Woodhaven Bleeds While Leaders Stall

Nov 1 - 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

Oct 24 - A 45-year-old man was hit while crossing Rockaway Boulevard at an intersection. The driver, making a right turn, failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian suffered a facial abrasion but remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 45-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Rockaway Boulevard at an intersection in Queens. The driver of a Dodge SUV was making a right turn when the collision occurred. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The report lists driver errors as Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The pedestrian suffered a facial abrasion and was conscious after the crash. The vehicle sustained damage to its center front end. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673964 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 20 - A dump truck turned right at Atlantic Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard. Its front bumper struck a 63-year-old woman working in the road. She died beneath the truck. The driver’s view was blocked. The truck showed no damage. Her body bore the weight.

A fatal crash took place at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens. According to the police report, a dump truck made a right turn and struck a 63-year-old woman who was working in the roadway. She was killed, suffering crush injuries to her entire body. The report states, “The view was blocked.” Contributing factors listed include 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Oversized Vehicle.' The truck, registered in New Jersey, showed no damage. The woman was working at the intersection when the truck’s right front bumper hit her. No helmet or signal issues were cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4672151 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 1 - A 32-year-old man was ejected from his sedan on Atlantic Avenue in Queens. The crash involved an aggressive driver and a runaway vehicle. The driver suffered a fractured elbow and dislocated hand. The sedan's right side was struck by an open-body ATV.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Atlantic Avenue in Queens involving a sedan and an open-body ATV. The sedan driver, a 32-year-old man, was ejected and sustained serious injuries including a fractured elbow and dislocated hand. The report lists aggressive driving and a driverless or runaway vehicle as contributing factors. The sedan was struck on the right side doors while slowing or stopping, and the ATV hit the left rear quarter panel while traveling east. The sedan driver was unprotected, wearing no safety equipment. The crash highlights aggressive driving and loss of vehicle control as key causes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4666891 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 27 - A 17-year-old motorcyclist was ejected and suffered head injuries in a Queens crash. The motorcycle collided with a sedan on Woodhaven Boulevard. The sedan driver made an unsafe lane change. The motorcyclist wore a helmet but was seriously hurt.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens involving a motorcycle and a sedan. The 17-year-old motorcycle driver was ejected and sustained head injuries, classified as severe. The sedan driver, licensed and traveling north, made an unsafe lane change, striking the motorcycle on its left side. The motorcyclist, also traveling north, was wearing a helmet at the time. The report lists "Unsafe Lane Changing" as the contributing factor. The sedan's right front bumper and the motorcycle's center front end were damaged. The motorcyclist was the sole occupant of the motorcycle and was injured internally. The sedan had one occupant, the driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4665843 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 12 - A 31-year-old woman working in the roadway was struck by a backing sedan on 91 Avenue in Queens. The driver, unlicensed and aggressive, hit her with the center back end of his vehicle. She suffered knee and lower leg injuries.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old female pedestrian was injured while working in the roadway at an intersection on 91 Avenue in Queens. The crash involved a sedan traveling east that was backing up when it struck her with the center back end. The driver was unlicensed and driving aggressively, with unsafe speed cited as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists aggressive driving and road rage as key causes. No helmet or signaling factors were noted. The incident highlights the dangers posed by unlicensed drivers engaging in reckless maneuvers in busy city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4661768 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 27 - A 16-year-old male motorbike driver crashed on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens. He was making a right turn when the collision occurred. The rider suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Driver inexperience and distraction contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a 16-year-old male motorbike driver was making a right turn on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens when he crashed. The rider was not ejected but sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inexperience and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The motorbike's right front bumper was damaged at the point of impact. No safety equipment was used by the rider. The crash involved a single vehicle and resulted in injury severity level 3. The report does not indicate any fault or error by other road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4649372 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 26 - A moped and an SUV crashed on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens. The moped driver, 22, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The SUV was merging when the collision occurred. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as a factor.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male moped driver was injured in a collision with a 2004 SUV on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens. The moped driver sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The SUV, carrying two occupants, was merging southbound when it struck the moped. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor to the crash. The moped driver was not wearing any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were specified. The crash caused damage to the left side doors of the SUV and the left front quarter panel of both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4648917 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 22 - Council members push to end jaywalking penalties. Supporters cite biased enforcement. Critics warn of danger for pedestrians. The bill faces debate as traffic deaths fall but injuries persist. The city weighs safety against fairness in street crossings.

On July 22, 2023, Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse introduced a bill to legalize jaywalking in New York City. The measure, supported by Council Members Tiffany Caban and Shahana Hanif, aims to 'greenlight pedestrians to freely cross streets outside the crosswalk or without obeying traffic signals.' The bill responds to claims of biased enforcement against Black and Latino New Yorkers. Council Majority Leader Joseph Borelli and Councilwoman Joann Ariola oppose the bill, warning it could endanger pedestrians. The bill has not yet advanced to committee or received a hearing. The NYPD and Mayor's office are reviewing the legislation. The debate highlights the tension between enforcement fairness and the ongoing risk to vulnerable road users. No formal safety analysis has been provided.

• Far-left NYC Council Dems push to legalize jaywalking, nypost.com, Published 2023-07-22

Jul 21 - A pick-up truck slammed into the back of a sedan on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens. The sedan driver, a 39-year-old man, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles were traveling south when the crash happened. The truck’s front end was damaged.

According to the police report, a pick-up truck collided with the rear of a sedan on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens. The sedan driver, a 39-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor for the crash. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead southbound at the time of impact. The truck sustained damage to its center front end, while the sedan was damaged at its center back end. No other injuries or contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4647979 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 18 - A new storm-resistant street opened on Beach 108th in Rockaway. Porous pavement, wider sidewalks, and bike lanes now line the block. The project promises less flooding and safer passage for people on foot and bike. Connections to the ferry and boardwalk improved.

On June 18, 2023, Council Member Joann Ariola (District 32) marked the completion of a major infrastructure project in Rockaway. The work, running from Beach Channel Drive to Shore Front Parkway, added porous pavement, new bike lanes, and wider pedestrian walkways. The city says the 11,000 square feet of new surface can absorb nearly 1.3 million gallons of stormwater each year. Ariola said, 'At long last, we will finally have a safe, steady, and efficient flow of traffic here, and the area is now more resilient than ever before.' The project, part of a $16.6 million investment begun in March 2021, also repaired or replaced 1,100 feet of storm sewer and added new left turn lanes. The changes give cyclists and pedestrians an easier, safer route to the Rockaway ferry terminal and boardwalk.

• New storm-resistant street with ‘porous pavement’ opens in Rockaway, just in time for hurricane season, gothamist.com, Published 2023-06-18

Jun 10 - Two vehicles crashed head-on on Forest Parkway in Queens. Both drivers were women, traveling straight in opposite directions. The SUV driver suffered neck injuries and shock. Alcohol was involved. Both vehicles sustained right front bumper damage.

According to the police report, a 30-year-old female driver in a 2022 SUV traveling north collided with a southbound 2018 sedan on Forest Parkway in Queens. The SUV driver was injured, suffering neck trauma and shock, and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. Both vehicles struck each other with their right front bumpers while traveling straight ahead. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The crash caused significant damage to both vehicles' right front bumpers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4636916 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 8 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-08

Jun 6 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Jun 1 - 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 2023-06-01

May 31 - 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 2023-05-31

May 30 - Senate backs S 6802. Albany gets school speed cameras. One no vote. Cameras aim to slow drivers near kids. Program ends 2028. Lawmakers move to shield children from reckless speed.

Senate bill S 6802, introduced by Neil D. Breslin, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in Albany. The bill passed committee on May 30, 2023, with only one senator, Andrew J. Lanza, voting no. The official summary reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2028.' Breslin led sponsorship. Seventeen senators voted yes. The program targets driver speed near schools, aiming to protect children and other vulnerable road users. The law sunsets at the end of 2028.

• File S 6802, Open States, Published 2023-05-30

May 30 - NYC leaders went to Albany. They demanded lawmakers pass Sammy’s Law. The bill lets the city set its own speed limits. Brad Hoylman-Sigal led the charge. The law is named for a child killed by a car. The fight is urgent. Lives hang in the balance.

On May 30, 2023, State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and other NYC officials lobbied the state legislature to pass key transportation and housing bills before the session ends June 9. The centerpiece is 'Sammy’s Law,' which would let New York City set its own speed limits, potentially lowering them to 20 mph. Hoylman-Sigal, the bill’s sponsor, said, 'Senators in Massapequa shouldn’t set the speed limit for Manhattan—or the reverse.' The law is named for Sammy Cohen Eckstein, a 12-year-old killed by a car in Brooklyn. The bill had stalled before, but this year the required home rule resolution was submitted. Mayor Adams’ administration also pushed for affordable housing reforms. The push for Sammy’s Law is a fight to give NYC control over its streets and protect vulnerable road users from deadly speeding.

• NYC officials press Albany to pass critical bills on housing, city speed limit and others before session ends, nypost.com, Published 2023-05-30

May 25 - A sedan turning left hit an 8-year-old boy crossing Woodhaven Boulevard with the signal. The boy suffered bruises and an arm injury. Police cited the driver for failure to yield right-of-way. The child was conscious and injured at the scene.

According to the police report, a 2015 Chevrolet sedan was making a left turn on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens when it struck an 8-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at an intersection. The child sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but remained conscious. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor attributed to the driver. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact at the center front end. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle northbound. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632610 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 22 - Council members fight congestion pricing for 5,200 drivers. Most New Yorkers ride transit. Opponents claim harm to businesses and residents. Advocates say the plan funds transit, cuts traffic, and spares the vulnerable. The city’s future hangs in the balance.

The congestion pricing debate centers on a policy to toll drivers entering Manhattan’s core. The bill faces opposition from Council Members David Weprin, Joann Ariola, and Ari Kagan, who argue it will hurt small businesses and outer-borough residents. On May 22, 2023, Ari Kagan said, 'Congestion Pricing will hurt countless New Yorkers, small businesses, residents of so-called outer-boroughs & will create huge lines of parked cars right outside of Manhattan.' Yet, the MTA’s assessment shows only 5,200 city drivers commute by car from areas far from fast transit—just 1.2% of that population. Advocates like Felicia Park-Rogers counter, 'this policy has the potential to be utterly transformational for our city.' The plan includes exemptions for disabled and low-income drivers. Most New Yorkers stand to gain safer, better-funded transit and less congestion.

• Straw Men: The Fight Over Congestion Pricing Comes Down to Just 5,200 NYC Drivers, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-22