Main Street Bleeds While Leaders Stall: Demand Safer Streets Now

May 21 - 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 2024-05-21

May 16 - Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.

On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.

• Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins, nypost.com, Published 2024-05-16

May 16 - Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.

On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.

• Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins, nypost.com, Published 2024-05-16

May 16 - Council moves to light up step streets. At least 25 stairways each year will get new lamps. Dark paths become visible. Pedestrians gain ground. Shadows shrink. Danger loses its cover.

Int 0875-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on May 16, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the installation of pedestrian lighting on step streets.' Prime sponsor Joann Ariola, joined by sixteen co-sponsors, pushes for at least 25 step streets to be lit each year until all are covered. Step streets are open-air staircases linking streets at different heights. The bill aims to strip darkness from these paths, making them safer for people on foot. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0875-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

May 10 - Two sedans slammed together on 155 Street. One driver, a woman, suffered back pain and shock. Both cars hit head-on. Police cite failure to yield. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at 16:15 on 155 Street near 59 Avenue in Queens. Both drivers were women, each alone in her car. The eastbound sedan struck the left front quarter panel of the southbound sedan. The 41-year-old driver of the eastbound car suffered back pain and shock but was not ejected, restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the cause. Both drivers were licensed and driving straight before the crash. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash shows the danger when drivers fail to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4724006 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 9 - A 35-year-old man was injured crossing a marked crosswalk on 146 Street in Queens. The sedan, making a left turn, failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and upper leg injuries, conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 146 Street in Queens struck a 35-year-old male pedestrian at a marked crosswalk near 58 Road around 8:00 AM. The vehicle was making a left turn when the collision occurred, impacting the pedestrian at the center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Outside Car Distraction' as contributing factors attributed to the driver. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal but within a marked crosswalk. He sustained abrasions and injuries to his hip and upper leg, remaining conscious after the impact. The vehicle sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and operating a 2008 Buick sedan. The crash highlights driver error in yielding to pedestrians at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723514 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 28 - Two sedans collided at 146 Street and 58 Avenue in Queens. The left side of one vehicle struck the front of the other. A 20-year-old male driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 146 Street near 58 Avenue in Queens at 8:20 p.m. Two sedans traveling south and west collided, with impact on the left side doors of the southbound vehicle and the center front end of the westbound vehicle. The report identifies failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor. A 20-year-old male driver, occupant of one vehicle, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. He was restrained by a lap belt. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior. The collision caused significant damage to the left side doors of one sedan and the front end of the other.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720804 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 20 - SUV struck another car’s rear quarter panel at speed. Driver suffered upper arm and shoulder injuries. Unsafe speed and bad lane use caused the crash. Metal twisted. Traffic did not forgive.

According to the police report, a 2005 Honda SUV traveling east on the Long Island Expressway struck the left rear quarter panel of another vehicle during a lane change at 3:18 AM. The SUV driver, a 43-year-old man, was injured in the crash, suffering upper arm and shoulder injuries and whiplash. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The SUV’s right front bumper and the other vehicle’s left rear quarter panel were damaged. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. Driver errors related to speed and improper lane use led to the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718604 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 18 - Council moves to hike fines for illegal ATVs and dirt bikes. First offense: $375–$750. Repeat: $750–$1,500. Law aims at reckless riders who menace city streets and endanger lives.

Bill Int 0856-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced April 18, 2024, it seeks to amend city code to raise fines for unlawful ATV and dirt bike use. The bill states: 'The first offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 375 dollars and up to 750 dollars. Any subsequent offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 750 dollars and up to 1500 dollars.' Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa leads as primary sponsor, joined by Salamanca Jr., Gennaro, Brannan, Louis, Ung, Restler, and Farías. The bill was referred to committee the same day. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0856-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Apr 18 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned and unplated cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. Police target vehicles with missing or fake plates. Fewer hazards for those on foot and bike.

Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 18, 2024. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation.' Sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary) and co-sponsored by over a dozen council members, it forces the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours and empowers NYPD to tow cars with missing or obscured plates or stickers. The law aims to clear street hazards fast, reducing risks for pedestrians and cyclists.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Apr 17 - Two SUVs crashed on 153 Street in Queens. One driver failed to yield right-of-way while making a left turn, striking the other vehicle going straight. Both drivers suffered injuries, including whiplash and shock, with front-end vehicle damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:50 on 153 Street in Queens involving two sport utility vehicles. One SUV was traveling eastbound going straight ahead, while the other was making a left turn westbound. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor by the driver making the left turn. The collision impacted the center front end of the eastbound vehicle and the right front quarter panel of the left-turning vehicle. Both drivers were injured; the female driver of the eastbound SUV suffered whiplash and injuries to her entire body, secured by a lap belt and harness. The male driver making the left turn was in shock with unknown bodily injuries, also restrained by a lap belt and harness. Neither occupant was ejected. The report identifies driver error in yielding as the critical cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718080 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 17 - A 72-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after an SUV failed to yield while making a left turn. The pedestrian was crossing at a marked crosswalk without a signal. The impact caused minor bleeding and shock.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:12 AM on 56 Avenue near 152 Street in Queens. A Ford SUV, traveling east and making a left turn, struck a 72-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing at a marked crosswalk without a signal. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the primary contributing factor, placing responsibility on the vehicle driver. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with minor bleeding and shock noted. The SUV showed no damage despite the center front end impact. The report does not list any pedestrian behaviors as contributing factors beyond the crossing location. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally, but failed to yield, causing the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718082 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 17 - A sedan struck the back of a slowing dump truck on the Long Island Expressway. The sedan driver suffered full-body injuries but remained conscious. Police cited passing and following too closely as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Long Island Expressway around 7:00 AM. A sedan traveling west struck the center back end of a slowing or stopping dump truck also heading west. The sedan driver, a 32-year-old male occupant, was injured across his entire body but remained conscious and was restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report identifies driver errors including "Passing Too Closely" and "Following Too Closely" as contributing factors to the collision. The dump truck driver was licensed and slowing at the time of impact. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The crash highlights the dangers of insufficient spacing and unsafe passing maneuvers on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718246 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 15 - Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2024-04-15

Apr 14 - Vandals tore hundreds of saplings from Kissena Park. Some trees vanished. Others lay dead in the dirt. ATV tracks scarred the ground. Volunteers, furious, found their work destroyed. The park’s greenway, a lifeline for cyclists, now stands exposed and wounded.

On April 6, 2024, vandals ripped out 300 young trees near the Kissena Park Greenway in Queens. The incident, reported by Streetsblog NYC, left the area between Four Winds Playground and the Kissena Velodrome stripped and scarred. The Kissena Park Connector, part of the Destination Greenways plan, is a vital east-west bike route. Volunteers, who planted the saplings since 2022, found ATV tracks at the scene. Council Member Sandra Ung, a supporter of the greenway and volunteer efforts, urged witnesses to report vandalism. She told NY1, 'Anyone witnessing any vandalism should report it.' The NYPD and Parks Department have investigated but offered no comment. The destruction leaves greenway users—cyclists and pedestrians—more exposed, stripping away natural protection and undermining years of community effort.

• Vandals Commit Mass Arborcide Near the Greenway in Kissena Park, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-04-14

Apr 11 - Council targets hidden plates. Bill makes it a crime to park, stop, or drive with covered tags. Fines reach $1,000. Jail time possible. Committee weighs action. Streets demand accountability.

Int 0766-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on April 11, 2024. The bill reads: “prohibiting the parking, standing, stopping, or operation of a motor vehicle with obscured or defaced license plates.” Council Member Oswald Feliz leads, joined by Holden, Bottcher, Gennaro, Marte, Restler, Ung, and Paladino. The bill sets fines up to $1,000 and possible jail for violators. Each offense is a misdemeanor. The council aims to strip cover for reckless drivers, making it harder to dodge tickets and accountability. No safety analyst note yet, but the intent is clear: end the shield for lawless driving.

• File Int 0766-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-11

Apr 2 - A box truck slammed into the rear of an SUV traveling west on the Long Island Expressway. The impact caused neck injuries to the SUV driver and a right rear passenger. Police cited following too closely and slippery pavement as key factors.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Long Island Expressway around 1 p.m. A box truck, traveling westbound, collided with the center back end of a 2021 Chevrolet SUV also moving west. The truck's front end struck the SUV's rear, causing damage to both vehicles. The SUV driver, a 35-year-old male, and a 31-year-old male passenger in the right rear seat both suffered neck injuries described as whiplash. Both occupants were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. Police identified 'Following Too Closely' by the truck driver and 'Other Vehicular' factors, along with slippery pavement conditions, as contributing causes. The report highlights driver error in maintaining safe distance, with no mention of victim fault.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714655 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 27 - 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 2024-03-27

Mar 20 - 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 2024-03-20

Mar 16 - A sedan traveling east struck a parked vehicle on 136 Street in Queens. The driver, a 55-year-old woman, suffered shock but no specified injuries. The collision damaged the left front bumper of the sedan and the left rear bumper of the parked car.

According to the police report, a 55-year-old female driver operating a 2020 Lincoln sedan was traveling east on 136 Street in Queens when her vehicle collided with a parked car. The point of impact was the sedan's left front bumper striking the parked vehicle's left rear bumper. The driver was not ejected and experienced shock but no specified bodily injuries. The report lists no explicit contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was licensed in New York and the vehicle was registered in the state. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved in this crash. The lack of detailed contributing factors suggests the collision may have involved driver inattention or misjudgment while moving from a parked position or navigating near parked cars.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4710239 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19