Children Bleed, Politicians Stall: Demand Safe Streets Now

A speeding driver ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died on his way to work. The driver, high and drunk, now walks free on bail. The street remembers the impact.

ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that Michael Peña, a former FDNY probationary firefighter, was released on $75,000 bail after a deadly Queens crash. Police allege Peña was 'drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana' and speeding at 83 mph when he 'ran a red light and T-boned a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Diaz.' The crash happened at Northern Boulevard and East 107th Street as Diaz drove to work. Prosecutors cited Peña’s firing from the FDNY and prior legal issues to argue for remand, but the appellate court released him with minimal bail conditions. Peña faces manslaughter and other charges, with a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. The case highlights the lethal risk of impaired, reckless driving and the limits of pretrial detention policy.

• Former Firefighter Freed After Fatal Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-05-02

Mayoral hopefuls call for more bus lanes, protected bike lanes, and pedestrian space. They defend congestion pricing. They want fewer cars, more transit, and safer streets. Each promises to fight federal threats and push for citywide changes that put people first.

This is a candidate policy statement for the 2025 mayoral race, published May 2, 2025, by Streetsblog NYC. The questionnaire asks, 'Now that congestion pricing is operating in New York City, what should the city government do to build on its success in reducing Manhattan traffic?' Scott Stringer, Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, Brad Lander, and Whitney Tilson all support congestion pricing, bus rapid transit, protected bike lanes, and pedestrianization. Stringer promises a full bus network overhaul and more protected lanes. Myrie vows to defend congestion pricing from federal attacks. Ramos pushes for Bus Rapid Transit in all boroughs. Lander calls for pedestrianizing Lower Manhattan. Tilson wants dynamic pricing and expansion citywide. The candidates agree: fewer cars, more transit, safer streets for all.

• Decision 2025: Our Mayoral Questionnaire Begins … With a Question on Traffic, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-05-02

Streetsblog grilled mayoral hopefuls on congestion pricing. The question was sharp. Congestion pricing cuts traffic. What comes after? Candidates must answer. Streets stay deadly. Pedestrians and cyclists wait for action. The city’s future hangs in the balance.

On May 2, 2025, Streetsblog NYC launched a mayoral policy debate, pressing candidates on congestion pricing. The event was not a council bill, but a public challenge. Streetsblog asked: 'Now that congestion pricing is operating in New York City, what should the city government do to build on its success in reducing Manhattan traffic?' Scott Stringer, Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, Brad Lander, and Whitney Tilson responded, each supporting congestion pricing and further transit investment. Streetsblog’s demand was clear—protect vulnerable road users. The safety analyst notes that congestion pricing reduces car traffic, lowers crash risk for pedestrians and cyclists, encourages mode shift, and opens the door for street redesigns that put vulnerable users first. The debate underscores urgency: congestion pricing helps, but more must be done to make streets safe for all.

• Decision 2025: Our Mayoral Questionnaire Begins … With a Question on Traffic, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-05-02

Sedan cuts left on 71st. Motorbike charges straight. Metal collides. Rider, 34, flies off, leg pouring blood. He lies on the street, awake. No helmet. Queens holds its breath.

A sedan turned left at 71st Street and 32nd Avenue in Queens, striking a motorbike traveling straight. The 34-year-old motorbike driver was ejected and suffered severe bleeding from his leg. According to the police report, 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' contributed to the crash. The sedan's left front bumper hit the motorbike. The rider wore no helmet, as noted in the report. No injuries were reported for the sedan driver. The crash left the motorbike rider conscious but bleeding, waiting for help.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807882 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Ford SUV hit a 75-year-old man crossing with the signal. His leg was torn open. The SUV showed no damage. A baby inside watched, unharmed. Failure to yield left blood on the street.

A Ford SUV struck a 75-year-old man as he crossed 75th Street at 37th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the man was crossing with the signal when the SUV hit him, causing severe lacerations to his leg. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. The SUV’s front bumper showed no damage. Inside the vehicle, a baby was present but uninjured. No injuries were reported among the vehicle occupants. The crash highlights the danger faced by pedestrians even when following the rules.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807531 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A former firefighter sped through a red light in Queens. He struck Justin Diaz’s car at 83 mph. Diaz died a block from home. The driver was drunk, high, and unregistered. The court revoked his bail. Diaz’s family mourns.

ABC7 reported on April 17, 2025, that ex-FDNY firefighter Michael Peña faces manslaughter and DWI charges after a deadly crash in Queens. Prosecutors allege Peña was drunk, high, and speeding at 83 mph—three times the limit—when he ran a red light and T-boned 23-year-old Justin Diaz’s car. Surveillance and body camera footage show Peña admitting to running the light. Five hours after the crash, tests confirmed intoxication by alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine. Peña’s record includes prior arrests and 25 school zone speeding tickets. He also drove an unregistered vehicle with an obstructed plate and tinted windshield. The victim, Diaz, was headed to work and had just graduated college. The case highlights repeated driver violations and systemic failures in enforcement.

• Ex-Firefighter Charged In Queens Fatal Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-04-17

A Siena poll shows most New Yorkers fear for their lives on city streets. Women, seniors, Bronx residents feel it most. Candidates split: some push for safer street design, others target e-bikes. Cars and trucks remain the deadliest threat. Voters want action.

On April 15, 2025, a Siena College poll revealed that 77% of New York City voters rank pedestrian safety as a top concern. The poll, highlighted in Streetsblog NYC, found deep worry among women, seniors, and Bronx residents. The matter summary reads: '77% of NYC voters consider pedestrian safety a serious issue.' Mayoral candidates responded. Ben Furnas (Transportation Alternatives) called for universal daylighting and laws against super speeders, urging street redesign and enforcement. Zellnor Myrie backed robust street designs to separate bikers, pedestrians, and drivers. Jessica Ramos supported protected bike lanes for both analog and e-bikes, calling e-bikes 'a vital tool for reducing car dependency.' Whitney Tilson demanded speed caps and insurance for e-bike riders. Despite some focus on e-bikes, advocates and data point to car and truck drivers as the main source of injury and death. The poll signals a mandate: fix the streets, protect the vulnerable.

• Voters to Pols: Don’t Forget Street Safety (Um, But How Do You Define It?), Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-04-15

A sedan making a U-turn struck a southbound cyclist head-on near Junction Blvd. The rider, 27, suffered head crush injuries. Police cite failure to yield. The street was quiet. Then it wasn’t.

A sedan struck a 27-year-old bicyclist head-on during a U-turn near 59-17 Junction Blvd in Queens. The cyclist suffered crush injuries to the head and was conscious at the scene. According to the police report, the car failed to yield right-of-way. The contributing factor listed is 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The report notes the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but only after citing the driver’s failure to yield. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806005 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A parked SUV became a tomb on 42nd Avenue. Distraction carved metal, left a woman, 43, lifeless in the daylight hush. The lap belt held her, but the impact did not forgive. The street bore witness, silent and unchanged.

According to the police report, a fatal crash occurred outside 104-28 42nd Avenue in Queens when a parked Subaru SUV was struck on its left side. The sole occupant, a 43-year-old woman, was inside the vehicle at the time and was held in place by her lap belt. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor leading to the collision. The impact folded metal and resulted in the apparent death of the woman, who did not leave the car. The police report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The focus remains on the danger created by driver distraction, which turned a parked vehicle into a scene of tragedy.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802721 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A distracted SUV driver barreled through the intersection at 82nd Street and 37th Avenue, slamming into a 14-year-old girl crossing with the signal. The right front bumper mangled her leg. She remained conscious as the driver continued straight.

A 14-year-old girl suffered crush injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot when a westbound SUV struck her at the corner of 82nd Street and 37th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the girl was 'crossing with the light' at the intersection when the SUV’s right front bumper hit her, causing significant injury. The report states the driver was 'distracted' and continued going straight, failing to yield to the pedestrian. Contributing factors listed in the police report include 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience.' The pedestrian’s actions—crossing with the signal—are noted in the report but are not cited as contributing factors. The collision underscores the persistent threat posed by inattentive drivers operating large vehicles in city intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796835 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.

According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.

• Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-04

A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.

ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.

• Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-02-28

Delivery workers rallied against Hochul’s e-bike crackdown. Council weighs bills to license e-bikes, raise pay, and study conditions. DOT opposes registration. Advocates warn of criminalization. City Hall silent. Streets stay dangerous for those on foot and bike.

On February 27, 2025, the City Council considered three bills: Intro 606 (register and license all e-bikes), Intro 1133 (expand minimum wage, study delivery worker conditions), and Intro 1135 (set minimum pay for grocery delivery). Intro 606 faces opposition from DOT, which says, 'there is no evidence that registration improves safety.' The matter’s summary warns that Hochul’s plan would let NYPD enforce bike lane speed limits and reclassify heavy e-bikes as mopeds, requiring licenses and registration. Council members are split: Brad Lander supports regulation targeting app companies, not workers; Jessica Ramos and Zohran Mamdani call for better street design; Michael Blake urges targeted safety solutions and more infrastructure. Advocates like Ligia Guallpa say these measures would criminalize delivery workers and create a 'ticketing-to-deportation pipeline.' The Council press office did not comment. The debate exposes a city divided on how to protect its most vulnerable road users.

• Leadership Vacuum: Delivery Workers Oppose Hochul’s E-Bike Plan as Adams Goes AWOL, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-27

A firefighter ran a red. Metal struck metal. A young man died. The street echoed with sirens. Two more rode to the hospital. The city keeps count. The danger stays.

According to the New York Post (February 27, 2025), off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena drove through a red light at Northern Boulevard and 107th Street in Queens, striking Justin Diaz’s car. Surveillance video captured Pena’s Mercedes “passing a red light on Northern Boulevard and T-boning Diaz’s 2022 BMW.” Diaz, 23, died at Elmhurst Hospital. Pena faces charges of vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breath test. Two passengers in Pena’s car were hospitalized. The FDNY suspended Pena for 28 days without pay. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of red-light running and impaired driving, raising questions about enforcement and accountability on city streets.

• Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens, New York Post, Published 2025-02-27

A BMW driver ran the red on Northern Boulevard. Metal screamed as a Mercedes struck head-on. The 23-year-old behind the wheel died, unbelted. A parked Toyota caught the edge. The street fell silent, marked by violence and disregard.

A violent collision unfolded at the corner of Northern Boulevard and 107th Street in Queens. According to the police report, a BMW sedan 'ran the red,' disregarding traffic control. The report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The BMW was struck head-on by a Mercedes sedan traveling straight. The 23-year-old BMW driver, unbelted and alone, was killed behind the wheel. The impact was severe enough that a parked Toyota SUV was also damaged. The police narrative describes the aftermath: 'Metal screamed. A parked Toyota caught the edge. The street fell silent.' The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The crash underscores the deadly consequences of driver actions—specifically, running a red light and alcohol involvement.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795252 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Mercedes ran a red on Northern Boulevard. It hit a BMW. The BMW’s roof tore off. The driver, Justin Diaz, died. The Mercedes driver, off-duty FDNY, was arrested. Friends mourned by candles. The street stayed empty. Speed ruled the night.

ABC7 reported on February 26, 2025, that a fatal crash in East Elmhurst left one driver dead and another in custody. The article states, "It appears the driver of the Mercedes blew a red light and t-boned the BMW at a high rate of speed." The BMW’s driver, Justin Diaz, was killed. The Mercedes driver, an off-duty firefighter, was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breathalyzer. The FDNY suspended him without pay. Witnesses noted frequent speeding on the boulevard at night. The crash highlights the persistent risks of high-speed driving and lax overnight enforcement on city streets.

• Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker, ABC7, Published 2025-02-26

A tanker swung right on Northern Boulevard, striking a 31-year-old e-bike rider moving straight. The truck’s bumper crushed the man’s knee and foot. The tanker rolled on. The rider stayed down, battered and conscious, helmetless in the street.

At the intersection of Northern Boulevard and 108th Street in Queens, a collision unfolded between a tanker truck and an e-bike, according to the police report. The tanker was making a right turn while the e-bike rider, a 31-year-old man, continued straight. The police report states the truck’s right front bumper struck the e-bike, crushing the rider’s knee and foot. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor, highlighting a critical driver error. The e-bike rider was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but this is mentioned only after the driver’s failure to yield. The tanker sustained no damage, while the e-bike was damaged at the center front end. The man remained conscious at the scene, suffering serious crush injuries. The report’s narrative underscores the violence of the impact and the vulnerability of those outside steel and glass.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793495 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Nissan sedan turned left at 90th Street and 56th Avenue. The driver, distracted, struck a 65-year-old woman in the crosswalk. The bumper crushed her arm. She stayed conscious as pain radiated through her body. Metal met flesh in the Queens dusk.

A 65-year-old woman was hit by a turning Nissan sedan at the corner of 90th Street and 56th Avenue in Queens, according to the police report. The incident occurred as the woman was crossing in a marked crosswalk. The report states the driver was making a left turn and was distracted at the time of the crash. The left front bumper of the sedan struck the pedestrian’s left side, resulting in crush injuries to her arm. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The woman remained conscious after the impact. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior are cited in the report. The collision underscores the danger posed by inattentive drivers making turns at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781704 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

At a heated mayoral forum, Zellnor Myrie demanded a dedicated busway for Flatbush Avenue. Candidates slammed slow buses and empty promises. They called for more bus lanes, free rides, and less fare policing. Riders want action, not talk. Streets remain dangerous.

On December 6, 2024, a mayoral candidate forum spotlighted New York City's broken bus service. State Senator Zellnor Myrie, representing District 20, called for a dedicated busway on Brooklyn's Flatbush Avenue, echoing the success of Manhattan's 14th Street. The forum, hosted by Riders Alliance, saw candidates—including Myrie, Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani, Jessica Ramos, Scott Stringer, and Jim Walden—debate urgent transit reforms. The matter: 'improving NYC's slow bus service.' Myrie and others backed more bus lanes, fare-free buses, and expanding Fair Fares for low-income riders. Mamdani vowed not to cave to local opposition. All criticized Mayor Adams for stalled bus projects. The forum exposed deep frustration with city inaction and highlighted the need for bold, street-level changes to protect riders and speed up commutes.

• Could a new mayor fix New York City's terrible bus service?, gothamist.com, Published 2024-12-06

Six mayoral hopefuls faced off on transit. They clashed over congestion pricing, bus expansion, and subway safety. Zellnor Myrie pledged to defend congestion pricing. Others called for more police, more buses, and mental health teams. Streets and subways remain battlegrounds.

On December 3, 2024, at a Riders Alliance forum, six Democratic mayoral candidates—Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani, Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, Scott Stringer, and Jim Walden—debated New York City transit policy. The event focused on congestion pricing, set to begin January 5, and subway safety. The matter summary reads: 'NYC mayoral candidates participated in a transit-focused forum... discussing congestion pricing, subway safety, and transit upgrades.' Zellnor Myrie, representing District 20, criticized Mayor Adams for not defending congestion pricing and promised to support it regardless of federal politics. Ramos pushed for congestion pricing revenue to fund the MTA. Stringer called for bus expansion and DOT reform. Walden wanted more police and exemptions for seniors and disabled riders. Lander and Mamdani argued for housing and outreach teams over policing. The forum highlighted sharp divides on how to protect vulnerable New Yorkers on streets and subways.

• 2025 NYC mayoral candidates sound off on congestion pricing, subway safety, amny.com, Published 2024-12-03