No More Blood on Cropsey: Hold Brannan Accountable for Every Broken Body

A woman riding rear on a bike was thrown to the pavement when an e-bike struck. Her head hit the street. She lay unconscious, lifeless under the city’s lights. Sirens came too late. Driver inattention shadowed the crash.

A deadly collision unfolded at the corner of 7th Avenue and 68th Street when an e-bike hit a bike, according to the police report. The crash occurred at 23:06. A 48-year-old woman, riding as a rear passenger, was ejected and suffered fatal head injuries after striking the pavement. The police report states she was 'unconscious' and 'lifeless beneath the streetlights.' The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor, highlighting a failure by the e-bike operator to remain alert. No helmet was worn by the victim, but this detail is mentioned only after the driver error. The report makes clear that the crash’s deadly outcome stemmed from the e-bike driver’s lack of attention, not the actions of the passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4732852, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A young woman rode her e-bike north on 7th Avenue at 79th Street. She struck something, her helmet cracked, blood flowed. She collapsed, unconscious, head torn, alone in the dark. The street swallowed her pain, silent and unyielding.

According to the police report, a 20-year-old woman riding an e-bike northbound at the corner of 7th Avenue and 79th Street suffered a severe head injury. The narrative states, 'She struck something. Her helmet cracked. Blood ran. She collapsed on the pavement, head torn, eyes closed, alone in the dark.' The report lists her as 'unconscious' with 'severe bleeding' from the head. The contributing factors are marked as 'Unspecified,' and no driver errors or external vehicle involvement are cited. The report notes she wore a helmet, which cracked during the crash. No mention is made of any pedestrian or other vehicle involvement. The focus remains on the solitary, violent impact and the resulting injury, with the cause left undetermined in official records.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4728038, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council wants lights on city step streets. The bill orders the DOT to brighten at least 25 stairways a year. Dark stairs mean danger. Light means fewer falls, fewer hidden threats. The push comes from a broad coalition. The goal is simple: safer steps.

Int 0875-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced May 16, 2024, it commands the Department of Transportation to install pedestrian lighting on at least 25 step streets each year. The bill’s matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the installation of pedestrian lighting on step streets.' Prime sponsor Joann Ariola leads, joined by Council Members Hanks, Ayala, Salaam, Brooks-Powers, Banks, Restler, Brannan, Ung, Gutiérrez, Louis, Hudson, Schulman, Ossé, Krishnan, Nurse, Moya, and Marmorato. Step streets are public staircases linking streets at different heights. The bill aims to ensure these stairs are well-lit, reducing risk for walkers. Once all step streets are lit, the mandate ends. The measure targets a clear hazard: darkness on city stairs.

• File Int 0875-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

Council wants DOT to study speed bumps and other ways to slow electric bikes in bike lanes. The bill targets crash hotspots. Sponsors demand answers. The measure sits in committee. No action yet. Riders and walkers wait for results.

Int 0823-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on April 18, 2024. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to study speed bumps and other speed-reducing measures for electric bikes in bike lanes. The official summary reads: 'A Local Law in relation to a department of transportation study on speed reducing measures for bicycles with electric assist operating in bicycle lanes.' Council Members Robert F. Holden, Justin L. Brannan, James F. Gennaro (primary sponsor), Farah N. Louis, Vickie Paladino, and David M. Carr back the bill. Their action: sponsorship and referral to committee. The study must pinpoint crash-prone spots and weigh the impact on all users. If speed bumps won’t work, DOT must suggest alternatives. The bill expires once the study is submitted.

• File Int 0823-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Abandoned cars choke sidewalks and crossings. Int 0857-2024 orders city crews to tow vehicles that block streets or hide their plates. Council pushes for swift removal—seventy-two hours after notice. Streets clear. Danger drops for those on foot and bike.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced April 18, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to towing vehicles that are an encumbrance on the street.' It requires the Department of Sanitation to remove vehicles blocking the street within 72 hours of notice. The NYPD must tow cars with missing, obscured, or improper plates and stickers. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Salamanca, Brannan, Feliz, Ayala, Louis, Brewer, Avilés, Mealy, Ung, Restler, Farías, Hudson, Riley, and Schulman. The bill targets vehicles that endanger pedestrians and cyclists by blocking sightlines and crossings. It aims to clear hazards fast, making streets safer for all vulnerable road users.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Council bill Int 0856-2024 would hike fines for illegal ATV and dirt bike use. First offense: $375 to $750. Repeat: $750 to $1,500. The bill sits in the Public Safety Committee. Lawmakers say it targets reckless riders who endanger city streets.

Int 0856-2024, now in the Committee on Public Safety, was introduced April 18, 2024. The bill's title: '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.' Prime sponsor: Carmen N. De La Rosa. Co-sponsors: Salamanca Jr., Gennaro, Brannan, Louis, Ung, Restler, Farías. The bill would raise fines for operating ATVs and dirt bikes illegally—$375 to $750 for a first offense, $750 to $1,500 for repeat offenses. Council referred the bill to committee on April 18. Lawmakers frame the measure as a crackdown on vehicles that threaten pedestrians and cyclists, aiming to curb dangerous street behavior.

• File Int 0856-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Council bill Int 0842-2024 demands DOT factor traffic enforcement agents into every city safety plan. The bill sits in committee. Sponsors say it targets deadly streets. The law would force DOT to map out where agents stand guard, not just hope for safer roads.

Bill Int 0842-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced April 18, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the department of transportation to consider placement of traffic enforcement agents in developing an interagency roadway safety plan," requires DOT to consider where traffic enforcement agents are stationed when drafting the city’s five-year safety plan. Sponsors include Council Member Justin L. Brannan (primary), Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Farah N. Louis, Lincoln Restler, and the Queens Borough President (by request). The bill responds to Local Law 12 of 2011, which already mandates a safety plan, but this measure sharpens the focus: DOT must show where agents will be placed to protect the most dangerous corridors. The bill awaits further action.

• File Int 0842-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Steel met bone on 86th Street. An SUV barreled north, disregarding traffic control. A 68-year-old man pedaled west. Metal crashed into flesh. His head hit pavement. Blood pooled. The bike crumpled. He stayed conscious, battered and bleeding.

According to the police report, a 68-year-old man was riding his bike westbound on 86th Street when a northbound SUV collided with him. The report states the SUV driver disregarded traffic control, directly contributing to the crash. The cyclist suffered severe head lacerations and remained conscious at the scene. The narrative details, 'Metal struck flesh. His head hit hard. Blood pooled. The bike folded at the doors. The bumper cracked.' The police report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors, both attributed to driver error. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but this is mentioned only after the clear failures by the SUV driver. The crash unfolded near Council District 47, underscoring the persistent danger vulnerable road users face from drivers who ignore basic rules.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4709485, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council members push to ban moving billboards. These rolling ads distract drivers and endanger people on foot and bike. The bill locks in an existing rule. It aims to keep city streets clearer and safer for all.

Bill Int 0541-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced March 7, 2024, it seeks to ban moving billboards in New York City. The matter title reads: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to banning moving billboards." Council Members Erik D. Bottcher (primary sponsor), Justin L. Brannan, Gale A. Brewer, and Lincoln Restler back the measure. The bill would codify an existing rule—34 RCNY 4-12(j)—that already makes these billboards illegal. By writing the ban into the administrative code, the council aims to close loopholes and strengthen enforcement. No safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known hazard: mobile ads that pull attention from the street and put vulnerable road users at risk.

• File Int 0541-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council moves to block sight-seeing buses from bus lanes at rush hour. The bill targets morning and evening peaks. No more tour bus stops clogging lanes. Streets clear for city buses and people on foot. Action aims to cut chaos.

Int 0543-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced March 7, 2024, the bill would 'prohibit sight-seeing buses from using bus lanes between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weekdays.' Council Members Lincoln Restler (primary sponsor, District 33) and Justin L. Brannan (co-sponsor, District 47) back the measure. The Department of Transportation would also be barred from authorizing any sight-seeing bus stops in bus lanes during those hours. The bill responds to crowding and obstruction in bus lanes, aiming to keep routes clear for city buses and vulnerable road users. No safety analyst assessment is available yet.

• File Int 0543-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council bill Int 0542-2024 forces DOT to act fast. Traffic study answers must come within 60 days when council members or boards ask for new signals or signs. No more endless waits. The clock starts. Streets can’t wait.

Int 0542-2024 was introduced on March 7, 2024, and is now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill’s title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring that traffic study determinations be issued no later than 60 days from the date a traffic control device is requested by a city council member or community board.” Council Member Lincoln Restler leads as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Brooks-Powers, and Vernikov. Their bill demands the Department of Transportation deliver traffic study decisions within 60 days of a request. Right now, there’s no set timeline. The bill aims to end delays, forcing the city to move faster when lives are at stake. The measure would take effect 120 days after enactment.

• File Int 0542-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council calls for state action on e-bike licensing. The bill targets commercial e-bikes, forcing registration and employer liability for violations. Sponsors say it will help identify dangerous riders and shift fines to companies, not workers. The measure sits in committee.

Resolution 0224-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, urges Albany to pass S.7587/A.7833—the 'Commercial E-Bike Licensing Act.' The resolution, introduced March 7, 2024, calls for 'the registration of bicycles with electric assist used for commercial purposes and creates liability for employers for certain violations.' Council Member James F. Gennaro leads as primary sponsor, joined by Gale A. Brewer, Christopher Marte, Alexa Avilés, Farah N. Louis, and Justin L. Brannan. The bill would require commercial e-bikes to be registered and display visible license information. Employers, not delivery workers, would be fined for violations like sidewalk riding. The council frames this as a way to identify dangerous vehicles and hold companies accountable, aiming to reduce injuries and deaths among pedestrians and cyclists. The measure remains under committee review.

• File Res 0224-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council calls on the MTA to add full accessibility to every subway station it renovates. Only a fraction of stations have elevators. Disabled riders face barriers. The resolution demands equal access. Sponsors push for change. The fight is not over.

Resolution 0216-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced March 7, 2024, it urges the MTA to make any subway station undergoing enhancement or renovation fully accessible to people with disabilities. The matter title is clear: 'Resolution calling upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to make any subway stations undergoing enhancement or renovation fully accessible to people with disabilities.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor), Crystal Hudson, and Justin L. Brannan back the measure. The resolution responds to a system where only 117 of 493 stations are accessible. It follows a federal court ruling that found the MTA violated the ADA by skipping elevator installation during renovations. The sponsors demand the MTA use every renovation as a chance to fix this injustice. The bill remains in committee.

• File Res 0216-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council members push for a hard look at last mile delivery hubs. Trucks swarm neighborhoods. Streets clog. Collisions rise. The bill demands data. It targets the city’s growing freight problem. Vulnerable New Yorkers walk these streets. The study could expose the toll.

Int 0113-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it orders the Department of Transportation to study how last mile delivery facilities batter local streets and communities. The bill summary reads: 'estimating the amount of delivery vehicles arriving at or departing from each facility, and the impact that additional vehicle traffic has on parking, street congestion, vehicle collisions and other traffic incidents.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams leads as primary sponsor, joined by Alexa Avilés, Shekar Krishnan, Amanda Farías, and over twenty others. The bill was referred to committee on the day it was introduced. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the bill’s focus is clear: count the trucks, count the crashes, and show the cost to people on foot and bike.

• File Int 0113-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council calls for state action on lower speed limits, crash victims’ rights, and safer street design. The resolution pushes Albany to let New York City set its own speed limits and demands stronger protections for people hurt or killed by cars.

Resolution 0090-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it urges the State Legislature and Governor to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law'), A.1901 (Crash Victims Bill of Rights), and the full SAFE Streets Act package. The matter title reads: 'Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.2422, also known as ‘Sammy’s Law,’ in relation to allowing New York city to establish a lower speed limit, and A.1901, enacting a crash victims bill of rights, as well as the other bills of the package known as the SAFE Streets Act.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif leads as primary sponsor, joined by Gutiérrez, Restler, Ossé, Avilés, Sanchez, Krishnan, Rivera, Cabán, Brewer, Abreu, Marte, Brannan, Schulman, Won, Feliz, Bottcher, Nurse, Hudson, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The SAFE Streets Act targets reckless driving, demands safer street design, and gives crash victims more rights. The resolution’s focus is clear: fewer deaths, more justice, safer streets for all.

• File Res 0090-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Fourth Avenue in Bay Ridge remains a hazard. Activists want a road diet and protected bike lanes. The city has stalled. Council Member Brannan stays quiet. State Senator Gounardes backs the push. Advocates press on. Vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

On February 26, 2024, activists renewed calls for the Department of Transportation to extend the Fourth Avenue redesign into Bay Ridge. The campaign, led by Bike South Brooklyn, the Bay Ridge Environmental Group, and Transportation Alternatives, demands a 'better, safer Fourth Avenue' with a road diet and protected bike lanes. Council Member Justin Brannan, who represents Bay Ridge, has a mixed record—once supportive, now silent as his term ends. State Senator Andrew Gounardes supports the redesign, citing risks to pedestrians and cyclists: 'the design of the street puts your safety at risk.' The DOT has not proposed changes south of Sunset Park, leaving Bay Ridge exposed. Advocates vow to keep fighting for safety, regardless of political will.

• Activists Renew Push For Redesign of Fourth Ave. in Bay Ridge, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-26

A 56-year-old man died behind the wheel on 82nd Street. His sedan crashed into a parked Toyota. The front end crumpled. He wore no seatbelt. Metal folded, and the street fell silent. He never stepped out. The impact ended everything.

According to the police report, a 56-year-old man driving a sedan on 82nd Street crashed into the rear of a parked Toyota. The report states the sedan 'slammed into the back of a parked Toyota.' The front end of the sedan folded in, trapping the driver inside. The driver was not wearing a seatbelt, as noted in the narrative. The crash resulted in the apparent death of the driver, who 'never got out.' The police report lists the contributing factor as 'Unspecified,' and no driver errors are explicitly cited in the available data. The parked Toyota was unoccupied at the time of the collision. The report does not mention any actions by other road users or any additional contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703200, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Council bill targets cars blocking bike lanes, sidewalks, and hydrants within half a mile of schools. Fines set at $175. Civilians can report violations. DOT must act on complaints. Council aims to clear paths for people, not cars.

Int 0080-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after its introduction on February 8, 2024. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to hazardous obstruction by vehicles and civilian complaints to the department of transportation for hazardous obstruction violations," creates a new civil penalty for vehicles blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants within 2,640 feet of a school. The penalty is $175 per violation. The Department of Transportation must launch a civilian reporting program. If DOT prosecutes a case using civilian evidence, the complainant gets 25% of the proceeds. Council Member Carlina Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Joseph, Menin, Nurse, Hudson, Brannan, Farías, Brewer, Salaam, Hanif, Avilés, Won, Bottcher, Krishnan, Gutiérrez, Marte, and the Brooklyn Borough President. The bill aims to keep streets clear for vulnerable road users, especially near schools.

• File Int 0080-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Council bill Int 0037-2024 would hike fines for riding bikes, e-bikes, or scooters on city sidewalks. The measure targets sidewalk riding with stiffer penalties. Lawmakers say it will deter reckless riding. The bill sits in committee. No vote yet.

Int 0037-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill's title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to increasing civil penalties for operating a bicycle, bicycle with electric assist, or electric scooter on the sidewalk.' Council Members Althea V. Stevens (primary sponsor), James F. Gennaro, Justin L. Brannan, Gale A. Brewer, and Sandra Ung back the measure. The bill would raise fines for anyone caught riding a bike, e-bike, or scooter on sidewalks. Supporters say higher penalties will curb sidewalk riding and protect pedestrians. The bill awaits further action in committee. No safety analyst has assessed its impact on vulnerable road users.

• File Int 0037-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

A Dodge Ram driver with 27 speed camera violations killed Xiaohong Chen in Dyker Heights. He swerved around a stopped car, made an illegal turn, and struck Chen. The driver stayed at the scene. Police filed no charges. The city’s system failed to stop him.

On January 17, 2024, a Dodge Ram pickup driver with 27 prior speed camera violations struck and killed pedestrian Xiaohong Chen at Bay Ridge and 13th avenues in Dyker Heights. The driver, age 72, swerved around a car stopped at a red light and made an illegal turn, hitting Chen, who became trapped under the truck. Despite the driver’s long record of school zone speed camera violations, police did not arrest or charge him. Council Member Justin Brannan responded, saying, 'The answer will not bring our neighbor back, but they absolutely matter, especially after learning this driver has [so many] school zone speed camera violations!' City records show speed camera tickets do not count against a driver’s record, so licenses are not suspended or revoked. All tickets were paid, preventing booting or towing. The city’s enforcement system left a dangerous driver on the road.

• A Pedestrian Was Killed in Dyker Heights By a Driver With a Long Record of Recklessness, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-17