Fifteen Dead. Thousands Hurt. Who Will Stop the Bleeding?

Council Member Lincoln Restler wants civilians to report cars blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, and hydrants near schools. His bill, Intro. 501, hits violators with $175 fines. A quarter of each fine goes to the tipster. The goal: clear streets, protect lives.

Intro. 501, sponsored by Council Member Lincoln Restler of District 33, was debated on December 9, 2022. The bill sits before the council, aiming to let civilians report illegal parking in bike lanes, bus lanes, and near hydrants within 1,320 feet of schools. The matter summary reads: 'The point of Intro 501 is to effectively deter dangerous parking that block bike lanes, bus lanes and sidewalks – not to generate revenue.' Restler calls illegal parking and placard abuse a public safety risk, saying, 'These cars illegally obstruct pedestrian space, endanger cyclists, and block accessibility.' The bill proposes a $175 penalty, with 25% paid to the reporting civilian. While some question civilian enforcement, Restler insists the measure targets safety, not profit. The bill addresses a clear danger for vulnerable road users.

• Civilian Enforcement: A Get-Rich-Quick Scheme That Also Makes the City Safer, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-12-09

Council Member Restler stands against Intro 501. The bill would let civilians report cars blocking crosswalks and bike lanes for a cut of ticket fees. Critics say it pits neighbors against each other and shifts safety burdens onto victims.

Intro 501, introduced by Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33), proposes allowing civilians to report illegally parked cars in crosswalks and bike lanes, collecting 25% of ticket fees. The bill is under City Council review as of December 6, 2022. The matter summary reads: 'A proposed City Council bill would let civilians report cars illegally and unsafely parked in crosswalks and bike lanes and then collect 25 percent of the resulting ticket fees.' Restler is the lead sponsor. In a published opinion, critics argue the bill creates conflict, erodes trust, and places the burden of enforcement on vulnerable road users. The statement warns, 'By devolving responsibility for street safety to cyclists and pedestrians, Restler abdicates the role of government and places the burden—and by extension, the blame—back on the victims.' The piece calls for systemic design changes, not citizen-led enforcement, to protect pedestrians and cyclists.

• Opinion: Here’s Why I am Against ‘Narc Urbanism’, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-12-06

Intro 501 would let New Yorkers report illegal parking in bike lanes and crosswalks for a cut of ticket fees. Critics say it pits neighbors against each other and dodges real fixes. Streets stay deadly for walkers and cyclists. The city stalls on bold action.

Intro 501, introduced by Council Member Lincoln Restler (D-Williamsburg), proposes letting civilians report cars illegally parked in crosswalks and bike lanes, collecting 25 percent of ticket fees. The bill draws fire in a December 6, 2022 Streetsblog opinion, which warns, 'turning citizens against one another, even in the name of pedestrian safety, is a terrible mistake.' The writer opposes both citizen and NYPD enforcement, urging proven street design instead. The piece notes, 'Bills like Intro 501 further the trend toward mutual mistrust... by creating a narc economy.' Restler and co-sponsors are criticized for supporting increased NYPD budgets while sidestepping systemic solutions. The bill’s intent is clear: empower vulnerable road users. But the debate exposes deep rifts over how to keep streets safe.

• Opinion: Here’s Why I am Against ‘Narc Urbanism’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-12-06

Police arrested Adam White for removing plastic from a hidden plate. Charges dropped. Council Member Restler pushes Int. 501: fines for blocking lanes, rewards for civilian reporting. Politicians call for accountability. Defaced plates shield reckless drivers. Streets stay dangerous.

On December 1, 2022, Brooklyn Council Member Lincoln Restler renewed his push for Int. 501, a bill to fine drivers $175 for blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants near schools, and to reward civilians with 25% of the fine for reporting violations. The matter arose after attorney Adam White was arrested for removing plastic from an obscured license plate; charges were later dropped by Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, citing 'insufficient evidence.' The bill, discussed at a press conference, aims to crack down on license plate defacement and illegal parking, which Restler says is rampant among city workers and police. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes introduced a similar bill at the state level. Both lawmakers stress the need for public accountability and tougher enforcement to protect vulnerable road users from drivers who evade responsibility.

• Attorney Arrested for ‘Criminal Mischief’ Charge Will Sue Driver for Wrongful Arrest, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-12-01

Steel screamed on the BQE. A box truck rammed another, stopped cold in traffic. A 19-year-old, belted in the middle seat, took the force. His legs crushed. He stayed awake. The trucks buckled. The road did not forgive.

Two box trucks collided westbound on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. According to the police report, one truck struck another that was stopped in traffic. A 19-year-old passenger, belted in the middle seat, suffered crush injuries to his legs but remained conscious. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed and uninjured. The impact crumpled steel and left one young passenger hurt. No helmet or signal use is mentioned as a factor. The crash highlights the danger when heavy trucks fail to keep distance in dense city traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4586338, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-19

A GMC SUV turned left on Taylor Street. The driver failed to yield. The right front bumper hit a 59-year-old woman in the crosswalk. She fell, head first. She died in the street. The driver kept going. The danger was clear.

A 59-year-old woman was killed while crossing Taylor Street near Kent Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, she was in a marked crosswalk when a GMC SUV turned left and struck her with its right front bumper. The report states, 'The driver did not yield.' The woman fell head first and died at the scene. The police report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The driver was making a left turn at the time of the crash. No mention is made of helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of driver error in city crosswalks.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4585564, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-19

City will study DUMBO’s clogged streets. Pedestrians dodge cars. Buses crawl. Locals demand order. Council Member Restler secured $600,000. DOT and EDC will lead. No car ban planned. Streets remain dangerous. The study aims to find answers. Lives hang in the balance.

On November 14, 2022, the city announced a traffic study for DUMBO, Brooklyn, a move long demanded by residents. The study, funded with $600,000 secured by Council Member Lincoln Restler, will be conducted by the Department of Transportation and the Economic Development Corporation. The effort follows years of rising congestion and danger for pedestrians between the Brooklyn Bridge and Navy Yard. The official matter: 'investigate how the congested Brooklyn waterfront neighborhood could be safer for pedestrians and improve mobility.' Restler said, 'It’s a moment for us to pause and think and plan how to move pedestrian and vehicular traffic much safer.' Locals like Mallory Kasdan called for more stop signs and enforcement. Despite some calls for pedestrianization, the study will not consider a full car ban. DOT spokeswoman Mona Bruno said, 'We are excited about the possibilities to enhance pedestrian safety and improve mobility.' The study’s outcome could reshape DUMBO’s streets, but for now, danger persists.

• EXCLUSIVE: City to Launch Long-Overdue Traffic Study for Congested DUMBO, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-14

Council Member Restler’s bill lets New Yorkers ticket drivers who block bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, or hydrants near schools. Twenty-four council members back it. The bill targets driver impunity and NYPD inaction. Advocates say it protects cyclists and pedestrians.

Bill number not specified. Sponsored by Council Member Lincoln Restler, the bill is advancing in the City Council with 24 out of 51 members signed on as of November 7, 2022. It sits with the Transportation Committee, chaired by Selvena Brooks-Powers, who is working with Restler to streamline the complaint process. The bill’s summary: it allows residents to ticket drivers who block bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or fire hydrants within 1,320 feet of a school, creating a $175 fine and a civilian complaint protocol. Restler and Brooks-Powers are refining the process to avoid the pitfalls of the city’s anti-idling law, which discourages participation. The NYPD and DOT oppose the bill, citing concerns about neighbor conflict. Advocates support it, highlighting NYPD’s failure to protect vulnerable road users. The bill is seen as a major improvement over the ineffective 311 system.

• UPDATE: Restler Bill to Allow Residents to Ticket Dangerous Drivers Gaining Steam, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-07

Council filed a bill to give crash victims and families access to police reports, insurance details, and investigation updates. The bill called for a public guide and a secure website. The session ended before a vote. Victims remain in the dark.

Int 0796-2022, introduced October 27, 2022, in the Committee on Public Safety, aimed to amend city law to support victims of motor vehicle collisions. The bill required NYPD to create a secure website for victims and families to access crash details, including investigation status, summonses, and witness information. It also mandated a Department of Transportation guide for collision victims, outlining rights to police reports and insurance information. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to resources for victims of motor vehicle collisions.' Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Mercedes Narcisse, and Lincoln Restler backed the bill. The bill was filed at session's end on December 31, 2023, without passage. Without this law, crash victims and their families still face barriers to basic information after life-altering collisions.

• File Int 0796-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2022-10-27

The Council passed Int 0291-2022, forcing city agencies to map, plan, and report on greenways. The law demands annual updates and public engagement. It aims to carve out safe, car-free corridors for walkers and cyclists. The mayor returned it unsigned.

Int 0291-2022, now Local Law 115 of 2022, was enacted by the City Council on November 27, 2022. The bill came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, first introduced April 28, 2022. The law's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a citywide greenway plan.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers sponsored the bill, joined by dozens of co-sponsors including Rivera, Hudson, and others. The Council voted overwhelmingly in favor on October 27, 2022. The law orders the Department of Transportation and Parks to identify, map, and report on greenways, and to consult with community boards. Proposals for new greenway segments or repairs must be presented to affected communities within 60 days. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it became law. The measure compels the city to plan and maintain safe routes for non-drivers, with regular public reporting and accountability.

• File Int 0291-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2022-10-27

A Volvo turned right on Tillary Street. The driver looked away. A woman crossed with the light. The car struck her. Her leg broke under the bumper. The street stayed quiet. The driver failed to yield. She lay hurt on the pavement.

A Volvo sedan struck a 27-year-old woman as she crossed Tillary Street at Cadman Plaza West in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the woman walked with the signal when the car turned right and hit her, shattering her leg. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The driver, a 56-year-old man, did not report injuries. The car showed no visible damage. The woman suffered crush injuries to her lower leg and foot. She was conscious at the scene. The crash highlights the danger when drivers turn and fail to see people in the crosswalk.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4575251, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-19

Councilmember Restler and Brooklyn leaders want DOT to flip Bond Street’s traffic northbound after Schermerhorn’s redesign. Locals face gridlock. Community Board 2 backs the move. They demand DOT protect the Bond Street bike lane with a physical barrier.

On October 21, 2022, Councilmember Lincoln Restler (District 33) and Brooklyn Community Board 2 requested the Department of Transportation (DOT) extend Bond Street’s northbound direction to Livingston Street. The request follows complaints after Schermerhorn Street’s redesign, which added a protected bike lane but made all crossings one-way southbound, causing gridlock and blocking access for services. The Community Board’s Transportation and Public Safety Committee, chaired by Sid Meyer, voted to support the change and insisted DOT maintain and protect the Bond Street bike lane with a physical barrier. Restler said, 'We believe that this proposal will improve traffic flow and enhance the public’s access to essential services, deliveries, and residences.' DOT is reviewing the proposal. The matter centers on the impact of traffic changes on residents and the need to safeguard vulnerable road users.

• Street relief: Downtown Brooklynites ask DOT to flip traffic on Bond Street after Schermerhorn redesign, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2022-10-21

Mayor Adams moves to cut parking mandates. The plan aims to put people before cars. Advocates say this will clear streets, lower rents, and open space for homes. Some council members back the change. Others hesitate. The fight over parking heats up.

On October 13, 2022, Mayor Adams unveiled the 'City of Yes' zoning proposal. The measure, now under council review, seeks to eliminate or reduce parking minimums citywide. The proposal’s summary states it will 'prioritize people over parking,' aiming to make streets safer and housing more affordable. Council Member Lincoln Restler supports the move, saying, 'we need affordable housing, economic development... not more parking.' State Sen. Brad Hoylman calls parking spaces a poor use of land amid a housing crisis. Advocates like Sara Lind urge full elimination, citing pollution and congestion. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams remains noncommittal, focusing on the housing crisis and open to review. The proposal is in early stages, with state legislation also in play. No formal safety analysis for vulnerable road users has been published.

• Mayor Adams’s ‘City of Yes’ Zoning Proposal Will Take on Parking Minimums (But How Seriously?), Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-10-13

Mayor Adams’s ‘City of Yes’ zoning plan aims to cut parking minimums. Lincoln Restler backs the move. The proposal would free space for homes, not cars. Advocates say it means safer, cheaper streets. Council Speaker stays cautious. The fight is on.

On October 13, 2022, Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33) supported Mayor Adams’s ‘City of Yes’ zoning proposal. The plan, discussed in committee, seeks to reduce or eliminate parking minimums for new developments. The matter summary states the proposal will 'prioritize people over parking, aiming to make streets safer and reduce parking requirements to enable more housing and amenities.' Restler said, 'In urban hubs like Lower Manhattan, the heart of the South Bronx, Downtown Brooklyn or Downtown Jamaica, we need affordable housing, economic development with good jobs, and dynamic mixed use buildings, not more parking.' The bill has drawn support from advocates and developers, who argue that parking mandates drive up housing costs and disrupt pedestrian-friendly streets. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams remained noncommittal, focusing on the housing crisis and bureaucracy. The proposal’s fate will shape the city’s streets and who they serve.

• Mayor Adams’s ‘City of Yes’ Zoning Proposal Will Take on Parking Minimums (But How Seriously?), streetsblog.org, Published 2022-10-13

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

City officials cut the ribbon on a new two-way protected bike lane on Schermerhorn Street. Cyclists now ride behind parked cars, shielded from traffic. Councilmember Lincoln Restler pushed for the overhaul after years of crashes and blocked lanes. Safety comes first.

On October 12, 2022, the Department of Transportation opened a fortified, two-way protected bike lane on Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn’s District 33. The project, championed by Councilmember Lincoln Restler, followed years of complaints about blocked, unprotected lanes and frequent crashes. The matter, described as a 'complete transformation of the look and feel of the corridor,' converted Schermerhorn from a chaotic two-way street to a one-way with parking-protected bike lanes. Restler, who once failed to ride the stretch without leaving the lane due to illegal parking, called the redesign 'real safety in downtown Brooklyn.' DOT data shows 29 cyclists injured and one killed on this stretch since 2012. The overhaul separates cyclists from moving vehicles, reducing risk for Brooklyn’s most vulnerable road users.

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

Councilman Restler pushes a bill to pay New Yorkers for reporting cars blocking bike lanes, sidewalks, and crosswalks. The plan targets drivers who endanger parents, wheelchair users, and cyclists. NYPD resists, warning of conflict. Streets remain hazardous. Action demanded.

On October 10, 2022, Councilman Lincoln Restler (District 33) introduced a bill to the New York City Council. The measure, now under committee review, proposes a civilian reporting and reward program for illegal parking enforcement. The bill summary states: 'New York City is considering a policy that would pay people up to $44 for each actionable tip about cars illegally blocking bike lanes and intersections.' Restler, the sole sponsor, said, 'Too many parents with strollers, people in wheelchairs and bicyclists face unsafe conditions every day because of sidewalks and bike lanes obstructed by illegal parking.' The bill would empower the Department of Transportation to enlist civilians to flag violators, with a 25% share of fines as reward. The NYPD opposes the plan, warning it could pit neighbor against neighbor and outsource risk to civilians. The bill aims to protect vulnerable road users by targeting hazardous obstructions.

• New NYC Council bill would reward NYers for calling in illegal parking complaints, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-10-10

Deputy Inspector Rana, head of the 84th Precinct, drove recklessly. He sped, ran lights, and drove against traffic. He falsified records. He faced no real consequences. His precinct ignores illegal parking and traffic law. Cyclists and pedestrians pay the price.

On October 7, 2022, Streetsblog NYC exposed Deputy Inspector Adeel Rana’s dangerous driving record as commander of Brooklyn’s 84th Precinct. The report details Rana’s 2018 guilty plea for reckless driving, including speeding, ignoring signals, and driving against traffic without cause. He also falsified 43 command log entries and was often absent or late. Despite this, Rana rose to lead a precinct notorious for placard abuse, illegal parking, and weak traffic enforcement. Council Member Lincoln Restler said, “We have not seen adequate enforcement of illegal parking in the 84 and across the city.” Former Council Member Steve Levin called the violations serious and demanded accountability. Advocates and officials question if Rana’s behavior shapes a culture that endangers pedestrians and cyclists. The NYPD and Rana declined comment. The area remains a hotspot for crashes and injuries.

• Commander of Downtown Brooklyn Precinct Has Dangerous Driving Record, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-10-07

A box truck turned left at Flushing and Bedford. The driver failed to yield. A 63-year-old man crossed with the signal. Steel struck flesh. The truck crushed him. He died in the street. The truck showed no damage.

A 63-year-old man was killed at the corner of Flushing Avenue and Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, a box truck turned left and struck the pedestrian as he crossed with the signal. The report states, “A box truck turned left. A 63-year-old man walked with the light. The truck struck him. His body crushed beneath steel.” The listed contributing factor is 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The truck’s driver, a 44-year-old man, was licensed and made a left turn when the crash occurred. The pedestrian suffered fatal crush injuries. No damage was reported to the truck. The crash highlights the deadly consequences when drivers fail to yield to people in the crosswalk.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4570143, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-19

Council filed a bill to study truck route compliance and GPS mapping. The measure called for tracking trucks off-route, web-based maps, and new street designs. Avilés led, with Gutiérrez and others co-sponsoring. The session ended before action. Streets stay dangerous.

Int 0721-2022 was introduced to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on September 29, 2022. The bill required the Department of Transportation to study truck drivers’ compliance with city truck routes and to assess integrating truck maps with GPS technology. The matter’s title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a truck route GPS study.' Alexa Avilés sponsored the bill, joined by Gutiérrez, Hanif, Restler, Brooks-Powers, Hudson, Krishnan, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The bill called for measures like converting two-way streets to one-way, posting truck route signs, and outreach to the trucking industry. The study’s results were to be posted online and sent to the council by January 1, 2023. The bill was filed at session’s end, with no further action. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0721-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2022-09-29