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

Jun 5 - A driver killed Teddy Orzechowski, 73, on Driggs Avenue. Neighbors gathered at the site. They mourned. They demanded action. Streets once safe for walking and biking now funnel cars. Officials pledged change. Locals want redesign, not more deaths.

On June 3, 2023, North Brooklyn residents rallied at Driggs Avenue, where a driver killed cyclist Teddy Orzechowski, 73. The event followed the removal of traffic calming measures, which had once protected pedestrians and cyclists. Chris Roberti, chair of the Safe Streets Committee at Public School 110, called for a 'comprehensive, safe street redesign.' Council Member Lincoln Restler promised to 'push like all hell' for changes at Monitor and Driggs by September. Assembly Member Emily Gallagher blamed state legislators for blocking Sammy's Law, which would let New York City lower speed limits. The rally featured a ghost bike and calls for urgent safety improvements. Locals plan further meetings to press for redesign and protection for vulnerable road users.

• Greenpointers Rally For Safer Streets Where Cyclist, 73, Was Killed, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-05

Jun 5 - Families for Safe Streets rallied outside Speaker Heastie’s office. They demanded action on Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City set its own speed limits. Lawmakers dodged a vote. Grief and anger filled the air. The Assembly stayed silent.

""It's frustrating. So much of the state legislative infrastructure is dedicated to normalizing and absolving drivers of harmful acts committed while driving."" -- Emily Gallagher

On June 5, 2023, supporters of Sammy’s Law gathered outside Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s Bronx office. The bill, which would grant New York City local control over its speed limits, remains stalled in the Assembly. The rally, led by Families for Safe Streets, called out lawmakers for refusing to bring the measure to a vote. Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, a leading advocate, criticized the lack of transparency: 'We are demanding that the Speaker bring this to a vote.' Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz voiced strong support, but others, like Chantel Jackson, hesitated, citing constituent feedback. The bill’s matter summary states it would not mandate lower limits but allow the city to decide. The legislative process left families of crash victims frustrated and angry. The Assembly’s inaction keeps city streets dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Supporters of Sammy’s Law Rally Heastie and Share Frustrations About Assembly’s Inaction on Speed Limit Reduction, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-05

Jun 4 - A man rode west on Conselyea. He struck something head-on. Thrown from his bike, he hit the street. His skull broke. His organs tore. The street stayed quiet. He did not get up.

A 39-year-old man riding a bike west on Conselyea Street near Graham Avenue was killed in a violent crash. According to the police report, he struck something head-on and was thrown from his bike. The report states, 'Skull broken. Organs torn.' The cyclist was unlicensed and wore no helmet. The police list the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No other vehicles or people were reported injured. The crash left the street silent, another life lost to impact and force.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4637331 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 4 - An e-bike carrying two men struck a parked SUV in Brooklyn. Both were ejected, suffering upper arm and facial injuries. The driver was semiconscious. Police cited driver inattention and unsafe speed as causes. The SUV was damaged on its left side.

According to the police report, a 20-year-old male e-bike driver and his 21-year-old male passenger collided with a parked SUV on Throop Avenue in Brooklyn. Both riders were ejected from the e-bike. The driver suffered facial injuries and was semiconscious; the passenger sustained abrasions to his shoulder and upper arm but remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The parked SUV sustained damage to its left side doors. Neither rider wore safety equipment. The crash highlights the dangers of distracted and speeding e-bike operation near parked vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634616 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 4 - A driver killed Teddy Orzechowski, 73, at Driggs and Monitor. The city once protected this street. Neighbors tore down those barriers. Advocates begged for bike lanes. Officials delayed. Now, another cyclist is dead. The street remains dangerous. The blood is on their hands.

On June 4, 2023, a fatal crash at Driggs Avenue and Monitor Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, killed cyclist Teddy Orzechowski, 73. The intersection, once part of an Open Street program, lost its protections after local backlash. Assembly Member Emily Gallagher said, "The community has tried for a bike lane on this exact street & a play street in front of the school, and all were KILLED by backlash. Blood is on our hands. Shame on us." Advocates like Noel Hidalgo and Bronwyn Breitner called out city delays and DOT inaction. The Department of Transportation made minor changes but failed to stand up to opposition. Proposals for bike lanes stalled. The dismantling of safety measures left vulnerable road users exposed. The death highlights the deadly cost of caving to anti-safety voices and the urgent need for real protection.

• Greenpoint Crash Kills Cyclist At a Former Open Street that Opponents Dismantled, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-04

Jun 1 - A 6-year-old boy was struck by an SUV while crossing Moore Street in Brooklyn. The child suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The driver’s view was obstructed, contributing to the crash. The boy was conscious and injured but not ejected.

According to the police report, a 6-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2022 Ford SUV traveling west on Moore Street struck him at the center front end. The child was crossing outside an intersection without a signal or crosswalk. The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor, indicating the driver failed to see the pedestrian in time. The pedestrian suffered abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but remained conscious. The vehicle showed no damage. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by limited driver visibility in Brooklyn.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634074 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 1 - Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-06-01

Jun 1 - Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-06-01

May 31 - Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2023-05-31

May 31 - Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2023-05-31

May 30 - A 21-year-old man was struck while working in the roadway in Brooklyn. The sedan hit him at the center front end. He suffered a fractured hip and upper leg. The driver failed to yield and was distracted. The pedestrian was conscious but injured.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old male pedestrian was injured while working in the roadway near Montrose Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was struck by a sedan traveling eastbound, which impacted him at the center front end. The pedestrian sustained a fracture and dislocation to his hip and upper leg and remained conscious after the crash. The report lists driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was not cited for any contributing factors. The collision also involved a garbage truck, but the primary impact was from the sedan. The driver’s distraction and failure to yield created the conditions for this serious injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634065 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 29 - A GMC SUV struck a northbound e-scooter on South 3 Street. The e-scooter driver, a 37-year-old man, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited traffic control disregard by the SUV driver. The e-scooter rider was not ejected and wore a helmet.

According to the police report, a 2019 GMC SUV traveling east on South 3 Street collided with a northbound e-scooter. The e-scooter driver, a 37-year-old man, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to obey traffic signals or signs. The e-scooter driver was wearing a helmet and was not ejected from his vehicle. The SUV's point of impact was its right front bumper, while the e-scooter was struck on its left front quarter panel. The e-scooter driver was in shock but had no visible complaints beyond his injuries. The SUV driver was licensed; the e-scooter driver was unlicensed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633122 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 28 - A 37-year-old male bicyclist was ejected after striking a parked sedan on Manhattan Avenue in Brooklyn. He suffered bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The crash happened at night. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet and remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 37-year-old male bicyclist traveling east on Manhattan Avenue collided with a parked 2018 Ford sedan. The bicyclist was ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The report lists contributing factors as "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" and "Unsafe Speed." The sedan was parked and sustained no damage. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet and was conscious after the crash. The point of impact was the right side doors of the bike and the left side doors of the sedan. The driver errors noted involve the bicyclist's confusion and unsafe speed. No driver errors by the sedan operator are indicated.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633125 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 27 - A 44-year-old woman crossing Bedford Avenue with the signal was struck by a sedan traveling east. The vehicle hit her center front end. She suffered a shoulder and upper arm contusion. The driver was distracted. The crash left the pedestrian injured.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old female pedestrian was crossing Bedford Avenue at an intersection with the signal when a 2004 Toyota sedan traveling east struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and bruising to her shoulder and upper arm. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with passenger distraction. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead at the time of impact. The pedestrian was not at fault and was injured while lawfully crossing. The vehicle sustained damage to its center front end.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632984 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 26 - E-scooter slammed into a parked sedan on Eckford Street. The rider, a 27-year-old woman, was thrown and suffered head wounds. Police cite driver inexperience. The sedan sat empty, rear panel crushed.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old woman driving an unlicensed e-scooter north on Eckford Street struck a parked 2022 Honda sedan. She was partially ejected and suffered head injuries with minor bleeding. The report lists 'Driver Inexperience' as the cause. The sedan was unoccupied and damaged on its right rear quarter panel. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The crash happened at 3:50 AM in Brooklyn, zip code 11222. The impact involved the e-scooter's front and the sedan's rear quarter.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632250 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 26 - SUV and sedan crashed head-on in Brooklyn. The sedan driver, 43, took a chest bruise. Police cite failure to yield and tailgating. Metal twisted. The street stayed quiet. Only the injured man spoke.

According to the police report, a sedan and an SUV collided head-on on Meserole Street in Brooklyn at 3:08 a.m. The sedan's 43-year-old male driver suffered a chest contusion but stayed conscious. Both vehicles struck at the left front bumpers. The report lists driver errors: following too closely and failure to yield right-of-way. Both drivers held valid licenses. The sedan driver wore a lap belt and harness. The crash left metal bent and a man hurt. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632209 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 24 - A 5-year-old boy was struck by an SUV while emerging from behind a parked vehicle in Brooklyn. The child suffered a head injury and concussion. The driver, a licensed male, was inexperienced and distracted. The SUV hit the pedestrian with its front center.

According to the police report, a 5-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being struck by a 2020 Ford SUV traveling west on Penn Street in Brooklyn. The child was emerging from in front of or behind a parked vehicle when the collision occurred. The pedestrian sustained a head injury and concussion but remained conscious. The report lists driver inexperience and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The SUV impacted the pedestrian with its center front end. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead. No other factors such as helmet use or pedestrian error were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632011 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 24 - A beverage truck slammed into the back of an SUV on Vandervort Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV’s front passenger, a 68-year-old woman, suffered back injuries and shock. The truck driver was following too closely. Both vehicles were slowing or stopping.

According to the police report, a beverage truck traveling south on Vandervort Avenue rear-ended a southbound SUV. The impact struck the center front end of the truck and the center back end of the SUV. The SUV carried two occupants; the front passenger, a 68-year-old woman, was injured with back pain and shock. She was not ejected and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor, indicating the truck driver failed to maintain a safe distance. Both vehicles were slowing or stopping before the collision. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632009 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 22 - A 26-year-old man on an e-scooter was partially ejected and suffered facial injuries after a collision with a sedan turning right on Grand Street. The scooter rider was in shock with minor bleeding. The crash involved limited driver visibility.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured when his vehicle collided with a sedan making a right turn on Grand Street. The e-scooter rider was partially ejected and sustained facial injuries with minor bleeding. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling northwest, while the e-scooter was going straight west. The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor, indicating impaired visibility played a role. No other driver errors were specified. The injured rider was not using any safety equipment at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4631186 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 22 - A taxi struck an e-scooter rider on Kent Avenue in Brooklyn. The rider was ejected and suffered serious leg injuries. The taxi driver was distracted. The scooter was demolished. The rider was unlicensed and injured but conscious.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling north on Kent Avenue collided with an e-scooter traveling west. The e-scooter rider, a 35-year-old man, was ejected and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The taxi driver, a licensed female, was going straight ahead but was cited for driver inattention or distraction. The e-scooter was demolished on impact. The rider was unlicensed and did not use any safety equipment. The point of impact was the taxi's right front quarter panel and right side doors. The rider remained conscious despite serious injuries. The report lists driver inattention as the contributing factor, with no other factors specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633229 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19