment used by the rider. The vehicle had no occupants and was going straight ahead before impact. This incident highlights the dangers posed by driver errors in yielding to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743534 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 22 - Senator John Liu slams the MTA’s Queens bus overhaul. He says cuts will strand riders, raise costs, and choke access. Liu demands answers. Riders face longer waits, more transfers, and higher fares. The MTA claims better service. Riders see only risk.

On July 22, 2024, State Senator John Liu, representing District 16 and serving on the Senate's transportation committee, publicly opposed the MTA’s pending redesign of Queens bus routes. In a letter to MTA CEO Janno Lieber, Liu wrote, 'I demand the MTA explain how this plan is overall an increase and expansion of bus service in Queens as opposed to an actually disguised cost reduction measure.' Liu highlighted the planned elimination of the QM3 bus and reductions to the QM5, warning of increased wait times and higher fares for commuters. He argued that rerouting and service cuts would isolate seniors, strand students, and hurt businesses. Liu’s stance: the redesign prioritizes cost-cutting over real improvements. The MTA insists the plan means more and faster service, but Liu and local riders remain unconvinced. No safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Queens pol pushes back against MTA plans to redesign borough bus routes, gothamist.com, Published 2024-07-22

Jul 22 - Senator John Liu slams the MTA’s Queens bus overhaul. He says cuts will strand riders, raise costs, and choke access. Liu demands answers. Riders face longer waits, more transfers, and higher fares. The MTA claims better service. Riders see only risk.

On July 22, 2024, State Senator John Liu, representing District 16 and serving on the Senate's transportation committee, publicly opposed the MTA’s pending redesign of Queens bus routes. In a letter to MTA CEO Janno Lieber, Liu wrote, 'I demand the MTA explain how this plan is overall an increase and expansion of bus service in Queens as opposed to an actually disguised cost reduction measure.' Liu highlighted the planned elimination of the QM3 bus and reductions to the QM5, warning of increased wait times and higher fares for commuters. He argued that rerouting and service cuts would isolate seniors, strand students, and hurt businesses. Liu’s stance: the redesign prioritizes cost-cutting over real improvements. The MTA insists the plan means more and faster service, but Liu and local riders remain unconvinced. No safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Queens pol pushes back against MTA plans to redesign borough bus routes, gothamist.com, Published 2024-07-22

Jul 20 - SUV hit e-bike from behind on Horace Harding Expressway. E-bike rider, 27, suffered head abrasions but stayed conscious. Police blamed driver inattention and tailgating. Both vehicles’ front ends were damaged.

According to the police report, a 2022 Lexus SUV rear-ended a 27-year-old male e-bike rider on Horace Harding Expressway at 10:19. The SUV was heading west, straight ahead, while the e-bike was making a right turn southwest. The SUV’s right front bumper struck the e-bike’s center front end. The e-bike rider suffered head abrasions but remained conscious and was not ejected. Police cited 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as driver errors. The e-bike rider wore a helmet, but no fault was attributed to him. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front ends.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4742053 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 19 - Nine greenway gaps in Eastern Queens remain untouched. Six are fully funded. Three lack $25 million. The Parks Department blames slow progress on agency overlap. Cyclists and walkers face broken paths and car danger. Advocates and Council Member Ung demand action, not excuses.

This report covers the ongoing delay in completing the Eastern Queens Greenway, a project with $40 million allocated but no construction timeline. The Parks Department has not started work on nine segments, despite six being fully funded. Council Member Sandra Ung has prioritized funding for her district’s portion, stating, 'I am proud that today nearly the entire greenway through District 20 is fully funded.' Advocates like John Kelly and Joby Jacob push for transparency and urgency, warning, 'Now is the time to ensure that this great work isn't watered down or indefinitely delayed.' The Parks Department cites multi-agency involvement for the holdup. Meanwhile, existing paths crumble, forcing cyclists and pedestrians into traffic. The lack of progress leaves vulnerable road users exposed and the promise of safe passage unfulfilled.

• Parks Dept. Has Money But No Timeline to Finish Eastern Queens Greenway, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-19

Jul 10 - Transit advocates and unions demand a Flatbush Avenue bus lane. Mayor Adams stalls. Council Members Hudson and Joseph back the plan. Riders wait. Buses crawl. Working-class New Yorkers bear the brunt. The city delays. Streets stay dangerous. Justice deferred.

On July 10, 2024, a coalition of transit advocates and labor unions renewed calls for a Flatbush Avenue bus lane. The campaign, not tied to a specific council bill, has drawn support from Council Members Crystal Hudson and Rita Joseph. The matter, described as a 'no-brainer solution,' highlights slow bus speeds—often under 5 mph—and the urgent need for safer, faster transit. Jolyse Race of Riders Alliance stressed the economic justice at stake, noting bus riders earn half as much as car owners. Mayor Eric Adams has withheld support, citing community engagement and raising concerns about gentrification. The Department of Transportation's plans have stalled under his administration. Healthcare workers and union leaders spoke of missed shifts and unreliable service. Advocates now plan to survey bus riders to show support. No formal safety analysis was provided, but the campaign centers the needs of vulnerable bus riders and pedestrians.

• Bus Advocates Renew Push For Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Despite Mayor’s Lack of Support, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-10

Jul 7 - Two sedans collided on Horace Harding Expressway in the evening. The driver changing lanes struck the rear of a sedan traveling straight. The lane-changing driver suffered neck injuries and shock, restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:05 on Horace Harding Expressway involving two sedans traveling east. One driver was changing lanes and impacted the right front bumper of her vehicle with the left rear bumper of the other sedan, which was going straight ahead. The driver who changed lanes was cited for Driver Inattention/Distraction as the contributing factor. She was injured, sustaining neck injuries and was in shock, but was not ejected and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report highlights driver error—specifically inattention and distraction—as the cause of the collision. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4738793 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 18 - City hall wants to strip red tape from open streets. The plan slashes insurance demands and trains new groups. Advocates say high costs and paperwork choke car-free events. The move could revive lost corridors and let more New Yorkers reclaim the road.

On June 18, 2024, Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu released a report proposing major reforms to New York City's open streets program. The plan, highlighted in the report 'Realm of Possibility,' aims to 'lift some of the bureaucratic and cost hurdles faced by the largely volunteer open streets groups.' Key elements include lowering or waiving liability insurance for small events, standardizing maintenance agreements, and launching a 'Public Space Academy' to train organizers. Jim Burke, organizer for 34th Avenue, called for removing barriers to make the program equitable. Gib Veconi of Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council and Jackson Chabot of Open Plans both praised the reforms, citing burdensome permit processes and high costs as threats to open streets. The proposal responds to advocates' warnings that city policies have stifled car-free spaces, risking the loss of vital corridors for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Someday, You May be Able to Activate Open Streets with Fewer City Hurdles, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-18

Jun 16 - A southbound SUV struck on its right side by an eastbound sedan on Horace Harding Expressway. The SUV’s right rear passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention and distraction as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at 13:35 on Horace Harding Expressway in Queens involving a southbound 2022 Toyota SUV and an eastbound 2019 Nissan sedan. The SUV was impacted on its right side doors by the sedan's center front end. The SUV carried six occupants; a 57-year-old female passenger in the right rear seat was injured, sustaining neck injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both vehicles. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to side-impact collisions on busy expressways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4733186 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 7 - Albany lawmakers shut down a last-ditch MTA funding plan after Governor Hochul paused congestion pricing. No replacement for the lost $1 billion. Transit riders and street users face uncertainty. Lawmakers call the move reckless. The city waits. Danger lingers.

On June 7, 2024, the New York State legislative session ended without passing a replacement funding plan for the MTA after Governor Kathy Hochul paused congestion pricing. The matter, described as 'Albany pumps the brakes on MTA funding plan in rebuke of Hochul’s move to ditch congestion pricing,' left the MTA without the $1 billion annual revenue congestion pricing would have provided. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins announced the session’s close without a deal. Lawmakers including State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris, State Sen. John Liu, Assemblyman Harvey Epstein, and Assemblyman Tony Simone criticized the governor’s decision and the proposed IOU bailout. Gounardes said, 'I cannot in good conscience ratify a decision that will eliminate a significant, dedicated revenue source for the MTA’s capital plan.' The pause leaves the city’s transit future—and the safety of those who rely on it—uncertain.

• Albany pumps the brakes on MTA funding plan in rebuke of Hochul’s move to ditch congestion pricing, nypost.com, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 6 - Top city officials broke ranks with Mayor Adams. They demanded congestion pricing after Governor Hochul’s sudden halt. MTA board members, planners, and transit chiefs warned of lost funding and stalled projects. They called the suspension a blow to transit and public safety.

On June 6, 2024, New York City officials issued strong statements supporting congestion pricing after Governor Hochul suspended the plan. The matter, titled 'City Officials Demand Congestion Pricing Despite Eric Adams’s Deference to Hochul,' saw Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi, MTA board member Midori Valdivia, City Planning Chair Dan Garodnick, DOT Chief of Staff Ryan Lynch, and public space czar Ya-Ting Liu all speak out. Valdivia warned, 'today it was announced, without MTA Board consultation, the cancellation of projects such as the Second Avenue Subway Phase II, our accessibility program... and a fully zero-emission bus fleet.' Joshi declared, 'It needs to happen now.' Garodnick cited a 'significant hole' in the MTA budget. Liu called congestion pricing 'the only policy' for transit and traffic. The New York City Independent Budget Office also warned of economic harm and delayed improvements. Mayor Adams, once a supporter, deferred to the governor, leaving vulnerable road users without promised transit upgrades.

• City Officials Demand Congestion Pricing Despite Eric Adams’s Deference to Hochul, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 6 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 3 - Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03

May 28 - Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

May 25 - A 54-year-old male bicyclist suffered a chest fracture after an SUV struck him on Main Street. The collision involved driver errors including failure to yield right-of-way and improper lane usage. The bicyclist remained conscious but injured.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:15 on Main Street involving a Station Wagon/SUV and an E-Bike. The bicyclist, a 54-year-old male, was injured with a chest fracture and remained conscious. The report cites the SUV driver's failure to yield right-of-way and improper passing or lane usage as contributing factors. The bicyclist was not ejected and sustained a fracture and dislocation to the chest area. The E-Bike driver was unlicensed. Vehicle damage was reported as none for both vehicles, with the SUV impacting the left front quarter panel. The report highlights driver errors on the part of the SUV operator as the primary cause, with no contributing victim behaviors noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728481 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19