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

Five sedans crashed westbound on Grand Central Parkway. Four drivers injured. Bodies battered. Shock set in. Metal twisted at front, rear, and sides. Police cite only driver error. No pedestrians. No cyclists.

According to the police report, five sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway late at night. Four drivers, ages 26 to 62, suffered injuries ranging from full-body trauma to leg wounds. All were in shock. No one was ejected. The vehicles showed damage at the front, rear, and sides, pointing to a chain-reaction crash. The report lists 'Unspecified' as the contributing factor for each driver, indicating driver error but giving no detail. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No victim actions contributed to the crash. One sedan was stopped in traffic before impact. The crash underscores the danger of multi-car collisions and driver mistakes on busy city roads.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4757530 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Queens lawmakers slammed e-scooters, calling them chaos. They claimed danger, but city data shows no deaths or serious injuries. Council Member Ung introduced a bill to ban the program. Gennaro and Schulman support it. DOT says the program is safe and popular.

On September 17, 2024, Council Member Sandra Ung announced a bill to ban the Queens e-scooter share program. The bill, co-sponsored by Council Members James Gennaro and Lynn Schulman, follows a press conference where lawmakers denounced the program as hazardous. Gennaro said, "The program, as designed, leads to chaos." Ung called her bill a last resort. Assembly Members Sam Berger and David Weprin, and Community Board 8 Chair Martha Taylor, joined the opposition, citing sidewalk clutter and lack of outreach. However, DOT data contradicts their claims: since the program's June launch, 37,000 riders have taken 290,000 trips with no reported serious injuries or deaths. DOT says it held 35 briefings and implemented parking corrals in dense areas. Despite high ridership and safety records, the bill seeks to end the program, centering political frustration over proven outcomes.

• Queens Pols Have Lots of Claims About the Evils of Scooter-Share, But Few Facts, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-17

Queens lawmakers slammed e-scooters, calling them chaos. They claimed danger, but city data shows no deaths or serious injuries. Council Member Ung introduced a bill to ban the program. Gennaro and Schulman support it. DOT says the program is safe and popular.

On September 17, 2024, Council Member Sandra Ung announced a bill to ban the Queens e-scooter share program. The bill, co-sponsored by Council Members James Gennaro and Lynn Schulman, follows a press conference where lawmakers denounced the program as hazardous. Gennaro said, "The program, as designed, leads to chaos." Ung called her bill a last resort. Assembly Members Sam Berger and David Weprin, and Community Board 8 Chair Martha Taylor, joined the opposition, citing sidewalk clutter and lack of outreach. However, DOT data contradicts their claims: since the program's June launch, 37,000 riders have taken 290,000 trips with no reported serious injuries or deaths. DOT says it held 35 briefings and implemented parking corrals in dense areas. Despite high ridership and safety records, the bill seeks to end the program, centering political frustration over proven outcomes.

• Queens Pols Have Lots of Claims About the Evils of Scooter-Share, But Few Facts, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-17

Two sedans collided on Van Wyck Expressway in the early morning hours. The driver of one vehicle suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way and other vehicular errors as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 2:49 AM on Van Wyck Expressway involving two sedans. The driver of one sedan, a 46-year-old male, was injured with neck trauma and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report identifies 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Other Vehicular' factors as contributing to the collision. Vehicle damage included a demolished overturned sedan and damage to the left front quarter panel of the other sedan. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the injured driver’s behavior. The focus remains on driver errors that led to the crash and subsequent injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4755871 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Unlicensed SUV driver slammed into a truck’s rear on Van Wyck. The SUV driver suffered neck injuries. Both vehicles took heavy damage. The crash shows the threat of unlicensed driving and rear-end collisions.

According to the police report, at 10:35 a.m. on Van Wyck Expressway in Queens, a northbound SUV driven by an unlicensed 56-year-old man struck the center back end of a tractor truck traveling in the same direction. The SUV driver was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash, but remained conscious. The truck driver was licensed and unhurt. The report lists the SUV driver as unlicensed, a key driver error. No other contributing factors or victim actions were noted. Both vehicles sustained front and rear damage. The crash underscores the danger posed by unlicensed drivers and rear-end impacts.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4755642 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Three cars slammed together on Grand Central Parkway. Four people, all belted, took blows to back, neck, and chest. No pedestrians. No cyclists. The cause remains unspecified. Metal and bodies broke. The road stayed open.

According to the police report, three vehicles—a taxi and two sedans—collided while heading west on Grand Central Parkway at 10:30. The crash left four people injured: two drivers aged 27 and 24, a 73-year-old male driver, and a 72-year-old female front passenger. All suffered internal injuries to the back, neck, or chest and were conscious and restrained. The report lists all contributing factors as unspecified. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No victim actions were cited as contributing factors. The crash left front and rear damage across the vehicles, but the report gives no further cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4755477 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Intro 941 would gut New York’s citizen idling enforcement. The bill slashes bounties, lets the city ban whistleblowers, and carves out new loopholes for polluters. Critics warn it will silence the public and let engines poison streets unchecked.

Intro 941, sponsored by Council Member James Gennaro and drafted with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), is under City Council debate as of September 13, 2024. The bill, titled 'Council Bill Could Chill Citizen Reporting That Dramatically Boosted Idling Enforcement,' would give the city broad power to disqualify public participants from reporting idling, reduce fines for vehicles with anti-idling tech, and halve citizen bounties. It also allows school buses to idle up to 15 minutes and imposes a new code of conduct for enforcers. The Adams administration supports capping bounties but wants higher fines. Opponents, including the New York Clean Air Collective, say the bill 'weaponizes rules that chill participation' and will 'watch while companies like Con Ed, Verizon, and Amazon steal New York’s breath.' The Council is preparing for a hearing as debate intensifies.

• Council Bill Could Chill Citizen Reporting That Dramatically Boosted Idling Enforcement, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-09-13

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

A 33-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected and injured on Grand Central Parkway late at night. The crash involved driver inattention and unsafe speed. The rider wore a helmet but suffered abrasions and whole-body injuries in the impact.

According to the police report, a 33-year-old male motorcyclist driving westbound on Grand Central Parkway was involved in a crash at 11:40 p.m. The driver was ejected from the motorcycle and sustained injuries to his entire body, including abrasions. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors to the collision. The rider was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, which is noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The motorcycle was traveling straight ahead when the impact occurred at an unspecified point on the vehicle. The driver was conscious after the crash but suffered injury severity level 3. Vehicle damage was recorded as 'Other.' This incident highlights the dangers of driver distraction and excessive speed on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4748023 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A taxi changing lanes at unsafe speed struck a sedan on Grand Central Parkway. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old man, suffered upper arm injuries and abrasions. The taxi’s left rear bumper hit the sedan’s right front, causing it to overturn.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:30 on Grand Central Parkway. The taxi driver was changing lanes at an unsafe speed when the collision happened. The taxi’s left rear bumper impacted the right front bumper of the sedan, which overturned. The sedan driver, a 23-year-old male occupant wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained a shoulder and upper arm injury classified as severity 3 and complained of abrasions. The report explicitly cites 'Unsafe Lane Changing' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors attributed to the taxi driver. There is no indication of any contributing factors related to the sedan driver. The crash highlights the dangers posed by reckless lane changes and excessive speed on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4746760 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A tractor truck collided into the rear of a sedan traveling southbound on Van Wyck Expressway. Four sedan occupants suffered injuries including head, back, and leg trauma. Police cite following too closely as the primary driver error leading to the crash.

According to the police report, at 10:00 AM on Van Wyck Expressway, a tractor truck diesel traveling southbound struck the center back end of a southbound sedan. The collision caused injuries to all four sedan occupants, including head injuries to a 29-year-old female rear passenger, back injuries to the 33-year-old male driver and a 27-year-old female rear passenger, and lower leg injuries to a 31-year-old female front passenger. All occupants were wearing lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected but experienced shock and complaints of pain or nausea. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating the truck driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the sedan. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The truck sustained damage to its right front bumper, and the sedan's center back end was damaged.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4746566 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A northbound Suzuki motorcycle struck a merging car on Van Wyck Expressway. The 28-year-old rider, helmeted, was ejected and left bleeding on the pavement. The crash tore his body. Shock set in. The highway roared on. He lay still.

According to the police report, a Suzuki motorcycle traveling northbound on Van Wyck Expressway collided with a car that was merging. The crash occurred at 4 p.m. The 28-year-old rider, who was wearing a helmet, was ejected from the motorcycle and suffered severe lacerations to his entire body. The report states the rider was left in shock and motionless on the pavement. Police cite 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor in the crash. The data makes clear that improper lane usage played a direct role in the violent collision. The rider's helmet use is noted in the report, but only after the primary driver error is established. No contributing factors are attributed to the merging car or to the victim beyond the cited lane usage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4744821 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A motorcycle overturned on Grand Central Parkway. The rider, ejected and injured, suffered back abrasions. A sedan struck the bike’s front. Improper lane change triggered the violent impact.

According to the police report, a crash on Grand Central Parkway at 6:15 involved a westbound motorcycle and a sedan. The 51-year-old motorcycle driver, wearing a helmet, was ejected and suffered back abrasions. The report states the motorcycle was changing lanes improperly before the sedan struck its right front bumper, causing the bike to overturn. The police list improper lane usage by the motorcycle as a contributing factor. No driver errors were attributed to the sedan. The crash highlights the severe risks motorcyclists face when collisions occur during lane changes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743437 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senator John Liu slams the MTA’s Queens bus overhaul. He says cuts will strand riders, raise costs, and choke access. Liu demands answers. Riders face longer waits, more transfers, and higher fares. The MTA claims better service. Riders see only risk.

On July 22, 2024, State Senator John Liu, representing District 16 and serving on the Senate's transportation committee, publicly opposed the MTA’s pending redesign of Queens bus routes. In a letter to MTA CEO Janno Lieber, Liu wrote, 'I demand the MTA explain how this plan is overall an increase and expansion of bus service in Queens as opposed to an actually disguised cost reduction measure.' Liu highlighted the planned elimination of the QM3 bus and reductions to the QM5, warning of increased wait times and higher fares for commuters. He argued that rerouting and service cuts would isolate seniors, strand students, and hurt businesses. Liu’s stance: the redesign prioritizes cost-cutting over real improvements. The MTA insists the plan means more and faster service, but Liu and local riders remain unconvinced. No safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Queens pol pushes back against MTA plans to redesign borough bus routes, gothamist.com, Published 2024-07-22

Transit advocates and unions demand a Flatbush Avenue bus lane. Mayor Adams stalls. Council Members Hudson and Joseph back the plan. Riders wait. Buses crawl. Working-class New Yorkers bear the brunt. The city delays. Streets stay dangerous. Justice deferred.

On July 10, 2024, a coalition of transit advocates and labor unions renewed calls for a Flatbush Avenue bus lane. The campaign, not tied to a specific council bill, has drawn support from Council Members Crystal Hudson and Rita Joseph. The matter, described as a 'no-brainer solution,' highlights slow bus speeds—often under 5 mph—and the urgent need for safer, faster transit. Jolyse Race of Riders Alliance stressed the economic justice at stake, noting bus riders earn half as much as car owners. Mayor Eric Adams has withheld support, citing community engagement and raising concerns about gentrification. The Department of Transportation's plans have stalled under his administration. Healthcare workers and union leaders spoke of missed shifts and unreliable service. Advocates now plan to survey bus riders to show support. No formal safety analysis was provided, but the campaign centers the needs of vulnerable bus riders and pedestrians.

• Bus Advocates Renew Push For Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Despite Mayor’s Lack of Support, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-10

A sedan struck the rear of a motorized home on Van Wyck Expressway. Three male occupants in the sedan suffered injuries including back and arm wounds. Police cite unsafe lane changing and failure to yield as key factors in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:25 on Van Wyck Expressway involving a 2014 sedan and a 2023 motorized home, both traveling north. The sedan's driver failed to yield right-of-way and engaged in unsafe lane changing, causing the sedan to impact the left rear bumper of the motorized home. The sedan sustained damage to its left rear bumper, while the motorized home showed no damage. Three male occupants in the sedan were injured: the 32-year-old driver with back injuries, a 37-year-old front passenger with elbow and lower arm injuries, and a 30-year-old rear passenger also with back injuries. All occupants were wearing lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report highlights driver errors—unsafe lane changing and failure to yield right-of-way—as the primary contributing factors, with no victim behaviors cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4739075 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A taxi and bicyclist collided on the Van Wyck Expressway. The 32-year-old female cyclist was ejected and suffered head injuries. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as key factors in the crash, highlighting systemic dangers on this route.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:59 on the Van Wyck Expressway involving a taxi and a bicycle traveling southbound. The bicyclist, a 32-year-old woman, was ejected from her bike and sustained head injuries classified as severity level 3, including abrasions. The taxi, driven by a licensed male driver, struck the cyclist on its right front quarter panel while both vehicles were going straight ahead. The report explicitly lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor twice, indicating lapses in focus by the drivers involved. The bicyclist's own contributing factor is noted as 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion,' but the primary cause centers on driver errors. No safety equipment use was recorded. The collision's impact and injuries underscore the dangers posed by distracted driving on busy roadways like the Van Wyck Expressway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4738240 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A box truck struck the rear of a sedan traveling south on Van Wyck Expressway. The sedan’s female driver and a male passenger suffered neck and back injuries. Police cited the truck driver’s failure to maintain safe distance as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Van Wyck Expressway at 6:41 AM. A box truck traveling south rear-ended a sedan also moving south. The sedan’s female driver, age 20, was injured with internal neck trauma and experienced shock. A 23-year-old male passenger sustained back injuries and shock. The report identifies the contributing factor as "Following Too Closely" by the box truck driver. The truck’s right front bumper struck the sedan’s center back end. Both vehicles were going straight ahead prior to impact. The sedan driver held a permit license, while the truck driver was licensed. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The collision highlights the danger of tailgating on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737417 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans smashed on Grand Central Parkway. Metal twisted. Two male passengers hurt—fractures, dislocations. Police cite driver inattention and unsafe lane change. Night, speed, and carelessness cut deep.

Two sedans collided on Grand Central Parkway at 1:38 a.m. According to the police report, the BMW was 'demolished' and the Honda suffered heavy front damage. Two male passengers were injured: a 30-year-old front passenger with fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and a 23-year-old rear passenger with fractures and dislocations to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. Both were conscious and restrained. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as the main causes. No victim actions contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4734768 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04