Flatbush Bleeds While City Hall Delays

Council bill Int 0858-2022 would force the city’s DOT to probe every serious crash. The bill demands quick action, deep analysis, and public reporting. It targets street design flaws and driver behavior. Lawmakers filed it, but the session ended before passage.

Int 0858-2022, introduced December 21, 2022, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, aimed to overhaul how New York City investigates vehicle collisions. The bill, sponsored by Council Member Farah N. Louis (primary) and co-sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Shekar Krishnan, Charles Barron, Kristin Richardson Jordan, Lincoln Restler, and Rita C. Joseph, required the Department of Transportation to investigate all serious vehicular crashes. The matter summary reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the department of transportation to investigate vehicle collisions.' The bill would have expanded the definition of serious crashes, set strict investigation timelines, and mandated detailed public reports. It also called for reviews of street design and infrastructure at crash sites, with recommendations for safety improvements. The bill was filed at the end of the session and did not become law.

• File Int 0858-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2022-12-21

A northbound SUV turned right on Avenue K. It struck a 61-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She suffered a head wound. Blood pooled on the street. She stayed conscious. The SUV was undamaged. The bleeding would not stop.

A 61-year-old woman was crossing Avenue K with the signal when a northbound SUV turned right and struck her. According to the police report, she suffered a head wound and severe bleeding, but remained conscious at the scene. The SUV, driven by a 64-year-old woman, was undamaged. The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. The pedestrian was not at an intersection but was crossing with the signal. No helmet or signal violations were listed. The crash left the pedestrian injured and the vehicle unharmed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4591101, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council members want voters to decide on the MTA’s congestion pricing plan. The resolution calls for a statewide ballot. Sponsors cite risks to outer-borough communities and doubt traffic will drop. The measure is filed, not enacted. Streets stay dangerous.

Resolution 0419-2022, filed by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, urges the New York State Legislature to require a statewide ballot proposal before the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s congestion pricing plan—known as the Central Business District Tolling Program—can proceed. Introduced December 7, 2022, and filed at session’s end, the resolution states: “calls upon the New York State Legislature to amend state law to make implementation of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s congestion pricing plan... subject to a statewide ballot proposal.” Council Member Kamillah Hanks led sponsorship, joined by Borelli, Carr, Louis, Yeger, Ariola, and Paladino. The sponsors raise concerns about pollution, health, and traffic impacts on outer-borough communities. The measure questions whether congestion pricing will cut traffic or fund transit improvements. No direct safety impact for vulnerable road users is assessed. The bill remains filed, with no further action.

• File Res 0419-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2022-12-07

A Mercedes sped down Avenue J. It struck five pedestrians—four children and a woman—near a stopped school bus. Blood pooled. A 5-year-old girl took the hit to her head. All stayed conscious. The car’s front end bore the mark.

Five pedestrians, including four children ages 1, 3, 5, and 8, and a 33-year-old woman, were struck and injured by a speeding Mercedes sedan on Avenue J near New York Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the crash happened as the victims were going to or from a stopped school bus. The 5-year-old girl suffered a head injury with severe bleeding. The 8-year-old girl reported abdominal pain. The 3-year-old and 1-year-old boys had visible injuries but remained conscious. The adult woman suffered fractures and dislocation. The police report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The sedan’s front end was damaged in the impact. No mention of helmet or signal use appears in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4586889, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

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 distracted SUV driver struck a man crossing Flatbush Avenue. The impact crushed the man’s leg. The driver did not stop. The SUV showed no damage. The man lay broken but conscious on the street. The crash left pain and silence.

A 36-year-old man was crossing Flatbush Avenue when a southbound SUV hit him head-on. According to the police report, 'A man crossed without a signal. A southbound SUV struck him head-on. His leg was crushed. The driver, distracted, kept going.' The pedestrian suffered crush injuries to his lower leg and foot but remained conscious at the scene. The SUV, a 2021 model, showed no damage. Police listed 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors. The driver’s actions and lack of attention led directly to the severe injury. No other injuries were reported among vehicle occupants or witnesses.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4575155, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A bus turned left on Flatbush Avenue. Its front end struck a 79-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She died under the weight. The street bore witness. The machine rolled on. The city swallowed another life.

A 79-year-old woman was killed while crossing Flatbush Avenue at Glenwood Road. According to the police report, a bus making a left turn struck her with its front end as she crossed with the signal. The report lists 'Oversized Vehicle' as a contributing factor. The woman suffered fatal injuries to her entire body and died at the scene. The bus driver, a 46-year-old man, was not injured. No other injuries were reported. The data highlights the danger posed by large vehicles in city streets. The victim was following the signal when struck.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4573615, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council bill Int 0745-2022 aimed to put traffic response teams in every borough. Staff would answer traffic requests fast, matching team size to borough need. The bill died at session’s end. Streets stay slow to change. Danger lingers for walkers and riders.

Int 0745-2022 was introduced to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on September 29, 2022. The bill’s title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to creating borough-based traffic request response teams.” Council Members Farah N. Louis (primary sponsor), Gale A. Brewer, and Rafael Salamanca, Jr. backed the measure. The bill required the Department of Transportation to assign staff to each borough, with numbers based on local traffic request volume, and respond within three months. The bill was filed at the end of session on December 31, 2023. No safety analyst note was provided. The bill’s failure means slow action on street fixes. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while requests pile up.

• File Int 0745-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2022-09-29

A woman rode south on New York Avenue. A driver failed to yield. Traffic signs meant nothing. She was struck, thrown from her bike. Her head hit the pavement. She died under the streetlights. The city lost another cyclist.

A 53-year-old woman riding a bike southbound on New York Avenue at Cortelyou Road was killed. According to the police report, she was struck and ejected from her bike, suffering fatal head injuries. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The driver ignored traffic signs and did not yield, leading to the deadly impact. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but the primary causes were driver errors. No other injuries were reported. The crash marks another fatal toll for Brooklyn’s streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4566835, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council filed a bill to create a parking permit enforcement unit in DOT. The unit would target misuse of city-issued permits. The measure died at session’s end. Streets stay clogged. Danger lingers for those on foot and bike.

Int 0662-2022 was introduced to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on September 14, 2022. The bill sought to amend city law by establishing a parking permit enforcement unit within the Department of Transportation. Its summary reads: 'This bill would require the Department of Transportation to create a parking permit enforcement unit that would be dedicated to the enforcement of laws and rules relating to misuse of city-issued parking permits.' The primary sponsor was Kristin Richardson Jordan, joined by Amanda Farías, Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Julie Won, Rita C. Joseph, Crystal Hudson, Farah N. Louis, and Lincoln Restler. The bill was filed at the end of session on December 31, 2023, with no further action. No safety analyst assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The city’s permit abuse problem remains unaddressed.

• File Int 0662-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2022-09-14

A Ford SUV plowed into a slowing Toyota on Schenectady Avenue. Metal twisted. A 66-year-old man in the front seat groaned, clutching his back. The crash left pain and confusion in the heat. Following too closely caused the impact.

A Ford SUV struck a slowing Toyota from behind on Schenectady Avenue. According to the police report, 'A Ford SUV struck a slowing Toyota from behind. Metal folded. A 66-year-old man in the front seat clutched his back, hurt and conscious, his breath shallow in the heat, pain blooming beneath crushed steel.' Five people were involved. The 66-year-old front passenger in the Toyota suffered back injuries and crush trauma. The crash data lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. Both vehicles were traveling west. The Toyota was slowing or stopping when the Ford hit it. No other contributing factors were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4552249, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A man turns left on his bike. An SUV barrels straight. Metal crushes bone. Blood pools on the street. The cyclist lies semiconscious, head split open. The SUV’s front end is wrecked. Night air thick with sirens. The street stays silent.

A 57-year-old man riding a bike was struck by an SUV on Utica Avenue. According to the police report, the cyclist was making a left turn when the SUV hit him head-on. The crash left the cyclist semiconscious with severe bleeding from a head injury. The SUV’s front end was crushed. Police list 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but the primary cause remains the driver’s failure to yield. No injuries were reported for the SUV’s occupants. The scene was marked by violence and silence.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4547477, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council filed a bill to raise fines for illegal ATV and dirt bike use. First offenses jump to $750. Repeat violations hit $1,500. Lawmakers say the crackdown targets reckless riders. The bill died at session’s end. Streets remain exposed.

Int 0591-2022, introduced July 14, 2022, in the Committee on Public Safety, aimed to increase fines for unlawful use of all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes in New York City. The bill summary reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to increasing the fines for the unlawful use of all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes.' Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa led as primary sponsor, joined by Salamanca, Louis, Brewer, Joseph, Yeger, Dinowitz, and Sanchez. The measure would have raised first-offense fines to $750 and subsequent offenses to $1,500. The bill was filed at the end of session on December 31, 2023, and did not advance. No safety analyst assessment was provided. The city’s most vulnerable—pedestrians, cyclists, passengers—remain at risk from illegal vehicle use.

• File Int 0591-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2022-07-14

Council bill Int 0596-2022 would force DOT to repair broken curbs when streets get resurfaced. Curbs shape the border between sidewalk and street. Broken curbs trip walkers, let cars mount sidewalks, and endanger the frail. The bill died in committee.

Int 0596-2022 was introduced on July 14, 2022, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill required the Department of Transportation to repair any curb deemed a safety hazard during street resurfacing. The matter summary reads: 'requiring that the department of transportation repair broken curbs as part of resurfacing projects.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers sponsored the bill, joined by Schulman, Brewer, Dinowitz, Krishnan, Narcisse, Menin, Yeger, Avilés, Nurse, Gutiérrez, Riley, Brannan, Sanchez, and Louis. The bill was filed at the end of session on December 31, 2023, and did not advance. Broken curbs are a daily threat to pedestrians, especially the elderly and disabled. The bill would have forced the city to address these hazards as part of routine work, but the effort stalled.

• File Int 0596-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2022-07-14

A man crossed Ocean Avenue with the light. An SUV turned and hit his leg. Blood pooled on the street. He stayed conscious. The driver kept his license. The city kept moving. The wound ran deep. The system failed.

A 58-year-old pedestrian was struck by a turning SUV while crossing Ocean Avenue with the signal. According to the police report, the man suffered severe bleeding to his lower leg but remained conscious at the scene. The SUV, a 2015 Toyota, showed no damage and the driver retained his license. Police listed 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The report notes the pedestrian was in the intersection and crossing with the signal when the crash occurred. No injuries were reported for the vehicle occupants. The crash highlights the danger faced by those on foot when drivers fail to yield and pay attention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4545842, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Nissan turned right on Flatbush. A man rode his bike straight. The car hit his back wheel. He crashed hard. Blood pooled from his head. He lay semiconscious as dusk closed in. The street did not forgive.

A man riding a bike on Flatbush Avenue near Hubbard Place was struck by a Nissan making a right turn. According to the police report, the car hit the back wheel of the bike, sending the cyclist to the pavement with a bleeding head injury. The cyclist, age 55, was left semiconscious. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, which is noted in the report after the driver errors. The crash highlights the danger faced by cyclists when drivers turn without yielding.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4541542, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A speeding Infiniti hit a 61-year-old woman at Nostrand and Flatbush. She stood near the intersection. The car tore open her leg. Blood pooled on the street. She stayed conscious, wounded and bleeding under harsh lights.

A 61-year-old woman was struck and injured by a southbound Infiniti at the corner of Nostrand Avenue and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the crash happened late at night when the car sped through the intersection and hit the woman, who was not in the roadway. She suffered severe lacerations to her lower leg but remained conscious at the scene. The police report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as the contributing factor. The data does not mention any other errors or helmet or signal use. The impact left the pedestrian hurt and bleeding under the streetlights.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4540464, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council pushed for bold school safety signs. Painted warnings and overhead alerts near every school entrance. The bill died in committee. Streets stay the same. Children still cross in danger. Drivers keep rolling through.

Int 0555-2022 was introduced on June 16, 2022, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill required the Department of Transportation to install painted and overhead safety signs on every street with a school entrance. The matter summary reads: 'to alert drivers to the presence of school-aged children and pedestrians.' Council Member Tiffany Cabán led as primary sponsor, joined by Rivera, Marte, Yeger, Sanchez, Won, Restler, Joseph, Gutiérrez, Ung, Louis, Abreu, and Hanif. The bill was filed at the end of session on December 31, 2023. No safety analyst note was provided. The measure stalled. No new protections for kids on city streets.

• File Int 0555-2022, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2022-06-16

Two sedans crashed head-on at Avenue J and East 37th. Metal twisted. A 40-year-old man suffered crush wounds to his shoulder. Both drivers were distracted. Brooklyn’s morning broke with the sound of steel and pain.

Two sedans collided head-on at Avenue J and East 37th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, both drivers were distracted at the time of the crash. The impact left a 40-year-old male driver with crush injuries to his shoulder. The report states: “Both drivers were distracted. Morning broke in Brooklyn under the sound of screeching steel and pain.” The data lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Both drivers were wearing seat belts. The crash underscores the danger posed when drivers lose focus behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4537669, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15