Park or Perish: Blood on Flushing Meadows’ Streets Demands Action Now

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 2024-02-13

Council moves to hike fines for riding bikes, e-bikes, and scooters on city sidewalks. The bill targets sidewalk riding with stiffer penalties. No mention of street safety or driver accountability.

Bill Int 0037-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 8, 2024. The measure, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...increasing civil penalties for operating a bicycle, bicycle with electric assist, or electric scooter on the sidewalk,' seeks to raise fines for sidewalk riding. Council Members Stevens (primary), Gennaro, Ung, Brewer, Brannan, and Morano sponsor the bill. The action: referral to committee. The summary states, 'This bill would increase each of the existing civil penalties for operating a bicycle, a bicycle with electric assist (commonly referred to as an “e-bike”), or an electric scooter on the sidewalk.' No safety analyst assessment is available. The bill focuses on penalties, not on street design or driver behavior.

• File Int 0037-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

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 2024-01-30

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 2024-01-30

A taxi driver, distracted and inattentive, rear-ended a sedan on Grand Central Parkway. The sedan driver, a 33-year-old woman, suffered knee and leg injuries. Impact crushed metal. System failed her.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling east on Grand Central Parkway struck the rear of a sedan, also heading east, just before 1 a.m. The sedan’s driver, a 33-year-old woman, was injured in the knees and lower legs and went into shock. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Tire Failure/Inadequate' as contributing factors for the taxi. The sedan driver wore a lap belt and harness. No evidence of victim fault appears in the report. The crash underscores driver distraction and poor vehicle maintenance as central causes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695447 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

On Van Wyck Expressway, two sedans collided in the night. Metal tore, glass scattered. An 82-year-old man bled from the face, seatbelt digging in. The Mercedes struck hard, the Hyundai’s rear crushed. The cold road bore witness.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Van Wyck Expressway near Council District 24 at 12:15 a.m. The incident involved a Mercedes and a Hyundai, both traveling north. The Mercedes, registered in New Jersey and driven by a Florida-licensed male, was 'changing lanes' before impact, while the Hyundai was 'going straight ahead.' The police report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The Hyundai’s left rear bumper was struck by the Mercedes’ right front bumper. An 82-year-old male driver, belted in, suffered severe facial bleeding but remained conscious. The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The crash underscores the danger of improper lane changes and unsafe speeds, as detailed in the official account.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694308 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 55-year-old male passenger suffered facial injuries in a crash on Grand Central Parkway. The driver was distracted and under the influence of alcohol. The impact was severe, causing significant damage to both vehicles.

According to the police report, a 55-year-old male passenger was injured in a crash involving a sedan and a sport utility vehicle on Grand Central Parkway. The passenger sustained facial abrasions and was conscious at the scene. The driver of the sedan was cited for alcohol involvement and driver inattention/distraction. The vehicles collided with significant force, resulting in damage to the center front end of the sedan and the center back end of the SUV. No ejection occurred, and the passenger was wearing a lap belt and harness.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691115 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A crash on Grand Central Parkway injured four occupants. A taxi and two sedans collided. The impact was severe. Victims suffered neck and chest injuries. All were wearing seatbelts.

On December 28, 2023, a multi-vehicle crash on Grand Central Parkway resulted in injuries to four occupants. According to the police report, the vehicles involved were a taxi and two sedans. The injuries included neck and chest trauma. The report cites 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. All occupants were wearing lap belts and harnesses. No fatalities were reported, but the severity of the injuries highlights the dangers present on the road.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691455 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

NYPD and DOT flood streets for New Year’s. Cops target drunk, reckless drivers. Speed cameras snap violators. Senator John Liu backs tougher laws. City pushes to lower legal blood alcohol limit. The goal: fewer deaths, less carnage, safer streets.

On December 28, 2023, New York City launched an aggressive drunk driving enforcement campaign for New Year’s weekend. The effort, led by the NYPD and Department of Transportation, aims to keep inebriated motorists off the roads. Senator John Liu, representing District 16, publicly supported the crackdown and advocated for lowering the legal blood alcohol limit from .08 to .05. The campaign includes increased police patrols and active speed cameras. The official matter summary states: 'Drunk driving crackdown: NYC launches aggressive enforcement campaign for New Year’s weekend.' Liu said, 'Cracking down on drunk driving, which continues to destroy lives and families, is the right focus as New Year's approaches.' The DOT notes fatalities from drunk driving have risen nearly 30% in recent years. City lawmakers back state legislation to reduce the DWI threshold, aiming to save lives and protect vulnerable road users.

• Drunk driving crackdown: NYC launches aggressive enforcement campaign for New Year’s weekend, amny.com, Published 2023-12-28

Four vehicles collided on Grand Central Parkway. Three SUVs and one sedan struck each other head-on and rear-end. A 34-year-old male driver suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries. The crash left him in shock, restrained by lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a chain collision occurred on Grand Central Parkway involving three SUVs and one sedan, all traveling westbound. The vehicles impacted each other front-to-front and rear-end. A 34-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining upper arm and shoulder injuries and experiencing shock. He was not ejected and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the driver, with no clear driver errors identified. The crash caused damage to the front and rear sections of the vehicles involved. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4683314 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 29-year-old male passenger was injured when a Jeep sedan overturned on Roosevelt Avenue in Queens. The passenger, unconscious with neck injuries, was secured by a lap belt and harness. The vehicle was demolished in the crash.

According to the police report, a 2017 Jeep sedan traveling north on Roosevelt Avenue overturned, causing severe damage to the vehicle. A 29-year-old male occupant seated in the middle rear seat was injured, suffering neck trauma and losing consciousness. He was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The passenger was not ejected and complained of pain and nausea. The crash left the vehicle demolished, highlighting the violent impact of the overturn.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4682842 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

SUV hit sedan from behind on Grand Central Parkway. Eighteen-year-old front passenger hurt, left in shock. Police cite following too closely. Metal twisted. Lives shaken.

According to the police report, a 2023 SUV rear-ended a 2008 sedan on Grand Central Parkway. The SUV was slowing or stopping when it struck the sedan’s center front end. The sedan’s front passenger, an 18-year-old male, was injured and suffered shock. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The SUV carried three people; the sedan had one. The crash damaged the SUV’s center back end and the sedan’s center front end.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4681713 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Governor Hochul killed a bill to study expanding the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway greenway. Cyclists and pedestrians lose a safe route. Lawmakers backed the plan. The veto leaves vulnerable road users with dirt paths and danger. The greenway remains unfinished.

On November 20, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed a bill that would have required the state Department of Parks and Recreation and the Office of Mental Health to study expanding the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway greenway into Nassau County. The bill passed both the state Senate and Assembly unanimously. The matter summary called for a study to extend the greenway, which runs parallel to the hazardous Union Turnpike. State Senator John Liu sponsored the bill and vowed to keep pushing for the project, saying, 'I’m confident we’ll get there.' Hochul’s veto cited budget concerns and the risk of 'duplication and unnecessary bureaucracy.' Advocates like Joby Jacob called the veto a blow to years of organizing, noting that people are forced to walk dirt paths where sidewalks should be. The veto blocks progress on a safer route for cyclists and pedestrians.

• Hochul Vetoes Bill To Expand Eastern Queens Greenway, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-11-20

Three vehicles slowed on Long Island Expressway. A Tesla SUV struck the back of a pickup truck. The Tesla driver, a 40-year-old man, suffered a head injury and concussion. Police cited following too closely as the cause. No ejections occurred.

According to the police report, the crash involved three vehicles traveling east on the Long Island Expressway. The Tesla SUV struck the center back end of a GMC pickup truck that was slowing or stopping. The Tesla driver, a 40-year-old man, was injured with a head injury and concussion but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor. The pickup truck sustained no damage, while the Tesla SUV had damage to its center back end. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4680921 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

City traffic chokes bus service. Riders wait. Buses crawl. Costs soar. Lawmakers push for more service, but congestion and double-parked cars stall progress. ABLE cameras help, but Mayor Adams drags feet on bus lanes. Riders pay the price. Streets stay dangerous.

This report, published November 14, 2023, details the ongoing crisis in New York City bus service. The article, titled "City Traffic Helps Make Bus Service Unbearable, Expensive And Difficult To Improve," highlights how traffic congestion, double-parking, and outdated routes cripple bus efficiency. State Sen. John Liu urges more service in neighborhoods where buses can move. Danny Pearlstein of Riders Alliance says, "With better service, the path to more service is a much clearer one." ABLE cameras have improved bus speeds by 5 percent on enforced routes. Despite promises, Mayor Eric Adams has not delivered on expanding bus lanes. The MTA and advocates call for more funding and better service. Riders remain stuck, exposed to traffic danger, while systemic failures persist.

• City Traffic Helps Make Bus Service Unbearable, Expensive And Difficult To Improve, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-11-14

Three sedans crashed on Grand Central Parkway. A rear passenger took a blow to the knee and leg. Drivers failed to react and followed too close. Metal crumpled. The injured man stayed conscious, strapped in by a harness.

According to the police report, three vehicles collided while heading west on Grand Central Parkway in Queens. A 31-year-old male rear passenger suffered contusions to his knee and lower leg. He was conscious and secured with a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver errors as "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle" and "Following Too Closely." The crash caused front and rear damage to the sedans. The injured passenger was not at fault. The report highlights driver failure to maintain distance and respond to traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4677079 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Two drivers crashed head-on on Grand Central Parkway. The pickup truck overturned. Both men suffered whiplash and head injuries. Police cited driver inattention and unsafe speed. Both remained conscious and were not ejected from their vehicles.

According to the police report, a taxi and a pickup truck collided on Grand Central Parkway at 5:17 a.m. The pickup truck overturned on impact. Both drivers, ages 43 and 55, were injured but conscious. The 43-year-old driver suffered whiplash and injuries to his entire body, while the 55-year-old driver sustained head injuries and whiplash. The report lists driver inattention and distraction, as well as unsafe speed, as contributing factors for the 43-year-old driver. No other contributing factors were specified for the other driver. Neither driver was ejected from their vehicles. The crash caused significant damage to the vehicles, with the pickup truck overturning and the taxi sustaining damage to its left rear bumper.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675218 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Two sedans collided westbound on Grand Central Parkway. The second vehicle struck the first from behind. A 38-year-old female driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both drivers were licensed women. The crash was caused by following too closely.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling westbound on Grand Central Parkway collided when the second vehicle struck the first from behind. The 38-year-old female driver of the rear vehicle was injured, sustaining back pain and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were licensed in New York and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. The rear vehicle sustained damage to its center back end, while the front vehicle showed no damage. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673576 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A Ford SUV struck an object with its left front quarter panel on Grand Central Parkway. Three passengers suffered whiplash and head injuries. Driver distraction was a key factor. All occupants remained conscious and were not ejected from the vehicle.

According to the police report, a 2006 Ford SUV traveling west on Grand Central Parkway collided with an object impacting the left front quarter panel. Three passengers, aged 22 to 27, were injured with whiplash and head trauma. All were conscious and remained inside the vehicle. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a contributing factor to the crash. No other driver errors or victim actions are noted. The injured were passengers seated in the front and rear seats. Safety equipment use is unknown. The crash caused moderate injuries but no ejections. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle going straight ahead at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4671764 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Council Member Marte and others push to exempt dollar vans from Manhattan congestion tolls. They argue the vans are vital for Asian communities. Without exemption, fares rise. Commutes get harder. The MTA has not taken a side.

On September 24, 2023, Council Member Christopher Marte joined eight other elected officials in urging the MTA to exempt dollar vans from the upcoming congestion pricing plan. The letter, signed by Marte and state legislators, was sent to the Traffic Mobility Review Board. The officials wrote, 'Commuter vans offer the Chinese communities in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn a much-needed service that is not being provided by other forms of public transportation: safe, language-accessible, and culturally competent means for people to access jobs, resources, and family.' They argue that tolling these vans—serving Flatbush Avenue, eastern Queens, and the city’s Chinatowns—would raise fares and cut off vital connections for Asian New Yorkers. Assembly Member Grace Lee said, 'They should be exempt from tolls under the congestion pricing plan.' The MTA has not taken a position on the exemption.

• Chinatown pols seek to exempt dollar vans from congestion pricing, amny.com, Published 2023-09-24