No Deaths, Just Blood: Streets Still Bleed in Pomonok

Council bill orders DOT to repair broken curbs during street resurfacing. Hazardous curbs trip, trap, and injure. The fix is overdue. Pedestrians need solid ground. Council moves to force action.

Int 0724-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced March 19, 2024, the bill commands DOT to repair broken curbs that pose safety hazards during any resurfacing project. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... requiring that the department of transportation repair broken curbs as part of resurfacing projects.' Council Members Schulman, Gennaro (primary), Gutiérrez, Louis, Brewer, and Avilés sponsor the measure. The bill targets a simple danger: shattered curbs that trip and injure. If passed, DOT must fix these hazards as routine, not afterthought. The law would take effect 120 days after enactment.

• File Int 0724-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-19

Council wants every e-bike and scooter tagged and tracked. Plates on wheels. Riders face new rules. Lawmakers say it’s about order. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait.

Int 0606-2024 was introduced on March 7, 2024, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring that every bicycle with electric assist, electric scooter and other legal motorized vehicle be licensed and registered," would force all e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles not covered by DMV rules to register with DOT and display visible plates. Council Member Inna Vernikov is the primary sponsor, joined by 26 co-sponsors including Holden, Farías, Riley, and others. The bill was laid over in committee and has not advanced. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• File Int 0606-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

SUV driver, distracted and speeding, struck a sedan turning right on 73 Avenue. Sedan driver suffered whiplash and full-body trauma. Streets in Queens again show the cost of inattention behind the wheel.

According to the police report, a crash took place at 16:30 on 73 Avenue near Utopia Parkway in Queens. A 55-year-old man driving a sedan was injured with whiplash and trauma to his entire body. The sedan was making a right turn eastbound when a westbound SUV, stopped in traffic, struck it in the center front end. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors for the SUV driver. The sedan driver wore a lap belt and harness. The crash underscores driver inattention and speeding as the main causes, with no contributing actions by the injured driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707072 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council bill would pay up to $1,000 for tips that help catch hit-and-run drivers who injure or kill. Police and city workers are barred from rewards. The measure targets unsolved crashes that leave victims behind.

Int 0143-2024, now in the Committee on Public Safety, was introduced February 28, 2024. The bill states: 'establishing a reward for individuals who provide information leading to the apprehension, prosecution or conviction of a person who seriously injures or kills another individual in a hit-and-run accident.' Council Member Rita C. Joseph leads as primary sponsor, joined by Brooks-Powers, Narcisse, Vernikov, Louis, Bottcher, Hudson, Gennaro, and Williams. The bill excludes law enforcement and city employees from eligibility. The aim is to mobilize the public to help solve hit-and-run cases, many of which remain unsolved, and bring justice for victims.

• File Int 0143-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council passed a law forcing taxis and for-hire cars to post bold warnings on doors. The signs tell passengers: look for cyclists before you open up. A small step. The city hands out the decals. No cost to drivers.

Int 0193-2024 became law on May 31, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' was sponsored by Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by over twenty council members, including Gutiérrez, Hudson, and Rivera. The law mandates clear warning decals on all rear passenger doors of taxis and for-hire vehicles. The Taxi and Limousine Commission will provide the signs at no cost. The measure aims to cut down on 'dooring'—a threat to cyclists citywide. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it became law.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

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 2024-02-13

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 2024-02-13

Council moves to hike fines for riding bikes, e-bikes, and scooters on city sidewalks. The bill targets sidewalk riding with stiffer penalties. No mention of street safety or driver accountability.

Bill Int 0037-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 8, 2024. The measure, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...increasing civil penalties for operating a bicycle, bicycle with electric assist, or electric scooter on the sidewalk,' seeks to raise fines for sidewalk riding. Council Members Stevens (primary), Gennaro, Ung, Brewer, Brannan, and Morano sponsor the bill. The action: referral to committee. The summary states, 'This bill would increase each of the existing civil penalties for operating a bicycle, a bicycle with electric assist (commonly referred to as an “e-bike”), or an electric scooter on the sidewalk.' No safety analyst assessment is available. The bill focuses on penalties, not on street design or driver behavior.

• File Int 0037-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

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 2024-01-30

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 2024-01-30

Two SUVs collided head-on on the Long Island Expressway. The female driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Slippery pavement contributed to the crash. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, two station wagons/SUVs traveling westbound on the Long Island Expressway collided at 4:55 AM. The point of impact was the left front quarter panel of a 2018 Honda SUV and the right front bumper of a 2018 Jeep SUV. The female driver of the Honda was injured, sustaining neck injuries and whiplash, and was conscious at the scene. She was restrained by a lap belt. The report cites slippery pavement as a contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead prior to the collision. The damage was concentrated on the front ends of both vehicles, indicating a direct impact. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697827 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 54-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a collision with a 2022 Toyota SUV traveling north on Goethals Avenue. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper. The pedestrian was left in shock and internal pain.

According to the police report, a 54-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2022 Toyota SUV traveling north on Goethals Avenue struck him with the vehicle's right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in internal complaints and shock. The vehicle was reported to have no damage, and the driver was going straight ahead at the time of impact. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No pedestrian actions or equipment were cited as contributing factors. The collision caused bodily injury severity level 3 to the pedestrian, highlighting the dangers pedestrians face even when vehicles show no visible damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698077 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

State lawmakers unlocked millions from the Outer Borough Transportation Account. The money will fund toll rebates and transit projects. Some cash backs driving. Some boosts buses. Advocates push for more bus service. Riders need better, faster, safer options now.

Bill: Outer Borough Transportation Account (OBTA) funding allocation. Status: Active as of January 24, 2024. Committee: State legislature, with final approval by the Capital Program Review Board. The OBTA, created in 2018, collects a taxi surcharge as 'Phase I' of congestion pricing. The first $300 million funded subway repairs; the next $50 million now goes to projects chosen by state legislators and the governor. The bill summary notes, 'A special fund created in 2018 to pay for transportation 'carrots' intended to counteract the supposed stick of congestion pricing finally has a balance of tens of millions of dollars.' Assembly Member Nily Rozic (D-Queens) secured restored Q46 bus service. Lisa Daglian of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA called for a weekly City Ticket. Danny Pearlstein of Riders Alliance demanded better bus service, saying, 'The most important thing is better bus service.' The fund will shape how New Yorkers travel as congestion pricing nears.

• The Money For Congestion Pricing ‘Carrots’ Is Finally Here, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-24

NYPD and DOT flood streets for New Year’s. Cops target drunk, reckless drivers. Speed cameras snap violators. Senator John Liu backs tougher laws. City pushes to lower legal blood alcohol limit. The goal: fewer deaths, less carnage, safer streets.

On December 28, 2023, New York City launched an aggressive drunk driving enforcement campaign for New Year’s weekend. The effort, led by the NYPD and Department of Transportation, aims to keep inebriated motorists off the roads. Senator John Liu, representing District 16, publicly supported the crackdown and advocated for lowering the legal blood alcohol limit from .08 to .05. The campaign includes increased police patrols and active speed cameras. The official matter summary states: 'Drunk driving crackdown: NYC launches aggressive enforcement campaign for New Year’s weekend.' Liu said, 'Cracking down on drunk driving, which continues to destroy lives and families, is the right focus as New Year's approaches.' The DOT notes fatalities from drunk driving have risen nearly 30% in recent years. City lawmakers back state legislation to reduce the DWI threshold, aiming to save lives and protect vulnerable road users.

• Drunk driving crackdown: NYC launches aggressive enforcement campaign for New Year’s weekend, amny.com, Published 2023-12-28

A 66-year-old woman was hit by an SUV while crossing 164 Street with the signal in Queens. The driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 66-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 164 Street and Jewel Avenue in Queens. She was crossing with the signal when an SUV making a left turn struck her at the center front end. The pedestrian sustained a head contusion and was conscious after the crash. The report lists driver errors including failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction. The vehicle showed no damage. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687262 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

An SUV struck a 56-year-old woman crossing 164th Street in Queens at night. The impact hit her head and left abrasions. She stayed conscious but suffered serious injury. No driver errors listed in the report.

According to the police report, a 56-year-old woman was injured when a 2011 Honda SUV traveling southbound hit her with its left front bumper near 61-26 164 Street in Queens. The woman was crossing the street outside a crosswalk or signal. She suffered head injuries and abrasions but remained conscious. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The driver was licensed and going straight. No helmet or signaling issues were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4685861 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 7-year-old girl was hit by a sedan in Queens while crossing outside a crosswalk. The vehicle, starting from parking, struck her with its left front bumper. She suffered a head contusion but remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south in Queens struck a 7-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing outside a crosswalk. The vehicle was starting from parking when the collision occurred, impacting the pedestrian with its left front bumper. The child sustained a head injury classified as a contusion and was conscious after the crash. The report lists no specific driver contributing factors, but the pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk. No helmet or safety equipment was noted. The driver was licensed and operating a 2013 Toyota sedan. The incident highlights the dangers pedestrians face when crossing mid-block or outside designated areas.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4681743 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Governor Hochul killed a bill to study expanding the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway greenway. Cyclists and pedestrians lose a safe route. Lawmakers backed the plan. The veto leaves vulnerable road users with dirt paths and danger. The greenway remains unfinished.

On November 20, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed a bill that would have required the state Department of Parks and Recreation and the Office of Mental Health to study expanding the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway greenway into Nassau County. The bill passed both the state Senate and Assembly unanimously. The matter summary called for a study to extend the greenway, which runs parallel to the hazardous Union Turnpike. State Senator John Liu sponsored the bill and vowed to keep pushing for the project, saying, 'I’m confident we’ll get there.' Hochul’s veto cited budget concerns and the risk of 'duplication and unnecessary bureaucracy.' Advocates like Joby Jacob called the veto a blow to years of organizing, noting that people are forced to walk dirt paths where sidewalks should be. The veto blocks progress on a safer route for cyclists and pedestrians.

• Hochul Vetoes Bill To Expand Eastern Queens Greenway, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-11-20

City traffic chokes bus service. Riders wait. Buses crawl. Costs soar. Lawmakers push for more service, but congestion and double-parked cars stall progress. ABLE cameras help, but Mayor Adams drags feet on bus lanes. Riders pay the price. Streets stay dangerous.

This report, published November 14, 2023, details the ongoing crisis in New York City bus service. The article, titled "City Traffic Helps Make Bus Service Unbearable, Expensive And Difficult To Improve," highlights how traffic congestion, double-parking, and outdated routes cripple bus efficiency. State Sen. John Liu urges more service in neighborhoods where buses can move. Danny Pearlstein of Riders Alliance says, "With better service, the path to more service is a much clearer one." ABLE cameras have improved bus speeds by 5 percent on enforced routes. Despite promises, Mayor Eric Adams has not delivered on expanding bus lanes. The MTA and advocates call for more funding and better service. Riders remain stuck, exposed to traffic danger, while systemic failures persist.

• City Traffic Helps Make Bus Service Unbearable, Expensive And Difficult To Improve, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-11-14

A 20-year-old woman driving an SUV suffered whiplash in a Queens crash. The collision happened at 70 Road near Kissena Boulevard. Police cited driver inattention as a contributing factor. The impact struck the left side doors of parked vehicles.

According to the police report, a 20-year-old female driver was injured with whiplash in a crash on 70 Road in Queens. The collision involved multiple SUVs, with the striking vehicle making a left turn and hitting the left side doors of parked SUVs. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The injured driver was conscious and not ejected from her vehicle. No other injuries or victims were reported. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction during turning maneuvers in busy urban streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4671353 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04