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

Mar 18 - A motorcycle struck the left front quarter panel of a sedan changing lanes on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The motorcyclist was partially ejected and suffered knee, lower leg, and foot injuries. Driver distraction was a factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan was changing lanes westbound on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway when a motorcycle traveling in the same direction collided with its left front quarter panel. The motorcycle driver, a 25-year-old male wearing a helmet, was partially ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The sedan had two occupants, and its driver was licensed and male. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The impact caused damage to the left front bumper of the sedan and the center front end of the motorcycle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4614178 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 14 - A 67-year-old woman crossing with the signal was hit by a sedan making a left turn on Throop Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver was distracted. The pedestrian suffered injuries to her elbow and lower arm. The crash left her conscious but hurt.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Throop Avenue made a left turn and struck a 67-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand and remained conscious after the impact. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian's confusion or error was also noted but the report emphasizes the driver's failure to maintain attention. The vehicle's point of impact was the center front end, damaging the left front bumper. The driver was licensed and operating a 2019 Toyota sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4612850 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 12 - A 58-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a collision with an SUV on Berry Street in Brooklyn. The SUV struck the cyclist’s left front quarter panel while making a right turn. The bicyclist suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm.

According to the police report, a 58-year-old male bicyclist was injured when an Audi SUV traveling north on Berry Street struck him while making a right turn. The point of impact was the SUV’s right side doors and the bike’s left front quarter panel. The bicyclist sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other contributing factors were specified. The bicyclist’s safety equipment status is unknown. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead before the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4611934 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 11 - A moped rider suffered knee and lower leg injuries after colliding with an SUV making a right turn in Brooklyn. The SUV showed no damage. The rider was conscious and sustained abrasions. The crash involved improper lane usage by the SUV driver.

According to the police report, a 34-year-old male moped driver was injured in a collision with a Ford SUV in Brooklyn near South 4 Street. The SUV was making a right turn when the crash occurred. The moped rider sustained abrasions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the SUV operator. The SUV showed no damage despite the impact. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4612848 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 11 - A 51-year-old man rode his e-bike down Kent Avenue. He struck a parked trailer. His head hit hard. He wore a helmet. He was crushed and thrown. He died alone in the dark. The street stayed silent.

A 51-year-old man riding an e-bike was killed after colliding with a parked trailer on Kent Avenue. According to the police report, the man 'hit a parked trailer. He wore a helmet. His head struck hard. He was crushed, half-thrown from the seat. He died alone in the dark.' The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as a contributing factor. The e-bike rider was unlicensed and partially ejected from his seat, suffering fatal head and crush injuries. The trailer was parked at the time of the crash and had no occupants. The police report notes the rider wore a helmet, but the primary factors remain the collision and the parked trailer.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4612822 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 10 - A 51-year-old unlicensed male driver crashed his 2022 Honda SUV southbound on Morgan Avenue. Alcohol was involved. The driver lost consciousness and suffered a head injury, including a concussion. The vehicle hit an object with its right front bumper.

According to the police report, a 51-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on Morgan Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver was operating a 2022 Honda SUV southbound when the vehicle struck an object with its center front end and right front bumper. The report lists alcohol involvement and loss of consciousness as contributing factors. The driver was unlicensed and was wearing a lap belt and harness. He sustained a head injury and concussion but was not ejected from the vehicle. The crash resulted from driver errors including alcohol impairment and operating without a valid license.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4611844 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 9 - A diesel truck turned right on Morgan Avenue. Its front quarter struck a 56-year-old cyclist. The man was thrown from his bike. He died under the streetlight. Police cite driver inattention and inexperience. The street stayed silent after.

A 56-year-old man riding a bike south on Morgan Avenue near Johnson Avenue was killed when a diesel truck turned right and its front quarter struck him. According to the police report, 'A 56-year-old man pedaled south. A diesel truck turned right. Its front quarter crushed his head. He wore no helmet. He was thrown from the bike. He died there, alone, under the streetlight.' The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The cyclist was ejected and suffered fatal head injuries. Helmet use is noted only after the driver errors. The crash left one man dead and a city street marked by loss.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4611702 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 9 - A sedan changing lanes struck a southbound cyclist on Lee Avenue. The woman was ejected, injured in the abdomen and pelvis. Police cite driver inattention and distraction. The cyclist stayed conscious.

According to the police report, a 2021 Honda sedan traveling north on Lee Avenue struck a southbound bicyclist who was going straight. The 34-year-old woman was ejected from her bike and suffered injuries to her abdomen and pelvis, including abrasions. The sedan was changing lanes at the moment of impact. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The cyclist was unlicensed, but no other contributing factors were noted. The sedan was damaged on its right front quarter panel, and the bike was damaged on its left front quarter panel. The cyclist remained conscious after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4611530 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 7 - A 26-year-old e-bike rider crashed into a sedan on Kent Avenue in Brooklyn. The rider suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. The sedan driver was distracted, causing the collision. The rider was conscious and wearing a helmet.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Kent Avenue in Brooklyn involving an e-bike and a sedan. The 26-year-old male e-bike driver was injured, sustaining fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor, indicating the sedan driver failed to maintain proper attention. The e-bike rider was not ejected and was conscious at the scene. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The sedan was starting from a parked position when the collision happened, impacting the right front bumper of the e-bike. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4611403 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 5 - A sedan crashed into a parked SUV on Berry Street. The driver, a 62-year-old man, suffered head injuries and was incoherent. Police cited alcohol involvement. The SUV was empty. Metal twisted. Streets stayed silent.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north struck the right rear bumper of a parked SUV on Berry Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s driver, a 62-year-old man, was injured with head trauma and found incoherent at the scene. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. The SUV was unoccupied and damaged at the rear. The sedan’s front end was crushed. The driver wore a lap belt and harness. No other contributing factors were noted. The crash left one man hurt and a parked vehicle mangled.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4610295 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 4 - A 28-year-old male driver suffered injuries after his SUV struck the right front bumper on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The pavement was slippery. Driver inattention contributed. The vehicle sustained damage to the right front quarter panel.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old male driver was injured in a crash on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The driver was operating a 2020 Jeep SUV traveling west when the vehicle impacted with the right front bumper, damaging the right front quarter panel. The report lists slippery pavement and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The driver was not ejected and was in shock after the crash. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The driver held a valid New York license. The crash occurred while the vehicle was going straight ahead. The report does not specify the exact nature of the injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4611407 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 3 - City Hall floats three-lane BQE. Electeds push back. Two lanes, they say, or fewer. Advocates want transit, not more highway. Officials call City Hall’s claims false. The fight is sharp. Vulnerable road users watch as cars and trucks rule the debate.

On March 3, 2023, City Hall reignited debate over the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) lane count. Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi claimed some locals want three lanes each way, but 17 elected officials, including State Sen. Julia Salazar, Sen. Andrew Gounardes, Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, and Council Member Lincoln Restler, publicly rejected the idea. Salazar said, 'no to three lanes. Two lanes at most.' Gounardes confirmed, 'all support a two-lane highway.' Gallagher wrote, '2 lanes if any.' Restler called City Hall’s statements 'plainly inaccurate.' The Department of Transportation delayed environmental review to study both options. Advocates and officials urge investment in mass transit, not highway expansion. Vulnerable road users remain at risk as the city weighs more lanes for cars and trucks.

• City Hall: We Hear that People Want to Keep Three-Lane BQE (Really?!), Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-03

Mar 3 - City Hall floats three-lane BQE. Electeds push back. Two lanes, they say, or fewer. Advocates want transit, not more highway. Officials call City Hall’s claims false. The fight is sharp. Vulnerable road users watch as cars and trucks rule the debate.

On March 3, 2023, City Hall reignited debate over the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) lane count. Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi claimed some locals want three lanes each way, but 17 elected officials, including State Sen. Julia Salazar, Sen. Andrew Gounardes, Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, and Council Member Lincoln Restler, publicly rejected the idea. Salazar said, 'no to three lanes. Two lanes at most.' Gounardes confirmed, 'all support a two-lane highway.' Gallagher wrote, '2 lanes if any.' Restler called City Hall’s statements 'plainly inaccurate.' The Department of Transportation delayed environmental review to study both options. Advocates and officials urge investment in mass transit, not highway expansion. Vulnerable road users remain at risk as the city weighs more lanes for cars and trucks.

• City Hall: We Hear that People Want to Keep Three-Lane BQE (Really?!), Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-03

Mar 2 - A 33-year-old male bicyclist was injured on Morgan Avenue in Brooklyn after colliding with a northbound sedan. The cyclist suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The sedan showed no damage. The crash happened at 10:30 p.m.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Morgan Avenue struck a bicyclist making a left turn westbound. The bicyclist, a 33-year-old man, was injured with abrasions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor by the driver of the sedan. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from his bike. No damage was reported to the sedan. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash occurred at 10:30 p.m. in Brooklyn, zip code 11237.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4610296 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 1 - A 36-year-old man was struck by an SUV making a right turn on Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle disregarded traffic control. He suffered bruises and injuries to his knee and lower leg.

According to the police report, an SUV traveling west on Bushwick Avenue made a right turn and struck a 36-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection near Grand Street. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor, indicating the driver failed to obey traffic signals. The vehicle's point of impact was the right front bumper. No damage was reported to the vehicle. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but not ejected. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4611266 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 28 - Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-02-28

Feb 28 - 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 2023-02-28

Feb 28 - A Nissan SUV struck a Toyota sedan as it started from parking on Broadway in Brooklyn. Both vehicles traveled west. The sedan’s driver and front passenger suffered back injuries and whiplash. Impact damaged the sedan’s left side and the SUV’s front bumper.

According to the police report, a 2015 Nissan SUV traveling west collided with a 1989 Toyota sedan that was starting from parking on Broadway in Brooklyn. The point of impact was the left side doors of the sedan and the center front end of the SUV. The sedan carried two occupants: a 34-year-old male driver and a 70-year-old female front passenger. Both were injured, sustaining back injuries and whiplash, and remained conscious. The report lists "Other Vehicular" as the contributing factor for both injured occupants. The SUV’s driver was alone and licensed in New York. Damage included the left front quarter panel of the sedan and the left front bumper of the SUV. No ejections occurred.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4610290 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 27 - A Ford SUV slammed into a parked Hyundai SUV in Brooklyn. The 24-year-old driver suffered a head injury and concussion. Police cited failure to yield. Metal twisted. Shock followed.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV traveling south on South 5 Street struck a parked Hyundai SUV near Wythe Avenue in Brooklyn. The 24-year-old male driver of the Hyundai suffered a head injury and concussion. He was not ejected but was in shock. The report lists failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor. The Hyundai was hit on its left rear bumper; the Ford's right front bumper took the impact. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4609034 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 23 - Council grilled DSNY for dragging its feet on commercial waste zone reform. Delays keep rogue haulers on the street. Reckless driving and deaths persist. Members pressed for urgency. DSNY offered shifting timelines. The city’s most vulnerable remain at risk.

On February 23, 2023, the City Council held an oversight hearing on the delayed rollout of commercial waste zone reform, first mandated by law in 2019. The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) admitted the overhaul would not start until late 2024, with citywide coverage years away. The matter, described as a fix for a 'free-for-all system that led to reckless driving and fatalities,' remains stalled. Council Members Lincoln Restler and Julie Menin pressed DSNY Commissioner Jessica Tisch on the slow pace and shifting deadlines. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who introduced the original legislation, stressed the need for clear guidance. StreetsPAC’s Eric McClure highlighted the deadly consequences of delay. DSNY opposes a bill from Council Member Sandy Nurse to create a working group to address these setbacks. The ongoing delay leaves vulnerable road users exposed to dangerous private carting trucks.

• Council to DSNY Commish: Move Faster on Rogue Carting Biz, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-23