Crash Count for SD 59
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 8,304
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 4,075
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 939
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 44
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 21
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Jul 24, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in SD 59?

Hit-and-Run City: No More Excuses, No More Graves

Hit-and-Run City: No More Excuses, No More Graves

SD 59: Jan 1, 2022 - Jul 31, 2025

Blood on Second Avenue

Just this week, a 65-year-old man rode his e-bike down Second Avenue. A 21-year-old, unlicensed, behind the wheel of a Nissan Rogue, struck him and left him on the pavement. The man lay unconscious as paramedics worked over him. The driver fled. Police arrested him two hours later. The street was closed, the e-bike’s red light still flashing in the dusk. The biker was rushed by EMS to Bellevue Hospital in critical condition.

On FDR Drive, a firefighter fell from his motorcycle. As he lay in the road, a car ran him over and kept going. He died before sunrise. “We lost a true hero this morning with the tragic passing of Firefighter Matthew Goicochea,” said Deputy Mayor Kaz Daughtry.

The Numbers Do Not Lie

In the last 12 months, SD 59 saw 8 deaths, 1,353 injuries, and 23 serious injuries in 2,616 crashes. Children, seniors, cyclists, and pedestrians are among the dead and wounded. The violence does not slow. It spreads across Greenpoint, Astoria, Gramercy, and beyond. Every week, another family waits in a hospital hallway.

Leadership: Progress and Pressure

State Senator Kristen Gonzalez has taken steps. She co-sponsored and voted for the Stop Super Speeders Act, which would force repeat speeders to install speed-limiting devices. She backed automated bike lane enforcement and called for lower speed limits after deadly crashes. She joined calls for protected bike lanes and for opening the Queensboro Bridge pedestrian path. But the carnage continues. Laws move slow. Streets stay deadly.

What Comes Next

This is not fate. It is policy. Every delay, every watered-down bill, every unprotected intersection is a choice. The dead cannot call Albany. The living must. Demand that Senator Gonzalez and every local official finish the job: pass stronger laws, fund real street redesigns, and end the reign of reckless drivers.

Call. Write. Show up. Do not let another week end with blood on the street.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the New York State Senate and how does it work?
The New York State Senate is the upper chamber of the state legislature, responsible for making and passing state laws. Senators represent districts across New York and vote on bills that affect the entire state.
Where does SD 59 sit politically?
It belongs to borough Queens, city council district District 26 and assembly district AD 37.
Which areas are in SD 59?
What types of vehicles caused injuries and deaths to pedestrians in SD 59?
Cars and trucks were involved in 660 pedestrian injuries and 1 death. Motorcycles and mopeds caused 42 injuries. Bikes were involved in 55 injuries and 2 deaths. See NYC Open Data.
Are crashes just accidents, or are they preventable?
Crashes are not random. The patterns in SD 59—repeat speeders, unprotected crossings, reckless driving—show these deaths and injuries are preventable with better laws and safer streets.
What can local politicians do to stop traffic violence?
They can pass and enforce laws that slow cars, hold repeat offenders accountable, and fund street redesigns that protect people walking and biking. They can push for protected bike lanes, lower speed limits, and real accountability for dangerous drivers.
What is CrashCount?
We’re a tool for helping hold local politicians and other actors accountable for their failure to protect you when you’re walking or cycling in NYC. We update our site constantly to provide you with up to date information on what’s happening in your neighborhood.

Citations

Citations

Fix the Problem

Kristen Gonzalez
State Senator Kristen Gonzalez
District 59
District Office:
801 2nd Ave. Suite 303, New York, NY 10017
Legislative Office:
Room 817, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247

Other Representatives

Claire Valdez
Assembly Member Claire Valdez
District 37
District Office:
45-10 Skillman Ave. 1st Floor, Sunnyside, NY 11104
Legislative Office:
Room 427, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
Julie Won
Council Member Julie Won
District 26
District Office:
37-04 Queens Boulevard, Suite 205, Long Island City, NY 11101
718-383-9566
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1749, New York, NY 10007
212-788-6975
Twitter: CMJulieWon
Other Geographies

SD 59 Senate District 59 sits in Queens, Precinct 108, District 26, AD 37.

It contains Greenpoint, Williamsburg, Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village, Gramercy, Murray Hill-Kips Bay, United Nations, Old Astoria-Hallets Point, Astoria (Central), Queensbridge-Ravenswood-Dutch Kills, Astoria Park, Long Island City-Hunters Point, Queens CB1, Manhattan CB6, Brooklyn CB1.

See also
State_assembly_districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Senate District 59

Motorcyclist Killed on FDR Drive After Crash

A 31-year-old motorcyclist died on FDR Drive. He was ejected and suffered fatal head injuries. Police cite driver inattention and distraction as causes.

A 31-year-old man riding a motorcycle northbound on FDR Drive was killed after a crash. According to the police report, the rider was ejected and suffered fatal head injuries. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the main contributing factor. The motorcycle sustained damage to the right front quarter panel. No other injuries were specified. The rider was wearing a helmet, but the report centers on driver inattention as the cause. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4830014 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31
Firefighter Killed, Dozens Hurt In Crashes

A firefighter died on FDR Drive. The driver fled. At Port Authority, a bus crash left over two dozen hurt. No arrests. The city’s streets remain brutal for those on foot and in transit.

Patch reported on July 24, 2025, that an FDNY firefighter was killed in a hit-and-run on FDR Drive. The driver left the scene. No arrests have been made. The article also notes, 'More Than 2 Dozen Injured In Bus Crash At Port Authority Bus Terminal.' Both incidents highlight ongoing dangers for vulnerable road users and point to gaps in enforcement and street safety. Investigations continue, but the city’s traffic violence persists.


Police Chase Wrecks Cars In Midtown

A driver tore through Midtown, smashing cars and fleeing police. Metal scraped. Horns blared. The chase ended at Lexington and 50th. Police drew guns. The driver was arrested. Streets bore the scars.

According to ABC7 (2025-07-22), a driver struck multiple vehicles—including a police cruiser—while fleeing police through Midtown Manhattan. The pursuit began after a hit at Park Ave and ended at 50th and Lexington. The suspect, Jose Foster, faces charges including assault, reckless endangerment, and fleeing police. Witness Martina Minor said, "It felt like he was scratching like big noise and I was honking like stop and he kept doing it." The incident highlights the risks of high-speed chases in dense city streets, with property damage and potential harm to bystanders.


Sedan Turns Left, Cyclist Crushed on E 41st

A sedan turned left on E 41st. The car struck a cyclist. The rider suffered crush injuries to his leg. The street ran red with pain. Metal met flesh. The system failed to protect the vulnerable.

A sedan making a left turn at E 41st Street and 1st Avenue struck a cyclist going straight. The cyclist, a 48-year-old man, suffered crush injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. According to the police report, the crash involved a sedan and a bike. The cyclist was injured, while the sedan driver was not. No specific driver errors were listed in the data. The police report notes both drivers' actions but does not specify contributing factors. The cyclist’s safety equipment was unknown. The crash highlights the danger faced by cyclists on city streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4826200 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31
Teen Dies Falling From Subway Train

A 15-year-old fell from a No. 7 train at Queensboro Plaza. He lay on the tracks, lifeless. Paramedics rushed him to Bellevue. He died. Subway surfing kills. The city counts the bodies. The system endures.

NY Daily News (2025-07-04) reports a 15-year-old boy died after falling from the top of a No. 7 train at Queensboro Plaza. Police found him unconscious on the tracks at 2:45 a.m. and said he was 'either riding the top of a No. 7 train entering the station or attempting to get onto the top.' The article notes six people, mostly teens, died subway surfing last year. This year, three have died. The MTA and NYPD have launched campaigns and drone patrols to deter such incidents, but the deaths continue. No driver error is cited; the focus is on systemic risk and enforcement.


2
Convertible Strikes Child Pedestrian at East 14th

A convertible hit a young boy crossing with the signal. He suffered a head injury and severe bleeding. The driver was in shock. The crash happened at East 14th in Manhattan.

A convertible struck a male child pedestrian at the intersection of East 14th Street in Manhattan. The boy was crossing with the signal when he was hit. According to the police report, the child suffered a head injury and severe bleeding, and was found unconscious. The driver, a 25-year-old woman, was making a left turn and was in shock after the crash. The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. No driver-specific errors were listed in the report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4825362 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31
Cyclist Killed In Queens Hit-And-Run

A cyclist died on Astoria Boulevard. A fleeing driver struck her. She flew from her bike, hit a parked car, and never got up. Police stopped the chase. The driver kept going. The street stayed deadly.

According to the New York Post (published June 24, 2025), Bekim Fiseku, 53, was charged after fatally striking cyclist Amanda Servedio, 36, while fleeing a burglary in Queens. Surveillance video showed Servedio "went flying off her bicycle and slammed into a parked BMW while Fiseku sped off." Police ended their pursuit to help Servedio, who died at Elmhurst Hospital. Fiseku was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction at the time. The article highlights that Fiseku had three passengers and was fleeing police, raising questions about police pursuit protocols and the risks to vulnerable road users. The crash underscores ongoing dangers for cyclists on city streets.


Gonzalez Supports Safety Boosting 31st Street Bike Lane Plan

DOT pushes ahead. Protected bike lanes coming to 31st Street. Community board erupts. Lawmakers back the plan. Business owners protest. City stands with cyclists and pedestrians. Proven safety gains for vulnerable users. Change rolls forward. Streets shift. Lives may be spared.

On June 20, 2025, the Department of Transportation reaffirmed its plan to install protected bike lanes under the elevated tracks on 31st Street in Astoria. The proposal, discussed at a heated community board meeting, remains active and is set for installation after summer repaving. Council Member Tiffany Caban, State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, and Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas endorsed the plan in a letter, stating it would 'protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers while making our streets safer and less congested.' DOT spokesman Will Livingston said the design improves safety and supports local businesses. Despite opposition from some business owners, the plan moves forward. Safety analysts note: 'Protected bike lanes are proven to reduce injuries and fatalities for cyclists and pedestrians, encourage mode shift, and improve street equity by reallocating space from cars to vulnerable users.'


Bus Driver Inattention Kills Pedestrian on 3rd Ave

A bus struck and killed a man at E 28th and 3rd. Police cite driver inattention. The pedestrian suffered fatal crush injuries. The bus hit with its right front bumper. Another life lost to distraction.

A 49-year-old man walking at the intersection of E 28th Street and 3rd Avenue was killed when a northbound bus struck him with its right front bumper. According to the police report, the pedestrian suffered fatal crush injuries to his entire body. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The bus driver and two occupants were not seriously hurt. The crash again highlights the deadly risk posed by large vehicles and inattentive driving on Manhattan streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4820937 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31
S 8344
Gonzalez votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.

Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.

Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.


S 4045
Gonzalez votes yes in committee, boosting street safety by curbing repeat speeders.

Senate backs S 4045. Repeat speeders face forced installation of speed assistance tech. Eleven points or six camera tickets triggers action. Law targets reckless drivers. Streets may get safer for those outside the car.

Senate bill S 4045, sponsored by Andrew Gounardes and co-sponsored by over two dozen senators, passed committee votes on June 11 and June 12, 2025. The bill, titled 'Relates to requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits,' mandates these devices for drivers who rack up eleven or more points in 24 months, or six speed or red light camera tickets in a year. The measure aims to curb repeat dangerous driving. Senators including Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, and others voted yes. The bill targets drivers with a pattern of violations, seeking to cut risk for pedestrians and cyclists by limiting repeat speeding.


S 8344
Gonzalez votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.

Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.

Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.


S 4045
Gonzalez co-sponsors bill to boost street safety with speed limiters.

Senate backs S 4045. Repeat speeders face forced installation of speed assistance tech. Eleven points or six camera tickets triggers action. Law targets reckless drivers. Streets may get safer for those outside the car.

Senate bill S 4045, sponsored by Andrew Gounardes and co-sponsored by over two dozen senators, passed committee votes on June 11 and June 12, 2025. The bill, titled 'Relates to requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits,' mandates these devices for drivers who rack up eleven or more points in 24 months, or six speed or red light camera tickets in a year. The measure aims to curb repeat dangerous driving. Senators including Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, and others voted yes. The bill targets drivers with a pattern of violations, seeking to cut risk for pedestrians and cyclists by limiting repeat speeding.


S 4045
Gonzalez votes yes in committee, boosting street safety by curbing repeat speeders.

Senate backs S 4045. Repeat speeders face forced installation of speed assistance tech. Eleven points or six camera tickets triggers action. Law targets reckless drivers. Streets may get safer for those outside the car.

Senate bill S 4045, sponsored by Andrew Gounardes and co-sponsored by over two dozen senators, passed committee votes on June 11 and June 12, 2025. The bill, titled 'Relates to requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits,' mandates these devices for drivers who rack up eleven or more points in 24 months, or six speed or red light camera tickets in a year. The measure aims to curb repeat dangerous driving. Senators including Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, and others voted yes. The bill targets drivers with a pattern of violations, seeking to cut risk for pedestrians and cyclists by limiting repeat speeding.


Drunk Driver Kills Immigrant Pedestrian in Manhattan

A drunk driver tore through Gramercy. He struck Abdulhekim Esiyok in the crosswalk. Bars kept pouring drinks for the driver. Blood alcohol soared. Esiyok died at Bellevue. The driver hit more people before stopping. The city’s system failed again.

According to the New York Post (2025-06-07), Abdulhekim Esiyok, a 23-year-old Turkish immigrant, was killed while crossing Third Avenue after Mahbub Ali, allegedly intoxicated, drove into him. Prosecutors say Ali drank for nearly six hours at three Manhattan bars, reaching a blood alcohol content of .158, almost twice the legal limit. After hitting Esiyok, Ali continued, injuring a cyclist, two more pedestrians, and crashing into a van. The family’s lawsuit cites New York’s Dram Shop Act, which holds bars liable for serving visibly drunk patrons who later cause harm. The article quotes the family’s lawyer: “The family is devastated. They’re still in disbelief.” The case highlights failures in both driver responsibility and alcohol-serving oversight.


Improper Turn Injures Motorcyclist on 21st Street

A sedan struck a motorcycle during a bad turn on 21st Street. The motorcyclist suffered crush injuries to his leg. Police cite improper turning as the cause. The street stayed open. Danger lingered.

A sedan and a motorcycle collided at 21st Street and 40th Avenue in Queens. The crash left the 26-year-old motorcycle driver with crush injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Turning Improperly.' The sedan was going straight, while the motorcycle was making a U-turn. The report lists no other contributing factors before noting the motorcyclist wore a helmet. No other injuries were reported. The crash highlights the risk of improper turns on city streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4822369 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31
Cyclist Injured in E 23rd Street Collision

A cyclist suffered crush injuries to his leg at E 23rd Street and 3rd Avenue. Two cars and a bike collided. The cyclist wore a helmet. Police cited confusion as a factor. The street saw pain and metal. The system failed to protect the vulnerable.

A crash on E 23rd Street at 3rd Avenue in Manhattan left a 61-year-old male cyclist injured with crush injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. According to the police report, a convertible, a pick-up truck, and a bicycle were involved. The cyclist was conscious and wore a helmet. The police report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. No driver-specific errors were cited in the data. Other vehicle occupants reported unspecified injuries. The crash underscores the risks faced by cyclists on city streets, where even routine turns can end in harm.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4816863 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31
2
Alcohol-Involved Crash Injures Passenger on Bedford

Sedans collided on Bedford Ave. Alcohol played a role. One passenger suffered head injuries. The driver died. Steel and speed met flesh. Brooklyn streets bore the cost.

A crash involving two sedans on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn left a 29-year-old front passenger injured with head trauma and killed the driver. According to the police report, 'Alcohol Involvement' was a contributing factor in the collision. The report lists no other specific driver errors. The injured passenger was not ejected and reported whiplash. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash underscores the deadly consequences when alcohol mixes with driving.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4813513 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31
USPS Truck Parked, Cyclist Hits Rear, Head Injured

A cyclist struck the back of a parked USPS truck on 2nd Avenue. He suffered severe head lacerations. Unsafe speed played a role. The truck showed no damage. The street bore the mark of impact.

A 25-year-old male bicyclist was injured after colliding with the rear of a parked USPS truck at 579 2nd Avenue in Manhattan. According to the police report, unsafe speed was a contributing factor in the crash. The cyclist suffered severe lacerations to the head and was conscious at the scene. The truck was parked and showed no damage. The report lists no other contributing factors from the cyclist. No other injuries were reported.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812789 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31
Taxi Turns Left, Strikes Woman Crossing 1st Avenue

A taxi turned left on 1st Avenue. A woman crossed with the signal. Metal hit flesh. She fell, torn and bleeding. The driver stayed put. Blood marked the street.

A taxi struck a 31-year-old woman as she crossed 1st Avenue at East 22nd Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, the woman was crossing with the signal when the taxi, making a left turn, hit her. She suffered severe lacerations and was in shock. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The driver remained at the scene. The crash left the pedestrian injured across her entire body.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808952 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31