Brooklyn’s Streets Are Killing Us—Who Will Stop the Bleeding?

A bus making a left turn struck a sedan traveling south on Lefferts Avenue. Both sedan occupants, driver and front passenger, suffered back contusions and shock. The sedan's right front bumper and bus's left side doors were damaged.

According to the police report, a 2018 bus was making a left turn when it collided with a 2015 sedan going straight south on Lefferts Avenue. The sedan had two female occupants: a 45-year-old driver and a 47-year-old front passenger. Both were injured with back contusions and experienced shock. The report lists driver errors including Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Turning Improperly. The bus driver was licensed and male; the sedan driver was licensed and female. The point of impact was the sedan's right front bumper and the bus's left side doors. Both sedan occupants wore lap belts and were not ejected.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4610423 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 36-year-old male driver suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation after his SUV struck the right rear quarter panel of a box truck. The crash occurred near Kingston Avenue. Driver inattention and improper lane usage caused the impact.

According to the police report, a collision occurred in Brooklyn near 333 Kingston Avenue involving a 2020 Toyota SUV and a box truck. The SUV driver, a 36-year-old man, was injured with a fractured elbow and dislocation. The report lists driver errors as 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper.' The SUV struck the box truck on its right rear quarter panel, damaging the left side doors of the SUV. The injured driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No other occupants were reported injured. The crash highlights driver errors leading to the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4605996 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

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 2023-02-13

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 2023-02-13

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 2023-02-13

Two SUVs collided head-on on Rogers Avenue in Brooklyn. A 34-year-old female driver suffered chest injuries and was semiconscious. Police cited driver inattention and disregarded traffic control as causes. Multiple vehicles sustained damage in the crash.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Rogers Avenue in Brooklyn. The 34-year-old female driver of one SUV was injured, sustaining chest trauma and was semiconscious at the scene. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both drivers. Additionally, the female driver disregarded traffic control, worsening the crash. The impact was centered on the front ends of the vehicles, causing significant damage. Several parked vehicles nearby also suffered damage. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet use or signaling as factors. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction and failure to obey traffic controls.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4605454 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

Assembly bill A 4057 orders new safety tech in cars. DMV must set rules. Lawmakers push for machines to see, sense, and stop. Streets demand more than hope. The bill stands at sponsorship.

Assembly bill A 4057, sponsored by Brian Cunningham and co-sponsored by Steven Raga, Chris Burdick, Tony Simone, Manny De Los Santos, Jen Lunsford, and Jo Anne Simon, was introduced on February 9, 2023. The bill is in the sponsorship stage. It 'mandates the use of advanced safety technology in vehicles in the state; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles to promulgate certain rules and regulations.' No vote has been held yet. The bill aims to force carmakers and drivers to adopt new tech, shifting the burden from flesh to steel. No safety analyst note is available.

• File A 4057, Open States, Published 2023-02-09

A bus struck the left rear bumper of a sedan traveling east on Remsen Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan’s driver, a 38-year-old man, suffered back injuries and whiplash. The bus driver was licensed and uninjured. Following too closely caused the crash.

According to the police report, a bus traveling east on Remsen Avenue rear-ended a sedan at the left rear bumper. The sedan was driven by a 38-year-old man who was injured, sustaining back injuries and whiplash. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor to the collision. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The bus sustained no damage, while the sedan’s left rear bumper was damaged. The sedan driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4605725 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

Two sedans collided on Utica Avenue at night. One driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police found alcohol involvement. Impact crushed left doors of one car, front end of the other.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed on Utica Avenue at 11:25 p.m. A 25-year-old driver was injured with neck pain and whiplash but remained conscious. The southbound Audi was struck on its left side doors by a northbound Nissan making a left turn. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. Driver errors include failure to yield while turning and alcohol involvement. The injured person was the Audi driver. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4604566 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

Assembly bill A 3180 demands complete street design on state and federally funded projects. Sponsors push for safer roads. The bill calls for public guidance. Streets must serve people, not just cars.

Assembly Bill A 3180 was introduced on February 2, 2023, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to think of people first. Didi Barrett leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill also orders the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note is available, but the bill’s intent is clear: streets must protect all users, not just drivers.

• File A 3180, Open States, Published 2023-02-02

A developer pushes a new housing plan after his truck depot faces backlash. Council Member Richardson Jordan stands firm. She demands more affordable units and community input. Pollution from trucks draws fire. The fight pits profit against people in Harlem.

On February 2, 2023, Council Member Kristin Richardson Jordan opposed a developer's push to swap a polluting truck depot for a new housing plan in Harlem. The developer, Bruce Teitelbaum, offered 'One45 Harlem for ALL,' promising 50% below-market-rate units. Richardson Jordan wants deeper affordability: 60% of units at 60% AMI, 30% at 30% AMI. She rejects private deals and insists on community-led negotiations. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Attorney General Letitia James joined calls to shut the truck depot, citing pollution. Richardson Jordan's spokesperson said, 'Right now, the truck stand cannot be on the table whatsoever. That is not good faith.' The council member stands with her community, demanding clean air and real affordability.

• Truck Depot Developer Wants to Restart His Bid for ‘Affordable’ Housing — But How Affordable?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-02-02

NYPD cleared Officer Michael Kovalik after he threatened Senator Zellnor Myrie with pepper spray at a 2020 protest. Despite video and a civilian board’s finding of abuse, an NYPD judge found no misconduct. Myrie calls the system rotten. No officers face charges.

On January 31, 2023, the NYPD declined to charge Officer Michael Kovalik for threatening Brooklyn State Senator Zellnor Myrie with pepper spray during a 2020 George Floyd protest. The case, reviewed internally by Assistant Trial Commissioner Josh Kleiman, ended with Kovalik cleared of wrongdoing. The Civilian Complaint Review Board had found Kovalik abused his authority, but Kleiman ruled, 'The evidence fails to support either of the specifications with which Respondent is charged.' NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell signed off on the decision. Senator Myrie, who testified about being shoved and threatened, condemned the ruling: 'This ruling is EXACTLY why New Yorkers have zero faith in the system.' Myrie and then-Assembly Member Diana Richardson, both detained at the protest, have filed a federal lawsuit. The NYPD’s internal process shielded officers from accountability, leaving vulnerable protesters exposed to unchecked force.

• NYPD Declines to Charge Cop who Threatened Brooklyn State Senator During 2020 Protests, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-31

Attorney General Letitia James called out a Harlem truck depot for endangering health and safety. Trucks bring noise, fumes, and danger to streets. Council Member Richardson Jordan and advocates rallied to stop it. The depot stands accused of harming a vulnerable community.

On January 30, 2023, Attorney General Letitia James issued a statement warning that a new truck depot at W. 145th Street and Lenox Avenue in Harlem may violate state law. James called the depot a potential 'public nuisance,' citing 'increased traffic, noise, vibrations, and local air pollution from trucks.' The matter, described as 'Attorney General James Says Harlem Truck Depot May Violate State Law,' centers on developer Bruce Teitelbaum’s project, which followed failed rezoning for affordable housing. Council Member Kristin Richardson Jordan and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams joined community members and Transportation Alternatives in opposition, arguing the depot 'will make our streets more dangerous.' Richardson Jordan thanked James for her support. The Attorney General’s office is considering legal action, echoing past interventions against similar depots. No formal council bill is attached, but the case highlights systemic threats to vulnerable road users in Harlem.

• Attorney General James Says Harlem Truck Depot May Violate State Law, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-30

Assembly bill A 2610 targets bus lane cheaters. Sponsors back cameras and owner liability. The goal: keep bus lanes clear, speed up buses, cut crashes. No votes yet. The fight for safer streets rolls on.

Assembly bill A 2610, now in sponsorship, aims to extend bus rapid transit camera enforcement. The bill, titled "Relates to owner liability for failure of operator to comply with bus operation-related local law or regulation traffic restrictions," was introduced January 26, 2023. Primary sponsor Alicia Hyndman leads, joined by Deborah Glick, Sarahana Shrestha, Manny De Los Santos, Zohran Mamdani, and others. The bill would hold vehicle owners liable for bus lane violations and expand photo enforcement. No votes have been recorded. The measure seeks to keep bus lanes clear, speed up transit, and reduce risk for those outside cars.

• File A 2610, Open States, Published 2023-01-26

A 27-year-old man was struck on Montgomery Street while crossing with the signal. The SUV failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. The driver’s error caused serious injury and shock.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old male pedestrian was injured on Montgomery Street after being hit by a northbound SUV. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at an intersection when the collision occurred. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the driver’s contributing factor. The pedestrian sustained a fractured, dislocated upper arm and was in shock. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The driver was going straight ahead and did not yield to the pedestrian legally crossing the street.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4600409 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

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

A sedan turning left struck a bicyclist going straight on Winthrop Street in Brooklyn. The 64-year-old man suffered neck contusions. Police cited driver inattention and passenger distraction as causes. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment.

According to the police report, a 2018 sedan driven by a licensed female driver was making a left turn on Winthrop Street when it collided with a 64-year-old male bicyclist traveling straight. The impact occurred on the sedan's left front bumper and the bike's right side doors. The bicyclist sustained neck contusions and remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention and passenger distraction as contributing factors. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No ejection occurred. The crash highlights the dangers of distracted driving and its impact on vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4599112 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

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

A 25-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured in a crash on Flatbush Avenue. The sedan driver made a left turn and struck the cyclist’s front center. Both drivers showed inattention. The cyclist suffered bruises and leg injuries.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn involving a southbound sedan making a left turn and a southbound bicyclist going straight ahead. The bicyclist, a 25-year-old male, was ejected from his bike and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both drivers. The sedan struck the bicyclist on the left front quarter panel, while the bike was impacted at its center front end. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash resulted in injury severity level 3 for the cyclist, who remained conscious after the impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4598782 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A 22-year-old man was injured while walking along Winthrop Street. He suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The vehicle involved is unspecified, with no driver errors noted.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male pedestrian was injured at an intersection on Winthrop Street while walking along the highway with traffic. He sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The vehicle involved is unspecified, and no details about the driver or vehicle type are provided. There is no indication of victim fault or safety equipment use. The crash resulted in moderate injury to the pedestrian, who was not ejected from the scene.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4598781 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16