No Deaths, Just Blood: Streets Still Bleed in Pomonok

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly crossings for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, forces the Department of Transportation to install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. The bill, sponsored by Farah N. Louis (primary) and co-sponsored by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, Ariola, and others, passed on March 15, 2025. The law demands annual reporting on compliance and reasons for any delay. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Quick, visible lines cut confusion and protect people crossing or riding. The law took effect immediately.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

A 39-year-old woman suffered severe whole-body injuries after being struck at a marked crosswalk on 156 St. The Tesla, traveling north, hit her center front. The pedestrian was unconscious with fractures and dislocations, according to the police report.

According to the police report, a Tesla traveling north on 156 St struck a 39-year-old female pedestrian at a marked crosswalk. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian at its center front end. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal and suffered severe injuries, including fractures and dislocations affecting her entire body, leaving her unconscious. The report cites "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are explicitly mentioned in the data. The pedestrian's crossing without a signal is noted but only as a contributing factor listed in the report. The Tesla driver was going straight ahead at the time of impact. The collision caused significant damage to the vehicle's center front end.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784155 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 39-year-old woman suffered severe injuries crossing a marked crosswalk on Horace Harding Expressway. She fractured and dislocated parts of her body. The crash occurred at night, with no driver errors or contributing factors listed in the police report.

According to the police report, a 39-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing at a marked crosswalk on Horace Harding Expressway near 156th Street at 10:00 PM. She sustained fractures and dislocations affecting her entire body, classified as injury severity level 3. The report identifies no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The vehicle involved is unspecified, and no details about the driver or vehicle type are provided. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal, but the police report does not list this as a contributing factor. The focus remains on the severe impact and injuries sustained, with no indication of victim fault or driver misconduct documented.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784296 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided head-on at the intersection of 162 Street and 78 Avenue in Queens. Both vehicles sustained right front bumper damage. A front-seat passenger suffered a moderate burn and elbow injury, conscious and restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:51 AM on 162 Street near 78 Avenue in Queens. Two sedans, a 2009 Honda traveling east and a 2022 Tesla traveling north, collided with impact on their right front bumpers. Both vehicles had two occupants, with female licensed drivers going straight ahead. The report cites 'Passenger Distraction' as a contributing factor, indicating a distraction inside the vehicle rather than driver error. A 21-year-old female front passenger was injured, sustaining a moderate burn and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. Vehicle damage was concentrated on the right front quarter panels of both sedans. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780957 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A southbound sedan struck a parked vehicle’s right rear quarter panel on Parsons Boulevard. The impact injured a 25-year-old passenger with back trauma and whiplash. Unsafe speed by the moving driver was cited as the cause of the collision.

According to the police report, at 9 p.m. on Parsons Boulevard in Queens, a southbound Hyundai sedan collided with the right rear quarter panel of a parked Dodge sedan. The moving vehicle sustained front-end damage, while the parked car was damaged at the rear bumper. The report identifies 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in controlling the vehicle’s velocity. A 25-year-old occupant in the moving sedan suffered back injuries and whiplash, classified as injury severity level 3. The injured passenger was conscious and not ejected. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report. The collision highlights the dangers posed by excessive speed even in urban settings where parked vehicles line the street.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4774602 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

Councilmember Nily Rozic joined Republicans and business owners to denounce the $9 Manhattan congestion toll. Critics say the fee will batter neighborhoods already scarred by empty storefronts. The MTA board votes soon. The city’s most vulnerable remain at risk in traffic.

On November 17, 2024, Councilmember Nily Rozic (District 25) spoke out during a heated debate over New York’s new congestion pricing policy. The MTA board is set to vote on the $9 toll to enter Manhattan’s business district, effective January 5. The matter, described as 'NYC congestion toll would hit neighborhoods with some of worst vacancy rates in city,' has drawn fire from both Republicans and Democrats. Rozic said, 'Affordability is really the most important thing that voters, that constituents, that people on the street, talk to us about... keep the pause.' Opponents argue the toll will worsen economic pain in areas with high storefront vacancy. Despite the uproar, the policy’s impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety remains unaddressed in this debate. Vulnerable road users are left out of the political crossfire.

• NYC congestion toll would hit neighborhoods with some of worst vacancy rates in city — as GOP issues warning to Dems, nypost.com, Published 2024-11-17

Council demands DOT show its work. The law forces public updates on every street safety project. No more hiding delays. No more silent cost overruns. Progress for bus riders, cyclists, and walkers must be tracked and posted.

Int 1105-2024 became law on May 10, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, sponsored by Julie Won and co-sponsored by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others, amends the city code to require the Department of Transportation to post annual and monthly updates on all projects tied to the streets master plan. The law’s title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' It forces transparency on protected bike lanes, bus lanes, pedestrian signals, and upgrades. The public will see delays, costs, and status. No more secrets. The mayor returned it unsigned, but the law stands.

• File Int 1105-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-11-13

A moped slammed into an SUV’s side on Goethals Avenue. The 26-year-old rider crumpled, blood pooling from his leg. He wore a helmet. The SUV turned left. Sirens echoed. The city’s danger pressed in, steel against flesh.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Goethals Avenue near 162nd Street in Queens at 1:30 p.m. when a moped traveling straight struck the left side of a station wagon/SUV making a left turn. The 26-year-old moped rider suffered severe lacerations to his leg and was conscious at the scene. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor, underscoring the SUV driver's error in turning left across the moped’s path. The moped rider was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report. The narrative details, 'The moped hit first, straight into the SUV’s side. The rider, 26, crumpled on impact. Blood ran from his leg. He wore a helmet. She turned left. He had a permit.' The data makes clear the systemic risk when drivers fail to yield to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4763908 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A moped traveling north struck the rear right bumper of a slowing sedan on Parsons Boulevard in Queens. The 24-year-old moped driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:09 on Parsons Boulevard in Queens. A 24-year-old male moped driver, traveling north, collided with the right rear bumper of a sedan that was slowing or stopping. The moped sustained damage to its center front end. The moped driver, who was wearing a helmet, was injured with contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and remained conscious after the crash. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the collision. The sedan had no occupants at the time and was also registered in New York. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4762535 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Toyota’s bumper slammed into a woman crossing 71st Avenue with the light. Blood streaked her face. She stayed upright, conscious, wounded. The signal turned green. The street stayed red. Steel met flesh at the intersection. The city kept moving.

According to the police report, a Toyota’s left front bumper struck a 37-year-old woman as she crossed 71st Avenue near Parsons Boulevard. The report states she was crossing with the signal at the intersection when the collision occurred. The impact caused severe bleeding to her face, but she remained conscious at the scene. The narrative describes blood running down her face after the crash. The police report does not list any contributing factors for the driver, but the point of impact and the pedestrian’s lawful crossing with the signal highlight a failure of the driver to yield to a pedestrian in the crosswalk. No evidence in the report suggests any pedestrian error. The crash underscores the persistent danger faced by people on foot at city intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4760511 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

A 73-year-old e-bike rider was ejected and suffered serious leg injuries in a collision with an SUV on 163 Street in Queens. The SUV driver disregarded traffic control, striking the e-bike head-on. The rider was conscious but injured.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at 10:00 AM on 163 Street in Queens involving a 2022 Nissan SUV and an unlicensed e-bike rider. The SUV was traveling north, going straight ahead, and struck the e-bike on its right front bumper with its left front quarter panel. The e-bike rider, a 73-year-old male, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, as well as a concussion. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to obey traffic signals or signs. The e-bike rider was riding without a helmet and was conscious after the crash. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. This crash highlights the dangers posed by driver disregard for traffic controls and the vulnerability of unlicensed e-bike riders.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4758522 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

A 30-year-old woman crossing with the signal on Jewel Avenue was struck by a westbound sedan. The impact caused contusions and injuries to her elbow and lower arm. The driver proceeded straight ahead, colliding front-center with the pedestrian.

According to the police report, a 30-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing at an intersection on Jewel Avenue in Queens at 6:30 p.m. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2021 Toyota sedan traveling westbound struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian suffered contusions and bruises to her elbow and lower arm, classified as injury severity level 3. The driver, a licensed female from North Carolina, was driving straight ahead at the time of impact. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision occurred despite the pedestrian crossing lawfully with the signal. Vehicle damage was limited to the center front end, indicating direct impact. This crash highlights the systemic danger posed by vehicle movements through intersections, even when pedestrians comply with crossing signals.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4755913 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Intro 941 would gut New York’s citizen idling enforcement. The bill slashes bounties, lets the city ban whistleblowers, and carves out new loopholes for polluters. Critics warn it will silence the public and let engines poison streets unchecked.

Intro 941, sponsored by Council Member James Gennaro and drafted with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), is under City Council debate as of September 13, 2024. The bill, titled 'Council Bill Could Chill Citizen Reporting That Dramatically Boosted Idling Enforcement,' would give the city broad power to disqualify public participants from reporting idling, reduce fines for vehicles with anti-idling tech, and halve citizen bounties. It also allows school buses to idle up to 15 minutes and imposes a new code of conduct for enforcers. The Adams administration supports capping bounties but wants higher fines. Opponents, including the New York Clean Air Collective, say the bill 'weaponizes rules that chill participation' and will 'watch while companies like Con Ed, Verizon, and Amazon steal New York’s breath.' The Council is preparing for a hearing as debate intensifies.

• Council Bill Could Chill Citizen Reporting That Dramatically Boosted Idling Enforcement, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-13

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