Crash Count for District 34
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 6,036
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 2,777
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 610
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 35
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 13
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Jul 24, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in District 34?

Blood on McGuinness: City Stalls, Neighbors Die

Blood on McGuinness: City Stalls, Neighbors Die

District 34: Jan 1, 2022 - Jul 21, 2025

The Toll in Blood and Silence

District 34 is bleeding. Since 2022, at least 13 people have died and 2,712 have been injured in crashes on these streets (NYC Open Data). These are not just numbers—they are bodies on the pavement and families left with empty chairs. In the last twelve months alone, six more people died. Twelve were left with injuries so severe they may never walk the same again.

Just this spring, a 42-year-old man was killed crossing Withers Street with the signal. A dump truck turned left and crushed him (NYC Open Data). He was doing everything right. The truck kept going. The city kept moving.

The Usual Suspects

Cars and trucks do most of the killing. Out of all pedestrian injuries and deaths, sedans and SUVs are responsible for the largest share—369 incidents. Trucks and buses follow, with 40 more. Motorcycles, mopeds, and bikes add to the toll, but the real danger comes on four wheels or more (NYC Open Data).

The pattern is old. The pain is fresh. A cyclist was struck by a turning driver on McGuinness Boulevard just days ago. The bike lane was only paint. The city had promised more. “The fact is that this wouldn’t be a problem if Mayor Adams had just done what he had promised to do, which was, make all of McGuinness safe. The road diet works where it’s been installed and it’s needed for the entire corridor before this happens again,” said Kevin LaCherra.

Leadership: Promises and Pressure

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez has co-sponsored a bill to ban parking near crosswalks—a move to daylight intersections and save lives (NYC Council – Legistar). The bill would force the city to clear at least 1,000 crosswalks a year. It sits in committee. The city waits. The dead do not.

The work is not done. Every delay is another risk. Every watered-down promise is another family shattered. The city can move faster. The council can demand more. The mayor can act. But only if you make them.

Call to Action

Do not wait for another name on the list. Call Council Member Gutiérrez. Demand the passage and funding of the daylighting bill. Demand protected bike lanes, not just paint. Demand a city where crossing the street is not a gamble with your life.

If you do nothing, nothing will change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the New York City Council and how does it work?
The New York City Council is the city’s legislative body. It passes laws, oversees city agencies, and represents local districts like District 34.
Where does District 34 sit politically?
It belongs to borough Brooklyn, assembly district AD 37 and state senate district SD 12.
Which areas are in District 34?
It includes the Williamsburg, East Williamsburg, Bushwick (West), Ridgewood, Brooklyn CB4, and Brooklyn CB1 neighborhoods. It also overlaps parts of Assembly Districts AD 37, AD 38, AD 50, and AD 53, and State Senate Districts SD 12 and SD 18.
What types of vehicles caused injuries and deaths to pedestrians in District 34?
Cars and trucks were responsible for 369 pedestrian injuries and deaths (NYC Open Data). Motorcycles and mopeds caused 17, and bikes were involved in 21. Trucks and buses accounted for 40 incidents.
Are crashes just accidents, or are they preventable?
Crashes are not random. Most deaths and injuries in District 34 happen on streets that could be made safer with better design and enforcement.
What can local politicians do to make streets safer?
They can pass and fund bills like the daylighting law, demand protected bike lanes, and push for enforcement that targets dangerous driving, not vulnerable people.
What is CrashCount?
We’re a tool for helping hold local politicians and other actors accountable for their failure to protect you when you’re walking or cycling in NYC. We update our site constantly to provide you with up to date information on what’s happening in your neighborhood.

Citations

Citations

Fix the Problem

Jennifer Gutiérrez
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez
District 34
District Office:
244 Union Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-963-3141
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1747, New York, NY 10007
212-788-7095

Other Representatives

Claire Valdez
Assembly Member Claire Valdez
District 37
District Office:
45-10 Skillman Ave. 1st Floor, Sunnyside, NY 11104
Legislative Office:
Room 427, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
Michael Gianaris
State Senator Michael Gianaris
District 12
District Office:
22-07 45th St. Suite 1008, Astoria, NY 11105
Legislative Office:
Albany, NY 12247
Other Geographies

District 34 Council District 34 sits in Brooklyn, Precinct 90, AD 37, SD 12.

It contains Williamsburg, East Williamsburg, Bushwick (West), Ridgewood, Brooklyn CB4, Brooklyn CB1.

See also
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Council District 34

Man Dies After Fall Onto Subway Tracks

A man fell onto Prospect Park subway tracks during a fight. The train struck him. He died at the scene. Police questioned the other person. The platform became a place of sudden death.

NY Daily News (2025-07-30) reports a man died after falling onto the tracks at Prospect Park station during a fight. Police said, "As the fight escalated, he landed on the train tracks and was struck by an oncoming train." The victim suffered fatal head trauma. The other person involved was taken into custody for questioning. No charges were filed at the time. The article does not specify if the man fell or was pushed. The incident highlights the dangers of open subway platforms and the risks faced by riders in moments of conflict.


Child Hit Near Sheepshead Bay Playground

A car struck an 11-year-old boy by a Brooklyn playground. He survived. Police search for answers. The street stays dangerous.

ABC7 reported on July 19, 2025, that an 11-year-old boy was hit by a car near a playground on Bedford Avenue in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. The crash happened around 5:30 p.m. Friday. The boy is in stable condition. Police are investigating the circumstances. The article states, "There is no word yet on how the accident happened." No details on driver actions or charges have been released. The incident highlights the ongoing risk to children near city streets and playgrounds.


Driver Kills Girlfriend Doing Donuts

A driver spun out in a Brooklyn lot. The car struck a woman on the curb. She died at the hospital. Police charged the driver with negligent homicide. The lot was left scarred. The city mourns another loss.

According to the New York Post (2025-07-16), Zachary Cando, 24, was 'doing the dangerous spinning trick' known as donuts in a Gateway Center parking lot when he lost control and hit Madisyn Ruiz, 21, who was sitting nearby. Ruiz died after being rushed to the hospital. Police charged Cando with criminally negligent homicide, reckless endangerment, and reckless driving. The article notes the car was 'badly dented in the front.' The crash highlights the risks of reckless driving in public spaces and the need for stronger deterrents in parking lots.


Court Blocks Bedford Avenue Bike Lane Removal

A judge stopped the city from tearing out Bedford Avenue’s only protected bike lane. The fight over safety and street space continues. Cyclists and pedestrians wait as legal battles stall change.

Streetsblog NYC reported on July 15, 2025, that an appellate judge halted Mayor Adams’s plan to remove a protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue. Judge Ventura issued a restraining order after Transportation Alternatives and Baruch Herzfeld appealed the city’s move. The city had planned to start demolition after complaints from local leaders, but the court’s order blocks any changes until further review. Streetsblog quotes Ben Furnas: 'The Adams administration is going to have to spend their night preparing their legal case, not ripping out a critical safety project.' The article highlights weak enforcement of parking rules and the city’s reversal against its own DOT’s safety plan. The case underscores how political pressure and lax enforcement can threaten vulnerable road users.


Hit-And-Run Kills Two In Sunset Park

A car sped down Third Avenue. Two men, one with a cart, one with a cane, crossed. The driver did not brake. Both men died in the street. The car fled. Police arrested the driver hours later.

ABC7 reported on July 11, 2025, that two men, aged 59 and 80, were killed by a hit-and-run driver at Third Avenue and 52nd Street in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Surveillance showed the car "speeding southbound" and not braking before impact. The driver, Juventino Anastacio Florentino, was arrested and charged with manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and reckless driving. The victims, Kex Un Chen and Faqiu Lin, were likely headed to a local food pantry. The incident highlights the lethal risk posed by reckless driving and the vulnerability of pedestrians, especially near essential services.


Elderly Man Killed In Brooklyn Hit-Run

A moped struck a 90-year-old man in Brooklyn. The driver fled. The man died at the hospital. Security video captured the impact. The street claimed another life.

CBS New York (2025-07-10) reports a 90-year-old man died after a moped hit-and-run in Brooklyn. Security footage 'shows the moment the man was struck.' The driver left the scene. The victim died at the hospital. The incident highlights the lethal risk for pedestrians and the ongoing danger of drivers who flee. No policy changes or arrests were reported.


Judge Allows Bedford Avenue Bike Lane Change

A judge let the city move a protected bike lane off Bedford Avenue. Cyclists lose curbside safety. Adams pushed the change after local protests. Advocates warn the street grows more dangerous.

Gothamist (2025-07-09) reports a state judge allowed Mayor Adams to remove curbside bike lane protections on Brooklyn's Bedford Avenue. The city will shift the lane to the street's center, ending the barrier of parked cars. The move follows protests from local Orthodox Jewish communities and a recent e-bike crash. Advocates sued, arguing Adams bypassed environmental review. The judge ruled the change was not a major project. Transportation Alternatives warns, 'If the Bedford Avenue safety improvements are destroyed, this all but guarantees that there will be blood on Eric Adams' hands.' The decision highlights Adams' pattern of scaling back street safety redesigns.


Elderly Pedestrian Killed Crossing Avenue I

A Smart Car struck Dov Broyde, 70, as he crossed Avenue I near his home. Medics rushed him to the hospital. He died. The driver stayed. No charges filed. Brooklyn street claimed another life.

NY Daily News (2025-07-08) reports Dov Broyde, 70, was fatally struck by a Smart Car while crossing Avenue I at E. Fifth St. near Midwood around 9:30 p.m. The article states the driver 'plowed into him' and remained at the scene. No criminal charges were filed at the time. The incident highlights persistent danger for pedestrians in New York City, where 55 have died this year. The crash underscores the ongoing toll of traffic violence and the urgent need for systemic safety improvements.


Int 0857-2024
Gutiérrez votes yes to remove abandoned vehicles, boosting street safety.

Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.


SUV Kills Boy Crossing Crown Heights Street

An SUV struck and killed eight-year-old Mordica Keller as he crossed Eastern Parkway with his sister. The driver stayed. Blood stained the concrete. The boy died at Kings County Hospital. The street claimed another child.

According to the New York Post (2025-06-29), eight-year-old Mordica Keller was killed by a black Honda Pilot while crossing Eastern Parkway at Albany Street with his sister. The 69-year-old driver, heading south, remained at the scene. Police said, "They were walking, he was crossing the street with his sister." The driver had a green light, and no arrest has been made. The incident highlights persistent dangers for pedestrians at busy intersections. The investigation continues.


Drunk Unlicensed Driver Kills Moped Rider

A moped slammed into a car’s door in Bay Ridge. The rider died. His passenger broke bones. The driver was drunk, unlicensed, and arrested. The street stayed quiet after the crash. Another life lost to reckless driving.

NY Daily News reported on June 22, 2025, that Joel Mota, 22, died after his moped struck the passenger-side door of a 2013 Acura TSX at Third Ave and 67th St in Brooklyn. The crash happened at 4:45 a.m. Police said the car’s driver, Leslie Moreno, was intoxicated and unlicensed. Mota’s passenger suffered multiple fractures. The article notes, 'Police arrested the Acura driver, 29-year-old Leslie Moreno, for driving while intoxicated, driving while ability impaired, and being unlicensed.' Moreno was arraigned and released without bail. The case highlights the ongoing risk posed by impaired, unlicensed drivers on city streets.


Judge Halts Removal Of Brooklyn Bike Lane

A judge stopped the city from tearing out a protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue. The lane stays for now. A toddler was struck by an e-bike. City Hall acted without consulting locals. The fight over street safety continues.

The New York Post reported on June 18, 2025, that Brooklyn Supreme Court Judge Carolyn Walker-Diallo blocked Mayor Adams' plan to remove a protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue. The ruling followed a lawsuit by Transportation Alternatives, who argued that removing the lane would endanger road users. The judge found City Hall 'acted arbitrarily, capriciously, and illegally' by failing to consult local officials or the community. The city cited 'several dangerous incidents—many of which involved children getting seriously hurt' as the reason for the proposed removal, after a 3-year-old was struck by an e-bike in May. The protected lane will remain until a court hearing in August. The case highlights the tension between rapid policy changes and the need for community input on street safety.


Williamsburg Protected Bike Lane Removed

City will strip Bedford Avenue of its protected bike lane. The mayor cites safety. Cyclists lose a shield. Streets grow harsher. The move stirs anger and worry in Williamsburg. Vulnerable road users face new risk.

CBS New York reported on June 14, 2025, that Mayor Eric Adams will remove the protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. The mayor claims the rollback is due to 'safety concerns.' The article notes, 'The decision to remove it is drawing mixed reaction in Williamsburg.' No details are given on specific incidents or data prompting the change. The removal eliminates a key barrier between cyclists and traffic. This action raises questions about city policy and the commitment to protecting vulnerable road users. The move may increase exposure to traffic violence for cyclists and pedestrians.


Garbage Truck Turns, Moped Rider Ejected on Flushing Ave

A garbage truck turned right on Flushing Avenue. A moped kept straight. The truck struck the moped. The moped rider was ejected and left unconscious with severe injuries. Police cite failure to yield. The street bore the mark of impact.

A crash occurred on Flushing Avenue at Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn. A garbage truck made a right turn and collided with a moped traveling straight. According to the police report, the moped rider was ejected, left unconscious, and suffered severe lacerations to the entire body. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The moped rider was riding or hanging on the outside and was not using any safety equipment. The truck's right front quarter panel struck the moped's front end. No injuries to the truck driver were reported. The crash highlights the danger when large vehicles fail to yield to vulnerable road users.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4820107 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31
Bedford Avenue Bike Lane Reverts After Crashes

A new bike lane design on Bedford Avenue failed. Crashes followed. City officials will restore the old layout. Cyclists remain exposed. Promises of safety fell short. The street stays dangerous.

CBS New York reported on June 13, 2025, that Brooklyn's Bedford Avenue bike lane will return to its original design after a series of crashes. The article states, "The redesign was initially intended to improve safety for cyclists, but recent incidents have prompted city officials to revert to the previous layout." The protected lane, meant to shield riders, instead saw collisions increase. The city’s decision highlights the risks of poorly executed street changes and the urgent need for designs that truly protect vulnerable road users. No driver actions are detailed, but the policy shift underscores ongoing systemic failures in street safety planning.


Int 1304-2025
Gutiérrez co-sponsors bill requiring micromobility share systems to display safety rules.

Council bill orders bike and scooter share firms to show road rules at docks and in apps. Riders must review rules yearly. No extra fees. Aim: clear, visible reminders. Committee review underway.

Bill Int 1304-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on June 11, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring micromobility share system operators to display rules of the road for safe operation," demands operators post rules at stations and in apps. Riders must review these rules at least once a year before unlocking a device. The law bars operators from charging for the review time. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Hanif, Brewer, Restler, Louis, Narcisse, Lee, Marte, Hanks, Banks, Gutiérrez, Ariola, and Morano. The measure aims for clear, accessible safety information but does not address street design or enforcement.


NYC DOT Targets Intersection Danger Zones

City crews will block cars from corners. Barriers, granite, planters—hard lines drawn. Sightlines open. Pedestrians and cyclists step forward, visible. Intersections, once blind, now clear. The city moves to cut the toll where most blood spills.

amNY reported on June 11, 2025, that the NYC Department of Transportation will redesign intersections to protect pedestrians and cyclists. The plan uses 'hardened daylighting'—physical barriers, granite blocks, and planters—to stop vehicles from parking near corners. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'Using barriers to clear space at the intersection will help ensure pedestrians, cyclists and turning vehicles can see each other and enhance safety.' Nearly half of city traffic deaths happen at intersections. The new design will first appear at high-crash sites in Brooklyn, including Ocean Avenue at Church Avenue and several others. The move highlights a systemic effort to address visibility failures and reduce deadly conflicts at crossings.


DOT Plans Protected Bike Lane Court Street

Court Street bleeds from double parking and swerving cars. Cyclists and walkers dodge danger daily. DOT will cut a lane, add a protected bike path, and shrink space for reckless driving. Fewer lanes, fewer crashes. Safety, not speed, takes the street.

Streetsblog NYC (2025-06-06) reports the Department of Transportation will install a protected bike lane on Brooklyn’s Court Street, a corridor plagued by double parking and sideswipe crashes. DOT’s Chris Brunson said, “The narrower street width for vehicles will de-incentivize double parking on the corridor.” The redesign removes a travel lane, adds a protected bike lane, and aims to curb driver behavior that leads to crashes. Between 2022 and 2024, 165 crashes on this mile-long stretch caused one death and injured 15 cyclists and 23 pedestrians. Most pedestrian injuries happened while crossing with the light, showing drivers failed to yield. The plan targets excess road capacity and prioritizes vulnerable users on a Vision Zero Priority Corridor.


Motorcycle Rider Ejected in Grand Street Crash

A sedan turned left on Grand Street. A motorcycle struck hard. The rider flew from his bike. He suffered severe arm wounds. Obstructed view and unsafe speed played a role.

A sedan making a left turn on Grand Street collided with a motorcycle traveling straight. The motorcycle rider, a 47-year-old man, was ejected and suffered severe lacerations to his arm. According to the police report, 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Unsafe Speed' contributed to the crash. The sedan's right side doors and the motorcycle's front end took the impact. The injured rider wore a helmet, as noted in the report. No other serious injuries were reported.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4819537 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31
City Orders 15 MPH Limit For E-Bikes

City Hall forced Citi Bike to cap e-bike speeds at 15 mph. A child was hit weeks before. Injuries on e-bikes outnumber pedal bikes. Officials call it an emergency. The rule moves fast. Riders and workers face new limits.

Gothamist reported on June 5, 2025, that Mayor Adams ordered Citi Bike to limit e-bike speeds to 15 mph, citing an 'emergency threat to life and property.' The city rejected Lyft’s plan to add speedometers, demanding immediate compliance. Deputy Mayor Mastro wrote, 'We have requested that you immediately implement this new 15 mph speed limit for Citi Bike e-bikes, and you declined to do so.' Citi Bike agreed to the mandate, though previously voiced concerns. In 2021, e-bike injuries (1,170) and deaths (9) far outpaced those on pedal bikes (236 injuries, 2 deaths). The order follows a crash where a 3-year-old was struck by an e-bike in South Williamsburg. The city will collect public comments before finalizing the rule. The move highlights rising e-bike use and the city’s struggle to manage micromobility safety.