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

A pregnant woman stepped from her car after a crash. The other driver floored it, struck her, dragged her, then fled. She died at the hospital. The driver vanished into the night. Police search. Grief lingers on Van Buren Street.

According to the New York Post (published May 26, 2025), Tiffany Cifuni, 32, was killed after a minor collision at Van Buren Street and Marcus Garvey Boulevard in Brooklyn. Cifuni exited her Toyota 4Runner to check for damage. The driver of a Chevy Trax then accelerated, struck her from behind, dragged her, and sped away against traffic on a one-way street. The article states, "the driver of the Trax gunned it and struck Cifuni from behind, dragging her before speeding away." The suspect crashed into two more vehicles before fleeing on foot, leaving behind a car with temporary plates. The driver remains at large. The incident highlights the lethal risk of hit-and-run drivers and the dangers posed by unchecked reckless driving on city streets.

• Pregnant Woman Killed In Brooklyn Hit-And-Run, New York Post, Published 2025-05-26

A pregnant woman stood in the street after a fender bender. The other driver hit her, dragged her, then sped off. She died at the scene. The driver fled on foot. Family waits for answers. The street holds the silence.

ABC7 reported on May 25, 2025, that a 32-year-old pregnant woman was killed in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, after a traffic incident at Van Buren Street and Marcus Garvey Boulevard. The article states, "Authorities say a female driver slammed into the victim as she stood in the roadway after a traffic incident." The victim, Tiffany Cifuni, had exited her SUV following a minor collision and approached the other vehicle. The driver then accelerated, dragging Cifuni and driving the wrong way before striking parked cars and fleeing on foot. The crash highlights the dangers of post-collision interactions and reckless driving. Police continue to search for the suspect.

• Pregnant Woman Killed In Brooklyn Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-05-25

A motorcycle hit an SUV at Fenimore Street and Bedford Avenue. Both drivers were hurt. Police cited following too closely and lane misuse. The street stayed dangerous for all.

A motorcycle and an SUV collided at Fenimore Street and Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, both drivers were injured. The 31-year-old motorcyclist suffered a bruised lower leg. The SUV driver, 35, reported back pain and nausea. Police listed 'Following Too Closely' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The motorcyclist wore a helmet. Both drivers were licensed. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash shows the risk when drivers fail to keep distance or use lanes properly.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4815825 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A cyclist rode west on East New York Avenue. Someone disregarded traffic control. The crash threw the rider from his bike. He landed hard, hurting his back. He was conscious. The street stayed dangerous. The system failed to protect him.

A 25-year-old male bicyclist was injured on East New York Avenue at Brooklyn Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, 'Traffic Control Disregarded' was listed as a contributing factor. The cyclist was ejected from his bike and suffered a back injury, remaining conscious at the scene. The report notes the cyclist wore a helmet. No other vehicle details were specified. The crash highlights the ongoing danger when traffic controls are ignored. The police report does not assign blame to the cyclist. Systemic risks remain for vulnerable road users in Brooklyn.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4815830 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

City will spend $550 million to remake Fifth Avenue. Cars keep two lanes. Buses lose out. Cyclists get nothing. Sidewalks widen, but most space stays with traffic. Critics say safety for walkers and riders is left behind.

On May 22, 2025, Streetsblog NYC covered the city's announcement of a $550 million redesign for Fifth Avenue. The plan, described as a 'much-compromised redesign,' keeps two car lanes, scraps a bus lane, and offers no space for cyclists. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called it a 'pedestrian-first corridor,' but critics, including Riders Alliance spokesman Danny Pearlstein, slammed the move as a 'huge corporate giveaway at New Yorkers' expense.' The redesign widens sidewalks and adds planters and seating, but cars still dominate. Council members and advocates oppose the car-first approach. According to safety analysts, the event only mentions the redesign and its cost, without specifying design features or their effects on vulnerable road users; therefore, the safety impact cannot be determined from the information provided.

• Thursday’s Headlines: Car-First Fifth Avenue Edition, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-05-22

An SUV hit a 58-year-old e-bike rider on Carroll Street in Brooklyn. The cyclist suffered a fractured arm. Police cite failure to yield and failure to keep right. The crash left the cyclist injured and the SUV’s front end damaged.

A collision occurred on Carroll Street in Brooklyn involving a station wagon/SUV and an e-bike. The 58-year-old male e-bike rider was injured, suffering a fractured arm. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Failure to Keep Right.' The SUV’s right front bumper struck the cyclist. The cyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but the primary causes listed are driver errors. No injuries were reported for the SUV occupants. The crash highlights the danger faced by cyclists when drivers fail to yield and keep right.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4814724 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A man crossed Fulton Street. A Ford Explorer hit him. The driver sped off. The man died at the hospital. The street stayed quiet. Police searched for the car. The city counted another lost life.

ABC7 reported on May 17, 2025, that a 55-year-old man was killed while crossing Fulton Street at Washington Avenue in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn. According to police, 'a burgundy Ford Explorer with Pennsylvania license plates struck and killed the 55-year-old man.' The driver did not remain at the scene. The crash happened just before 12:30 a.m. The victim was taken to Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The incident highlights the ongoing danger faced by pedestrians and the persistent problem of hit-and-run drivers in New York City.

• Driver Flees After Brooklyn Fatal Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-05-17

A young unlicensed driver crashed an SUV into parked cars on Rochester Ave. Passengers suffered injuries. Police cite inexperience and distraction. Metal twisted. Lives shaken.

A 23-year-old unlicensed woman drove a Ford SUV north on Rochester Ave and crashed into two parked SUVs. According to the police report, the crash injured the driver and left several passengers with unspecified injuries. Police list 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The impact struck the center front ends of all vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report does not mention helmet or signal use. The crash highlights the danger when inexperience and distraction meet heavy metal on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4813190 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A car struck Larry Maxwell, 72, on Sutter Avenue. The driver had just crashed into another vehicle and fled. Maxwell died at Brookdale Hospital. The driver did not stop. Police are still searching. No arrests. The street stayed quiet.

NY Daily News reported on May 15, 2025, that Larry Maxwell, 72, was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The article states, “An elderly man was mowed down and killed by a hit-and-run driver in Brooklyn on May 10, just seconds after the same driver smashed into a nearby vehicle.” The driver first collided with a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu, then continued on and struck Maxwell near Sutter Ave. and Osborn St. The Malibu’s occupants were uninjured and remained at the scene. The driver who killed Maxwell fled and remains unidentified. The NYPD Highway District collision investigation squad is investigating. No arrests have been made. The case highlights the lethal risk of fleeing drivers and the ongoing challenge of enforcement.

• Hit-And-Run Driver Kills Brooklyn Elder, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-15

SUV hit two kids crossing Nostrand. Both children bruised, left conscious. Driver failed to yield. Police cite reaction to another vehicle. Danger at the crosswalk, pain on the pavement.

Two children, ages 7 and 10, were struck and injured by an SUV while crossing at the intersection of 1289 Nostrand Ave in Brooklyn. According to the police report, both children suffered bruises but remained conscious. The driver, a 76-year-old man, was operating a 2009 Honda SUV. Police list 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' as contributing factors. The report does not mention any injuries to the driver or other occupants. The crash highlights the risk faced by pedestrians at intersections when drivers fail to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812684 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Letitia James fights Trump’s threat to choke off billions in transit funds. The lawsuit says tying DOT money to immigration crackdowns endangers safety. Projects stall. Streets grow riskier. Immigrants fear reporting crimes. The federal move puts lives on the line.

On May 13, 2025, New York Attorney General Letitia James led a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration’s move to tie U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) funding to state cooperation with immigration enforcement. The suit, joined by other state attorneys general, challenges an April 24 announcement by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy that would cut off funding to states refusing to enforce federal immigration law or maintain diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The matter summary states, 'DOT’s blatant overreach threatens to divert critical resources away from public safety and undermine projects that keep our communities connected and safe.' James and her colleagues argue this policy forces states to choose between billions in infrastructure funds and supporting immigrant communities. They warn that withholding funds will halt vital safety projects, making streets and transit more dangerous. The attorneys general also note that immigrants may avoid reporting crimes if they fear deportation, further undermining public safety.

• AG James Sues Trump Over ‘Strong-Arm’ Tactic of Tying DOT Funds to Immigration Crackdown, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-05-13

Cuomo vows to end 'delivery chaos.' He targets e-bike rules and minimum pay for app workers. DoorDash backs him with $1 million. Critics warn of a rollback on worker protections. Delivery riders face the fallout. Streets stay dangerous.

On May 13, 2025, Andrew Cuomo, running for NYC mayor, made a campaign statement targeting 'delivery chaos.' He proposes revising the city’s minimum pay law and making app companies liable for damages caused by delivery riders. His campaign website claims these changes will 'eliminate inappropriate incentives to dangerous use of e-bikes.' DoorDash donated $1 million to a Cuomo-aligned super PAC. Comptroller Brad Lander accused Cuomo of siding with app companies, saying, 'DoorDash is trying to buy Cuomo’s election...so he’ll roll back the law I passed that requires them to pay their workers a living wage.' Other officials, including Scott Stringer and Zellnor Myrie, voiced doubts about Cuomo’s commitment to delivery worker protections. The bill is not in committee; it is a campaign proposal. The safety impact for vulnerable road users remains unclear, but the fight over pay and regulation leaves delivery workers exposed.

• ‘Chaos’ Candidate? DoorDash Gave $1M to Super PAC Backing Cuomo, Who Decries Delivery Workers, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-05-13

Van turned right on Nostrand. Moped hit. One man, 63, suffered head abrasion. Police cite blocked view, failure to yield. Passengers, including a child, involved. Brooklyn street, hard impact.

A van making a right turn on Nostrand Avenue collided with a moped traveling straight. A 63-year-old man driving the moped suffered a head abrasion. According to the police report, 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' contributed to the crash. Two passengers, including an 8-year-old boy, were in the van. Both drivers were licensed. The van's right front quarter panel and the moped's front end were damaged. No helmet or signal issues were listed as factors. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to yield and sightlines are blocked.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4813975 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Four mayoral candidates vow to expand open streets and outdoor dining. They slam city red tape and call for year-round access. They promise to cut barriers for restaurants and keep sidewalks clear. Each frames the issue as vital for city life.

This policy statement, aired May 12, 2025, is not a formal bill but a public commitment from leading mayoral candidates. Scott Stringer, Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, Brad Lander, and Zohran Mamdani all support expanding open streets and outdoor dining. Stringer pledges to 'loosen unnecessary design requirements' and simplify permits. Myrie promises a 'year-round outdoor dining program' and restoration of open streets, citing safety and access for pedestrians and cyclists. Ramos calls the current scheme 'unworkable' and urges consensus. Lander faults City Hall for 'over-regulating' and vows to speed up applications while 'respecting pedestrian traffic.' Mamdani highlights the economic and social benefits. All criticize current restrictions and bureaucratic hurdles. The candidates frame these programs as essential for small businesses, public space, and safer streets, but no formal safety analysis is attached.

• Decision 2025: Mayoral Hopefuls Discuss the Death of Outdoor Dining, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-05-12

SUV turned right on Eastern Parkway. Motorcycle struck. Rider hurt. Police cite following too closely. Metal and bodies collided. Streets stayed dangerous.

A crash on Eastern Parkway at Rogers Avenue in Brooklyn left a 27-year-old motorcycle rider injured. According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV and a motorcycle were both making right turns when the collision occurred. The motorcycle rider suffered a knee and lower leg injury. Police list 'Following Too Closely' as a contributing factor. The SUV's right rear quarter panel and the motorcycle's front end took the impact. The rider wore a helmet. No pedestrians were involved. The report does not specify injuries for other occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812317 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A motorcycle struck an SUV’s rear. The rider was ejected and hurt. Police cite driver inexperience and improper lane use. The crash left one woman injured, others shaken.

A motorcycle collided with the rear of an SUV on Lincoln Road in Brooklyn. The 36-year-old woman riding the motorcycle was ejected and suffered a leg injury. According to the police report, 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' were listed as contributing factors. The SUV driver, a 55-year-old man, was not reported injured. The motorcycle rider was wearing a helmet. The crash underscores the danger when drivers lack experience and fail to use lanes properly.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812410 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Mayoral candidates clashed over e-bike safety and street design. They called for more protected bike lanes, tighter rules on heavy e-bikes, and better delivery worker protections. Each pledged to cut car use and boost cycling. No one blamed riders. Streets remain dangerous.

On May 9, 2025, leading mayoral candidates aired their plans for e-bike safety and street reform. The event, covered by Streetsblog NYC, featured Scott Stringer, Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani, and Whitney Tilson. Stringer demanded 'massive expansion of protected bike lanes.' Myrie backed S1047, a bill for 50-percent e-bike rebates. Ramos called for safe bike lanes and clear signage for all riders. Lander pushed for stricter rules on heavy e-bikes and a crackdown on illegal sales, saying, 'I support stricter regulations for the heaviest e-bikes, which can travel at higher speeds and are more likely to injure both riders and pedestrians.' Mamdani supported e-bike subsidies with safety checks. Tilson urged a 20 mph cap and mandatory registration for delivery e-bikes. All agreed: safer streets need better design, strong enforcement, and real protections for workers and vulnerable road users.

• Decision 2025: Mayoral Hopefuls Discuss E-Bikes … With Joy and Concern, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-05-09

Two boys, age eight, hurt in back seats. Sedans clash on Flatbush. Driver inattention and bad turn listed. Metal, glass, pain. Brooklyn street, another mark.

Two vehicles collided at Flatbush Ave and Chester Ct in Brooklyn. According to the police report, both driver inattention/distraction and turning improperly contributed to the crash. Two eight-year-old boys, riding as rear passengers, suffered back injuries and whiplash. Both drivers were men, ages 37 and 71. The crash involved a sedan traveling straight and an SUV making a U-turn. Driver errors—specifically inattention and improper turning—are cited as causes. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal use is listed as a factor.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4811430 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A plan to fix deadly Third Avenue sits idle. The city delays action, citing politics. Cyclists and pedestrians wait. Advocates rage. The street remains a gauntlet. Promises break. Lives hang in the balance. The mayoral race takes priority over safety.

""Eric Adams should not be playing politics with the safety of our streets,"" -- Zellnor Myrie

No bill number. The Sunset Park street redesign, approved by Community Board 7, is on hold as of May 8, 2025. The plan would cut traffic lanes and add protected bike lanes on Third Avenue, a corridor marked by high injury and fatality rates. The Department of Transportation delays the project, likely until after the mayoral election. The matter summary states: 'a plan to improve street safety is on ice until NYC mayoral election.' Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and other Democratic mayoral candidates back the redesign. Brad Lander and Zellnor Myrie criticize the delay, calling out the Adams administration for broken promises. Local business leaders are split. DOT claims to be gathering feedback. The delay leaves vulnerable road users exposed to ongoing danger.

• In Sunset Park, a plan to improve street safety is on ice until NYC mayoral election, gothamist.com, Published 2025-05-08

Mayoral hopefuls clashed over parking and street space. Most backed cutting parking minimums and repurposing curb space for people, not cars. Only one vowed to keep free parking. The rest called for safer streets, more transit, and fewer cars.

At a May 8, 2025 forum, candidates for New York City mayor faced off on the future of parking and street space. The event, covered by Streetsblog NYC, featured Scott Stringer, Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani, and Whitney Tilson. Stringer pledged to move the city away from car dependence and build infrastructure for biking and transit. Myrie called for removing parking mandates to boost housing and speed up buses. Ramos supported repurposing parking for safer streets and green space. Lander pushed for eliminating parking minimums citywide and dynamic curbside management. Mamdani criticized the vast space given to cars. Only Tilson promised to preserve free street parking. The candidates’ stances show a clear divide: most want to reclaim streets for people, not vehicles. The debate signals a shift toward policies that could reduce car dominance and improve safety for vulnerable road users.

• Decision 2025: Mayoral Hopefuls Discuss the High Cost of ‘Free’ Parking, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-05-08