A Boy Is Dead. The Street Still Bleeds.

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

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

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

A moped rider collided with an SUV entering a parked position on Atlantic Avenue. The moped driver suffered a fractured knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention and improper lane usage as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 18:20 on Atlantic Avenue when a moped traveling west struck the right front quarter panel of an SUV that was entering a parked position. The moped driver, a 36-year-old male, was injured with fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The moped driver was also noted for 'Following Too Closely.' The SUV driver was licensed and female, while the moped driver held a permit. The collision point and vehicle damage were both on the left front bumper of the moped and right front quarter panel of the SUV. The report focuses on driver errors without attributing fault to the injured moped rider.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726231 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A distracted SUV driver struck a moped on Bergen Street in Brooklyn. The moped driver was ejected and suffered serious lower leg injuries. The SUV impacted the moped’s left front bumper, causing abrasions and vehicle damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Bergen Street in Brooklyn at 18:22. A 2016 Chevrolet SUV traveling west went straight ahead and struck a 2023 moped passing westbound. The point of impact was the SUV’s right side doors and the moped’s left front bumper. The moped driver, a 39-year-old male, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained knee, lower leg, and foot injuries classified as severity level 3. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the SUV driver. The moped driver was wearing a helmet, but no contributing factors related to the victim were noted. The SUV had four occupants, and the moped driver was unlicensed. Vehicle damage included the SUV’s undercarriage and the moped’s left front bumper.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727273 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A motorbike traveling north struck a 61-year-old female pedestrian at a Classon Avenue intersection. The pedestrian suffered a hip and upper leg contusion. The motorbike showed no damage. Unsafe speed by the motorbike was noted as a contributing factor.

According to the police report, a motorbike traveling north on Classon Avenue struck a 61-year-old female pedestrian at an intersection. The pedestrian was conscious but sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises. The motorbike had no visible damage and was going straight ahead at the time of impact. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the motorbike operator. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were cited. The pedestrian was located at the intersection and was not assigned any contributing fault. This crash highlights the dangers posed by motorbike speed in pedestrian-heavy areas.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4722926 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A pick-up truck and sedan collided on Utica Avenue, injuring the sedan driver. The impact struck both vehicles' left front bumpers. The 63-year-old sedan driver suffered bruising and arm injuries but remained conscious with airbag deployment noted.

According to the police report, at 20:18 on Utica Avenue, a pick-up truck traveling south and a sedan traveling north collided, impacting both vehicles' left front bumpers. The sedan driver, a 63-year-old man, was injured with contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. He was conscious and not ejected, with the airbag deployed in his vehicle. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the sedan driver but does not specify any driver errors or pedestrian involvement. The pick-up truck, driven by a licensed female driver from New York, was going straight ahead at the time of the crash. The sedan's pre-crash movement is recorded as 'Other*', indicating an unclear maneuver. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors are noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4722096 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Two taxis crashed at Schenectady Avenue and Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. Both drivers disregarded traffic controls. Each driver suffered injuries and shock. The collision damaged the right rear quarter panel of one taxi and the front center of the other.

According to the police report, two taxis collided at the intersection of Schenectady Avenue and Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn around 3:00 AM. Both drivers were cited for 'Traffic Control Disregarded,' indicating failure to obey traffic signals or signs. The first taxi, traveling south, was struck on its right rear quarter panel, while the second taxi, traveling east, sustained damage to its center front end. Both drivers, aged 34 and 49, were injured and experienced shock. The 34-year-old driver suffered injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot, while the 49-year-old driver sustained back injuries. Both were wearing lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected from their vehicles. The report highlights driver errors as the primary cause, with no contributing factors attributed to the victims.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4722092 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A distracted driver backing north on Nostrand Avenue struck a 55-year-old woman crossing outside a crosswalk. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The crash exposed dangers of driver inattention in Brooklyn streets.

According to the police report, at 6:06 AM on Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn, a vehicle backing north struck a 55-year-old female pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report explicitly cites "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor twice, emphasizing the driver's failure to maintain awareness while backing. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian at the center back end, indicating the collision occurred during the vehicle's reverse movement. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and no other contributing factors related to the victim were noted. This incident highlights the critical role of driver distraction in pedestrian injuries on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720383 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A sedan hit a 22-year-old man crossing Pacific Street with the signal. The driver failed to yield. The man suffered bruises to his knee and leg. He stayed conscious. Glare affected visibility. The car was undamaged.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male pedestrian was crossing Pacific Street at Ralph Avenue in Brooklyn with the signal when a westbound sedan making a left turn struck him. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the primary driver error. Glare also contributed to the crash. The pedestrian suffered contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The sedan, a 2022 Nissan, was undamaged. The driver was licensed and alone in the vehicle. This crash underscores the danger when drivers fail to yield at intersections, especially when visibility is compromised.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720494 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A new state bill would let New York City street sweepers use cameras to catch cars blocking cleaning routes. Repeat offenders rack up most tickets. Lawmakers say dirty streets and blocked drains endanger everyone. The law would sunset in 2029.

Assembly Bill (unnumbered) was introduced by Brooklyn Assembly Member Brian Cunningham on April 25, 2024. The bill is pending in the state legislature. It would allow New York City to mount enforcement cameras on street sweepers to ticket cars parked illegally during street cleaning hours. The bill summary states it 'fulfills the Sanitation Department's longstanding ask for help getting vehicles out of the way of road-cleaning operations.' Cunningham, who sponsors the bill, said, 'Dirty streets are totally unacceptable.' Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch supports the change, noting that state law must allow automated ticketing. Uptown Manhattan State Senator Robert Jackson introduced a similar Senate bill. The law would phase in after a year and expire by mid-2029, giving officials time to assess its impact. No formal safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• Street Sweepers Could Nab Illegal Parking Under State Bill, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-04-25

SUV plowed into a parked sedan. Driver and teen passenger hurt. Whiplash and arm injuries. Police cite driver inattention. Streets remain unforgiving.

According to the police report, an SUV traveling north on Saint Johns Place struck a parked sedan at 8:40. The SUV’s driver, a 39-year-old man, and his 17-year-old front passenger were both injured, suffering whiplash and arm injuries. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor. The parked sedan was hit at its right rear bumper, while the SUV took damage to its right rear quarter panel. A fire truck was present but sustained no damage. The report highlights driver error, not victim fault, as the cause of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718536 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Council orders swift removal of abandoned and unplated cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. Police target vehicles with missing or fake plates. Fewer hazards for those on foot and bike.

Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 18, 2024. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation.' Sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary) and co-sponsored by over a dozen council members, it forces the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours and empowers NYPD to tow cars with missing or obscured plates or stickers. The law aims to clear street hazards fast, reducing risks for pedestrians and cyclists.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Council orders DOT to reveal bike and micromobility numbers. Streets and bridges get counted. Riders’ paths mapped. City must show where safety fails and where it works. Data goes public. No more hiding the truth.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and became law September 14, 2024, as Local Law 88. The law’s title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Schulman, Hudson, Restler, and others. The law forces DOT to publish monthly and annual data on bike and micromobility use, plus crash and safety project details. The city must show where riders go, where danger lurks, and what it does to fix it. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it stands.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-11

Two sedans crashed on Park Place. Both drivers and a passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. One driver was unlicensed. Bumpers smashed. Shock followed. Systemic danger clear. Brooklyn streets bear the cost.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at midnight on Park Place in Brooklyn. Both vehicles traveled east. One sedan, driven by a licensed man, went straight. The other, driven by an unlicensed man, was stopped in traffic. The crash struck the right front bumper of the moving sedan and the left rear bumper of the stopped car. Both drivers and a front passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash, and all were in shock. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified. The presence of an unlicensed driver marks a critical systemic danger. Both vehicles sustained significant bumper damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715001 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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

A sedan traveling southeast struck a moped going east on Park Place in Brooklyn. The moped driver, a 48-year-old man, was ejected and suffered chest injuries. The sedan's right front bumper was damaged in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:18 on Park Place near Troy Avenue in Brooklyn. A 2013 sedan traveling southeast struck a 2006 moped traveling east. The sedan impacted the moped with its right front bumper, causing damage to that area. The moped driver, a 48-year-old male occupant, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained chest injuries classified as injury severity 3. The driver was conscious and suffered internal complaints. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the moped driver but does not specify driver errors or violations for the sedan operator. No helmet use or pedestrian crossing factors were noted as contributing. The sedan driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead prior to the crash. The collision highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable road users when struck by larger vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4712939 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A female SUV driver suffered shoulder and arm injuries after colliding with a parked sedan on Dean Street. The crash involved two SUVs and was linked to malfunctioning traffic control devices, according to the police report.

At 15:12 on Dean Street, a collision occurred involving two SUVs and a parked sedan. According to the police report, the female driver of a 2024 Chevrolet SUV traveling north struck the left rear bumper of a parked 2022 Hyundai sedan. The driver sustained upper arm and shoulder contusions and was conscious at the scene. The report cites 'Traffic Control Device Improper/Non-Working' as a contributing factor to the crash. The injured occupant was not ejected and was the sole occupant of her vehicle. The report does not list any victim errors or behaviors contributing to the crash, focusing instead on the failure of traffic control devices and the resulting impact. Vehicle damage was concentrated on the left front bumper of the moving SUV and the left rear bumper of the parked sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4711657 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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

A 15-year-old boy suffered severe leg injuries after an SUV hit him on Park Place. The impact fractured and distorted his knee and lower leg. The pedestrian was conscious but seriously hurt, struck outside an intersection in the roadway.

According to the police report, a 15-year-old male pedestrian was injured at 18:25 on Park Place when a 2024 SUV traveling east struck him on the left side doors. The pedestrian was located in the roadway, not at an intersection, performing unspecified actions. The victim sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in serious injury. The driver, a licensed female motorist, was going straight ahead at the time of impact. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or pedestrian, but the collision and injury severity highlight the danger posed by vehicle movements through pedestrian spaces. The vehicle damage was limited to the left side doors, consistent with the point of impact on the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4710251 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06