Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Alley Pond Park?
433 Hurt, Zero Dead—Complacency Is Killing Alley Pond Park
Alley Pond Park: Jan 1, 2022 - Jul 16, 2025
No Deaths, But the Toll Mounts
In Alley Pond Park, the numbers do not scream. They whisper. No one has died here since 2022, but 433 people have been hurt. Five were left with serious injuries. The wounds are not always visible: a crushed hip, a torn eye, a life changed in a second.
The roads do not care if you are young or old. Fifty-seven children under 18 have been injured here since 2022. The oldest, the youngest—all at risk. The cars keep coming. The SUVs keep coming. The numbers pile up, slow and steady, like water wearing down stone.
Recent Crashes: The Unseen Disaster
The last year brought 188 crashes. 104 people were hurt. Two were seriously injured. No headlines. No outrage. Just the daily grind of metal on flesh. SUVs did the most harm to pedestrians—five injured, one left with serious wounds.
On the Cross Island Parkway, a 17-year-old was crushed in a sedan. On the same road, a 20-year-old pedestrian was struck by an SUV and left with a broken hip. The stories repeat. The pain repeats. The system does not change.
Leadership: Small Steps, Slow Change
Local leaders have moved, but not fast enough. State Senator Toby Stavisky voted yes to curb repeat speeders, a step toward safety. Council Member Linda Lee co-sponsored bills for senior and student bike share discounts, but also backed a bill to lower e-bike speed limits to 15 mph. The focus drifts to e-bikes, not to the cars and trucks that do the real damage.
The city has the power to lower speed limits. It has not used it. “Speeding ruins lives, and reducing vehicle speeds by even a few miles per hour could be the difference between life or death in a traffic crash,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. The words are true. The action is slow.
Call to Action: Demand More Than Words
This is not fate. This is policy. Call your council member. Call the mayor. Tell them to use Sammy’s Law. Lower the speed limit to 20 mph. Stop blaming the vulnerable. Stop waiting for the next body.
Citations
▸ Citations
- Bus Jumps Curb, Eight Injured In Flushing, ABC7, Published 2025-07-11
- Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4493751 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-16
- File S 4045, Open States, Published 2025-06-12
- File Int 1312-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-11
- Sammy’s Law Enactment, NYC.gov, Published 2024-04-30
Other Representatives
District 26
213-33 39th Ave., Suite 238, Bayside, NY 11361
Room 422, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
District 23
73-03 Bell Boulevard, Oakland Gardens, NY 11364
718-468-0137
250 Broadway, Suite 1868, New York, NY 10007
212-788-6984
District 11
134-01 20th Avenue 2nd Floor, College Point, NY 11356
Room 913, Legislative Office Building 188 State St., Albany, NY 12247
▸ Other Geographies
Alley Pond Park Alley Pond Park sits in Queens, Precinct 111, District 23, AD 26, SD 11, Queens CB11.
▸ See also
Traffic Safety Timeline for Alley Pond Park
S 7785Stavisky votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
-
File S 7785,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-11
S 7785Stavisky votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
-
File S 7785,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-11
S 8117Stavisky votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.
Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.
-
File S 8117,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-10
S 915Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.
Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.
-
File S 915,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-09
S 915Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.
Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.
-
File S 915,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-09
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors discounted senior bike share bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes cheaper bike share for seniors. More elders could ride. Streets may see more slow, unprotected cyclists. Danger from cars remains. Bill sits in committee. No safety fixes for traffic threats.
Int 1288-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors,' requires the Department of Transportation to set lower bike share rates for those 65 and older. Council Member Farah N. Louis leads, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, and Banks. The measure aims to boost senior cycling but does not address street safety or car violence. The bill was re-referred to committee on June 4, 2025.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors discounted senior bike share bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes bill for cheaper bike share for New Yorkers over 65. More seniors could ride. The city’s streets may see older cyclists in the mix. The committee now holds the bill.
Bill Int 1288-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced May 28, 2025, and re-referred June 4, it mandates a discounted bike share rate for seniors 65 and older. The bill’s title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors.” Council Member Farah N. Louis leads, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, and Menin. The Department of Transportation would require bike share operators to offer this rate. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors discounted senior bike share bill, boosting street safety.▸Council bill pushes for discounted bike share rates for New Yorkers 65 and up. The move aims to open city streets to older riders. The measure sits with the Transportation Committee. No safety review yet.
Int 1288-2025 was introduced on May 28, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to set a discounted bike share rate for seniors, defined as those 65 or older. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors.' Council Member Farah N. Louis leads as primary sponsor, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, Menin, Feliz, Hanks, Avilés, and Gutiérrez. The bill was re-referred to committee on June 4, 2025. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors senior bike share discount bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes a bill to cut bike share costs for New Yorkers over 65. The measure aims to open city cycling to more seniors. The committee now weighs its next move.
Bill Int 1288-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors,' would require the Department of Transportation to mandate lower bike share rates for those 65 and older. Council Member Farah N. Louis leads as primary sponsor, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, Menin, Feliz, Hanks, Avilés, Gutiérrez, and Restler. The bill was re-referred to committee June 4. The move aims to make cycling more accessible for older New Yorkers.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1287-2025Lee co-sponsors student bike share discount bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes cheaper bike share for students 16 and up. More teens on bikes. Streets shift. Danger remains. The bill sits in committee. Cyclists wait.
Int 1287-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to set a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older. The matter title reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older." Council Member Christopher Marte leads as primary sponsor, joined by Louis, Stevens, Brooks-Powers, Ossé, Restler, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, and Banks. The bill was referred to committee and awaits further action. No safety analysis has been provided.
-
File Int 1287-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
S 8117Stavisky votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.
Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.
-
File S 8117,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-27
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
SUVs and Sedan Collide on Cross Island Parkway▸Chain-reaction crash on Cross Island Parkway. One driver hurt. Police cite following too closely and distraction. Metal crunches. Whiplash. System fails to protect those inside.
A multi-vehicle crash struck Cross Island Parkway in Queens. One driver, a 41-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash. According to the police report, the collision involved sedans and SUVs traveling south. Police list 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The impact left several vehicles damaged, with most occupants reporting unspecified injuries. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to maintain distance and focus.
SUV Rear-Ends Truck on Expressway in Queens▸SUV slammed into a stopped truck on the Long Island Expressway. One woman suffered a head injury. Police cite following too closely. Metal, glass, and blood on the road. System failed to protect.
A crash on the Long Island Expressway in Queens left a 40-year-old woman with a head injury. According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV struck the back of a stopped pick-up truck. Police list 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The injured woman was conscious with a head contusion. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the danger of high-speed traffic and close following distances on city expressways.
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
2SUV Rear-Ended by Sedan on Parkway in Queens▸Two drivers hurt when a sedan slammed into an SUV’s rear on Cross Island Parkway. Police cite driver distraction. Both men suffered whiplash. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
Two vehicles collided on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, a sedan struck the back of an SUV. Both drivers, men aged 24 and 33, were injured with whiplash—one to the neck, one to the head. The crash happened as the SUV slowed or stopped and the sedan continued straight. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal use is mentioned in the report.
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash▸A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.
ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.
-
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-05-02
High-Speed Crash Injures Drivers on Parkway▸Sedans and SUVs smashed on Cross Island Parkway. Three drivers hurt. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal twisted. Pain sharp. Night broken by impact.
A violent crash on Cross Island Parkway in Queens left three drivers injured. According to the police report, sedans and SUVs collided while traveling south. One driver suffered neck injuries and was semiconscious. Another reported abdominal pain. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The vehicles were demolished. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash underscores the danger of speed on city roads.
Int 0193-2024Lee votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.▸Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.
Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.
-
File Int 0193-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-01
Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
- File S 7785, Open States, Published 2025-06-11
S 7785Stavisky votes yes to weaken bus rules, increasing pedestrian and cyclist risk.▸Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
-
File S 7785,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-11
S 8117Stavisky votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.
Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.
-
File S 8117,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-10
S 915Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.
Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.
-
File S 915,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-09
S 915Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.
Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.
-
File S 915,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-09
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors discounted senior bike share bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes cheaper bike share for seniors. More elders could ride. Streets may see more slow, unprotected cyclists. Danger from cars remains. Bill sits in committee. No safety fixes for traffic threats.
Int 1288-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors,' requires the Department of Transportation to set lower bike share rates for those 65 and older. Council Member Farah N. Louis leads, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, and Banks. The measure aims to boost senior cycling but does not address street safety or car violence. The bill was re-referred to committee on June 4, 2025.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors discounted senior bike share bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes bill for cheaper bike share for New Yorkers over 65. More seniors could ride. The city’s streets may see older cyclists in the mix. The committee now holds the bill.
Bill Int 1288-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced May 28, 2025, and re-referred June 4, it mandates a discounted bike share rate for seniors 65 and older. The bill’s title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors.” Council Member Farah N. Louis leads, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, and Menin. The Department of Transportation would require bike share operators to offer this rate. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors discounted senior bike share bill, boosting street safety.▸Council bill pushes for discounted bike share rates for New Yorkers 65 and up. The move aims to open city streets to older riders. The measure sits with the Transportation Committee. No safety review yet.
Int 1288-2025 was introduced on May 28, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to set a discounted bike share rate for seniors, defined as those 65 or older. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors.' Council Member Farah N. Louis leads as primary sponsor, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, Menin, Feliz, Hanks, Avilés, and Gutiérrez. The bill was re-referred to committee on June 4, 2025. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors senior bike share discount bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes a bill to cut bike share costs for New Yorkers over 65. The measure aims to open city cycling to more seniors. The committee now weighs its next move.
Bill Int 1288-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors,' would require the Department of Transportation to mandate lower bike share rates for those 65 and older. Council Member Farah N. Louis leads as primary sponsor, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, Menin, Feliz, Hanks, Avilés, Gutiérrez, and Restler. The bill was re-referred to committee June 4. The move aims to make cycling more accessible for older New Yorkers.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1287-2025Lee co-sponsors student bike share discount bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes cheaper bike share for students 16 and up. More teens on bikes. Streets shift. Danger remains. The bill sits in committee. Cyclists wait.
Int 1287-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to set a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older. The matter title reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older." Council Member Christopher Marte leads as primary sponsor, joined by Louis, Stevens, Brooks-Powers, Ossé, Restler, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, and Banks. The bill was referred to committee and awaits further action. No safety analysis has been provided.
-
File Int 1287-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
S 8117Stavisky votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.
Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.
-
File S 8117,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-27
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
SUVs and Sedan Collide on Cross Island Parkway▸Chain-reaction crash on Cross Island Parkway. One driver hurt. Police cite following too closely and distraction. Metal crunches. Whiplash. System fails to protect those inside.
A multi-vehicle crash struck Cross Island Parkway in Queens. One driver, a 41-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash. According to the police report, the collision involved sedans and SUVs traveling south. Police list 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The impact left several vehicles damaged, with most occupants reporting unspecified injuries. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to maintain distance and focus.
SUV Rear-Ends Truck on Expressway in Queens▸SUV slammed into a stopped truck on the Long Island Expressway. One woman suffered a head injury. Police cite following too closely. Metal, glass, and blood on the road. System failed to protect.
A crash on the Long Island Expressway in Queens left a 40-year-old woman with a head injury. According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV struck the back of a stopped pick-up truck. Police list 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The injured woman was conscious with a head contusion. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the danger of high-speed traffic and close following distances on city expressways.
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
2SUV Rear-Ended by Sedan on Parkway in Queens▸Two drivers hurt when a sedan slammed into an SUV’s rear on Cross Island Parkway. Police cite driver distraction. Both men suffered whiplash. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
Two vehicles collided on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, a sedan struck the back of an SUV. Both drivers, men aged 24 and 33, were injured with whiplash—one to the neck, one to the head. The crash happened as the SUV slowed or stopped and the sedan continued straight. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal use is mentioned in the report.
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash▸A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.
ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.
-
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-05-02
High-Speed Crash Injures Drivers on Parkway▸Sedans and SUVs smashed on Cross Island Parkway. Three drivers hurt. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal twisted. Pain sharp. Night broken by impact.
A violent crash on Cross Island Parkway in Queens left three drivers injured. According to the police report, sedans and SUVs collided while traveling south. One driver suffered neck injuries and was semiconscious. Another reported abdominal pain. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The vehicles were demolished. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash underscores the danger of speed on city roads.
Int 0193-2024Lee votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.▸Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.
Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.
-
File Int 0193-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-01
Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.
Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.
- File S 7785, Open States, Published 2025-06-11
S 8117Stavisky votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.
Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.
-
File S 8117,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-10
S 915Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.
Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.
-
File S 915,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-09
S 915Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.
Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.
-
File S 915,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-09
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors discounted senior bike share bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes cheaper bike share for seniors. More elders could ride. Streets may see more slow, unprotected cyclists. Danger from cars remains. Bill sits in committee. No safety fixes for traffic threats.
Int 1288-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors,' requires the Department of Transportation to set lower bike share rates for those 65 and older. Council Member Farah N. Louis leads, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, and Banks. The measure aims to boost senior cycling but does not address street safety or car violence. The bill was re-referred to committee on June 4, 2025.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors discounted senior bike share bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes bill for cheaper bike share for New Yorkers over 65. More seniors could ride. The city’s streets may see older cyclists in the mix. The committee now holds the bill.
Bill Int 1288-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced May 28, 2025, and re-referred June 4, it mandates a discounted bike share rate for seniors 65 and older. The bill’s title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors.” Council Member Farah N. Louis leads, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, and Menin. The Department of Transportation would require bike share operators to offer this rate. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors discounted senior bike share bill, boosting street safety.▸Council bill pushes for discounted bike share rates for New Yorkers 65 and up. The move aims to open city streets to older riders. The measure sits with the Transportation Committee. No safety review yet.
Int 1288-2025 was introduced on May 28, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to set a discounted bike share rate for seniors, defined as those 65 or older. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors.' Council Member Farah N. Louis leads as primary sponsor, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, Menin, Feliz, Hanks, Avilés, and Gutiérrez. The bill was re-referred to committee on June 4, 2025. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors senior bike share discount bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes a bill to cut bike share costs for New Yorkers over 65. The measure aims to open city cycling to more seniors. The committee now weighs its next move.
Bill Int 1288-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors,' would require the Department of Transportation to mandate lower bike share rates for those 65 and older. Council Member Farah N. Louis leads as primary sponsor, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, Menin, Feliz, Hanks, Avilés, Gutiérrez, and Restler. The bill was re-referred to committee June 4. The move aims to make cycling more accessible for older New Yorkers.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1287-2025Lee co-sponsors student bike share discount bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes cheaper bike share for students 16 and up. More teens on bikes. Streets shift. Danger remains. The bill sits in committee. Cyclists wait.
Int 1287-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to set a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older. The matter title reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older." Council Member Christopher Marte leads as primary sponsor, joined by Louis, Stevens, Brooks-Powers, Ossé, Restler, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, and Banks. The bill was referred to committee and awaits further action. No safety analysis has been provided.
-
File Int 1287-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
S 8117Stavisky votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.
Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.
-
File S 8117,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-27
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
SUVs and Sedan Collide on Cross Island Parkway▸Chain-reaction crash on Cross Island Parkway. One driver hurt. Police cite following too closely and distraction. Metal crunches. Whiplash. System fails to protect those inside.
A multi-vehicle crash struck Cross Island Parkway in Queens. One driver, a 41-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash. According to the police report, the collision involved sedans and SUVs traveling south. Police list 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The impact left several vehicles damaged, with most occupants reporting unspecified injuries. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to maintain distance and focus.
SUV Rear-Ends Truck on Expressway in Queens▸SUV slammed into a stopped truck on the Long Island Expressway. One woman suffered a head injury. Police cite following too closely. Metal, glass, and blood on the road. System failed to protect.
A crash on the Long Island Expressway in Queens left a 40-year-old woman with a head injury. According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV struck the back of a stopped pick-up truck. Police list 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The injured woman was conscious with a head contusion. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the danger of high-speed traffic and close following distances on city expressways.
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
2SUV Rear-Ended by Sedan on Parkway in Queens▸Two drivers hurt when a sedan slammed into an SUV’s rear on Cross Island Parkway. Police cite driver distraction. Both men suffered whiplash. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
Two vehicles collided on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, a sedan struck the back of an SUV. Both drivers, men aged 24 and 33, were injured with whiplash—one to the neck, one to the head. The crash happened as the SUV slowed or stopped and the sedan continued straight. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal use is mentioned in the report.
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash▸A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.
ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.
-
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-05-02
High-Speed Crash Injures Drivers on Parkway▸Sedans and SUVs smashed on Cross Island Parkway. Three drivers hurt. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal twisted. Pain sharp. Night broken by impact.
A violent crash on Cross Island Parkway in Queens left three drivers injured. According to the police report, sedans and SUVs collided while traveling south. One driver suffered neck injuries and was semiconscious. Another reported abdominal pain. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The vehicles were demolished. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash underscores the danger of speed on city roads.
Int 0193-2024Lee votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.▸Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.
Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.
-
File Int 0193-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-01
Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.
Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.
- File S 8117, Open States, Published 2025-06-10
S 915Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.
Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.
-
File S 915,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-09
S 915Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.
Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.
-
File S 915,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-09
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors discounted senior bike share bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes cheaper bike share for seniors. More elders could ride. Streets may see more slow, unprotected cyclists. Danger from cars remains. Bill sits in committee. No safety fixes for traffic threats.
Int 1288-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors,' requires the Department of Transportation to set lower bike share rates for those 65 and older. Council Member Farah N. Louis leads, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, and Banks. The measure aims to boost senior cycling but does not address street safety or car violence. The bill was re-referred to committee on June 4, 2025.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors discounted senior bike share bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes bill for cheaper bike share for New Yorkers over 65. More seniors could ride. The city’s streets may see older cyclists in the mix. The committee now holds the bill.
Bill Int 1288-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced May 28, 2025, and re-referred June 4, it mandates a discounted bike share rate for seniors 65 and older. The bill’s title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors.” Council Member Farah N. Louis leads, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, and Menin. The Department of Transportation would require bike share operators to offer this rate. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors discounted senior bike share bill, boosting street safety.▸Council bill pushes for discounted bike share rates for New Yorkers 65 and up. The move aims to open city streets to older riders. The measure sits with the Transportation Committee. No safety review yet.
Int 1288-2025 was introduced on May 28, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to set a discounted bike share rate for seniors, defined as those 65 or older. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors.' Council Member Farah N. Louis leads as primary sponsor, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, Menin, Feliz, Hanks, Avilés, and Gutiérrez. The bill was re-referred to committee on June 4, 2025. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors senior bike share discount bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes a bill to cut bike share costs for New Yorkers over 65. The measure aims to open city cycling to more seniors. The committee now weighs its next move.
Bill Int 1288-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors,' would require the Department of Transportation to mandate lower bike share rates for those 65 and older. Council Member Farah N. Louis leads as primary sponsor, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, Menin, Feliz, Hanks, Avilés, Gutiérrez, and Restler. The bill was re-referred to committee June 4. The move aims to make cycling more accessible for older New Yorkers.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1287-2025Lee co-sponsors student bike share discount bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes cheaper bike share for students 16 and up. More teens on bikes. Streets shift. Danger remains. The bill sits in committee. Cyclists wait.
Int 1287-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to set a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older. The matter title reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older." Council Member Christopher Marte leads as primary sponsor, joined by Louis, Stevens, Brooks-Powers, Ossé, Restler, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, and Banks. The bill was referred to committee and awaits further action. No safety analysis has been provided.
-
File Int 1287-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
S 8117Stavisky votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.
Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.
-
File S 8117,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-27
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
SUVs and Sedan Collide on Cross Island Parkway▸Chain-reaction crash on Cross Island Parkway. One driver hurt. Police cite following too closely and distraction. Metal crunches. Whiplash. System fails to protect those inside.
A multi-vehicle crash struck Cross Island Parkway in Queens. One driver, a 41-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash. According to the police report, the collision involved sedans and SUVs traveling south. Police list 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The impact left several vehicles damaged, with most occupants reporting unspecified injuries. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to maintain distance and focus.
SUV Rear-Ends Truck on Expressway in Queens▸SUV slammed into a stopped truck on the Long Island Expressway. One woman suffered a head injury. Police cite following too closely. Metal, glass, and blood on the road. System failed to protect.
A crash on the Long Island Expressway in Queens left a 40-year-old woman with a head injury. According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV struck the back of a stopped pick-up truck. Police list 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The injured woman was conscious with a head contusion. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the danger of high-speed traffic and close following distances on city expressways.
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
2SUV Rear-Ended by Sedan on Parkway in Queens▸Two drivers hurt when a sedan slammed into an SUV’s rear on Cross Island Parkway. Police cite driver distraction. Both men suffered whiplash. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
Two vehicles collided on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, a sedan struck the back of an SUV. Both drivers, men aged 24 and 33, were injured with whiplash—one to the neck, one to the head. The crash happened as the SUV slowed or stopped and the sedan continued straight. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal use is mentioned in the report.
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash▸A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.
ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.
-
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-05-02
High-Speed Crash Injures Drivers on Parkway▸Sedans and SUVs smashed on Cross Island Parkway. Three drivers hurt. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal twisted. Pain sharp. Night broken by impact.
A violent crash on Cross Island Parkway in Queens left three drivers injured. According to the police report, sedans and SUVs collided while traveling south. One driver suffered neck injuries and was semiconscious. Another reported abdominal pain. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The vehicles were demolished. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash underscores the danger of speed on city roads.
Int 0193-2024Lee votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.▸Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.
Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.
-
File Int 0193-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-01
Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.
Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.
- File S 915, Open States, Published 2025-06-09
S 915Stavisky votes yes, boosting street safety and access for everyone.▸Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.
Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.
-
File S 915,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-09
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors discounted senior bike share bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes cheaper bike share for seniors. More elders could ride. Streets may see more slow, unprotected cyclists. Danger from cars remains. Bill sits in committee. No safety fixes for traffic threats.
Int 1288-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors,' requires the Department of Transportation to set lower bike share rates for those 65 and older. Council Member Farah N. Louis leads, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, and Banks. The measure aims to boost senior cycling but does not address street safety or car violence. The bill was re-referred to committee on June 4, 2025.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors discounted senior bike share bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes bill for cheaper bike share for New Yorkers over 65. More seniors could ride. The city’s streets may see older cyclists in the mix. The committee now holds the bill.
Bill Int 1288-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced May 28, 2025, and re-referred June 4, it mandates a discounted bike share rate for seniors 65 and older. The bill’s title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors.” Council Member Farah N. Louis leads, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, and Menin. The Department of Transportation would require bike share operators to offer this rate. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors discounted senior bike share bill, boosting street safety.▸Council bill pushes for discounted bike share rates for New Yorkers 65 and up. The move aims to open city streets to older riders. The measure sits with the Transportation Committee. No safety review yet.
Int 1288-2025 was introduced on May 28, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to set a discounted bike share rate for seniors, defined as those 65 or older. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors.' Council Member Farah N. Louis leads as primary sponsor, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, Menin, Feliz, Hanks, Avilés, and Gutiérrez. The bill was re-referred to committee on June 4, 2025. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors senior bike share discount bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes a bill to cut bike share costs for New Yorkers over 65. The measure aims to open city cycling to more seniors. The committee now weighs its next move.
Bill Int 1288-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors,' would require the Department of Transportation to mandate lower bike share rates for those 65 and older. Council Member Farah N. Louis leads as primary sponsor, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, Menin, Feliz, Hanks, Avilés, Gutiérrez, and Restler. The bill was re-referred to committee June 4. The move aims to make cycling more accessible for older New Yorkers.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1287-2025Lee co-sponsors student bike share discount bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes cheaper bike share for students 16 and up. More teens on bikes. Streets shift. Danger remains. The bill sits in committee. Cyclists wait.
Int 1287-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to set a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older. The matter title reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older." Council Member Christopher Marte leads as primary sponsor, joined by Louis, Stevens, Brooks-Powers, Ossé, Restler, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, and Banks. The bill was referred to committee and awaits further action. No safety analysis has been provided.
-
File Int 1287-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
S 8117Stavisky votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.
Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.
-
File S 8117,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-27
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
SUVs and Sedan Collide on Cross Island Parkway▸Chain-reaction crash on Cross Island Parkway. One driver hurt. Police cite following too closely and distraction. Metal crunches. Whiplash. System fails to protect those inside.
A multi-vehicle crash struck Cross Island Parkway in Queens. One driver, a 41-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash. According to the police report, the collision involved sedans and SUVs traveling south. Police list 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The impact left several vehicles damaged, with most occupants reporting unspecified injuries. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to maintain distance and focus.
SUV Rear-Ends Truck on Expressway in Queens▸SUV slammed into a stopped truck on the Long Island Expressway. One woman suffered a head injury. Police cite following too closely. Metal, glass, and blood on the road. System failed to protect.
A crash on the Long Island Expressway in Queens left a 40-year-old woman with a head injury. According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV struck the back of a stopped pick-up truck. Police list 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The injured woman was conscious with a head contusion. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the danger of high-speed traffic and close following distances on city expressways.
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
2SUV Rear-Ended by Sedan on Parkway in Queens▸Two drivers hurt when a sedan slammed into an SUV’s rear on Cross Island Parkway. Police cite driver distraction. Both men suffered whiplash. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
Two vehicles collided on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, a sedan struck the back of an SUV. Both drivers, men aged 24 and 33, were injured with whiplash—one to the neck, one to the head. The crash happened as the SUV slowed or stopped and the sedan continued straight. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal use is mentioned in the report.
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash▸A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.
ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.
-
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-05-02
High-Speed Crash Injures Drivers on Parkway▸Sedans and SUVs smashed on Cross Island Parkway. Three drivers hurt. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal twisted. Pain sharp. Night broken by impact.
A violent crash on Cross Island Parkway in Queens left three drivers injured. According to the police report, sedans and SUVs collided while traveling south. One driver suffered neck injuries and was semiconscious. Another reported abdominal pain. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The vehicles were demolished. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash underscores the danger of speed on city roads.
Int 0193-2024Lee votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.▸Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.
Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.
-
File Int 0193-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-01
Senate passes S 915. Bill demands safe roads for all. Complete street design at its core. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get a fighting chance. Vote split, but the message is clear: streets must serve people, not just cars.
Senate Bill S 915, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee on June 9, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Sean Ryan (District 61) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Samra Brouk, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Fahy, Pete Harckham, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, and Christopher Ryan, pushes for roads built for everyone. The Senate voted, with most in favor and a block opposed. The bill's language is blunt: roads must be safe for all, not just drivers. No safety analyst note was provided, but the intent is clear—prioritize vulnerable road users in every street plan.
- File S 915, Open States, Published 2025-06-09
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors discounted senior bike share bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes cheaper bike share for seniors. More elders could ride. Streets may see more slow, unprotected cyclists. Danger from cars remains. Bill sits in committee. No safety fixes for traffic threats.
Int 1288-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors,' requires the Department of Transportation to set lower bike share rates for those 65 and older. Council Member Farah N. Louis leads, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, and Banks. The measure aims to boost senior cycling but does not address street safety or car violence. The bill was re-referred to committee on June 4, 2025.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors discounted senior bike share bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes bill for cheaper bike share for New Yorkers over 65. More seniors could ride. The city’s streets may see older cyclists in the mix. The committee now holds the bill.
Bill Int 1288-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced May 28, 2025, and re-referred June 4, it mandates a discounted bike share rate for seniors 65 and older. The bill’s title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors.” Council Member Farah N. Louis leads, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, and Menin. The Department of Transportation would require bike share operators to offer this rate. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors discounted senior bike share bill, boosting street safety.▸Council bill pushes for discounted bike share rates for New Yorkers 65 and up. The move aims to open city streets to older riders. The measure sits with the Transportation Committee. No safety review yet.
Int 1288-2025 was introduced on May 28, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to set a discounted bike share rate for seniors, defined as those 65 or older. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors.' Council Member Farah N. Louis leads as primary sponsor, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, Menin, Feliz, Hanks, Avilés, and Gutiérrez. The bill was re-referred to committee on June 4, 2025. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors senior bike share discount bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes a bill to cut bike share costs for New Yorkers over 65. The measure aims to open city cycling to more seniors. The committee now weighs its next move.
Bill Int 1288-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors,' would require the Department of Transportation to mandate lower bike share rates for those 65 and older. Council Member Farah N. Louis leads as primary sponsor, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, Menin, Feliz, Hanks, Avilés, Gutiérrez, and Restler. The bill was re-referred to committee June 4. The move aims to make cycling more accessible for older New Yorkers.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1287-2025Lee co-sponsors student bike share discount bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes cheaper bike share for students 16 and up. More teens on bikes. Streets shift. Danger remains. The bill sits in committee. Cyclists wait.
Int 1287-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to set a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older. The matter title reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older." Council Member Christopher Marte leads as primary sponsor, joined by Louis, Stevens, Brooks-Powers, Ossé, Restler, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, and Banks. The bill was referred to committee and awaits further action. No safety analysis has been provided.
-
File Int 1287-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
S 8117Stavisky votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.
Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.
-
File S 8117,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-27
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
SUVs and Sedan Collide on Cross Island Parkway▸Chain-reaction crash on Cross Island Parkway. One driver hurt. Police cite following too closely and distraction. Metal crunches. Whiplash. System fails to protect those inside.
A multi-vehicle crash struck Cross Island Parkway in Queens. One driver, a 41-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash. According to the police report, the collision involved sedans and SUVs traveling south. Police list 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The impact left several vehicles damaged, with most occupants reporting unspecified injuries. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to maintain distance and focus.
SUV Rear-Ends Truck on Expressway in Queens▸SUV slammed into a stopped truck on the Long Island Expressway. One woman suffered a head injury. Police cite following too closely. Metal, glass, and blood on the road. System failed to protect.
A crash on the Long Island Expressway in Queens left a 40-year-old woman with a head injury. According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV struck the back of a stopped pick-up truck. Police list 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The injured woman was conscious with a head contusion. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the danger of high-speed traffic and close following distances on city expressways.
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
2SUV Rear-Ended by Sedan on Parkway in Queens▸Two drivers hurt when a sedan slammed into an SUV’s rear on Cross Island Parkway. Police cite driver distraction. Both men suffered whiplash. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
Two vehicles collided on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, a sedan struck the back of an SUV. Both drivers, men aged 24 and 33, were injured with whiplash—one to the neck, one to the head. The crash happened as the SUV slowed or stopped and the sedan continued straight. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal use is mentioned in the report.
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash▸A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.
ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.
-
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-05-02
High-Speed Crash Injures Drivers on Parkway▸Sedans and SUVs smashed on Cross Island Parkway. Three drivers hurt. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal twisted. Pain sharp. Night broken by impact.
A violent crash on Cross Island Parkway in Queens left three drivers injured. According to the police report, sedans and SUVs collided while traveling south. One driver suffered neck injuries and was semiconscious. Another reported abdominal pain. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The vehicles were demolished. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash underscores the danger of speed on city roads.
Int 0193-2024Lee votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.▸Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.
Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.
-
File Int 0193-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-01
Council pushes cheaper bike share for seniors. More elders could ride. Streets may see more slow, unprotected cyclists. Danger from cars remains. Bill sits in committee. No safety fixes for traffic threats.
Int 1288-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors,' requires the Department of Transportation to set lower bike share rates for those 65 and older. Council Member Farah N. Louis leads, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, and Banks. The measure aims to boost senior cycling but does not address street safety or car violence. The bill was re-referred to committee on June 4, 2025.
- File Int 1288-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors discounted senior bike share bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes bill for cheaper bike share for New Yorkers over 65. More seniors could ride. The city’s streets may see older cyclists in the mix. The committee now holds the bill.
Bill Int 1288-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced May 28, 2025, and re-referred June 4, it mandates a discounted bike share rate for seniors 65 and older. The bill’s title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors.” Council Member Farah N. Louis leads, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, and Menin. The Department of Transportation would require bike share operators to offer this rate. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors discounted senior bike share bill, boosting street safety.▸Council bill pushes for discounted bike share rates for New Yorkers 65 and up. The move aims to open city streets to older riders. The measure sits with the Transportation Committee. No safety review yet.
Int 1288-2025 was introduced on May 28, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to set a discounted bike share rate for seniors, defined as those 65 or older. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors.' Council Member Farah N. Louis leads as primary sponsor, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, Menin, Feliz, Hanks, Avilés, and Gutiérrez. The bill was re-referred to committee on June 4, 2025. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors senior bike share discount bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes a bill to cut bike share costs for New Yorkers over 65. The measure aims to open city cycling to more seniors. The committee now weighs its next move.
Bill Int 1288-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors,' would require the Department of Transportation to mandate lower bike share rates for those 65 and older. Council Member Farah N. Louis leads as primary sponsor, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, Menin, Feliz, Hanks, Avilés, Gutiérrez, and Restler. The bill was re-referred to committee June 4. The move aims to make cycling more accessible for older New Yorkers.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1287-2025Lee co-sponsors student bike share discount bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes cheaper bike share for students 16 and up. More teens on bikes. Streets shift. Danger remains. The bill sits in committee. Cyclists wait.
Int 1287-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to set a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older. The matter title reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older." Council Member Christopher Marte leads as primary sponsor, joined by Louis, Stevens, Brooks-Powers, Ossé, Restler, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, and Banks. The bill was referred to committee and awaits further action. No safety analysis has been provided.
-
File Int 1287-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
S 8117Stavisky votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.
Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.
-
File S 8117,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-27
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
SUVs and Sedan Collide on Cross Island Parkway▸Chain-reaction crash on Cross Island Parkway. One driver hurt. Police cite following too closely and distraction. Metal crunches. Whiplash. System fails to protect those inside.
A multi-vehicle crash struck Cross Island Parkway in Queens. One driver, a 41-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash. According to the police report, the collision involved sedans and SUVs traveling south. Police list 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The impact left several vehicles damaged, with most occupants reporting unspecified injuries. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to maintain distance and focus.
SUV Rear-Ends Truck on Expressway in Queens▸SUV slammed into a stopped truck on the Long Island Expressway. One woman suffered a head injury. Police cite following too closely. Metal, glass, and blood on the road. System failed to protect.
A crash on the Long Island Expressway in Queens left a 40-year-old woman with a head injury. According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV struck the back of a stopped pick-up truck. Police list 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The injured woman was conscious with a head contusion. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the danger of high-speed traffic and close following distances on city expressways.
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
2SUV Rear-Ended by Sedan on Parkway in Queens▸Two drivers hurt when a sedan slammed into an SUV’s rear on Cross Island Parkway. Police cite driver distraction. Both men suffered whiplash. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
Two vehicles collided on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, a sedan struck the back of an SUV. Both drivers, men aged 24 and 33, were injured with whiplash—one to the neck, one to the head. The crash happened as the SUV slowed or stopped and the sedan continued straight. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal use is mentioned in the report.
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash▸A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.
ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.
-
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-05-02
High-Speed Crash Injures Drivers on Parkway▸Sedans and SUVs smashed on Cross Island Parkway. Three drivers hurt. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal twisted. Pain sharp. Night broken by impact.
A violent crash on Cross Island Parkway in Queens left three drivers injured. According to the police report, sedans and SUVs collided while traveling south. One driver suffered neck injuries and was semiconscious. Another reported abdominal pain. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The vehicles were demolished. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash underscores the danger of speed on city roads.
Int 0193-2024Lee votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.▸Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.
Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.
-
File Int 0193-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-01
Council pushes bill for cheaper bike share for New Yorkers over 65. More seniors could ride. The city’s streets may see older cyclists in the mix. The committee now holds the bill.
Bill Int 1288-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced May 28, 2025, and re-referred June 4, it mandates a discounted bike share rate for seniors 65 and older. The bill’s title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors.” Council Member Farah N. Louis leads, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, and Menin. The Department of Transportation would require bike share operators to offer this rate. No safety analyst note was provided.
- File Int 1288-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors discounted senior bike share bill, boosting street safety.▸Council bill pushes for discounted bike share rates for New Yorkers 65 and up. The move aims to open city streets to older riders. The measure sits with the Transportation Committee. No safety review yet.
Int 1288-2025 was introduced on May 28, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to set a discounted bike share rate for seniors, defined as those 65 or older. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors.' Council Member Farah N. Louis leads as primary sponsor, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, Menin, Feliz, Hanks, Avilés, and Gutiérrez. The bill was re-referred to committee on June 4, 2025. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors senior bike share discount bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes a bill to cut bike share costs for New Yorkers over 65. The measure aims to open city cycling to more seniors. The committee now weighs its next move.
Bill Int 1288-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors,' would require the Department of Transportation to mandate lower bike share rates for those 65 and older. Council Member Farah N. Louis leads as primary sponsor, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, Menin, Feliz, Hanks, Avilés, Gutiérrez, and Restler. The bill was re-referred to committee June 4. The move aims to make cycling more accessible for older New Yorkers.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1287-2025Lee co-sponsors student bike share discount bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes cheaper bike share for students 16 and up. More teens on bikes. Streets shift. Danger remains. The bill sits in committee. Cyclists wait.
Int 1287-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to set a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older. The matter title reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older." Council Member Christopher Marte leads as primary sponsor, joined by Louis, Stevens, Brooks-Powers, Ossé, Restler, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, and Banks. The bill was referred to committee and awaits further action. No safety analysis has been provided.
-
File Int 1287-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
S 8117Stavisky votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.
Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.
-
File S 8117,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-27
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
SUVs and Sedan Collide on Cross Island Parkway▸Chain-reaction crash on Cross Island Parkway. One driver hurt. Police cite following too closely and distraction. Metal crunches. Whiplash. System fails to protect those inside.
A multi-vehicle crash struck Cross Island Parkway in Queens. One driver, a 41-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash. According to the police report, the collision involved sedans and SUVs traveling south. Police list 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The impact left several vehicles damaged, with most occupants reporting unspecified injuries. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to maintain distance and focus.
SUV Rear-Ends Truck on Expressway in Queens▸SUV slammed into a stopped truck on the Long Island Expressway. One woman suffered a head injury. Police cite following too closely. Metal, glass, and blood on the road. System failed to protect.
A crash on the Long Island Expressway in Queens left a 40-year-old woman with a head injury. According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV struck the back of a stopped pick-up truck. Police list 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The injured woman was conscious with a head contusion. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the danger of high-speed traffic and close following distances on city expressways.
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
2SUV Rear-Ended by Sedan on Parkway in Queens▸Two drivers hurt when a sedan slammed into an SUV’s rear on Cross Island Parkway. Police cite driver distraction. Both men suffered whiplash. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
Two vehicles collided on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, a sedan struck the back of an SUV. Both drivers, men aged 24 and 33, were injured with whiplash—one to the neck, one to the head. The crash happened as the SUV slowed or stopped and the sedan continued straight. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal use is mentioned in the report.
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash▸A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.
ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.
-
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-05-02
High-Speed Crash Injures Drivers on Parkway▸Sedans and SUVs smashed on Cross Island Parkway. Three drivers hurt. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal twisted. Pain sharp. Night broken by impact.
A violent crash on Cross Island Parkway in Queens left three drivers injured. According to the police report, sedans and SUVs collided while traveling south. One driver suffered neck injuries and was semiconscious. Another reported abdominal pain. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The vehicles were demolished. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash underscores the danger of speed on city roads.
Int 0193-2024Lee votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.▸Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.
Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.
-
File Int 0193-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-01
Council bill pushes for discounted bike share rates for New Yorkers 65 and up. The move aims to open city streets to older riders. The measure sits with the Transportation Committee. No safety review yet.
Int 1288-2025 was introduced on May 28, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to set a discounted bike share rate for seniors, defined as those 65 or older. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors.' Council Member Farah N. Louis leads as primary sponsor, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, Menin, Feliz, Hanks, Avilés, and Gutiérrez. The bill was re-referred to committee on June 4, 2025. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users.
- File Int 1288-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-28
Int 1288-2025Lee co-sponsors senior bike share discount bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes a bill to cut bike share costs for New Yorkers over 65. The measure aims to open city cycling to more seniors. The committee now weighs its next move.
Bill Int 1288-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors,' would require the Department of Transportation to mandate lower bike share rates for those 65 and older. Council Member Farah N. Louis leads as primary sponsor, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, Menin, Feliz, Hanks, Avilés, Gutiérrez, and Restler. The bill was re-referred to committee June 4. The move aims to make cycling more accessible for older New Yorkers.
-
File Int 1288-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
Int 1287-2025Lee co-sponsors student bike share discount bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes cheaper bike share for students 16 and up. More teens on bikes. Streets shift. Danger remains. The bill sits in committee. Cyclists wait.
Int 1287-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to set a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older. The matter title reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older." Council Member Christopher Marte leads as primary sponsor, joined by Louis, Stevens, Brooks-Powers, Ossé, Restler, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, and Banks. The bill was referred to committee and awaits further action. No safety analysis has been provided.
-
File Int 1287-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
S 8117Stavisky votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.
Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.
-
File S 8117,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-27
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
SUVs and Sedan Collide on Cross Island Parkway▸Chain-reaction crash on Cross Island Parkway. One driver hurt. Police cite following too closely and distraction. Metal crunches. Whiplash. System fails to protect those inside.
A multi-vehicle crash struck Cross Island Parkway in Queens. One driver, a 41-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash. According to the police report, the collision involved sedans and SUVs traveling south. Police list 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The impact left several vehicles damaged, with most occupants reporting unspecified injuries. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to maintain distance and focus.
SUV Rear-Ends Truck on Expressway in Queens▸SUV slammed into a stopped truck on the Long Island Expressway. One woman suffered a head injury. Police cite following too closely. Metal, glass, and blood on the road. System failed to protect.
A crash on the Long Island Expressway in Queens left a 40-year-old woman with a head injury. According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV struck the back of a stopped pick-up truck. Police list 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The injured woman was conscious with a head contusion. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the danger of high-speed traffic and close following distances on city expressways.
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
2SUV Rear-Ended by Sedan on Parkway in Queens▸Two drivers hurt when a sedan slammed into an SUV’s rear on Cross Island Parkway. Police cite driver distraction. Both men suffered whiplash. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
Two vehicles collided on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, a sedan struck the back of an SUV. Both drivers, men aged 24 and 33, were injured with whiplash—one to the neck, one to the head. The crash happened as the SUV slowed or stopped and the sedan continued straight. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal use is mentioned in the report.
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash▸A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.
ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.
-
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-05-02
High-Speed Crash Injures Drivers on Parkway▸Sedans and SUVs smashed on Cross Island Parkway. Three drivers hurt. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal twisted. Pain sharp. Night broken by impact.
A violent crash on Cross Island Parkway in Queens left three drivers injured. According to the police report, sedans and SUVs collided while traveling south. One driver suffered neck injuries and was semiconscious. Another reported abdominal pain. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The vehicles were demolished. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash underscores the danger of speed on city roads.
Int 0193-2024Lee votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.▸Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.
Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.
-
File Int 0193-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-01
Council pushes a bill to cut bike share costs for New Yorkers over 65. The measure aims to open city cycling to more seniors. The committee now weighs its next move.
Bill Int 1288-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for seniors,' would require the Department of Transportation to mandate lower bike share rates for those 65 and older. Council Member Farah N. Louis leads as primary sponsor, joined by Marte, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, Banks, Menin, Feliz, Hanks, Avilés, Gutiérrez, and Restler. The bill was re-referred to committee June 4. The move aims to make cycling more accessible for older New Yorkers.
- File Int 1288-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-28
Int 1287-2025Lee co-sponsors student bike share discount bill, boosting street safety.▸Council pushes cheaper bike share for students 16 and up. More teens on bikes. Streets shift. Danger remains. The bill sits in committee. Cyclists wait.
Int 1287-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to set a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older. The matter title reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older." Council Member Christopher Marte leads as primary sponsor, joined by Louis, Stevens, Brooks-Powers, Ossé, Restler, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, and Banks. The bill was referred to committee and awaits further action. No safety analysis has been provided.
-
File Int 1287-2025,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-28
S 8117Stavisky votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.
Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.
-
File S 8117,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-27
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
SUVs and Sedan Collide on Cross Island Parkway▸Chain-reaction crash on Cross Island Parkway. One driver hurt. Police cite following too closely and distraction. Metal crunches. Whiplash. System fails to protect those inside.
A multi-vehicle crash struck Cross Island Parkway in Queens. One driver, a 41-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash. According to the police report, the collision involved sedans and SUVs traveling south. Police list 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The impact left several vehicles damaged, with most occupants reporting unspecified injuries. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to maintain distance and focus.
SUV Rear-Ends Truck on Expressway in Queens▸SUV slammed into a stopped truck on the Long Island Expressway. One woman suffered a head injury. Police cite following too closely. Metal, glass, and blood on the road. System failed to protect.
A crash on the Long Island Expressway in Queens left a 40-year-old woman with a head injury. According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV struck the back of a stopped pick-up truck. Police list 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The injured woman was conscious with a head contusion. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the danger of high-speed traffic and close following distances on city expressways.
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
2SUV Rear-Ended by Sedan on Parkway in Queens▸Two drivers hurt when a sedan slammed into an SUV’s rear on Cross Island Parkway. Police cite driver distraction. Both men suffered whiplash. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
Two vehicles collided on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, a sedan struck the back of an SUV. Both drivers, men aged 24 and 33, were injured with whiplash—one to the neck, one to the head. The crash happened as the SUV slowed or stopped and the sedan continued straight. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal use is mentioned in the report.
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash▸A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.
ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.
-
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-05-02
High-Speed Crash Injures Drivers on Parkway▸Sedans and SUVs smashed on Cross Island Parkway. Three drivers hurt. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal twisted. Pain sharp. Night broken by impact.
A violent crash on Cross Island Parkway in Queens left three drivers injured. According to the police report, sedans and SUVs collided while traveling south. One driver suffered neck injuries and was semiconscious. Another reported abdominal pain. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The vehicles were demolished. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash underscores the danger of speed on city roads.
Int 0193-2024Lee votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.▸Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.
Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.
-
File Int 0193-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-01
Council pushes cheaper bike share for students 16 and up. More teens on bikes. Streets shift. Danger remains. The bill sits in committee. Cyclists wait.
Int 1287-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced May 28, 2025. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to set a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older. The matter title reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a discounted bike share rate for public school students aged 16 or older." Council Member Christopher Marte leads as primary sponsor, joined by Louis, Stevens, Brooks-Powers, Ossé, Restler, Powers, Lee, Nurse, Hanif, Brewer, and Banks. The bill was referred to committee and awaits further action. No safety analysis has been provided.
- File Int 1287-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-28
S 8117Stavisky votes yes on school speed cameras, boosting safety for children.▸Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.
Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.
-
File S 8117,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-27
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
SUVs and Sedan Collide on Cross Island Parkway▸Chain-reaction crash on Cross Island Parkway. One driver hurt. Police cite following too closely and distraction. Metal crunches. Whiplash. System fails to protect those inside.
A multi-vehicle crash struck Cross Island Parkway in Queens. One driver, a 41-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash. According to the police report, the collision involved sedans and SUVs traveling south. Police list 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The impact left several vehicles damaged, with most occupants reporting unspecified injuries. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to maintain distance and focus.
SUV Rear-Ends Truck on Expressway in Queens▸SUV slammed into a stopped truck on the Long Island Expressway. One woman suffered a head injury. Police cite following too closely. Metal, glass, and blood on the road. System failed to protect.
A crash on the Long Island Expressway in Queens left a 40-year-old woman with a head injury. According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV struck the back of a stopped pick-up truck. Police list 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The injured woman was conscious with a head contusion. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the danger of high-speed traffic and close following distances on city expressways.
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
2SUV Rear-Ended by Sedan on Parkway in Queens▸Two drivers hurt when a sedan slammed into an SUV’s rear on Cross Island Parkway. Police cite driver distraction. Both men suffered whiplash. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
Two vehicles collided on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, a sedan struck the back of an SUV. Both drivers, men aged 24 and 33, were injured with whiplash—one to the neck, one to the head. The crash happened as the SUV slowed or stopped and the sedan continued straight. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal use is mentioned in the report.
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash▸A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.
ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.
-
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-05-02
High-Speed Crash Injures Drivers on Parkway▸Sedans and SUVs smashed on Cross Island Parkway. Three drivers hurt. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal twisted. Pain sharp. Night broken by impact.
A violent crash on Cross Island Parkway in Queens left three drivers injured. According to the police report, sedans and SUVs collided while traveling south. One driver suffered neck injuries and was semiconscious. Another reported abdominal pain. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The vehicles were demolished. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash underscores the danger of speed on city roads.
Int 0193-2024Lee votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.▸Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.
Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.
-
File Int 0193-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-01
Senate backs S 8117. Oneida County gets school speed zone cameras. Law sunsets in 2030. Lawmakers act. Streets near schools may slow. Children walk safer. Drivers face new eyes.
Senate bill S 8117, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the county of Oneida,' passed committee votes on May 27 and June 10, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph A. Griffo (District 53), sets up speed cameras near schools in Oneida County. The program ends December 31, 2030. The Senate voted yes, with only two no votes and several excused. The measure aims to slow drivers near schools and protect children. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process.
- File S 8117, Open States, Published 2025-05-27
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality▸A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
-
Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-05-21
SUVs and Sedan Collide on Cross Island Parkway▸Chain-reaction crash on Cross Island Parkway. One driver hurt. Police cite following too closely and distraction. Metal crunches. Whiplash. System fails to protect those inside.
A multi-vehicle crash struck Cross Island Parkway in Queens. One driver, a 41-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash. According to the police report, the collision involved sedans and SUVs traveling south. Police list 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The impact left several vehicles damaged, with most occupants reporting unspecified injuries. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to maintain distance and focus.
SUV Rear-Ends Truck on Expressway in Queens▸SUV slammed into a stopped truck on the Long Island Expressway. One woman suffered a head injury. Police cite following too closely. Metal, glass, and blood on the road. System failed to protect.
A crash on the Long Island Expressway in Queens left a 40-year-old woman with a head injury. According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV struck the back of a stopped pick-up truck. Police list 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The injured woman was conscious with a head contusion. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the danger of high-speed traffic and close following distances on city expressways.
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
2SUV Rear-Ended by Sedan on Parkway in Queens▸Two drivers hurt when a sedan slammed into an SUV’s rear on Cross Island Parkway. Police cite driver distraction. Both men suffered whiplash. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
Two vehicles collided on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, a sedan struck the back of an SUV. Both drivers, men aged 24 and 33, were injured with whiplash—one to the neck, one to the head. The crash happened as the SUV slowed or stopped and the sedan continued straight. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal use is mentioned in the report.
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash▸A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.
ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.
-
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-05-02
High-Speed Crash Injures Drivers on Parkway▸Sedans and SUVs smashed on Cross Island Parkway. Three drivers hurt. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal twisted. Pain sharp. Night broken by impact.
A violent crash on Cross Island Parkway in Queens left three drivers injured. According to the police report, sedans and SUVs collided while traveling south. One driver suffered neck injuries and was semiconscious. Another reported abdominal pain. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The vehicles were demolished. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash underscores the danger of speed on city roads.
Int 0193-2024Lee votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.▸Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.
Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.
-
File Int 0193-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-01
A pickup struck an elderly man crossing Jericho Turnpike. The victim died days later. Police charged the driver months after the crash. The intersection remains dangerous. The law caught up, but the street stayed the same.
According to NY Daily News (published May 21, 2025), police arrested Benjamin Jean-Baptiste five months after he fatally struck 78-year-old Jose Jimenez at Jericho Turnpike and 91st Ave. in Queens. The article reports, "On Tuesday, police charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors." Jean-Baptiste, driving a Dodge Ram, turned left and hit Jimenez as he crossed the busy intersection. Jimenez suffered a massive head injury and died a week later. The driver remained at the scene and was later given a desk appearance ticket. This case highlights persistent risks at major crossings and the delay in holding drivers accountable for failing to yield and exercise care.
- Driver Charged Months After Queens Fatality, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-21
SUVs and Sedan Collide on Cross Island Parkway▸Chain-reaction crash on Cross Island Parkway. One driver hurt. Police cite following too closely and distraction. Metal crunches. Whiplash. System fails to protect those inside.
A multi-vehicle crash struck Cross Island Parkway in Queens. One driver, a 41-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash. According to the police report, the collision involved sedans and SUVs traveling south. Police list 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The impact left several vehicles damaged, with most occupants reporting unspecified injuries. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to maintain distance and focus.
SUV Rear-Ends Truck on Expressway in Queens▸SUV slammed into a stopped truck on the Long Island Expressway. One woman suffered a head injury. Police cite following too closely. Metal, glass, and blood on the road. System failed to protect.
A crash on the Long Island Expressway in Queens left a 40-year-old woman with a head injury. According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV struck the back of a stopped pick-up truck. Police list 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The injured woman was conscious with a head contusion. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the danger of high-speed traffic and close following distances on city expressways.
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
2SUV Rear-Ended by Sedan on Parkway in Queens▸Two drivers hurt when a sedan slammed into an SUV’s rear on Cross Island Parkway. Police cite driver distraction. Both men suffered whiplash. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
Two vehicles collided on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, a sedan struck the back of an SUV. Both drivers, men aged 24 and 33, were injured with whiplash—one to the neck, one to the head. The crash happened as the SUV slowed or stopped and the sedan continued straight. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal use is mentioned in the report.
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash▸A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.
ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.
-
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-05-02
High-Speed Crash Injures Drivers on Parkway▸Sedans and SUVs smashed on Cross Island Parkway. Three drivers hurt. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal twisted. Pain sharp. Night broken by impact.
A violent crash on Cross Island Parkway in Queens left three drivers injured. According to the police report, sedans and SUVs collided while traveling south. One driver suffered neck injuries and was semiconscious. Another reported abdominal pain. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The vehicles were demolished. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash underscores the danger of speed on city roads.
Int 0193-2024Lee votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.▸Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.
Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.
-
File Int 0193-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-01
Chain-reaction crash on Cross Island Parkway. One driver hurt. Police cite following too closely and distraction. Metal crunches. Whiplash. System fails to protect those inside.
A multi-vehicle crash struck Cross Island Parkway in Queens. One driver, a 41-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash. According to the police report, the collision involved sedans and SUVs traveling south. Police list 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The impact left several vehicles damaged, with most occupants reporting unspecified injuries. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to maintain distance and focus.
SUV Rear-Ends Truck on Expressway in Queens▸SUV slammed into a stopped truck on the Long Island Expressway. One woman suffered a head injury. Police cite following too closely. Metal, glass, and blood on the road. System failed to protect.
A crash on the Long Island Expressway in Queens left a 40-year-old woman with a head injury. According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV struck the back of a stopped pick-up truck. Police list 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The injured woman was conscious with a head contusion. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the danger of high-speed traffic and close following distances on city expressways.
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
2SUV Rear-Ended by Sedan on Parkway in Queens▸Two drivers hurt when a sedan slammed into an SUV’s rear on Cross Island Parkway. Police cite driver distraction. Both men suffered whiplash. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
Two vehicles collided on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, a sedan struck the back of an SUV. Both drivers, men aged 24 and 33, were injured with whiplash—one to the neck, one to the head. The crash happened as the SUV slowed or stopped and the sedan continued straight. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal use is mentioned in the report.
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash▸A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.
ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.
-
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-05-02
High-Speed Crash Injures Drivers on Parkway▸Sedans and SUVs smashed on Cross Island Parkway. Three drivers hurt. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal twisted. Pain sharp. Night broken by impact.
A violent crash on Cross Island Parkway in Queens left three drivers injured. According to the police report, sedans and SUVs collided while traveling south. One driver suffered neck injuries and was semiconscious. Another reported abdominal pain. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The vehicles were demolished. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash underscores the danger of speed on city roads.
Int 0193-2024Lee votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.▸Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.
Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.
-
File Int 0193-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-01
SUV slammed into a stopped truck on the Long Island Expressway. One woman suffered a head injury. Police cite following too closely. Metal, glass, and blood on the road. System failed to protect.
A crash on the Long Island Expressway in Queens left a 40-year-old woman with a head injury. According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV struck the back of a stopped pick-up truck. Police list 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The injured woman was conscious with a head contusion. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the danger of high-speed traffic and close following distances on city expressways.
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
2SUV Rear-Ended by Sedan on Parkway in Queens▸Two drivers hurt when a sedan slammed into an SUV’s rear on Cross Island Parkway. Police cite driver distraction. Both men suffered whiplash. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
Two vehicles collided on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, a sedan struck the back of an SUV. Both drivers, men aged 24 and 33, were injured with whiplash—one to the neck, one to the head. The crash happened as the SUV slowed or stopped and the sedan continued straight. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal use is mentioned in the report.
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash▸A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.
ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.
-
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-05-02
High-Speed Crash Injures Drivers on Parkway▸Sedans and SUVs smashed on Cross Island Parkway. Three drivers hurt. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal twisted. Pain sharp. Night broken by impact.
A violent crash on Cross Island Parkway in Queens left three drivers injured. According to the police report, sedans and SUVs collided while traveling south. One driver suffered neck injuries and was semiconscious. Another reported abdominal pain. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The vehicles were demolished. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash underscores the danger of speed on city roads.
Int 0193-2024Lee votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.▸Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.
Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.
-
File Int 0193-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-01
Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
- File S 4804, Open States, Published 2025-05-06
S 4804Stavisky votes yes to create safety zones, improving street safety for all.▸Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
-
File S 4804,
Open States,
Published 2025-05-06
2SUV Rear-Ended by Sedan on Parkway in Queens▸Two drivers hurt when a sedan slammed into an SUV’s rear on Cross Island Parkway. Police cite driver distraction. Both men suffered whiplash. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
Two vehicles collided on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, a sedan struck the back of an SUV. Both drivers, men aged 24 and 33, were injured with whiplash—one to the neck, one to the head. The crash happened as the SUV slowed or stopped and the sedan continued straight. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal use is mentioned in the report.
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash▸A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.
ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.
-
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-05-02
High-Speed Crash Injures Drivers on Parkway▸Sedans and SUVs smashed on Cross Island Parkway. Three drivers hurt. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal twisted. Pain sharp. Night broken by impact.
A violent crash on Cross Island Parkway in Queens left three drivers injured. According to the police report, sedans and SUVs collided while traveling south. One driver suffered neck injuries and was semiconscious. Another reported abdominal pain. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The vehicles were demolished. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash underscores the danger of speed on city roads.
Int 0193-2024Lee votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.▸Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.
Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.
-
File Int 0193-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-01
Senate backs S 4804. The bill sets first responder safety zones and lowers speed limits. Lawmakers move to shield workers on chaotic streets. The vote is swift. The intent is clear. Danger zones get new rules.
Senate bill S 4804, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' passed committee on April 29, 2025, and cleared the full Senate on May 6, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Christopher Ryan (District 50) with co-sponsors Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Robert Rolison, and William Weber, the bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and enforce lower speed limits in those areas. The measure won broad support, with nearly all senators voting yes. The bill targets the chaos and risk drivers pose to workers and bystanders at emergency scenes. No safety analyst note was provided.
- File S 4804, Open States, Published 2025-05-06
2SUV Rear-Ended by Sedan on Parkway in Queens▸Two drivers hurt when a sedan slammed into an SUV’s rear on Cross Island Parkway. Police cite driver distraction. Both men suffered whiplash. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
Two vehicles collided on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, a sedan struck the back of an SUV. Both drivers, men aged 24 and 33, were injured with whiplash—one to the neck, one to the head. The crash happened as the SUV slowed or stopped and the sedan continued straight. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal use is mentioned in the report.
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash▸A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.
ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.
-
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-05-02
High-Speed Crash Injures Drivers on Parkway▸Sedans and SUVs smashed on Cross Island Parkway. Three drivers hurt. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal twisted. Pain sharp. Night broken by impact.
A violent crash on Cross Island Parkway in Queens left three drivers injured. According to the police report, sedans and SUVs collided while traveling south. One driver suffered neck injuries and was semiconscious. Another reported abdominal pain. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The vehicles were demolished. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash underscores the danger of speed on city roads.
Int 0193-2024Lee votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.▸Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.
Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.
-
File Int 0193-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-01
Two drivers hurt when a sedan slammed into an SUV’s rear on Cross Island Parkway. Police cite driver distraction. Both men suffered whiplash. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.
Two vehicles collided on Cross Island Parkway in Queens. According to the police report, a sedan struck the back of an SUV. Both drivers, men aged 24 and 33, were injured with whiplash—one to the neck, one to the head. The crash happened as the SUV slowed or stopped and the sedan continued straight. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal use is mentioned in the report.
Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash▸A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.
ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.
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Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash,
ABC7,
Published 2025-05-02
High-Speed Crash Injures Drivers on Parkway▸Sedans and SUVs smashed on Cross Island Parkway. Three drivers hurt. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal twisted. Pain sharp. Night broken by impact.
A violent crash on Cross Island Parkway in Queens left three drivers injured. According to the police report, sedans and SUVs collided while traveling south. One driver suffered neck injuries and was semiconscious. Another reported abdominal pain. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The vehicles were demolished. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash underscores the danger of speed on city roads.
Int 0193-2024Lee votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.▸Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.
Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.
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File Int 0193-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-01
A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.
ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.
- Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-05-02
High-Speed Crash Injures Drivers on Parkway▸Sedans and SUVs smashed on Cross Island Parkway. Three drivers hurt. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal twisted. Pain sharp. Night broken by impact.
A violent crash on Cross Island Parkway in Queens left three drivers injured. According to the police report, sedans and SUVs collided while traveling south. One driver suffered neck injuries and was semiconscious. Another reported abdominal pain. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The vehicles were demolished. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash underscores the danger of speed on city roads.
Int 0193-2024Lee votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.▸Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.
Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.
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File Int 0193-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-01
Sedans and SUVs smashed on Cross Island Parkway. Three drivers hurt. Police cite unsafe speed. Metal twisted. Pain sharp. Night broken by impact.
A violent crash on Cross Island Parkway in Queens left three drivers injured. According to the police report, sedans and SUVs collided while traveling south. One driver suffered neck injuries and was semiconscious. Another reported abdominal pain. Police list 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The vehicles were demolished. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash underscores the danger of speed on city roads.
Int 0193-2024Lee votes yes on taxi dooring warning decals, no major safety change.▸Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.
Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.
-
File Int 0193-2024,
NYC Council – Legistar,
Published 2025-05-01
Council passes law. Taxis and for-hire cars must post bold warnings on rear doors. Riders face the message: look for cyclists before swinging the door. A move to cut dooring. City acts. Cyclists stay in the crosshairs.
Int 0193-2024, now law, cleared the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and passed City Council on May 1, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' demands clear warning signs on all rear passenger doors. Lincoln Restler led as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Rivera, Won, and others. The Taxi and Limousine Commission must provide decals at no cost. The law aims to fight dooring, a threat to cyclists citywide. Enacted May 31, 2025, it takes effect in 120 days.
- File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-05-01