Far Rockaway Bleeds While Leaders Stall

City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

An SUV making a left turn on red collided with a sedan traveling straight on Seagirt Boulevard in Queens. The sedan’s front passenger, a 33-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage on impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:40 PM on Seagirt Boulevard in Queens. The SUV driver was making a left turn on red when the collision happened. The sedan was traveling straight ahead when struck. The front passenger of the sedan, a 33-year-old woman, was injured with back trauma and whiplash, remaining conscious and not ejected. The report cites 'Other Vehicular' factors contributing to the crash, highlighting the SUV driver's error in turning on red. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front bumpers, indicating a direct impact. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The report emphasizes driver error as the cause, with no blame placed on the injured passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4747770 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two passengers suffered neck injuries in a rear-end crash on Beach 13 Street in Queens. Both were conscious and restrained by lap belts. The SUV struck the sedan from behind while traveling westbound, causing whiplash but no vehicle damage.

According to the police report, at 3:55 PM on Beach 13 Street in Queens, a 2019 SUV traveling westbound struck the rear of a stopped 2004 sedan also heading west. The impact was to the center front end of the SUV and the center back end of the sedan. The sedan carried two male occupants, aged 44 and 18, both passengers wearing lap belts. Both suffered neck injuries described as whiplash and were conscious after the crash. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors, but the collision dynamics indicate a failure to maintain safe distance or attention by the SUV driver. Neither vehicle sustained damage. The report does not attribute any fault or contributing factors to the passengers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4746745 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards rejects citywide parking reform. He backs lifting mandates in dense, transit-rich zones but blocks changes in car-dependent areas. Civic leaders echo him. The move keeps cars central, leaving pedestrians and cyclists exposed.

On August 9, 2024, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards issued a public statement opposing the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity rezoning as it relates to eliminating mandatory parking requirements citywide. Richards said, "You can't use the one-size-fits-all approach here. There are really parts of Queens that are transit deserts." He supports removing parking mandates only in high-density, transit-rich areas, not in low-density, car-dependent neighborhoods. Community board leaders and civic groups in Queens joined him, arguing the reform threatens their way of life. Richards's stance contrasts with Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Bronx officials, who support ending parking minimums. The decision preserves car dominance in Queens, leaving vulnerable road users at risk and blocking safer, people-first streets.

• ‘City of No’: Queens Borough President Suddenly Joins ‘Suburban’ Crowd Demanding More Parking, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-09

A 79-year-old man crossing Dix Avenue was struck by a backing SUV. The vehicle hit him with its left rear bumper, causing contusions and arm injuries. Driver inattention and unsafe backing led to the collision at a Queens intersection.

According to the police report, a 79-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Dix Avenue at an intersection in Queens. The crash occurred at 12:35 PM when a 2014 Kia SUV, traveling southwest, was backing up and struck the pedestrian with its left rear bumper. The report cites 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The pedestrian suffered contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but remained conscious. The vehicle sustained damage to its center back end. The driver was licensed and the sole occupant of the SUV. The collision highlights the dangers posed by driver errors during vehicle backing maneuvers in areas with pedestrian activity.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4744383 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A drug-impaired driver struck a parked sedan in Queens. The collision damaged both vehicles and left the driver injured and incoherent. Police identified illegal drug use as a key factor in the crash, highlighting the dangers of impaired driving.

According to the police report, at 11:42 AM in Queens, a 25-year-old male driver was operating a 2004 Mazda sedan westbound when he collided with a parked 2019 Kia sedan on Collier Avenue. The point of impact was the Mazda's right front bumper against the Kia's left rear quarter panel, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver, who was the sole occupant, was injured and incoherent at the scene. The report explicitly cites illegal drug use as the contributing factor to the crash, listing 'Drugs (illegal)' twice under contributing factors. This impairment led to the failure to maintain control and resulted in the collision with the parked vehicle. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4744664 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Governor Hochul’s halt on congestion pricing guts $12 billion in MTA contracts. Thousands of jobs vanish. Local companies lose out. Lawmakers in affected districts stay silent or cheer. Trains and buses face deep cuts. Riders, workers, and streets pay the price.

On July 24, 2024, Governor Hochul’s official pause on congestion pricing triggered a $12 billion loss in MTA contracts, according to a Reinvent Albany report. The move slashes funding for the 2020-24 MTA capital plan, which was to be partly paid by congestion pricing. The report highlights that many companies losing contracts are in districts represented by lawmakers who either support the pause or have stayed silent. Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick called congestion pricing 'simply another tax' and demanded repeal. Assemblyman Gary Pretlow praised the pause, saying it allows time to address 'communities' concerns.' Frank Russo, president of Ozone Park Lumber, warned, 'You can't just say, 'We're not going to buy supplies and equipment.'' Rachael Fauss of Reinvent Albany said, 'Congestion pricing is an economic booster.' The pause means less money for transit, fewer jobs, and more risk for vulnerable road users who rely on safe, reliable public transportation.

• Hochul’s Congestion Pricing ‘Pause’ Will Cost Area Companies Billions, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-24

A man drowned off Rockaway Beach. He is the fifth this summer. Council Member Justin Brannan and others call for more lifeguards, longer hours, and more pools. The city refuses. Drones and patrols replace real protection. Swimmers keep dying.

On July 22, 2024, after a fifth drowning at a New York City beach, Council Member Justin Brannan (District 47) joined other officials to demand urgent action. The group called for expanded lifeguard hours, more staff, and new public pools. The Adams administration rejected these measures, relying instead on NYPD drones and Parks Enforcement Patrols. The matter, described as 'Body found in fifth apparent drowning off NYC beach as pols call for more lifeguard hours,' highlights the deadly gap in city safety policy. Brannan, along with Council Member Shekar Krishnan and Borough Presidents Donovan Richards and Antonio Reynoso, urged the city to extend the beach season, increase lifeguard shifts, and offer universal swimming lessons. The city has only 870 lifeguards, far short of the 1,500 needed. Vulnerable swimmers remain at risk while officials debate. The toll mounts.

• Body found in fifth apparent drowning off NYC beach as pols call for more lifeguard hours: ‘Going to get worse’, nypost.com, Published 2024-07-22

Midnight crash on Rockaway Freeway. Sedan slams SUV. Two men in back seats suffer head injuries and whiplash. Police cite traffic control disregard and unsafe speed. Metal, glass, pain.

According to the police report, a sedan and an SUV collided at 12:01 a.m. on Rockaway Freeway near Cornaga Avenue in Queens. Both vehicles were going straight. The sedan struck the SUV’s left rear bumper. Two male passengers, ages 22 and 31, were injured with head trauma and whiplash. Both remained conscious and were not ejected. The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. These driver errors led to the crash and the injuries. No victim actions are listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4741968 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Queens council members slammed the City of Yes plan. They called new housing near transit a threat. They fought against ending parking mandates. Most public testimony backed the reforms. But Queens officials stood firm, defending car-centric streets and single-family homes.

On July 11, 2024, the City Council held a hearing on the City of Yes zoning reforms. The proposal aims to increase housing near transit, allow mixed-use zoning, and eliminate parking mandates. Council Members Joann Ariola and Vicki Paladino led opposition, calling the plan an 'unmitigated disaster' and disputing housing data. Ariola argued, 'That's what they bought in the suburbs for.' Other Queens officials and residents echoed fears for single-family homeowners and suburban 'character.' In contrast, Borough President Donovan Richards's spokesperson and some residents supported the reforms, citing the city's affordability crisis. The majority of public testimony favored the proposal, but entrenched opposition from Queens officials remains strong. No safety analyst assessed the impact on vulnerable road users.

• ‘Suburban’ Queens Stalwarts Take Hard Line Against Housing — To Rest of City’s Detriment, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-11

An SUV making a left turn struck a 17-year-old e-scooter driver traveling northeast on Nameoke Street. The collision caused knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited the SUV driver for disregarding traffic control and failing to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, a 17-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured when a 2023 Ford SUV made a left turn and struck him on Nameoke Street near Central Avenue at 22:49. The e-scooter driver was traveling northeast going straight ahead, while the SUV was making a left turn in the same direction. The point of impact was the SUV's left front bumper. The injured driver suffered contusions and bruises to the knee and lower leg but was conscious and not ejected. The report explicitly states the SUV driver disregarded traffic control and failed to yield the right-of-way, contributing to the crash. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The incident highlights driver errors in yielding and obeying traffic controls as central to the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4738941 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 51-year-old female driver fell asleep at the wheel on Beach Channel Drive, crashing her sedan head-on. She suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was left in shock. Police cited driver inexperience and fatigue as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a 51-year-old female driver operating a 2022 Jeep sedan on Beach Channel Drive in Queens fell asleep at the wheel around 7:10 AM. The vehicle, traveling west, collided with an object impacting the right front bumper and center front end. The driver, who was licensed in New York, was the sole occupant and sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in a complaint of pain and nausea and emotional shock. The report explicitly lists 'Fell Asleep' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. There is no indication of victim fault or pedestrian involvement. The crash highlights the dangers of driver fatigue and inexperience behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4738102 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 66-year-old man driving an SUV in Queens lost control and collided with two parked SUVs. The impact overturned his vehicle, trapping him inside and causing severe whole-body injuries. Driver inattention was cited as the primary cause of the crash.

According to the police report, a 66-year-old male driver was traveling westbound in a 2017 Nissan SUV on Central Avenue in Queens when he collided with two parked SUVs. The report identifies "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor. The impact caused the driver's vehicle to overturn, resulting in the driver being trapped inside. The driver suffered injuries to his entire body and was in shock at the scene. The overturned SUV was described as demolished, and the parked vehicles sustained damage to their rear bumpers and quarter panels. The driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. No other occupants were involved. The crash occurred at midnight and highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to severe injury and vehicle destruction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737845 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

DOT will drop speed limits to 20 mph on 49 streets this September. Only a sliver of city roads get safer. Regional slow zones start in lower Manhattan. Council Member Marte backs the move. Advocates want faster, broader action. Most streets stay risky.

On June 27, 2024, the NYC Department of Transportation announced it will use new powers from Sammy's Law to lower speed limits from 25 to 20 mph on 49 street segments starting September 2024, with 201 more to follow by late 2025. The measure covers just 0.13% of city streets, possibly reaching 0.8% if regional slow zones expand. The first such zone will be south of Canal Street in lower Manhattan. DOT can only lower limits street by street unless the City Council acts. Council Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers confirmed no citywide bill exists. Council Member Christopher Marte welcomed the slow zone in his district, citing rampant speeding off the bridges. Advocates and officials demand faster, broader action, saying, 'Twenty is plenty wherever you'll find people, and in New York that's everywhere.' DOT says it will prioritize areas near schools and neighborhoods with more non-white and low-income residents. The rollout is slow. Most streets remain unchanged.

• DOT Begins Slow Process of Lowering Speed Limits on a Small Number of Streets, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-27

City officials fight to keep jaywalking illegal. They claim it protects pedestrians. Enforcement is rare but hits people of color hardest. Council Member Narcisse wants change. NYPD and DOT resist. Advocates say criminalization fails safety and justice.

On June 26, 2024, the City Council held a hearing on a bill to decriminalize jaywalking. The bill, proposed by Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, seeks to end criminal penalties for crossing streets outside crosswalks. The matter summary states officials argue, 'keeping it illegal protects pedestrian safety.' DOT First Deputy Commissioner Margaret Forgione testified against full legalization, supporting only a reduction to a civil offense. NYPD Deputy Chief Thomas Alps defended targeted enforcement in high-crash areas. Council Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers questioned the law's fairness, noting most tickets go to Black and Brown New Yorkers. Advocates criticized the city's stance, saying criminalization does not improve safety and harms communities of color. The bill remains under debate, with no clear path forward.

• City Wants To Keep ‘Jaywalking’ Illegal For Pedestrians’ Own Good, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-06-26

A 7-year-old boy riding a bike was injured when a southbound SUV struck him at Beach 42 Street in Queens. The child suffered head abrasions but remained conscious. The SUV impacted the bike at its center front end, causing injury without ejection.

According to the police report, a 7-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a collision with a 2010 Ford SUV traveling southbound near Beach 42 Street, Queens. The SUV's point of impact was its center front end. The child sustained a head abrasion and was conscious after the crash. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment at the time. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the bicyclist but does not specify any driver errors or violations. The SUV driver was alone in the vehicle, and the bike rider was unlicensed. The collision caused damage to the SUV categorized as 'Other.' No ejection occurred. The data highlights a vulnerable young bicyclist injured in a crash involving a motor vehicle, emphasizing the impact and injury severity without assigning fault to the victim.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4734253 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-07