Rockaway Bleeds While City Sleeps

Aug 9 - Two sedans crashed on Shore Front Parkway. A 34-year-old man suffered neck injuries. Police cited improper lane use and following too closely. Metal twisted. Pain followed.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Shore Front Parkway in Queens. The 34-year-old male driver of one sedan was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. Police listed "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" and "Following Too Closely" as driver errors. The injured driver wore a lap belt and was not ejected. Both vehicles showed bumper damage at the points of impact. The other driver, a licensed woman, was traveling straight ahead. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4652585 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 27 - An e-bike passenger was ejected and injured on Rockaway Beach Boulevard. The crash involved an eastbound e-bike and a westbound sedan. Driver inattention caused the collision. The passenger suffered internal injuries to the abdomen and pelvis.

According to the police report, an e-bike traveling east on Rockaway Beach Boulevard collided with a westbound sedan. The e-bike carried two occupants, including a 48-year-old male passenger riding outside the vehicle. The passenger was ejected and sustained internal injuries to the abdomen and pelvis, classified as serious. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as the contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front bumpers. The passenger was not wearing any safety equipment. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4649539 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 23 - A 22-year-old woman was injured on Shore Front Parkway in Queens. She suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries. The SUV driver showed aggressive driving. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old female pedestrian was injured at an intersection on Shore Front Parkway near Beach 92 Street in Queens. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists aggressive driving and road rage as contributing factors by the SUV driver traveling eastbound. The pedestrian was not in the roadway when the incident occurred. The vehicle, a Honda SUV, showed no damage, and the driver was going straight ahead. The report does not indicate any fault or contributing factors related to the pedestrian. The primary cause cited is aggressive driving by the vehicle operator.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4648486 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 12 - The City Council’s Transportation Committee drags its feet. Only one minor bill—mile markers—moves forward. Thirteen key safety bills, with broad support, sit idle. Advocates fume as crashes and injuries mount. Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers stays silent. Vulnerable New Yorkers pay the price.

On July 12, 2023, the City Council’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, chaired by Councilmember Selvena Brooks-Powers, scheduled only one bill—Intro 853, requiring mile markers on select roads—for a vote. This bill has two sponsors and no opposition. Meanwhile, thirteen more significant bills, including measures to streamline bike lane installation, enable reporting of blocked bike and bus lanes, create e-bike charging stations for delivery workers, and improve truck route safety, remain unscheduled despite broad support. Only 19% of the committee’s 113 bills have had hearings; just 4% have passed. Advocates like Elizabeth Adams and Jon Orcutt decry the slow pace, especially as traffic crashes and injuries remain high. Brooks-Powers has not responded to requests for comment. Advocates demand urgent action to protect vulnerable road users and improve transit accessibility.

• Analysis: Council Transportation Committee Spinning Its Wheels, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-07-12

Jul 7 - A motorcycle slammed into two parked sedans in Queens. The rider, a 52-year-old woman, was ejected. She suffered broken bones and dislocations. Police cited driver distraction. The sedans were empty. The street stayed silent.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling west on Rockaway Beach Boulevard struck two parked sedans. The 52-year-old woman driving the motorcycle was ejected and suffered serious injuries, including fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. She was semiconscious at the scene and wore a helmet. The police report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. The sedans were stationary before the crash. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4644621 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 6 - A 53-year-old male bicyclist was injured in Queens when a sedan struck him on Beach 44 Street. The cyclist suffered a head contusion and bruises. Both vehicles were traveling straight before impact. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Beach 44 Street in Queens involving a sedan and a bicycle. The bicyclist, a 53-year-old man, sustained a head injury described as a contusion and bruises. Both the sedan and bicycle were traveling straight ahead before the crash. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the bike and the left front quarter panel of the sedan. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors for the crash. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the collision. The sedan driver was licensed and driving south, while the bicyclist was traveling west.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4643263 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 3 - Two sedans collided on Beach Channel Drive. A 24-year-old passenger suffered head trauma and whiplash. Defective headlights played a role. The crash left metal twisted and a young woman hurt.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling west on Beach Channel Drive in Queens collided. The impact struck the center front and back ends of the vehicles. A 24-year-old female passenger was injured, sustaining head trauma and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report lists defective headlights as a contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and going straight. No pedestrians were involved. No ejections occurred. The crash left one passenger hurt and two cars damaged.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4642770 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 27 - NYPD claims action on ghost cars. Numbers tell a different story. Arrests for fake plates drop. Summonses barely rise. DOT cameras miss over a million violations. Council weighs tougher fines. Riders and walkers pay the price for weak enforcement.

On June 27, 2023, the City Council held a hearing on NYPD enforcement against ghost cars—vehicles with fake, covered, or defaced plates. NYPD Transportation Bureau’s Michael Pilecki reported arrests for forged plates fell 11 percent from last year, while summonses rose just 0.6 percent. The hearing spotlighted two bills from Council Member Oswald Feliz to raise fines for using or selling fake plates, both widely supported, including by the NYPD. The matter summary: 'NYPD claims it has stepped up its efforts to summons and arrest car drivers who cover or deface their plate, or drive with a fake temporary tag, but its own statistics show that the effort has not continued into this year.' Council Members Selvena Brooks-Powers and Kamillah Hanks did not comment. Activists and officials noted DOT’s automated cameras failed to bill 1.2 million violations last year due to temp tags, leaving dangerous drivers unaccountable. The city’s weak enforcement leaves vulnerable road users exposed.

• NYPD’s Fight Against ‘Ghost Cars’ Lacks Serious Muscle, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-27

Jun 18 - A moving SUV struck a parked SUV from behind on Beach 96 Street in Queens. The impact hit the center back end of the parked vehicle. A 37-year-old female passenger suffered chest injuries and whiplash. Driver distraction was a factor.

According to the police report, a 2016 Mazda SUV traveling north rear-ended a parked 2015 Nissan SUV on Beach 96 Street in Queens. The collision impacted the center back end of the parked vehicle and the right front bumper of the moving vehicle. A 37-year-old female occupant in the rear right seat of the parked SUV was injured, sustaining chest trauma and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver errors as "Other Vehicular" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction." No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4638538 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 15 - City will push e-scooter share into eastern Queens. Bronx pilot saw two million trips, few injuries. DOT touts safety features, speed limits, and training. Council backs move for transit deserts. Rollout covers 600,000 residents. Launch set for next year.

On June 15, 2023, the Department of Transportation announced a major expansion of its e-scooter share program into eastern Queens. The program, which began as a pilot in The Bronx in 2021, will now cover roughly 20 square miles and serve about 600,000 residents. DOT Commissioner Rodriguez said, 'E-scooters and other forms of micromobility will help us build a cleaner and greener transportation system that connects residents to commercial and transit hubs.' Council Transportation Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers celebrated the move, highlighting its impact on transit deserts in Southeast Queens. The Bronx pilot logged over two million trips with very low injury rates. Safety features—speed limits, in-app training, 'Beginner Mode,' and no overnight use for new riders—will continue. Discounted rates remain for NYCHA and assistance program residents. Service in Queens begins in 2024.

• City to Expand Scooter Share to Eastern Queens, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-15

Jun 14 - A truck driver hit a man on Hook Creek Boulevard in Laurelton, Queens. The victim died weeks later. The road is wide, fast, and unprotected. No charges filed. Council District 31 leads the city in road deaths. Danger is routine here.

On May 19, 2023, a 41-year-old pedestrian was struck by a 61-year-old truck driver at Hook Creek Boulevard near 135th Road in Queens. The victim died on June 11. The crash happened in Council District 31, represented by Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers. The intersection lacks stop signs or a traffic light. A speed camera there issued over 600 tickets in 2021. Transportation Alternatives calls the district the city’s deadliest: six road deaths in early 2023, more than 10 percent of city fatalities, and the highest fatality rate per resident. The driver stayed at the scene. Police gave no details. No charges were filed. The street’s design and lack of enforcement leave pedestrians exposed and unprotected.

• Pedestrian Struck by Truck Driver in Queens Dies of His Injuries: Cops, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-14

Jun 12 - Mayor Adams expands Summer Streets to every borough. Five Saturdays. Seventeen miles. Cars banned from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Brooklyn and Queens get major corridors. Advocates want longer hours and connected routes. City cites costs and safety. Streets open, but only for a while.

On June 12, 2023, Mayor Adams announced the expansion of New York City’s Summer Streets program to all five boroughs. The program, managed by the Department of Transportation, will run on five Saturdays in July and August, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., covering 17 miles. Borough presidents Antonio Reynoso (Brooklyn) and Donovan Richards (Queens) pushed for this expansion, with Reynoso praising the use of major corridors like Eastern Parkway. Mayor Adams said, “This is a five-borough city and we are now saying the Summer Streets program is going be a five-borough initiative. Everyone deserves to enjoy that.” Adams expressed interest in longer hours but cited public safety and NYPD staffing costs as barriers. Advocates want more hours and connected car-free routes. The city will spend $1.5 million, not including staffing. The expansion marks a step forward, but the early end time leaves advocates wanting more.

• Summer Streets Expands to All Boroughs; Still Ends Early, Though, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-12

Jun 8 - Sammy’s Law would let New York City drop speed limits to 20 mph on deadly streets. Council Member Gutierrez led the charge. Brooks-Powers joined. Streets scarred by crashes and deaths. Lower speeds mean fewer bodies broken. The city waits. Lives hang in the balance.

Sammy’s Law, debated by the NYC Council and State Legislature, seeks home rule for New York City to lower speed limits from 25 to 20 mph on dangerous streets. Council Member Jen Gutierrez carried the resolution; Selvena Brooks-Powers later signed on. The bill targets corridors like Bushwick Avenue, Laurelton Parkway, and East Gun Hill Road—sites of hundreds of crashes and dozens killed or maimed since 2019. The matter summary states: 'Because people are dying and being maimed on New York's most-dangerous 25-mile-per-hour streets.' Supporters, including State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, cite the science: lower speeds mean less force, fewer deaths. Research shows 20 mph zones cut crashes by 60 percent. The bill does not mandate, but allows, lower limits where carnage is highest. The council’s action centers the lives of pedestrians and cyclists, demanding the city act before more are lost.

• MAP QUEST: See Exactly Why Sammy’s Law Would Be So Crucial for the Boroughs, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-08

Jun 8 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-08

Jun 6 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Jun 6 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Jun 1 - 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 2023-06-01

May 31 - 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 2023-05-31

May 27 - An SUV struck an e-bike on Beach 86 Street in Queens. The e-bike passenger, a 40-year-old woman, suffered bruises and injuries to her elbow and lower arm. The SUV’s left front quarter panel hit the bike’s center front end. The passenger wore a helmet.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Beach 86 Street in Queens involving a 2018 Ford SUV and an e-bike, both traveling east. The SUV struck the e-bike at the left front quarter panel and center front end, respectively. The e-bike passenger, a 40-year-old woman, was injured with contusions and injuries to her elbow and lower arm. She was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the SUV operator. The passenger was wearing a helmet, but no other contributing factors were noted. The SUV had two occupants, and the driver was licensed in New York.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632939 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 26 - NYPD and Jo Anne Simon call for tougher drunk driving laws. Police ramp up DWI patrols for Memorial Day. Officials urge Albany to drop legal BAC to .05%. They cite rising deaths. Advocates say alcohol fuels a third of crashes. Streets stay deadly.

On May 26, 2023, Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon (District 52) joined NYPD and city officials to announce increased traffic enforcement for Memorial Day and to advocate for state legislation lowering the legal blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold from .08% to .05%. The announcement, made at One Police Plaza, highlighted the bill sponsored by Simon and Sen. John Liu. The matter summary states, 'Officials called on Albany to pass legislation to lower the BAC threshold to .05%, arguing it would reduce DWI fatalities by about 10% and align with other countries.' Simon declared, 'Lowering the BAC limit from .08% to .05% is desperately needed to adequately tackle this epidemic of traffic violence.' NYPD Chief Kim Royster and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez echoed the urgency. The bill awaits action in Albany. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but officials cite 43 NYC DWI deaths in 2021 and say 30% of state crashes involve alcohol.

• NYPD to step up enforcement of drink driving over Memorial Day weekend, amny.com, Published 2023-05-26