No Deaths Yet—But Laurelton Bleeds Every Day

City will shift Q60 buses to a mainline lane on Queens Boulevard. New bus lanes, bike upgrades, and a linear park are coming. Officials say it will speed buses and protect walkers and cyclists. But construction lags. Riders and residents wait. Danger persists.

On April 22, 2022, the NYC Department of Transportation announced a plan to move Q60 buses from the service road to a dedicated mainline lane along Queens Boulevard, between Roosevelt Avenue and Union Turnpike. The project, under the 'Great Streets' program, is split into four phases, with construction for later phases delayed until at least 2024. The matter summary states: 'transform the currently barren median into a linear park to create a safe and easy way of traversing neighborhoods.' Queens Borough President Donovan Richards pledged $1 million to the first phase, stating, 'it really creates an unsafe scenario, especially for pedestrians and cyclists.' DOT spokesman Vin Barone said the redesign 'greatly improv[es] pedestrian safety while also drawing a huge number of new cyclists.' Laura Shepard of Transportation Alternatives called the delays 'unacceptable.' The plan includes upgraded bike lanes, bus stops, and bus-only lanes, but also adds curbside parking, which could increase congestion. Vulnerable road users remain at risk until the city acts.

• WAIT FOR IT: City To Move Buses To Dedicated Lane on Queens Boulevard — Eventually, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-04-22

Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers sped through school zones 17 times in 11 months. She racked up 22 speed violations and one red light ticket. Her district sees high rates of pedestrian deaths. She pledges to do better. Tickets paid. No license impact.

Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, chair of the NYC Council's Transportation Committee, was cited for speeding in school zones 17 times in less than a year. The violations occurred between May 2020 and April 2022. Brooks-Powers represents Southeast Queens, an area plagued by pedestrian and motorist fatalities. The matter surfaced in April 2022, with Brooks-Powers admitting responsibility for most tickets. She stated, 'public safety is very important to me,' and pledged to improve. Under the Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program, she must complete a safety course or risk car impoundment. Her tickets have been paid, so her car was not towed. Camera tickets do not affect her license. Brooks-Powers says she is working with advocates to address traffic violence and congestion, but her record highlights the ongoing danger for vulnerable road users in her district.

• EXCLUSIVE: Council’s Transportation Chair’s Car Sped Through School Zones 17 Times in a Year, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-04-13

City Council pushes Mayor Adams for $3.1 billion more for the Streets Master Plan. They want double the protected lanes and more pedestrian space. Advocates cheer. The mayor reviews. The fight is over money, but the stakes are lives.

On April 4, 2022, the City Council called on Mayor Adams to add $3.1 billion to the Streets Master Plan. The plan, passed in 2019, aims for 250 protected bike lanes and 150 bus lanes. The Council wants to double these targets: 500 miles each of protected bike and bus lanes, plus 38 million square feet of new pedestrian plazas. Transportation Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers said the goal is 'to make our thoroughfares safer and more accessible, while increasing New York's pedestrian plazas footprint.' The Council’s proposal comes as the mayor’s $98.5-billion budget lacks dedicated funding for these safety upgrades. Advocates for bus and bike infrastructure support the Council’s push. The mayor says he is reviewing the proposal and remains committed to street safety and transit improvements.

• Council to Mayor: Put a Lot More Money into the Streets Master Plan!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-04-04

MTA unveils a new Queens bus plan. More routes, fewer stops. Faster trips promised. Community voices shape the draft. Officials urge more input, more funding. Advocates demand equity. The redesign aims to fix old mistakes and speed up service for all.

""So, yeah, I'm here as a salesperson to say, 'Let's get this done.' Of course, there's a lot more community input, but there's no such thing as a perfect plan and we should not let perfect be the enemy of good as well."" -- Donovan J. Richards

On March 30, 2022, the MTA released a second draft of its Queens bus network redesign. The plan, not tied to a bill number, is a policy proposal under review. It follows backlash to the 2019 draft and pandemic delays. The redesign boosts routes from 77 to 85, adds 20 new lines, and drops the revenue-neutral rule. Hundreds of stops will be cut to speed service. The MTA and NYC DOT picked 49 corridors for upgrades like bus lanes. The official summary states the plan 'incorporates feedback from over 11,000 customer comments and aims to address previous criticisms.' MTA Chair Janno Lieber said, 'We know we need to get it right this time.' Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and advocates like Riders Alliance back the effort but call for more equity and engagement. The plan’s impact on vulnerable road users is not yet assessed.

• Chastened MTA Tries to Redesign the Queens Bus Network, Again, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-30

Council passed a law forcing DOT to install stop signs or signals at every school intersection by 2024. Lawmakers slam DOT for slow action and hiding behind federal rules. Families wait. Streets stay dangerous. Children cross. Cars speed by.

Bill introduced by Council Member Inez Barron in 2018 requires the Department of Transportation to install traffic control devices at every intersection next to a school by September 30, 2024. The law passed the City Council, but implementation drags. The matter summary: 'It requires the city to make sure that every intersection on a block where there is a school, has a traffic sign or a stop signal.' Council Members Justin Brannan and Bob Holden, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, all criticized DOT’s slow pace and reliance on federal MUTCD guidelines. Community Board 14 in Brooklyn faced years of denials before a stop sign appeared. DOT promises compliance, but critics say the agency only acts after tragedy. The law aims to protect children, but bureaucratic inertia keeps danger in the crosswalk.

• New Law May Make School Zones Safer — But Why Does DOT Act So Slowly, Pols Ask, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-16

Council passed a law forcing DOT to install stop signs or signals at every school intersection. Pols slammed DOT for dragging its feet and hiding behind federal rules. Parents and boards want action, not excuses. Kids cross streets. Cars kill.

""What I've learned is that even when they deny you, keep coming back."" -- Donovan J. Richards

On March 16, 2022, the City Council passed a school zone traffic safety law. The bill, introduced by Inez Barron, requires the Department of Transportation to install traffic control devices at every intersection next to a school by September 30, 2024. Council Member Justin Brannan, representing District 47, called the law a 'no-brainer,' saying, 'Some of our biggest victories have been getting a traffic signal installed near a busy intersection near a school – that shouldn't be some huge colossal victory.' The law aims to bypass restrictive federal guidelines that block safety fixes. Council members and residents blasted DOT for slow, arbitrary action and years of denied requests, sometimes only reversed after tragedy. The Adams administration promises to redesign 1,000 more intersections, but families and advocates demand faster, decisive protection for children.

• New Law May Make School Zones Safer — But Why Does DOT Act So Slowly, Pols Ask, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-03-16

Two SUVs crashed at 143 Avenue in Queens. The female driver of one SUV suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation. Both vehicles struck each other head-on and on the side. The injured driver remained conscious and was not ejected from her vehicle.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on 143 Avenue in Queens. The female driver of a 2010 Chevrolet SUV was injured, sustaining a fractured elbow and dislocation. She was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The crash involved a front-center impact on her vehicle and left-side door damage on the other SUV, driven by a male driver. Both drivers were traveling straight ahead before the collision. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify specific driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4509924 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Councilmember Brooks-Powers called out deadly streets in Southeast Queens. She demanded safe roads and good transit for every neighborhood, not just the rich. She vowed to center equity, listen to the unheard, and fix danger where it hits hardest.

On March 8, 2022, Council Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers made a public statement on transportation equity. She declared, 'Equity in transportation means addressing the needs of neighborhoods that have suffered from long and dangerous commutes after decades of under-investment.' Brooks-Powers, representing Southeast Queens, highlighted high rates of pedestrian and motorist danger in her district. She pledged to shift the city's focus from transit-rich areas to those left behind, stressing the need for accessible streets, protection for children, and investment in minority and women-owned businesses. Brooks-Powers opposed enforcement-heavy approaches, promising instead to prioritize improvements and community input. Her leadership signals a push to measure DOT success by safety and access for all, especially the most vulnerable.

• Council Transportation Chair: Street Safety, Good Transit, City Funding — It’s All About Equity, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-08

Senate passed S 3897. More state cash flows to cities that build complete streets. Lawmakers push for safer roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at survival.

Bill S 3897 cleared the Senate committee on March 2, 2022, with a final vote on May 25, 2022. The bill, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' boosts state funding for transportation projects when cities add complete street features. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Senators including Cooney, Gallivan, Kaminsky, Kaplan, Liu, and others voted yes. The measure aims to tie state money to safer street design, pushing municipalities to build roads that protect people outside cars.

• File S 3897, Open States, Published 2022-03-02

Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.

Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.

• File S 5130, Open States, Published 2022-03-02

Advocates and Councilmember Restler rallied for faster buses. They called out slow speeds, illegal driving, and lack of city action. Bus riders, mostly working-class and people of color, remain stranded. City promises more bus lanes, but plans lag. Riders wait.

On February 28, 2022, Councilmember Lincoln Restler (District 33) joined transit advocates at a rally demanding urgent improvements to New York City's bus system. The event, covered by amny.com, highlighted the Bus Turnaround coalition's renewed push for dedicated busways, more bus lanes, and increased funding. Restler said, 'We need a real busway on Jay Street,' citing rampant illegal driving and slow service. The rally criticized City Hall for ambitious targets but no concrete plans. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez promised 150 new miles of bus lanes, but advocates noted delays and lack of enforcement. The recommendations aim to speed up buses for vulnerable riders—working-class, immigrant, and communities of color—who rely on slow, unreliable service. The rally underscored the urgent need for action to protect and prioritize those most at risk on city streets.

• Transit advocates call on Adams, Hochul to speed up NYC buses, amny.com, Published 2022-02-28

DOT starts to harden bike lanes, but the 100-day pledge is broken. Only 5.5 miles get upgrades now. The rest will wait until late 2023. Advocates and officials praise the move but slam the slow pace. Cyclists remain exposed.

On February 18, 2022, the Department of Transportation announced a delay in its plan to bolster protected bike lanes. The Adams administration had promised to harden 20 miles of bike lanes within its first 100 days. Now, DOT says the work will finish by the end of 2023. The first phase covers just 5.5 miles in Manhattan and Queens. DOT Commissioner Rodriguez said, “We have an actionable, concrete plan to protect cyclists and we are going to deliver on this work to keep our lanes clear.” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards praised the upgrades, calling for safe biking citywide. Community Board 3’s Michelle Kuppersmith highlighted the need for political will. Still, the delay leaves vulnerable road users at risk, as the city also postponed pedestrian space on the Queensboro Bridge. The slow rollout means danger lingers for cyclists and walkers.

• Bike Lane Bolstering Begins — But it Won’t Be Done in 100 Days, As Promised, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-02-18

Speed cameras do not target Black or Brown neighborhoods. City data proves it. But wide, dangerous roads run through these communities. Tickets pile up. So do injuries. Cameras catch speeders, but bad design breeds violence. Leaders demand street fixes, not just enforcement.

""Cameras don't discriminate. Either you're speeding or you're not. This data certainly proves what we've been saying all along,"" -- Donovan J. Richards

This Streetsblog NYC analysis, published February 14, 2022, reviews New York’s speed and red light camera programs. The report finds, “New York City's speed cameras are evenly distributed and not disproportionately concentrated in low-income communities of color.” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards says, “Cameras don't discriminate.” Marco Conner DiAquoi of Transportation Alternatives adds, “We don’t see any correlation between the demographics of a zip code and the number of speeding violations there.” Council Member Gale Brewer calls for more red light cameras. Wilfredo Florentino, Brooklyn Community Board 5, says, “Just placing cameras ain't gonna cut it.” The analysis shows that dangerous, wide arterials in communities of color drive up traffic violence. Advocates and officials agree: automated enforcement helps, but only street redesigns will end the bloodshed. The Department of Transportation still withholds exact camera locations.

• Analysis: New York’s Speed Cameras Aren’t Racist — But the City’s Road Design Is, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-02-14

Speed cameras do not target Black or Brown neighborhoods. Data shows crashes drop where cameras go. But unsafe roads remain. Leaders demand more cameras and street redesigns. Council Member Adrienne Adams backs calls for action. Cameras alone cannot stop traffic violence.

""Cameras don't discriminate. Either you're speeding or you're not. This data certainly proves what we've been saying all along,"" -- Donovan J. Richards

On February 14, 2022, Council Member Adrienne Adams (District 28) was mentioned in a Streetsblog analysis titled, "New York’s Speed Cameras Aren’t Racist — But the City’s Road Design Is." The report, not tied to a specific bill, reviewed automated enforcement and street design. It found speed cameras are evenly distributed and reduce crashes, but dangerous road design still puts lives at risk. Adams and other leaders called for more cameras and urgent street redesigns, echoing the article’s summary: 'Cameras have led to fewer crashes, injuries, and fatalities, but high numbers of tickets in some neighborhoods are attributed to unsafe road design, not camera placement.' Community voices stressed that automated enforcement helps, but cannot replace permanent fixes to deadly streets. The Department of Transportation’s lack of transparency on camera locations remains a concern. Adams and others demand systemic change to protect vulnerable New Yorkers.

• Analysis: New York’s Speed Cameras Aren’t Racist — But the City’s Road Design Is, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-02-14

A 10-year-old girl died. An SUV jumped the curb in Far Rockaway. The driver sped from a parking lot, struck the child and a woman. No arrest. Leaders condemned the crash. They blamed unsafe exits, lax enforcement, and city neglect. Calls for urgent change rose.

On February 10, 2022, a driver in an SUV killed a 10-year-old girl and injured a woman on a Queens sidewalk after speeding out of a grocery store parking lot. The incident, described as 'another child on a sidewalk in Far Rockaway,' drew swift condemnation. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards called the crash a wake-up call, saying, 'There is nothing more imperative than street safety.' Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, chair of the Transportation Committee, called the deaths 'senseless' and blamed years of underinvestment and neglect. She pledged to work with Mayor Adams to address transportation inequities and ensure safer streets. The crash highlighted the danger of parking lot exits that funnel cars onto sidewalks and the rise in pedestrian deaths involving SUVs. Advocates demanded proven solutions to slow drivers and protect vulnerable road users.

• Reckless SUV Driver Kills Another Child on a Sidewalk in Far Rockaway, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-02-10

Two SUVs collided on slick 135 Avenue. Six people, aged 10 to 63, suffered head and neck injuries. Shock and pain followed the impact. Pavement conditions played a deadly role. No other driver errors reported.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles crashed on 135 Avenue in Queens at 6:56 a.m. Six people, including drivers and passengers, were injured with head and neck trauma. All were restrained and not ejected. The report lists 'Pavement Slippery' as the contributing factor for both vehicles. The male driver’s SUV struck the left front bumper of the other, which was hit at the center back end. Both drivers held valid licenses. The injured, ranging from age 10 to 63, reported shock and pain. No other driver errors were cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4498830 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Vision Zero failed in 2021. Two hundred seventy-three people died on New York streets. Hit-and-runs soared. SUVs killed more. Brooklyn bled most. Leaders promise fixes. Streets remain deadly. Urgency fills the air. Vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

A final analysis released January 26, 2022, revealed 2021 as the deadliest year in the eight-year history of New York City's Vision Zero initiative, with 273 road deaths—a 32 percent jump from 2018. The Transportation Committee, chaired by Selvena Brooks-Powers, faces mounting pressure. The matter summary states: 'A final analysis of 2021 crash statistics revealed that it was the deadliest year in the eight-year history of New York City's Vision Zero initiative.' Transportation Alternatives demanded urgent action: reclaiming street space from cars, redesigning intersections, upgrading bike lanes, and more. Mayor Adams and DOT Commissioner Rodriguez pledged intersection redesigns and stronger bike lanes, but no changes have rolled out. Brooks-Powers called every death 'an avoidable tragedy' and vowed to push for safer streets. The city stands at a crossroads. Vulnerable road users pay the price for delay.

• NUMBER CRUNCH: Inside the Deadliest Year in Vision Zero History, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-01-26

Gov. Hochul backs a new train line linking Queens and Brooklyn. The Interborough Express uses old tracks for new rapid transit. Borough presidents Richards and Reynoso support it. The plan faces cost, freight, and construction hurdles. Public review comes next.

On January 21, 2022, Gov. Hochul announced the Interborough Express (IBX) project, a new train line connecting Bay Ridge in Brooklyn to Jackson Heights in Queens. The project is in early stages, with environmental review and public input ahead. The MTA’s feasibility study considered light rail, commuter rail, and bus rapid transit, aiming for a 45-minute end-to-end trip. The matter summary states: 'New York City is getting a new train line, the Interborough Express (IBX), thanks to Gov. Hochul's support for passenger service on the rail right of way connecting Queens and Brooklyn.' Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso voiced support at the announcement. The project uses existing right-of-way, avoiding eminent domain, but faces challenges with freight integration, track upgrades, and uncertain costs. Modular station designs aim to keep expenses down. No formal safety analysis for vulnerable road users has been published.

• ANALYSIS: Gov. Hochul’s ‘Bi-Boro’ Train Line: How Will it Work?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-01-21

Governor Hochul’s budget cracks down on toll cheats. New laws hit drivers who hide plates or fake exemptions. The MTA loses millions to evasion. Lawmakers debate fairness and credits. Enforcement sharpens. Revenue for transit hangs in the balance.

Bill 42, part of Governor Hochul’s 2022 executive budget, aims to enforce congestion pricing by introducing new penalties for toll evasion. The proposal, discussed in the Senate on January 20, 2022, lets the DMV deny registration to vehicles with unpaid tolls and sets fines up to $5,000 for fraudulent exemption claims. The matter summary states: 'Governor Kathy Hochul's executive budget includes several changes to New York's congestion pricing program, which is expected to provide crucial revenue for transit upgrades.' Senator James Skoufis, mentioned in the hearing, pushed for credits for certain drivers. The bill is supported by MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick and Governor Hochul’s office, who say it will ensure fairness. The MTA reports $4 million lost annually to toll evaders. The review board will finalize fee structures and exemptions. No specific safety impact for vulnerable road users was provided.

• Hochul Paves Way Forward For Congestion Pricing With New Laws And Penalties for Toll Evaders, gothamist.com, Published 2022-01-20

Selvena Brooks-Powers takes the helm of the Council’s Transportation Committee. She pledges to tackle traffic violence and congestion. Her district lacks bike lanes and Citi Bike docks. She supports more ferries, bus lanes, and open streets. Advocates watch closely.

On January 20, 2022, Selvena Brooks-Powers became chair of the City Council’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She represents District 31 in southeast Queens, an area with limited transit and high car use. The committee oversees key street safety and mobility issues. Brooks-Powers said, 'Historically in New York City in particular, the transportation system has had many barriers for communities that live in transportation deserts from reaching economic opportunity.' She supports expanding protected bike lanes, bus lanes, open streets, and ferry access, but has mixed views on dedicated bus lanes due to local bottlenecks. Brooks-Powers plans to consult with colleagues, advocates, and experts in her first 100 days to address traffic violence and congestion. Advocates are optimistic, citing her record fighting for communities and workers. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Meet the Council’s Transportation Committee Chair: Selvena Brooks-Powers, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-01-20