Blood on the Crosswalk: South Jamaica Pays for City Hall’s Inaction

An e-scooter driver traveling east on Lakewood Avenue suffered a severe leg injury after losing control. The rider was partially ejected and sustained fractures and dislocations. Police cited unsafe speed as the primary contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a 40-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured at 10:15 p.m. on Lakewood Avenue in Queens. The rider was partially ejected from the vehicle and suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report identifies 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor leading to the crash. The e-scooter was traveling straight ahead eastbound at the time of the incident. There was no damage to the vehicle or other vehicles involved, and no other occupants were present. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors. The injury severity was classified as serious, highlighting the dangers posed by excessive speed on micromobility devices.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727654 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan merging east struck a tractor truck going straight. The sedan driver, a 30-year-old woman, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles damaged at the front. No pedestrians or cyclists involved.

According to the police report, a crash occurred on Liberty Avenue in Queens at 6:30 p.m. A sedan merging east collided with a tractor truck traveling straight in the same direction. The sedan's left front bumper hit the truck's right front bumper. The sedan driver, a 30-year-old woman, sustained head injuries and whiplash. Both drivers were licensed. The report notes the sedan's pre-crash action as merging, indicating improper merging or failure to yield as a contributing factor. No other contributing factors were listed. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726870 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.

On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.

• Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins, nypost.com, Published 2024-05-16

Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.

On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.

• Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins, nypost.com, Published 2024-05-16

Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.

On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.

• Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins, nypost.com, Published 2024-05-16

A bicyclist riding north on 105 Avenue was struck by an SUV making a left turn. The impact hit the bike’s front center and the SUV’s left front quarter panel. The cyclist suffered a concussion and back injury, remaining conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, at 9:02 AM on 105 Avenue in Queens, an SUV traveling west made a left turn and collided with a bicyclist traveling north. The point of impact was the SUV’s left front quarter panel and the bike’s center front end. The report cites "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor, indicating driver error on the part of the SUV operator. The bicyclist, a 30-year-old male, was injured with a concussion and back injury but was conscious and not ejected from the bike. The bike sustained damage to its front end. No other contributing factors related to the victim were noted in the report. The SUV showed no damage, and the driver was licensed. This crash highlights the dangers posed by improper lane usage and turning maneuvers by motor vehicles near vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720543 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council orders swift removal of abandoned and unplated cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. Police target vehicles with missing or fake plates. Fewer hazards for those on foot and bike.

Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 18, 2024. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation.' Sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary) and co-sponsored by over a dozen council members, it forces the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours and empowers NYPD to tow cars with missing or obscured plates or stickers. The law aims to clear street hazards fast, reducing risks for pedestrians and cyclists.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Queens fights over a rail line. The mayor backs a park. Advocates demand transit. Poor residents lose out. Elected officials split. The city risks locking out thousands from jobs and care. The debate rages. No one asks the people.

This op-ed, published April 4, 2024, covers the battle over the unused Rockaway Beach Branch rail line in southeastern Queens. The city, led by Mayor Adams, pushes a park-only project, funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Rick Horan, QueensLink’s executive director, argues the plan blocks a vital north-south rail corridor, denying disadvantaged communities access to jobs, education, and healthcare. The op-ed states: 'It is simply irresponsible to build a park on a viable transit right-of-way in the biggest city in America.' State Senators James Sanders, Jr. and Joe Addabbo, Assembly Member Stacey Amato, and Council Members Selvena Brooks-Powers, JoAnn Ariola, and Bob Holden support studies and funding for the rails-and-trails QueensLink alternative. The mayor’s plan faces criticism for ignoring public input and environmental justice. No safety impact assessment for vulnerable road users was provided.

• Op-Ed: Keeping Poor Residents in Transit Deserts is Getting Expensive, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-04-04

An SUV driver distracted by inattention struck a 28-year-old male e-bike rider on Sutphin Boulevard in Queens. The cyclist suffered a head contusion but was conscious and not ejected. The SUV sustained front-end damage; the e-bike showed no damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred shortly after midnight on Sutphin Boulevard in Queens. The collision involved a 2013 Dodge SUV traveling north and an e-bike traveling west. The SUV driver was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' a primary contributing factor to the crash. The e-bike rider, a 28-year-old male, sustained a head injury described as a contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report notes no helmet use but does not list it as a contributing factor. The SUV's center front end was damaged, while the e-bike showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely absorbed by the rider. The cyclist was not ejected from the bike. This incident highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in Queens, resulting in serious injury to a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713836 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2024-03-27

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2024-03-27

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-03-20

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-03-20

A $117 million federal grant pushes the QueensWay park forward on an old rail line. Rail advocates warn this blocks future transit. City Hall claims both park and rail can coexist. For now, the city’s money backs the park, not the train.

On March 15, 2024, a $117 million federal grant was awarded for the QueensWay, a 3.5-mile park on an abandoned Long Island Rail Road spur in Queens. This follows Mayor Adams’s earlier $35 million commitment. The matter centers on whether to build a park or restore rail service—"Its purpose is to derail the train," said Rick Horan, QueensLink’s executive director. City Hall, represented by spokesperson Charles Lutvak, insists, "The proposed Met Hub does not preclude an MTA project if [MTA officials] determine one is feasible." Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi echoed, "Those two don't directly conflict." State Sen. James Sanders Jr. continues to push for QueensLink funding. The city’s investments so far favor the park, leaving the rail proposal in limbo. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• New Fed Grant for Queens Park Project Pushes Rail Proposal to the Brink, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-15

Two sedans collided on 171 Street, striking an 8-year-old and a 5-year-old passenger. Both children suffered abdomen and pelvis injuries, were restrained by lap belts, and experienced shock. Driver inattention was cited as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:45 on 171 Street involving two sedans traveling west. One sedan was going straight ahead with a male driver, while the other was parked with a female driver. The point of impact was the center front end of the moving sedan and the center back end of the parked sedan. Two child passengers, ages 8 and 5, were injured with abdomen and pelvis trauma and were not ejected, restrained by lap belts. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the collision. No other contributing factors related to the victims were noted. The injuries and shock experienced by the children highlight the severe consequences of driver distraction in urban crashes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709737 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans traveling north on VanWyck Expressway collided, injuring a rear-seat passenger. The crash caused back injuries and whiplash. Driver inattention and unsafe speed contributed to the impact, which damaged the left front panels of both vehicles.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling north on VanWyck Expressway collided at 4:50 AM. Both vehicles were going straight ahead when the collision occurred, impacting the left front quarter panel and left front bumper respectively. The report cites driver inattention and unsafe speed as contributing factors to the crash. A 42-year-old female passenger seated in the middle rear seat of one vehicle suffered back injuries and whiplash, remaining conscious and restrained by a lap belt. The report explicitly notes driver inattention and distraction as primary causes, highlighting systemic danger from driver errors. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709457 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Assembly bill A 9420 would cut congestion tolls for motorcycles in half. Sponsor Alicia Hyndman backs the move. No safety review yet for people on foot or bike. The city’s core stays risky.

Assembly bill A 9420, sponsored by Alicia Hyndman (District 29), is at the sponsorship stage. The bill, introduced March 14, 2024, lets the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority charge motorcycles half the congestion tolls of other vehicles in the central business district. The bill summary states: 'Authorizes the Triborough bridge and tunnel authority to impose tolls and fees for congestion pricing for motorcycles in the central business district in the amount of half of the charges for the tolls and fees of other vehicles.' No safety analyst has reviewed the impact on vulnerable road users. The risk to pedestrians and cyclists remains unaddressed.

• File A 9420, Open States, Published 2024-03-14

Council moves to force DOT to post clear bus lane signs on every block. Riders and walkers need to know when cars must stay out. The bill demands public, block-by-block rules. No more guessing. Streets reveal their rules.

Int 0647-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on March 7, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to bus lane restrictions," orders DOT to post signs on each block with bus lane rules and to publish hours online. Sponsors include Althea V. Stevens (primary), Chris Banks, Chi A. Ossé, Nantasha M. Williams, Carmen N. De La Rosa, Amanda Farías, Yusef Salaam, and Kevin C. Riley. The measure aims to end confusion and make bus lane rules plain for all. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0647-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council wants every e-bike and scooter tagged and tracked. Plates on wheels. Riders face new rules. Lawmakers say it’s about order. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait.

Int 0606-2024 was introduced on March 7, 2024, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring that every bicycle with electric assist, electric scooter and other legal motorized vehicle be licensed and registered," would force all e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar vehicles not covered by DMV rules to register with DOT and display visible plates. Council Member Inna Vernikov is the primary sponsor, joined by 26 co-sponsors including Holden, Farías, Riley, and others. The bill was laid over in committee and has not advanced. No safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• File Int 0606-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council bill pushes DOT to let schools, centers, and institutions use streets outside their doors. More people, less traffic. Streets shift from cars to community. Still in committee.

Int 0450-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 28, 2024. The bill orders DOT to create a program letting community centers, schools, arts, and religious institutions use adjacent outdoor spaces. The matter title reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to establish a program to allow community centers, schools, arts and cultural institutions and religious institutions to use adjacent outdoor spaces.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads, joined by Stevens, Restler, Won, and others. The bill has not yet passed. If enacted, it could reclaim space from cars, giving it to people. No formal safety analysis yet, but the measure could mean safer, more vibrant streets for all.

• File Int 0450-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28