Richmond Hill Bleeds While Leaders Stall: Lower the Speed, Save a Life

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

Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Eighteen lawmakers, including Joseph Borelli, sued to stop New York’s $15 congestion pricing. They claim the toll shifts pollution, burdens drivers, and fails communities with poor transit. The MTA defends the plan, saying it funds safer, less crowded streets.

On February 4, 2024, Council Member Joseph C. Borelli (District 51) joined seventeen other lawmakers in a federal lawsuit to block New York City’s $15 congestion pricing toll for Midtown Manhattan. The suit, supported by both Democrats and Republicans, argues the toll 'is a detriment to those that will be affected by this toll, environmentally and financially,' and claims it will shift traffic and pollution to other neighborhoods. Other plaintiffs include State Senators James Skoufis, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Iwen Chu, Monica Martinez, and Assemblymembers Aileen Gunther, Jamie Williams, and David Weprin. The MTA, backed by Governor Hochul, says the toll will raise $1 billion yearly for transit upgrades, promising safer, less congested streets and better transit for the majority who rely on public transportation. The case highlights the political and environmental battle over how to fund and shape New York’s streets.

• 18 NY lawmakers join suit to block $15 congestion toll, nypost.com, Published 2024-02-04

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

A driver killed Dolma Naadhun, age seven, in Astoria. The DA dropped felony charges. The driver got probation. The city changed the intersection. Activists called for daylighting. The system failed to protect the most vulnerable. The street remains dangerous.

On January 22, 2024, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz’s office quietly downgraded charges against Claudia Mendez-Vasquez, who killed 7-year-old Dolma Naadhun in Astoria. Mendez-Vasquez, initially charged with criminally negligent homicide, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor reckless driving and received probation. The DA’s office cited the family’s wishes, but advocates and family friends called the outcome a slap on the wrist. The crash sparked local activism: the community board passed a resolution for universal daylighting—removing parked cars from corners to improve visibility. Mayor Adams pledged to daylight 1,000 intersections a year, but the Department of Transportation has resisted full implementation, citing concerns about driver behavior. The city installed a traffic signal and banned parking at two corners, but systemic danger remains. The case highlights how lenient prosecution and slow policy change leave vulnerable road users at risk.

• Driver Who Killed 7-Year-Old Gets Probation After DA Katz Quietly Downgraded Charges, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-22

A third lawsuit strikes at the MTA’s congestion pricing plan. David Weprin and conservative lawmakers claim the review was weak. They want the toll halted. The MTA stands firm. Transit advocates call the suit a distraction. The fight delays safer, quieter streets.

On January 18, 2024, Assemblymember David Weprin and the City Council’s Common Sense Caucus filed a federal lawsuit against the MTA’s congestion pricing plan. The case, filed in Manhattan, challenges the environmental review process and seeks to block the $15 daily toll for cars entering Manhattan below 60th Street. The lawsuit claims, 'the city, state, and federal government did not do the proper review to protect citizens.' Council Member Bob Holden called the charge 'insane.' The MTA defends its review and says delays threaten $15 billion in transit upgrades. Transit advocates say the lawsuit is frivolous and congestion pricing’s benefits are clear. The case puts the program’s timeline—and safer streets for vulnerable road users—at risk.

• Congestion pricing | MTA hit with third lawsuit from conservative group seeking to stop Manhattan toll plan, amny.com, Published 2024-01-18

Lower East Side residents and Councilman Holden sued to block the $15 congestion toll. They claim it will push traffic to the FDR, worsen air, and hurt businesses. The MTA defends the plan, citing traffic relief and transit funding.

On January 17, 2024, Councilman Robert F. Holden (District 30) joined a lawsuit challenging the MTA’s $15 congestion pricing policy. The legal action, filed by Lower East Side residents, business owners, and elected officials, claims the toll will create a traffic nightmare and worsen pollution by diverting cars to the FDR Drive. The suit argues the MTA and federal government failed to conduct an adequate environmental review and did not consider impacts on local businesses or vulnerable residents. The matter summary reads: 'Lower East Side residents sue MTA over $15 congestion toll, claiming it will create a traffic nightmare.' Holden’s involvement signals council opposition. The MTA maintains the program, approved in 2019, will cut congestion and fund transit upgrades. No independent safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• Lower East Side residents sue MTA over $15 congestion toll, claiming it will create a traffic nightmare, nypost.com, Published 2024-01-17

Two taxis crashed at the intersection of 130 Street and Jamaica Avenue. The collision caused left side damage to one taxi and front-end damage to the other. A passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash, remaining conscious after the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 20:11 involving two taxis traveling in opposite directions on 130 Street near Jamaica Avenue. One taxi was going straight eastbound when it was struck on the left front quarter panel by another taxi making a right turn westbound. The impact caused damage to the left side doors of the first taxi and front-end damage to the second. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error related to ignoring traffic signals or signs. A 49-year-old female passenger in the first taxi, restrained by a lap belt and harness, sustained neck injuries and complained of whiplash but remained conscious. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the passenger's behavior.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695429 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan turning left on Atlantic Avenue struck a 22-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She suffered arm abrasions. Police cite driver’s failure to yield right-of-way. No vehicle damage reported.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old woman was crossing Atlantic Avenue at 134 Street with the signal when a northbound 2017 Toyota sedan made a left turn and struck her with its right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the driver’s contributing factor. The woman was conscious and injured but not ejected. No vehicle damage was reported. The driver was licensed and operating legally. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4681962 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 34-year-old woman was hit by a Jeep sedan turning right on Jamaica Avenue in Queens. She suffered upper arm contusions. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal at the intersection.

According to the police report, a 34-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2019 Jeep sedan, driven by a licensed male driver, struck her while making a right turn on Jamaica Avenue in Queens. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal at the intersection. The report lists the driver's failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her shoulder and upper arm but remained conscious. The vehicle sustained damage to its center front end. No other contributing factors, such as helmet use or signaling by the pedestrian, were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4678901 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate bill S 7732 would force e-bikes and scooters to carry plates, insurance, and licenses. Riders face new hurdles. Streets stay hostile. No relief for those on foot or bike.

Senate bill S 7732, sponsored by Simcha Felder and co-sponsored by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., sits in the sponsorship stage as of November 1, 2023. The bill 'relates to the regulation of bicycles with electric assist and electric scooters; requires license plates... liability insurance... operator's safety manual and licensing.' The bill targets e-bike and scooter riders with new requirements. No committee action or votes yet. No evidence these measures protect pedestrians or cyclists. Systemic street danger remains unaddressed.

• File S 7732, Open States, Published 2023-11-01

A BMW sedan and a Ford ambulance crashed head-on on 130 Street in Queens. Both drivers and a passenger suffered neck and back injuries. Unsafe speed and lane changes caused the violent impact. All occupants were conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a 2013 BMW sedan traveling south and a 2022 Ford ambulance traveling north collided head-on on 130 Street in Queens. The sedan driver, a 47-year-old man, the ambulance driver, a 51-year-old woman, and a 35-year-old male passenger in the ambulance all sustained injuries including whiplash to the neck and back. The report lists unsafe speed and unsafe lane changing as contributing factors for both drivers. All occupants were conscious and wearing seat belts or harnesses at the time of the crash. The collision caused front-end damage to both vehicles. No pedestrians were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4670074 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Sedan turned right on 102 Street, struck by northbound e-bike. Sixteen-year-old rider hurt in knee and leg. Police cite failure to yield. Queens street, broad daylight, danger for the young.

According to the police report, a sedan making a right turn on 102 Street in Queens collided with a northbound e-bike. The sixteen-year-old e-bike driver suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, but remained conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor, showing the sedan driver did not yield. The e-bike's right front bumper was damaged. The sedan had no reported damage. No safety equipment was used by the e-bike rider. The crash underscores the risk to vulnerable road users when drivers fail to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4661538 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A teenager on an e-bike crashed into a parked garbage truck on Atlantic Avenue. His head split open. Blood pooled on the steel. He lay semiconscious, battered, helmetless. The truck did not move. The street stayed silent. The boy did not.

A 19-year-old riding an e-bike struck a parked garbage truck near Atlantic Avenue and 100th Street in Queens. According to the police report, the e-bike rider suffered severe head lacerations and was found semiconscious on the pavement. The report states the crash was caused by 'Passing Too Closely.' The garbage truck was parked and sustained no damage. The e-bike rider was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but the primary contributing factor listed is 'Passing Too Closely.' No other injuries were reported. The truck remained stationary throughout the incident.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4657592 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided on 130 Street near Atlantic Avenue in Queens. One driver suffered neck injuries and bruising. The crash happened late at night. Unsafe speed caused the rear vehicle to hit the stopped car ahead. No ejections reported.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling south on 130 Street collided near Atlantic Avenue in Queens. The rear vehicle, traveling at an unsafe speed, struck the center back end of the front vehicle, which was stopped in traffic. The driver of the rear sedan, a 34-year-old man, sustained neck injuries and contusions but was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness. The front vehicle had no occupants at the time. The report lists "Unsafe Speed" as the contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The impact caused damage to the center back end of the front sedan and the left front bumper of the rear sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655566 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A pickup truck and a sedan collided on Jamaica Avenue in Queens. Both drivers suffered bruises and arm injuries. Police noted alcohol involvement. Vehicles showed front-end damage. Both drivers were conscious and restrained. No pedestrians were involved.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Jamaica Avenue in Queens involving a pickup truck traveling east and a sedan making a left turn. Both drivers, aged 28 and 38, were injured with contusions and arm injuries but remained conscious and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. The pickup truck and sedan sustained center front-end damage. No pedestrians were involved. The report does not specify other driver errors but highlights alcohol involvement as a key factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4649404 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Ford SUV made a left turn on 107 Street in Queens. It struck a 22-year-old man riding an e-scooter eastbound. The rider was ejected and suffered knee, lower leg, and foot injuries. The SUV’s front center bore the impact.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV traveling south on 107 Street made a left turn and collided with an eastbound e-scooter. The e-scooter rider, a 22-year-old man, was ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to obey traffic signals or signs. The SUV’s center front end and the e-scooter’s center front end were damaged. The rider was conscious after the crash but was injured. No helmet or signaling factors were noted. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle during the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4647277 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Mercedes hit a box truck head-on at Lefferts Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue. The front of the car folded. A 36-year-old man in the passenger seat died, belted in place. The night was silent. Metal and glass marked the spot.

A deadly crash unfolded at Lefferts Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, a Mercedes sedan struck a box truck headfirst. The sedan’s front end crumpled. A 36-year-old man, riding as a front passenger and wearing a seatbelt, was killed. The report states, 'A Mercedes slammed headfirst into a box truck. The front crumpled like paper. In the passenger seat, a 36-year-old man died, belted and still.' Both vehicles were traveling straight. The data lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are detailed in the report. The victim’s use of a lap belt and harness is noted, but the cause remains unclear in the official record.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4643448 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04