Blood in the Crosswalk: No More Excuses, No More Deaths

Assembly bill A 1280 pushes for streets built for all. Dozens of lawmakers back the plan. The bill demands roads that protect walkers, cyclists, and riders. It calls for design, not luck, to keep people safe.

Assembly bill A 1280, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 13, 2023, the bill sits with the Assembly. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 70 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Kenny Burgos, and Catalina Cruz. Their action signals strong legislative momentum. The bill’s focus: force planners to build streets for people, not just cars. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear—systemic change for vulnerable road users. The bill’s progress can be tracked at the New York Assembly website.

• File A 1280, Open States, Published 2023-01-13

Mayor Adams’s budget keeps Fair Fares funding flat at $75 million. No new money. Low-income riders still face strict limits. The city holds back while transit costs rise. Council leaders stay silent. Riders wait. The gap between need and help widens.

Bill: Mayor Adams’s 2023 preliminary budget. Status: Proposed, under Council review. Committee: City Council Budget. Key dates: Announced January 12, 2023; hearings and negotiations run until June 30. The budget 'does not increase funding for Fair Fares, the city’s half-price MetroCard program for very low-income transit riders.' Adams holds funding at $75 million, below pre-pandemic levels. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers did not comment. Adams claims fiscal discipline is key, despite calling Fair Fares 'transformative.' The program’s strict eligibility leaves out many struggling New Yorkers. As subway fares rise, the city’s refusal to expand Fair Fares keeps transit out of reach for thousands.

• Transit Equity? Adams Budget Adds No New Funds for Fair Fares Discount Program, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-12

The Council’s Transportation Committee stalled. Three hearings. Two bills passed. No action on street safety, placard abuse, or protected lanes. Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers focused on commuter vans, not Vision Zero. Advocates saw inaction. Vulnerable road users paid the price.

In 2022, the City Council’s Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, chaired by Selvena Brooks-Powers, held only three hearings on 87 bills and passed just two. The committee, according to the matter summary, was 'largely absent from major transportation issues, including street safety, placard abuse, school street safety, e-mobility planning, ghost plates, and NYPD enforcement.' Brooks-Powers led a resolution supporting commuter vans and spoke on transportation equity, but did not advance key street safety or Vision Zero legislation. The committee failed to hold the Adams administration accountable for missing protected bike and bus lane benchmarks. Advocates and council members voiced frustration at the lack of progress on urgent issues like traffic violence and the Streets Master Plan. The committee’s approach prioritized car-dependent communities and lagged behind previous leadership on safety reforms. Vulnerable road users saw little relief.

• ANALYSIS: Council’s Transportation Committee Has Little to Show in First Year, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-11

A 70-year-old man driving a sedan on Belt Parkway suffered full-body contusions. The car struck an object with its left front bumper. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. Distraction caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 70-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Belt Parkway. The sedan, traveling east, impacted with its left front bumper, damaging the center front end. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness but sustained contusions over his entire body. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor twice, indicating the driver’s failure to maintain focus led to the collision. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4595463 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 26-year-old man driving a sedan on Belt Parkway suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The vehicle struck an object head-on. Police cited alcohol involvement and driver distraction. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Belt Parkway. The sedan, traveling west, impacted with its center front end, damaging the left front bumper. The driver sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists alcohol involvement and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4594880 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 61-year-old man driving an SUV suffered neck injuries in a rear-end collision on South Conduit Avenue. The SUV struck a sedan from behind. The driver was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness. Unsafe lane changing caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 61-year-old male driver of a 2005 SUV was injured when his vehicle rear-ended a 2019 sedan on South Conduit Avenue. The SUV driver suffered neck injuries described as whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The crash involved two vehicles traveling eastbound. The point of impact was the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the sedan. The report lists "Unsafe Lane Changing" as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed in New York. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4594380 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A Honda slammed into stopped cars on South Conduit Avenue. Metal screamed. Four vehicles struck. A 76-year-old man bled from the head. Passengers hurt. The cause: following too closely, driver inattention. Shock and pain lingered in the cold Queens air.

A violent multi-car crash unfolded on South Conduit Avenue near Rockaway Boulevard in Queens. According to the police report, a 76-year-old man driving a Honda struck a line of stopped vehicles, setting off a chain reaction that damaged four cars. The driver suffered severe head bleeding and shock. Several passengers, including women aged 24, 32, and 66, reported back injuries and pain. Others sat stunned, still buckled in their seats. The police report lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. No pedestrians were involved. The impact left metal twisted and lives shaken, all traced to driver error behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4592521 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A BMW sedan struck a backing tow truck on Belt Parkway. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash. The impact hit the sedan’s front center and the truck’s rear center. Driver distraction caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male driver in a 2017 BMW sedan collided with a backing 2017 Ford tow truck on Belt Parkway. The sedan struck the tow truck’s rear center, damaging both vehicles. The sedan driver was injured, sustaining back pain and whiplash, but was conscious and restrained by a harness. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor. The tow truck was traveling north while backing, and the sedan was also traveling north going straight ahead. No other factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4590743 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Council members push the MTA to study reviving the Rockaway Beach rail line. The move aims to connect southeast Queens, cut car trips, and open new routes. The bill signals urgency but lacks binding power. Debate continues over transit versus parkland.

On November 28, 2022, Council Members Joann Ariola and Selvena Brooks-Powers introduced a City Council resolution urging the MTA to conduct an environmental impact study for the QueensLink rail reactivation. The bill, non-binding and currently under committee review, seeks to revive 3.5 miles of the former Rockaway Beach Branch, extending the M train from Rego Park to the Rockaways. The matter title calls for 'a deeper study of the QueensLink proposal to reactivate an old rail line.' Ariola and Brooks-Powers, both representing southeastern Queens, argue the project would benefit communities with poor subway access and reduce car dependency. Ariola stated, 'I think it’s necessary and I think that it would really benefit the communities.' Brooks-Powers emphasized the resolution as a priority for the Transportation Committee. The push comes as Mayor Adams advances the QueensWay park plan, raising concerns among transit advocates. The MTA says a new study is unnecessary, but supporters insist a thorough review is needed before converting the corridor to parkland.

• Queens Pols Revive Push for MTA to Study QueensLink, As QueensWay Linear Park Surges, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-28

A man drove east on South Conduit Avenue. He fell asleep. His SUV smashed front-first. He died belted in, arm broken. The crash left the morning dark and silent. No other injuries reported. Sleep claimed the wheel. Steel claimed the rest.

A 33-year-old man driving a 2021 Nissan SUV on South Conduit Avenue in Queens fell asleep at the wheel. According to the police report, the vehicle struck hard with its center front end. The driver, alone in the car, was killed. His arm was broken, and he was found belted in. The report lists 'Fell Asleep' as the contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No other injuries were reported. The crash happened in the early morning darkness. The data shows no other driver errors or contributing factors beyond the driver falling asleep.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4585208 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Drivers hide plates with leaves and branches. They dodge cameras. They dodge tolls. The city loses millions. Council cracks down. Brooks-Powers calls it a safety threat. New laws ban cover sales. DOT must now report evaders. Streets stay dangerous.

On November 26, 2022, the New York City Council took legislative action to combat license plate obscuring, a tactic used by drivers to evade tolls and traffic cameras. The matter, described as 'banning the sale of toll-beating covers and requiring DOT to report cars evading red lights and speed cameras with unreadable license plates,' passed through the transportation and infrastructure committee. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, chair of the committee and sponsor, stated, 'It’s a safety issue, it’s an issue in terms of [city] revenue, it’s an issue in terms of ensuring we have safe streets and holding people accountable.' The city has lost $19 million this year due to unreadable plates. The new laws aim to close loopholes and restore accountability, but the risk to pedestrians and cyclists from untraceable drivers remains high.

• Unbe-leaf-able: Scofflaws dodge tolls and traffic cameras with foliage, nypost.com, Published 2022-11-26

A bus traveling north struck a sedan making a left turn on South Conduit Avenue in Queens. Both male drivers suffered bruises and chest or back contusions. The crash caused front-end damage to both vehicles. Failure to yield was cited.

According to the police report, a 2009 Orion bus traveling north on South Conduit Avenue collided with a 2015 Mercedes sedan making a left turn. Both drivers, aged 31 and 33, were injured with contusions to the chest and back but remained conscious and were not ejected. The bus sustained center front end damage, and the sedan was damaged on the left front bumper and right front quarter panel. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. Both drivers were wearing lap belts and harnesses. No other contributing factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4583973 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

City made Jamaica and Archer Avenue busways permanent. Jamaica Avenue hours slashed. Archer stays 24/7. Northern Boulevard bus lanes started after months of delay. Local politicians fought restrictions. Bus riders still face slow trips. City bows to business pressure.

On November 15, 2022, the Adams administration made busways on Jamaica and Archer avenues permanent after a one-year pilot. The Department of Transportation cut Jamaica Avenue’s busway hours from 24/7 to 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, while Archer Avenue remains round-the-clock. The Northern Boulevard bus lane project, stalled for months after Council Member Francisco Moya lobbied against it, finally began installation. Council Members Nantasha Williams and Selvena Brooks-Powers opposed the busways, calling for their elimination and citing business concerns. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and other local officials pushed for even shorter hours. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez defended the busways, saying, 'strong bus infrastructure is a necessity.' Despite opposition, the city kept some busway hours intact, but caved to business interests, reducing protection for bus riders and vulnerable road users.

• City Makes Jamaica Busways Permanent But With Shorter Hours; Begins Northern Blvd. Bus Lanes, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-15

City made Jamaica and Archer Avenue busways permanent. Jamaica Avenue hours slashed. Archer stays 24/7. Northern Boulevard bus lanes started after months of delay. Local politicians fought restrictions. Bus riders still face slow trips. City bows to business pressure.

On November 15, 2022, the Adams administration made busways on Jamaica and Archer avenues permanent after a one-year pilot. The Department of Transportation cut Jamaica Avenue’s busway hours from 24/7 to 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, while Archer Avenue remains round-the-clock. The Northern Boulevard bus lane project, stalled for months after Council Member Francisco Moya lobbied against it, finally began installation. Council Members Nantasha Williams and Selvena Brooks-Powers opposed the busways, calling for their elimination and citing business concerns. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and other local officials pushed for even shorter hours. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez defended the busways, saying, 'strong bus infrastructure is a necessity.' Despite opposition, the city kept some busway hours intact, but caved to business interests, reducing protection for bus riders and vulnerable road users.

• City Makes Jamaica Busways Permanent But With Shorter Hours; Begins Northern Blvd. Bus Lanes, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-15

Two sedans traveling east on Belt Parkway collided. One vehicle overturned. A 22-year-old front passenger suffered back injuries and shock. Airbags deployed. Both drivers were licensed. The crash caused serious damage and left one occupant injured.

According to the police report, two sedans were traveling eastbound on Belt Parkway when they collided. One sedan struck the left rear quarter panel of the other, causing that vehicle to overturn. A 22-year-old male front passenger in the overturned vehicle was injured, suffering back trauma and shock. Airbags deployed and the passenger was restrained with a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The overturned vehicle sustained severe damage, indicating a high-impact collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4581104 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Councilman Robert Holden slammed congestion pricing in a New York Post editorial. He called the plan a disaster for outer-borough residents. Holden argued it would barely cut Manhattan traffic, worsen Bronx air, and punish working families. The editorial dismissed equity concerns.

On November 8, 2022, Councilman Robert F. Holden (District 30) was mentioned in a New York Post editorial opposing congestion pricing. The editorial, titled 'Hey, Donovan Richards: It’s actually way more racist to FAVOR congestion pricing,' criticized Queens Borough President Donovan Richards for labeling Holden’s opposition as racist. The piece argued, 'congestion pricing would be a disaster,' claiming it would harm diverse outer-borough residents and worsen air quality in The Bronx by diverting diesel trucks. The editorial cited MTA studies predicting only a 3.1% reduction in Manhattan traffic and framed the plan as an unfair tax on commerce. Holden’s stance reflects ongoing resistance to congestion pricing in the council, with equity and environmental impacts at the center of the debate. No formal council vote or bill was referenced in this editorial.

• Hey, Donovan Richards: It’s actually way more racist to FAVOR congestion pricing, nypost.com, Published 2022-11-08

Council Member Restler’s bill lets New Yorkers ticket drivers who block bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, or hydrants near schools. Twenty-four council members back it. The bill targets driver impunity and NYPD inaction. Advocates say it protects cyclists and pedestrians.

Bill number not specified. Sponsored by Council Member Lincoln Restler, the bill is advancing in the City Council with 24 out of 51 members signed on as of November 7, 2022. It sits with the Transportation Committee, chaired by Selvena Brooks-Powers, who is working with Restler to streamline the complaint process. The bill’s summary: it allows residents to ticket drivers who block bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or fire hydrants within 1,320 feet of a school, creating a $175 fine and a civilian complaint protocol. Restler and Brooks-Powers are refining the process to avoid the pitfalls of the city’s anti-idling law, which discourages participation. The NYPD and DOT oppose the bill, citing concerns about neighbor conflict. Advocates support it, highlighting NYPD’s failure to protect vulnerable road users. The bill is seen as a major improvement over the ineffective 311 system.

• UPDATE: Restler Bill to Allow Residents to Ticket Dangerous Drivers Gaining Steam, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-07

Queens Community Board 2 voted to block a new SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard. Local leaders demand housing, not more cars. They cite danger, pollution, and reckless driving. Council Member Julie Won and Assembly Member González-Rojas back the board. The fight moves to City Planning.

On November 7, 2022, Queens Community Board 2 passed a resolution rejecting a rezoning application for a Lincoln SUV dealership on Northern Boulevard, Woodside. The matter, described as a call for a moratorium on car-related development, pits housing needs against car infrastructure. Council Member Julie Won supported the board, stating, "It should be a neighborhood rezoning instead of spot rezoning... we need to make it safer and more liveable." Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas also opposed the dealership, urging the space be used for affordable housing and highlighting dangerous driving by existing dealerships. Despite Borough President Donovan Richards' support for the rezoning, citing cycling and EV promotion, the application faces strong local resistance. The City Planning Commission now reviews the case, with a City Council vote possible. The board and electeds argue more cars mean more risk for pedestrians and cyclists on a deadly stretch.

• Woodside Wants Housing, But It’s Likely to Get More SUVs, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-07

Councilman Holden and Borough President Richards fought online over congestion pricing. Holden called it a tax on workers. Richards fired back, sparking accusations of racism and party betrayal. The dispute exposed deep rifts over street safety and car dominance.

On November 5, 2022, Councilman Robert F. Holden (District 30) and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards clashed publicly over the MTA's congestion pricing plan. The dispute, reported by nypost.com, began with Holden calling the plan 'another tax on hardworking New Yorkers' and demanding a referendum. Richards retweeted Holden, suggesting an 'actual Democrat' should replace him, and responded to a supporter with 'Yeah white supremacy.' The exchange escalated, drawing condemnation from other officials. The matter centered on the policy to charge motorists entering Manhattan below 60th Street. Holden joined a bipartisan press conference urging Governor Hochul to let voters decide. The spat revealed sharp divides over congestion pricing, with Holden opposing the plan and Richards defending it. No formal council bill or vote was involved, but the fight highlighted the political and racial tensions surrounding street safety and car use in New York City.

• Twitter spat between Queens Dems Donovan Richards and Robert Holden turns racial, nypost.com, Published 2022-11-05

A sedan sped east on 144th Avenue. Steel hit a man’s head. Blood pooled on the street. The driver fled. The man, sixty-one, lay injured. The night swallowed the sound. Only silence remained.

A 61-year-old man was crossing near 225-06 144th Avenue in Queens when a sedan, traveling east, struck him. According to the police report, the sedan was moving at unsafe speed and the driver was inattentive or distracted. The impact hit the man’s head, causing severe lacerations. The driver did not stop. The police report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was crossing without a signal, but the report does not cite this as a contributing factor. The crash left the man conscious but badly hurt. The street was left silent after the driver fled.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4577367 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14