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

Aug 19 - A Tesla sedan pulled from parking and hit a 26-year-old bicyclist going straight west on South 4 Street. The cyclist suffered back injuries and whiplash. The driver was distracted and inexperienced. The cyclist wore a helmet and remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 2023 Tesla sedan driver pulled out from parking and collided with a bicyclist traveling straight west on South 4 Street in Brooklyn. The bicyclist, a 26-year-old male, sustained back injuries and whiplash but was conscious and wearing a helmet. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with driver inexperience. The sedan struck the bike at the right front quarter panel, damaging both vehicles. The bicyclist was not ejected and was the sole occupant of the bike. The sedan had one licensed male driver. No other factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4656298 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 19 - A motorcycle struck the left rear quarter panel of a sedan traveling east on Bedford Avenue. The motorcyclist, a 24-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash. The sedan driver failed to yield right-of-way. Both drivers were licensed and conscious.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling north collided with the left rear quarter panel of a sedan going east on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. The motorcyclist, a 24-year-old male occupant, was injured with back pain and whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious. The sedan driver, also male and licensed, was going straight ahead at the time of impact. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655369 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 18 - A 23-year-old motorcyclist slammed into two SUVs on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. He was ejected, fracturing his hip and leg. Police cite close following and bad lane use. SUVs took damage to their right sides.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected after colliding with two SUVs on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. He suffered a fractured and dislocated hip and upper leg. Both SUVs were damaged on their right sides. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet. Driver errors around close following and improper lane use played a role in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655964 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 18 - A taxi parked on Montrose Avenue was struck from behind by a truck traveling east. The taxi driver suffered neck injuries and shock. Police cited driver inattention as a contributing factor. The truck showed no damage. The taxi’s rear was damaged.

According to the police report, a taxi was parked on Montrose Avenue in Brooklyn when it was rear-ended by a truck traveling east. The taxi driver, a 40-year-old man, was injured with neck pain and experienced shock. He was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor to the crash. The truck driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The taxi sustained damage to its center back end, while the truck showed no damage. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655365 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 18 - A 28-year-old male driver suffered back injuries and whiplash after his SUV rear-ended a sedan on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The crash happened at 7:30 a.m. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway involving a 2022 SUV and a 2021 sedan, both traveling east. The SUV driver, a 28-year-old man, was injured with back pain and whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report cites "Following Too Closely" and "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle" as contributing factors. The SUV struck the sedan at the center front end, while the sedan was impacted at the center back end. The SUV driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655065 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 18 - Assembly bill A 7979 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets triggers a speed limiter. Lawmakers move to curb repeat danger. No more unchecked speeding. Streets demand it.

Assembly bill A 7979, now in sponsorship, sits before the New York State Assembly. Introduced August 18, 2023, it '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.' Assemblymember Emily Gallagher leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, Tony Simone, Jo Anne Simon, and others. The bill aims to force chronic speeders to slow down. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear: rein in repeat offenders, protect those outside the car.

• File A 7979, Open States, Published 2023-08-18

Aug 17 - DOT unveiled a watered-down redesign for McGuinness Boulevard. Protected bike lanes will run the length, but car lanes stay for peak hours. Advocates call it less safe. Restler and others back the compromise. The fight for real safety continues.

"We look forward to continuing to work with the Administration, the Department of Transportation, and our community to make North Brooklyn’s streets safer for all" -- Antonio Reynoso

On August 17, 2023, Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33) joined other officials in announcing a compromise redesign for McGuinness Boulevard. The Department of Transportation's new plan, described as a 'compromised version,' adds protected bike lanes but keeps two car lanes during peak hours from Calyer Street to the Pulaski Bridge. The matter, titled 'Relief in Greenpoint as compromise reached on McGuinness Boulevard redesign,' reflects years of advocacy for safer streets. Restler, along with Borough President Reynoso and others, welcomed the changes and pledged to push for swift implementation. Advocacy group Make McGuinness Safe criticized the compromise as 'less effective and less safe,' blaming business opposition for watering down the original plan. The compromise marks a partial win for vulnerable road users, but falls short of the full road diet advocates demanded.

• Relief in Greenpoint as compromise reached on McGuinness Boulevard redesign, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-08-17

Aug 16 - A sedan struck an e-bike carrying two northbound on Union Avenue in Brooklyn. The e-bike passenger, a 34-year-old woman, suffered knee and lower leg fractures. The driver failed to yield and improperly used the lane, causing the crash.

According to the police report, a 2022 Kia sedan starting from parking collided with an e-bike traveling north on Union Avenue in Brooklyn. The impact occurred at the sedan's left front bumper and the e-bike's center front end. The e-bike carried two occupants; the left rear passenger, a 34-year-old woman, was injured with fractures and dislocations to her knee and lower leg. The report lists driver errors as 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper.' The injured passenger was wearing a helmet. The sedan driver was licensed in New York. The crash highlights dangerous driver behavior leading to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4656422 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 16 - A motorcycle struck the left side doors of an SUV traveling east on Grand Street in Brooklyn. The motorcycle driver, a 40-year-old man, suffered chest injuries and shock. Police cited driver inattention and inexperience as factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling north collided with the left side doors of an eastbound SUV on Grand Street in Brooklyn. The motorcycle driver, a 40-year-old male wearing a helmet, sustained chest injuries and was in shock at the scene. The report lists driver inattention and driver inexperience as contributing factors. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The impact caused damage to the center front end of the SUV and the left side doors of the motorcycle. No ejections occurred. The motorcycle driver complained of pain and nausea following the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4654966 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 16 - Mayor Adams approved a diluted redesign for McGuinness Boulevard. Protected bike lanes will come, but car lanes stay open during peak hours. The plan falls short of full safety measures. The road remains dangerous. Victims still count. No one is satisfied.

On August 16, 2023, Mayor Adams announced a compromise redesign for McGuinness Boulevard, a notorious Brooklyn corridor. The Department of Transportation will install curbside protected bike lanes and reduce car lanes from two to one in each direction on most of the strip. However, north of Calyer Street, two lanes for cars will remain open during weekdays, reverting to parking lanes at night and on weekends. The plan, shaped after lobbying by business interests and mayoral adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin, mixes two previous DOT proposals. Mayoral spokesman Charles Lutvak said, 'Traffic safety is a key priority for Mayor Adams, and we are delivering with a redesign of McGuinness Boulevard that will make this corridor safer for all road users.' Local officials, including Council Member Lincoln Restler, called it a 'critical step' but noted it lacks key safety elements. The compromise leaves gaps. Since 2021, 62 people have been injured on this stretch. The carnage continues.

• Mayor Adams Signs Off On Compromise for Deadly McGuinness Blvd.; No One Truly Happy, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-16

Aug 16 - Mayor Adams approved a diluted redesign for McGuinness Boulevard. Protected bike lanes will come, but car lanes stay open during peak hours. The plan falls short of full safety measures. The road remains dangerous. Victims still count. No one is satisfied.

On August 16, 2023, Mayor Adams announced a compromise redesign for McGuinness Boulevard, a notorious Brooklyn corridor. The Department of Transportation will install curbside protected bike lanes and reduce car lanes from two to one in each direction on most of the strip. However, north of Calyer Street, two lanes for cars will remain open during weekdays, reverting to parking lanes at night and on weekends. The plan, shaped after lobbying by business interests and mayoral adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin, mixes two previous DOT proposals. Mayoral spokesman Charles Lutvak said, 'Traffic safety is a key priority for Mayor Adams, and we are delivering with a redesign of McGuinness Boulevard that will make this corridor safer for all road users.' Local officials, including Council Member Lincoln Restler, called it a 'critical step' but noted it lacks key safety elements. The compromise leaves gaps. Since 2021, 62 people have been injured on this stretch. The carnage continues.

• Mayor Adams Signs Off On Compromise for Deadly McGuinness Blvd.; No One Truly Happy, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-16

Aug 16 - Mayor Adams approved a diluted redesign for McGuinness Boulevard. Protected bike lanes will come, but car lanes stay open during peak hours. The plan falls short of full safety measures. The road remains dangerous. Victims still count. No one is satisfied.

On August 16, 2023, Mayor Adams announced a compromise redesign for McGuinness Boulevard, a notorious Brooklyn corridor. The Department of Transportation will install curbside protected bike lanes and reduce car lanes from two to one in each direction on most of the strip. However, north of Calyer Street, two lanes for cars will remain open during weekdays, reverting to parking lanes at night and on weekends. The plan, shaped after lobbying by business interests and mayoral adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin, mixes two previous DOT proposals. Mayoral spokesman Charles Lutvak said, 'Traffic safety is a key priority for Mayor Adams, and we are delivering with a redesign of McGuinness Boulevard that will make this corridor safer for all road users.' Local officials, including Council Member Lincoln Restler, called it a 'critical step' but noted it lacks key safety elements. The compromise leaves gaps. Since 2021, 62 people have been injured on this stretch. The carnage continues.

• Mayor Adams Signs Off On Compromise for Deadly McGuinness Blvd.; No One Truly Happy, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-16

Aug 14 - Two sedans collided on McGuinness Boulevard in Brooklyn. One driver was injured, suffering chest trauma and shock. Both vehicles struck front to back. The parked car was hit from behind by the moving sedan. No visible complaints reported.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on McGuinness Boulevard in Brooklyn. One driver, a 49-year-old male occupant of the moving vehicle, was injured with chest trauma and shock. The moving sedan was traveling east and struck the rear of a parked sedan. The point of impact was the center front end of the moving vehicle and the center back end of the parked vehicle. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified, with no clear driver errors noted. The injured driver was not ejected and had no visible complaints at the scene. Both vehicles sustained damage consistent with a rear-end collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4654280 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 13 - A 63-year-old man driving a sedan in Brooklyn was injured when his vehicle struck another car while backing unsafely. The impact caused hip and upper leg injuries and whiplash. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, a 63-year-old male driver in Brooklyn was injured when his sedan collided with another vehicle while entering a parked position. The report lists 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The driver sustained hip and upper leg injuries and complained of whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious. The collision involved the left front bumper of the moving sedan and the right front bumper of a parked vehicle. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt at the time of the crash. No other occupants or pedestrians were reported injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653591 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 12 - An 11-year-old girl playing in the roadway was hit by a sedan traveling east on Taylor Street in Brooklyn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The girl suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Taylor Street in Brooklyn struck an 11-year-old female pedestrian who was playing in the roadway outside an intersection. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor. The vehicle’s point of impact was the left front bumper, yet no vehicle damage was recorded. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653441 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 12 - A sedan struck a 37-year-old female bicyclist on Manhattan Avenue. The cyclist suffered bruises and injuries to her elbow and lower arm. The driver was inattentive and distracted. The bicyclist remained conscious and was not ejected from her bike.

According to the police report, a sedan parked on Manhattan Avenue collided with a bicyclist traveling south. The bicyclist, a 37-year-old woman, sustained contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The bicyclist's own error or confusion is also noted but no helmet or signaling issues were mentioned. The sedan's right side doors were damaged on impact. The crash highlights the dangers when drivers fail to pay attention to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653342 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 11 - A driver struck a moped rider on McGuinness Boulevard. The rider’s leg broke. Politicians and neighbors demand the mayor act. The city delays a safety plan. The street stays deadly. The call is clear: fix McGuinness now.

On August 11, 2023, Council Member Lincoln Restler and other Northern Brooklyn officials responded to a crash on McGuinness Boulevard, where a driver hit and injured a moped rider. The incident happened near Meeker Avenue, one block from where teacher Matthew Jensen was killed in 2021. The matter, titled 'Locals call for mayor to take immediate action after moped rider injured on McGuinness Boulevard,' highlights the urgent need for the Department of Transportation’s proposed safety redesign. Restler, along with U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, and State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, issued a joint statement: 'Lives are being put at risk. We need immediate action by the Mayor's office to implement the Department of Transportation's proposed safety improvements so that everyone in our community can feel confident that McGuinness Boulevard will not cause more tragedies.' The safety plan remains blocked, leaving vulnerable road users exposed to ongoing danger.

• Locals call for mayor to take ‘immediate action’ after moped rider injured on McGuinness Boulevard, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-08-11

Aug 11 - A driver struck a moped rider on McGuinness Boulevard. The rider’s leg broke. Politicians and neighbors demand the mayor act. The city delays a safety plan. The street stays deadly. The call is clear: fix McGuinness now.

On August 11, 2023, Council Member Lincoln Restler and other Northern Brooklyn officials responded to a crash on McGuinness Boulevard, where a driver hit and injured a moped rider. The incident happened near Meeker Avenue, one block from where teacher Matthew Jensen was killed in 2021. The matter, titled 'Locals call for mayor to take immediate action after moped rider injured on McGuinness Boulevard,' highlights the urgent need for the Department of Transportation’s proposed safety redesign. Restler, along with U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, and State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, issued a joint statement: 'Lives are being put at risk. We need immediate action by the Mayor's office to implement the Department of Transportation's proposed safety improvements so that everyone in our community can feel confident that McGuinness Boulevard will not cause more tragedies.' The safety plan remains blocked, leaving vulnerable road users exposed to ongoing danger.

• Locals call for mayor to take ‘immediate action’ after moped rider injured on McGuinness Boulevard, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-08-11

Aug 11 - A driver struck a moped rider on McGuinness Boulevard. The rider’s leg broke. Politicians and neighbors demand the mayor act. The city delays a safety plan. The street stays deadly. The call is clear: fix McGuinness now.

On August 11, 2023, Council Member Lincoln Restler and other Northern Brooklyn officials responded to a crash on McGuinness Boulevard, where a driver hit and injured a moped rider. The incident happened near Meeker Avenue, one block from where teacher Matthew Jensen was killed in 2021. The matter, titled 'Locals call for mayor to take immediate action after moped rider injured on McGuinness Boulevard,' highlights the urgent need for the Department of Transportation’s proposed safety redesign. Restler, along with U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, and State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, issued a joint statement: 'Lives are being put at risk. We need immediate action by the Mayor's office to implement the Department of Transportation's proposed safety improvements so that everyone in our community can feel confident that McGuinness Boulevard will not cause more tragedies.' The safety plan remains blocked, leaving vulnerable road users exposed to ongoing danger.

• Locals call for mayor to take ‘immediate action’ after moped rider injured on McGuinness Boulevard, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-08-11

Aug 11 - City officials slam a developer’s push to add 95 parking spaces in Downtown Brooklyn. They call it dangerous and wasteful. The site sits by major transit and a new bike lane. Leaders demand housing, not more cars, to protect people on foot and bike.

On August 11, 2023, city officials and advocates opposed a plan to expand a parking lot at Schermerhorn and Hoyt streets in Downtown Brooklyn. The proposal, by Edison Properties, would add 95 parking spaces. Dan Garodnick, chair of the City Planning Commission, called the site 'ideal for housing.' Council Member Lincoln Restler, who represents the area, stated he is an unequivocal 'no' on the expansion and wants a use that benefits the community. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso urged the city to discourage private vehicles, citing high pedestrian traffic and strong transit access. City Planning Commissioner Juan Camilo Osorio highlighted policies to cut car use and decarbonize the city. Officials warn that more parking means more cars and more danger for people walking and biking, especially after a major bike lane was added to Schermerhorn Street.

• City Wants More Housing, Not Parking, in Downtown Brooklyn, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-11