Blood in the Crosswalk: No More Excuses, No More Delays

A bus rolled east on Livingston Street. A baby girl crossed without a signal. The front of the bus struck her. She fell, crushed and silent. Her small form lay still as the bus showed no damage, the street marked by violence.

According to the police report, a bus traveling east on Livingston Street struck a baby girl who was crossing without a signal. The narrative states, 'The front struck her. She fell, crushed and silent. Her whole body broken. The bus showed no damage. The street held her small, still form.' The report lists the pedestrian's action as 'Crossing, No Signal, or Crosswalk' and her location as 'Not at Intersection.' Both contributing factors for the driver and the pedestrian are marked as 'Unspecified.' The bus was going straight ahead at the time of the crash, and the point of impact was the center front end. The baby girl suffered crush injuries to her entire body and was found unconscious. The report does not cite any specific driver errors or additional contributing factors, but the collision underscores the lethal risk posed by large vehicles to vulnerable pedestrians, especially children.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4722151, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A motorcycle tore into a turning car on Flatbush Avenue Extension. Metal crumpled. Blood streaked the rider’s leg. Deep gashes marked his flesh. No helmet. He stayed conscious as the city’s streets showed no mercy.

A 2020 Indian motorcycle collided with a car making a right turn on Flatbush Avenue Extension, according to the police report. The report states the motorcycle 'slammed into a turning car,' with the left front of the motorcycle crushed and the rider suffering severe lacerations to his leg. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passing Too Closely' as contributing factors. The rider, a 31-year-old man, was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, as noted in the report. The narrative describes blood streaking his leg and deep gashes tearing the flesh, yet the rider remained conscious. The impact and injuries reflect the lethal consequences of driver inattention and distraction on New York City streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716013, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Lawsuits stall congestion pricing. Disabled riders lose. Elevators and upgrades freeze. Streets choke. Politicians demand action. Money for accessibility dries up. The city’s most vulnerable wait. Wheelchair users, seniors, parents, all stuck. The system fails those who need it most.

On February 23, 2024, at a press conference, Brooklyn State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon condemned lawsuits blocking the MTA’s congestion pricing plan. The matter, titled 'Congestion Pricing Opponents Are Blocking Disabled Access to Mass Transit, Politicians Charge,' highlights how legal challenges from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, the United Federation of Teachers, and others have forced the MTA to halt critical accessibility upgrades. Gounardes declared, 'That’s not gonna happen if the money’s not there.' The MTA earmarked $6 billion for accessibility, aiming to make 70 stations ADA accessible and modernize 78 elevators. Disability advocates like Elizabeth Valdez and Joe Rappaport stressed that most disabled New Yorkers rely on subways and buses, not private cars. Christopher Schuyler noted congestion pricing would speed up paratransit and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Without funding, the city’s most vulnerable remain stranded.

• Congestion Pricing Opponents Are Blocking Disabled Access to Mass Transit, Politicians Charge, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-23

Three new mid-block crossings now cut across Atlantic Avenue. Signals, ramps, and paint force drivers to slow. Pedestrians gain a fighting chance on Brooklyn’s deadliest stretch. Local leaders push for more. The city’s hand finally moves after years of blood.

On February 5, 2024, Council Member Lincoln Restler announced new mid-block pedestrian crossings on Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn’s so-called 'Boulevard of Death.' The crossings, between Nevins and Bond, Bond and Hoyt, and Hoyt and Smith streets, add crosswalks, traffic lights, and ramps. Restler said, 'These new mid-block crossings will create a greater sense of safety and community for Boerum Hill.' The Department of Transportation acted after Restler and others demanded change following the death of Katherine Harris, killed by a speeding driver. DOT’s study found hundreds of people crossing mid-block every weekend. Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called the project a way to 'enhance safety by better managing traffic.' Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon called the improvements 'a great step forward.' The city has finished installing signals and is completing ramps and crosswalks. Leaders want more: curb extensions, redesigned crossings, and further traffic calming. Atlantic Avenue remains a battleground for the city’s most vulnerable.

• New mid-block crossings on Atlantic Avenue aim to slow cars, increase pedestrian safety on ‘Boulevard of Death’, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-02-05

Steel met flesh on Union Street. An 83-year-old man, crossing with the light, was struck by a turning taxi. Blood pooled. His head split. The cab did not stop. The street did not forgive.

An 83-year-old man was seriously injured at the intersection of Union Street and 6th Avenue in Brooklyn when a taxi making a right turn struck him as he crossed with the signal. According to the police report, the pedestrian was 'crossing with the light' when the collision occurred. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The narrative describes the aftermath: 'Steel meets flesh. He falls. Blood pools on the pavement. Head split. Eyes open. The cab did not stop.' The victim suffered a severe head injury and was conscious at the scene. The police report makes clear the driver failed to yield to a pedestrian lawfully crossing, underscoring the persistent danger faced by New York City’s most vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699808, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A Genesis SUV turned left through a red. A moped rider, unlicensed and unprotected, was thrown and crushed. Blood pooled. A leg shattered. The street did not forgive. The law was ignored. The city bore witness.

According to the police report, a Genesis SUV made a left turn on Carroll Street near Bond Street, disregarding traffic control. At the same moment, a moped was making a right turn. The SUV's driver, licensed, ignored the light, as stated in the report: 'The light was ignored.' The moped rider, a 20-year-old man, was unlicensed and wore no safety equipment. The report details that the rider was ejected and suffered crush injuries to his leg. The contributing factors listed include 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Turning Improperly.' The SUV's left front bumper struck the moped's center front end. The police report paints a stark scene: 'Blood pooled. A leg shattered.' The crash underscores the lethal consequences when drivers disregard traffic signals and turn improperly.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699806, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Seven Brooklyn officials urge DOT to clear cars from corners. They want boulders, planters, and bike corrals—not just paint. Their call follows deadly crashes. They press the city to use state law and federal funds. DOT promises review. Advocates back the push.

On January 17, 2024, seven Brooklyn elected officials—including Council Member Shahana Hanif, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Members Marcela Mitaynes, Jo Anne Simon, Robert Carroll, and State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Andrew Gounardes—issued a joint letter to the NYC Department of Transportation. They called for 'universal daylighting with hardened materials such as boulders, planters, and bike corrals' at intersections. The officials cited recent fatal crashes and urged the city to opt into a state law banning parking within 20 feet of corners. They want federal funds used for these changes. The group opposes DOT’s slow pace and reliance on paint, demanding physical barriers. Community board leaders and advocates support the move. DOT says it will review the letter and remains committed to evidence-based daylighting.

• Seven Brooklyn Electeds Join Growing Calls For Universal Daylighting, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-17

A Jeep lost a tire on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Metal twisted as it slammed forward. Seven inside. In the right rear, a man’s leg was crushed. He wore a harness. He lay still. The road stayed quiet.

According to the police report, a Jeep sedan traveling west on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway lost a tire. The vehicle slammed forward. Metal folded. Seven people were inside. In the right rear seat, a 27-year-old man screamed as his leg was crushed. He wore a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Tire Failure/Inadequate' and 'Outside Car Distraction' as contributing factors. No driver errors such as speeding or failure to yield were cited. The injured passenger suffered severe crush injuries to his lower leg and foot and was in shock. The crash shows the brutal cost of mechanical failure and distraction for those inside.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691871, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A taxi hit a 72-year-old woman crossing Flatbush Avenue at 5th Avenue. The front end crushed her. She died on the street, alone in the dark. By sunrise, the asphalt was still. The city moved on. She did not.

A taxi traveling north on Flatbush Avenue struck a 72-year-old woman as she crossed at 5th Avenue. According to the police report, the front end of the taxi hit her, causing fatal injuries to her entire body. She died at the scene. The report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The woman was crossing against the signal, but the data does not cite this as a contributing factor for the driver. No driver errors such as failure to yield or distraction are listed in the report. The crash left the street quiet by sunrise, marking another loss on Brooklyn’s roads.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4690798, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A Toyota SUV hit a 32-year-old man late at night on Flatbush Avenue Extension. His face split open. Blood ran. He stayed awake. The SUV’s bumper showed no damage. The street was silent. The man was left bleeding, conscious, and hurt.

A Toyota SUV struck a 32-year-old man crossing Flatbush Avenue Extension near Willoughby Street at 11:55 p.m. in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the pedestrian suffered severe facial injuries and heavy bleeding but remained conscious at the scene. The SUV’s left front bumper made contact, yet the vehicle showed no damage. The police report lists the pedestrian’s action as 'Crossing Against Signal' and notes 'Unspecified' as contributing factors. No driver errors are recorded in the data. The crash left a man hurt and bleeding on the street, while the SUV continued on, undamaged.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4685846, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

An SUV turned left on Navy Street. An e-bike rider went straight. Steel struck flesh. The man flew. His head hit pavement. Blood pooled. The driver looked too late. The street fell silent.

A 57-year-old man riding an e-bike was struck by an SUV making a left turn at Navy Street and Hudson Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the SUV driver failed to keep right and was inattentive or distracted. The e-bike rider was ejected and suffered a severe head injury with heavy bleeding. The report states, 'The driver looked too late. The street fell silent.' The crash left the cyclist in shock. The listed driver errors—Failure to Keep Right and Driver Inattention/Distraction—contributed to the impact. No helmet use or signaling is mentioned as a factor in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4679631, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A man on a bike flew from his seat. His arm split open. Blood pooled on Sterling Place. An SUV stood still. A passenger turned, and the crash followed. The street fell silent. Metal did not bend, but flesh did.

A 31-year-old man riding a bike on Sterling Place near 5th Avenue in Brooklyn was ejected and suffered severe lacerations to his arm. According to the police report, the crash involved a bike and a stationary SUV. The report states, 'A passenger turned their head. The crash came from silence, not steel.' The listed contributing factor is 'Passenger Distraction.' The SUV showed no damage. The cyclist was conscious after the crash. No driver errors beyond passenger distraction were recorded. Helmet use was not specified in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4672391, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A young moped rider slammed to the pavement at dawn. His arm crushed. The street fell silent but for distant cars. Driver inattention left him broken, helmeted, awake, bleeding on Flushing Avenue’s hard edge.

A 21-year-old moped rider was ejected and suffered severe arm crush injuries on Flushing Avenue near Williamsburg Street West in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the crash happened at dawn. The moped’s left side was torn. The rider wore a helmet and remained conscious at the scene. Police cite 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No other injuries were reported. The data lists no errors by the moped rider. The helmet is mentioned only as a detail after the driver error.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4665690, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

DOT stripped protected bike lanes from Brooklyn’s Fourth Avenue. Cyclists now dodge cars and illegal parking. Elected officials and advocates demand action. DOT cites traffic, but danger grows. Pedestrians lose safe crossings. The agency stays silent. Streets stay deadly.

On September 18, 2023, a coalition of elected officials and advocates called out the Department of Transportation for removing protected bike lanes on Brooklyn’s Fourth Avenue during construction. The matter, described as 'DOT continues to ignore dangers it created on Brooklyn’s Fourth Ave,' centers on DOT’s decision to replace bike lanes with a second car lane, violating a city law that requires temporary bike lanes during such work. Council Members Lincoln Restler, Alexa Aviles, Shahana Hanif, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, State Senator Andrew Gounardes, Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, and groups like Bike New York and Transportation Alternatives sent a letter demanding the bike lane’s return and physical barriers to stop illegal parking on pedestrian islands. The letter urges DOT to 'ensure curb lanes be preserved for safe cyclist passage' and to 'deploy quick-build physical elements' for pedestrian safety. DOT has not responded. Cyclists and pedestrians remain at risk.

• DOT Continues to Ignore Dangers it Created on Brooklyn’s Fourth Ave, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-18

A sedan hit a 24-year-old cyclist merging south on Kent Avenue. The car’s right front bumper struck him. He flew from his bike. His head split open. Blood pooled. Shock froze him. The street stood silent around the crash.

A 24-year-old cyclist was struck by a sedan while merging south on Kent Avenue. According to the police report, the sedan’s right front bumper hit the cyclist, ejecting him from his bike and causing a severe head injury with heavy bleeding. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet. The police report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor. The data shows the cyclist suffered shock and was left bleeding on the pavement. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to use lanes properly. The helmet is mentioned only because it appears in the police narrative, after the driver’s error.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4657996, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A van slammed into the back of an SUV on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The van’s driver, 48, lost consciousness and died, still belted in. No skid marks. No swerve. Just impact, metal, and silence on a sunlit afternoon.

A van struck the rear of a Toyota SUV on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, westbound. The van’s driver, a 48-year-old man, lost consciousness and died at the scene. According to the police report, 'A van struck the back of a Toyota SUV. The van’s driver, 48, lost consciousness and died belted in. No skid marks. No swerve.' The listed contributing factor is 'Lost Consciousness.' No driver errors such as speeding or distraction are cited in the data. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. No other injuries were reported. The crash left the van’s front and the SUV’s rear damaged, marking another fatal toll on New York City’s roads.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655820, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Assembly bill A 7979 would force drivers with a record of reckless speeding or red-light running to install speed-limiting tech. The bill targets those who rack up points or camera tickets. It aims to keep the most dangerous drivers in check.

Assembly Bill A 7979, now in sponsorship, was introduced on August 19, 2023. The bill sits in the Assembly, awaiting committee action. Its summary reads: 'Requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during an eighteen month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' The primary sponsor is Emily Gallagher (District 50), joined by co-sponsors Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, Tony Simone, Jo Anne Simon, Patricia Fahy, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, MaryJane Shimsky, Yudelka Tapia, Steven Raga, Anna Kelles, Robert C. Carroll, and Sarahana Shrestha. The bill cracks down on repeat offenders, forcing them to install technology that blocks speeding. No safety analyst note is available, but the bill’s intent is clear: rein in drivers who endanger others again and again.

• File A 7979, Open States, Published 2023-08-19

Two sedans slammed together before dawn at Atlantic and Court. Steel tore. An 18-year-old woman, belted in the front seat, died on impact. Sirens came too late. The city woke to loss and twisted metal.

Two sedans collided at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Court Street in Brooklyn before sunrise. An 18-year-old woman, riding as a front-seat passenger, died at the scene. According to the police report, 'Unsafe Speed' was listed as a contributing factor in the crash. The impact left the woman motionless while emergency crews responded. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The victim wore a lap belt and harness, but the force of the collision was fatal. No other injuries were reported in the data. The crash underscores the deadly consequences when speed overtakes safety on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655140, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Civic groups blasted Mayor Adams’s BQE plan. They called it car- and truck-centric. The city wants more lanes and a new off-ramp. Critics say this endangers communities and ignores transit. Local leaders demand fewer cars, safer streets, and real change.

On August 18, 2023, civic groups and local officials criticized Mayor Adams’s Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) plan. The Department of Transportation (DOT) unveiled three concepts for the Atlantic Avenue interchange, restoring three lanes each way and adding a new off-ramp on Hicks Street. The coalition’s letter called this 'extremely misguided.' Former DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman said the proposals 'don’t improve safety, they don’t improve traffic, and they certainly don’t improve any of the surrounding communities.' Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon backed a corridor-wide approach and prolonging the cantilever’s life for better planning. The groups urge immediate repairs, less traffic, and more transit. DOT Press Secretary Vin Barone defended the plan, citing federal funding and green space. The community’s message is clear: the city’s current approach puts vulnerable road users at risk and fails to meet safety or environmental needs.

• Civic Groups Slam Mayor’s ‘Car- and Truck-Centric’ BQE Plan, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-18

Brooklyn officials demand equal tolls on all Manhattan crossings. They warn free bridges funnel traffic into certain neighborhoods. Their letter calls for fairness. The MTA stays silent. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide. Streets hang in the balance.

On July 18, 2023, Council Member Shahana Hanif and other Brooklyn officials called for 'equalized tolling on all crossings into Manhattan' as congestion pricing nears. Their letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board states: 'No one community should disproportionately bear the burden of the cars and trucks passing through their neighborhood.' Hanif, along with Lincoln Restler, Alexa Avilés, Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Crystal Hudson, joined borough, state, and federal colleagues in this push. They propose a credit system to balance costs between DOT bridges and MTA tunnels, aiming to protect neighborhoods like the Brooklyn waterfront and the BQE corridor from traffic surges. The MTA declined comment. The Board will soon set final toll rates and rules. The federal government has approved the congestion pricing plan, with tolls for cars expected between $9 and $23. Over 100 exemption requests, including from taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers, are under review.

• Pols call for ‘equalized tolling’ on all crossings into Manhattan under congestion pricing on eve of board deliberations, amny.com, Published 2023-07-18