Morgan Avenue: Blood on the Asphalt, Silence from City Hall

Nov 6 - A sedan struck a box truck on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The sedan driver, 31, suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries. Police cited unsafe lane changing and failure to yield right-of-way. The driver was not ejected but went into shock.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old male sedan driver collided with a box truck on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The sedan impacted the truck's center front end with its left rear bumper. The driver sustained upper arm and shoulder injuries and was in shock at the scene. The report lists unsafe lane changing and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound and going straight ahead before the crash. The sedan had two occupants, and the truck had one. The sedan driver was licensed and not ejected from the vehicle. No other safety equipment or victim actions were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4677239 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 6 - City and Lyft will double e-bikes and cap prices, but leave most neighborhoods stranded. No new public money. Electrification pilot starts. Advocates slam lack of expansion. Riders outside core zones stay shut out. System grows in power, not reach.

On November 6, 2023, the Adams Administration and Lyft announced amendments to the Citi Bike contract, which runs through 2029. The deal, covered in Streetsblog NYC, doubles e-bikes from 10,000 to 20,000 and adds new and replacement classic bikes. The matter summary states, 'No system expansion... you're not going to be able to ride the bikes anywhere new because system expansion was not part of the amendment agreement.' Council members were not directly named, but Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso praised electrification, saying, 'This is exactly the direction we should be moving in—toward greener, safer, and more accessible micromobility options for New Yorkers.' John Tomac of Bike South Brooklyn condemned the lack of expansion: 'We're disappointed that you still can’t ride a Citi Bike in most of New York City.' The contract introduces price caps but avoids public funding. The city’s refusal to expand or subsidize Citi Bike leaves many vulnerable road users in transit deserts, with safer, greener options still out of reach.

• What We Get — And Don’t Get — In The New Citi Bike Deal, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-11-06

Nov 5 - Unlicensed man, drunk, veered on BQE. His sedan struck an SUV. Woman behind the wheel took a hit to the chest. She suffered shock. Both cars scarred. System failed to keep danger off the road.

According to the police report, a westbound sedan driven by an unlicensed male struck the left rear bumper of a westbound SUV on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The SUV’s 31-year-old female driver suffered chest injuries and shock. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. Driver errors include operating without a valid license and unsafe lane change by the sedan driver. The SUV driver’s actions are not cited as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained damage to their sides and fronts.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4677094 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 3 - Two sedans traveling east collided on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The left side of one vehicle struck the right front of the other. A 22-year-old male passenger suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries. Defective brakes contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans collided while both were traveling straight ahead on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The point of impact was the left side doors of one vehicle and the right front bumper of the other. A 22-year-old male occupant in the left rear passenger seat was injured, sustaining shoulder and upper arm injuries and experiencing shock. The passenger was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists defective brakes as a contributing factor to the crash. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4676047 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 31 - A motorcycle and SUV collided while parked on North 12 Street. Both drivers, a man and a woman, suffered injuries and shock. Impact crushed the motorcycle’s back and the SUV’s front. No pedestrians or cyclists involved.

According to the police report, a motorcycle and a sport utility vehicle collided while both were parked on North 12 Street near Driggs Avenue in Brooklyn. The motorcycle, driven by a 44-year-old man, was struck at its center back end. The SUV, driven by a 33-year-old woman, was damaged at its center front end. Both drivers suffered unspecified injuries and shock. The report lists contributing factors as 'Unspecified' for both drivers. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No ejections occurred, and no details on safety equipment were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675388 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 31 - A 68-year-old front-seat passenger suffered neck injuries in a crash on Devoe Street. A sedan traveling south was struck in the right rear quarter panel by an SUV going west. The passenger complained of whiplash but was conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Devoe Street was hit in the right rear quarter panel by an SUV traveling west. The collision resulted from the SUV driver's disregard of traffic control. The sedan carried a 68-year-old female front passenger who was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. She was conscious and wearing a lap belt at the time. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The impact damaged the right front bumper of the sedan and the right rear quarter panel of the SUV.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675858 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 30 - An e-bike struck a 28-year-old man crossing Grand Street in Brooklyn. The rider was distracted and improperly used the lane. The pedestrian suffered a back contusion but remained conscious. The crash happened near Vandervort Avenue in the early morning.

According to the police report, an e-bike traveling east on Grand Street collided with a pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk near Vandervort Avenue. The 28-year-old male pedestrian sustained a back contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists driver errors including "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as contributing factors. The impact occurred at the center front end of the e-bike. No safety equipment or pedestrian fault is noted. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk, but the report highlights the rider's improper lane use and distraction as primary causes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675120 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 29 - A sedan turned right and struck a 23-year-old cyclist. The crash threw him from his bike. He suffered a bruised back. Police cite improper lane use by the driver. The cyclist survived. The street stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a 2018 Jeep sedan making a right turn on Manhattan Avenue in Brooklyn collided with a southbound 23-year-old male bicyclist. The cyclist was partially ejected and suffered back contusions. Police list "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as the contributing factor. The sedan's left front bumper hit the center back end of the bike. The cyclist's safety equipment status is unknown. The driver was licensed. The crash left the vulnerable cyclist injured. No fault is assigned to the cyclist in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4674805 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 29 - A 33-year-old woman was hit by a sedan while crossing a marked crosswalk on Berry Street. The driver, distracted and inattentive, struck her with the vehicle’s right front bumper. She suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was left in shock.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Berry Street struck a 33-year-old female pedestrian crossing at a marked crosswalk. The pedestrian was injured in the knee and lower leg area and complained of pain and nausea. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor twice, indicating the driver failed to maintain proper attention. The point of impact was the vehicle’s right front bumper. The pedestrian was not at fault and was crossing without a signal. No safety equipment or helmet was noted. The driver’s distraction caused the collision, resulting in serious injury to the vulnerable pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4674686 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 29 - A 40-year-old male bicyclist was injured on Calyer Street in Brooklyn. The sedan and bike collided as the driver disregarded traffic control and failed to yield right-of-way. The cyclist suffered abrasions and leg injuries but was conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Calyer Street in Brooklyn involving a sedan and a bicycle. The bicyclist, a 40-year-old man, was injured with abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists the driver’s errors as 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment and was not ejected from the bike. The sedan, a 2022 Kia, was traveling east while the bike was heading north. The impact was at the center front end of the bike. The bicyclist remained conscious after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4674678 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 27 - A sedan hit a cyclist head-on at Grand and Roebling. The cyclist, 31, was ejected and suffered a fractured, dislocated arm. Police cite failure to yield. The driver was licensed. The crash left the cyclist conscious but badly hurt.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Grand Street in Brooklyn struck a 31-year-old male bicyclist head-on near Roebling Street. The impact ejected the cyclist, causing a fractured, distorted, and dislocated elbow and lower arm. The cyclist was conscious after the crash but seriously injured. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The sedan was driven by a licensed female driver. No other contributing factors, such as helmet use or signaling, were noted. The crash underscores the danger when drivers fail to yield to people on bikes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4674772 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 27 - A town hall to attack Vision Zero was scrapped after a tow truck driver killed a 7-year-old boy near Fort Greene Park. Borough President Reynoso and Council Member Hudson withdrew, saying the meeting would send the wrong message. The church canceled. Grief and anger filled the street.

On October 27, 2023, a planned anti-Vision Zero town hall was canceled in Brooklyn. The event, organized by Vision Zero opponents, was set to criticize the city's road safety program. But after a tow truck driver killed 7-year-old Kamei Hughes near Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Council Member Crystal Hudson withdrew. In their open letter, they wrote, 'Holding a forum where Vision Zero will be criticized in the neighborhood next to where a young boy’s life was lost to traffic violence sends the wrong message to the community and to our borough.' The church, led by Rev. Anthony Trufant, canceled the meeting. Local residents called for more enforcement against reckless drivers. The tragedy underscored the stakes: pedestrian deaths are down, but the toll of traffic violence remains high.

• Anti-Vision Zero Town Hall Postponed After Pols Bail Following Little Boy’s Death, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-27

Oct 27 - A child died under the wheels of an NYPD tow truck. The mayor dodged questions. He said, “I love New York.” He left. Grieving parents and officials demanded action. The city’s promises rang hollow. Trust in leadership cracked. Streets stayed dangerous.

On October 27, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams faced questions after a 7-year-old was killed by an NYPD tow-truck driver. The event followed his administration’s interruption of several safe street projects. When pressed by a Streetsblog reporter—'Why should New Yorkers trust you to make the city’s streets safer?'—Adams replied, 'I love New York, I love New York,' and left without a substantive answer. The matter, as reported, centers on public frustration: 'Adams had previously promised to do "whatever it takes to keep our streets safe" after the child’s death.' Council Member Crystal Hudson and Borough President Antonio Reynoso called for urgent safety improvements. A Brooklyn parent’s letter demanding action drew 1,800 signatures in days. The mayor’s silence deepened distrust. The city’s vulnerable remain at risk.

• Asked About Street Safety After Child’s Death, Mayor Says, ‘I Love New York!’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-27

Oct 27 - A police tow truck driver struck and killed 7-year-old Kamei Hughes in Fort Greene. Witnesses say the driver used a phone. Charges followed. Councilmember Hudson called to expand, not question, street safety programs. A community meeting was postponed after the tragedy.

On October 27, 2023, a fatal crash in Council District 35 left a 7-year-old boy dead. The driver, an NYPD Traffic Enforcement Agent, faces charges for failing to yield and exercise due care. The incident drew swift response from Councilmember Crystal Hudson, who, alongside Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, withdrew from a planned community meeting meant to critique Open Streets and Vision Zero. Their joint statement read, 'this is not the time to rethink a street safety program that has brought traffic deaths to historic lows in New York City,' and called for expanding, not reconsidering, safety measures. The meeting was postponed out of respect for the victim and to underscore the need for stronger protections for vulnerable road users.

• NYPD tow truck driver arrested after fatally striking 7-year-old boy in Fort Greene, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-10-27

Oct 26 - A city tow truck driver struck and killed a 7-year-old boy near Fort Greene Park. Witnesses saw reckless driving. The city exempts itself from daylighting laws. Council Member Hudson and residents demand action. The district faces high crash rates and weak safety measures.

On October 26, 2023, a 7-year-old boy was killed by an NYPD tow truck driver in Brooklyn. The crash happened near Fort Greene Park, where witnesses reported the driver was speeding, using her phone, and dragged the child before stopping. The intersection’s visibility was blocked by a legally parked car, as New York City exempts itself from state daylighting rules. Council Member Crystal Hudson visited the scene, spoke with police and residents, and acknowledged a pattern of reckless tow truck driving. Hudson said, 'This is the worst possible outcome, and, yet, we are forced to reckon with the worst possible outcome at the hands of the NYPD all too often.' Residents demanded speed bumps and crossing guards. The crash came as the Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program expired and crossing guard positions were cut. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso called for an end to 'senseless traffic violence.' The district has a high rate of crashes and a history of resistance to safety improvements.

• Every Parent’s Nightmare: Child Killed by NYPD Tow Truck Driver in Brooklyn, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-26

Oct 25 - A moped and a bike collided head-on on Williamsburg Street West in Brooklyn. Both drivers were injured. The bicyclist was ejected and suffered head injuries. The moped driver sustained arm injuries. Driver inattention and distraction caused the crash.

According to the police report, a moped traveling east and a bike traveling west collided on Williamsburg Street West near Keap Street in Brooklyn. The bicyclist, a 41-year-old man, was ejected from his bike and suffered head contusions. The moped driver, a 19-year-old man, remained on his vehicle but sustained bruises to his elbow and lower arm. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with driver inexperience for the bicyclist. The moped driver was licensed, while the bicyclist was unlicensed. Both drivers were wearing helmets. The impact occurred at the center front ends of both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673891 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 25 - A 48-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured in a collision with an SUV on Marcy Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV driver started from parking and hit the cyclist going straight north. The cyclist suffered bruises and arm injuries.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Marcy Avenue in Brooklyn involving a station wagon/SUV and a bicyclist. The SUV driver was starting from a parking spot when he struck the bicyclist traveling north. The bicyclist, a 48-year-old man, was ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The SUV driver was licensed; the bicyclist was unlicensed. The impact occurred at the center front end of both vehicles. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted. The bicyclist remained conscious after the crash but was injured seriously enough to be documented.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673890 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 25 - A sedan struck a motorcycle on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn. Two passengers in the sedan suffered head injuries and whiplash. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed. The sedan driver failed to yield right-of-way. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn involving a sedan and a motorcycle. The sedan was traveling west, and the motorcycle south, both going straight ahead. The sedan driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing the crash. Two sedan passengers, a 33-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man, were injured with head trauma and whiplash. Both were conscious and wearing lap belts. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed. The sedan sustained damage to its right front quarter panel; the motorcycle was damaged at its center front end. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. No other factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673853 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 25 - A motorscooter driver fractured her elbow and hand after colliding with the right rear quarter panel of an SUV on Metropolitan Avenue. The scooter was making a right turn. The SUV showed no damage. The rider wore a helmet and remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old female motorscooter driver was injured when her scooter struck the right rear quarter panel of a 2020 SUV on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn. The scooter was making a right turn at the time of the crash. The rider suffered fractures and dislocations to her elbow, lower arm, and hand but was not ejected and remained conscious. The SUV, carrying two occupants, was traveling straight ahead and showed no damage. The report lists "Other Vehicular" as a contributing factor but does not specify driver errors or violations. The injured rider was wearing a helmet. No fault or blame is assigned to the victim.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4674641 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 23 - A truck turned left on Morgan Avenue. A cyclist rode straight. Steel hit flesh. The rider, 23, flew and crashed. His leg split open. His knee burst. No helmet. Blood on blacktop. The truck kept rolling. The street stayed silent.

A truck making a left turn struck a cyclist traveling straight near 222 Morgan Avenue in Brooklyn. The 23-year-old cyclist was ejected and suffered severe injuries to his knee and lower leg, including a severe burn. According to the police report, 'A truck turned left. A bike came straight. Steel met skin. The cyclist, 23, flew. His leg tore open. His knee split.' The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but the report centers driver inattention and poor visibility as primary causes. The crash left the cyclist conscious but badly hurt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673366 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19