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

New York ranked 13th in bike safety but earned an F for traffic laws. Lawmakers and advocates demand stronger protections. The state lacks a safe passing law and local speed control. Riders face risk. Change is urgent. Lives hang in the balance.

"Bicyclists in New York deserve better than an F-rating for their safety on our streets, said State Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-Bay Ridge)." -- Andrew Gounardes

On April 21, 2022, the League of American Bicyclists released a report ranking New York State 13th in bike friendliness, but giving it an F+ for traffic laws and practices. The report criticized the absence of a defined safe passing distance for motorists overtaking cyclists, the lack of local control over speed limits, and poor public reporting on police stops. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes called the grade unacceptable, urging passage of his road-sharing training bill and support for Sen. Brad Hoylman’s bill to lower speed limits. Gounardes also pushed to keep speed cameras active. Advocates like Jon Orcutt acknowledged progress, such as the MTA’s bike strategy and new greenway funding, but stressed the need for stronger laws. The League’s summary: 'New York received high marks for infrastructure and funding, and education and encouragement, but got an F+ in traffic laws and practices.' The state’s failure to protect cyclists and pedestrians leaves vulnerable road users exposed to daily danger.

• New York Gets an ‘F’ Grade in the New ‘Bike Friendly States’ Survey…, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-04-21

New York scored high for bike infrastructure but failed on traffic laws. No safe passing rule. Cities can’t set lower speed limits. Lawmakers call for action. Cyclists remain exposed. The state’s grade: F for safety. Progress lags. Danger persists.

"Bicyclists in New York deserve better than an F-rating for their safety on our streets, said State Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-Bay Ridge)." -- Andrew Gounardes

On April 21, 2022, a national survey ranked New York State 13th for bike friendliness but gave it an F+ in 'Traffic Laws and Practices.' The review, covered by Streetsblog, highlighted the lack of a defined safe passing distance, restrictions on local speed limits, and missing public data on police stops. The League of American Bicyclists noted, 'New York is way behind other states on having a safe passage law, as 38 other states do.' State Sen. Andrew Gounardes called for urgent legislative fixes, including road-sharing training, lower speed limits, and keeping speed cameras on. Emily Gallagher, District 50, was mentioned in the advocacy push. The report underscores how state inaction leaves cyclists and pedestrians at risk, despite some progress in infrastructure and enforcement.

• Why New York State Gets an ‘F’ Grade in the New ‘Bike Friendly States’ Survey, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-04-21

Traffic deaths in New York City jumped 44% in early 2022. Fifty-nine people died in three months. Pedestrians and children bore the brunt. Advocates and Senator Gounardes call for urgent street redesigns and expanded camera enforcement. City Hall and Albany face mounting pressure.

On April 20, 2022, advocates and Senator Andrew Gounardes (District 26) sounded the alarm as traffic deaths in New York City surged. The report, titled 'Advocates demand action as NYC traffic deaths rise 44% in 2022,' revealed 59 deaths in the year's first quarter, the highest since Vision Zero began in 2014. Pedestrians and minors suffered most. Gounardes declared, 'It is unacceptable that there have been more traffic fatalities this year than since Vision Zero began.' Transportation Alternatives called for Mayor Adams to back a $3.1 billion DOT street redesign plan and for Albany to grant NYC home rule over traffic cameras. Advocates demand more bike lanes, safer intersections, and unrestricted camera enforcement. The push aims to end the deadly toll on city streets.

• Advocates demand action as NYC traffic deaths rise 44% in 2022, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-04-20

A 16-year-old girl was hit by an SUV while crossing a marked crosswalk on 61 Street in Brooklyn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way during a right turn. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries and remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 16-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 61 Street and 3 Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing in a marked crosswalk without a signal when a 2021 Chevrolet SUV, traveling west and making a right turn, struck her with its center front end. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4519284 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A sedan and an SUV collided on 4 Avenue. The SUV driver, a 30-year-old woman, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The crash involved steering failure. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage. The driver was in shock and complained of pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 4 Avenue involving a sedan and a station wagon/SUV. The SUV driver, a 30-year-old female, was injured with knee and lower leg trauma and was not ejected. The report lists steering failure as a contributing factor. The sedan and SUV both had front-end damage, with the sedan impacted on the right front bumper and the SUV on the center front end. The SUV driver was in shock and complained of pain and nausea. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling east, while the SUV driver was licensed and traveling north.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4518717 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 77-year-old man crossing 60 Street at 5 Avenue was hit by a northbound sedan making a left turn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and drove at unsafe speed. The pedestrian suffered fractured and dislocated lower leg injuries.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 60 Street made a left turn and struck a 77-year-old male pedestrian crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The point of impact was the sedan's left front bumper. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian was not at fault; the driver’s errors caused the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4517151 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Two sedans crashed on Prospect Avenue in Brooklyn. A 41-year-old female driver suffered elbow and lower arm injuries. The impact hit the right side doors of one car and the left front bumper of the other. Both drivers were licensed and traveling west.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Prospect Avenue in Brooklyn. One vehicle was traveling straight west when it was struck on the right side doors by another sedan making a left turn. The 41-year-old female driver of the turning vehicle was injured, sustaining elbow and lower arm injuries and reported pain or nausea. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the injured driver but does not specify driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. Vehicle damage was noted on the right rear quarter panel of the straight-moving sedan and the left front quarter panel of the turning sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4516500 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A motorbike and sedan collided on 5 Avenue in Brooklyn. The motorcyclist, unlicensed and driving south, suffered a fractured knee and lower leg injuries. The sedan showed no damage. Police cited aggressive driving as a contributing factor.

According to the police report, a collision occurred between a 2021 motorbike and a 2020 sedan on 5 Avenue in Brooklyn. The motorcyclist, a 20-year-old male driver without a license, was injured with fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. The sedan, carrying two occupants, sustained no damage. The motorbike was damaged on the left front quarter panel. The report lists aggressive driving and road rage as contributing factors. The motorcyclist was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4515531 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Albany moves to require six hours of pro instruction for new drivers. Gounardes and Carroll push the bill. They slam weak rules. Supporters say it will cut road violence. The DMV stays silent. The streets demand better.

Senate Bill 8667, introduced by Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Bobby Carroll, would require all new drivers in New York State to complete six hours of professional driving instruction before taking the road test. The bill was proposed on March 29, 2022. It is currently under consideration in committee. The measure’s summary states it would mandate 'directed training with a professional.' Gounardes called out the current system, linking lack of experience to crashes and road violence. Carroll said professional training means better drivers. The bill has backing from the New York State Association of Professional Driving Schools and the city Department of Transportation. Both stress the need for real training to protect all road users. The DMV has not commented. The bill aims to close deadly gaps in driver preparation.

• Albany Bill Would Finally Mandate Instruction for Student Drivers (Well, a Little), streetsblog.org, Published 2022-03-29

Senate Bill 8667 would force new drivers to log six hours with a professional instructor. Gounardes and Carroll say the current system is lax. They want more training. Safety leaders back the move. DOT is reviewing. Streets stay deadly.

Senate Bill 8667, introduced by Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Bobby Carroll, would require all new drivers in New York State to complete six hours of professional driving instruction before taking the road test. The bill was announced on March 29, 2022. Gounardes slammed the current rules as too lenient, saying, "For some drivers, the first time they take the wheel [as a licensed driver] they are in sole control of their car." Carroll called the requirement "reasonable." Stephen Walling, president of the New York State Association of Professional Driving Schools, said the bill would "go a long way towards keeping all New Yorkers safer on our roads." The NYC Department of Transportation called driver education "crucial" for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users, and is reviewing the proposal. The bill awaits committee action.

• Albany Bill Would Finally Mandate Instruction for Student Drivers (Well, a Little), Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-29

A bicyclist struck the right side of a parked sedan on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. The rider suffered abrasions and an upper arm injury. The sedan bore damage on its right doors. The cyclist wore a helmet and remained conscious after the crash.

According to the police report, a 40-year-old male bicyclist traveling north collided with the right side doors of a parked 2021 Lexus sedan on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. The bicyclist sustained abrasions and an upper arm injury but was conscious and wearing a helmet. The sedan was occupied by a licensed male driver from Florida who was parked at the time. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors for either party. The impact occurred at the center front end of the bike and the right side doors of the sedan, causing damage to the vehicle's right side.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4514863 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Two SUVs crashed on 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn. One driver suffered an elbow abrasion. The collision involved right front and left front quarter panel impacts. Unsafe lane changing caused the crash. Both drivers were licensed and traveling south.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided on 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn. The crash involved a right front bumper impact on one vehicle and a left front quarter panel impact on the other. One driver, a 46-year-old man wearing a lap belt and harness, was injured with an abrasion to his elbow and lower arm. The report lists "Unsafe Lane Changing" as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and traveling south at the time. Neither driver was ejected from their vehicles. The report does not indicate any other contributing factors or injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4513586 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Mayor Adams stood at a deadly Brooklyn intersection. He blamed Albany for tying the city’s hands. He called out the NYPD for weak enforcement. Twenty-seven pedestrians dead this year. Cameras go dark at night. Speeders win. Vulnerable lives lost.

On March 25, 2022, Mayor Adams held a press conference on street safety and traffic enforcement policy. The event spotlighted the city’s struggle to control its own traffic laws. Adams slammed state rules that force red light and speed cameras off between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., calling it 'unbelievable.' He said, 'Who are we protecting? We’re protecting the speeders. How about protecting Isaiah?' State Senator Andrew Gounardes, district 26, echoed Adams: 'It makes no sense that the city cannot control its own destiny on these streets.' Adams admitted NYPD traffic enforcement lags, with summonses down by more than half since 2019. Twenty-seven pedestrians have died so far this year—three more than last year. The mayor pressed for 24/7 camera operation and renewed NYPD focus. The council and advocates demand Albany act before more lives are lost.

• Mayor Adams blames Albany for NYC street safety flaws, but says city must do a better job, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-03-25

Mayor Adams stood with a grieving family. He demanded Albany let New York City control speed cameras, lower speed limits, and expand red-light cameras. He slammed laws that shield reckless drivers. Advocates say enforcement is not enough. Streets must change to save lives.

On March 25, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams issued a statement urging Albany to grant New York City authority over its speed camera enforcement system, lower speed limits, and expand red-light camera programs. Adams criticized the law that forces cameras off at 10 p.m., asking, 'Who are we protecting? We're protecting the speeders?' He cited clear data showing cameras cut violations and crashes. State Senator Andrew Gounardes echoed Adams, questioning why lawmakers outside the city control local street safety. Adams admitted NYPD traffic enforcement has dropped and pledged to prioritize it. Advocates argue enforcement alone is not enough and call for street redesigns to protect pedestrians and cyclists. Traffic deaths remain high, especially when cameras are off. The push highlights a fight for local control and safer streets for all vulnerable New Yorkers.

• Adams Wants Albany Help in Stopping Reckless Drivers, But There is Much More He Can Do On His Own, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-25

A 10-year-old boy was struck by an SUV making a left turn on 6 Avenue in Brooklyn. The boy was crossing at a marked crosswalk without a signal. He suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee and lower leg. The driver’s vehicle showed no damage.

According to the police report, a 10-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing at a marked crosswalk on 6 Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, was making a left turn when the collision occurred. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists the pedestrian’s contributing factors as unspecified. The vehicle had no visible damage despite impact at the left front bumper. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were explicitly noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4512510 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A BMW sedan traveling north on 60 Street struck another vehicle’s right rear bumper. Two female occupants suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both were conscious and restrained by seat belts. The crash caused center back-end damage to the BMW.

According to the police report, a 2021 BMW sedan driven by a 31-year-old woman was involved in a collision on 60 Street in Brooklyn. The vehicle impacted the right rear bumper of another vehicle. Two female occupants, the driver and a 26-year-old front passenger, sustained neck injuries classified as injury severity 3, including whiplash. Both were conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses at the time. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified, with no clear driver errors noted. The BMW sustained damage to its center back end. No ejections occurred, and no pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4512318 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A BMW sedan crashed head-on into the expressway’s barrier. Three men inside suffered whiplash, abrasions, and facial trauma. Driver inexperience caused the wreck. All survived. Metal twisted at the car’s front.

According to the police report, a 2006 BMW sedan traveling northeast on Prospect Expressway struck head-on, injuring all three men inside. The driver, age 28, suffered abrasions to his arm. The front passenger, 30, sustained facial injuries and whiplash. The rear left passenger, 28, had head injuries and whiplash. All were conscious and restrained. The report lists driver inexperience as the sole contributing factor. The car’s center front end took the brunt of the impact. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4530502 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 26-year-old man on an e-scooter was injured in Brooklyn. The crash happened on 3 Avenue at 3:15 a.m. The driver suffered a head injury and was incoherent. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. No helmet was worn.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured in a collision on 3 Avenue in Brooklyn at 3:15 a.m. The driver suffered a head injury and was incoherent at the scene. The crash involved a Ford vehicle traveling east and the e-scooter traveling south. The point of impact was the center front end of the e-scooter and the left front bumper of the Ford. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash. The e-scooter driver was not wearing any safety equipment. The driver was not ejected from the vehicle but sustained serious injuries. The Ford driver held a permit license status.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4511171 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

SUV hit object on Gowanus Expressway. Front-seat passenger, 46, suffered head contusion. Driver inexperience cited. Passenger was conscious and restrained. No victim fault listed.

According to the police report, a 46-year-old woman riding as the front passenger in a 2021 SUV was injured when the vehicle struck an object with its right front quarter panel on the Gowanus Expressway. The passenger sustained a head contusion, remained conscious, and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inexperience as a contributing factor to the crash. No other contributing factors or victim errors are noted. The driver was licensed in New York and was traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4515539 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 39-year-old woman bicyclist was ejected and injured in Brooklyn. The SUV struck her on the left side doors while making a left turn. She suffered facial contusions but remained conscious. Confusion by the bicyclist contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a 39-year-old female bicyclist was injured after being struck by a 2021 Ford SUV in Brooklyn. The SUV was making a left turn southbound on 4 Avenue when it hit the bicyclist traveling northbound straight ahead. The impact occurred on the left side doors of the bike and the right front bumper of the SUV. The bicyclist was ejected and sustained facial contusions but remained conscious. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as the contributing factor, indicating confusion on the bicyclist's part. No driver errors were cited in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4509271 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14