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

Jan 13 - Assembly bill A 1280 pushes for streets built for all. Dozens of lawmakers back the plan. The bill demands roads that protect walkers, cyclists, and riders. It calls for design, not luck, to keep people safe.

Assembly bill A 1280, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 13, 2023, the bill sits with the Assembly. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 70 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Kenny Burgos, and Catalina Cruz. Their action signals strong legislative momentum. The bill’s focus: force planners to build streets for people, not just cars. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear—systemic change for vulnerable road users. The bill’s progress can be tracked at the New York Assembly website.

• File A 1280, Open States, Published 2023-01-13

Jan 13 - Assembly bill A 1280 pushes for streets built for all. Dozens of lawmakers back the plan. The bill demands roads that protect walkers, cyclists, and riders. It calls for design, not luck, to keep people safe.

Assembly bill A 1280, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 13, 2023, the bill sits with the Assembly. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 70 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Kenny Burgos, and Catalina Cruz. Their action signals strong legislative momentum. The bill’s focus: force planners to build streets for people, not just cars. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear—systemic change for vulnerable road users. The bill’s progress can be tracked at the New York Assembly website.

• File A 1280, Open States, Published 2023-01-13

Jan 9 - Senate passed S 840. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. No mention of direct safety gains for people on foot or bike.

Senate bill S 840, sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy and co-sponsored by Robert Rolison, passed committee on January 9, 2023. The bill, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects; relates to the state share of municipal projects where the municipality funds a complete street design,' sets funding formulas for state and municipal projects. Seventeen senators voted yes. The bill does not address direct safety impacts for vulnerable road users. No analyst note on safety.

• File S 840, Open States, Published 2023-01-09

Dec 26 - A taxi struck the left side of a sedan traveling east on 108 Street in Queens. The sedan’s front passenger suffered a shoulder and upper arm contusion. Both drivers disregarded traffic controls, causing the collision and injuries.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling north on 108 Street collided with the left side doors of a sedan going east. The sedan had two occupants; the front passenger, a 32-year-old man, was injured with a contusion to his shoulder and upper arm. The passenger was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and airbag deployment. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as the contributing factor for both vehicles. The impact damaged the sedan’s center front end and the taxi’s left side doors. No ejections occurred, and no other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4594075 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 1 - Two sedans crashed head-on on 109 Street. Both drivers were going straight. The female driver suffered a concussion and head injury. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as the cause. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on 109 Street at 7:48 a.m. Both drivers were traveling straight when the crash occurred. The female driver, age 38, was injured with a concussion and head trauma but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as the contributing factors. The male driver was licensed and driving a 2021 Jeep sedan southbound. The female driver was licensed and driving a 2021 Toyota sedan eastbound. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the Jeep and the center front end of the Toyota. No ejections occurred. The crash caused significant front-end damage to both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4586300 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 7 - A sedan making a left turn struck a 13-year-old boy riding a bike southwest on Myrtle Avenue in Queens. The boy suffered bruises and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The cyclist wore a helmet.

According to the police report, a sedan was making a left turn on Myrtle Avenue in Queens when it collided with a 13-year-old bicyclist traveling southwest. The bicyclist sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruises. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor, indicating the driver did not yield to the bicyclist. The cyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The impact occurred at the center front end of the sedan and the center back end of the bike. The bicyclist remained conscious and was not ejected from the bike.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4581177 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 23 - Two vehicles collided on Metropolitan Avenue. A 2-year-old and a 7-year-old passenger were injured. The SUV hit the sedan’s right side doors. Both children suffered bruises and head or face injuries. Driver distraction and close passing caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 2012 Ford SUV starting from parking struck a 2016 Toyota sedan traveling west on Metropolitan Avenue. The SUV’s left front bumper hit the sedan’s right side doors. Two child passengers, ages 2 and 7, were injured with contusions and head or face injuries. The 7-year-old was seated in the left rear passenger seat, the 2-year-old was seated on another person’s lap. Contributing factors included driver inattention or distraction and passing too closely. The report also notes failure to yield right-of-way by the driver. Neither child was ejected from the vehicle. Safety equipment use is unknown.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4575542 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 21 - Police arrested Ibrahim Chaaban in Bay Ridge after he did donuts on Shore Road. His car had racked up 12 school-zone speeding tickets since June. Council Member Brannan and DA Katz slammed weak penalties. Most reckless drivers still face little consequence. Streets remain dangerous.

On October 21, 2022, police in Bay Ridge arrested Ibrahim Chaaban for reckless driving after he performed donuts on Shore Road. The car had received at least 12 school-zone speeding tickets since June 21, but authorities failed to intervene until this incident. Council Member Justin Brannan reported the arrest, saying, "It seems the various systems currently in place to deter this type of behavior have failed here." Brannan and Queens DA Melinda Katz both criticized the current penalties, calling them too weak to deter dangerous drivers. Katz said, "There is a strong need for tougher penalties for those who choose to use our city streets as raceways." The article notes that only after 15 camera-issued speeding tickets in a year must drivers take a safety course, and few cars are seized under the Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program. Community complaints led to the arrest, but most reckless drivers still evade real consequences.

• One Down, Thousands to Go: Cops Bust A Really Bad Driver For Doing Less-Dangerous Stupid Thing, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-10-21

Sep 16 - Mayor Adams broke ground on QueensWay, a $35 million park project on old rail tracks. Supporters cheer new green space for 330,000 locals. Critics warn it kills hopes for restored train service. The fight pits open space against transit justice in Queens.

On September 16, 2022, Mayor Adams announced the start of the QueensWay project, a $35 million plan to turn a defunct LIRR branch in Queens into a linear park. The first phase includes $5 million for environmental review and $30 million for the Metropolitan Hub. The matter summary states: 'converting a defunct LIRR branch into a Highline-style park in Queens.' Council Member Lynn Schulman supports the park, calling it 'shovel-ready.' Borough President Donovan Richards and Assembly Members Jenifer Rajkumar and David Weprin back both the park and the QueensLink transit proposal. Richards said, 'We need to do both when it comes to making sure that we can enhance our public transportation and also ensuring that our communities have access to open space.' Transit advocates warn the park blocks future rail service, cutting off faster commutes and cleaner air for southern Queens. The MTA previously cited high costs for transit reactivation. The debate continues over whether the right-of-way should serve parks, transit, or both.

• Mayor Launches First Phase of QueensWay Linear Park — But What About Transit?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-16

Sep 16 - Mayor Adams broke ground on QueensWay, a $35 million park project on old rail tracks. Supporters cheer new green space for 330,000 locals. Critics warn it kills hopes for restored train service. The fight pits open space against transit justice in Queens.

On September 16, 2022, Mayor Adams announced the start of the QueensWay project, a $35 million plan to turn a defunct LIRR branch in Queens into a linear park. The first phase includes $5 million for environmental review and $30 million for the Metropolitan Hub. The matter summary states: 'converting a defunct LIRR branch into a Highline-style park in Queens.' Council Member Lynn Schulman supports the park, calling it 'shovel-ready.' Borough President Donovan Richards and Assembly Members Jenifer Rajkumar and David Weprin back both the park and the QueensLink transit proposal. Richards said, 'We need to do both when it comes to making sure that we can enhance our public transportation and also ensuring that our communities have access to open space.' Transit advocates warn the park blocks future rail service, cutting off faster commutes and cleaner air for southern Queens. The MTA previously cited high costs for transit reactivation. The debate continues over whether the right-of-way should serve parks, transit, or both.

• Mayor Launches First Phase of QueensWay Linear Park — But What About Transit?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-16

Sep 10 - A pickup’s door swung open on Jamaica Avenue. An e-bike rider hit it head-on. He flew hard, head cracked, blood on the street. The bike’s frame bent. The truck’s door twisted. Driver inattention marked the moment. The city’s danger showed its teeth.

A 32-year-old man riding an e-bike was injured after colliding with the open door of a parked pickup truck near 118-14 Jamaica Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the e-bike rider struck the truck’s left-side door, was ejected, and suffered a severe head injury with heavy bleeding. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The e-bike rider was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the data, but this is mentioned only after the driver error. The pickup truck was parked at the time. The crash left the bike’s front end folded and the truck’s door bent. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4563282 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 10 - A Yamaha motorcycle slammed into a turning Subaru at Atlantic Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard. The rider, 31, flew from the bike. He wore a helmet. He did not have a license. He died at the scene. The sedan driver survived.

A deadly crash unfolded at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard in Queens. According to the police report, a Yamaha motorcycle struck a Subaru sedan making a left turn. The 31-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected from his bike and killed. He was wearing a helmet but did not have a license. The sedan’s driver, a 30-year-old woman, survived. The police report lists 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor. The impact was severe, with the motorcycle hitting the sedan’s left front bumper. No pedestrians were involved. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of driver inexperience and the dangers at busy intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4562615 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 10 - Two sedans slammed together on 89 Avenue. Driver left incoherent, passenger unconscious with broken bones. Unsafe lane change and failure to yield fueled the crash. Metal twisted. Lives changed in seconds.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on 89 Avenue in Queens. The 26-year-old male driver was incoherent with injuries across his body. His 24-year-old female passenger was found unconscious, suffering hip and leg fractures. The crash was caused by unsafe lane changing and failure to yield right-of-way. Both vehicles were damaged on the left and front. The driver of one sedan was unlicensed. Both injured occupants wore lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. No other contributing factors were listed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4565640 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 9 - A sedan traveling south on Vanwyck Expressway was struck in the rear by a box truck. The sedan driver, a 21-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash. The crash was caused by driver inattention and distraction.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling south on Vanwyck Expressway rear-ended a sedan going in the same direction. The sedan's 21-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining back pain and whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The point of impact was the sedan's left rear bumper and the truck's right front bumper. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4563180 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 19 - A Ford SUV slammed into the back of a Mercedes sedan on Atlantic Avenue in Queens. The sedan’s 26-year-old female driver suffered neck injuries and shock. Police cited following too closely as the cause. Both vehicles were damaged front and rear.

According to the police report, a 2016 Ford SUV traveling south on Atlantic Avenue rear-ended a 2014 Mercedes sedan traveling north. The impact occurred at the center back end of the sedan and the center front end of the SUV. The sedan’s 26-year-old female driver was injured, suffering neck pain and shock, and complained of pain or nausea. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and driving straight ahead before the crash. The SUV had two occupants; the sedan had one. No ejections or other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4556664 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 11 - A Nissan sedan, moving too fast, struck a man crossing Jamaica Avenue. The car hit head-on. The man’s leg split open. Blood pooled on the street. The driver had no license. The night held its breath.

A 29-year-old man was crossing near 117-13 Jamaica Avenue in Queens when a Nissan sedan struck him head-on. According to the police report, the driver was unlicensed and traveling at unsafe speed. The impact caused severe lacerations to the pedestrian’s lower leg, leaving him conscious but bleeding on the pavement. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The sedan’s center front end took the brunt of the crash. No injuries were reported for the occupants inside the vehicle. The system failed the man on the street. The driver’s lack of license and reckless speed turned a crossing into a scene of violence.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4545750 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 7 - A motorcycle struck the right rear quarter panel of an SUV on 86 Avenue. The motorcyclist, riding on the outside, suffered a facial abrasion but remained conscious. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as the cause.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling north collided with the right rear quarter panel of an eastbound SUV on 86 Avenue. The motorcyclist, a 48-year-old man riding on the outside, sustained a facial abrasion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The impact damaged the SUV’s right rear quarter panel and the motorcycle’s right side doors. No ejections occurred. The crash highlights a failure by the SUV driver to yield, leading to the collision and injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4535239 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 2 - Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-06-02

Jun 2 - Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-06-02

Jun 1 - Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-06-01