Two Dead, Still No Fix: City Lets Third Avenue Kill

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 2024-02-13

SUV and sedan collided on Gowanus Expressway during a police pursuit. A front passenger was bruised. Aggressive driving fueled the crash. Metal twisted. Danger surged. The road showed no mercy.

According to the police report, a crash erupted at 3:19 AM on the Gowanus Expressway in Brooklyn. A Ford SUV and a Ford sedan, both northbound and involved in a police pursuit, collided. The impact struck the left front bumpers. The report cites 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as a contributing factor. A 24-year-old male front passenger in the SUV suffered a contusion to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. Other vehicles, including a parked SUV and a BMW SUV traveling straight, also sustained damage. The data highlights the systemic danger of aggressive driving and high-speed pursuits on city roads.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701266 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Council bill targets cars blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, and hydrants near schools. Civilian complaints trigger fines. Streets clear, danger cut. Council moves to protect the vulnerable.

Int 0080-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 8, 2024, the bill creates a $175 penalty for vehicles blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants within 2,640 feet of schools. The Department of Transportation must set up a civilian reporting program. If a civilian complaint leads to a fine, the complainant gets 25 percent of proceeds. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to hazardous obstruction by vehicles and civilian complaints.' Council Member Carlina Rivera leads, joined by Restler, Ayala, Joseph, Menin, and others. The bill aims to keep paths clear for those most at risk.

• File Int 0080-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

An SUV making a left turn struck an e-bike from behind on 48 Street. The e-bike driver, a 41-year-old woman, suffered neck abrasions. Police cited unsafe speed as a contributing factor in the collision, highlighting driver error in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred when a 2020 BMW SUV was making a left turn and collided with an e-bike traveling northbound on 48 Street. The point of impact was the left rear quarter panel of the e-bike and the center front end of the SUV. The e-bike driver, a 41-year-old woman, sustained neck abrasions and was injured but not ejected. The report identifies 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error on the part of the SUV operator. The e-bike driver was unlicensed and traveling straight ahead at the time. No other contributing factors related to the victim were noted. The collision underscores the dangers posed by vehicle operators making turns at unsafe speeds in shared traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700964 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Two SUVs collided on 3 Avenue in Brooklyn. One driver, age 56, suffered back injuries. Both vehicles showed heavy center-end damage. The crash left a mark on Brooklyn’s busy street.

According to the police report, two station wagons/SUVs traveling south on 3 Avenue in Brooklyn collided at 12:35. One SUV struck the other at the center back end. A 56-year-old male driver was injured, reporting back pain but remained conscious. The report lists 'Unspecified' as the contributing factor for both drivers. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash caused significant damage to the center ends of both vehicles. The report does not mention any victim actions or other contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701222 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Senator Gounardes pushes a bill to slash car trips statewide. Advocates demand less driving, more transit. Highway funds feed car dominance. The law would force state projects to cut vehicle miles. Vulnerable road users stand to gain. Albany stalls. Streets stay deadly.

Bill to reduce vehicle miles traveled by 20 percent by 2050, introduced by State Senator Andrew Gounardes (District 26), is backed by advocates and the New Yorkers for Transportation Equity coalition. Announced February 6, 2024, the bill would require transportation officials to align projects with the goal of fewer car trips. Gounardes said, "We fundamentally want to be shifting how we think about transportation infrastructure." The measure responds to data showing over 90 percent of infrastructure funds go to roads, not transit. Danny Pearlstein of Riders Alliance called for an "about-face," noting highway projects have torn apart poor communities and endangered pedestrians and cyclists. The bill sits before the state legislature. No direct safety analyst assessment, but advocates stress the law would shift funding from car-centric projects to transit and greenways, reducing systemic danger for vulnerable road users.

• State Must Cut Car Trips by 20%: Advocates, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-02-06

State Sen. Gounardes pushes a bill to slash car trips by a fifth by 2050. Advocates say New York spends billions on roads while traffic deaths climb. The law would force highway projects to prove they cut driving, not fuel it.

State Sen. Andrew Gounardes introduced a bill requiring New York to reduce vehicle miles traveled by 20 percent by 2050. The bill, modeled after Minnesota law, is not yet passed or assigned to a committee. It would amend the state’s climate law, forcing transportation officials to align highway projects with the goal of fewer car trips. Gounardes warns, 'If we’re just going to use that money to double down on the transportation of the past, on just purely automobile usage, we’re making a great mistake.' Danny Pearlstein of Riders Alliance says the bill is about shifting priorities to climate and equity. Advocates note that over 90 percent of recent infrastructure funds went to roads, not transit. The measure would require revisions or offsets for projects that don’t cut driving. Gov. Hochul’s office declined comment. The bill aims to halt the cycle of road expansion, rising traffic, and mounting deaths.

• State Must Cut Car Trips by 20%: Advocates, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-06

Two SUVs collided at 63 Street and 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. A one-year-old passenger suffered a head contusion and shock. The impact struck the center front end of one vehicle and the left side doors of the other. Driver errors remain unspecified.

According to the police report, two station wagons/SUVs collided at 21:35 on 63 Street near 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. One vehicle, traveling south, was struck on its center front end. The other, traveling west, was impacted on its left side doors. The crash injured a one-year-old male occupant seated in the right rear passenger position, who sustained a head contusion and was reported in shock. The child was secured with a child restraint. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles straight ahead at the time of impact. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The collision caused damage consistent with a side-impact and frontal collision, highlighting the dangers of multi-vehicle crashes in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700323 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A sedan executing an improper U-turn collided with a northbound bus on 5 Avenue. The impact struck the sedan’s left side doors, injuring a right rear passenger who suffered head trauma and whiplash. Driver inattention contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:52 on 5 Avenue when a sedan, traveling north and making a U-turn, collided with a northbound bus going straight ahead. The point of impact was the left side doors of the sedan, which sustained damage there. The bus was damaged at its center front end. A 56-year-old female occupant seated in the right rear of the sedan was injured, sustaining head injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report cites 'Turning Improperly' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors to the crash. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The collision highlights driver errors in executing turns and maintaining attention, leading to serious injury of a vehicle occupant.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699655 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

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 2024-01-30

A pick-up truck hit an 11-year-old boy crossing 7 Avenue at 52 Street. The child suffered abrasions to his knee and leg. The driver failed to yield and was distracted. The truck struck the boy head-on.

According to the police report, a pick-up truck making a left turn on 7 Avenue at 52 Street in Brooklyn struck an 11-year-old pedestrian. The boy was crossing at the intersection and suffered abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The truck's center front end hit the child directly. The driver’s failure to yield and distraction led to the injury. No contributing actions were attributed to the child.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698847 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Albany weighs bills A5259 and S2812 to keep and expand red-light cameras past December. Assembly Member Dinowitz and Senator Gounardes push for more cameras. DOT data shows fewer violations and crashes. Advocates demand action. The cap leaves neighborhoods exposed. Lives hang in the balance.

Bills A5259 and S2812 face debate in the New York State legislature. If lawmakers fail to act, the city’s red-light cameras—now capped at 150 intersections—will shut off December 1, 2024. The matter, described as 'reauthorize and expand the city's red-light camera program,' is championed by Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz and Senate co-sponsor Andrew Gounardes. Dinowitz, the sponsor, urges expansion, stating, 'We should have red-light cameras on every intersection.' Gounardes expects a review and expansion. DOT data backs them: violations and rear-end crashes have dropped at camera sites. Residents like Amy Bettys call the cap dangerous. Advocacy groups support the bills, though they are not a top priority. Dinowitz stresses automated enforcement is vital with limited police. The bills await committee action. Vulnerable road users face risk if the program lapses.

• Better Red Than Dead: Albany Takes Up Camera Reauthorization, Expansion, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-25

Every day, 9,000 trucks thunder through Sunset Park and Red Hook. Warehouses choke streets. Black and Latino residents breathe the fumes and dodge danger. Lawmakers push the Clean Deliveries Act to curb the chaos. The burden falls hard. The fight is on.

The Clean Deliveries Act, now under consideration in Albany, aims to regulate last-mile warehouse traffic and emissions across New York State. The bill responds to a new report showing Sunset Park and Red Hook face the city's highest truck volumes—over 9,000 daily trips—linked to sprawling Amazon, FedEx, and UPS facilities. The report states, 'a quarter of residents across the Empire State live within half a mile of a distribution center that’s at least 50,000 square feet, disproportionately harming Black and Latino communities.' State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, representing the affected Brooklyn neighborhoods, calls for urgent action 'for the sake of our climate and the safety of our streets.' Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes, whose district sees the most daily truck traffic, urges colleagues to pass the Act. Advocates like Kevin Garcia say the bill is 'key legislation to protect frontline communities from increased vehicular traffic and tailpipe emissions.' The Act would require emissions reviews, pollution minimization, and studies of low-emission zones in hotspots.

• Poorer Brooklynites Bear the Brunt of Online Delivery Boom: Report, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-23

Every day, 9,000 trucks thunder through Sunset Park and Red Hook. Warehouses choke streets. Black and Latino residents breathe the fumes and dodge danger. Lawmakers push the Clean Deliveries Act to curb the chaos. The burden falls hard. The fight is on.

The Clean Deliveries Act, now under consideration in Albany, aims to regulate last-mile warehouse traffic and emissions across New York State. The bill responds to a new report showing Sunset Park and Red Hook face the city's highest truck volumes—over 9,000 daily trips—linked to sprawling Amazon, FedEx, and UPS facilities. The report states, 'a quarter of residents across the Empire State live within half a mile of a distribution center that’s at least 50,000 square feet, disproportionately harming Black and Latino communities.' State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, representing the affected Brooklyn neighborhoods, calls for urgent action 'for the sake of our climate and the safety of our streets.' Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes, whose district sees the most daily truck traffic, urges colleagues to pass the Act. Advocates like Kevin Garcia say the bill is 'key legislation to protect frontline communities from increased vehicular traffic and tailpipe emissions.' The Act would require emissions reviews, pollution minimization, and studies of low-emission zones in hotspots.

• Poorer Brooklynites Bear the Brunt of Online Delivery Boom: Report, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-23

Seven Brooklyn officials urge DOT to clear cars from corners. They want boulders, planters, and bike corrals—not just paint. Their call follows deadly crashes. They press the city to use state law and federal funds. DOT promises review. Advocates back the push.

On January 17, 2024, seven Brooklyn elected officials—including Council Member Shahana Hanif, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Members Marcela Mitaynes, Jo Anne Simon, Robert Carroll, and State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Andrew Gounardes—issued a joint letter to the NYC Department of Transportation. They called for 'universal daylighting with hardened materials such as boulders, planters, and bike corrals' at intersections. The officials cited recent fatal crashes and urged the city to opt into a state law banning parking within 20 feet of corners. They want federal funds used for these changes. The group opposes DOT’s slow pace and reliance on paint, demanding physical barriers. Community board leaders and advocates support the move. DOT says it will review the letter and remains committed to evidence-based daylighting.

• Seven Brooklyn Electeds Join Growing Calls For Universal Daylighting, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-17

Seven Brooklyn officials urge DOT to clear cars from corners. They want boulders, planters, and bike corrals—not just paint. Their call follows deadly crashes. They press the city to use state law and federal funds. DOT promises review. Advocates back the push.

On January 17, 2024, seven Brooklyn elected officials—including Council Member Shahana Hanif, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Members Marcela Mitaynes, Jo Anne Simon, Robert Carroll, and State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Andrew Gounardes—issued a joint letter to the NYC Department of Transportation. They called for 'universal daylighting with hardened materials such as boulders, planters, and bike corrals' at intersections. The officials cited recent fatal crashes and urged the city to opt into a state law banning parking within 20 feet of corners. They want federal funds used for these changes. The group opposes DOT’s slow pace and reliance on paint, demanding physical barriers. Community board leaders and advocates support the move. DOT says it will review the letter and remains committed to evidence-based daylighting.

• Seven Brooklyn Electeds Join Growing Calls For Universal Daylighting, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-17

Council Member Brannan demands a traffic plan for Verrazzano Bridge shutdowns. Closures force cars onto local streets. Drivers mount sidewalks. Buses stall. Pedestrians and first responders face danger. Brannan and Gounardes want action. MTA and DOT pass the buck.

On January 15, 2024, Council Member Justin Brannan (District 47) called for a contingency traffic plan to address chaos during Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge closures. The matter, titled 'Bay Ridge pols call for help with traffic build-up caused by Verrazzano Bridge closures,' highlights gridlock and reckless driving on residential streets. Brannan, joined by State Senator Andrew Gounardes, pressed the MTA and DOT for early closure notifications and more traffic control. Brannan warned, 'Frustrated drivers... driving up on the sidewalk... affects not just the average driver or pedestrian but... first responders.' Gounardes added, 'Buses literally could not go anywhere.' Local leaders echoed the need for action. The MTA claimed safety as the reason for closures but shifted responsibility for street management to the DOT. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided, but the call centers the danger to pedestrians, transit riders, and emergency crews.

• Bay Ridge pols call for help with traffic build-up caused by Verrazzano Bridge closures, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-01-15

A 78-year-old man was struck while crossing 50 Street at 5 Avenue in Brooklyn. He suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The crash involved an unspecified vehicle. No driver errors were cited in the police report.

According to the police report, a 78-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 50 Street and 5 Avenue in Brooklyn around 4:00 p.m. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when he was struck by an unspecified vehicle. The victim sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No information about the vehicle type, driver actions, or license status was provided. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal was noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The crash highlights a serious injury to a vulnerable road user despite lawful crossing.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694271 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Council backs harsher penalties for drivers who hide plates. Obscured tags let reckless motorists dodge cameras and tickets. The bill aims to stop evasion and protect people on city streets.

Resolution 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, urges Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Robert F. Holden, calls for increased penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The resolution states: 'increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' It was introduced and voted on in December 2023. The bill would let authorities confiscate plate coverings, suspend registrations, and block VINs. Obscured plates let drivers evade speed and red-light cameras, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The council wants tougher enforcement to keep streets safer for all.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-31

Council backs harsher penalties for drivers who hide plates. Obscured tags let reckless motorists dodge cameras and tickets. The bill aims to stop evasion and protect people on city streets.

Resolution 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, urges Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Robert F. Holden, calls for increased penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The resolution states: 'increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' It was introduced and voted on in December 2023. The bill would let authorities confiscate plate coverings, suspend registrations, and block VINs. Obscured plates let drivers evade speed and red-light cameras, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The council wants tougher enforcement to keep streets safer for all.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-20