Woodhaven Bleeds While Leaders Stall

Sep 22 - A driverless Ford SUV rolled down 82nd Street. It struck a 49-year-old man. His leg broke. He lay in the street, pain sharp and sudden. The SUV showed no damage. No one sat behind the wheel. Metal moved. Flesh broke.

A 1998 Ford SUV, left without a driver, rolled south near 91-29 82nd Street in Queens. The vehicle struck a 49-year-old man, breaking his leg. According to the police report, 'a driverless 1998 Ford SUV rolled south. It struck a 49-year-old man in the leg. Bone broke.' The pedestrian was not at an intersection when hit. The report lists 'Driverless/Runaway Vehicle' as the main contributing factor. No one was inside the SUV at the time of the crash. The vehicle showed no damage. The man suffered a serious leg injury and was left hurt in the street.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4566634 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 18 - A motorbike struck a sedan making a left turn on Jamaica Avenue. The motorbike driver, a 20-year-old man, suffered a head injury. Police cited failure to yield and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The rider was conscious and not ejected.

According to the police report, a motorbike traveling east on Jamaica Avenue collided with a sedan making a left turn southbound. The motorbike driver, a 20-year-old male occupant, sustained a head injury and was conscious at the scene. The report lists driver errors including failure to yield right-of-way and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The motorbike driver was not wearing any safety equipment. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling legally. The impact occurred at the center front ends of both vehicles. No pedestrians or other vulnerable road users were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4565256 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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 13 - An unlicensed e-bike driver struck on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens was ejected and injured. The crash caused abrasions and knee to foot injuries. The driver was conscious but suffered serious lower leg trauma. Failure to yield was cited.

According to the police report, a 30-year-old male e-bike driver was injured in a collision on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens. The driver, who was unlicensed, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor to the crash. The e-bike was traveling north and struck another vehicle going west. The point of impact was the right front quarter panel of the e-bike. The driver was conscious after the crash but suffered significant injuries. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4563957 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 9 - Council Member Joann Ariola voted against expanding speed cameras. Her SUV racked up 27 school-zone speeding tickets. She calls cameras a burden. Critics see hypocrisy. The vote blocks a tool proven to slow drivers and protect people on foot and bike.

On September 9, 2022, the New York City Council considered a 'home rule' message to let state lawmakers expand speed cameras to 24/7 operation. The matter summary: 'expanding New York's speed camera program.' Council Member Joann Ariola, representing southern Queens and the Rockaways, voted no. Ariola argued, 'these cameras add additional financial strain to New Yorkers,' and claimed repeat offenders with fake plates escape punishment. Ariola’s SUV has 48 violations since 2017, including 27 for speeding in school zones and two for running red lights. She insists her record did not influence her vote. Critics, like StreetsPAC’s Eric McClure, highlight the contradiction between her opposition to speed cameras and her stated concern for school safety. The vote denied a proven measure to slow traffic and protect vulnerable road users.

• Queens Pol Voted Against Speed Cameras — And Has 27 Speeding Tickets!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-09

Sep 8 - Two sedans crashed on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens. One driver disregarded traffic control and made an unsafe lane change. Three men suffered whiplash and shock. The youngest, an 11-year-old passenger, was hurt in the rear seat. All wore lap belts.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Woodhaven Boulevard near Atlantic Avenue in Queens. The crash involved a 57-year-old driver who disregarded traffic control and made an unsafe lane change, striking another sedan making a left turn. The collision caused injuries to three occupants: the 57-year-old driver, a 37-year-old driver, and an 11-year-old rear-seat passenger. All three suffered whiplash and were in shock. Each occupant was restrained with a lap belt and none were ejected. The point of impact was the center front end of one vehicle and the right side doors of the other. The report lists driver errors as traffic control disregarded and unsafe lane changing.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4562156 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 2 - A Nissan sedan hit a woman in the crosswalk on Woodhaven Boulevard. She crossed with the signal. The car’s right bumper smashed her head. Blood pooled on the asphalt. She lay stunned and broken as traffic rolled past.

A northbound Nissan sedan struck a 52-year-old woman as she crossed Woodhaven Boulevard at Jamaica Avenue with the signal. According to the police report, 'A northbound Nissan struck a 52-year-old woman crossing with the signal. The right bumper hit her head. She lay bleeding on the asphalt, skull torn, eyes wide, incoherent beneath the morning traffic.' The pedestrian suffered severe head injuries and lacerations. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The woman was in the crosswalk, following the signal. The crash left her incoherent and bleeding in the intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4561318 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 24 - A Kia sedan struck two parked sedans on 75 Street. The front passenger in the Kia suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited unsafe speed as a contributing factor. The crash left multiple vehicles damaged along the street.

According to the police report, a Kia sedan traveling south on 75 Street collided with two parked sedans. The impact occurred at the Kia's left front quarter panel and the parked vehicles' rear bumpers. The front passenger in the Kia, a 20-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. The report lists unsafe speed as the contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The crash caused damage to all involved vehicles and resulted in injury to the Kia's passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4557898 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 13 - A 24-year-old woman was hit by an SUV turning left on 90 Street in Queens. She was crossing in a marked crosswalk without a signal. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver failure to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing a marked crosswalk at 90 Street and 88 Avenue in Queens. The driver of a Honda SUV was making a left turn southbound when the vehicle struck the pedestrian on the left front quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the driver. There was no vehicle damage reported. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but no helmet or signaling factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4555231 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 5 - A moped and an SUV collided on Rockaway Boulevard in Queens. The moped struck the SUV’s front end on its right side. The 26-year-old moped driver was partially ejected and suffered a fractured leg. Police cited traffic control disregard.

According to the police report, a moped traveling west on Rockaway Boulevard collided with an SUV traveling south. The point of impact was the right side doors of the moped and the center front end of the SUV. The moped driver, a 26-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained a fractured knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating a driver error related to ignoring traffic signals or signs. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4552879 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 2 - A Ford SUV shot from a parking spot in Queens. It moved too fast. Its right front slammed into a 62-year-old woman off the roadway. Her leg was crushed. Blood pooled on the pavement. She stayed awake through the pain.

A Ford SUV, starting from parking near 92-16 76th Street in Queens, struck a 62-year-old woman who was not in the roadway. According to the police report, the SUV pulled out too fast and hit her with its right front. The woman suffered severe lacerations and crushing injuries to her lower leg and foot. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The victim remained conscious despite her injuries. No helmet or signaling issues were cited. The crash highlights the danger posed by drivers moving at unsafe speeds, even off the main roadway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4551644 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 1 - A sedan and an SUV crashed on 80 Street in Queens. The sedan driver, a 68-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited traffic control disregard as a factor. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a collision occurred between a sedan and an SUV on 80 Street in Queens. The sedan driver, a 68-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but was conscious and properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. The crash happened as the sedan was starting from parking and was struck on the left front bumper, while the SUV impacted on its right front bumper. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4551581 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 22 - A 75-year-old woman was injured on 89 Avenue in Queens. She emerged from behind a parked vehicle when struck. The impact caused abrasions to her elbow and lower arm. The driver was merging westbound and hit the pedestrian at the vehicle's center back end.

According to the police report, a 75-year-old female pedestrian was injured while emerging from in front of or behind a parked vehicle on 89 Avenue in Queens. The driver, traveling westbound and merging, struck her with the center back end of the vehicle. The pedestrian suffered abrasions to her elbow and lower arm and remained conscious. The report lists the pedestrian's contributing factors as unspecified. No driver errors or violations were specified in the report. The pedestrian was not at an intersection at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4549164 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 22 - A 33-year-old man was struck by an e-scooter traveling west on Jamaica Avenue in Queens. The impact fractured his knee and lower leg. The rider failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian was conscious but seriously injured at the scene.

According to the police report, an e-scooter traveling west on Jamaica Avenue collided with a 33-year-old male pedestrian at an intersection in Queens. The pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor by the driver. The point of impact was the scooter's left front bumper. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but not ejected. No safety equipment or pedestrian actions were specified. The driver was alone on the e-scooter and was going straight ahead at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4548307 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 5 - A 69-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and suffered a head injury after a collision with a sedan on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens. The bicyclist was conscious but sustained a concussion. The sedan had front-end damage. Failure to yield was cited.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens involving a sedan and a bicycle. The 69-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and sustained a head injury resulting in a concussion. The sedan, driven by a licensed male driver, had front-end damage. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The sedan was traveling east, and the bike was traveling north, both going straight ahead before impact. The crash caused serious injury to the bicyclist but no damage to the bike.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4544463 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 15 - A 32-year-old woman was hit at an intersection on Jamaica Avenue. The SUV was making a left turn and failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. The vehicle’s left front bumper was damaged.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Jamaica Avenue with the signal. The driver, a licensed woman from Pennsylvania, was operating a 2016 Honda SUV traveling west and making a left turn. The collision occurred when the driver failed to yield right-of-way, striking the pedestrian with the vehicle’s left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained a head contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted. The vehicle sustained damage to its left front bumper.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4537967 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 9 - Three years after approval, congestion pricing remains stuck. Councilmember Joann Ariola opposes the plan, claiming it will worsen city travel. Delays threaten $1 billion in MTA funding. Vulnerable road users wait as traffic and pollution persist. No relief in sight.

On June 9, 2022, Councilmember Joann Ariola (District 32) joined critics in a policy debate over New York City's stalled congestion pricing plan. The measure, approved by state lawmakers three years ago, would charge drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street. The MTA faces hundreds of follow-up questions from the Federal Highway Administration, delaying the required environmental assessment. Ariola argued, 'I don’t believe it will work, in fact I believe it will make the city more unmanageable to travel through.' The plan is intended to reduce traffic, lower car pollution, and fund MTA capital improvements. Delays put $1 billion in annual funding at risk, threatening upgrades like accessible subway stations and zero-emission buses. As the debate drags on, vulnerable road users remain exposed to traffic and pollution hazards.

• Congestion pricing continues to stall, three years after being announced, gothamist.com, Published 2022-06-09

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

May 31 - Two men rode west on Jamaica Avenue in Queens. A bicycle and an e-bike collided front quarter to quarter. The bicyclist, 29, suffered a head injury and incoherence. Police cited improper lane usage as a factor. No vehicle damage reported on the bike.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old male bicyclist and a male e-bike rider collided while traveling west on Jamaica Avenue in Queens. The bicyclist sustained a head injury and was incoherent at the scene, with minor bleeding reported. The collision involved the right front quarter panel of the bicycle and the left front quarter panel of the e-bike, which showed damage to its left front bumper. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error related to lane control. The bicyclist was not ejected and was not wearing safety equipment. The report also notes 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a secondary factor. No blame is assigned to the victim.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4532974 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19