Five Dead in a Year. Still No Action.

A northbound SUV making a left turn collided with a southbound bicyclist on Bushwick Avenue. The cyclist suffered abrasions and arm injuries. Police cite driver inattention and failure to yield as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, at 5:00 p.m., a 2017 Chevrolet SUV traveling north on Bushwick Avenue was making a left turn when it struck a southbound bicyclist. The impact occurred on the left side doors of the bike and the center front end of the SUV. The bicyclist, a 51-year-old male wearing a helmet, sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors attributed to the SUV driver. The cyclist was not ejected and remained conscious. The SUV had no occupants other than the driver, who was unlicensed. This crash highlights critical driver errors in yielding and attention that led to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716179 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a collision with an SUV on Gates Avenue. The cyclist was partially ejected but remained conscious. The crash was caused by driver inattention, according to the police report.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Gates Avenue involving a station wagon/SUV and a bicyclist traveling south. The SUV was traveling east and both vehicles were going straight ahead when the crash happened at 19:50. The bicyclist, a 39-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The SUV showed no damage, while the bike sustained damage to its center front end. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors related to the victim were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715824 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A motorcycle collided with a sedan on Wyckoff Avenue, ejecting the rider. The 32-year-old driver suffered facial injuries and minor bleeding. Alcohol involvement and unsafe speed by the motorcyclist led to the violent impact and severe trauma.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at 19:25 on Wyckoff Avenue in Brooklyn involving a 2017 Yamaha motorcycle and a 2015 Toyota sedan. The motorcycle was traveling north, and the sedan south, both going straight ahead when the crash happened. The motorcycle driver, a 32-year-old male, was ejected from the vehicle, sustaining facial injuries and minor bleeding, and was reported to be in shock. The report cites 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors attributed to the motorcycle driver. The sedan's point of impact was its left rear bumper, while the motorcycle sustained damage to its center front end. The motorcycle driver held only a permit license. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The crash highlights driver errors related to impaired operation and excessive speed, resulting in severe injury to the vulnerable motorcyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715268 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A moped traveling south collided with an SUV making a left turn on Central Avenue in Brooklyn. The moped driver suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. Police cited driver inattention as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, at 11:40 PM on Central Avenue in Brooklyn, a moped traveling south struck a station wagon/SUV that was making a left turn. The moped's right front quarter panel was the point of impact, sustaining damage, while the SUV showed no damage. The moped driver, a 32-year-old male occupant, was injured with abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The SUV driver’s license status and identity were not reported. This collision highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction during turning maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714846 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A sedan driver, distracted and inattentive, struck a 34-year-old woman riding her bike northeast on Irving Avenue. She suffered bruises to her knee, leg, and foot. The crash shows the threat drivers pose to cyclists.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast collided with a bicyclist heading northeast on Irving Avenue at 19:40. The 34-year-old woman riding the bike was injured, suffering contusions to her knee, lower leg, and foot. She remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, pointing to the sedan driver's failure to pay attention. No other contributing factors or cyclist actions were cited. This crash highlights the danger distracted drivers create for people on bikes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714452 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A northbound SUV struck a sedan from behind on Bushwick Avenue. The sedan carried a rear-seat passenger who suffered back injuries and shock. Police cite driver inattention and inexperience as key factors in the collision.

According to the police report, at 8:40 AM on Bushwick Avenue, a 2017 Lincoln SUV traveling north rear-ended a 2020 BMW sedan also heading north. The point of impact was the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the sedan. The sedan carried a 25-year-old female passenger seated in the middle rear seat, restrained by a lap belt, who sustained back injuries and was in shock following the crash. The report identifies the SUV driver’s inattention and inexperience as contributing factors to the collision. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted and inexperienced drivers in multi-vehicle rear-end collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713606 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A 25-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected and suffered severe leg injuries on De Kalb Avenue in Brooklyn. The crash involved a vehicle making a left turn. Police cited traffic control disregard as the primary cause of the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:40 PM on De Kalb Avenue in Brooklyn. The motorcyclist, a 25-year-old male wearing a helmet, was traveling northbound when a vehicle registered in Mississippi attempted a left turn southbound. The report identifies 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs by the driver of the turning vehicle. The motorcyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained serious injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including fractures and dislocations. The motorcycle driver was conscious but severely injured. No contributing factors related to the victim’s behavior were noted. The collision highlights the dangers posed by drivers disregarding traffic controls, resulting in violent impacts and severe injuries to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713473 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

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 2024-03-27

The city’s commercial waste zone plan crawls forward. Only one Queens zone launches this fall. Nineteen more wait in limbo. Oversight is absent. Haulers with deadly records win contracts. Advocates demand speed, transparency, and real safety for streets choked by trucks.

Council Bill for commercial waste zone reform, passed in 2019, remains stalled. The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will launch only one zone in central Queens after September 3, 2024. The oversight task force has not met in two years. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who authored the law as a Council member, called DSNY’s rollout a 'missed opportunity' for clarity and accountability. Justin Wood of New York Lawyers for the Public Interest warned, 'The system cannot achieve transformational change if it is treated as a limited pilot program.' The city’s goal to cut truck miles falls short of original promises. Action Carting, whose driver killed a cyclist in 2017, secured contracts for 14 zones. Advocates say the lack of outreach, oversight, and clear safety benchmarks leaves vulnerable road users at risk. No safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Commercial Waste Zone Rollout Too Slow and Unclear: Advocates, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-26

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 2024-03-20

Council wants bold signs at every school entrance. Paint on pavement. Metal overhead. The aim: warn drivers, shield kids. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait. Danger does not.

Bill Int 0714-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced March 19, 2024. The bill reads: 'installing safety signs near schools.' Council Member Susan Zhuang leads, joined by Rivera, Gennaro, Won, Hanif, Gutiérrez, Louis, Cabán, Restler, Farías, Banks, Riley, and Feliz. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to paint and hang school safety signs on every street with a school entrance. The goal: alert drivers to children and pedestrians. The bill awaits further action. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0714-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-19

Council bill orders DOT to repair broken curbs during street resurfacing. Hazardous curbs trip, trap, and injure. The fix is overdue. Pedestrians need solid ground. Council moves to force action.

Int 0724-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced March 19, 2024, the bill commands DOT to repair broken curbs that pose safety hazards during any resurfacing project. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... requiring that the department of transportation repair broken curbs as part of resurfacing projects.' Council Members Schulman, Gennaro (primary), Gutiérrez, Louis, Brewer, and Avilés sponsor the measure. The bill targets a simple danger: shattered curbs that trip and injure. If passed, DOT must fix these hazards as routine, not afterthought. The law would take effect 120 days after enactment.

• File Int 0724-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-19

A BMW SUV struck the rear of a stopped Ford SUV on Knickerbocker Avenue in Brooklyn. The front passenger in the Ford suffered whiplash and full-body injuries. Police cited the BMW driver’s failure to maintain safe distance as the cause.

According to the police report, at 16:59 on Knickerbocker Avenue in Brooklyn, a 2013 BMW SUV traveling west rear-ended a 2017 Ford SUV that was stopped in traffic. The point of impact was the center front end of the BMW and the center back end of the Ford. The front passenger in the Ford, a 62-year-old woman, was injured with whiplash and injuries to her entire body, remaining conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report identifies "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor, highlighting the BMW driver's failure to maintain a safe distance behind the stopped vehicle. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles westbound. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4710102 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A sedan tore down Arion Place and smashed into a parked SUV. The driver was hurt. Police blamed unsafe speed and ignoring traffic controls. Metal twisted. One person injured. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a sedan heading south on Arion Place crashed into a parked SUV at 6:43 AM. The 31-year-old woman driving the sedan suffered whiplash and injuries to her entire body. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The sedan struck the right side doors and its right rear quarter panel was damaged. The parked SUV took a hit to its left rear bumper and center back end. No other injuries were reported. The crash stemmed from driver errors: speeding and ignoring traffic controls. The report notes the driver wore a lap belt and harness.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709498 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Council bill demands DOT fix NYCHA sidewalks first. Seniors come before all. Broken walks trip, injure, kill. Law forces city to show its work. No more hiding behind red tape.

Bill Int 0504-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced March 7, 2024. It orders the DOT to prioritize sidewalk repairs at NYCHA sites, with senior housing first. The bill summary reads: 'establishing priority for sidewalk repairs at developments operated by the New York city housing authority.' Sponsors include Alexa Avilés (primary), Shaun Abreu, Shahana K. Hanif, Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Sandy Nurse, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Pierina Ana Sanchez, Lincoln Restler, Rafael Salamanca, Jr., and Farah N. Louis. The law also requires public reporting of repairs and timelines. Sidewalk neglect endangers NYCHA residents—this bill aims to force action and transparency.

• File Int 0504-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council bill demands DOT fix NYCHA sidewalks first. Seniors come before all. Broken walks trip, injure, kill. Law forces city to show its work. No more hiding behind red tape.

Bill Int 0504-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced March 7, 2024. It orders the DOT to prioritize sidewalk repairs at NYCHA sites, with senior housing first. The bill summary reads: 'establishing priority for sidewalk repairs at developments operated by the New York city housing authority.' Sponsors include Alexa Avilés (primary), Shaun Abreu, Shahana K. Hanif, Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Sandy Nurse, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Pierina Ana Sanchez, Lincoln Restler, Rafael Salamanca, Jr., and Farah N. Louis. The law also requires public reporting of repairs and timelines. Sidewalk neglect endangers NYCHA residents—this bill aims to force action and transparency.

• File Int 0504-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council wants 100 miles of protected bike lanes each year. Cyclists need steel and concrete, not paint. The bill sits in committee. Streets could change. Lives hang in the balance.

Int 0271-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the installation of protected bicycle lanes.' Council Member Lincoln Restler leads, joined by Rivera, Louis, Hanif, Ossé, Brewer, Cabán, Nurse, Hudson, Salaam, Bottcher, Gutiérrez, Feliz, Won, and Joseph. The bill demands the Department of Transportation install 100 miles of protected bike lanes per year for six years. The aim: real protection for cyclists and a safer city grid.

• File Int 0271-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill orders speed humps on roads beside parks over one acre. DOT can skip spots if safety or rules demand. Law aims to slow cars where families walk, run, and play.

Int 0262-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on February 28, 2024. The bill reads: “requiring the installation of speed humps on roadways adjacent to any park equal or greater than one acre.” Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by eighteen co-sponsors. The Department of Transportation must install speed humps unless the commissioner finds a risk to safety or a conflict with DOT guidelines. The law would take effect 180 days after passage. The measure targets streets where parks meet traffic, aiming to slow cars and shield people outside vehicles.

• File Int 0262-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council urges Albany to pass SAFE Streets Act. Lower speed limits. Rights for crash victims. Safe passing for cyclists. Complete streets. City demands action as deaths rise. Streets remain deadly. Lawmakers must act.

Resolution 0090-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it calls on the state to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law') and A.1901, part of the SAFE Streets Act. The matter title: 'Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.2422... allowing New York city to establish a lower speed limit, and A.1901, enacting a crash victims bill of rights.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif leads, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Nurse, and others. The resolution demands lower speed limits, crash victim rights, safe passing for cyclists, and complete street design. It cites rising traffic deaths and the failure of current measures. The Council wants Albany to give the city real power to protect people on its streets.

• File Res 0090-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council passed a law forcing taxis and for-hire cars to post bold warnings on doors. The signs tell passengers: look for cyclists before you open up. A small step. The city hands out the decals. No cost to drivers.

Int 0193-2024 became law on May 31, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' was sponsored by Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by over twenty council members, including Gutiérrez, Hudson, and Rivera. The law mandates clear warning decals on all rear passenger doors of taxis and for-hire vehicles. The Taxi and Limousine Commission will provide the signs at no cost. The measure aims to cut down on 'dooring'—a threat to cyclists citywide. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it became law.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28