Brooklyn’s Streets Bleed—How Many More Must Die Before City Hall Acts?

Oct 12 - Officials cut the ribbon on a fortified, two-way bike lane on Schermerhorn Street. Cyclists now ride behind parked cars, shielded from traffic. The old, chaotic street saw 29 cyclist injuries and one death. Councilmember Restler pushed for this change.

On October 12, 2022, the Department of Transportation held a ribbon-cutting for the new protected bike lane on Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn's District 33. The overhaul converted the street to one-way eastbound and installed a two-way, parking-protected bike lane. The matter summary reads: 'DOT cuts ribbon on newly fortified Schermerhorn Street bike lane.' Councilmember Lincoln Restler, who championed the redesign, attended the event and called it 'a great friggin day for Brooklyn.' The old lanes were unprotected and blocked by double-parked cars, forcing cyclists into traffic. Since 2012, 29 cyclists have been injured and one killed along this stretch. The new design separates cyclists from vehicles, aiming to end the danger that plagued this busy corridor.

• DOT cuts ribbon on newly fortified Schermerhorn Street bike lane, amny.com, Published 2022-10-12

Oct 7 - A sedan making a left turn struck an e-scooter traveling straight on 65 Street in Brooklyn. The e-scooter driver suffered a bruised elbow and lower arm. The sedan’s right front quarter panel took the impact. The rider remained conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on 65 Street made a left turn and collided with an e-scooter moving south straight ahead. The e-scooter driver, a 44-year-old man, sustained contusions to his elbow and lower arm but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as the contributing factor, indicating the sedan driver failed to yield or properly navigate the lane during the turn. The sedan’s right front quarter panel and the e-scooter’s center front end were damaged. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The e-scooter driver was injured but not at fault according to the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4570876 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 5 - A moped struck a sedan making a left turn on 3 Avenue in Brooklyn. The moped driver, a 31-year-old man, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited traffic control disregard as a factor. The sedan showed no damage.

According to the police report, a moped traveling north collided with a sedan making a left turn southwest on 3 Avenue in Brooklyn. The moped driver, a 31-year-old male occupant, was injured with contusions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor to the crash. The sedan, occupied by one person, sustained no damage despite the impact to its left front bumper. The moped sustained damage to its center front end. The moped driver was wearing a helmet. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4570980 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 2 - A Toyota SUV struck a westbound sedan on 13th Avenue. The sedan’s driver, an 80-year-old woman, died at the scene. Two others suffered back injuries. Both vehicles failed to yield. The crash left pain and silence on the corner.

An 80-year-old woman driving a sedan westbound on 13th Avenue at 84th Street in Brooklyn was killed when a southbound Toyota SUV struck her car broadside. According to the police report, 'An 80-year-old woman, unbelted behind the wheel of a westbound sedan, was struck broadside by a southbound Toyota SUV. Her head hit hard. She died there, alone, in the driver’s seat.' Two other people, an 18-year-old male driver and a 47-year-old female passenger in the SUV, suffered back injuries. The police report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor for both vehicles. The sedan driver was not wearing a seatbelt, as noted in the report, but the primary cause cited is failure to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4569789 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 28 - A bus struck the left rear bumper of an SUV traveling east on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Three young passengers in the SUV suffered bruises and contusions. The crash involved unsafe lane changing and improper passing or lane usage by the SUV driver.

According to the police report, a bus and an SUV collided on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The bus hit the left rear bumper of the SUV, which was traveling east. Three children, ages 4, 6, and 7, were injured as occupants in the SUV. They sustained contusions and bruises to the elbow, shoulder, and back but were not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists driver errors including unsafe lane changing and improper passing or lane usage by the SUV driver. All injured passengers were secured with lap belts and harnesses. The bus driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4568331 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 27 - A 32-year-old male bicyclist was injured after a collision with a bus on 86 Street in Brooklyn. The cyclist was ejected and suffered shoulder and upper arm bruises. The bus showed no damage. Both vehicles were traveling east.

According to the police report, a bus and a bicycle collided on 86 Street in Brooklyn. The bicyclist, a 32-year-old man wearing a helmet, was ejected and sustained contusions and bruises to his shoulder and upper arm. The bus driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The report lists driver errors including improper passing or lane usage and pedestrian/bicyclist confusion. The bus sustained no damage, while the bike was damaged at the center front end. The bicyclist's injuries were classified as moderate. The report does not assign fault to the bicyclist but notes contributing factors related to lane usage and confusion.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4568043 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 24 - A 28-year-old male bicyclist was injured on 81 Street near 5 Avenue in Brooklyn. The cyclist was struck on his right side by a vehicle making a right turn. The driver was inattentive. The bicyclist suffered shoulder abrasions and shock.

According to the police report, a bicyclist traveling south on 81 Street was hit on his right side by a vehicle making a right turn eastbound onto 5 Avenue. The 28-year-old male bicyclist was injured, sustaining abrasions to his shoulder and upper arm and was in shock. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The collision caused damage to the right side doors of the bike and the right front bumper of the vehicle. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4566886 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 23 - A 7-year-old boy was struck by a sedan making a right turn in Brooklyn. The child suffered a hip and upper leg injury with bruising. The driver failed to yield and was distracted, causing the collision outside an intersection.

According to the police report, a 7-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2019 sedan, traveling north and making a right turn, struck him with its right front bumper. The child was not in the roadway and was conscious after the crash but sustained contusions and injuries to his hip and upper leg. The report lists driver errors as contributing factors, specifically "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way." The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle in Brooklyn near 9319 5 Avenue. The collision caused damage to the sedan's right front bumper. No safety equipment or pedestrian fault was noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4566631 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 21 - Sedan slammed into another on 86 Street. Impact hit rear. Front passenger in struck car suffered neck injury and whiplash. Police cite following too closely. Both drivers licensed. No ejections. System failed to protect.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling east on 86 Street in Brooklyn collided when one struck the other from behind. The front passenger in the struck sedan, a 59-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and not ejected. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and driving straight. The crash damaged the front and rear bumpers. No other injuries or ejections were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4566144 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 18 - A 9-year-old boy on a bike was ejected and suffered a severe head injury on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV struck him with its left front bumper. The child was semiconscious with fractures and dislocations. The crash involved bicyclist error.

According to the police report, a 9-year-old bicyclist was injured and ejected during a collision with a 2006 Toyota SUV on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV was traveling south, and the bike was traveling west. The point of impact was the SUV's left front bumper. The bicyclist suffered head injuries, including fractures and dislocations, and was semiconscious at the scene. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as the contributing factor. The SUV driver was licensed and driving straight ahead. The bicyclist was unlicensed and not wearing safety equipment. The crash highlights the dangers faced by young cyclists in traffic and the role of bicyclist error in this collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4565120 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 12 - A 44-year-old woman was hit by an eastbound SUV while crossing a marked crosswalk on 65 Street. The pedestrian suffered head injuries but remained conscious. Police cited the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as the cause.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 65 Street and 6 Avenue while crossing in a marked crosswalk. The driver of a 2020 Jeep SUV, traveling east and going straight ahead, struck the pedestrian with the vehicle’s right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and was conscious at the scene. The report lists the driver’s failure to yield right-of-way as the primary contributing factor. No vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing factors. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4563332 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 9 - Two SUVs crashed on 3 Avenue. The female driver of the northbound SUV suffered chest injuries and whiplash. The collision damaged the front ends of both vehicles. Limited view and driver inexperience contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on 3 Avenue. The female driver of the northbound SUV was injured, sustaining chest trauma and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. The report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The impact occurred at the left front quarter panel of the westbound SUV and the center front end of the northbound SUV. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights how limited visibility and driver errors can lead to serious injuries even in vehicle-to-vehicle collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4562522 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 8 - A KIA SUV hit a Yamaha motorcycle on 81st Street. Both drivers were distracted. The rider, helmeted, was thrown and bled from the head. The SUV’s bumper tore. The motorcycle crumpled. Both men survived. The street ran red and silent.

A KIA SUV collided with a Yamaha motorcycle on 81st Street near 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, both drivers were distracted at the time of the crash. The 36-year-old motorcyclist, who wore a helmet, was ejected and suffered a bleeding head injury but remained conscious on the asphalt. The 28-year-old SUV driver sustained a minor burn to his back. The SUV’s front bumper was torn, and the motorcycle was left crumpled. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both drivers. The report notes the motorcyclist’s helmet use only after citing driver distraction. No pedestrians were involved. The crash left two men injured and a street scarred by impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4562500 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 4 - A man was struck by a Jeep on 5 Avenue in Brooklyn. He suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The pedestrian was conscious but seriously injured. The vehicle showed no damage at the scene.

According to the police report, a male pedestrian was injured on 5 Avenue in Brooklyn when a Jeep SUV struck him outside an intersection. The pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The Jeep showed no damage and the point of impact was recorded as 'No Damage.' The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. No information on driver actions or violations was provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4561540 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 1 - Speed cameras now run all day, every day. Tickets soared 70 percent in three weeks. Most violations hit at night and weekends—times once uncovered. Officials say the surge proves drivers speed when unchecked. The city claims this crackdown will save lives.

On August 1, 2022, New York City activated speed cameras 24/7 after a legislative deal in Albany. In the first three weeks, cameras issued 513,777 tickets—70 percent more than before. The bill, championed by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, removed harsher penalties but kept round-the-clock enforcement. The matter summary states, 'speed safety cameras are working as they should—catching more speeding drivers and combatting reckless driving.' Council members and advocates, including Elizabeth Adams and Jehiah Czebotar, backed the move. They point to data showing most extra tickets came at night and weekends, exposing a hidden threat to pedestrians and cyclists. Officials insist the expansion will save lives and curb reckless driving.

• Sin City: New 24/7 Speed Cameras Issue a Whopping 70 Percent More Tickets, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-01

Aug 31 - A sedan traveling west struck two parked vehicles on 73rd Street in Brooklyn. The driver, a 27-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and shock. The crash damaged the sedan’s right front and the parked vehicles’ quarter panels. Unsafe speed was cited.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old female driver in a 2018 sedan was traveling west on 73rd Street in Brooklyn when she collided with two parked vehicles: an SUV and an e-scooter. The sedan struck the right front quarter panel of the sedan and damaged the left front bumper of the SUV and the right rear quarter panel of the e-scooter. The driver was injured, suffering neck trauma and internal complaints, and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Unsafe Speed" as a contributing factor to the crash. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4559908 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 26 - Lawmakers spar over who gets a break from congestion pricing. Some want tight limits. Others push for taxi exemptions and tunnel credits. Advocates warn: too many carve-outs gut the plan. The final call lands with the Traffic Mobility Review Board.

On August 26, 2022, New York officials debated congestion pricing exemptions as the policy neared implementation. The discussion, covered by Streetsblog NYC, highlighted shifting positions. State Senator Leroy Comrie, once opposed to exemptions, now listens to public input. Assembly Member Robert Carroll said, "I think that there should be limited exemptions." State Senator Andrew Gounardes added, "Obviously we want them to be as limited as possible." Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine backed toll credits for tunnel users and taxi exemptions. Taxi and for-hire drivers lobbied for relief, citing existing surcharges. Advocacy groups warned against broad carve-outs. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide on further exemptions after federal review. No direct safety impact for vulnerable road users was assessed.

• Everyone’s Suddenly Open To Some Congestion Pricing Exemptions, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-26

Aug 26 - Council and state leaders spar over who gets a break from congestion pricing. Some want carve-outs. Others warn exemptions gut the plan. Vulnerable road users wait as drivers fight for special treatment. The final call lands with the Traffic Mobility Review Board.

On August 26, 2022, the council held a public debate on congestion pricing exemptions. The matter, titled 'Everyone’s Suddenly Open To Some Congestion Pricing Exemptions,' drew sharp lines. State Senator Leroy Comrie, once a hardliner against exemptions, now listens to public input. Assembly Member Robert Carroll backs limited carve-outs, saying, 'I think that there should be limited exemptions.' State Senator Andrew Gounardes stresses, 'Obviously we want them to be as limited as possible.' Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine pushes for toll credits and taxi exemptions. Advocacy groups warn against broad carve-outs. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide after federal review. The debate centers on who pays and who gets a pass, while the safety of people outside cars hangs in the balance.

• Everyone’s Suddenly Open To Some Congestion Pricing Exemptions, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-08-26

Aug 25 - Nearly a thousand people signed up to speak at MTA’s congestion pricing hearings. The plan targets Manhattan below 61st Street. Supporters want fewer exemptions. Critics fear more truck traffic. Lawmakers push for swift action. Streets and air hang in the balance.

"We want to minimize the number of exemptions while making sure that we can hit our goal of raising $1 billion." -- Andrew Gounardes

On August 25, 2022, the MTA held public hearings on congestion pricing for Manhattan below 61st Street. The hearings drew nearly a thousand speakers. The plan, described as aiming to 'reduce congestion, air pollution, and driving into the city,' would charge drivers $5 to $23 depending on time and exemptions. Council Member Robert Carroll (District 44) urged, 'It needs to be implemented now, we passed this bill three years ago, it’s time to get moving.' Other lawmakers, including Andrew Gounardes and Mark Levine, debated exemptions and credits. Governor Hochul called the charge 'crucial to cutting the number of vehicles and combating climate change.' The hearings reflect strong support for minimal carveouts and immediate action to fund transit and clear streets. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Thousand ask to speak at upcoming MTA congestion pricing hearings, amny.com, Published 2022-08-25

Aug 15 - A 34-year-old male driver suffered back injuries and shock after an SUV struck his sedan’s right side doors in Brooklyn. The crash involved driver distraction. Both vehicles traveled straight before impact. The sedan driver was restrained and not ejected.

According to the police report, a collision occurred in Brooklyn when a southbound SUV struck the right side doors of a westbound sedan. The sedan’s 34-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining back trauma and shock. He was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead before the crash. The SUV’s front center end and the sedan’s right side doors sustained damage. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4557996 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19