Jun 9 - Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.

Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.

• File S 915, Open States, Published 2025-06-09

Jun 6 - An SUV and an e-scooter collided on 75 Ave in Queens. Both drivers were distracted. The e-scooter rider, a 22-year-old woman, suffered injuries to her entire body. The SUV driver was unhurt. Impact was hard. Streets stayed dangerous.

A crash on 75 Ave at Parsons Blvd in Queens involved a station wagon/SUV and an e-scooter. According to the police report, both drivers were going straight when they collided. The e-scooter rider, a 22-year-old woman, was injured across her entire body and reported whiplash. The SUV driver, a 49-year-old man, was not injured. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both operators. No other contributing factors were noted. The SUV was struck on the right front quarter panel; the e-scooter was hit on the left side. Streets in this area remain hazardous for vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4818397 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 3 - A driver in Queens struck a man crossing Hempstead Avenue. The SUV stopped, idled, then sped off. The victim was dragged for three blocks. Bystanders screamed. The man died at the scene. The driver later surrendered to police.

NY Daily News reported on June 3, 2025, that Warren Rollins surrendered to police for a December 2023 hit-and-run in Queens. Rollins allegedly ran over Gary Charlotin, who was crossing Hempstead Ave., then stopped for two minutes before fleeing. According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Rollins 'proceeded to speed away from the scene while dragging the victim's body, while the victim was still alive.' Bystanders pleaded for the driver to stop. The incident highlights the lethal consequences of driver inattention and failure to yield, as well as the dangers posed by drivers who flee crash scenes. The NYPD Highway Patrol investigated the fatality.

• Queens Driver Drags Pedestrian Three Blocks, NY Daily News, Published 2025-06-03

May 27 - Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.

Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.

• File S 8117, Open States, Published 2025-05-27

May 23 - A motorcycle and SUV crashed on 164th Street near Union Turnpike. Two drivers suffered injuries. Police cited failure to yield and distraction. Metal struck metal. The street bore the marks. Both vehicles stopped. The city moved on.

A motorcycle and an SUV collided on 164th Street at Union Turnpike in Queens. According to the police report, both drivers were injured, suffering whiplash and other trauma. The crash involved a 31-year-old male motorcycle driver and a 39-year-old female SUV driver. Police listed 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. Both vehicles were moving straight ahead before impact. The motorcycle struck the right side doors of the SUV, while the SUV's front end was damaged. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention any helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash underscores the danger when drivers fail to yield and lose focus.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4815027 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 21 - A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.

According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.

• Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-21

May 20 - Senate backs S 4045. Repeat speeders face forced installation of speed assistance tech. Eleven points or six camera tickets triggers action. Law targets reckless drivers. Streets may get safer for those outside the car.

Senate bill S 4045, sponsored by Andrew Gounardes and co-sponsored by over two dozen senators, passed committee votes on June 11 and June 12, 2025. The bill, titled 'Relates to requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits,' mandates these devices for drivers who rack up eleven or more points in 24 months, or six speed or red light camera tickets in a year. The measure aims to curb repeat dangerous driving. Senators including Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, and others voted yes. The bill targets drivers with a pattern of violations, seeking to cut risk for pedestrians and cyclists by limiting repeat speeding.

• File S 4045, Open States, Published 2025-05-20

May 15 - A bus hit a cyclist on Union Turnpike. The rider suffered head wounds and severe cuts. The crash left the cyclist hurt and the bus damaged. No driver errors listed. The street stayed dangerous.

A bus and a bicycle collided on Union Turnpike in Queens. The cyclist, a 42-year-old man, suffered head injuries and severe lacerations. According to the police report, the bus was going straight while the cyclist was changing lanes. The point of impact was the center back end of the bus and the front of the bike. No specific driver errors or contributing factors were listed in the report. The crash left the cyclist injured and the bus damaged, underscoring the risks faced by vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812947 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 13 - A sedan turning left struck a 14-year-old girl crossing with the signal. She suffered facial injuries. Driver inattention listed as cause. The street stayed loud. The danger stayed real.

A 14-year-old girl was hit by a sedan while crossing 168 Street at Union Turnpike in Queens. According to the police report, she was crossing with the signal when the northbound Ford sedan, making a left turn, struck her with its right front bumper. The girl sustained facial injuries. Driver inattention or distraction was cited as the contributing factor. No other errors were listed. The driver and two vehicle occupants were not seriously hurt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812742 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 13 - Senate bill S 533 seeks to kill congestion pricing and order a forensic audit of the MTA. The committee vote failed. Streets stay clogged. Danger for walkers and riders lingers.

Senate bill S 533, introduced on May 13, 2025, in committee, aimed to repeal congestion pricing and require an independent audit of the MTA. The bill summary reads: 'Repeals congestion pricing (Part A); directs the metropolitan transportation authority to contract with a certified public accounting firm for the provision of an independent, comprehensive, forensic audit of the authority (Part B).' Primary sponsor Jack M. Martins led the push, joined by George Borrello, Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, and others. The committee voted it down. No safety analyst reviewed the bill’s impact on vulnerable road users. The fight over street safety and traffic chaos continues.

• File S 533, Open States, Published 2025-05-13

May 13 - Senate and Assembly clear S 6815. MTA workers get a pass for driving in bus lanes while on duty. Law shields agency vehicles from tickets. Streets grow more crowded. Vulnerable users face more risk.

Bill S 6815, titled 'Relates to bus lane restrictions in New York city,' passed the Senate on June 12, 2025, and the Assembly on June 13, 2025. The bill states, 'it shall be a defense to any prosecution for a violation of a bus lane restriction ... when an employee of the metropolitan transportation authority is performing authorized duties.' Sponsored by Senator Leroy Comrie and co-sponsored by Nathalia Fernandez, the measure exempts MTA employees from bus lane tickets while working. No safety analysis was provided. The bill opens bus lanes to more agency vehicles, crowding space meant for buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.

• File S 6815, Open States, Published 2025-05-13

May 13 - White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.

Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 7678, Open States, Published 2025-05-13

May 13 - Senate passes S 346. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. Pushes work zone safety. Sets up new enforcement fund. Lawmakers move to shield workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 346 cleared committee on May 13, 2025. The bill, titled 'Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker; promotes work zone safety awareness; establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement,' aims to crack down on drivers who threaten highway workers. Senator Jeremy Cooney led as primary sponsor, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, Christopher Ryan, and James Skoufis. The committee voted yes. The bill targets reckless driving in work zones, boosting penalties and funding enforcement. It marks a step to protect those most exposed to traffic danger.

• File S 346, Open States, Published 2025-05-13

May 12 - Two cars crashed on 168th Street. Drivers disregarded signals. One driver and a young passenger suffered injuries. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night. System failed to protect.

A sedan and an SUV collided at 168th Street and 81st Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, both drivers disregarded traffic control. One driver, age 31, suffered a back injury. An 18-year-old passenger sustained a head injury and concussion. The crash involved multiple occupants, including a child. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the main contributing factor. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812351 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 6 - Two sedans crashed at 167th Street and 73rd Avenue. Both drivers, women aged 37 and 74, suffered injuries. Passengers escaped serious harm. No cause listed. Metal twisted. Shock followed.

Two sedans collided at the intersection of 167th Street and 73rd Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, both drivers—a 37-year-old woman and a 74-year-old woman—were injured, suffering shock and internal injuries. Three other occupants, including a 20-year-old male passenger, were involved but not seriously hurt. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. Both vehicles sustained bumper damage. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left drivers shaken and hurt, but the police report offers no explanation for the cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4810806 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 6 - Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.

Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 4804, Open States, Published 2025-05-06

May 2 - A driver ran a red. He sped through Queens. He hit Justin Diaz, heading to work. Diaz died. The driver, Michael Peña, faced jail, then release. The family mourns. The street remains dangerous. The system moves on.

NY Daily News reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former firefighter, was released from jail after being charged in a fatal crash. Police said Peña drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and ran a red light, t-boning Justin Diaz near LaGuardia Airport. Peña had a history of 25 school-zone speeding tickets. The article quotes Diaz's brother: "We're sick, angry, disgusted." Peña was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusing a breath test. The release followed an appellate judge's decision, despite community outrage. The case highlights persistent dangers from high-speed driving and repeated violations, raising questions about enforcement and bail decisions.

• Red Light Crash Kills Airport Worker, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-02

May 1 - Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.

Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-01

May 1 - A man crossed Linden Boulevard. A black car hit him and fled. Another car ran over him. He died in the hospital. The first driver vanished. The second stayed. Police search. The street stayed open. Blood on the asphalt.

Patch reported on May 1, 2025, that Christopher Gayton, 62, was killed at Linden Boulevard and 166 Street in Queens. He was struck by an eastbound black vehicle whose driver fled, then run over by a 2024 Ford Edge. The Ford's driver remained at the scene. Police said, 'Police are still searching for the first driver who fled the scene.' No charges have been filed. The NYPD Highway District's Collision Investigation Squad is investigating. The crash highlights the dangers of multi-lane arterial roads and the ongoing risks for pedestrians in Queens. No arrests have been made.

• Pedestrian Killed In Queens Double Collision, Patch, Published 2025-05-01

Apr 29 - A young e-scooter rider was ejected and bruised after a crash with a Nissan car on Kissena Boulevard. The rider suffered a hip injury. No driver errors were specified in the police report.

An 18-year-old male e-scooter rider was ejected and injured in a collision with a Nissan car on Kissena Boulevard in Queens. According to the police report, the rider suffered a hip contusion and was conscious at the scene. The e-scooter was struck at the center back end, while the Nissan sustained damage to the center front end. The report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors or contributing factors were detailed. The rider was not using any safety equipment, as noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4809345 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19