Jan 25 - DOT keeps school street safety spending secret. Councilmember Rita Joseph demands answers. Streets with schools see more crashes, more injuries. The agency refuses to break out costs or salaries. Families and advocates call for transparency. Children remain at risk.

On January 25, 2023, the City Council, led by Education Committee Chair Rita Joseph (District 40), pressed the Department of Transportation for transparency on school street safety spending. The matter, titled 'How Much Does DOT Spend to Keep Kids Safe Outside of Schools? The Agency Won’t Say,' exposes DOT’s refusal to disclose project costs or School Safety Unit salaries. Joseph expressed disappointment: 'New Yorkers deserve to know how the DOT is working to make school streets safer.' Councilmember Shahana Hanif also criticized DOT’s inability to track safety projects. Despite Commissioner Rodriguez’s promise of 100 safety projects, the agency denied a FOIL request, claiming costs are not tracked. Advocates and families condemned the lack of accountability. The Department of Education also refused to comment. The city’s silence leaves children exposed on dangerous streets.

• How Much Does DOT Spend to Keep Kids Safe Outside of Schools? The Agency Won’t Say., streetsblog.org, Published 2023-01-25

Jan 25 - DOT hides the numbers. Streets near schools stay deadly. Councilmembers Joseph and Hanif demand transparency. Families and advocates want answers. The agency claims it cannot track spending. Children walk in danger. The city keeps its secrets.

On January 25, 2023, the City Council Education Committee, led by Chair Rita Joseph, pressed the Department of Transportation (DOT) for details on school street safety spending. The matter, titled 'How Much Does DOT Spend to Keep Kids Safe Outside of Schools? The Agency Won’t Say,' exposes DOT’s refusal to disclose project costs or salaries tied to school safety. Councilmember Shahana Hanif joined Joseph in criticizing DOT’s lack of transparency. Both called for clear tracking of safety improvements around schools. DOT denied a Freedom of Information Law request, claiming no records exist and that costs are not broken out from its $1.3-billion budget. Advocates and families voiced outrage. The Department of Education also refused to discuss spending. The city’s silence leaves children exposed on dangerous streets, with no accountability for safety investments.

• How Much Does DOT Spend to Keep Kids Safe Outside of Schools? The Agency Won’t Say., Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-25

Jan 24 - A 21-year-old male bicyclist was injured after an SUV struck his e-bike on Clinton Street in Brooklyn. The rider was ejected and suffered abrasions and arm injuries. The SUV was stopped in traffic before impact on its left side doors.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Clinton Street in Brooklyn involving a 2019 Honda SUV and a 21-year-old male e-bike rider. The SUV was stopped in traffic when it was struck on the left side doors by the e-bike traveling north. The bicyclist was ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists driver errors including driver inattention or distraction and improper passing or lane usage. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet, but no contributing factors related to the victim were noted. The SUV driver was licensed and operating the vehicle northbound at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4600297 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 24 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-01-24

Jan 24 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-01-24

Jan 20 - Norman Fruchter, education reformer, died after a driver reversed into him at a crosswalk-less Bay Ridge intersection. The driver stayed. No charges. A vigil drew family, officials, and anger. Fruchter’s wife was killed by a reckless driver in 1997. Grief, outrage, no justice.

On January 4, 2023, Norman Fruchter was struck and killed by a reversing driver at 68th Street and Bliss Terrace in Council District 47. The intersection lacked a pedestrian crosswalk. Council Member Justin Brannan attended the vigil and tweeted, 'Confronting traffic violence also means taking personal responsibility [and] safe driving habits. It will take all of us.' The driver remained at the scene but faced no charges. Fruchter’s son Lev condemned the New York Automobile Insurance Plan for letting dangerous drivers stay insured. Community leaders, including NYC Comptroller Brad Lander and State Senator Andrew Gounardes, joined in mourning and frustration. Fruchter’s wife Rachel was also killed by a reckless driver in 1997, a tragedy that helped spark Vision Zero. Nearly three decades later, traffic laws remain weak. No systemic change. Vulnerable road users still pay the price.

• Education reform leader remembered after being killed by traffic violence, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-01-20

Jan 20 - Cyclists lay down on Ninth Street where a truck killed Sarah Schick. Their bodies blocked traffic. The city finally promised a redesign. DOT will add signal changes now. For years, officials ignored calls to fix this deadly stretch. Now, pressure mounts.

On January 20, 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced plans to redesign the unprotected portion of Ninth Street after a fatal crash. The action followed a 'die-in' protest by cyclists at the site where a truck driver killed Sarah Schick. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'We are making immediate signal adjustments to improve safety in this area. We are also committed to delivering a design solution that makes this stretch of Ninth Street safer for cyclists.' Council Member Shahana Hanif added, 'We know that this corridor has been unsafe for far too long and promises had been made after death after death almost the last 20 years.' The city will unveil a redesign in the coming months and adjust signals now. Advocates blame years of inaction for repeated deaths. The matter remains urgent for all who use Ninth Street.

• FINALLY: DOT Says it Will Redesign Unprotected Portion of Ninth St. as Cyclists Stage ‘Die-In’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-20

Jan 19 - A 76-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg abrasions in a Brooklyn crash. The SUV driver made an improper turn, striking the vehicle. The injured driver remained conscious and was not ejected. The collision caused front-end damage to the SUV.

According to the police report, a 76-year-old male driver was injured when a 2003 Ford SUV made an improper turn in Brooklyn near 9th Street. The SUV was traveling west and struck the other vehicle with its center front end. The injured driver suffered abrasions to his knee and lower leg but remained conscious and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists "Turning Improperly" as the contributing factor. The SUV driver was licensed in New York. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4599732 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 17 - A 17-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured in Brooklyn near Henry Street. He suffered contusions and abdominal-pelvic trauma. The crash involved a southbound vehicle striking the bike’s left front bumper. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a 17-year-old male bicyclist was injured and ejected from his bike in Brooklyn at Henry Street. The bicyclist suffered contusions and injuries to the abdomen and pelvis. The crash involved a vehicle traveling south that struck the bike on its left front bumper. The vehicle showed no damage. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the bicyclist but does not identify driver errors or helmet use. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4599206 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 17 - Assembly bill A 1637 targets drivers who block bike lanes. It adds a mandatory surcharge for violators. Money goes straight to the court. Cyclists get a clear lane. Law aims to keep cars out.

Assembly bill A 1637 was introduced on January 17, 2023, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Relates to violations and a mandatory surcharge for parking in a bicycle lane,' would require drivers who park in bike lanes to pay an extra fee to the court that finds them liable. Jo Anne Simon (District 52) sponsored the bill, joined by Deborah Glick (District 66) and Tony Simone (District 75) as co-sponsors. The measure seeks to deter illegal parking in bike lanes by hitting violators in the wallet. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 1637, Open States, Published 2023-01-17

Jan 15 - Three sedans smashed near Union Street in Brooklyn. One driver took a hard hit to the arm and shoulder. Alcohol played a role. Metal twisted. Shock set in. The street stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, three sedans collided near 747 Union Street in Brooklyn. One driver, a 35-year-old man, suffered injuries to his upper arm and shoulder and was in shock. The report lists alcohol involvement and other vehicular factors as contributing causes. The crash damaged left side doors and bumpers on the sedans. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. Driver errors include alcohol involvement and unspecified vehicular factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4598021 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 14 - A sedan and a bicycle collided head-on on 11 Street in Brooklyn. The 38-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The driver was distracted and disregarded traffic control, causing the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west and a bicycle traveling north collided at the center front ends on 11 Street near 7 Avenue in Brooklyn. The bicyclist, a 38-year-old man, was ejected from his bike and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with disregarding traffic control. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The sedan had two occupants, and the driver was licensed in New York. The crash occurred while both vehicles were going straight ahead.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4598016 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 13 - Assembly bill A 1280 pushes for streets built for all. Dozens of lawmakers back the plan. The bill demands roads that protect walkers, cyclists, and riders. It calls for design, not luck, to keep people safe.

Assembly bill A 1280, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 13, 2023, the bill sits with the Assembly. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 70 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Kenny Burgos, and Catalina Cruz. Their action signals strong legislative momentum. The bill’s focus: force planners to build streets for people, not just cars. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear—systemic change for vulnerable road users. The bill’s progress can be tracked at the New York Assembly website.

• File A 1280, Open States, Published 2023-01-13

Jan 12 - A 28-year-old woman was struck while crossing 12 Street at 3 Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan made a left turn and hit her at the center front end. She suffered abrasions and injuries to her elbow and lower arm. The pavement was slippery.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing 12 Street at 3 Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan, driven by a licensed male driver, was making a left turn when it struck the pedestrian at the center front end. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. Contributing factors included slippery pavement and limited visibility due to an obstructed view. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her elbow and lower arm. The vehicle sustained no damage. The report lists no driver errors beyond the left turn, but notes environmental conditions that contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4598017 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 12 - A 30-year-old man was hit by an SUV while crossing 6 Avenue at Union Street in Brooklyn. The pedestrian suffered a hip and upper leg contusion. The driver made a left turn with limited view. The pavement was slippery, worsening the crash.

According to the police report, a 30-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing 6 Avenue at Union Street in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2014 SUV making a left turn struck him. The point of impact was the vehicle's center front end. The pedestrian suffered a contusion to his hip and upper leg and remained conscious. The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor, indicating the driver’s limited visibility during the turn. Additionally, slippery pavement contributed to the crash. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed. No other factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4598018 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 12 - Six deaths in 18 years. Ninth Street stays deadly. DOT stops safety at Third Avenue. Advocates and Council Member Hanif demand action. City clings to parking. Cyclists and pedestrians pay the price. No new plans. Danger remains. Lives lost.

Council Member Shahana Hanif and advocates are pressing the Department of Transportation to extend protected bike lanes and pedestrian safety measures on Brooklyn’s Ninth Street after a sixth fatality in 18 years. The DOT halted improvements at Third Avenue, citing commercial needs and parking. The matter, described as 'Councilmember(s) and advocates call for extension of protected bike lanes and pedestrian safety infrastructure on Ninth Street after fatal crash; DOT under scrutiny for inaction,' has not advanced to a formal bill or committee. Hanif met with DOT officials on January 12, 2023, expressing disappointment at the lack of immediate action. Maria Stylianou of Families for Safe Streets called the current half-measures unacceptable. Community members and activists, including Aaron Naparstek and Sarah Goodyear, condemned the city’s prioritization of parking over safety. DOT says it is reviewing the crash but has announced no concrete plans. The street remains hazardous for vulnerable road users.

• SAFETY LAST: DOT Under Fire to Finish Ninth Street Redesign after Sixth Fatality in 18 Years, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-12

Jan 10 - A 33-year-old woman driving an SUV on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn suffered back injuries and lost consciousness after a close passing collision with a garbage truck. The impact struck the SUV’s left side doors. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn involving a 2021 SUV and a 2021 garbage truck, both traveling south. The SUV driver, a 33-year-old woman, was injured with back pain and became unconscious. The report lists "Passing Too Closely" as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV was struck on the left side doors, but neither vehicle sustained damage. The driver was not ejected and was not using any safety equipment. The garbage truck driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash highlights the dangers of close passing maneuvers on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4598013 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 10 - A box truck struck a woman on an e-bike at 9th Street and 2nd Avenue. Her chest was crushed. She was partially ejected and killed. The bike was demolished. The truck kept going straight. The street ran red with loss.

A deadly crash unfolded at the corner of 9th Street and 2nd Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, a box truck struck a 37-year-old woman riding an e-bike. Her chest was crushed. She was partially ejected and killed at the scene. The e-bike was left demolished. The truck continued straight. The police report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors. Both vehicles were traveling east and going straight ahead. No helmet or signaling issues were cited as contributing factors. The violence of the impact left one vulnerable road user dead, her life ended by the force of a truck on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4596866 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 10 - A truck driver struck and killed a cyclist on Ninth Street, Brooklyn, where the protected bike lane ends. The victim died at the scene. The street’s design left riders exposed. Eleven cyclists and six pedestrians have been hurt here since 2020.

On January 10, 2023, a cyclist died after a truck driver hit her on Ninth Street near Second Avenue in Gowanus, Brooklyn. The crash happened where the protected bike lane ends and becomes sharrows, leaving riders unprotected. Council Member Shahana Hanif reported the death and said her office is working with NYPD and NYC DOT. Hanif promised to meet with DOT officials, stating, 'We should not have to live this way.' Transportation Alternatives blamed the street design, saying, 'At the location of this crash, the design of Ninth Street creates dangerous conditions for bike riders.' The area west of Third Avenue lacks protection due to DOT’s decision to preserve parking. From 2020 to 2022, eleven cyclists and six pedestrians were injured on this stretch. The crash exposes the deadly cost of prioritizing car volume and parking over safety.

• Cyclist Killed on Unprotected Part of Ninth Street Bike Lane in Brooklyn, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-10

Jan 8 - A 25-year-old e-bike rider slammed down on Douglass Street. He wore a helmet. Still, the pavement cut him deep. Blood pooled from his head. He lay incoherent, thrown from his bike. The night in Brooklyn did not let him go.

A 25-year-old man riding an e-bike westbound on Douglass Street in Brooklyn was ejected and suffered severe head lacerations. According to the police report, "Helmeted, incoherent, bleeding from the head. Severe lacerations. Ejected. Unlicensed." The rider was thrown from his bike and found incoherent at the scene. The report lists the rider as unlicensed. No specific driver errors or contributing factors are detailed in the data. The police note the use of a helmet, but the impact left the rider with serious injuries. No other vehicles or persons were reported injured in this crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4596565 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19