About these crash totals
Counts come from NYC police crash reports (NYC Open Data). We sum all crashes, injuries, and deaths for this area across the selected time window shown on the card. Injury severity follows the official definitions in the NYPD dataset.
- Crashes: number of police‑reported collisions (all road users).
- All injuries: total injured people in those crashes.
- Moderate / Serious: subcategories reported by officers (e.g., broken bones vs. life‑threatening trauma).
- Deaths: people who died due to a crash.
Notes: Police reports can be corrected after initial publication. Minor incidents without a police report are not included.
Close▸ Killed 18
▸ Crush Injuries 20
▸ Amputation 1
▸ Severe Bleeding 13
▸ Severe Lacerations 12
▸ Concussion 30
▸ Whiplash 140
▸ Contusion/Bruise 263
▸ Abrasion 164
▸ Pain/Nausea 58
About this chart
We group pedestrian injuries and deaths by the vehicle type that struck them (as recorded in police reports). Use the dropdown to view totals, serious injuries, or deaths.
- Trucks/Buses, SUVs/Cars, Mopeds, and Bikes reflect the reporting categories in the crash dataset.
- Counts include people on foot only; crashes with no injured pedestrians are not shown here.
Notes: Police classification can change during investigations. Small categories may have year-to-year variance.
CloseAbout these numbers
These totals count vehicles with at least the shown number of camera‑issued speeding violations (school‑zone speed cameras) in any rolling 12‑month window in this district. Totals are summed from 2022 to the present for this geography.
- ≥ 6 (6+): advocates’ standard for repeat speeding offenders who should face escalating consequences.
- ≥ 16 (16+): threshold in the current edited bill awaiting State Senate action.
About this list
This ranks vehicles by the number of NYC school‑zone speed‑camera violations they received in the last 12 months anywhere in the city. The smaller note shows how many times the same plate was caught in this area in the last 90 days.
Camera violations are issued by NYC DOT’s program. Counts reflect issued tickets and may omit dismissed or pending cases. Plate text is shown verbatim as recorded.
Close
Atlantic and Flatbush: the toll in Assembly District 52
AD 52: Jan 1, 2022 - Nov 28, 2025
Just after 8 PM on Oct 30, 2024, at 4th Avenue and Sackett Street, a 24‑year‑old on a bike was killed in a collision involving a pickup truck and an e‑bike, according to city crash records (NYC Open Data).
He is one of 19 people killed on streets in Assembly District 52 since Jan 1, 2022. Another 3,532 have been injured, with 49 seriously hurt in that same window (NYC Open Data).
Where the street keeps breaking
Atlantic Avenue and Flatbush Avenue surface again and again in the data as high‑harm corridors in this district. Atlantic has seen 2 deaths and 151 injuries; Flatbush shows 1 death and 179 injuries in the roll‑up of top locations (NYC Open Data).
Injuries stack up in the afternoon and early evening hours, when the most people are on foot or on bikes and drivers push through the rush. The district’s record includes fatal crashes at daybreak, midday, and night—no hour is safe in the current design (NYC Open Data).
Police reports in this area name driver actions we can fix. They include failure to yield at crosswalks and distraction at the wheel. One fatal example: a driver failed to yield at Kent Avenue and Taylor Street and killed a person in a marked crosswalk on Nov 28, 2022 (NYC Open Data).
The year so far
This year to date, the district has logged 5 deaths, up from 3 at this point last year, and 822 injuries, roughly level with last year’s count. Serious injuries fell to 7 from 11 year‑to‑date (NYC Open Data). Crashes also edged up: 1,748 this year to date, versus 1,722 at this time last year (same source).
Break the harms by who was outside the car, and the picture is plain. Since 2022, people walking accounted for 5 deaths and 603 injuries; people on bikes for 2 deaths and 614 injuries. Heavy vehicles add weight to the danger: trucks and buses are tied to a share of pedestrian deaths and dozens of injuries in this district’s ledger (NYC Open Data).
Fix the corners, slow the cars
Daylighting corners saves lives. Seven Brooklyn electeds, including Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon, pressed the city for “universal daylighting with hardened materials” to clear sightlines at every corner (Streetsblog NYC). Atlantic Avenue has begun to see mid‑block crossings and new signals to tame the wide roadway; local leaders called it “a great step forward” and asked for more hardening and traffic calming (Brooklyn Paper).
Keep it concrete here: daylight every intersection on Atlantic and Flatbush. Install hardened turns and longer leading pedestrian intervals. Prioritize truck‑safety treatments on Bond, Kent, and along Atlantic where heavy vehicles roll.
Hold the repeat speeders
The bills exist. Simon co‑sponsored an Assembly bill to require speed limiters for drivers with repeat violations (A 7979). She also signed on to a 2025 bill to expand camera enforcement and stop plate‑obscuring that hides speeders from the law (A 7997). In a rally after a fatal crash, she said, “The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.” (Brooklyn Paper)
Albany renewed protections around school speed zones in 2025; the Assembly passed the fix and Simon voted yes in the Senate‑paired push to extend the rules governing those zones (S 8344). That keeps one tool in place. The district still needs the limiter mandate to catch the worst repeat offenders. Our city already knows where the harm lands.
What happens next is a choice
A young man died at 4th and Sackett. People walking and biking keep paying on Atlantic and Flatbush. The laws to slow traffic and end repeat speeding are on the table. Use them.
Take one step now. Tell your leaders to back daylighting at scale and to pass speed limiters for repeat offenders. Start here: Take Action.
Frequently Asked Questions
▸ What area does this cover?
▸ How bad is the harm here since 2022?
▸ Where are the worst spots?
▸ Who is responsible for fixing this?
▸ How were these numbers calculated?
▸ What is CrashCount?
Citations
▸ Citations
- Motor Vehicle Collisions – Crashes - Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-28
- File A 7979, Open States, Published 2023-08-18
- File A 7997, Open States, Published 2025-04-16
- File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-17
- Seven Brooklyn Electeds Join Growing Calls For Universal Daylighting, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-17
- New mid-block crossings on Atlantic Avenue aim to slow cars, increase pedestrian safety, Brooklyn Paper, Published 2024-02-05
- ‘Enough is enough’: advocates demand 'Stop Super Speeders' after fatal crash, Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-04-01
Fix the Problem
Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon
District 52
Other Representatives
Council Member Lincoln Restler
District 33
State Senator Zellnor Myrie
District 20
▸ Other Geographies
AD 52 Assembly District 52 sits in Brooklyn, Precinct 84, District 33, SD 20.
It contains Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn-DUMBO-Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Navy Yard, Carroll Gardens-Cobble Hill-Gowanus-Red Hook, Park Slope, Brooklyn CB2, Brooklyn CB6.
▸ See also
Traffic Safety Timeline for Assembly District 52
9
Dump truck driver hits woman at Wythe Ave▸Dec 9 - A driver in a dump truck, starting in traffic, hit a 53-year-old woman in the intersection at Williamsburg St W and Wythe Ave. She suffered crush injuries. Police listed no driver contributing factor.
A driver of a dump truck hit a 53-year-old woman at the intersection of Williamsburg St W and Wythe Ave in Brooklyn. She was a pedestrian and suffered crush injuries to her entire body. According to the police report, the driver was traveling south and starting in traffic when the front center of the truck made contact. The report lists no driver contributing factor; entries are marked Unspecified. No vehicle damage was recorded. Police did not cite any specific violations by the driver in the data released.
7
Queens woman fatally struck by e-bike rider after exiting city bus in Brooklyn▸
-
Queens woman fatally struck by e-bike rider after exiting city bus in Brooklyn,
amny,
Published 2025-10-07
6
E-bike driver kills woman on Flushing Avenue▸Oct 6 - E-bike driver going west on Flushing hit a 60-year-old woman near N. Elliott. She died. Two riders were hurt. Police listed no cause and marked the operator unlicensed.
A driver on an e-bike going west on Flushing Avenue hit a 60-year-old woman near N. Elliott Place. She was killed. The crash injured the e-bike’s 41-year-old driver and a 39-year-old passenger. Both were ejected. According to the police report, the driver was going straight ahead. The point of impact and damage were at the center front. According to the police report, the pedestrian was not at an intersection and was getting on or off a vehicle. Police recorded contributing factors as "Unspecified." Police listed the e-bike operator as unlicensed in New York. No other vehicles were named.
14
Unsafe speed in 2 Ave SUV collision▸Sep 14 - Drivers of two SUVs crashed at 2 Ave and 9 St in Brooklyn. A 34-year-old driver died. Two passengers were hurt, one with head trauma. Police recorded unsafe speed. A pickup driver was stopped in traffic.
Drivers of two SUVs collided at 2 Ave and 9 St in Brooklyn around 6:25 p.m. A 34-year-old driver was killed. Two passengers in the northbound SUV were injured: a 38-year-old woman in the right rear seat with head crush injuries and a 64-year-old front passenger with a leg fracture. A pickup driver was stopped in traffic and was involved. "According to the police report, officers recorded Unsafe Speed." The report lists both SUVs going straight before the crash and the pickup stopped southbound. Points of impact include the SUVs’ front ends and one SUV’s left rear quarter panel.
12
Moped Driver Killed on 3 Ave▸Sep 12 - A moped rider died at 3 Ave and St Marks Pl in Brooklyn. Police recorded improper lane use. The crash involved a moped, a parked SUV, and a flatbed truck.
A crash on 3 Ave at St Marks Pl in Brooklyn involved a moped, a parked SUV, and a flatbed truck. The moped driver, 39, was heading north and going straight. He was ejected and killed. According to the police report, “Passing or Lane Usage Improper” was a contributing factor. Police recorded improper passing or lane use. The SUV was parked. The flatbed driver was going straight north. It happened around 1:05 p.m. The zip is 11217. The case falls in the 84th Precinct.
31
NYPD cop killed in fiery BQE hit-and-run survived earlier motorcycle crash: friend▸
-
NYPD cop killed in fiery BQE hit-and-run survived earlier motorcycle crash: friend,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-08-31
19
Mazda slams parked Mini on Henry▸Aug 19 - Eastbound Mazda struck a parked Mini’s rear on Henry Street. One woman died. Another was hurt. Following too closely flagged. Center front into center back. Quiet block. Sudden violence. Metal, glass, silence.
A 2018 Mazda traveling east hit the right rear of a parked 2020 Mini sedan near 228 Henry St in Brooklyn. One female driver, 58, suffered apparent death; another occupant was injured. According to the police report, the contributing factor was “Following Too Closely.” Vehicle damage shows a center-front impact into the parked car’s center back end. The Mazda was going straight; the Mini was parked. The report lists no other confirmed factors for the drivers. The deceased driver had no safety equipment noted after the crash, per the record.
11
Simon Backs Safety‑Boosting Elevator Installation at Smith‑9th▸Aug 11 - Elevators planned for Smith‑9th Street, NYC's tallest station. Stairs end. Riders with limited mobility win. NYCHA residents and seniors regain access to jobs and care. Project cuts forced walking or biking along hazardous routes and shifts trips onto public transit.
Bill/file number: none. Status: MTA announced planned installation on August 11, 2025. Committee: none listed. BKReader ran the piece titled "Brooklyn’s Steepest Subway Stop to Get a Lift," noting "The MTA will install an elevator at the Smith-9th Street station." State Senator Andrew Gounardes praised the plan. Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon backed it. NYCHA leaders voiced support. MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo called the stop the clearest case for access. Installing elevators improves transit accessibility for people with mobility challenges, reducing reliance on walking or cycling along potentially hazardous routes and supporting an equitable, safe mode shift to public transit.
-
Brooklyn’s Steepest Subway Stop to Get a Lift,
BKReader,
Published 2025-08-11
10
Simon Praises Safety‑Boosting Smith‑9th Street Elevators▸Aug 10 - State officials will add elevators to Smith-9th Street station, ending a brutal 90‑foot climb. The lifts expand access and push riders toward transit — cutting pedestrian and cyclist exposure to street car traffic and easing danger for vulnerable users.
"the station's history of broken escalators" -- Jo Anne Simon
Bill number: none. Status: included in the MTA's approved $68.4 billion Capital Plan for 2025–2029. Committee: N/A. Key date: announcement Aug 10, 2025. The matter: "New York City's tallest subway station, Smith-9th Street in Gowanus, Brooklyn, will soon have elevators, ending the difficult climb to the platform." State Sen. Andrew Gounardes led the announcement. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon praised the move. MTA chief accessibility officer Quemuel Arroyo said the upgrades push system access past 50%. The MTA must meet a court settlement to make 95% of stations ADA-accessible by 2055. Improved subway accessibility encourages mode shift from driving to transit, reducing pedestrian and cyclist exposure to car traffic and supporting safer, more equitable streets for vulnerable users.
-
Tall order: NYC’s tallest subway station to get elevators, putting accessibility on the ascent,
Brooklyn Paper,
Published 2025-08-10
14
Sedan Driver Fails to Yield, Hits Woman▸Jul 14 - The driver of a sedan hit a 67-year-old woman in a marked crosswalk on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn. She suffered severe head lacerations and was conscious. Police recorded failure to yield and driver inattention.
A 67-year-old woman was struck by a sedan while crossing Atlantic Avenue in a marked crosswalk in Brooklyn. She suffered severe lacerations to her head and was conscious at the scene. "According to the police report …" the driver was licensed, traveling west and going straight ahead when the vehicle hit the pedestrian. Police recorded failure to yield by the driver and driver inattention/distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with a center-front impact. No other injuries were reported.
17S 8344
Simon votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Jun 17 - 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.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
9
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances▸Jun 9 - City eyes a center bus lane on Flatbush. Concrete islands promise safer crossings. Details remain thin. Cars may still block buses. The street could change. Pedestrians and riders wait. The city holds its breath.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-06-09) reports the Department of Transportation plans a center-running bus lane on Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. The project aims to connect neighborhoods and calm traffic. DOT Assistant Director Dustin Khuu said the goal is a 'high performing transit priority street.' The plan includes concrete bus boarding islands and may reduce car lanes, giving more space to pedestrians and buses. However, the article notes gaps: 'DOT didn't share a block-by-block breakdown,' and curbside parking may remain, risking bus lane obstruction by double-parked vehicles. The city may physically protect the lane, but details are pending. The B41 bus, serving 28,000 daily trips, crawls at 4 mph during rush hour. The proposal highlights the need for clear enforcement and design to keep cars out of bus lanes and protect vulnerable road users.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-09
4
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned▸Jun 4 - Flatbush Avenue will lose car lanes. Bus lanes and pedestrian islands will take their place. Fifty-five killed or badly hurt since 2019. Buses crawl. Pedestrians dodge traffic. The city moves to fix a deadly, clogged corridor.
Gothamist reported on June 4, 2025, that New York City's Department of Transportation plans to overhaul Flatbush Avenue between Livingston Street and Grand Army Plaza. The redesign replaces two car lanes with 24/7 bus-only lanes and adds pedestrian islands. DOT officials said, 'almost 70,000 daily bus riders are stuck waiting too long for slow buses, drivers are caught in a mess of traffic and pedestrians are left crossing intersections clogged with vehicles.' Since 2019, 55 people have been killed or severely injured in crashes along this stretch. The plan removes curbside parking and bans cars from bus lanes, aiming to speed up twelve bus routes and protect people on foot. Most residents in the area do not own cars and depend on slow buses. The proposal reflects a shift toward prioritizing vulnerable road users and addressing systemic danger on one of Brooklyn's busiest corridors.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-06-04
1
SUVs and Pickup Collide on BQE, Driver Injured▸Jun 1 - Three vehicles crashed on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Metal twisted. One driver suffered head and crush injuries. Police blamed driver distraction. The road ran straight. The night was quiet. The system failed again.
A crash involving a pick-up truck and two SUVs tore through the Brooklyn Queens Expressway in Brooklyn. According to the police report, three vehicles were traveling east when they collided. One driver, a 32-year-old man, suffered head and crush injuries. Five others, including a child, were listed as occupants but did not have specified injuries. Police cited 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No other errors or violations were listed. The report shows all vehicles were moving straight ahead before impact. The data does not mention helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash highlights the ongoing danger for all road users on New York’s highways.
13
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest▸May 13 - A motorcyclist struck a stopped car on the BQE. He died at the hospital. The driver, unlicensed and lacking required safety equipment, was arrested. The crash happened fast, on a crowded stretch. Police are still investigating.
According to amny (published May 13, 2025), a fatal crash on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway left a motorcyclist dead. The article reports, "Police arrested 44-year-old Laura Cordova... for driving without a license and using a vehicle without ignition interlock." The incident took place near Tillary Street just before 10 p.m. on May 10. The motorcyclist, 27-year-old Sean Johnson, struck Cordova's stopped Honda Accord and later died at Brooklyn Hospital Center. Cordova was required to use an ignition interlock device due to a prior conviction but was not charged with DUI. The NYPD Highway Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. The case highlights issues of unlicensed driving and compliance with court-ordered safety measures.
-
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest,
amny,
Published 2025-05-13
16A 7997
Simon co-sponsors bill expanding camera enforcement, potentially reducing overall street safety.▸Apr 16 - Assembly bill A 7997 lets speed cameras catch drivers hiding or altering plates. It extends camera use in school zones. Lawmakers push to close loopholes that shield reckless drivers from accountability.
Assembly bill A 7997, now in sponsorship, aims to expand photo speed violation monitoring in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Deborah Glick with co-sponsors Jo Anne Simon, John Zaccaro Jr., Linda Rosenthal, and Tony Simone, was introduced on April 16, 2025. It 'permits the use of photo speed violation monitoring systems in New York City for the purposes of enforcement of license plate obstruction, concealment, and/or distortion; extends provisions permitting the use of speed cameras in certain school zones.' By targeting plate obstruction, the bill seeks to stop drivers from dodging speed camera enforcement, a move that could help protect pedestrians and cyclists from repeat offenders.
-
File A 7997,
Open States,
Published 2025-04-16
7
SUV Door Strikes Cyclist on Atlantic Avenue▸Apr 7 - Parked SUV door flung open. Cyclist’s arm torn. Blood on Atlantic Avenue. Driver stands unharmed. Distraction behind the steel. Another wound for Brooklyn streets.
A 26-year-old man riding his bike west on Atlantic Avenue was struck when a parked SUV’s door opened into his path. According to the police report, the cyclist’s arm was split open, leaving him with severe lacerations. The 71-year-old SUV driver was not injured. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to check for cyclists before opening doors. No helmet or signal use was cited as a factor.
3
Car Turns Left, Crushes Child’s Knee▸Apr 3 - A car turned left on Court Street. A four-year-old crossed with the signal. The bumper struck his leg. His knee crushed. The driver failed to yield. Steel met flesh. A child lay broken.
A four-year-old boy was struck and injured while crossing Court Street at Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the child crossed with the signal when a car turned left and hit him, crushing his knee. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. The boy remained conscious after the crash. The driver’s failure to yield is called out in the official account. No other injuries were reported.
3
Simon Backs Safety Boosting Ashland Place Bike Lane▸Apr 3 - Brooklyn’s Ashland Place stays deadly. DOT delays a promised bike lane. Elected officials and residents demand action. Private interests block progress. Cyclists face crashes and fear. The city shrugs. The gap remains. Lives hang in the balance.
On April 3, 2025, a coalition of Brooklyn officials—including Council Members Crystal Hudson, Shahana Hanif, Lincoln Restler, Assembly Members Andrew Gounardes, Jo Anne Simon, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso—sent a letter urging DOT to finish the protected bike lane on Ashland Place. The letter called the block a 'missing link in Brooklyn’s protected bike lane network.' Brooklyn Community Board 2 backed the demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Borough Commissioner Keith Bray offered only vague replies. The block’s exclusion traces to a mayoral advisor’s intervention for developer Two Trees. Advocates like Kathy Park Price slammed the city: 'Private interests are able to redesign our streets, prioritizing vehicles over safety at a critical corridor.' Despite unanimous support, DOT keeps the street dangerous. The city’s inaction leaves cyclists exposed and the community frustrated.
-
‘Crashland’: As Demand Grows, DOT Still Won’t Finish Bike Lane on Dangerous Brooklyn Road,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-04-03
1
Jo Anne Simon Urges Safety Boosting Speed Limiter Technology Use▸Apr 1 - After a crash killed a mother and two daughters in Gravesend, advocates and Council Member Shahana Hanif rallied for the Stop Super Speeders bill. The law would force repeat reckless drivers to use speed-limiting tech. Survivors demand action. Lawmakers promise change.
On April 1, 2025, Council Member Shahana Hanif joined a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall demanding passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill. The bill, sponsored in Albany by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, would require drivers with repeated violations to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices. These devices cap speed at 5 mph over the limit for those with 11 or more license points in 24 months or six camera tickets in a year. The rally followed a fatal Gravesend crash that killed a mother and her two daughters. Hanif and other lawmakers called current enforcement—ticketing, suspensions, fines, jail—ineffective. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, 'The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.' The bill is modeled on EU and Virginia laws. Some opposition remains, but supporters say the measure is urgent and practical.
-
‘Enough is enough’: Street safety advocates demand passage of ‘Stop Super Speeders’ bill after tragic Gravesend crash,
brooklynpaper.com,
Published 2025-04-01
Dec 9 - A driver in a dump truck, starting in traffic, hit a 53-year-old woman in the intersection at Williamsburg St W and Wythe Ave. She suffered crush injuries. Police listed no driver contributing factor.
A driver of a dump truck hit a 53-year-old woman at the intersection of Williamsburg St W and Wythe Ave in Brooklyn. She was a pedestrian and suffered crush injuries to her entire body. According to the police report, the driver was traveling south and starting in traffic when the front center of the truck made contact. The report lists no driver contributing factor; entries are marked Unspecified. No vehicle damage was recorded. Police did not cite any specific violations by the driver in the data released.
7
Queens woman fatally struck by e-bike rider after exiting city bus in Brooklyn▸
-
Queens woman fatally struck by e-bike rider after exiting city bus in Brooklyn,
amny,
Published 2025-10-07
6
E-bike driver kills woman on Flushing Avenue▸Oct 6 - E-bike driver going west on Flushing hit a 60-year-old woman near N. Elliott. She died. Two riders were hurt. Police listed no cause and marked the operator unlicensed.
A driver on an e-bike going west on Flushing Avenue hit a 60-year-old woman near N. Elliott Place. She was killed. The crash injured the e-bike’s 41-year-old driver and a 39-year-old passenger. Both were ejected. According to the police report, the driver was going straight ahead. The point of impact and damage were at the center front. According to the police report, the pedestrian was not at an intersection and was getting on or off a vehicle. Police recorded contributing factors as "Unspecified." Police listed the e-bike operator as unlicensed in New York. No other vehicles were named.
14
Unsafe speed in 2 Ave SUV collision▸Sep 14 - Drivers of two SUVs crashed at 2 Ave and 9 St in Brooklyn. A 34-year-old driver died. Two passengers were hurt, one with head trauma. Police recorded unsafe speed. A pickup driver was stopped in traffic.
Drivers of two SUVs collided at 2 Ave and 9 St in Brooklyn around 6:25 p.m. A 34-year-old driver was killed. Two passengers in the northbound SUV were injured: a 38-year-old woman in the right rear seat with head crush injuries and a 64-year-old front passenger with a leg fracture. A pickup driver was stopped in traffic and was involved. "According to the police report, officers recorded Unsafe Speed." The report lists both SUVs going straight before the crash and the pickup stopped southbound. Points of impact include the SUVs’ front ends and one SUV’s left rear quarter panel.
12
Moped Driver Killed on 3 Ave▸Sep 12 - A moped rider died at 3 Ave and St Marks Pl in Brooklyn. Police recorded improper lane use. The crash involved a moped, a parked SUV, and a flatbed truck.
A crash on 3 Ave at St Marks Pl in Brooklyn involved a moped, a parked SUV, and a flatbed truck. The moped driver, 39, was heading north and going straight. He was ejected and killed. According to the police report, “Passing or Lane Usage Improper” was a contributing factor. Police recorded improper passing or lane use. The SUV was parked. The flatbed driver was going straight north. It happened around 1:05 p.m. The zip is 11217. The case falls in the 84th Precinct.
31
NYPD cop killed in fiery BQE hit-and-run survived earlier motorcycle crash: friend▸
-
NYPD cop killed in fiery BQE hit-and-run survived earlier motorcycle crash: friend,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-08-31
19
Mazda slams parked Mini on Henry▸Aug 19 - Eastbound Mazda struck a parked Mini’s rear on Henry Street. One woman died. Another was hurt. Following too closely flagged. Center front into center back. Quiet block. Sudden violence. Metal, glass, silence.
A 2018 Mazda traveling east hit the right rear of a parked 2020 Mini sedan near 228 Henry St in Brooklyn. One female driver, 58, suffered apparent death; another occupant was injured. According to the police report, the contributing factor was “Following Too Closely.” Vehicle damage shows a center-front impact into the parked car’s center back end. The Mazda was going straight; the Mini was parked. The report lists no other confirmed factors for the drivers. The deceased driver had no safety equipment noted after the crash, per the record.
11
Simon Backs Safety‑Boosting Elevator Installation at Smith‑9th▸Aug 11 - Elevators planned for Smith‑9th Street, NYC's tallest station. Stairs end. Riders with limited mobility win. NYCHA residents and seniors regain access to jobs and care. Project cuts forced walking or biking along hazardous routes and shifts trips onto public transit.
Bill/file number: none. Status: MTA announced planned installation on August 11, 2025. Committee: none listed. BKReader ran the piece titled "Brooklyn’s Steepest Subway Stop to Get a Lift," noting "The MTA will install an elevator at the Smith-9th Street station." State Senator Andrew Gounardes praised the plan. Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon backed it. NYCHA leaders voiced support. MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo called the stop the clearest case for access. Installing elevators improves transit accessibility for people with mobility challenges, reducing reliance on walking or cycling along potentially hazardous routes and supporting an equitable, safe mode shift to public transit.
-
Brooklyn’s Steepest Subway Stop to Get a Lift,
BKReader,
Published 2025-08-11
10
Simon Praises Safety‑Boosting Smith‑9th Street Elevators▸Aug 10 - State officials will add elevators to Smith-9th Street station, ending a brutal 90‑foot climb. The lifts expand access and push riders toward transit — cutting pedestrian and cyclist exposure to street car traffic and easing danger for vulnerable users.
"the station's history of broken escalators" -- Jo Anne Simon
Bill number: none. Status: included in the MTA's approved $68.4 billion Capital Plan for 2025–2029. Committee: N/A. Key date: announcement Aug 10, 2025. The matter: "New York City's tallest subway station, Smith-9th Street in Gowanus, Brooklyn, will soon have elevators, ending the difficult climb to the platform." State Sen. Andrew Gounardes led the announcement. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon praised the move. MTA chief accessibility officer Quemuel Arroyo said the upgrades push system access past 50%. The MTA must meet a court settlement to make 95% of stations ADA-accessible by 2055. Improved subway accessibility encourages mode shift from driving to transit, reducing pedestrian and cyclist exposure to car traffic and supporting safer, more equitable streets for vulnerable users.
-
Tall order: NYC’s tallest subway station to get elevators, putting accessibility on the ascent,
Brooklyn Paper,
Published 2025-08-10
14
Sedan Driver Fails to Yield, Hits Woman▸Jul 14 - The driver of a sedan hit a 67-year-old woman in a marked crosswalk on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn. She suffered severe head lacerations and was conscious. Police recorded failure to yield and driver inattention.
A 67-year-old woman was struck by a sedan while crossing Atlantic Avenue in a marked crosswalk in Brooklyn. She suffered severe lacerations to her head and was conscious at the scene. "According to the police report …" the driver was licensed, traveling west and going straight ahead when the vehicle hit the pedestrian. Police recorded failure to yield by the driver and driver inattention/distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with a center-front impact. No other injuries were reported.
17S 8344
Simon votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Jun 17 - 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.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
9
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances▸Jun 9 - City eyes a center bus lane on Flatbush. Concrete islands promise safer crossings. Details remain thin. Cars may still block buses. The street could change. Pedestrians and riders wait. The city holds its breath.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-06-09) reports the Department of Transportation plans a center-running bus lane on Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. The project aims to connect neighborhoods and calm traffic. DOT Assistant Director Dustin Khuu said the goal is a 'high performing transit priority street.' The plan includes concrete bus boarding islands and may reduce car lanes, giving more space to pedestrians and buses. However, the article notes gaps: 'DOT didn't share a block-by-block breakdown,' and curbside parking may remain, risking bus lane obstruction by double-parked vehicles. The city may physically protect the lane, but details are pending. The B41 bus, serving 28,000 daily trips, crawls at 4 mph during rush hour. The proposal highlights the need for clear enforcement and design to keep cars out of bus lanes and protect vulnerable road users.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-09
4
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned▸Jun 4 - Flatbush Avenue will lose car lanes. Bus lanes and pedestrian islands will take their place. Fifty-five killed or badly hurt since 2019. Buses crawl. Pedestrians dodge traffic. The city moves to fix a deadly, clogged corridor.
Gothamist reported on June 4, 2025, that New York City's Department of Transportation plans to overhaul Flatbush Avenue between Livingston Street and Grand Army Plaza. The redesign replaces two car lanes with 24/7 bus-only lanes and adds pedestrian islands. DOT officials said, 'almost 70,000 daily bus riders are stuck waiting too long for slow buses, drivers are caught in a mess of traffic and pedestrians are left crossing intersections clogged with vehicles.' Since 2019, 55 people have been killed or severely injured in crashes along this stretch. The plan removes curbside parking and bans cars from bus lanes, aiming to speed up twelve bus routes and protect people on foot. Most residents in the area do not own cars and depend on slow buses. The proposal reflects a shift toward prioritizing vulnerable road users and addressing systemic danger on one of Brooklyn's busiest corridors.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-06-04
1
SUVs and Pickup Collide on BQE, Driver Injured▸Jun 1 - Three vehicles crashed on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Metal twisted. One driver suffered head and crush injuries. Police blamed driver distraction. The road ran straight. The night was quiet. The system failed again.
A crash involving a pick-up truck and two SUVs tore through the Brooklyn Queens Expressway in Brooklyn. According to the police report, three vehicles were traveling east when they collided. One driver, a 32-year-old man, suffered head and crush injuries. Five others, including a child, were listed as occupants but did not have specified injuries. Police cited 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No other errors or violations were listed. The report shows all vehicles were moving straight ahead before impact. The data does not mention helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash highlights the ongoing danger for all road users on New York’s highways.
13
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest▸May 13 - A motorcyclist struck a stopped car on the BQE. He died at the hospital. The driver, unlicensed and lacking required safety equipment, was arrested. The crash happened fast, on a crowded stretch. Police are still investigating.
According to amny (published May 13, 2025), a fatal crash on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway left a motorcyclist dead. The article reports, "Police arrested 44-year-old Laura Cordova... for driving without a license and using a vehicle without ignition interlock." The incident took place near Tillary Street just before 10 p.m. on May 10. The motorcyclist, 27-year-old Sean Johnson, struck Cordova's stopped Honda Accord and later died at Brooklyn Hospital Center. Cordova was required to use an ignition interlock device due to a prior conviction but was not charged with DUI. The NYPD Highway Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. The case highlights issues of unlicensed driving and compliance with court-ordered safety measures.
-
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest,
amny,
Published 2025-05-13
16A 7997
Simon co-sponsors bill expanding camera enforcement, potentially reducing overall street safety.▸Apr 16 - Assembly bill A 7997 lets speed cameras catch drivers hiding or altering plates. It extends camera use in school zones. Lawmakers push to close loopholes that shield reckless drivers from accountability.
Assembly bill A 7997, now in sponsorship, aims to expand photo speed violation monitoring in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Deborah Glick with co-sponsors Jo Anne Simon, John Zaccaro Jr., Linda Rosenthal, and Tony Simone, was introduced on April 16, 2025. It 'permits the use of photo speed violation monitoring systems in New York City for the purposes of enforcement of license plate obstruction, concealment, and/or distortion; extends provisions permitting the use of speed cameras in certain school zones.' By targeting plate obstruction, the bill seeks to stop drivers from dodging speed camera enforcement, a move that could help protect pedestrians and cyclists from repeat offenders.
-
File A 7997,
Open States,
Published 2025-04-16
7
SUV Door Strikes Cyclist on Atlantic Avenue▸Apr 7 - Parked SUV door flung open. Cyclist’s arm torn. Blood on Atlantic Avenue. Driver stands unharmed. Distraction behind the steel. Another wound for Brooklyn streets.
A 26-year-old man riding his bike west on Atlantic Avenue was struck when a parked SUV’s door opened into his path. According to the police report, the cyclist’s arm was split open, leaving him with severe lacerations. The 71-year-old SUV driver was not injured. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to check for cyclists before opening doors. No helmet or signal use was cited as a factor.
3
Car Turns Left, Crushes Child’s Knee▸Apr 3 - A car turned left on Court Street. A four-year-old crossed with the signal. The bumper struck his leg. His knee crushed. The driver failed to yield. Steel met flesh. A child lay broken.
A four-year-old boy was struck and injured while crossing Court Street at Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the child crossed with the signal when a car turned left and hit him, crushing his knee. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. The boy remained conscious after the crash. The driver’s failure to yield is called out in the official account. No other injuries were reported.
3
Simon Backs Safety Boosting Ashland Place Bike Lane▸Apr 3 - Brooklyn’s Ashland Place stays deadly. DOT delays a promised bike lane. Elected officials and residents demand action. Private interests block progress. Cyclists face crashes and fear. The city shrugs. The gap remains. Lives hang in the balance.
On April 3, 2025, a coalition of Brooklyn officials—including Council Members Crystal Hudson, Shahana Hanif, Lincoln Restler, Assembly Members Andrew Gounardes, Jo Anne Simon, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso—sent a letter urging DOT to finish the protected bike lane on Ashland Place. The letter called the block a 'missing link in Brooklyn’s protected bike lane network.' Brooklyn Community Board 2 backed the demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Borough Commissioner Keith Bray offered only vague replies. The block’s exclusion traces to a mayoral advisor’s intervention for developer Two Trees. Advocates like Kathy Park Price slammed the city: 'Private interests are able to redesign our streets, prioritizing vehicles over safety at a critical corridor.' Despite unanimous support, DOT keeps the street dangerous. The city’s inaction leaves cyclists exposed and the community frustrated.
-
‘Crashland’: As Demand Grows, DOT Still Won’t Finish Bike Lane on Dangerous Brooklyn Road,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-04-03
1
Jo Anne Simon Urges Safety Boosting Speed Limiter Technology Use▸Apr 1 - After a crash killed a mother and two daughters in Gravesend, advocates and Council Member Shahana Hanif rallied for the Stop Super Speeders bill. The law would force repeat reckless drivers to use speed-limiting tech. Survivors demand action. Lawmakers promise change.
On April 1, 2025, Council Member Shahana Hanif joined a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall demanding passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill. The bill, sponsored in Albany by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, would require drivers with repeated violations to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices. These devices cap speed at 5 mph over the limit for those with 11 or more license points in 24 months or six camera tickets in a year. The rally followed a fatal Gravesend crash that killed a mother and her two daughters. Hanif and other lawmakers called current enforcement—ticketing, suspensions, fines, jail—ineffective. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, 'The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.' The bill is modeled on EU and Virginia laws. Some opposition remains, but supporters say the measure is urgent and practical.
-
‘Enough is enough’: Street safety advocates demand passage of ‘Stop Super Speeders’ bill after tragic Gravesend crash,
brooklynpaper.com,
Published 2025-04-01
- Queens woman fatally struck by e-bike rider after exiting city bus in Brooklyn, amny, Published 2025-10-07
6
E-bike driver kills woman on Flushing Avenue▸Oct 6 - E-bike driver going west on Flushing hit a 60-year-old woman near N. Elliott. She died. Two riders were hurt. Police listed no cause and marked the operator unlicensed.
A driver on an e-bike going west on Flushing Avenue hit a 60-year-old woman near N. Elliott Place. She was killed. The crash injured the e-bike’s 41-year-old driver and a 39-year-old passenger. Both were ejected. According to the police report, the driver was going straight ahead. The point of impact and damage were at the center front. According to the police report, the pedestrian was not at an intersection and was getting on or off a vehicle. Police recorded contributing factors as "Unspecified." Police listed the e-bike operator as unlicensed in New York. No other vehicles were named.
14
Unsafe speed in 2 Ave SUV collision▸Sep 14 - Drivers of two SUVs crashed at 2 Ave and 9 St in Brooklyn. A 34-year-old driver died. Two passengers were hurt, one with head trauma. Police recorded unsafe speed. A pickup driver was stopped in traffic.
Drivers of two SUVs collided at 2 Ave and 9 St in Brooklyn around 6:25 p.m. A 34-year-old driver was killed. Two passengers in the northbound SUV were injured: a 38-year-old woman in the right rear seat with head crush injuries and a 64-year-old front passenger with a leg fracture. A pickup driver was stopped in traffic and was involved. "According to the police report, officers recorded Unsafe Speed." The report lists both SUVs going straight before the crash and the pickup stopped southbound. Points of impact include the SUVs’ front ends and one SUV’s left rear quarter panel.
12
Moped Driver Killed on 3 Ave▸Sep 12 - A moped rider died at 3 Ave and St Marks Pl in Brooklyn. Police recorded improper lane use. The crash involved a moped, a parked SUV, and a flatbed truck.
A crash on 3 Ave at St Marks Pl in Brooklyn involved a moped, a parked SUV, and a flatbed truck. The moped driver, 39, was heading north and going straight. He was ejected and killed. According to the police report, “Passing or Lane Usage Improper” was a contributing factor. Police recorded improper passing or lane use. The SUV was parked. The flatbed driver was going straight north. It happened around 1:05 p.m. The zip is 11217. The case falls in the 84th Precinct.
31
NYPD cop killed in fiery BQE hit-and-run survived earlier motorcycle crash: friend▸
-
NYPD cop killed in fiery BQE hit-and-run survived earlier motorcycle crash: friend,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-08-31
19
Mazda slams parked Mini on Henry▸Aug 19 - Eastbound Mazda struck a parked Mini’s rear on Henry Street. One woman died. Another was hurt. Following too closely flagged. Center front into center back. Quiet block. Sudden violence. Metal, glass, silence.
A 2018 Mazda traveling east hit the right rear of a parked 2020 Mini sedan near 228 Henry St in Brooklyn. One female driver, 58, suffered apparent death; another occupant was injured. According to the police report, the contributing factor was “Following Too Closely.” Vehicle damage shows a center-front impact into the parked car’s center back end. The Mazda was going straight; the Mini was parked. The report lists no other confirmed factors for the drivers. The deceased driver had no safety equipment noted after the crash, per the record.
11
Simon Backs Safety‑Boosting Elevator Installation at Smith‑9th▸Aug 11 - Elevators planned for Smith‑9th Street, NYC's tallest station. Stairs end. Riders with limited mobility win. NYCHA residents and seniors regain access to jobs and care. Project cuts forced walking or biking along hazardous routes and shifts trips onto public transit.
Bill/file number: none. Status: MTA announced planned installation on August 11, 2025. Committee: none listed. BKReader ran the piece titled "Brooklyn’s Steepest Subway Stop to Get a Lift," noting "The MTA will install an elevator at the Smith-9th Street station." State Senator Andrew Gounardes praised the plan. Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon backed it. NYCHA leaders voiced support. MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo called the stop the clearest case for access. Installing elevators improves transit accessibility for people with mobility challenges, reducing reliance on walking or cycling along potentially hazardous routes and supporting an equitable, safe mode shift to public transit.
-
Brooklyn’s Steepest Subway Stop to Get a Lift,
BKReader,
Published 2025-08-11
10
Simon Praises Safety‑Boosting Smith‑9th Street Elevators▸Aug 10 - State officials will add elevators to Smith-9th Street station, ending a brutal 90‑foot climb. The lifts expand access and push riders toward transit — cutting pedestrian and cyclist exposure to street car traffic and easing danger for vulnerable users.
"the station's history of broken escalators" -- Jo Anne Simon
Bill number: none. Status: included in the MTA's approved $68.4 billion Capital Plan for 2025–2029. Committee: N/A. Key date: announcement Aug 10, 2025. The matter: "New York City's tallest subway station, Smith-9th Street in Gowanus, Brooklyn, will soon have elevators, ending the difficult climb to the platform." State Sen. Andrew Gounardes led the announcement. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon praised the move. MTA chief accessibility officer Quemuel Arroyo said the upgrades push system access past 50%. The MTA must meet a court settlement to make 95% of stations ADA-accessible by 2055. Improved subway accessibility encourages mode shift from driving to transit, reducing pedestrian and cyclist exposure to car traffic and supporting safer, more equitable streets for vulnerable users.
-
Tall order: NYC’s tallest subway station to get elevators, putting accessibility on the ascent,
Brooklyn Paper,
Published 2025-08-10
14
Sedan Driver Fails to Yield, Hits Woman▸Jul 14 - The driver of a sedan hit a 67-year-old woman in a marked crosswalk on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn. She suffered severe head lacerations and was conscious. Police recorded failure to yield and driver inattention.
A 67-year-old woman was struck by a sedan while crossing Atlantic Avenue in a marked crosswalk in Brooklyn. She suffered severe lacerations to her head and was conscious at the scene. "According to the police report …" the driver was licensed, traveling west and going straight ahead when the vehicle hit the pedestrian. Police recorded failure to yield by the driver and driver inattention/distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with a center-front impact. No other injuries were reported.
17S 8344
Simon votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Jun 17 - 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.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
9
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances▸Jun 9 - City eyes a center bus lane on Flatbush. Concrete islands promise safer crossings. Details remain thin. Cars may still block buses. The street could change. Pedestrians and riders wait. The city holds its breath.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-06-09) reports the Department of Transportation plans a center-running bus lane on Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. The project aims to connect neighborhoods and calm traffic. DOT Assistant Director Dustin Khuu said the goal is a 'high performing transit priority street.' The plan includes concrete bus boarding islands and may reduce car lanes, giving more space to pedestrians and buses. However, the article notes gaps: 'DOT didn't share a block-by-block breakdown,' and curbside parking may remain, risking bus lane obstruction by double-parked vehicles. The city may physically protect the lane, but details are pending. The B41 bus, serving 28,000 daily trips, crawls at 4 mph during rush hour. The proposal highlights the need for clear enforcement and design to keep cars out of bus lanes and protect vulnerable road users.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-09
4
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned▸Jun 4 - Flatbush Avenue will lose car lanes. Bus lanes and pedestrian islands will take their place. Fifty-five killed or badly hurt since 2019. Buses crawl. Pedestrians dodge traffic. The city moves to fix a deadly, clogged corridor.
Gothamist reported on June 4, 2025, that New York City's Department of Transportation plans to overhaul Flatbush Avenue between Livingston Street and Grand Army Plaza. The redesign replaces two car lanes with 24/7 bus-only lanes and adds pedestrian islands. DOT officials said, 'almost 70,000 daily bus riders are stuck waiting too long for slow buses, drivers are caught in a mess of traffic and pedestrians are left crossing intersections clogged with vehicles.' Since 2019, 55 people have been killed or severely injured in crashes along this stretch. The plan removes curbside parking and bans cars from bus lanes, aiming to speed up twelve bus routes and protect people on foot. Most residents in the area do not own cars and depend on slow buses. The proposal reflects a shift toward prioritizing vulnerable road users and addressing systemic danger on one of Brooklyn's busiest corridors.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-06-04
1
SUVs and Pickup Collide on BQE, Driver Injured▸Jun 1 - Three vehicles crashed on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Metal twisted. One driver suffered head and crush injuries. Police blamed driver distraction. The road ran straight. The night was quiet. The system failed again.
A crash involving a pick-up truck and two SUVs tore through the Brooklyn Queens Expressway in Brooklyn. According to the police report, three vehicles were traveling east when they collided. One driver, a 32-year-old man, suffered head and crush injuries. Five others, including a child, were listed as occupants but did not have specified injuries. Police cited 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No other errors or violations were listed. The report shows all vehicles were moving straight ahead before impact. The data does not mention helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash highlights the ongoing danger for all road users on New York’s highways.
13
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest▸May 13 - A motorcyclist struck a stopped car on the BQE. He died at the hospital. The driver, unlicensed and lacking required safety equipment, was arrested. The crash happened fast, on a crowded stretch. Police are still investigating.
According to amny (published May 13, 2025), a fatal crash on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway left a motorcyclist dead. The article reports, "Police arrested 44-year-old Laura Cordova... for driving without a license and using a vehicle without ignition interlock." The incident took place near Tillary Street just before 10 p.m. on May 10. The motorcyclist, 27-year-old Sean Johnson, struck Cordova's stopped Honda Accord and later died at Brooklyn Hospital Center. Cordova was required to use an ignition interlock device due to a prior conviction but was not charged with DUI. The NYPD Highway Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. The case highlights issues of unlicensed driving and compliance with court-ordered safety measures.
-
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest,
amny,
Published 2025-05-13
16A 7997
Simon co-sponsors bill expanding camera enforcement, potentially reducing overall street safety.▸Apr 16 - Assembly bill A 7997 lets speed cameras catch drivers hiding or altering plates. It extends camera use in school zones. Lawmakers push to close loopholes that shield reckless drivers from accountability.
Assembly bill A 7997, now in sponsorship, aims to expand photo speed violation monitoring in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Deborah Glick with co-sponsors Jo Anne Simon, John Zaccaro Jr., Linda Rosenthal, and Tony Simone, was introduced on April 16, 2025. It 'permits the use of photo speed violation monitoring systems in New York City for the purposes of enforcement of license plate obstruction, concealment, and/or distortion; extends provisions permitting the use of speed cameras in certain school zones.' By targeting plate obstruction, the bill seeks to stop drivers from dodging speed camera enforcement, a move that could help protect pedestrians and cyclists from repeat offenders.
-
File A 7997,
Open States,
Published 2025-04-16
7
SUV Door Strikes Cyclist on Atlantic Avenue▸Apr 7 - Parked SUV door flung open. Cyclist’s arm torn. Blood on Atlantic Avenue. Driver stands unharmed. Distraction behind the steel. Another wound for Brooklyn streets.
A 26-year-old man riding his bike west on Atlantic Avenue was struck when a parked SUV’s door opened into his path. According to the police report, the cyclist’s arm was split open, leaving him with severe lacerations. The 71-year-old SUV driver was not injured. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to check for cyclists before opening doors. No helmet or signal use was cited as a factor.
3
Car Turns Left, Crushes Child’s Knee▸Apr 3 - A car turned left on Court Street. A four-year-old crossed with the signal. The bumper struck his leg. His knee crushed. The driver failed to yield. Steel met flesh. A child lay broken.
A four-year-old boy was struck and injured while crossing Court Street at Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the child crossed with the signal when a car turned left and hit him, crushing his knee. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. The boy remained conscious after the crash. The driver’s failure to yield is called out in the official account. No other injuries were reported.
3
Simon Backs Safety Boosting Ashland Place Bike Lane▸Apr 3 - Brooklyn’s Ashland Place stays deadly. DOT delays a promised bike lane. Elected officials and residents demand action. Private interests block progress. Cyclists face crashes and fear. The city shrugs. The gap remains. Lives hang in the balance.
On April 3, 2025, a coalition of Brooklyn officials—including Council Members Crystal Hudson, Shahana Hanif, Lincoln Restler, Assembly Members Andrew Gounardes, Jo Anne Simon, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso—sent a letter urging DOT to finish the protected bike lane on Ashland Place. The letter called the block a 'missing link in Brooklyn’s protected bike lane network.' Brooklyn Community Board 2 backed the demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Borough Commissioner Keith Bray offered only vague replies. The block’s exclusion traces to a mayoral advisor’s intervention for developer Two Trees. Advocates like Kathy Park Price slammed the city: 'Private interests are able to redesign our streets, prioritizing vehicles over safety at a critical corridor.' Despite unanimous support, DOT keeps the street dangerous. The city’s inaction leaves cyclists exposed and the community frustrated.
-
‘Crashland’: As Demand Grows, DOT Still Won’t Finish Bike Lane on Dangerous Brooklyn Road,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-04-03
1
Jo Anne Simon Urges Safety Boosting Speed Limiter Technology Use▸Apr 1 - After a crash killed a mother and two daughters in Gravesend, advocates and Council Member Shahana Hanif rallied for the Stop Super Speeders bill. The law would force repeat reckless drivers to use speed-limiting tech. Survivors demand action. Lawmakers promise change.
On April 1, 2025, Council Member Shahana Hanif joined a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall demanding passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill. The bill, sponsored in Albany by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, would require drivers with repeated violations to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices. These devices cap speed at 5 mph over the limit for those with 11 or more license points in 24 months or six camera tickets in a year. The rally followed a fatal Gravesend crash that killed a mother and her two daughters. Hanif and other lawmakers called current enforcement—ticketing, suspensions, fines, jail—ineffective. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, 'The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.' The bill is modeled on EU and Virginia laws. Some opposition remains, but supporters say the measure is urgent and practical.
-
‘Enough is enough’: Street safety advocates demand passage of ‘Stop Super Speeders’ bill after tragic Gravesend crash,
brooklynpaper.com,
Published 2025-04-01
Oct 6 - E-bike driver going west on Flushing hit a 60-year-old woman near N. Elliott. She died. Two riders were hurt. Police listed no cause and marked the operator unlicensed.
A driver on an e-bike going west on Flushing Avenue hit a 60-year-old woman near N. Elliott Place. She was killed. The crash injured the e-bike’s 41-year-old driver and a 39-year-old passenger. Both were ejected. According to the police report, the driver was going straight ahead. The point of impact and damage were at the center front. According to the police report, the pedestrian was not at an intersection and was getting on or off a vehicle. Police recorded contributing factors as "Unspecified." Police listed the e-bike operator as unlicensed in New York. No other vehicles were named.
14
Unsafe speed in 2 Ave SUV collision▸Sep 14 - Drivers of two SUVs crashed at 2 Ave and 9 St in Brooklyn. A 34-year-old driver died. Two passengers were hurt, one with head trauma. Police recorded unsafe speed. A pickup driver was stopped in traffic.
Drivers of two SUVs collided at 2 Ave and 9 St in Brooklyn around 6:25 p.m. A 34-year-old driver was killed. Two passengers in the northbound SUV were injured: a 38-year-old woman in the right rear seat with head crush injuries and a 64-year-old front passenger with a leg fracture. A pickup driver was stopped in traffic and was involved. "According to the police report, officers recorded Unsafe Speed." The report lists both SUVs going straight before the crash and the pickup stopped southbound. Points of impact include the SUVs’ front ends and one SUV’s left rear quarter panel.
12
Moped Driver Killed on 3 Ave▸Sep 12 - A moped rider died at 3 Ave and St Marks Pl in Brooklyn. Police recorded improper lane use. The crash involved a moped, a parked SUV, and a flatbed truck.
A crash on 3 Ave at St Marks Pl in Brooklyn involved a moped, a parked SUV, and a flatbed truck. The moped driver, 39, was heading north and going straight. He was ejected and killed. According to the police report, “Passing or Lane Usage Improper” was a contributing factor. Police recorded improper passing or lane use. The SUV was parked. The flatbed driver was going straight north. It happened around 1:05 p.m. The zip is 11217. The case falls in the 84th Precinct.
31
NYPD cop killed in fiery BQE hit-and-run survived earlier motorcycle crash: friend▸
-
NYPD cop killed in fiery BQE hit-and-run survived earlier motorcycle crash: friend,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-08-31
19
Mazda slams parked Mini on Henry▸Aug 19 - Eastbound Mazda struck a parked Mini’s rear on Henry Street. One woman died. Another was hurt. Following too closely flagged. Center front into center back. Quiet block. Sudden violence. Metal, glass, silence.
A 2018 Mazda traveling east hit the right rear of a parked 2020 Mini sedan near 228 Henry St in Brooklyn. One female driver, 58, suffered apparent death; another occupant was injured. According to the police report, the contributing factor was “Following Too Closely.” Vehicle damage shows a center-front impact into the parked car’s center back end. The Mazda was going straight; the Mini was parked. The report lists no other confirmed factors for the drivers. The deceased driver had no safety equipment noted after the crash, per the record.
11
Simon Backs Safety‑Boosting Elevator Installation at Smith‑9th▸Aug 11 - Elevators planned for Smith‑9th Street, NYC's tallest station. Stairs end. Riders with limited mobility win. NYCHA residents and seniors regain access to jobs and care. Project cuts forced walking or biking along hazardous routes and shifts trips onto public transit.
Bill/file number: none. Status: MTA announced planned installation on August 11, 2025. Committee: none listed. BKReader ran the piece titled "Brooklyn’s Steepest Subway Stop to Get a Lift," noting "The MTA will install an elevator at the Smith-9th Street station." State Senator Andrew Gounardes praised the plan. Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon backed it. NYCHA leaders voiced support. MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo called the stop the clearest case for access. Installing elevators improves transit accessibility for people with mobility challenges, reducing reliance on walking or cycling along potentially hazardous routes and supporting an equitable, safe mode shift to public transit.
-
Brooklyn’s Steepest Subway Stop to Get a Lift,
BKReader,
Published 2025-08-11
10
Simon Praises Safety‑Boosting Smith‑9th Street Elevators▸Aug 10 - State officials will add elevators to Smith-9th Street station, ending a brutal 90‑foot climb. The lifts expand access and push riders toward transit — cutting pedestrian and cyclist exposure to street car traffic and easing danger for vulnerable users.
"the station's history of broken escalators" -- Jo Anne Simon
Bill number: none. Status: included in the MTA's approved $68.4 billion Capital Plan for 2025–2029. Committee: N/A. Key date: announcement Aug 10, 2025. The matter: "New York City's tallest subway station, Smith-9th Street in Gowanus, Brooklyn, will soon have elevators, ending the difficult climb to the platform." State Sen. Andrew Gounardes led the announcement. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon praised the move. MTA chief accessibility officer Quemuel Arroyo said the upgrades push system access past 50%. The MTA must meet a court settlement to make 95% of stations ADA-accessible by 2055. Improved subway accessibility encourages mode shift from driving to transit, reducing pedestrian and cyclist exposure to car traffic and supporting safer, more equitable streets for vulnerable users.
-
Tall order: NYC’s tallest subway station to get elevators, putting accessibility on the ascent,
Brooklyn Paper,
Published 2025-08-10
14
Sedan Driver Fails to Yield, Hits Woman▸Jul 14 - The driver of a sedan hit a 67-year-old woman in a marked crosswalk on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn. She suffered severe head lacerations and was conscious. Police recorded failure to yield and driver inattention.
A 67-year-old woman was struck by a sedan while crossing Atlantic Avenue in a marked crosswalk in Brooklyn. She suffered severe lacerations to her head and was conscious at the scene. "According to the police report …" the driver was licensed, traveling west and going straight ahead when the vehicle hit the pedestrian. Police recorded failure to yield by the driver and driver inattention/distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with a center-front impact. No other injuries were reported.
17S 8344
Simon votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Jun 17 - 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.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
9
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances▸Jun 9 - City eyes a center bus lane on Flatbush. Concrete islands promise safer crossings. Details remain thin. Cars may still block buses. The street could change. Pedestrians and riders wait. The city holds its breath.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-06-09) reports the Department of Transportation plans a center-running bus lane on Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. The project aims to connect neighborhoods and calm traffic. DOT Assistant Director Dustin Khuu said the goal is a 'high performing transit priority street.' The plan includes concrete bus boarding islands and may reduce car lanes, giving more space to pedestrians and buses. However, the article notes gaps: 'DOT didn't share a block-by-block breakdown,' and curbside parking may remain, risking bus lane obstruction by double-parked vehicles. The city may physically protect the lane, but details are pending. The B41 bus, serving 28,000 daily trips, crawls at 4 mph during rush hour. The proposal highlights the need for clear enforcement and design to keep cars out of bus lanes and protect vulnerable road users.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-09
4
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned▸Jun 4 - Flatbush Avenue will lose car lanes. Bus lanes and pedestrian islands will take their place. Fifty-five killed or badly hurt since 2019. Buses crawl. Pedestrians dodge traffic. The city moves to fix a deadly, clogged corridor.
Gothamist reported on June 4, 2025, that New York City's Department of Transportation plans to overhaul Flatbush Avenue between Livingston Street and Grand Army Plaza. The redesign replaces two car lanes with 24/7 bus-only lanes and adds pedestrian islands. DOT officials said, 'almost 70,000 daily bus riders are stuck waiting too long for slow buses, drivers are caught in a mess of traffic and pedestrians are left crossing intersections clogged with vehicles.' Since 2019, 55 people have been killed or severely injured in crashes along this stretch. The plan removes curbside parking and bans cars from bus lanes, aiming to speed up twelve bus routes and protect people on foot. Most residents in the area do not own cars and depend on slow buses. The proposal reflects a shift toward prioritizing vulnerable road users and addressing systemic danger on one of Brooklyn's busiest corridors.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-06-04
1
SUVs and Pickup Collide on BQE, Driver Injured▸Jun 1 - Three vehicles crashed on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Metal twisted. One driver suffered head and crush injuries. Police blamed driver distraction. The road ran straight. The night was quiet. The system failed again.
A crash involving a pick-up truck and two SUVs tore through the Brooklyn Queens Expressway in Brooklyn. According to the police report, three vehicles were traveling east when they collided. One driver, a 32-year-old man, suffered head and crush injuries. Five others, including a child, were listed as occupants but did not have specified injuries. Police cited 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No other errors or violations were listed. The report shows all vehicles were moving straight ahead before impact. The data does not mention helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash highlights the ongoing danger for all road users on New York’s highways.
13
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest▸May 13 - A motorcyclist struck a stopped car on the BQE. He died at the hospital. The driver, unlicensed and lacking required safety equipment, was arrested. The crash happened fast, on a crowded stretch. Police are still investigating.
According to amny (published May 13, 2025), a fatal crash on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway left a motorcyclist dead. The article reports, "Police arrested 44-year-old Laura Cordova... for driving without a license and using a vehicle without ignition interlock." The incident took place near Tillary Street just before 10 p.m. on May 10. The motorcyclist, 27-year-old Sean Johnson, struck Cordova's stopped Honda Accord and later died at Brooklyn Hospital Center. Cordova was required to use an ignition interlock device due to a prior conviction but was not charged with DUI. The NYPD Highway Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. The case highlights issues of unlicensed driving and compliance with court-ordered safety measures.
-
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest,
amny,
Published 2025-05-13
16A 7997
Simon co-sponsors bill expanding camera enforcement, potentially reducing overall street safety.▸Apr 16 - Assembly bill A 7997 lets speed cameras catch drivers hiding or altering plates. It extends camera use in school zones. Lawmakers push to close loopholes that shield reckless drivers from accountability.
Assembly bill A 7997, now in sponsorship, aims to expand photo speed violation monitoring in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Deborah Glick with co-sponsors Jo Anne Simon, John Zaccaro Jr., Linda Rosenthal, and Tony Simone, was introduced on April 16, 2025. It 'permits the use of photo speed violation monitoring systems in New York City for the purposes of enforcement of license plate obstruction, concealment, and/or distortion; extends provisions permitting the use of speed cameras in certain school zones.' By targeting plate obstruction, the bill seeks to stop drivers from dodging speed camera enforcement, a move that could help protect pedestrians and cyclists from repeat offenders.
-
File A 7997,
Open States,
Published 2025-04-16
7
SUV Door Strikes Cyclist on Atlantic Avenue▸Apr 7 - Parked SUV door flung open. Cyclist’s arm torn. Blood on Atlantic Avenue. Driver stands unharmed. Distraction behind the steel. Another wound for Brooklyn streets.
A 26-year-old man riding his bike west on Atlantic Avenue was struck when a parked SUV’s door opened into his path. According to the police report, the cyclist’s arm was split open, leaving him with severe lacerations. The 71-year-old SUV driver was not injured. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to check for cyclists before opening doors. No helmet or signal use was cited as a factor.
3
Car Turns Left, Crushes Child’s Knee▸Apr 3 - A car turned left on Court Street. A four-year-old crossed with the signal. The bumper struck his leg. His knee crushed. The driver failed to yield. Steel met flesh. A child lay broken.
A four-year-old boy was struck and injured while crossing Court Street at Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the child crossed with the signal when a car turned left and hit him, crushing his knee. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. The boy remained conscious after the crash. The driver’s failure to yield is called out in the official account. No other injuries were reported.
3
Simon Backs Safety Boosting Ashland Place Bike Lane▸Apr 3 - Brooklyn’s Ashland Place stays deadly. DOT delays a promised bike lane. Elected officials and residents demand action. Private interests block progress. Cyclists face crashes and fear. The city shrugs. The gap remains. Lives hang in the balance.
On April 3, 2025, a coalition of Brooklyn officials—including Council Members Crystal Hudson, Shahana Hanif, Lincoln Restler, Assembly Members Andrew Gounardes, Jo Anne Simon, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso—sent a letter urging DOT to finish the protected bike lane on Ashland Place. The letter called the block a 'missing link in Brooklyn’s protected bike lane network.' Brooklyn Community Board 2 backed the demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Borough Commissioner Keith Bray offered only vague replies. The block’s exclusion traces to a mayoral advisor’s intervention for developer Two Trees. Advocates like Kathy Park Price slammed the city: 'Private interests are able to redesign our streets, prioritizing vehicles over safety at a critical corridor.' Despite unanimous support, DOT keeps the street dangerous. The city’s inaction leaves cyclists exposed and the community frustrated.
-
‘Crashland’: As Demand Grows, DOT Still Won’t Finish Bike Lane on Dangerous Brooklyn Road,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-04-03
1
Jo Anne Simon Urges Safety Boosting Speed Limiter Technology Use▸Apr 1 - After a crash killed a mother and two daughters in Gravesend, advocates and Council Member Shahana Hanif rallied for the Stop Super Speeders bill. The law would force repeat reckless drivers to use speed-limiting tech. Survivors demand action. Lawmakers promise change.
On April 1, 2025, Council Member Shahana Hanif joined a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall demanding passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill. The bill, sponsored in Albany by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, would require drivers with repeated violations to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices. These devices cap speed at 5 mph over the limit for those with 11 or more license points in 24 months or six camera tickets in a year. The rally followed a fatal Gravesend crash that killed a mother and her two daughters. Hanif and other lawmakers called current enforcement—ticketing, suspensions, fines, jail—ineffective. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, 'The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.' The bill is modeled on EU and Virginia laws. Some opposition remains, but supporters say the measure is urgent and practical.
-
‘Enough is enough’: Street safety advocates demand passage of ‘Stop Super Speeders’ bill after tragic Gravesend crash,
brooklynpaper.com,
Published 2025-04-01
Sep 14 - Drivers of two SUVs crashed at 2 Ave and 9 St in Brooklyn. A 34-year-old driver died. Two passengers were hurt, one with head trauma. Police recorded unsafe speed. A pickup driver was stopped in traffic.
Drivers of two SUVs collided at 2 Ave and 9 St in Brooklyn around 6:25 p.m. A 34-year-old driver was killed. Two passengers in the northbound SUV were injured: a 38-year-old woman in the right rear seat with head crush injuries and a 64-year-old front passenger with a leg fracture. A pickup driver was stopped in traffic and was involved. "According to the police report, officers recorded Unsafe Speed." The report lists both SUVs going straight before the crash and the pickup stopped southbound. Points of impact include the SUVs’ front ends and one SUV’s left rear quarter panel.
12
Moped Driver Killed on 3 Ave▸Sep 12 - A moped rider died at 3 Ave and St Marks Pl in Brooklyn. Police recorded improper lane use. The crash involved a moped, a parked SUV, and a flatbed truck.
A crash on 3 Ave at St Marks Pl in Brooklyn involved a moped, a parked SUV, and a flatbed truck. The moped driver, 39, was heading north and going straight. He was ejected and killed. According to the police report, “Passing or Lane Usage Improper” was a contributing factor. Police recorded improper passing or lane use. The SUV was parked. The flatbed driver was going straight north. It happened around 1:05 p.m. The zip is 11217. The case falls in the 84th Precinct.
31
NYPD cop killed in fiery BQE hit-and-run survived earlier motorcycle crash: friend▸
-
NYPD cop killed in fiery BQE hit-and-run survived earlier motorcycle crash: friend,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-08-31
19
Mazda slams parked Mini on Henry▸Aug 19 - Eastbound Mazda struck a parked Mini’s rear on Henry Street. One woman died. Another was hurt. Following too closely flagged. Center front into center back. Quiet block. Sudden violence. Metal, glass, silence.
A 2018 Mazda traveling east hit the right rear of a parked 2020 Mini sedan near 228 Henry St in Brooklyn. One female driver, 58, suffered apparent death; another occupant was injured. According to the police report, the contributing factor was “Following Too Closely.” Vehicle damage shows a center-front impact into the parked car’s center back end. The Mazda was going straight; the Mini was parked. The report lists no other confirmed factors for the drivers. The deceased driver had no safety equipment noted after the crash, per the record.
11
Simon Backs Safety‑Boosting Elevator Installation at Smith‑9th▸Aug 11 - Elevators planned for Smith‑9th Street, NYC's tallest station. Stairs end. Riders with limited mobility win. NYCHA residents and seniors regain access to jobs and care. Project cuts forced walking or biking along hazardous routes and shifts trips onto public transit.
Bill/file number: none. Status: MTA announced planned installation on August 11, 2025. Committee: none listed. BKReader ran the piece titled "Brooklyn’s Steepest Subway Stop to Get a Lift," noting "The MTA will install an elevator at the Smith-9th Street station." State Senator Andrew Gounardes praised the plan. Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon backed it. NYCHA leaders voiced support. MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo called the stop the clearest case for access. Installing elevators improves transit accessibility for people with mobility challenges, reducing reliance on walking or cycling along potentially hazardous routes and supporting an equitable, safe mode shift to public transit.
-
Brooklyn’s Steepest Subway Stop to Get a Lift,
BKReader,
Published 2025-08-11
10
Simon Praises Safety‑Boosting Smith‑9th Street Elevators▸Aug 10 - State officials will add elevators to Smith-9th Street station, ending a brutal 90‑foot climb. The lifts expand access and push riders toward transit — cutting pedestrian and cyclist exposure to street car traffic and easing danger for vulnerable users.
"the station's history of broken escalators" -- Jo Anne Simon
Bill number: none. Status: included in the MTA's approved $68.4 billion Capital Plan for 2025–2029. Committee: N/A. Key date: announcement Aug 10, 2025. The matter: "New York City's tallest subway station, Smith-9th Street in Gowanus, Brooklyn, will soon have elevators, ending the difficult climb to the platform." State Sen. Andrew Gounardes led the announcement. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon praised the move. MTA chief accessibility officer Quemuel Arroyo said the upgrades push system access past 50%. The MTA must meet a court settlement to make 95% of stations ADA-accessible by 2055. Improved subway accessibility encourages mode shift from driving to transit, reducing pedestrian and cyclist exposure to car traffic and supporting safer, more equitable streets for vulnerable users.
-
Tall order: NYC’s tallest subway station to get elevators, putting accessibility on the ascent,
Brooklyn Paper,
Published 2025-08-10
14
Sedan Driver Fails to Yield, Hits Woman▸Jul 14 - The driver of a sedan hit a 67-year-old woman in a marked crosswalk on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn. She suffered severe head lacerations and was conscious. Police recorded failure to yield and driver inattention.
A 67-year-old woman was struck by a sedan while crossing Atlantic Avenue in a marked crosswalk in Brooklyn. She suffered severe lacerations to her head and was conscious at the scene. "According to the police report …" the driver was licensed, traveling west and going straight ahead when the vehicle hit the pedestrian. Police recorded failure to yield by the driver and driver inattention/distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with a center-front impact. No other injuries were reported.
17S 8344
Simon votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Jun 17 - 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.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
9
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances▸Jun 9 - City eyes a center bus lane on Flatbush. Concrete islands promise safer crossings. Details remain thin. Cars may still block buses. The street could change. Pedestrians and riders wait. The city holds its breath.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-06-09) reports the Department of Transportation plans a center-running bus lane on Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. The project aims to connect neighborhoods and calm traffic. DOT Assistant Director Dustin Khuu said the goal is a 'high performing transit priority street.' The plan includes concrete bus boarding islands and may reduce car lanes, giving more space to pedestrians and buses. However, the article notes gaps: 'DOT didn't share a block-by-block breakdown,' and curbside parking may remain, risking bus lane obstruction by double-parked vehicles. The city may physically protect the lane, but details are pending. The B41 bus, serving 28,000 daily trips, crawls at 4 mph during rush hour. The proposal highlights the need for clear enforcement and design to keep cars out of bus lanes and protect vulnerable road users.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-09
4
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned▸Jun 4 - Flatbush Avenue will lose car lanes. Bus lanes and pedestrian islands will take their place. Fifty-five killed or badly hurt since 2019. Buses crawl. Pedestrians dodge traffic. The city moves to fix a deadly, clogged corridor.
Gothamist reported on June 4, 2025, that New York City's Department of Transportation plans to overhaul Flatbush Avenue between Livingston Street and Grand Army Plaza. The redesign replaces two car lanes with 24/7 bus-only lanes and adds pedestrian islands. DOT officials said, 'almost 70,000 daily bus riders are stuck waiting too long for slow buses, drivers are caught in a mess of traffic and pedestrians are left crossing intersections clogged with vehicles.' Since 2019, 55 people have been killed or severely injured in crashes along this stretch. The plan removes curbside parking and bans cars from bus lanes, aiming to speed up twelve bus routes and protect people on foot. Most residents in the area do not own cars and depend on slow buses. The proposal reflects a shift toward prioritizing vulnerable road users and addressing systemic danger on one of Brooklyn's busiest corridors.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-06-04
1
SUVs and Pickup Collide on BQE, Driver Injured▸Jun 1 - Three vehicles crashed on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Metal twisted. One driver suffered head and crush injuries. Police blamed driver distraction. The road ran straight. The night was quiet. The system failed again.
A crash involving a pick-up truck and two SUVs tore through the Brooklyn Queens Expressway in Brooklyn. According to the police report, three vehicles were traveling east when they collided. One driver, a 32-year-old man, suffered head and crush injuries. Five others, including a child, were listed as occupants but did not have specified injuries. Police cited 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No other errors or violations were listed. The report shows all vehicles were moving straight ahead before impact. The data does not mention helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash highlights the ongoing danger for all road users on New York’s highways.
13
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest▸May 13 - A motorcyclist struck a stopped car on the BQE. He died at the hospital. The driver, unlicensed and lacking required safety equipment, was arrested. The crash happened fast, on a crowded stretch. Police are still investigating.
According to amny (published May 13, 2025), a fatal crash on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway left a motorcyclist dead. The article reports, "Police arrested 44-year-old Laura Cordova... for driving without a license and using a vehicle without ignition interlock." The incident took place near Tillary Street just before 10 p.m. on May 10. The motorcyclist, 27-year-old Sean Johnson, struck Cordova's stopped Honda Accord and later died at Brooklyn Hospital Center. Cordova was required to use an ignition interlock device due to a prior conviction but was not charged with DUI. The NYPD Highway Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. The case highlights issues of unlicensed driving and compliance with court-ordered safety measures.
-
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest,
amny,
Published 2025-05-13
16A 7997
Simon co-sponsors bill expanding camera enforcement, potentially reducing overall street safety.▸Apr 16 - Assembly bill A 7997 lets speed cameras catch drivers hiding or altering plates. It extends camera use in school zones. Lawmakers push to close loopholes that shield reckless drivers from accountability.
Assembly bill A 7997, now in sponsorship, aims to expand photo speed violation monitoring in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Deborah Glick with co-sponsors Jo Anne Simon, John Zaccaro Jr., Linda Rosenthal, and Tony Simone, was introduced on April 16, 2025. It 'permits the use of photo speed violation monitoring systems in New York City for the purposes of enforcement of license plate obstruction, concealment, and/or distortion; extends provisions permitting the use of speed cameras in certain school zones.' By targeting plate obstruction, the bill seeks to stop drivers from dodging speed camera enforcement, a move that could help protect pedestrians and cyclists from repeat offenders.
-
File A 7997,
Open States,
Published 2025-04-16
7
SUV Door Strikes Cyclist on Atlantic Avenue▸Apr 7 - Parked SUV door flung open. Cyclist’s arm torn. Blood on Atlantic Avenue. Driver stands unharmed. Distraction behind the steel. Another wound for Brooklyn streets.
A 26-year-old man riding his bike west on Atlantic Avenue was struck when a parked SUV’s door opened into his path. According to the police report, the cyclist’s arm was split open, leaving him with severe lacerations. The 71-year-old SUV driver was not injured. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to check for cyclists before opening doors. No helmet or signal use was cited as a factor.
3
Car Turns Left, Crushes Child’s Knee▸Apr 3 - A car turned left on Court Street. A four-year-old crossed with the signal. The bumper struck his leg. His knee crushed. The driver failed to yield. Steel met flesh. A child lay broken.
A four-year-old boy was struck and injured while crossing Court Street at Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the child crossed with the signal when a car turned left and hit him, crushing his knee. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. The boy remained conscious after the crash. The driver’s failure to yield is called out in the official account. No other injuries were reported.
3
Simon Backs Safety Boosting Ashland Place Bike Lane▸Apr 3 - Brooklyn’s Ashland Place stays deadly. DOT delays a promised bike lane. Elected officials and residents demand action. Private interests block progress. Cyclists face crashes and fear. The city shrugs. The gap remains. Lives hang in the balance.
On April 3, 2025, a coalition of Brooklyn officials—including Council Members Crystal Hudson, Shahana Hanif, Lincoln Restler, Assembly Members Andrew Gounardes, Jo Anne Simon, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso—sent a letter urging DOT to finish the protected bike lane on Ashland Place. The letter called the block a 'missing link in Brooklyn’s protected bike lane network.' Brooklyn Community Board 2 backed the demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Borough Commissioner Keith Bray offered only vague replies. The block’s exclusion traces to a mayoral advisor’s intervention for developer Two Trees. Advocates like Kathy Park Price slammed the city: 'Private interests are able to redesign our streets, prioritizing vehicles over safety at a critical corridor.' Despite unanimous support, DOT keeps the street dangerous. The city’s inaction leaves cyclists exposed and the community frustrated.
-
‘Crashland’: As Demand Grows, DOT Still Won’t Finish Bike Lane on Dangerous Brooklyn Road,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-04-03
1
Jo Anne Simon Urges Safety Boosting Speed Limiter Technology Use▸Apr 1 - After a crash killed a mother and two daughters in Gravesend, advocates and Council Member Shahana Hanif rallied for the Stop Super Speeders bill. The law would force repeat reckless drivers to use speed-limiting tech. Survivors demand action. Lawmakers promise change.
On April 1, 2025, Council Member Shahana Hanif joined a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall demanding passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill. The bill, sponsored in Albany by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, would require drivers with repeated violations to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices. These devices cap speed at 5 mph over the limit for those with 11 or more license points in 24 months or six camera tickets in a year. The rally followed a fatal Gravesend crash that killed a mother and her two daughters. Hanif and other lawmakers called current enforcement—ticketing, suspensions, fines, jail—ineffective. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, 'The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.' The bill is modeled on EU and Virginia laws. Some opposition remains, but supporters say the measure is urgent and practical.
-
‘Enough is enough’: Street safety advocates demand passage of ‘Stop Super Speeders’ bill after tragic Gravesend crash,
brooklynpaper.com,
Published 2025-04-01
Sep 12 - A moped rider died at 3 Ave and St Marks Pl in Brooklyn. Police recorded improper lane use. The crash involved a moped, a parked SUV, and a flatbed truck.
A crash on 3 Ave at St Marks Pl in Brooklyn involved a moped, a parked SUV, and a flatbed truck. The moped driver, 39, was heading north and going straight. He was ejected and killed. According to the police report, “Passing or Lane Usage Improper” was a contributing factor. Police recorded improper passing or lane use. The SUV was parked. The flatbed driver was going straight north. It happened around 1:05 p.m. The zip is 11217. The case falls in the 84th Precinct.
31
NYPD cop killed in fiery BQE hit-and-run survived earlier motorcycle crash: friend▸
-
NYPD cop killed in fiery BQE hit-and-run survived earlier motorcycle crash: friend,
NY Daily News,
Published 2025-08-31
19
Mazda slams parked Mini on Henry▸Aug 19 - Eastbound Mazda struck a parked Mini’s rear on Henry Street. One woman died. Another was hurt. Following too closely flagged. Center front into center back. Quiet block. Sudden violence. Metal, glass, silence.
A 2018 Mazda traveling east hit the right rear of a parked 2020 Mini sedan near 228 Henry St in Brooklyn. One female driver, 58, suffered apparent death; another occupant was injured. According to the police report, the contributing factor was “Following Too Closely.” Vehicle damage shows a center-front impact into the parked car’s center back end. The Mazda was going straight; the Mini was parked. The report lists no other confirmed factors for the drivers. The deceased driver had no safety equipment noted after the crash, per the record.
11
Simon Backs Safety‑Boosting Elevator Installation at Smith‑9th▸Aug 11 - Elevators planned for Smith‑9th Street, NYC's tallest station. Stairs end. Riders with limited mobility win. NYCHA residents and seniors regain access to jobs and care. Project cuts forced walking or biking along hazardous routes and shifts trips onto public transit.
Bill/file number: none. Status: MTA announced planned installation on August 11, 2025. Committee: none listed. BKReader ran the piece titled "Brooklyn’s Steepest Subway Stop to Get a Lift," noting "The MTA will install an elevator at the Smith-9th Street station." State Senator Andrew Gounardes praised the plan. Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon backed it. NYCHA leaders voiced support. MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo called the stop the clearest case for access. Installing elevators improves transit accessibility for people with mobility challenges, reducing reliance on walking or cycling along potentially hazardous routes and supporting an equitable, safe mode shift to public transit.
-
Brooklyn’s Steepest Subway Stop to Get a Lift,
BKReader,
Published 2025-08-11
10
Simon Praises Safety‑Boosting Smith‑9th Street Elevators▸Aug 10 - State officials will add elevators to Smith-9th Street station, ending a brutal 90‑foot climb. The lifts expand access and push riders toward transit — cutting pedestrian and cyclist exposure to street car traffic and easing danger for vulnerable users.
"the station's history of broken escalators" -- Jo Anne Simon
Bill number: none. Status: included in the MTA's approved $68.4 billion Capital Plan for 2025–2029. Committee: N/A. Key date: announcement Aug 10, 2025. The matter: "New York City's tallest subway station, Smith-9th Street in Gowanus, Brooklyn, will soon have elevators, ending the difficult climb to the platform." State Sen. Andrew Gounardes led the announcement. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon praised the move. MTA chief accessibility officer Quemuel Arroyo said the upgrades push system access past 50%. The MTA must meet a court settlement to make 95% of stations ADA-accessible by 2055. Improved subway accessibility encourages mode shift from driving to transit, reducing pedestrian and cyclist exposure to car traffic and supporting safer, more equitable streets for vulnerable users.
-
Tall order: NYC’s tallest subway station to get elevators, putting accessibility on the ascent,
Brooklyn Paper,
Published 2025-08-10
14
Sedan Driver Fails to Yield, Hits Woman▸Jul 14 - The driver of a sedan hit a 67-year-old woman in a marked crosswalk on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn. She suffered severe head lacerations and was conscious. Police recorded failure to yield and driver inattention.
A 67-year-old woman was struck by a sedan while crossing Atlantic Avenue in a marked crosswalk in Brooklyn. She suffered severe lacerations to her head and was conscious at the scene. "According to the police report …" the driver was licensed, traveling west and going straight ahead when the vehicle hit the pedestrian. Police recorded failure to yield by the driver and driver inattention/distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with a center-front impact. No other injuries were reported.
17S 8344
Simon votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Jun 17 - 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.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
9
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances▸Jun 9 - City eyes a center bus lane on Flatbush. Concrete islands promise safer crossings. Details remain thin. Cars may still block buses. The street could change. Pedestrians and riders wait. The city holds its breath.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-06-09) reports the Department of Transportation plans a center-running bus lane on Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. The project aims to connect neighborhoods and calm traffic. DOT Assistant Director Dustin Khuu said the goal is a 'high performing transit priority street.' The plan includes concrete bus boarding islands and may reduce car lanes, giving more space to pedestrians and buses. However, the article notes gaps: 'DOT didn't share a block-by-block breakdown,' and curbside parking may remain, risking bus lane obstruction by double-parked vehicles. The city may physically protect the lane, but details are pending. The B41 bus, serving 28,000 daily trips, crawls at 4 mph during rush hour. The proposal highlights the need for clear enforcement and design to keep cars out of bus lanes and protect vulnerable road users.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-09
4
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned▸Jun 4 - Flatbush Avenue will lose car lanes. Bus lanes and pedestrian islands will take their place. Fifty-five killed or badly hurt since 2019. Buses crawl. Pedestrians dodge traffic. The city moves to fix a deadly, clogged corridor.
Gothamist reported on June 4, 2025, that New York City's Department of Transportation plans to overhaul Flatbush Avenue between Livingston Street and Grand Army Plaza. The redesign replaces two car lanes with 24/7 bus-only lanes and adds pedestrian islands. DOT officials said, 'almost 70,000 daily bus riders are stuck waiting too long for slow buses, drivers are caught in a mess of traffic and pedestrians are left crossing intersections clogged with vehicles.' Since 2019, 55 people have been killed or severely injured in crashes along this stretch. The plan removes curbside parking and bans cars from bus lanes, aiming to speed up twelve bus routes and protect people on foot. Most residents in the area do not own cars and depend on slow buses. The proposal reflects a shift toward prioritizing vulnerable road users and addressing systemic danger on one of Brooklyn's busiest corridors.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-06-04
1
SUVs and Pickup Collide on BQE, Driver Injured▸Jun 1 - Three vehicles crashed on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Metal twisted. One driver suffered head and crush injuries. Police blamed driver distraction. The road ran straight. The night was quiet. The system failed again.
A crash involving a pick-up truck and two SUVs tore through the Brooklyn Queens Expressway in Brooklyn. According to the police report, three vehicles were traveling east when they collided. One driver, a 32-year-old man, suffered head and crush injuries. Five others, including a child, were listed as occupants but did not have specified injuries. Police cited 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No other errors or violations were listed. The report shows all vehicles were moving straight ahead before impact. The data does not mention helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash highlights the ongoing danger for all road users on New York’s highways.
13
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest▸May 13 - A motorcyclist struck a stopped car on the BQE. He died at the hospital. The driver, unlicensed and lacking required safety equipment, was arrested. The crash happened fast, on a crowded stretch. Police are still investigating.
According to amny (published May 13, 2025), a fatal crash on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway left a motorcyclist dead. The article reports, "Police arrested 44-year-old Laura Cordova... for driving without a license and using a vehicle without ignition interlock." The incident took place near Tillary Street just before 10 p.m. on May 10. The motorcyclist, 27-year-old Sean Johnson, struck Cordova's stopped Honda Accord and later died at Brooklyn Hospital Center. Cordova was required to use an ignition interlock device due to a prior conviction but was not charged with DUI. The NYPD Highway Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. The case highlights issues of unlicensed driving and compliance with court-ordered safety measures.
-
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest,
amny,
Published 2025-05-13
16A 7997
Simon co-sponsors bill expanding camera enforcement, potentially reducing overall street safety.▸Apr 16 - Assembly bill A 7997 lets speed cameras catch drivers hiding or altering plates. It extends camera use in school zones. Lawmakers push to close loopholes that shield reckless drivers from accountability.
Assembly bill A 7997, now in sponsorship, aims to expand photo speed violation monitoring in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Deborah Glick with co-sponsors Jo Anne Simon, John Zaccaro Jr., Linda Rosenthal, and Tony Simone, was introduced on April 16, 2025. It 'permits the use of photo speed violation monitoring systems in New York City for the purposes of enforcement of license plate obstruction, concealment, and/or distortion; extends provisions permitting the use of speed cameras in certain school zones.' By targeting plate obstruction, the bill seeks to stop drivers from dodging speed camera enforcement, a move that could help protect pedestrians and cyclists from repeat offenders.
-
File A 7997,
Open States,
Published 2025-04-16
7
SUV Door Strikes Cyclist on Atlantic Avenue▸Apr 7 - Parked SUV door flung open. Cyclist’s arm torn. Blood on Atlantic Avenue. Driver stands unharmed. Distraction behind the steel. Another wound for Brooklyn streets.
A 26-year-old man riding his bike west on Atlantic Avenue was struck when a parked SUV’s door opened into his path. According to the police report, the cyclist’s arm was split open, leaving him with severe lacerations. The 71-year-old SUV driver was not injured. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to check for cyclists before opening doors. No helmet or signal use was cited as a factor.
3
Car Turns Left, Crushes Child’s Knee▸Apr 3 - A car turned left on Court Street. A four-year-old crossed with the signal. The bumper struck his leg. His knee crushed. The driver failed to yield. Steel met flesh. A child lay broken.
A four-year-old boy was struck and injured while crossing Court Street at Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the child crossed with the signal when a car turned left and hit him, crushing his knee. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. The boy remained conscious after the crash. The driver’s failure to yield is called out in the official account. No other injuries were reported.
3
Simon Backs Safety Boosting Ashland Place Bike Lane▸Apr 3 - Brooklyn’s Ashland Place stays deadly. DOT delays a promised bike lane. Elected officials and residents demand action. Private interests block progress. Cyclists face crashes and fear. The city shrugs. The gap remains. Lives hang in the balance.
On April 3, 2025, a coalition of Brooklyn officials—including Council Members Crystal Hudson, Shahana Hanif, Lincoln Restler, Assembly Members Andrew Gounardes, Jo Anne Simon, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso—sent a letter urging DOT to finish the protected bike lane on Ashland Place. The letter called the block a 'missing link in Brooklyn’s protected bike lane network.' Brooklyn Community Board 2 backed the demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Borough Commissioner Keith Bray offered only vague replies. The block’s exclusion traces to a mayoral advisor’s intervention for developer Two Trees. Advocates like Kathy Park Price slammed the city: 'Private interests are able to redesign our streets, prioritizing vehicles over safety at a critical corridor.' Despite unanimous support, DOT keeps the street dangerous. The city’s inaction leaves cyclists exposed and the community frustrated.
-
‘Crashland’: As Demand Grows, DOT Still Won’t Finish Bike Lane on Dangerous Brooklyn Road,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-04-03
1
Jo Anne Simon Urges Safety Boosting Speed Limiter Technology Use▸Apr 1 - After a crash killed a mother and two daughters in Gravesend, advocates and Council Member Shahana Hanif rallied for the Stop Super Speeders bill. The law would force repeat reckless drivers to use speed-limiting tech. Survivors demand action. Lawmakers promise change.
On April 1, 2025, Council Member Shahana Hanif joined a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall demanding passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill. The bill, sponsored in Albany by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, would require drivers with repeated violations to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices. These devices cap speed at 5 mph over the limit for those with 11 or more license points in 24 months or six camera tickets in a year. The rally followed a fatal Gravesend crash that killed a mother and her two daughters. Hanif and other lawmakers called current enforcement—ticketing, suspensions, fines, jail—ineffective. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, 'The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.' The bill is modeled on EU and Virginia laws. Some opposition remains, but supporters say the measure is urgent and practical.
-
‘Enough is enough’: Street safety advocates demand passage of ‘Stop Super Speeders’ bill after tragic Gravesend crash,
brooklynpaper.com,
Published 2025-04-01
- NYPD cop killed in fiery BQE hit-and-run survived earlier motorcycle crash: friend, NY Daily News, Published 2025-08-31
19
Mazda slams parked Mini on Henry▸Aug 19 - Eastbound Mazda struck a parked Mini’s rear on Henry Street. One woman died. Another was hurt. Following too closely flagged. Center front into center back. Quiet block. Sudden violence. Metal, glass, silence.
A 2018 Mazda traveling east hit the right rear of a parked 2020 Mini sedan near 228 Henry St in Brooklyn. One female driver, 58, suffered apparent death; another occupant was injured. According to the police report, the contributing factor was “Following Too Closely.” Vehicle damage shows a center-front impact into the parked car’s center back end. The Mazda was going straight; the Mini was parked. The report lists no other confirmed factors for the drivers. The deceased driver had no safety equipment noted after the crash, per the record.
11
Simon Backs Safety‑Boosting Elevator Installation at Smith‑9th▸Aug 11 - Elevators planned for Smith‑9th Street, NYC's tallest station. Stairs end. Riders with limited mobility win. NYCHA residents and seniors regain access to jobs and care. Project cuts forced walking or biking along hazardous routes and shifts trips onto public transit.
Bill/file number: none. Status: MTA announced planned installation on August 11, 2025. Committee: none listed. BKReader ran the piece titled "Brooklyn’s Steepest Subway Stop to Get a Lift," noting "The MTA will install an elevator at the Smith-9th Street station." State Senator Andrew Gounardes praised the plan. Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon backed it. NYCHA leaders voiced support. MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo called the stop the clearest case for access. Installing elevators improves transit accessibility for people with mobility challenges, reducing reliance on walking or cycling along potentially hazardous routes and supporting an equitable, safe mode shift to public transit.
-
Brooklyn’s Steepest Subway Stop to Get a Lift,
BKReader,
Published 2025-08-11
10
Simon Praises Safety‑Boosting Smith‑9th Street Elevators▸Aug 10 - State officials will add elevators to Smith-9th Street station, ending a brutal 90‑foot climb. The lifts expand access and push riders toward transit — cutting pedestrian and cyclist exposure to street car traffic and easing danger for vulnerable users.
"the station's history of broken escalators" -- Jo Anne Simon
Bill number: none. Status: included in the MTA's approved $68.4 billion Capital Plan for 2025–2029. Committee: N/A. Key date: announcement Aug 10, 2025. The matter: "New York City's tallest subway station, Smith-9th Street in Gowanus, Brooklyn, will soon have elevators, ending the difficult climb to the platform." State Sen. Andrew Gounardes led the announcement. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon praised the move. MTA chief accessibility officer Quemuel Arroyo said the upgrades push system access past 50%. The MTA must meet a court settlement to make 95% of stations ADA-accessible by 2055. Improved subway accessibility encourages mode shift from driving to transit, reducing pedestrian and cyclist exposure to car traffic and supporting safer, more equitable streets for vulnerable users.
-
Tall order: NYC’s tallest subway station to get elevators, putting accessibility on the ascent,
Brooklyn Paper,
Published 2025-08-10
14
Sedan Driver Fails to Yield, Hits Woman▸Jul 14 - The driver of a sedan hit a 67-year-old woman in a marked crosswalk on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn. She suffered severe head lacerations and was conscious. Police recorded failure to yield and driver inattention.
A 67-year-old woman was struck by a sedan while crossing Atlantic Avenue in a marked crosswalk in Brooklyn. She suffered severe lacerations to her head and was conscious at the scene. "According to the police report …" the driver was licensed, traveling west and going straight ahead when the vehicle hit the pedestrian. Police recorded failure to yield by the driver and driver inattention/distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with a center-front impact. No other injuries were reported.
17S 8344
Simon votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Jun 17 - 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.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
9
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances▸Jun 9 - City eyes a center bus lane on Flatbush. Concrete islands promise safer crossings. Details remain thin. Cars may still block buses. The street could change. Pedestrians and riders wait. The city holds its breath.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-06-09) reports the Department of Transportation plans a center-running bus lane on Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. The project aims to connect neighborhoods and calm traffic. DOT Assistant Director Dustin Khuu said the goal is a 'high performing transit priority street.' The plan includes concrete bus boarding islands and may reduce car lanes, giving more space to pedestrians and buses. However, the article notes gaps: 'DOT didn't share a block-by-block breakdown,' and curbside parking may remain, risking bus lane obstruction by double-parked vehicles. The city may physically protect the lane, but details are pending. The B41 bus, serving 28,000 daily trips, crawls at 4 mph during rush hour. The proposal highlights the need for clear enforcement and design to keep cars out of bus lanes and protect vulnerable road users.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-09
4
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned▸Jun 4 - Flatbush Avenue will lose car lanes. Bus lanes and pedestrian islands will take their place. Fifty-five killed or badly hurt since 2019. Buses crawl. Pedestrians dodge traffic. The city moves to fix a deadly, clogged corridor.
Gothamist reported on June 4, 2025, that New York City's Department of Transportation plans to overhaul Flatbush Avenue between Livingston Street and Grand Army Plaza. The redesign replaces two car lanes with 24/7 bus-only lanes and adds pedestrian islands. DOT officials said, 'almost 70,000 daily bus riders are stuck waiting too long for slow buses, drivers are caught in a mess of traffic and pedestrians are left crossing intersections clogged with vehicles.' Since 2019, 55 people have been killed or severely injured in crashes along this stretch. The plan removes curbside parking and bans cars from bus lanes, aiming to speed up twelve bus routes and protect people on foot. Most residents in the area do not own cars and depend on slow buses. The proposal reflects a shift toward prioritizing vulnerable road users and addressing systemic danger on one of Brooklyn's busiest corridors.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-06-04
1
SUVs and Pickup Collide on BQE, Driver Injured▸Jun 1 - Three vehicles crashed on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Metal twisted. One driver suffered head and crush injuries. Police blamed driver distraction. The road ran straight. The night was quiet. The system failed again.
A crash involving a pick-up truck and two SUVs tore through the Brooklyn Queens Expressway in Brooklyn. According to the police report, three vehicles were traveling east when they collided. One driver, a 32-year-old man, suffered head and crush injuries. Five others, including a child, were listed as occupants but did not have specified injuries. Police cited 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No other errors or violations were listed. The report shows all vehicles were moving straight ahead before impact. The data does not mention helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash highlights the ongoing danger for all road users on New York’s highways.
13
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest▸May 13 - A motorcyclist struck a stopped car on the BQE. He died at the hospital. The driver, unlicensed and lacking required safety equipment, was arrested. The crash happened fast, on a crowded stretch. Police are still investigating.
According to amny (published May 13, 2025), a fatal crash on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway left a motorcyclist dead. The article reports, "Police arrested 44-year-old Laura Cordova... for driving without a license and using a vehicle without ignition interlock." The incident took place near Tillary Street just before 10 p.m. on May 10. The motorcyclist, 27-year-old Sean Johnson, struck Cordova's stopped Honda Accord and later died at Brooklyn Hospital Center. Cordova was required to use an ignition interlock device due to a prior conviction but was not charged with DUI. The NYPD Highway Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. The case highlights issues of unlicensed driving and compliance with court-ordered safety measures.
-
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest,
amny,
Published 2025-05-13
16A 7997
Simon co-sponsors bill expanding camera enforcement, potentially reducing overall street safety.▸Apr 16 - Assembly bill A 7997 lets speed cameras catch drivers hiding or altering plates. It extends camera use in school zones. Lawmakers push to close loopholes that shield reckless drivers from accountability.
Assembly bill A 7997, now in sponsorship, aims to expand photo speed violation monitoring in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Deborah Glick with co-sponsors Jo Anne Simon, John Zaccaro Jr., Linda Rosenthal, and Tony Simone, was introduced on April 16, 2025. It 'permits the use of photo speed violation monitoring systems in New York City for the purposes of enforcement of license plate obstruction, concealment, and/or distortion; extends provisions permitting the use of speed cameras in certain school zones.' By targeting plate obstruction, the bill seeks to stop drivers from dodging speed camera enforcement, a move that could help protect pedestrians and cyclists from repeat offenders.
-
File A 7997,
Open States,
Published 2025-04-16
7
SUV Door Strikes Cyclist on Atlantic Avenue▸Apr 7 - Parked SUV door flung open. Cyclist’s arm torn. Blood on Atlantic Avenue. Driver stands unharmed. Distraction behind the steel. Another wound for Brooklyn streets.
A 26-year-old man riding his bike west on Atlantic Avenue was struck when a parked SUV’s door opened into his path. According to the police report, the cyclist’s arm was split open, leaving him with severe lacerations. The 71-year-old SUV driver was not injured. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to check for cyclists before opening doors. No helmet or signal use was cited as a factor.
3
Car Turns Left, Crushes Child’s Knee▸Apr 3 - A car turned left on Court Street. A four-year-old crossed with the signal. The bumper struck his leg. His knee crushed. The driver failed to yield. Steel met flesh. A child lay broken.
A four-year-old boy was struck and injured while crossing Court Street at Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the child crossed with the signal when a car turned left and hit him, crushing his knee. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. The boy remained conscious after the crash. The driver’s failure to yield is called out in the official account. No other injuries were reported.
3
Simon Backs Safety Boosting Ashland Place Bike Lane▸Apr 3 - Brooklyn’s Ashland Place stays deadly. DOT delays a promised bike lane. Elected officials and residents demand action. Private interests block progress. Cyclists face crashes and fear. The city shrugs. The gap remains. Lives hang in the balance.
On April 3, 2025, a coalition of Brooklyn officials—including Council Members Crystal Hudson, Shahana Hanif, Lincoln Restler, Assembly Members Andrew Gounardes, Jo Anne Simon, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso—sent a letter urging DOT to finish the protected bike lane on Ashland Place. The letter called the block a 'missing link in Brooklyn’s protected bike lane network.' Brooklyn Community Board 2 backed the demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Borough Commissioner Keith Bray offered only vague replies. The block’s exclusion traces to a mayoral advisor’s intervention for developer Two Trees. Advocates like Kathy Park Price slammed the city: 'Private interests are able to redesign our streets, prioritizing vehicles over safety at a critical corridor.' Despite unanimous support, DOT keeps the street dangerous. The city’s inaction leaves cyclists exposed and the community frustrated.
-
‘Crashland’: As Demand Grows, DOT Still Won’t Finish Bike Lane on Dangerous Brooklyn Road,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-04-03
1
Jo Anne Simon Urges Safety Boosting Speed Limiter Technology Use▸Apr 1 - After a crash killed a mother and two daughters in Gravesend, advocates and Council Member Shahana Hanif rallied for the Stop Super Speeders bill. The law would force repeat reckless drivers to use speed-limiting tech. Survivors demand action. Lawmakers promise change.
On April 1, 2025, Council Member Shahana Hanif joined a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall demanding passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill. The bill, sponsored in Albany by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, would require drivers with repeated violations to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices. These devices cap speed at 5 mph over the limit for those with 11 or more license points in 24 months or six camera tickets in a year. The rally followed a fatal Gravesend crash that killed a mother and her two daughters. Hanif and other lawmakers called current enforcement—ticketing, suspensions, fines, jail—ineffective. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, 'The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.' The bill is modeled on EU and Virginia laws. Some opposition remains, but supporters say the measure is urgent and practical.
-
‘Enough is enough’: Street safety advocates demand passage of ‘Stop Super Speeders’ bill after tragic Gravesend crash,
brooklynpaper.com,
Published 2025-04-01
Aug 19 - Eastbound Mazda struck a parked Mini’s rear on Henry Street. One woman died. Another was hurt. Following too closely flagged. Center front into center back. Quiet block. Sudden violence. Metal, glass, silence.
A 2018 Mazda traveling east hit the right rear of a parked 2020 Mini sedan near 228 Henry St in Brooklyn. One female driver, 58, suffered apparent death; another occupant was injured. According to the police report, the contributing factor was “Following Too Closely.” Vehicle damage shows a center-front impact into the parked car’s center back end. The Mazda was going straight; the Mini was parked. The report lists no other confirmed factors for the drivers. The deceased driver had no safety equipment noted after the crash, per the record.
11
Simon Backs Safety‑Boosting Elevator Installation at Smith‑9th▸Aug 11 - Elevators planned for Smith‑9th Street, NYC's tallest station. Stairs end. Riders with limited mobility win. NYCHA residents and seniors regain access to jobs and care. Project cuts forced walking or biking along hazardous routes and shifts trips onto public transit.
Bill/file number: none. Status: MTA announced planned installation on August 11, 2025. Committee: none listed. BKReader ran the piece titled "Brooklyn’s Steepest Subway Stop to Get a Lift," noting "The MTA will install an elevator at the Smith-9th Street station." State Senator Andrew Gounardes praised the plan. Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon backed it. NYCHA leaders voiced support. MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo called the stop the clearest case for access. Installing elevators improves transit accessibility for people with mobility challenges, reducing reliance on walking or cycling along potentially hazardous routes and supporting an equitable, safe mode shift to public transit.
-
Brooklyn’s Steepest Subway Stop to Get a Lift,
BKReader,
Published 2025-08-11
10
Simon Praises Safety‑Boosting Smith‑9th Street Elevators▸Aug 10 - State officials will add elevators to Smith-9th Street station, ending a brutal 90‑foot climb. The lifts expand access and push riders toward transit — cutting pedestrian and cyclist exposure to street car traffic and easing danger for vulnerable users.
"the station's history of broken escalators" -- Jo Anne Simon
Bill number: none. Status: included in the MTA's approved $68.4 billion Capital Plan for 2025–2029. Committee: N/A. Key date: announcement Aug 10, 2025. The matter: "New York City's tallest subway station, Smith-9th Street in Gowanus, Brooklyn, will soon have elevators, ending the difficult climb to the platform." State Sen. Andrew Gounardes led the announcement. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon praised the move. MTA chief accessibility officer Quemuel Arroyo said the upgrades push system access past 50%. The MTA must meet a court settlement to make 95% of stations ADA-accessible by 2055. Improved subway accessibility encourages mode shift from driving to transit, reducing pedestrian and cyclist exposure to car traffic and supporting safer, more equitable streets for vulnerable users.
-
Tall order: NYC’s tallest subway station to get elevators, putting accessibility on the ascent,
Brooklyn Paper,
Published 2025-08-10
14
Sedan Driver Fails to Yield, Hits Woman▸Jul 14 - The driver of a sedan hit a 67-year-old woman in a marked crosswalk on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn. She suffered severe head lacerations and was conscious. Police recorded failure to yield and driver inattention.
A 67-year-old woman was struck by a sedan while crossing Atlantic Avenue in a marked crosswalk in Brooklyn. She suffered severe lacerations to her head and was conscious at the scene. "According to the police report …" the driver was licensed, traveling west and going straight ahead when the vehicle hit the pedestrian. Police recorded failure to yield by the driver and driver inattention/distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with a center-front impact. No other injuries were reported.
17S 8344
Simon votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Jun 17 - 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.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
9
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances▸Jun 9 - City eyes a center bus lane on Flatbush. Concrete islands promise safer crossings. Details remain thin. Cars may still block buses. The street could change. Pedestrians and riders wait. The city holds its breath.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-06-09) reports the Department of Transportation plans a center-running bus lane on Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. The project aims to connect neighborhoods and calm traffic. DOT Assistant Director Dustin Khuu said the goal is a 'high performing transit priority street.' The plan includes concrete bus boarding islands and may reduce car lanes, giving more space to pedestrians and buses. However, the article notes gaps: 'DOT didn't share a block-by-block breakdown,' and curbside parking may remain, risking bus lane obstruction by double-parked vehicles. The city may physically protect the lane, but details are pending. The B41 bus, serving 28,000 daily trips, crawls at 4 mph during rush hour. The proposal highlights the need for clear enforcement and design to keep cars out of bus lanes and protect vulnerable road users.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-09
4
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned▸Jun 4 - Flatbush Avenue will lose car lanes. Bus lanes and pedestrian islands will take their place. Fifty-five killed or badly hurt since 2019. Buses crawl. Pedestrians dodge traffic. The city moves to fix a deadly, clogged corridor.
Gothamist reported on June 4, 2025, that New York City's Department of Transportation plans to overhaul Flatbush Avenue between Livingston Street and Grand Army Plaza. The redesign replaces two car lanes with 24/7 bus-only lanes and adds pedestrian islands. DOT officials said, 'almost 70,000 daily bus riders are stuck waiting too long for slow buses, drivers are caught in a mess of traffic and pedestrians are left crossing intersections clogged with vehicles.' Since 2019, 55 people have been killed or severely injured in crashes along this stretch. The plan removes curbside parking and bans cars from bus lanes, aiming to speed up twelve bus routes and protect people on foot. Most residents in the area do not own cars and depend on slow buses. The proposal reflects a shift toward prioritizing vulnerable road users and addressing systemic danger on one of Brooklyn's busiest corridors.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-06-04
1
SUVs and Pickup Collide on BQE, Driver Injured▸Jun 1 - Three vehicles crashed on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Metal twisted. One driver suffered head and crush injuries. Police blamed driver distraction. The road ran straight. The night was quiet. The system failed again.
A crash involving a pick-up truck and two SUVs tore through the Brooklyn Queens Expressway in Brooklyn. According to the police report, three vehicles were traveling east when they collided. One driver, a 32-year-old man, suffered head and crush injuries. Five others, including a child, were listed as occupants but did not have specified injuries. Police cited 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No other errors or violations were listed. The report shows all vehicles were moving straight ahead before impact. The data does not mention helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash highlights the ongoing danger for all road users on New York’s highways.
13
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest▸May 13 - A motorcyclist struck a stopped car on the BQE. He died at the hospital. The driver, unlicensed and lacking required safety equipment, was arrested. The crash happened fast, on a crowded stretch. Police are still investigating.
According to amny (published May 13, 2025), a fatal crash on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway left a motorcyclist dead. The article reports, "Police arrested 44-year-old Laura Cordova... for driving without a license and using a vehicle without ignition interlock." The incident took place near Tillary Street just before 10 p.m. on May 10. The motorcyclist, 27-year-old Sean Johnson, struck Cordova's stopped Honda Accord and later died at Brooklyn Hospital Center. Cordova was required to use an ignition interlock device due to a prior conviction but was not charged with DUI. The NYPD Highway Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. The case highlights issues of unlicensed driving and compliance with court-ordered safety measures.
-
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest,
amny,
Published 2025-05-13
16A 7997
Simon co-sponsors bill expanding camera enforcement, potentially reducing overall street safety.▸Apr 16 - Assembly bill A 7997 lets speed cameras catch drivers hiding or altering plates. It extends camera use in school zones. Lawmakers push to close loopholes that shield reckless drivers from accountability.
Assembly bill A 7997, now in sponsorship, aims to expand photo speed violation monitoring in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Deborah Glick with co-sponsors Jo Anne Simon, John Zaccaro Jr., Linda Rosenthal, and Tony Simone, was introduced on April 16, 2025. It 'permits the use of photo speed violation monitoring systems in New York City for the purposes of enforcement of license plate obstruction, concealment, and/or distortion; extends provisions permitting the use of speed cameras in certain school zones.' By targeting plate obstruction, the bill seeks to stop drivers from dodging speed camera enforcement, a move that could help protect pedestrians and cyclists from repeat offenders.
-
File A 7997,
Open States,
Published 2025-04-16
7
SUV Door Strikes Cyclist on Atlantic Avenue▸Apr 7 - Parked SUV door flung open. Cyclist’s arm torn. Blood on Atlantic Avenue. Driver stands unharmed. Distraction behind the steel. Another wound for Brooklyn streets.
A 26-year-old man riding his bike west on Atlantic Avenue was struck when a parked SUV’s door opened into his path. According to the police report, the cyclist’s arm was split open, leaving him with severe lacerations. The 71-year-old SUV driver was not injured. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to check for cyclists before opening doors. No helmet or signal use was cited as a factor.
3
Car Turns Left, Crushes Child’s Knee▸Apr 3 - A car turned left on Court Street. A four-year-old crossed with the signal. The bumper struck his leg. His knee crushed. The driver failed to yield. Steel met flesh. A child lay broken.
A four-year-old boy was struck and injured while crossing Court Street at Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the child crossed with the signal when a car turned left and hit him, crushing his knee. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. The boy remained conscious after the crash. The driver’s failure to yield is called out in the official account. No other injuries were reported.
3
Simon Backs Safety Boosting Ashland Place Bike Lane▸Apr 3 - Brooklyn’s Ashland Place stays deadly. DOT delays a promised bike lane. Elected officials and residents demand action. Private interests block progress. Cyclists face crashes and fear. The city shrugs. The gap remains. Lives hang in the balance.
On April 3, 2025, a coalition of Brooklyn officials—including Council Members Crystal Hudson, Shahana Hanif, Lincoln Restler, Assembly Members Andrew Gounardes, Jo Anne Simon, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso—sent a letter urging DOT to finish the protected bike lane on Ashland Place. The letter called the block a 'missing link in Brooklyn’s protected bike lane network.' Brooklyn Community Board 2 backed the demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Borough Commissioner Keith Bray offered only vague replies. The block’s exclusion traces to a mayoral advisor’s intervention for developer Two Trees. Advocates like Kathy Park Price slammed the city: 'Private interests are able to redesign our streets, prioritizing vehicles over safety at a critical corridor.' Despite unanimous support, DOT keeps the street dangerous. The city’s inaction leaves cyclists exposed and the community frustrated.
-
‘Crashland’: As Demand Grows, DOT Still Won’t Finish Bike Lane on Dangerous Brooklyn Road,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-04-03
1
Jo Anne Simon Urges Safety Boosting Speed Limiter Technology Use▸Apr 1 - After a crash killed a mother and two daughters in Gravesend, advocates and Council Member Shahana Hanif rallied for the Stop Super Speeders bill. The law would force repeat reckless drivers to use speed-limiting tech. Survivors demand action. Lawmakers promise change.
On April 1, 2025, Council Member Shahana Hanif joined a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall demanding passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill. The bill, sponsored in Albany by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, would require drivers with repeated violations to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices. These devices cap speed at 5 mph over the limit for those with 11 or more license points in 24 months or six camera tickets in a year. The rally followed a fatal Gravesend crash that killed a mother and her two daughters. Hanif and other lawmakers called current enforcement—ticketing, suspensions, fines, jail—ineffective. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, 'The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.' The bill is modeled on EU and Virginia laws. Some opposition remains, but supporters say the measure is urgent and practical.
-
‘Enough is enough’: Street safety advocates demand passage of ‘Stop Super Speeders’ bill after tragic Gravesend crash,
brooklynpaper.com,
Published 2025-04-01
Aug 11 - Elevators planned for Smith‑9th Street, NYC's tallest station. Stairs end. Riders with limited mobility win. NYCHA residents and seniors regain access to jobs and care. Project cuts forced walking or biking along hazardous routes and shifts trips onto public transit.
Bill/file number: none. Status: MTA announced planned installation on August 11, 2025. Committee: none listed. BKReader ran the piece titled "Brooklyn’s Steepest Subway Stop to Get a Lift," noting "The MTA will install an elevator at the Smith-9th Street station." State Senator Andrew Gounardes praised the plan. Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon backed it. NYCHA leaders voiced support. MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo called the stop the clearest case for access. Installing elevators improves transit accessibility for people with mobility challenges, reducing reliance on walking or cycling along potentially hazardous routes and supporting an equitable, safe mode shift to public transit.
- Brooklyn’s Steepest Subway Stop to Get a Lift, BKReader, Published 2025-08-11
10
Simon Praises Safety‑Boosting Smith‑9th Street Elevators▸Aug 10 - State officials will add elevators to Smith-9th Street station, ending a brutal 90‑foot climb. The lifts expand access and push riders toward transit — cutting pedestrian and cyclist exposure to street car traffic and easing danger for vulnerable users.
"the station's history of broken escalators" -- Jo Anne Simon
Bill number: none. Status: included in the MTA's approved $68.4 billion Capital Plan for 2025–2029. Committee: N/A. Key date: announcement Aug 10, 2025. The matter: "New York City's tallest subway station, Smith-9th Street in Gowanus, Brooklyn, will soon have elevators, ending the difficult climb to the platform." State Sen. Andrew Gounardes led the announcement. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon praised the move. MTA chief accessibility officer Quemuel Arroyo said the upgrades push system access past 50%. The MTA must meet a court settlement to make 95% of stations ADA-accessible by 2055. Improved subway accessibility encourages mode shift from driving to transit, reducing pedestrian and cyclist exposure to car traffic and supporting safer, more equitable streets for vulnerable users.
-
Tall order: NYC’s tallest subway station to get elevators, putting accessibility on the ascent,
Brooklyn Paper,
Published 2025-08-10
14
Sedan Driver Fails to Yield, Hits Woman▸Jul 14 - The driver of a sedan hit a 67-year-old woman in a marked crosswalk on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn. She suffered severe head lacerations and was conscious. Police recorded failure to yield and driver inattention.
A 67-year-old woman was struck by a sedan while crossing Atlantic Avenue in a marked crosswalk in Brooklyn. She suffered severe lacerations to her head and was conscious at the scene. "According to the police report …" the driver was licensed, traveling west and going straight ahead when the vehicle hit the pedestrian. Police recorded failure to yield by the driver and driver inattention/distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with a center-front impact. No other injuries were reported.
17S 8344
Simon votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Jun 17 - 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.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
9
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances▸Jun 9 - City eyes a center bus lane on Flatbush. Concrete islands promise safer crossings. Details remain thin. Cars may still block buses. The street could change. Pedestrians and riders wait. The city holds its breath.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-06-09) reports the Department of Transportation plans a center-running bus lane on Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. The project aims to connect neighborhoods and calm traffic. DOT Assistant Director Dustin Khuu said the goal is a 'high performing transit priority street.' The plan includes concrete bus boarding islands and may reduce car lanes, giving more space to pedestrians and buses. However, the article notes gaps: 'DOT didn't share a block-by-block breakdown,' and curbside parking may remain, risking bus lane obstruction by double-parked vehicles. The city may physically protect the lane, but details are pending. The B41 bus, serving 28,000 daily trips, crawls at 4 mph during rush hour. The proposal highlights the need for clear enforcement and design to keep cars out of bus lanes and protect vulnerable road users.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-09
4
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned▸Jun 4 - Flatbush Avenue will lose car lanes. Bus lanes and pedestrian islands will take their place. Fifty-five killed or badly hurt since 2019. Buses crawl. Pedestrians dodge traffic. The city moves to fix a deadly, clogged corridor.
Gothamist reported on June 4, 2025, that New York City's Department of Transportation plans to overhaul Flatbush Avenue between Livingston Street and Grand Army Plaza. The redesign replaces two car lanes with 24/7 bus-only lanes and adds pedestrian islands. DOT officials said, 'almost 70,000 daily bus riders are stuck waiting too long for slow buses, drivers are caught in a mess of traffic and pedestrians are left crossing intersections clogged with vehicles.' Since 2019, 55 people have been killed or severely injured in crashes along this stretch. The plan removes curbside parking and bans cars from bus lanes, aiming to speed up twelve bus routes and protect people on foot. Most residents in the area do not own cars and depend on slow buses. The proposal reflects a shift toward prioritizing vulnerable road users and addressing systemic danger on one of Brooklyn's busiest corridors.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-06-04
1
SUVs and Pickup Collide on BQE, Driver Injured▸Jun 1 - Three vehicles crashed on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Metal twisted. One driver suffered head and crush injuries. Police blamed driver distraction. The road ran straight. The night was quiet. The system failed again.
A crash involving a pick-up truck and two SUVs tore through the Brooklyn Queens Expressway in Brooklyn. According to the police report, three vehicles were traveling east when they collided. One driver, a 32-year-old man, suffered head and crush injuries. Five others, including a child, were listed as occupants but did not have specified injuries. Police cited 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No other errors or violations were listed. The report shows all vehicles were moving straight ahead before impact. The data does not mention helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash highlights the ongoing danger for all road users on New York’s highways.
13
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest▸May 13 - A motorcyclist struck a stopped car on the BQE. He died at the hospital. The driver, unlicensed and lacking required safety equipment, was arrested. The crash happened fast, on a crowded stretch. Police are still investigating.
According to amny (published May 13, 2025), a fatal crash on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway left a motorcyclist dead. The article reports, "Police arrested 44-year-old Laura Cordova... for driving without a license and using a vehicle without ignition interlock." The incident took place near Tillary Street just before 10 p.m. on May 10. The motorcyclist, 27-year-old Sean Johnson, struck Cordova's stopped Honda Accord and later died at Brooklyn Hospital Center. Cordova was required to use an ignition interlock device due to a prior conviction but was not charged with DUI. The NYPD Highway Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. The case highlights issues of unlicensed driving and compliance with court-ordered safety measures.
-
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest,
amny,
Published 2025-05-13
16A 7997
Simon co-sponsors bill expanding camera enforcement, potentially reducing overall street safety.▸Apr 16 - Assembly bill A 7997 lets speed cameras catch drivers hiding or altering plates. It extends camera use in school zones. Lawmakers push to close loopholes that shield reckless drivers from accountability.
Assembly bill A 7997, now in sponsorship, aims to expand photo speed violation monitoring in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Deborah Glick with co-sponsors Jo Anne Simon, John Zaccaro Jr., Linda Rosenthal, and Tony Simone, was introduced on April 16, 2025. It 'permits the use of photo speed violation monitoring systems in New York City for the purposes of enforcement of license plate obstruction, concealment, and/or distortion; extends provisions permitting the use of speed cameras in certain school zones.' By targeting plate obstruction, the bill seeks to stop drivers from dodging speed camera enforcement, a move that could help protect pedestrians and cyclists from repeat offenders.
-
File A 7997,
Open States,
Published 2025-04-16
7
SUV Door Strikes Cyclist on Atlantic Avenue▸Apr 7 - Parked SUV door flung open. Cyclist’s arm torn. Blood on Atlantic Avenue. Driver stands unharmed. Distraction behind the steel. Another wound for Brooklyn streets.
A 26-year-old man riding his bike west on Atlantic Avenue was struck when a parked SUV’s door opened into his path. According to the police report, the cyclist’s arm was split open, leaving him with severe lacerations. The 71-year-old SUV driver was not injured. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to check for cyclists before opening doors. No helmet or signal use was cited as a factor.
3
Car Turns Left, Crushes Child’s Knee▸Apr 3 - A car turned left on Court Street. A four-year-old crossed with the signal. The bumper struck his leg. His knee crushed. The driver failed to yield. Steel met flesh. A child lay broken.
A four-year-old boy was struck and injured while crossing Court Street at Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the child crossed with the signal when a car turned left and hit him, crushing his knee. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. The boy remained conscious after the crash. The driver’s failure to yield is called out in the official account. No other injuries were reported.
3
Simon Backs Safety Boosting Ashland Place Bike Lane▸Apr 3 - Brooklyn’s Ashland Place stays deadly. DOT delays a promised bike lane. Elected officials and residents demand action. Private interests block progress. Cyclists face crashes and fear. The city shrugs. The gap remains. Lives hang in the balance.
On April 3, 2025, a coalition of Brooklyn officials—including Council Members Crystal Hudson, Shahana Hanif, Lincoln Restler, Assembly Members Andrew Gounardes, Jo Anne Simon, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso—sent a letter urging DOT to finish the protected bike lane on Ashland Place. The letter called the block a 'missing link in Brooklyn’s protected bike lane network.' Brooklyn Community Board 2 backed the demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Borough Commissioner Keith Bray offered only vague replies. The block’s exclusion traces to a mayoral advisor’s intervention for developer Two Trees. Advocates like Kathy Park Price slammed the city: 'Private interests are able to redesign our streets, prioritizing vehicles over safety at a critical corridor.' Despite unanimous support, DOT keeps the street dangerous. The city’s inaction leaves cyclists exposed and the community frustrated.
-
‘Crashland’: As Demand Grows, DOT Still Won’t Finish Bike Lane on Dangerous Brooklyn Road,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-04-03
1
Jo Anne Simon Urges Safety Boosting Speed Limiter Technology Use▸Apr 1 - After a crash killed a mother and two daughters in Gravesend, advocates and Council Member Shahana Hanif rallied for the Stop Super Speeders bill. The law would force repeat reckless drivers to use speed-limiting tech. Survivors demand action. Lawmakers promise change.
On April 1, 2025, Council Member Shahana Hanif joined a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall demanding passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill. The bill, sponsored in Albany by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, would require drivers with repeated violations to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices. These devices cap speed at 5 mph over the limit for those with 11 or more license points in 24 months or six camera tickets in a year. The rally followed a fatal Gravesend crash that killed a mother and her two daughters. Hanif and other lawmakers called current enforcement—ticketing, suspensions, fines, jail—ineffective. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, 'The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.' The bill is modeled on EU and Virginia laws. Some opposition remains, but supporters say the measure is urgent and practical.
-
‘Enough is enough’: Street safety advocates demand passage of ‘Stop Super Speeders’ bill after tragic Gravesend crash,
brooklynpaper.com,
Published 2025-04-01
Aug 10 - State officials will add elevators to Smith-9th Street station, ending a brutal 90‑foot climb. The lifts expand access and push riders toward transit — cutting pedestrian and cyclist exposure to street car traffic and easing danger for vulnerable users.
"the station's history of broken escalators" -- Jo Anne Simon
Bill number: none. Status: included in the MTA's approved $68.4 billion Capital Plan for 2025–2029. Committee: N/A. Key date: announcement Aug 10, 2025. The matter: "New York City's tallest subway station, Smith-9th Street in Gowanus, Brooklyn, will soon have elevators, ending the difficult climb to the platform." State Sen. Andrew Gounardes led the announcement. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon praised the move. MTA chief accessibility officer Quemuel Arroyo said the upgrades push system access past 50%. The MTA must meet a court settlement to make 95% of stations ADA-accessible by 2055. Improved subway accessibility encourages mode shift from driving to transit, reducing pedestrian and cyclist exposure to car traffic and supporting safer, more equitable streets for vulnerable users.
- Tall order: NYC’s tallest subway station to get elevators, putting accessibility on the ascent, Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-08-10
14
Sedan Driver Fails to Yield, Hits Woman▸Jul 14 - The driver of a sedan hit a 67-year-old woman in a marked crosswalk on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn. She suffered severe head lacerations and was conscious. Police recorded failure to yield and driver inattention.
A 67-year-old woman was struck by a sedan while crossing Atlantic Avenue in a marked crosswalk in Brooklyn. She suffered severe lacerations to her head and was conscious at the scene. "According to the police report …" the driver was licensed, traveling west and going straight ahead when the vehicle hit the pedestrian. Police recorded failure to yield by the driver and driver inattention/distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with a center-front impact. No other injuries were reported.
17S 8344
Simon votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Jun 17 - 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.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
9
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances▸Jun 9 - City eyes a center bus lane on Flatbush. Concrete islands promise safer crossings. Details remain thin. Cars may still block buses. The street could change. Pedestrians and riders wait. The city holds its breath.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-06-09) reports the Department of Transportation plans a center-running bus lane on Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. The project aims to connect neighborhoods and calm traffic. DOT Assistant Director Dustin Khuu said the goal is a 'high performing transit priority street.' The plan includes concrete bus boarding islands and may reduce car lanes, giving more space to pedestrians and buses. However, the article notes gaps: 'DOT didn't share a block-by-block breakdown,' and curbside parking may remain, risking bus lane obstruction by double-parked vehicles. The city may physically protect the lane, but details are pending. The B41 bus, serving 28,000 daily trips, crawls at 4 mph during rush hour. The proposal highlights the need for clear enforcement and design to keep cars out of bus lanes and protect vulnerable road users.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-09
4
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned▸Jun 4 - Flatbush Avenue will lose car lanes. Bus lanes and pedestrian islands will take their place. Fifty-five killed or badly hurt since 2019. Buses crawl. Pedestrians dodge traffic. The city moves to fix a deadly, clogged corridor.
Gothamist reported on June 4, 2025, that New York City's Department of Transportation plans to overhaul Flatbush Avenue between Livingston Street and Grand Army Plaza. The redesign replaces two car lanes with 24/7 bus-only lanes and adds pedestrian islands. DOT officials said, 'almost 70,000 daily bus riders are stuck waiting too long for slow buses, drivers are caught in a mess of traffic and pedestrians are left crossing intersections clogged with vehicles.' Since 2019, 55 people have been killed or severely injured in crashes along this stretch. The plan removes curbside parking and bans cars from bus lanes, aiming to speed up twelve bus routes and protect people on foot. Most residents in the area do not own cars and depend on slow buses. The proposal reflects a shift toward prioritizing vulnerable road users and addressing systemic danger on one of Brooklyn's busiest corridors.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-06-04
1
SUVs and Pickup Collide on BQE, Driver Injured▸Jun 1 - Three vehicles crashed on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Metal twisted. One driver suffered head and crush injuries. Police blamed driver distraction. The road ran straight. The night was quiet. The system failed again.
A crash involving a pick-up truck and two SUVs tore through the Brooklyn Queens Expressway in Brooklyn. According to the police report, three vehicles were traveling east when they collided. One driver, a 32-year-old man, suffered head and crush injuries. Five others, including a child, were listed as occupants but did not have specified injuries. Police cited 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No other errors or violations were listed. The report shows all vehicles were moving straight ahead before impact. The data does not mention helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash highlights the ongoing danger for all road users on New York’s highways.
13
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest▸May 13 - A motorcyclist struck a stopped car on the BQE. He died at the hospital. The driver, unlicensed and lacking required safety equipment, was arrested. The crash happened fast, on a crowded stretch. Police are still investigating.
According to amny (published May 13, 2025), a fatal crash on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway left a motorcyclist dead. The article reports, "Police arrested 44-year-old Laura Cordova... for driving without a license and using a vehicle without ignition interlock." The incident took place near Tillary Street just before 10 p.m. on May 10. The motorcyclist, 27-year-old Sean Johnson, struck Cordova's stopped Honda Accord and later died at Brooklyn Hospital Center. Cordova was required to use an ignition interlock device due to a prior conviction but was not charged with DUI. The NYPD Highway Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. The case highlights issues of unlicensed driving and compliance with court-ordered safety measures.
-
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest,
amny,
Published 2025-05-13
16A 7997
Simon co-sponsors bill expanding camera enforcement, potentially reducing overall street safety.▸Apr 16 - Assembly bill A 7997 lets speed cameras catch drivers hiding or altering plates. It extends camera use in school zones. Lawmakers push to close loopholes that shield reckless drivers from accountability.
Assembly bill A 7997, now in sponsorship, aims to expand photo speed violation monitoring in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Deborah Glick with co-sponsors Jo Anne Simon, John Zaccaro Jr., Linda Rosenthal, and Tony Simone, was introduced on April 16, 2025. It 'permits the use of photo speed violation monitoring systems in New York City for the purposes of enforcement of license plate obstruction, concealment, and/or distortion; extends provisions permitting the use of speed cameras in certain school zones.' By targeting plate obstruction, the bill seeks to stop drivers from dodging speed camera enforcement, a move that could help protect pedestrians and cyclists from repeat offenders.
-
File A 7997,
Open States,
Published 2025-04-16
7
SUV Door Strikes Cyclist on Atlantic Avenue▸Apr 7 - Parked SUV door flung open. Cyclist’s arm torn. Blood on Atlantic Avenue. Driver stands unharmed. Distraction behind the steel. Another wound for Brooklyn streets.
A 26-year-old man riding his bike west on Atlantic Avenue was struck when a parked SUV’s door opened into his path. According to the police report, the cyclist’s arm was split open, leaving him with severe lacerations. The 71-year-old SUV driver was not injured. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to check for cyclists before opening doors. No helmet or signal use was cited as a factor.
3
Car Turns Left, Crushes Child’s Knee▸Apr 3 - A car turned left on Court Street. A four-year-old crossed with the signal. The bumper struck his leg. His knee crushed. The driver failed to yield. Steel met flesh. A child lay broken.
A four-year-old boy was struck and injured while crossing Court Street at Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the child crossed with the signal when a car turned left and hit him, crushing his knee. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. The boy remained conscious after the crash. The driver’s failure to yield is called out in the official account. No other injuries were reported.
3
Simon Backs Safety Boosting Ashland Place Bike Lane▸Apr 3 - Brooklyn’s Ashland Place stays deadly. DOT delays a promised bike lane. Elected officials and residents demand action. Private interests block progress. Cyclists face crashes and fear. The city shrugs. The gap remains. Lives hang in the balance.
On April 3, 2025, a coalition of Brooklyn officials—including Council Members Crystal Hudson, Shahana Hanif, Lincoln Restler, Assembly Members Andrew Gounardes, Jo Anne Simon, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso—sent a letter urging DOT to finish the protected bike lane on Ashland Place. The letter called the block a 'missing link in Brooklyn’s protected bike lane network.' Brooklyn Community Board 2 backed the demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Borough Commissioner Keith Bray offered only vague replies. The block’s exclusion traces to a mayoral advisor’s intervention for developer Two Trees. Advocates like Kathy Park Price slammed the city: 'Private interests are able to redesign our streets, prioritizing vehicles over safety at a critical corridor.' Despite unanimous support, DOT keeps the street dangerous. The city’s inaction leaves cyclists exposed and the community frustrated.
-
‘Crashland’: As Demand Grows, DOT Still Won’t Finish Bike Lane on Dangerous Brooklyn Road,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-04-03
1
Jo Anne Simon Urges Safety Boosting Speed Limiter Technology Use▸Apr 1 - After a crash killed a mother and two daughters in Gravesend, advocates and Council Member Shahana Hanif rallied for the Stop Super Speeders bill. The law would force repeat reckless drivers to use speed-limiting tech. Survivors demand action. Lawmakers promise change.
On April 1, 2025, Council Member Shahana Hanif joined a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall demanding passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill. The bill, sponsored in Albany by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, would require drivers with repeated violations to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices. These devices cap speed at 5 mph over the limit for those with 11 or more license points in 24 months or six camera tickets in a year. The rally followed a fatal Gravesend crash that killed a mother and her two daughters. Hanif and other lawmakers called current enforcement—ticketing, suspensions, fines, jail—ineffective. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, 'The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.' The bill is modeled on EU and Virginia laws. Some opposition remains, but supporters say the measure is urgent and practical.
-
‘Enough is enough’: Street safety advocates demand passage of ‘Stop Super Speeders’ bill after tragic Gravesend crash,
brooklynpaper.com,
Published 2025-04-01
Jul 14 - The driver of a sedan hit a 67-year-old woman in a marked crosswalk on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn. She suffered severe head lacerations and was conscious. Police recorded failure to yield and driver inattention.
A 67-year-old woman was struck by a sedan while crossing Atlantic Avenue in a marked crosswalk in Brooklyn. She suffered severe lacerations to her head and was conscious at the scene. "According to the police report …" the driver was licensed, traveling west and going straight ahead when the vehicle hit the pedestrian. Police recorded failure to yield by the driver and driver inattention/distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with a center-front impact. No other injuries were reported.
17S 8344
Simon votes yes to extend school speed zones, improving child pedestrian safety.▸Jun 17 - 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.
-
File S 8344,
Open States,
Published 2025-06-17
9
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances▸Jun 9 - City eyes a center bus lane on Flatbush. Concrete islands promise safer crossings. Details remain thin. Cars may still block buses. The street could change. Pedestrians and riders wait. The city holds its breath.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-06-09) reports the Department of Transportation plans a center-running bus lane on Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. The project aims to connect neighborhoods and calm traffic. DOT Assistant Director Dustin Khuu said the goal is a 'high performing transit priority street.' The plan includes concrete bus boarding islands and may reduce car lanes, giving more space to pedestrians and buses. However, the article notes gaps: 'DOT didn't share a block-by-block breakdown,' and curbside parking may remain, risking bus lane obstruction by double-parked vehicles. The city may physically protect the lane, but details are pending. The B41 bus, serving 28,000 daily trips, crawls at 4 mph during rush hour. The proposal highlights the need for clear enforcement and design to keep cars out of bus lanes and protect vulnerable road users.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-09
4
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned▸Jun 4 - Flatbush Avenue will lose car lanes. Bus lanes and pedestrian islands will take their place. Fifty-five killed or badly hurt since 2019. Buses crawl. Pedestrians dodge traffic. The city moves to fix a deadly, clogged corridor.
Gothamist reported on June 4, 2025, that New York City's Department of Transportation plans to overhaul Flatbush Avenue between Livingston Street and Grand Army Plaza. The redesign replaces two car lanes with 24/7 bus-only lanes and adds pedestrian islands. DOT officials said, 'almost 70,000 daily bus riders are stuck waiting too long for slow buses, drivers are caught in a mess of traffic and pedestrians are left crossing intersections clogged with vehicles.' Since 2019, 55 people have been killed or severely injured in crashes along this stretch. The plan removes curbside parking and bans cars from bus lanes, aiming to speed up twelve bus routes and protect people on foot. Most residents in the area do not own cars and depend on slow buses. The proposal reflects a shift toward prioritizing vulnerable road users and addressing systemic danger on one of Brooklyn's busiest corridors.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-06-04
1
SUVs and Pickup Collide on BQE, Driver Injured▸Jun 1 - Three vehicles crashed on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Metal twisted. One driver suffered head and crush injuries. Police blamed driver distraction. The road ran straight. The night was quiet. The system failed again.
A crash involving a pick-up truck and two SUVs tore through the Brooklyn Queens Expressway in Brooklyn. According to the police report, three vehicles were traveling east when they collided. One driver, a 32-year-old man, suffered head and crush injuries. Five others, including a child, were listed as occupants but did not have specified injuries. Police cited 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No other errors or violations were listed. The report shows all vehicles were moving straight ahead before impact. The data does not mention helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash highlights the ongoing danger for all road users on New York’s highways.
13
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest▸May 13 - A motorcyclist struck a stopped car on the BQE. He died at the hospital. The driver, unlicensed and lacking required safety equipment, was arrested. The crash happened fast, on a crowded stretch. Police are still investigating.
According to amny (published May 13, 2025), a fatal crash on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway left a motorcyclist dead. The article reports, "Police arrested 44-year-old Laura Cordova... for driving without a license and using a vehicle without ignition interlock." The incident took place near Tillary Street just before 10 p.m. on May 10. The motorcyclist, 27-year-old Sean Johnson, struck Cordova's stopped Honda Accord and later died at Brooklyn Hospital Center. Cordova was required to use an ignition interlock device due to a prior conviction but was not charged with DUI. The NYPD Highway Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. The case highlights issues of unlicensed driving and compliance with court-ordered safety measures.
-
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest,
amny,
Published 2025-05-13
16A 7997
Simon co-sponsors bill expanding camera enforcement, potentially reducing overall street safety.▸Apr 16 - Assembly bill A 7997 lets speed cameras catch drivers hiding or altering plates. It extends camera use in school zones. Lawmakers push to close loopholes that shield reckless drivers from accountability.
Assembly bill A 7997, now in sponsorship, aims to expand photo speed violation monitoring in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Deborah Glick with co-sponsors Jo Anne Simon, John Zaccaro Jr., Linda Rosenthal, and Tony Simone, was introduced on April 16, 2025. It 'permits the use of photo speed violation monitoring systems in New York City for the purposes of enforcement of license plate obstruction, concealment, and/or distortion; extends provisions permitting the use of speed cameras in certain school zones.' By targeting plate obstruction, the bill seeks to stop drivers from dodging speed camera enforcement, a move that could help protect pedestrians and cyclists from repeat offenders.
-
File A 7997,
Open States,
Published 2025-04-16
7
SUV Door Strikes Cyclist on Atlantic Avenue▸Apr 7 - Parked SUV door flung open. Cyclist’s arm torn. Blood on Atlantic Avenue. Driver stands unharmed. Distraction behind the steel. Another wound for Brooklyn streets.
A 26-year-old man riding his bike west on Atlantic Avenue was struck when a parked SUV’s door opened into his path. According to the police report, the cyclist’s arm was split open, leaving him with severe lacerations. The 71-year-old SUV driver was not injured. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to check for cyclists before opening doors. No helmet or signal use was cited as a factor.
3
Car Turns Left, Crushes Child’s Knee▸Apr 3 - A car turned left on Court Street. A four-year-old crossed with the signal. The bumper struck his leg. His knee crushed. The driver failed to yield. Steel met flesh. A child lay broken.
A four-year-old boy was struck and injured while crossing Court Street at Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the child crossed with the signal when a car turned left and hit him, crushing his knee. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. The boy remained conscious after the crash. The driver’s failure to yield is called out in the official account. No other injuries were reported.
3
Simon Backs Safety Boosting Ashland Place Bike Lane▸Apr 3 - Brooklyn’s Ashland Place stays deadly. DOT delays a promised bike lane. Elected officials and residents demand action. Private interests block progress. Cyclists face crashes and fear. The city shrugs. The gap remains. Lives hang in the balance.
On April 3, 2025, a coalition of Brooklyn officials—including Council Members Crystal Hudson, Shahana Hanif, Lincoln Restler, Assembly Members Andrew Gounardes, Jo Anne Simon, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso—sent a letter urging DOT to finish the protected bike lane on Ashland Place. The letter called the block a 'missing link in Brooklyn’s protected bike lane network.' Brooklyn Community Board 2 backed the demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Borough Commissioner Keith Bray offered only vague replies. The block’s exclusion traces to a mayoral advisor’s intervention for developer Two Trees. Advocates like Kathy Park Price slammed the city: 'Private interests are able to redesign our streets, prioritizing vehicles over safety at a critical corridor.' Despite unanimous support, DOT keeps the street dangerous. The city’s inaction leaves cyclists exposed and the community frustrated.
-
‘Crashland’: As Demand Grows, DOT Still Won’t Finish Bike Lane on Dangerous Brooklyn Road,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-04-03
1
Jo Anne Simon Urges Safety Boosting Speed Limiter Technology Use▸Apr 1 - After a crash killed a mother and two daughters in Gravesend, advocates and Council Member Shahana Hanif rallied for the Stop Super Speeders bill. The law would force repeat reckless drivers to use speed-limiting tech. Survivors demand action. Lawmakers promise change.
On April 1, 2025, Council Member Shahana Hanif joined a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall demanding passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill. The bill, sponsored in Albany by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, would require drivers with repeated violations to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices. These devices cap speed at 5 mph over the limit for those with 11 or more license points in 24 months or six camera tickets in a year. The rally followed a fatal Gravesend crash that killed a mother and her two daughters. Hanif and other lawmakers called current enforcement—ticketing, suspensions, fines, jail—ineffective. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, 'The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.' The bill is modeled on EU and Virginia laws. Some opposition remains, but supporters say the measure is urgent and practical.
-
‘Enough is enough’: Street safety advocates demand passage of ‘Stop Super Speeders’ bill after tragic Gravesend crash,
brooklynpaper.com,
Published 2025-04-01
Jun 17 - 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.
- File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-17
9
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances▸Jun 9 - City eyes a center bus lane on Flatbush. Concrete islands promise safer crossings. Details remain thin. Cars may still block buses. The street could change. Pedestrians and riders wait. The city holds its breath.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-06-09) reports the Department of Transportation plans a center-running bus lane on Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. The project aims to connect neighborhoods and calm traffic. DOT Assistant Director Dustin Khuu said the goal is a 'high performing transit priority street.' The plan includes concrete bus boarding islands and may reduce car lanes, giving more space to pedestrians and buses. However, the article notes gaps: 'DOT didn't share a block-by-block breakdown,' and curbside parking may remain, risking bus lane obstruction by double-parked vehicles. The city may physically protect the lane, but details are pending. The B41 bus, serving 28,000 daily trips, crawls at 4 mph during rush hour. The proposal highlights the need for clear enforcement and design to keep cars out of bus lanes and protect vulnerable road users.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-06-09
4
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned▸Jun 4 - Flatbush Avenue will lose car lanes. Bus lanes and pedestrian islands will take their place. Fifty-five killed or badly hurt since 2019. Buses crawl. Pedestrians dodge traffic. The city moves to fix a deadly, clogged corridor.
Gothamist reported on June 4, 2025, that New York City's Department of Transportation plans to overhaul Flatbush Avenue between Livingston Street and Grand Army Plaza. The redesign replaces two car lanes with 24/7 bus-only lanes and adds pedestrian islands. DOT officials said, 'almost 70,000 daily bus riders are stuck waiting too long for slow buses, drivers are caught in a mess of traffic and pedestrians are left crossing intersections clogged with vehicles.' Since 2019, 55 people have been killed or severely injured in crashes along this stretch. The plan removes curbside parking and bans cars from bus lanes, aiming to speed up twelve bus routes and protect people on foot. Most residents in the area do not own cars and depend on slow buses. The proposal reflects a shift toward prioritizing vulnerable road users and addressing systemic danger on one of Brooklyn's busiest corridors.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-06-04
1
SUVs and Pickup Collide on BQE, Driver Injured▸Jun 1 - Three vehicles crashed on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Metal twisted. One driver suffered head and crush injuries. Police blamed driver distraction. The road ran straight. The night was quiet. The system failed again.
A crash involving a pick-up truck and two SUVs tore through the Brooklyn Queens Expressway in Brooklyn. According to the police report, three vehicles were traveling east when they collided. One driver, a 32-year-old man, suffered head and crush injuries. Five others, including a child, were listed as occupants but did not have specified injuries. Police cited 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No other errors or violations were listed. The report shows all vehicles were moving straight ahead before impact. The data does not mention helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash highlights the ongoing danger for all road users on New York’s highways.
13
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest▸May 13 - A motorcyclist struck a stopped car on the BQE. He died at the hospital. The driver, unlicensed and lacking required safety equipment, was arrested. The crash happened fast, on a crowded stretch. Police are still investigating.
According to amny (published May 13, 2025), a fatal crash on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway left a motorcyclist dead. The article reports, "Police arrested 44-year-old Laura Cordova... for driving without a license and using a vehicle without ignition interlock." The incident took place near Tillary Street just before 10 p.m. on May 10. The motorcyclist, 27-year-old Sean Johnson, struck Cordova's stopped Honda Accord and later died at Brooklyn Hospital Center. Cordova was required to use an ignition interlock device due to a prior conviction but was not charged with DUI. The NYPD Highway Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. The case highlights issues of unlicensed driving and compliance with court-ordered safety measures.
-
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest,
amny,
Published 2025-05-13
16A 7997
Simon co-sponsors bill expanding camera enforcement, potentially reducing overall street safety.▸Apr 16 - Assembly bill A 7997 lets speed cameras catch drivers hiding or altering plates. It extends camera use in school zones. Lawmakers push to close loopholes that shield reckless drivers from accountability.
Assembly bill A 7997, now in sponsorship, aims to expand photo speed violation monitoring in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Deborah Glick with co-sponsors Jo Anne Simon, John Zaccaro Jr., Linda Rosenthal, and Tony Simone, was introduced on April 16, 2025. It 'permits the use of photo speed violation monitoring systems in New York City for the purposes of enforcement of license plate obstruction, concealment, and/or distortion; extends provisions permitting the use of speed cameras in certain school zones.' By targeting plate obstruction, the bill seeks to stop drivers from dodging speed camera enforcement, a move that could help protect pedestrians and cyclists from repeat offenders.
-
File A 7997,
Open States,
Published 2025-04-16
7
SUV Door Strikes Cyclist on Atlantic Avenue▸Apr 7 - Parked SUV door flung open. Cyclist’s arm torn. Blood on Atlantic Avenue. Driver stands unharmed. Distraction behind the steel. Another wound for Brooklyn streets.
A 26-year-old man riding his bike west on Atlantic Avenue was struck when a parked SUV’s door opened into his path. According to the police report, the cyclist’s arm was split open, leaving him with severe lacerations. The 71-year-old SUV driver was not injured. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to check for cyclists before opening doors. No helmet or signal use was cited as a factor.
3
Car Turns Left, Crushes Child’s Knee▸Apr 3 - A car turned left on Court Street. A four-year-old crossed with the signal. The bumper struck his leg. His knee crushed. The driver failed to yield. Steel met flesh. A child lay broken.
A four-year-old boy was struck and injured while crossing Court Street at Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the child crossed with the signal when a car turned left and hit him, crushing his knee. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. The boy remained conscious after the crash. The driver’s failure to yield is called out in the official account. No other injuries were reported.
3
Simon Backs Safety Boosting Ashland Place Bike Lane▸Apr 3 - Brooklyn’s Ashland Place stays deadly. DOT delays a promised bike lane. Elected officials and residents demand action. Private interests block progress. Cyclists face crashes and fear. The city shrugs. The gap remains. Lives hang in the balance.
On April 3, 2025, a coalition of Brooklyn officials—including Council Members Crystal Hudson, Shahana Hanif, Lincoln Restler, Assembly Members Andrew Gounardes, Jo Anne Simon, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso—sent a letter urging DOT to finish the protected bike lane on Ashland Place. The letter called the block a 'missing link in Brooklyn’s protected bike lane network.' Brooklyn Community Board 2 backed the demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Borough Commissioner Keith Bray offered only vague replies. The block’s exclusion traces to a mayoral advisor’s intervention for developer Two Trees. Advocates like Kathy Park Price slammed the city: 'Private interests are able to redesign our streets, prioritizing vehicles over safety at a critical corridor.' Despite unanimous support, DOT keeps the street dangerous. The city’s inaction leaves cyclists exposed and the community frustrated.
-
‘Crashland’: As Demand Grows, DOT Still Won’t Finish Bike Lane on Dangerous Brooklyn Road,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-04-03
1
Jo Anne Simon Urges Safety Boosting Speed Limiter Technology Use▸Apr 1 - After a crash killed a mother and two daughters in Gravesend, advocates and Council Member Shahana Hanif rallied for the Stop Super Speeders bill. The law would force repeat reckless drivers to use speed-limiting tech. Survivors demand action. Lawmakers promise change.
On April 1, 2025, Council Member Shahana Hanif joined a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall demanding passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill. The bill, sponsored in Albany by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, would require drivers with repeated violations to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices. These devices cap speed at 5 mph over the limit for those with 11 or more license points in 24 months or six camera tickets in a year. The rally followed a fatal Gravesend crash that killed a mother and her two daughters. Hanif and other lawmakers called current enforcement—ticketing, suspensions, fines, jail—ineffective. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, 'The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.' The bill is modeled on EU and Virginia laws. Some opposition remains, but supporters say the measure is urgent and practical.
-
‘Enough is enough’: Street safety advocates demand passage of ‘Stop Super Speeders’ bill after tragic Gravesend crash,
brooklynpaper.com,
Published 2025-04-01
Jun 9 - City eyes a center bus lane on Flatbush. Concrete islands promise safer crossings. Details remain thin. Cars may still block buses. The street could change. Pedestrians and riders wait. The city holds its breath.
Streetsblog NYC (2025-06-09) reports the Department of Transportation plans a center-running bus lane on Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. The project aims to connect neighborhoods and calm traffic. DOT Assistant Director Dustin Khuu said the goal is a 'high performing transit priority street.' The plan includes concrete bus boarding islands and may reduce car lanes, giving more space to pedestrians and buses. However, the article notes gaps: 'DOT didn't share a block-by-block breakdown,' and curbside parking may remain, risking bus lane obstruction by double-parked vehicles. The city may physically protect the lane, but details are pending. The B41 bus, serving 28,000 daily trips, crawls at 4 mph during rush hour. The proposal highlights the need for clear enforcement and design to keep cars out of bus lanes and protect vulnerable road users.
- Flatbush Avenue Bus Lane Plan Advances, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-09
4
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned▸Jun 4 - Flatbush Avenue will lose car lanes. Bus lanes and pedestrian islands will take their place. Fifty-five killed or badly hurt since 2019. Buses crawl. Pedestrians dodge traffic. The city moves to fix a deadly, clogged corridor.
Gothamist reported on June 4, 2025, that New York City's Department of Transportation plans to overhaul Flatbush Avenue between Livingston Street and Grand Army Plaza. The redesign replaces two car lanes with 24/7 bus-only lanes and adds pedestrian islands. DOT officials said, 'almost 70,000 daily bus riders are stuck waiting too long for slow buses, drivers are caught in a mess of traffic and pedestrians are left crossing intersections clogged with vehicles.' Since 2019, 55 people have been killed or severely injured in crashes along this stretch. The plan removes curbside parking and bans cars from bus lanes, aiming to speed up twelve bus routes and protect people on foot. Most residents in the area do not own cars and depend on slow buses. The proposal reflects a shift toward prioritizing vulnerable road users and addressing systemic danger on one of Brooklyn's busiest corridors.
-
Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned,
Gothamist,
Published 2025-06-04
1
SUVs and Pickup Collide on BQE, Driver Injured▸Jun 1 - Three vehicles crashed on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Metal twisted. One driver suffered head and crush injuries. Police blamed driver distraction. The road ran straight. The night was quiet. The system failed again.
A crash involving a pick-up truck and two SUVs tore through the Brooklyn Queens Expressway in Brooklyn. According to the police report, three vehicles were traveling east when they collided. One driver, a 32-year-old man, suffered head and crush injuries. Five others, including a child, were listed as occupants but did not have specified injuries. Police cited 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No other errors or violations were listed. The report shows all vehicles were moving straight ahead before impact. The data does not mention helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash highlights the ongoing danger for all road users on New York’s highways.
13
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest▸May 13 - A motorcyclist struck a stopped car on the BQE. He died at the hospital. The driver, unlicensed and lacking required safety equipment, was arrested. The crash happened fast, on a crowded stretch. Police are still investigating.
According to amny (published May 13, 2025), a fatal crash on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway left a motorcyclist dead. The article reports, "Police arrested 44-year-old Laura Cordova... for driving without a license and using a vehicle without ignition interlock." The incident took place near Tillary Street just before 10 p.m. on May 10. The motorcyclist, 27-year-old Sean Johnson, struck Cordova's stopped Honda Accord and later died at Brooklyn Hospital Center. Cordova was required to use an ignition interlock device due to a prior conviction but was not charged with DUI. The NYPD Highway Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. The case highlights issues of unlicensed driving and compliance with court-ordered safety measures.
-
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest,
amny,
Published 2025-05-13
16A 7997
Simon co-sponsors bill expanding camera enforcement, potentially reducing overall street safety.▸Apr 16 - Assembly bill A 7997 lets speed cameras catch drivers hiding or altering plates. It extends camera use in school zones. Lawmakers push to close loopholes that shield reckless drivers from accountability.
Assembly bill A 7997, now in sponsorship, aims to expand photo speed violation monitoring in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Deborah Glick with co-sponsors Jo Anne Simon, John Zaccaro Jr., Linda Rosenthal, and Tony Simone, was introduced on April 16, 2025. It 'permits the use of photo speed violation monitoring systems in New York City for the purposes of enforcement of license plate obstruction, concealment, and/or distortion; extends provisions permitting the use of speed cameras in certain school zones.' By targeting plate obstruction, the bill seeks to stop drivers from dodging speed camera enforcement, a move that could help protect pedestrians and cyclists from repeat offenders.
-
File A 7997,
Open States,
Published 2025-04-16
7
SUV Door Strikes Cyclist on Atlantic Avenue▸Apr 7 - Parked SUV door flung open. Cyclist’s arm torn. Blood on Atlantic Avenue. Driver stands unharmed. Distraction behind the steel. Another wound for Brooklyn streets.
A 26-year-old man riding his bike west on Atlantic Avenue was struck when a parked SUV’s door opened into his path. According to the police report, the cyclist’s arm was split open, leaving him with severe lacerations. The 71-year-old SUV driver was not injured. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to check for cyclists before opening doors. No helmet or signal use was cited as a factor.
3
Car Turns Left, Crushes Child’s Knee▸Apr 3 - A car turned left on Court Street. A four-year-old crossed with the signal. The bumper struck his leg. His knee crushed. The driver failed to yield. Steel met flesh. A child lay broken.
A four-year-old boy was struck and injured while crossing Court Street at Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the child crossed with the signal when a car turned left and hit him, crushing his knee. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. The boy remained conscious after the crash. The driver’s failure to yield is called out in the official account. No other injuries were reported.
3
Simon Backs Safety Boosting Ashland Place Bike Lane▸Apr 3 - Brooklyn’s Ashland Place stays deadly. DOT delays a promised bike lane. Elected officials and residents demand action. Private interests block progress. Cyclists face crashes and fear. The city shrugs. The gap remains. Lives hang in the balance.
On April 3, 2025, a coalition of Brooklyn officials—including Council Members Crystal Hudson, Shahana Hanif, Lincoln Restler, Assembly Members Andrew Gounardes, Jo Anne Simon, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso—sent a letter urging DOT to finish the protected bike lane on Ashland Place. The letter called the block a 'missing link in Brooklyn’s protected bike lane network.' Brooklyn Community Board 2 backed the demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Borough Commissioner Keith Bray offered only vague replies. The block’s exclusion traces to a mayoral advisor’s intervention for developer Two Trees. Advocates like Kathy Park Price slammed the city: 'Private interests are able to redesign our streets, prioritizing vehicles over safety at a critical corridor.' Despite unanimous support, DOT keeps the street dangerous. The city’s inaction leaves cyclists exposed and the community frustrated.
-
‘Crashland’: As Demand Grows, DOT Still Won’t Finish Bike Lane on Dangerous Brooklyn Road,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-04-03
1
Jo Anne Simon Urges Safety Boosting Speed Limiter Technology Use▸Apr 1 - After a crash killed a mother and two daughters in Gravesend, advocates and Council Member Shahana Hanif rallied for the Stop Super Speeders bill. The law would force repeat reckless drivers to use speed-limiting tech. Survivors demand action. Lawmakers promise change.
On April 1, 2025, Council Member Shahana Hanif joined a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall demanding passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill. The bill, sponsored in Albany by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, would require drivers with repeated violations to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices. These devices cap speed at 5 mph over the limit for those with 11 or more license points in 24 months or six camera tickets in a year. The rally followed a fatal Gravesend crash that killed a mother and her two daughters. Hanif and other lawmakers called current enforcement—ticketing, suspensions, fines, jail—ineffective. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, 'The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.' The bill is modeled on EU and Virginia laws. Some opposition remains, but supporters say the measure is urgent and practical.
-
‘Enough is enough’: Street safety advocates demand passage of ‘Stop Super Speeders’ bill after tragic Gravesend crash,
brooklynpaper.com,
Published 2025-04-01
Jun 4 - Flatbush Avenue will lose car lanes. Bus lanes and pedestrian islands will take their place. Fifty-five killed or badly hurt since 2019. Buses crawl. Pedestrians dodge traffic. The city moves to fix a deadly, clogged corridor.
Gothamist reported on June 4, 2025, that New York City's Department of Transportation plans to overhaul Flatbush Avenue between Livingston Street and Grand Army Plaza. The redesign replaces two car lanes with 24/7 bus-only lanes and adds pedestrian islands. DOT officials said, 'almost 70,000 daily bus riders are stuck waiting too long for slow buses, drivers are caught in a mess of traffic and pedestrians are left crossing intersections clogged with vehicles.' Since 2019, 55 people have been killed or severely injured in crashes along this stretch. The plan removes curbside parking and bans cars from bus lanes, aiming to speed up twelve bus routes and protect people on foot. Most residents in the area do not own cars and depend on slow buses. The proposal reflects a shift toward prioritizing vulnerable road users and addressing systemic danger on one of Brooklyn's busiest corridors.
- Flatbush Avenue Bus Lanes, Pedestrian Islands Planned, Gothamist, Published 2025-06-04
1
SUVs and Pickup Collide on BQE, Driver Injured▸Jun 1 - Three vehicles crashed on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Metal twisted. One driver suffered head and crush injuries. Police blamed driver distraction. The road ran straight. The night was quiet. The system failed again.
A crash involving a pick-up truck and two SUVs tore through the Brooklyn Queens Expressway in Brooklyn. According to the police report, three vehicles were traveling east when they collided. One driver, a 32-year-old man, suffered head and crush injuries. Five others, including a child, were listed as occupants but did not have specified injuries. Police cited 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No other errors or violations were listed. The report shows all vehicles were moving straight ahead before impact. The data does not mention helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash highlights the ongoing danger for all road users on New York’s highways.
13
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest▸May 13 - A motorcyclist struck a stopped car on the BQE. He died at the hospital. The driver, unlicensed and lacking required safety equipment, was arrested. The crash happened fast, on a crowded stretch. Police are still investigating.
According to amny (published May 13, 2025), a fatal crash on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway left a motorcyclist dead. The article reports, "Police arrested 44-year-old Laura Cordova... for driving without a license and using a vehicle without ignition interlock." The incident took place near Tillary Street just before 10 p.m. on May 10. The motorcyclist, 27-year-old Sean Johnson, struck Cordova's stopped Honda Accord and later died at Brooklyn Hospital Center. Cordova was required to use an ignition interlock device due to a prior conviction but was not charged with DUI. The NYPD Highway Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. The case highlights issues of unlicensed driving and compliance with court-ordered safety measures.
-
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest,
amny,
Published 2025-05-13
16A 7997
Simon co-sponsors bill expanding camera enforcement, potentially reducing overall street safety.▸Apr 16 - Assembly bill A 7997 lets speed cameras catch drivers hiding or altering plates. It extends camera use in school zones. Lawmakers push to close loopholes that shield reckless drivers from accountability.
Assembly bill A 7997, now in sponsorship, aims to expand photo speed violation monitoring in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Deborah Glick with co-sponsors Jo Anne Simon, John Zaccaro Jr., Linda Rosenthal, and Tony Simone, was introduced on April 16, 2025. It 'permits the use of photo speed violation monitoring systems in New York City for the purposes of enforcement of license plate obstruction, concealment, and/or distortion; extends provisions permitting the use of speed cameras in certain school zones.' By targeting plate obstruction, the bill seeks to stop drivers from dodging speed camera enforcement, a move that could help protect pedestrians and cyclists from repeat offenders.
-
File A 7997,
Open States,
Published 2025-04-16
7
SUV Door Strikes Cyclist on Atlantic Avenue▸Apr 7 - Parked SUV door flung open. Cyclist’s arm torn. Blood on Atlantic Avenue. Driver stands unharmed. Distraction behind the steel. Another wound for Brooklyn streets.
A 26-year-old man riding his bike west on Atlantic Avenue was struck when a parked SUV’s door opened into his path. According to the police report, the cyclist’s arm was split open, leaving him with severe lacerations. The 71-year-old SUV driver was not injured. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to check for cyclists before opening doors. No helmet or signal use was cited as a factor.
3
Car Turns Left, Crushes Child’s Knee▸Apr 3 - A car turned left on Court Street. A four-year-old crossed with the signal. The bumper struck his leg. His knee crushed. The driver failed to yield. Steel met flesh. A child lay broken.
A four-year-old boy was struck and injured while crossing Court Street at Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the child crossed with the signal when a car turned left and hit him, crushing his knee. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. The boy remained conscious after the crash. The driver’s failure to yield is called out in the official account. No other injuries were reported.
3
Simon Backs Safety Boosting Ashland Place Bike Lane▸Apr 3 - Brooklyn’s Ashland Place stays deadly. DOT delays a promised bike lane. Elected officials and residents demand action. Private interests block progress. Cyclists face crashes and fear. The city shrugs. The gap remains. Lives hang in the balance.
On April 3, 2025, a coalition of Brooklyn officials—including Council Members Crystal Hudson, Shahana Hanif, Lincoln Restler, Assembly Members Andrew Gounardes, Jo Anne Simon, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso—sent a letter urging DOT to finish the protected bike lane on Ashland Place. The letter called the block a 'missing link in Brooklyn’s protected bike lane network.' Brooklyn Community Board 2 backed the demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Borough Commissioner Keith Bray offered only vague replies. The block’s exclusion traces to a mayoral advisor’s intervention for developer Two Trees. Advocates like Kathy Park Price slammed the city: 'Private interests are able to redesign our streets, prioritizing vehicles over safety at a critical corridor.' Despite unanimous support, DOT keeps the street dangerous. The city’s inaction leaves cyclists exposed and the community frustrated.
-
‘Crashland’: As Demand Grows, DOT Still Won’t Finish Bike Lane on Dangerous Brooklyn Road,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-04-03
1
Jo Anne Simon Urges Safety Boosting Speed Limiter Technology Use▸Apr 1 - After a crash killed a mother and two daughters in Gravesend, advocates and Council Member Shahana Hanif rallied for the Stop Super Speeders bill. The law would force repeat reckless drivers to use speed-limiting tech. Survivors demand action. Lawmakers promise change.
On April 1, 2025, Council Member Shahana Hanif joined a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall demanding passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill. The bill, sponsored in Albany by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, would require drivers with repeated violations to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices. These devices cap speed at 5 mph over the limit for those with 11 or more license points in 24 months or six camera tickets in a year. The rally followed a fatal Gravesend crash that killed a mother and her two daughters. Hanif and other lawmakers called current enforcement—ticketing, suspensions, fines, jail—ineffective. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, 'The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.' The bill is modeled on EU and Virginia laws. Some opposition remains, but supporters say the measure is urgent and practical.
-
‘Enough is enough’: Street safety advocates demand passage of ‘Stop Super Speeders’ bill after tragic Gravesend crash,
brooklynpaper.com,
Published 2025-04-01
Jun 1 - Three vehicles crashed on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Metal twisted. One driver suffered head and crush injuries. Police blamed driver distraction. The road ran straight. The night was quiet. The system failed again.
A crash involving a pick-up truck and two SUVs tore through the Brooklyn Queens Expressway in Brooklyn. According to the police report, three vehicles were traveling east when they collided. One driver, a 32-year-old man, suffered head and crush injuries. Five others, including a child, were listed as occupants but did not have specified injuries. Police cited 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No other errors or violations were listed. The report shows all vehicles were moving straight ahead before impact. The data does not mention helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash highlights the ongoing danger for all road users on New York’s highways.
13
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest▸May 13 - A motorcyclist struck a stopped car on the BQE. He died at the hospital. The driver, unlicensed and lacking required safety equipment, was arrested. The crash happened fast, on a crowded stretch. Police are still investigating.
According to amny (published May 13, 2025), a fatal crash on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway left a motorcyclist dead. The article reports, "Police arrested 44-year-old Laura Cordova... for driving without a license and using a vehicle without ignition interlock." The incident took place near Tillary Street just before 10 p.m. on May 10. The motorcyclist, 27-year-old Sean Johnson, struck Cordova's stopped Honda Accord and later died at Brooklyn Hospital Center. Cordova was required to use an ignition interlock device due to a prior conviction but was not charged with DUI. The NYPD Highway Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. The case highlights issues of unlicensed driving and compliance with court-ordered safety measures.
-
Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest,
amny,
Published 2025-05-13
16A 7997
Simon co-sponsors bill expanding camera enforcement, potentially reducing overall street safety.▸Apr 16 - Assembly bill A 7997 lets speed cameras catch drivers hiding or altering plates. It extends camera use in school zones. Lawmakers push to close loopholes that shield reckless drivers from accountability.
Assembly bill A 7997, now in sponsorship, aims to expand photo speed violation monitoring in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Deborah Glick with co-sponsors Jo Anne Simon, John Zaccaro Jr., Linda Rosenthal, and Tony Simone, was introduced on April 16, 2025. It 'permits the use of photo speed violation monitoring systems in New York City for the purposes of enforcement of license plate obstruction, concealment, and/or distortion; extends provisions permitting the use of speed cameras in certain school zones.' By targeting plate obstruction, the bill seeks to stop drivers from dodging speed camera enforcement, a move that could help protect pedestrians and cyclists from repeat offenders.
-
File A 7997,
Open States,
Published 2025-04-16
7
SUV Door Strikes Cyclist on Atlantic Avenue▸Apr 7 - Parked SUV door flung open. Cyclist’s arm torn. Blood on Atlantic Avenue. Driver stands unharmed. Distraction behind the steel. Another wound for Brooklyn streets.
A 26-year-old man riding his bike west on Atlantic Avenue was struck when a parked SUV’s door opened into his path. According to the police report, the cyclist’s arm was split open, leaving him with severe lacerations. The 71-year-old SUV driver was not injured. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to check for cyclists before opening doors. No helmet or signal use was cited as a factor.
3
Car Turns Left, Crushes Child’s Knee▸Apr 3 - A car turned left on Court Street. A four-year-old crossed with the signal. The bumper struck his leg. His knee crushed. The driver failed to yield. Steel met flesh. A child lay broken.
A four-year-old boy was struck and injured while crossing Court Street at Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the child crossed with the signal when a car turned left and hit him, crushing his knee. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. The boy remained conscious after the crash. The driver’s failure to yield is called out in the official account. No other injuries were reported.
3
Simon Backs Safety Boosting Ashland Place Bike Lane▸Apr 3 - Brooklyn’s Ashland Place stays deadly. DOT delays a promised bike lane. Elected officials and residents demand action. Private interests block progress. Cyclists face crashes and fear. The city shrugs. The gap remains. Lives hang in the balance.
On April 3, 2025, a coalition of Brooklyn officials—including Council Members Crystal Hudson, Shahana Hanif, Lincoln Restler, Assembly Members Andrew Gounardes, Jo Anne Simon, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso—sent a letter urging DOT to finish the protected bike lane on Ashland Place. The letter called the block a 'missing link in Brooklyn’s protected bike lane network.' Brooklyn Community Board 2 backed the demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Borough Commissioner Keith Bray offered only vague replies. The block’s exclusion traces to a mayoral advisor’s intervention for developer Two Trees. Advocates like Kathy Park Price slammed the city: 'Private interests are able to redesign our streets, prioritizing vehicles over safety at a critical corridor.' Despite unanimous support, DOT keeps the street dangerous. The city’s inaction leaves cyclists exposed and the community frustrated.
-
‘Crashland’: As Demand Grows, DOT Still Won’t Finish Bike Lane on Dangerous Brooklyn Road,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-04-03
1
Jo Anne Simon Urges Safety Boosting Speed Limiter Technology Use▸Apr 1 - After a crash killed a mother and two daughters in Gravesend, advocates and Council Member Shahana Hanif rallied for the Stop Super Speeders bill. The law would force repeat reckless drivers to use speed-limiting tech. Survivors demand action. Lawmakers promise change.
On April 1, 2025, Council Member Shahana Hanif joined a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall demanding passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill. The bill, sponsored in Albany by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, would require drivers with repeated violations to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices. These devices cap speed at 5 mph over the limit for those with 11 or more license points in 24 months or six camera tickets in a year. The rally followed a fatal Gravesend crash that killed a mother and her two daughters. Hanif and other lawmakers called current enforcement—ticketing, suspensions, fines, jail—ineffective. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, 'The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.' The bill is modeled on EU and Virginia laws. Some opposition remains, but supporters say the measure is urgent and practical.
-
‘Enough is enough’: Street safety advocates demand passage of ‘Stop Super Speeders’ bill after tragic Gravesend crash,
brooklynpaper.com,
Published 2025-04-01
May 13 - A motorcyclist struck a stopped car on the BQE. He died at the hospital. The driver, unlicensed and lacking required safety equipment, was arrested. The crash happened fast, on a crowded stretch. Police are still investigating.
According to amny (published May 13, 2025), a fatal crash on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway left a motorcyclist dead. The article reports, "Police arrested 44-year-old Laura Cordova... for driving without a license and using a vehicle without ignition interlock." The incident took place near Tillary Street just before 10 p.m. on May 10. The motorcyclist, 27-year-old Sean Johnson, struck Cordova's stopped Honda Accord and later died at Brooklyn Hospital Center. Cordova was required to use an ignition interlock device due to a prior conviction but was not charged with DUI. The NYPD Highway Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate. The case highlights issues of unlicensed driving and compliance with court-ordered safety measures.
- Motorcyclist Killed in BQE Collision Arrest, amny, Published 2025-05-13
16A 7997
Simon co-sponsors bill expanding camera enforcement, potentially reducing overall street safety.▸Apr 16 - Assembly bill A 7997 lets speed cameras catch drivers hiding or altering plates. It extends camera use in school zones. Lawmakers push to close loopholes that shield reckless drivers from accountability.
Assembly bill A 7997, now in sponsorship, aims to expand photo speed violation monitoring in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Deborah Glick with co-sponsors Jo Anne Simon, John Zaccaro Jr., Linda Rosenthal, and Tony Simone, was introduced on April 16, 2025. It 'permits the use of photo speed violation monitoring systems in New York City for the purposes of enforcement of license plate obstruction, concealment, and/or distortion; extends provisions permitting the use of speed cameras in certain school zones.' By targeting plate obstruction, the bill seeks to stop drivers from dodging speed camera enforcement, a move that could help protect pedestrians and cyclists from repeat offenders.
-
File A 7997,
Open States,
Published 2025-04-16
7
SUV Door Strikes Cyclist on Atlantic Avenue▸Apr 7 - Parked SUV door flung open. Cyclist’s arm torn. Blood on Atlantic Avenue. Driver stands unharmed. Distraction behind the steel. Another wound for Brooklyn streets.
A 26-year-old man riding his bike west on Atlantic Avenue was struck when a parked SUV’s door opened into his path. According to the police report, the cyclist’s arm was split open, leaving him with severe lacerations. The 71-year-old SUV driver was not injured. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to check for cyclists before opening doors. No helmet or signal use was cited as a factor.
3
Car Turns Left, Crushes Child’s Knee▸Apr 3 - A car turned left on Court Street. A four-year-old crossed with the signal. The bumper struck his leg. His knee crushed. The driver failed to yield. Steel met flesh. A child lay broken.
A four-year-old boy was struck and injured while crossing Court Street at Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the child crossed with the signal when a car turned left and hit him, crushing his knee. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. The boy remained conscious after the crash. The driver’s failure to yield is called out in the official account. No other injuries were reported.
3
Simon Backs Safety Boosting Ashland Place Bike Lane▸Apr 3 - Brooklyn’s Ashland Place stays deadly. DOT delays a promised bike lane. Elected officials and residents demand action. Private interests block progress. Cyclists face crashes and fear. The city shrugs. The gap remains. Lives hang in the balance.
On April 3, 2025, a coalition of Brooklyn officials—including Council Members Crystal Hudson, Shahana Hanif, Lincoln Restler, Assembly Members Andrew Gounardes, Jo Anne Simon, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso—sent a letter urging DOT to finish the protected bike lane on Ashland Place. The letter called the block a 'missing link in Brooklyn’s protected bike lane network.' Brooklyn Community Board 2 backed the demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Borough Commissioner Keith Bray offered only vague replies. The block’s exclusion traces to a mayoral advisor’s intervention for developer Two Trees. Advocates like Kathy Park Price slammed the city: 'Private interests are able to redesign our streets, prioritizing vehicles over safety at a critical corridor.' Despite unanimous support, DOT keeps the street dangerous. The city’s inaction leaves cyclists exposed and the community frustrated.
-
‘Crashland’: As Demand Grows, DOT Still Won’t Finish Bike Lane on Dangerous Brooklyn Road,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-04-03
1
Jo Anne Simon Urges Safety Boosting Speed Limiter Technology Use▸Apr 1 - After a crash killed a mother and two daughters in Gravesend, advocates and Council Member Shahana Hanif rallied for the Stop Super Speeders bill. The law would force repeat reckless drivers to use speed-limiting tech. Survivors demand action. Lawmakers promise change.
On April 1, 2025, Council Member Shahana Hanif joined a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall demanding passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill. The bill, sponsored in Albany by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, would require drivers with repeated violations to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices. These devices cap speed at 5 mph over the limit for those with 11 or more license points in 24 months or six camera tickets in a year. The rally followed a fatal Gravesend crash that killed a mother and her two daughters. Hanif and other lawmakers called current enforcement—ticketing, suspensions, fines, jail—ineffective. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, 'The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.' The bill is modeled on EU and Virginia laws. Some opposition remains, but supporters say the measure is urgent and practical.
-
‘Enough is enough’: Street safety advocates demand passage of ‘Stop Super Speeders’ bill after tragic Gravesend crash,
brooklynpaper.com,
Published 2025-04-01
Apr 16 - Assembly bill A 7997 lets speed cameras catch drivers hiding or altering plates. It extends camera use in school zones. Lawmakers push to close loopholes that shield reckless drivers from accountability.
Assembly bill A 7997, now in sponsorship, aims to expand photo speed violation monitoring in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Deborah Glick with co-sponsors Jo Anne Simon, John Zaccaro Jr., Linda Rosenthal, and Tony Simone, was introduced on April 16, 2025. It 'permits the use of photo speed violation monitoring systems in New York City for the purposes of enforcement of license plate obstruction, concealment, and/or distortion; extends provisions permitting the use of speed cameras in certain school zones.' By targeting plate obstruction, the bill seeks to stop drivers from dodging speed camera enforcement, a move that could help protect pedestrians and cyclists from repeat offenders.
- File A 7997, Open States, Published 2025-04-16
7
SUV Door Strikes Cyclist on Atlantic Avenue▸Apr 7 - Parked SUV door flung open. Cyclist’s arm torn. Blood on Atlantic Avenue. Driver stands unharmed. Distraction behind the steel. Another wound for Brooklyn streets.
A 26-year-old man riding his bike west on Atlantic Avenue was struck when a parked SUV’s door opened into his path. According to the police report, the cyclist’s arm was split open, leaving him with severe lacerations. The 71-year-old SUV driver was not injured. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to check for cyclists before opening doors. No helmet or signal use was cited as a factor.
3
Car Turns Left, Crushes Child’s Knee▸Apr 3 - A car turned left on Court Street. A four-year-old crossed with the signal. The bumper struck his leg. His knee crushed. The driver failed to yield. Steel met flesh. A child lay broken.
A four-year-old boy was struck and injured while crossing Court Street at Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the child crossed with the signal when a car turned left and hit him, crushing his knee. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. The boy remained conscious after the crash. The driver’s failure to yield is called out in the official account. No other injuries were reported.
3
Simon Backs Safety Boosting Ashland Place Bike Lane▸Apr 3 - Brooklyn’s Ashland Place stays deadly. DOT delays a promised bike lane. Elected officials and residents demand action. Private interests block progress. Cyclists face crashes and fear. The city shrugs. The gap remains. Lives hang in the balance.
On April 3, 2025, a coalition of Brooklyn officials—including Council Members Crystal Hudson, Shahana Hanif, Lincoln Restler, Assembly Members Andrew Gounardes, Jo Anne Simon, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso—sent a letter urging DOT to finish the protected bike lane on Ashland Place. The letter called the block a 'missing link in Brooklyn’s protected bike lane network.' Brooklyn Community Board 2 backed the demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Borough Commissioner Keith Bray offered only vague replies. The block’s exclusion traces to a mayoral advisor’s intervention for developer Two Trees. Advocates like Kathy Park Price slammed the city: 'Private interests are able to redesign our streets, prioritizing vehicles over safety at a critical corridor.' Despite unanimous support, DOT keeps the street dangerous. The city’s inaction leaves cyclists exposed and the community frustrated.
-
‘Crashland’: As Demand Grows, DOT Still Won’t Finish Bike Lane on Dangerous Brooklyn Road,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-04-03
1
Jo Anne Simon Urges Safety Boosting Speed Limiter Technology Use▸Apr 1 - After a crash killed a mother and two daughters in Gravesend, advocates and Council Member Shahana Hanif rallied for the Stop Super Speeders bill. The law would force repeat reckless drivers to use speed-limiting tech. Survivors demand action. Lawmakers promise change.
On April 1, 2025, Council Member Shahana Hanif joined a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall demanding passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill. The bill, sponsored in Albany by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, would require drivers with repeated violations to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices. These devices cap speed at 5 mph over the limit for those with 11 or more license points in 24 months or six camera tickets in a year. The rally followed a fatal Gravesend crash that killed a mother and her two daughters. Hanif and other lawmakers called current enforcement—ticketing, suspensions, fines, jail—ineffective. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, 'The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.' The bill is modeled on EU and Virginia laws. Some opposition remains, but supporters say the measure is urgent and practical.
-
‘Enough is enough’: Street safety advocates demand passage of ‘Stop Super Speeders’ bill after tragic Gravesend crash,
brooklynpaper.com,
Published 2025-04-01
Apr 7 - Parked SUV door flung open. Cyclist’s arm torn. Blood on Atlantic Avenue. Driver stands unharmed. Distraction behind the steel. Another wound for Brooklyn streets.
A 26-year-old man riding his bike west on Atlantic Avenue was struck when a parked SUV’s door opened into his path. According to the police report, the cyclist’s arm was split open, leaving him with severe lacerations. The 71-year-old SUV driver was not injured. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to check for cyclists before opening doors. No helmet or signal use was cited as a factor.
3
Car Turns Left, Crushes Child’s Knee▸Apr 3 - A car turned left on Court Street. A four-year-old crossed with the signal. The bumper struck his leg. His knee crushed. The driver failed to yield. Steel met flesh. A child lay broken.
A four-year-old boy was struck and injured while crossing Court Street at Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the child crossed with the signal when a car turned left and hit him, crushing his knee. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. The boy remained conscious after the crash. The driver’s failure to yield is called out in the official account. No other injuries were reported.
3
Simon Backs Safety Boosting Ashland Place Bike Lane▸Apr 3 - Brooklyn’s Ashland Place stays deadly. DOT delays a promised bike lane. Elected officials and residents demand action. Private interests block progress. Cyclists face crashes and fear. The city shrugs. The gap remains. Lives hang in the balance.
On April 3, 2025, a coalition of Brooklyn officials—including Council Members Crystal Hudson, Shahana Hanif, Lincoln Restler, Assembly Members Andrew Gounardes, Jo Anne Simon, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso—sent a letter urging DOT to finish the protected bike lane on Ashland Place. The letter called the block a 'missing link in Brooklyn’s protected bike lane network.' Brooklyn Community Board 2 backed the demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Borough Commissioner Keith Bray offered only vague replies. The block’s exclusion traces to a mayoral advisor’s intervention for developer Two Trees. Advocates like Kathy Park Price slammed the city: 'Private interests are able to redesign our streets, prioritizing vehicles over safety at a critical corridor.' Despite unanimous support, DOT keeps the street dangerous. The city’s inaction leaves cyclists exposed and the community frustrated.
-
‘Crashland’: As Demand Grows, DOT Still Won’t Finish Bike Lane on Dangerous Brooklyn Road,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-04-03
1
Jo Anne Simon Urges Safety Boosting Speed Limiter Technology Use▸Apr 1 - After a crash killed a mother and two daughters in Gravesend, advocates and Council Member Shahana Hanif rallied for the Stop Super Speeders bill. The law would force repeat reckless drivers to use speed-limiting tech. Survivors demand action. Lawmakers promise change.
On April 1, 2025, Council Member Shahana Hanif joined a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall demanding passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill. The bill, sponsored in Albany by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, would require drivers with repeated violations to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices. These devices cap speed at 5 mph over the limit for those with 11 or more license points in 24 months or six camera tickets in a year. The rally followed a fatal Gravesend crash that killed a mother and her two daughters. Hanif and other lawmakers called current enforcement—ticketing, suspensions, fines, jail—ineffective. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, 'The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.' The bill is modeled on EU and Virginia laws. Some opposition remains, but supporters say the measure is urgent and practical.
-
‘Enough is enough’: Street safety advocates demand passage of ‘Stop Super Speeders’ bill after tragic Gravesend crash,
brooklynpaper.com,
Published 2025-04-01
Apr 3 - A car turned left on Court Street. A four-year-old crossed with the signal. The bumper struck his leg. His knee crushed. The driver failed to yield. Steel met flesh. A child lay broken.
A four-year-old boy was struck and injured while crossing Court Street at Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the child crossed with the signal when a car turned left and hit him, crushing his knee. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors. The boy remained conscious after the crash. The driver’s failure to yield is called out in the official account. No other injuries were reported.
3
Simon Backs Safety Boosting Ashland Place Bike Lane▸Apr 3 - Brooklyn’s Ashland Place stays deadly. DOT delays a promised bike lane. Elected officials and residents demand action. Private interests block progress. Cyclists face crashes and fear. The city shrugs. The gap remains. Lives hang in the balance.
On April 3, 2025, a coalition of Brooklyn officials—including Council Members Crystal Hudson, Shahana Hanif, Lincoln Restler, Assembly Members Andrew Gounardes, Jo Anne Simon, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso—sent a letter urging DOT to finish the protected bike lane on Ashland Place. The letter called the block a 'missing link in Brooklyn’s protected bike lane network.' Brooklyn Community Board 2 backed the demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Borough Commissioner Keith Bray offered only vague replies. The block’s exclusion traces to a mayoral advisor’s intervention for developer Two Trees. Advocates like Kathy Park Price slammed the city: 'Private interests are able to redesign our streets, prioritizing vehicles over safety at a critical corridor.' Despite unanimous support, DOT keeps the street dangerous. The city’s inaction leaves cyclists exposed and the community frustrated.
-
‘Crashland’: As Demand Grows, DOT Still Won’t Finish Bike Lane on Dangerous Brooklyn Road,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2025-04-03
1
Jo Anne Simon Urges Safety Boosting Speed Limiter Technology Use▸Apr 1 - After a crash killed a mother and two daughters in Gravesend, advocates and Council Member Shahana Hanif rallied for the Stop Super Speeders bill. The law would force repeat reckless drivers to use speed-limiting tech. Survivors demand action. Lawmakers promise change.
On April 1, 2025, Council Member Shahana Hanif joined a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall demanding passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill. The bill, sponsored in Albany by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, would require drivers with repeated violations to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices. These devices cap speed at 5 mph over the limit for those with 11 or more license points in 24 months or six camera tickets in a year. The rally followed a fatal Gravesend crash that killed a mother and her two daughters. Hanif and other lawmakers called current enforcement—ticketing, suspensions, fines, jail—ineffective. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, 'The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.' The bill is modeled on EU and Virginia laws. Some opposition remains, but supporters say the measure is urgent and practical.
-
‘Enough is enough’: Street safety advocates demand passage of ‘Stop Super Speeders’ bill after tragic Gravesend crash,
brooklynpaper.com,
Published 2025-04-01
Apr 3 - Brooklyn’s Ashland Place stays deadly. DOT delays a promised bike lane. Elected officials and residents demand action. Private interests block progress. Cyclists face crashes and fear. The city shrugs. The gap remains. Lives hang in the balance.
On April 3, 2025, a coalition of Brooklyn officials—including Council Members Crystal Hudson, Shahana Hanif, Lincoln Restler, Assembly Members Andrew Gounardes, Jo Anne Simon, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Borough President Antonio Reynoso—sent a letter urging DOT to finish the protected bike lane on Ashland Place. The letter called the block a 'missing link in Brooklyn’s protected bike lane network.' Brooklyn Community Board 2 backed the demand. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Borough Commissioner Keith Bray offered only vague replies. The block’s exclusion traces to a mayoral advisor’s intervention for developer Two Trees. Advocates like Kathy Park Price slammed the city: 'Private interests are able to redesign our streets, prioritizing vehicles over safety at a critical corridor.' Despite unanimous support, DOT keeps the street dangerous. The city’s inaction leaves cyclists exposed and the community frustrated.
- ‘Crashland’: As Demand Grows, DOT Still Won’t Finish Bike Lane on Dangerous Brooklyn Road, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-04-03
1
Jo Anne Simon Urges Safety Boosting Speed Limiter Technology Use▸Apr 1 - After a crash killed a mother and two daughters in Gravesend, advocates and Council Member Shahana Hanif rallied for the Stop Super Speeders bill. The law would force repeat reckless drivers to use speed-limiting tech. Survivors demand action. Lawmakers promise change.
On April 1, 2025, Council Member Shahana Hanif joined a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall demanding passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill. The bill, sponsored in Albany by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, would require drivers with repeated violations to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices. These devices cap speed at 5 mph over the limit for those with 11 or more license points in 24 months or six camera tickets in a year. The rally followed a fatal Gravesend crash that killed a mother and her two daughters. Hanif and other lawmakers called current enforcement—ticketing, suspensions, fines, jail—ineffective. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, 'The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.' The bill is modeled on EU and Virginia laws. Some opposition remains, but supporters say the measure is urgent and practical.
-
‘Enough is enough’: Street safety advocates demand passage of ‘Stop Super Speeders’ bill after tragic Gravesend crash,
brooklynpaper.com,
Published 2025-04-01
Apr 1 - After a crash killed a mother and two daughters in Gravesend, advocates and Council Member Shahana Hanif rallied for the Stop Super Speeders bill. The law would force repeat reckless drivers to use speed-limiting tech. Survivors demand action. Lawmakers promise change.
On April 1, 2025, Council Member Shahana Hanif joined a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall demanding passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill. The bill, sponsored in Albany by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, would require drivers with repeated violations to install intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices. These devices cap speed at 5 mph over the limit for those with 11 or more license points in 24 months or six camera tickets in a year. The rally followed a fatal Gravesend crash that killed a mother and her two daughters. Hanif and other lawmakers called current enforcement—ticketing, suspensions, fines, jail—ineffective. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said, 'The speed limiter technology is available to us. Let’s use it. It will save lives.' The bill is modeled on EU and Virginia laws. Some opposition remains, but supporters say the measure is urgent and practical.
- ‘Enough is enough’: Street safety advocates demand passage of ‘Stop Super Speeders’ bill after tragic Gravesend crash, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2025-04-01