Rockaway Bleeds While City Sleeps

Council waits. DOT stalls. The Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program limps toward expiration. Thousands of reckless drivers dodge consequences. Few take the safety course. Council members call for answers, action, and stronger laws. Vulnerable New Yorkers remain exposed.

On September 18, 2023, the City Council reviewed the Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program (DVAP), which is set to expire on October 26. The Transportation Committee, led by Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers, pressed the Department of Transportation (DOT) for a final report on the program’s effectiveness. The bill required drivers with 15 speed-camera or five red-light tickets in a year to take a safety course or risk vehicle seizure. Council Member Shahana Hanif voiced disappointment, noting, 'We need to not only reauthorize this program, but strengthen it.' Despite over 34,000 drivers meeting the threshold in the last year, only about 1,200 took the course in three years. DOT has not explained the reporting delay or provided outcome data. The lack of enforcement leaves dangerous drivers on the road and vulnerable road users at risk.

• Council Needs Info from DOT So it Can Rescue (or Ignore) Fading ‘Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-18

Two SUVs crashed head-on in Queens. Both drivers and a front passenger suffered arm and internal injuries. Police cite driver distraction. Metal twisted. No one ejected.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Beach 63 Street in Queens. Both drivers, women, were traveling straight ahead when the crash happened. The impact struck the left front bumper of one SUV and the right front bumper of the other. Both drivers and a front passenger were injured, suffering abrasions and internal injuries to their arms. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. All occupants used safety equipment. No one was ejected. The crash damaged the front bumpers of both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4663373 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A sedan making a left turn hit an eastbound e-bike on Beach 42 Street in Queens. The 30-year-old male cyclist suffered a head abrasion. The driver’s distraction caused the crash. The cyclist was conscious and not ejected from the bike.

According to the police report, a 2019 Nissan sedan driven by a licensed female driver was making a left turn on Beach 42 Street in Queens when it collided with an eastbound e-bike ridden by a 30-year-old male cyclist. The point of impact was the sedan’s center front end and the bike’s left front bumper. The cyclist sustained a head abrasion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. The cyclist was not ejected and was not wearing any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4663012 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

The city missed legal targets for new bus and bike lanes. Officials dodged questions. Council grilled DOT. Advocates tracked the shortfall. Political meddling blocks safer streets. Vulnerable New Yorkers wait. Progress stalls. Danger stays.

On September 13, 2023, the City Council held an oversight hearing on the Department of Transportation’s progress toward mandated bus and bike lane construction. The hearing, led by Transportation Committee chair Selvena Brooks-Powers, pressed DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez for answers. The law requires 150 miles of protected bus lanes and 250 miles of protected bike lanes by 2026. In 2022, the city built only 4.4 miles of bus lanes and 26.3 miles of bike lanes, far short of the legal benchmarks. Councilmember Lincoln Restler criticized political interference, saying, 'We're at a point where it's all politics all the time, and we're failing to execute.' Advocacy groups confirmed the city lags behind. The administration’s refusal to track or disclose progress leaves vulnerable road users exposed. The city’s failure to act keeps streets dangerous.

• City fails to monitor bus and bike lane construction progress after falling short of mandates last year, amny.com, Published 2023-09-13

Councilmember Brooks-Powers slammed DOT for missing legal targets on bus and bike lanes. DOT leaders dodged numbers, citing delays and staff shortages. The hearing exposed deep rifts over accountability. Vulnerable road users wait as city agencies stall and argue.

On September 12, 2023, the City Council Transportation Committee, chaired by Selvena Brooks-Powers, held an oversight hearing on the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) compliance with the Streets Master Plan under Local Law 195. Brooks-Powers demanded specifics: 'DOT has struggled to meet its legal mandate. In 2021, DOT installed just 4.4 miles of bus lane—well below 20-mile requirement.' DOT officials, including Deputy Commissioner Eric Beaton and Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, refused to provide current figures, promising data next year. Brooks-Powers called this 'unacceptable.' She stressed, 'The 30 miles of bus lane and 50 miles of bike lanes is not a goal—it’s legal mandate.' The exchange revealed ongoing tension over DOT’s slow rollout and lack of transparency. Staffing shortages and council opposition to projects were cited as obstacles. No safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Brooks-Powers and DOT Exchange Testiness Over Agency’s Alleged ‘Master Plan’ Shortfalls, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-12

Councilmember Lincoln Restler sounded the alarm. His Brooklyn district saw more traffic injuries than any other in New York City this year. Cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers face daily danger. Restler demands swift action: real protected bike lanes, not empty promises.

On September 11, 2023, Councilmember Lincoln Restler (District 33) issued a statement on street safety and protected bike lanes. The data, compiled by Transportation Alternatives, showed his Brooklyn district suffered the most traffic injuries citywide in the first half of 2023: 36 pedestrians, 24 cyclists, and 41 motorists. The matter summary reads, 'New York City is on pace for one of the deadliest years for bike riders in recent history, but it doesn't have to be this way.' Restler called on the Adams administration to 'prioritize and expedite proven solutions that will save lives, especially the swift implementation of a truly protected network of bike lanes.' The statement underscores the urgent need for systemic change as vulnerable road users bear the brunt of failed policy and dangerous streets.

• Nearly 8 people seriously injured on NYC streets daily in 2023, gothamist.com, Published 2023-09-11

QueensLink backers gathered at City Hall. They demanded new rail and park space for Queens. Elected officials and advocates pressed the MTA to act. The agency stalled, citing costs. Supporters want transit, green space, and bike paths. The fight continues.

On September 7, 2023, QueensLink supporters rallied at City Hall, pushing for the reactivation of an old rail line between southeast and central Queens. The event, covered by Streetsblog NYC, highlighted the proposal's promise: 'both new train service and park land.' State Sen. James Sanders led the call, declaring, 'Yes, we want a park and yes we want a light rail. We can have both.' Mike Scala, another advocate, stressed public support for a combined approach. The QueensLink faces competition from the QueensWay, a park-only plan with $35 million in city funding. The MTA has not committed, citing high costs and ongoing needs assessment. No formal council bill or committee action is recorded yet. Supporters remain determined to see transit, park space, and bike paths included in future city plans.

• QueensLink Transit Supporters Press Case at City Hall, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-07

A 9-year-old boy playing in the roadway was struck by an SUV traveling south on Beach 92 Street in Queens. The vehicle hit the child on its right front quarter panel. The boy suffered facial abrasions and remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 9-year-old male pedestrian was injured while playing in the roadway near Beach 92 Street in Queens. The child was struck by a southbound SUV impacting the right front quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained abrasions to his face and was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating the driver was traveling too fast for conditions. No other driver errors or victim factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted. The vehicle had no occupants other than the driver. The incident highlights the dangers posed by speeding vehicles in areas where children may be present.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4656339 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Two SUVs crashed on Beach 74 Street. A woman crossing was struck. A passenger suffered internal injuries. Unsafe speed and driver distraction fueled the wreck. One driver was unlicensed.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided on Beach 74 Street in Queens. The crash injured a 48-year-old woman crossing the street and a 35-year-old female passenger. The pedestrian suffered injuries to her entire body and minor bleeding. The passenger sustained abdominal and pelvic injuries. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor and driver inattention or distraction for the passenger's vehicle. One driver was unlicensed. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk, but this was not listed as a contributing factor. Both vehicles were damaged at their center front and back ends.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4654248 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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 2025-08-06

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 2025-08-06

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 2025-08-06

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

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 2025-08-06

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 2025-08-06

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

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

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

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

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