Flatbush and Fulton don’t forgive

Jun 3 - Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03

Jun 3 - Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03

Jun 1 - An SUV traveling east struck a southbound motorbike on Tillary Street in Brooklyn. The impact ejected a 19-year-old female passenger from the motorbike, causing head injuries and abrasions. Driver inattention was cited as a contributing factor.

According to the police report, at 1:27 AM on Tillary Street in Brooklyn, a 2018 SUV driven by a licensed male driver from Connecticut collided with a 2022 motorbike carrying three occupants, including a 19-year-old female passenger. The SUV was traveling east, and the motorbike was heading south. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV and the right front bumper of the motorbike. The female passenger was ejected from the motorbike and sustained head injuries and abrasions, despite wearing a lap belt and harness. The report identifies driver inattention and distraction as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The motorbike driver was unlicensed. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729408 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 28 - A pick-up truck turning right struck a southbound bicyclist on Kent Avenue in Brooklyn. The cyclist was ejected and suffered severe leg injuries. Police cited driver failure to yield and inattention as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a 42-year-old female bicyclist traveling south on Kent Avenue was struck by a westbound GMC pick-up truck making a right turn at 11:08 AM. The point of impact was the truck's right front bumper hitting the left side doors of the bike. The bicyclist was ejected and sustained fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated as serious. The report explicitly lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The truck driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally, but no damage was reported to the truck. The bicyclist's safety equipment status is unknown, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The crash highlights critical driver errors leading to severe injury of a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728506 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 24 - An e-bike rider was violently ejected after a collision with an SUV on Atlantic Avenue. The impact struck the bike’s left side and the SUV’s front right. The rider suffered serious leg injuries and shock, while driver distraction was cited.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:20 on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. A 41-year-old male e-bike rider, traveling north and making a right turn, was struck on the left side doors by a Nissan SUV traveling east and going straight. The e-bike rider was ejected from the vehicle and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated at 3. He was reported to be in shock and complained of pain or nausea. The SUV driver was licensed and driving straight ahead. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The collision caused damage to the left front bumper of the e-bike and the right front quarter panel of the SUV.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727267 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 24 - A southbound SUV struck an eastbound sedan on Waverly Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The crash involved a traffic control disregard, causing significant side and front-end damage to both vehicles.

According to the police report, the collision occurred at 11:43 on Waverly Avenue in Brooklyn. A 35-year-old male driver of a sedan was injured, sustaining neck injuries and whiplash while remaining conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The crash involved two vehicles: a southbound SUV and an eastbound sedan. The SUV impacted the left side doors of the sedan with its center front end, damaging the right front bumper of the SUV and the left side doors of the sedan. The police report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs by one or both drivers. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727977 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 24 - A box truck struck the left rear bumper of a parked sedan on Clermont Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan’s driver suffered head injuries and whiplash but was conscious and restrained. Driver inattention caused the collision, according to the police report.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling north on Clermont Avenue rear-ended a parked 2023 Tesla sedan at its left rear bumper. The sedan’s driver, a 57-year-old man, was injured with head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, highlighting the truck driver’s failure to maintain attention. The sedan was stationary before impact, indicating no fault on the part of the injured occupant. The collision caused damage to both vehicles’ bumpers. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728302 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 18 - A sedan collided with an e-bike traveling west on Fulton Street in Brooklyn. The e-bike driver suffered elbow and lower arm injuries. Police cite improper lane usage by the sedan as the cause. The e-bike driver remained conscious and was not ejected.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at 11:00 AM on Fulton Street in Brooklyn involving a sedan and an e-bike, both traveling west. The sedan, a 2011 Jeep, struck the e-bike on its right front quarter panel. The e-bike driver, a 31-year-old male, sustained injuries to his elbow and lower arm, described as contusions and bruises. He remained conscious and was not ejected from his vehicle. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating the sedan driver failed to maintain proper lane discipline. No other contributing factors such as victim behavior were noted. The sedan driver was licensed and operating the vehicle going straight ahead at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726620 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 17 - A reckless lane change on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway left a sedan driver with bruised legs and feet. The crash struck the sedan’s rear, showing the danger of careless moves on city highways.

According to the police report, a crash occurred at 11:36 on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. A sedan traveling west was hit on its left rear quarter panel by another vehicle making an unsafe lane change. The sedan’s driver, a 43-year-old man, suffered contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The police report lists 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as the contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The incident underscores the risk posed by improper lane changes on busy expressways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725721 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 16 - Council moves to light up step streets. At least 25 stairways each year will get new lamps. Dark paths become visible. Pedestrians gain ground. Shadows shrink. Danger loses its cover.

Int 0875-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on May 16, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the installation of pedestrian lighting on step streets.' Prime sponsor Joann Ariola, joined by sixteen co-sponsors, pushes for at least 25 step streets to be lit each year until all are covered. Step streets are open-air staircases linking streets at different heights. The bill aims to strip darkness from these paths, making them safer for people on foot. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0875-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

May 16 - Council bill targets repeat pedal-assist bike violators. Three strikes trigger a mandatory safety course. Ignore the course, lose your bike. DOT will track results. Three-year pilot. Enforcement, not education, leads.

Int 0874-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced May 16, 2024, by Council Members Ariola (primary), Hanks, Hudson, Louis, Mealy, and Banks, the bill orders DOT to launch a pilot abatement program for unsafe pedal-assist bicycle operators. The bill summary states: 'Pedal-assist bicycle operators who accrue 3 or more moving violations under city law would be required to take a safe pedal-assist bicycle operation course offered by DOT.' Noncompliance means bike impoundment. DOT must report on course completions, impounds, and program effectiveness. The pilot sunsets after three years. The bill aims to curb reckless riding through strict enforcement.

• File Int 0874-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

May 16 - Council moves to light up step streets. At least 25 stairways each year will get new lamps. Dark paths become visible. Pedestrians gain ground. Shadows shrink. Danger loses its cover.

Int 0875-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on May 16, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the installation of pedestrian lighting on step streets.' Prime sponsor Joann Ariola, joined by sixteen co-sponsors, pushes for at least 25 step streets to be lit each year until all are covered. Step streets are open-air staircases linking streets at different heights. The bill aims to strip darkness from these paths, making them safer for people on foot. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0875-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

May 15 - SUV plows into a woman working in the street on Classon Avenue. Driver disregards traffic control. Both pedestrian and driver end up bruised. Steel hits flesh. System fails to protect the vulnerable.

According to the police report, a northbound Ford SUV struck a 39-year-old woman working in the roadway on Classon Avenue at 8:20 AM. The pedestrian was not at an intersection. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as contributing factors, showing the driver failed to obey signals and drove aggressively. The SUV's right front quarter panel hit the pedestrian, causing bruises to her back. The 23-year-old male driver, licensed and restrained, suffered arm injuries. Both were conscious after the crash. No other driver errors or victim actions were cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725274 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 15 - State leaders urge passage of A4120/S1981 to slash driving by one-fifth. The bill aims to shift funding from highways to transit, cycling, and walking. Advocates say fewer cars mean fewer deaths. The clock ticks toward the session’s end.

Bill A4120/S1981, now before the New York State Legislature, seeks a 20% reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 2050. The measure is championed by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and backed by a coalition of local officials. On May 15, 2024, a letter to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins called for swift passage before the session ends in June. The letter states, 'The state Legislature should pass the law before the end of this session in June, which could pivot transportation funding toward more beneficial uses like mass transit and biking and walking infrastructure.' Stewart-Cousins is mentioned as a key recipient. The bill would force agencies to prioritize projects for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders over highway expansion. Advocates argue this shift will save lives, cut pollution, and undo harms from car-centric planning.

• New York Pols Back Gounardes's Bill to Cut Driving by 20%, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-05-15

May 15 - New York City seizes the Brooklyn Marine Terminal. Officials promise a modern port and mixed-use hub. Council Member Alexa Avilés joins the task force. Critics warn of more trucks if Red Hook shrinks. The city pledges community input. Impact on street safety remains unclear.

On May 15, 2024, New York City announced it will take control of the Brooklyn Marine Terminal, launching a major redevelopment plan. The project, described as a 'modern maritime port and mixed-use community hub,' aims to overhaul the industrial waterfront with new housing and shipping facilities. Council Member Alexa Avilés, representing District 38, serves as vice chair of the Brooklyn Marine Terminal Taskforce, leading community engagement. The plan includes an $80 million city investment and a $15 million state investment in cold storage to reduce truck traffic. Rep. Jerry Nadler criticized the move, warning that shrinking the Red Hook Container Port could increase truck traffic and harm jobs. The final vision will be shaped by community input. No formal safety analysis for vulnerable road users has been released.

• City takes ownership of Brooklyn Marine Terminal, planning modern mixed-use transformation, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-05-15

May 15 - Albany lawmakers urge a 20% cut in driving by 2050. The bill would shift funds from highways to transit, biking, and walking. Electeds from Brooklyn to Buffalo back the move. Streets could change. Fewer cars. More space for people. Lives at stake.

Bill A4120/S1981 aims to cut vehicle miles traveled in New York by 20% by 2050. On May 15, 2024, more than a dozen local officials sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, urging passage before session’s end in June. The letter, organized by Local Progress, states: 'This means projects that expanded cycling infrastructure, pedestrian walkways, and public transit were prioritized over outdated highway expansions and lane widening.' State Senator Andrew Gounardes sponsors the bill. Alex Marion, Syracuse city auditor, signed on, saying, 'If we can reduce the vehicle miles traveled, we can look at the space of streets differently.' The bill would force planners to consider car miles in every project, shifting focus from car movement to safer, people-first streets. The policy could help undo decades of harm from highways that split communities and reinforce segregation.

• New York Pols Back Gounardes’s Bill to Cut Driving by 20%, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-05-15

May 13 - A man on a bike slammed into a parked SUV’s door on Fulton Street. He flew forward, blood pooling, arm torn. The SUV stood still. The street did not. The cyclist wore no helmet. Metal and flesh collided. The city kept moving.

A 57-year-old man riding a bicycle was severely injured on Fulton Street near Rockwell Place in Brooklyn after striking the door of a parked SUV, according to the police report. The report states the cyclist 'hit a parked SUV’s door,' was 'ejected,' and landed hard, sustaining 'severe lacerations' to his arm. Blood pooled at the scene. The SUV was stationary at the time of the crash, with the point of impact listed as the 'left side doors.' The police report lists 'unspecified' as the contributing factor, offering no further detail on driver actions or dooring. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but this detail is mentioned only after the account of the crash. The SUV sustained no damage. The incident underscores the persistent danger for cyclists navigating streets lined with parked vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4724820 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 13 - A sedan struck a 17-year-old girl crossing Saint Felix Street. She suffered upper arm injuries and shock. Police cited pedestrian confusion as a factor. The car showed no damage. The street stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Saint Felix Street hit a 17-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing outside a crosswalk. The impact came at the car's right front bumper. The girl suffered injuries to her shoulder and upper arm and went into shock. She also complained of pain or nausea. The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are noted. The driver was licensed and driving straight. The report focuses on the collision and the injuries, not on blame.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725076 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 12 - Two sedans slammed together on De Kalb Avenue. One driver, a 44-year-old man, suffered full-body injuries and shock. Police flagged alcohol involvement. The street bore the brunt. No pedestrians or cyclists hurt.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at 12:16 a.m. on De Kalb Avenue in Brooklyn. Both vehicles were traveling straight, one northwest, one west. The northwest-bound sedan took the hit on its left front bumper. Its 44-year-old male driver suffered injuries to his entire body and was in shock, reporting pain and nausea. Alcohol involvement was listed as a contributing factor in the crash. Both drivers were licensed. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No victim actions were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4724311 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 10 - A 32-year-old man working in the roadway was struck by an SUV making a left turn. The impact to the pedestrian’s lower leg caused abrasions and injury. Driver inattention was cited as the primary contributing factor in the collision.

According to the police report, at 11:43 AM on Smith Street, a 2024 SUV traveling southwest was making a left turn when it struck a 32-year-old male pedestrian working in the roadway at an intersection. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including abrasions, and was conscious at the scene. The report explicitly cites driver inattention and distraction as the contributing factors to the crash. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. The vehicle sustained unspecified damage. This incident highlights the critical role of driver focus during turning maneuvers in urban environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723914 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19