Lower the Limit, Stop the Bloodshed

Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-10

Two SUVs slammed together on Beach Channel Drive. A six-year-old girl, strapped in back, took glass to the face. Blood marked the spot. Obstructed view left her wounded in daylight.

At Beach Channel Drive and Beach 45 Street in Queens, two SUVs collided at 12:05 PM. According to the police report, both vehicles were 'going straight ahead' when they crashed. The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' as the contributing factor. A six-year-old girl, riding in the rear seat, suffered severe facial lacerations from shattered glass. She was restrained in a child seat. The drivers were licensed and no other driver errors were cited. The crash shows how blocked sightlines at intersections put vulnerable passengers at risk when heavy vehicles collide.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4752713 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Parking mandates choke streets, raise rents, and trap New Yorkers in car dependence. Council Member Marmorato and Borough President Richards defend these rules, blocking safer, more vibrant neighborhoods. Ending mandates means more housing, cleaner air, and safer streets for people, not cars.

This opinion, published September 3, 2024, in Streetsblog NYC, calls out Council Member Kristy Marmorato and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards for defending parking mandates. Richards opposes lifting mandates in Queens, citing poor transit. Marmorato lobbied to restore mandates in a Bronx rezoning near new Metro North stations, arguing, 'We live in a transit desert where cars are a necessity for daily activities.' The editorial rebukes this logic, stating, 'We should not cling to parking mandates when we know they encourage car ownership, make streets less vibrant, increase rents, and pollute our air.' The piece urges officials to break the cycle of car-first policy, invest in transit, and end mandates that block affordable housing and safer streets. No safety analyst assessment was provided, but the editorial centers the harm parking mandates inflict on vulnerable road users and the city’s livability.

• Opinion: It’s Time to Say ‘No’ to Car Drivers and ‘Yes’ to Ending Parking Mandates, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-03

A motorcycle fleeing police crashed into an SUV’s rear on Beach 45th Street. The unlicensed rider, helmetless, flew headfirst onto the asphalt. He bled from a torn scalp, conscious but alone. Aggressive driving and road rage tore through Queens.

According to the police report, a motorcycle operated by an unlicensed 27-year-old male was fleeing police on Beach 45th Street near Beach Channel Drive when it crashed into the rear of a Honda SUV. The report states the motorcycle was involved in 'aggressive driving/road rage' and was being pursued by police at the time of the collision. The rider, who was not wearing a helmet, was ejected and suffered severe head lacerations, described as a torn scalp, but remained conscious at the scene. The SUV, driven by a licensed male, sustained damage to the right rear quarter panel. The police report highlights 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as a contributing factor, underscoring the systemic danger posed by reckless vehicle operation. The victim’s lack of helmet use is noted in the report, but the focus remains on the aggressive driving and police pursuit that led to this violent crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4752675 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided on Beach 56 Street in Queens after one driver made a left turn. The impact injured a rear passenger, causing a head contusion. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as the primary cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:29 AM on Beach 56 Street in Queens. A sedan traveling west attempted a left turn and collided with an eastbound sedan going straight ahead. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the eastbound vehicle and the center front end of the left-turning vehicle. The report identifies 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. A 29-year-old female rear passenger in the eastbound sedan sustained a head injury described as a contusion or bruise. She was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The drivers' license status was noted for the left-turning driver, who was licensed in New York. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4752147 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Queens Borough President Richards backs Adams’s housing plan but blocks citywide parking reform. He wants parking mandates gone in dense, transit-rich hubs but kept in car-dependent outer Queens. The split stance leaves vulnerable road users exposed in sprawling, car-heavy neighborhoods.

On August 27, 2024, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards issued a statement on Mayor Adams’s ‘City of Yes’ zoning proposal. Richards supports removing parking mandates in high-density, transit-rich areas—like downtown Jamaica, Flushing, and Long Island City—saying, “Parking mandates in major transit hubs... should be eliminated, in order to increase housing opportunities there.” But he opposes ending parking mandates citywide, insisting they remain in low-density, outer transit-oriented development areas (OTODAs) due to infrequent Long Island Rail Road service and car dependence. Richards claims, “This is the reality of living in a transit desert.” The move splits the city, keeping car-centric policies in place for much of Queens. Housing advocates and the mayor’s office argue that citywide parking reform is needed to spur housing and reduce car reliance, but Richards’s stance preserves systemic danger for vulnerable road users in sprawling neighborhoods.

• Queens BP Says ‘Yes’ to Adams Zoning Plan, But ‘No’ to Ending Costly Parking Mandates, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-27

Two vehicles collided on Rockaway Freeway in Queens. Both drivers, men, were traveling west when the SUV struck the sedan’s left rear quarter panel. The SUV driver suffered a back contusion. Police cited driver inattention as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:24 AM on Rockaway Freeway near Beach 41 Street in Queens. The collision involved a 2020 BMW SUV and a 2016 Ford sedan, both traveling westbound. The SUV impacted the sedan’s left rear quarter panel with its right front quarter panel. The sole occupant of the SUV, a 22-year-old male driver, sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report explicitly lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor for the crash. No other contributing factors related to the victim’s behavior were noted. Both drivers held valid New York licenses. The crash highlights the systemic danger posed by driver distraction in multi-vehicle collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4750029 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan backing north on Beach 100 Street hit a northbound e-bike rider. The e-bike driver suffered facial abrasions but remained conscious. The crash exposed dangers of unsafe vehicle maneuvers in Queens’ streets.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:33 in Queens near Beach 100 Street. A sedan was backing north when it struck an e-bike traveling straight ahead in the same direction. The sedan’s left rear bumper impacted the e-bike’s right front bumper. The e-bike rider, a 52-year-old male, was injured with abrasions to his face but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies the sedan driver’s contributing factor as "Backing Unsafely," highlighting a critical driver error. The e-bike rider was licensed and traveling straight, with no contributing factors listed against him. This collision underscores the hazards posed by unsafe backing maneuvers by motor vehicles, putting vulnerable road users at risk.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4749512 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

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

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 76-year-old man driving a sedan suffered chest injuries and shock in a Queens crash. The vehicle’s left front quarter panel struck an unspecified object or vehicle. Air bags deployed, and the driver was not ejected. No driver errors were cited.

According to the police report, a 76-year-old male driver in Queens was injured in a crash involving a 2015 Buick sedan traveling east on Beach 80 Street. The vehicle sustained damage to its left front bumper and quarter panel. The driver suffered chest injuries and internal complaints, experiencing shock. Air bags deployed during the collision, and the driver was not ejected. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No other vehicles or pedestrians were identified as involved or injured. The absence of cited driver errors or victim behaviors suggests the crash circumstances remain unclear from the available data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4746855 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

An unlicensed driver struck a parked SUV on Rockaway Beach Boulevard in Queens. The collision caused back injuries and shock to the driver of the moving vehicle. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:40 AM on Rockaway Beach Boulevard in Queens. A Ford SUV traveling westbound, driven by a male with an unlicensed New York driver’s status, collided with a parked Nissan SUV. The point of impact was the center front end of the moving vehicle striking the center back end of the parked vehicle. The driver of the moving vehicle, a 49-year-old male occupant, suffered back injuries and was in shock, reporting complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. This crash highlights the dangers posed by unlicensed and distracted drivers in Queens.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743959 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 32-year-old man suffered abrasions and an elbow injury when an SUV passed too closely on Beach 94 Street in Queens. The vehicle’s right front bumper struck the pedestrian, causing damage to the SUV’s right side doors. The pedestrian remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old male pedestrian was injured on Beach 94 Street in Queens at 3:35 PM. The report identifies 'Passing Too Closely' as a contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and an injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, with an injury severity rated at 3. The SUV involved was traveling westbound, going straight ahead, and struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper, damaging its right side doors. Another parked SUV was also involved, sustaining damage to its left side doors. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The report highlights the driver error of passing too closely, which led to the collision and injuries. No pedestrian behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4742812 - 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

A 47-year-old male SUV driver suffered whiplash after a collision on Beach 56 Street. The SUV was making a left turn when it struck a pickup truck traveling straight. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage in the early morning crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:12 AM on Beach 56 Street in Queens. The 47-year-old male driver of a 2022 SUV was making a left turn when his vehicle's center front end collided with the right front bumper of a pickup truck traveling eastbound. The SUV driver was injured, reporting whiplash, and was conscious at the scene. The SUV driver was restrained with a lap belt and the airbag deployed. Both drivers were licensed, with the SUV driver from New York and the pickup truck driver from Georgia. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the SUV driver but does not assign fault to either party explicitly. The collision highlights the dangers of left-turn maneuvers involving large vehicles on busy Queens streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4741962 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A multi-wheeled parks department vehicle making a right turn struck two westbound bicyclists on Shore Front Parkway. Both cyclists were ejected and suffered head and face injuries. Driver inattention was cited as the contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, at 11:08 a.m. on Shore Front Parkway, a multi-wheeled vehicle operated by the parks department was making a right turn eastbound when it collided with two westbound bicyclists. Both bicyclists, aged 60 and 61, were ejected from their bikes and sustained injuries to the head and face, respectively. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The multi-wheeled vehicle showed no damage, while both bikes had front-end damage. The injured bicyclists were conscious but suffered abrasions and contusions. No other contributing factors related to the bicyclists were noted in the report. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction during turning maneuvers involving vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4740967 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided on Rockaway Freeway. Both drivers suffered head injuries and shock. Police cite driver inattention and traffic control disregard. Impact tore metal and left both drivers hurt.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed on Rockaway Freeway in Queens at midnight. A 54-year-old unlicensed man drove east in a Dodge sedan. A 21-year-old licensed woman drove north in a Nissan sedan. The Dodge was struck on its right side doors; the Nissan took damage to its left front bumper. Both drivers suffered head injuries and shock, reporting pain and nausea. Police list driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with disregard for traffic control. The report highlights these driver errors as central to the crash. No other contributing factors are noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4740975 - 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