Blood on the Crosswalk: No More Delays, No More Deaths

Summer Streets grows, but cars still rule. Pedestrians and cyclists get scraps. Asphalt wins. The city drags its feet. People lose. Safety rises where cars vanish, but the reach is small.

"The subway belongs to all New Yorker, and it should be accessible to all New Yorkers." -- Andrew Gounardes

On August 11, 2025, David Meyer issued a statement on the expansion of Summer Streets, covered by Streetsblog NYC. He said, 'Summer Streets is bigger and better than ever—and New Yorkers are begging for more.' Meyer supports car-free events but criticizes their limited scale. No council bill or committee action is attached. A safety analyst notes: expanding Summer Streets increases car-free space, encourages walking and cycling, and improves safety by reducing vehicle conflicts and promoting mode shift. But the limited reach means citywide benefits remain out of grasp.

• Monday’s Headlines: All Hail Summer Streets Edition, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-08-11

MTA will install an elevator at Smith-9th Street, the city’s tallest subway station. Riders now face steep climbs. Soon, F and G lines open to all. Barriers fall. Access rises. Fewer forced to drive.

"Every day, New Yorkers hike the stairs up this station like they're climbing Mount Everest, struggling to catch the train on time... With elevators coming to the Smith-9th Street station, that's finally going to change. It's simple: The subway belongs to every New Yorker, and it should be accessible to every New Yorker." -- Andrew Gounardes

On August 11, 2025, the MTA announced an elevator for Smith-9th Street station, Brooklyn’s highest subway stop. BKReader reported: 'The MTA will install an elevator at the Smith-9th Street station.' No council bill or committee is listed. State Senator Andrew Gounardes, Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, and NYCHA leaders backed the move. MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo called Smith-9th the clearest case for access. Installing an elevator helps pedestrians, especially those with mobility impairments. It makes transit a real option, shifting trips away from cars and reducing street danger for all.

• Brooklyn’s Steepest Subway Stop to Get a Lift, BKReader, Published 2025-08-11

Smith-9th Streets, city’s highest subway stop, will get elevators. The climb ends. State officials promise relief for riders. No more 90-foot ascent. Gowanus waits for access.

"With elevators coming to the Smith-9th Street station, that’s finally going to change." -- Andrew Gounardes

On August 11, 2025, state officials announced elevators for Smith-9th Streets station in Gowanus, the city’s tallest subway stop. The MTA’s $68.4 billion capital plan for 2025-2029 funds the project. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes said, “With elevators coming to the Smith-9th Street station, that’s finally going to change.” Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon praised the MTA for prioritizing accessibility. The upgrades follow a court settlement requiring 95% ADA-accessible stations by 2055. Safety analysts note: elevator installation boosts access for people with mobility challenges but does not directly impact street safety for pedestrians or cyclists.

• Tall order: Smith-9th Streets subway station, city’s highest, to get elevators, Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-08-11

MTA will install an elevator at Smith-9th Street, the city’s tallest subway station. Riders now face steep climbs. Soon, F and G lines open to all. Barriers fall. Access rises. Fewer forced to drive.

"Climbing the tallest station in the system shouldn't be an endurance test." -- Jo Anne Simon

On August 11, 2025, the MTA announced an elevator for Smith-9th Street station, Brooklyn’s highest subway stop. BKReader reported: 'The MTA will install an elevator at the Smith-9th Street station.' No council bill or committee is listed. State Senator Andrew Gounardes, Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, and NYCHA leaders backed the move. MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo called Smith-9th the clearest case for access. Installing an elevator helps pedestrians, especially those with mobility impairments. It makes transit a real option, shifting trips away from cars and reducing street danger for all.

• Brooklyn’s Steepest Subway Stop to Get a Lift, BKReader, Published 2025-08-11

Smith-9th Streets, city’s highest subway stop, will get elevators. The climb ends. State officials promise relief for riders. No more 90-foot ascent. Gowanus waits for access.

"Adding elevators to the station is a huge win for transit equity and for the thousands of riders who rely on this stop every day." -- Jo Anne Simon

On August 11, 2025, state officials announced elevators for Smith-9th Streets station in Gowanus, the city’s tallest subway stop. The MTA’s $68.4 billion capital plan for 2025-2029 funds the project. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes said, “With elevators coming to the Smith-9th Street station, that’s finally going to change.” Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon praised the MTA for prioritizing accessibility. The upgrades follow a court settlement requiring 95% ADA-accessible stations by 2055. Safety analysts note: elevator installation boosts access for people with mobility challenges but does not directly impact street safety for pedestrians or cyclists.

• Tall order: Smith-9th Streets subway station, city’s highest, to get elevators, Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-08-11

Two sedans collided on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Rear passengers suffered neck and head injuries. Impact struck center back and front ends. No driver errors listed. System failed the vulnerable.

Two sedans traveling west on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway collided. According to the police report, the impact struck the center back end of one sedan and the center front end of the other. A 25-year-old woman and a 44-year-old woman, both rear passengers, suffered neck and head injuries. The 37-year-old male driver of one sedan was also injured. No specific driver errors were listed in the report; all contributing factors were marked as 'Unspecified.'

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4834060 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

Smith-9th Street stands 90 feet high. No elevators. State officials promise lifts. The climb ends. Access rises. Vulnerable riders—elderly, disabled, parents—gain ground. Transit grows safer. Streets may see fewer cars.

""With elevators coming to the Smith-9th Street station, that’s finally going to change."" -- Andrew Gounardes

On August 10, 2025, state officials announced elevators for Smith-9th Street station in Gowanus, Brooklyn. The station, nearly 90 feet above ground, is the city’s tallest and lacks elevators. The matter: 'New York City's tallest subway station will soon have elevators, ending the difficult climb to the platform.' State Sen. Andrew Gounardes led the announcement. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon praised the move. MTA chief accessibility officer Quemuel Arroyo backed the upgrade. Adding elevators boosts access for people with mobility challenges. It makes transit a real option, shifting trips away from cars and easing danger for vulnerable road users.

• Tall order: NYC’s tallest subway station to get elevators, putting accessibility on the ascent, Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-08-10

Smith-9th Street stands 90 feet high. No elevators. State officials promise lifts. The climb ends. Access rises. Vulnerable riders—elderly, disabled, parents—gain ground. Transit grows safer. Streets may see fewer cars.

""Adding elevators to the station is a huge win for transit equity and for the thousands of riders who rely on this stop every day."" -- Jo Anne Simon

On August 10, 2025, state officials announced elevators for Smith-9th Street station in Gowanus, Brooklyn. The station, nearly 90 feet above ground, is the city’s tallest and lacks elevators. The matter: 'New York City's tallest subway station will soon have elevators, ending the difficult climb to the platform.' State Sen. Andrew Gounardes led the announcement. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon praised the move. MTA chief accessibility officer Quemuel Arroyo backed the upgrade. Adding elevators boosts access for people with mobility challenges. It makes transit a real option, shifting trips away from cars and easing danger for vulnerable road users.

• Tall order: NYC’s tallest subway station to get elevators, putting accessibility on the ascent, Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-08-10

Thin string, nearly invisible, sliced at necks and faces. Cyclists struck crossing Marine Parkway Bridge. Injuries mount. No answers. Danger lingers. System fails to clear the path.

Gothamist (2025-07-25) reports multiple cyclists injured by string stretched across the Marine Parkway Bridge walkway. Victims described sudden pain and red marks. One cyclist landed in intensive care in June. The NYPD said no criminality was suspected and has not identified the source. The MTA forbids cycling on the path, but most riders do not dismount due to the narrow walkway. The article quotes Angel Montalvo: "I felt pain, but I didn't know what it was." The recurring hazard exposes gaps in bridge safety and enforcement, leaving vulnerable users at risk.

• Cyclists Injured By Hidden String On Bridge, Gothamist, Published 2025-07-25

Eighty dead or maimed on Third Avenue since 2018. Sunset Park stands up. Residents, officials, and advocates demand the city end delays. No fixes yet. Danger remains.

""Here we are, once again gathering to mourn another preventable tragedy on our streets. But it doesn't have to be this way,"" -- Andrew Gounardes

On July 24, 2025, Sunset Park residents, Council Member Alexa Avilés, Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes, Senator Andrew Gounardes, and advocates rallied for urgent street safety fixes on Third Avenue. BKReader reports: 'Fatalities on Third Avenue...are preventable with safety upgrades.' The Department of Transportation's plan has stalled for two years. Avilés called the corridor 'persistently dangerous.' Gounardes said, 'We know how to fix it: safer street design.' No council bill or committee is listed. The event shows strong community demand, but no policy action has been taken. As of now, there is no direct impact on pedestrian or cyclist safety.

• Sunset Park Urges City to Fast-Track Third Avenue Street Fixes, BKReader, Published 2025-07-24

Eighty dead or maimed on Third Avenue since 2018. Sunset Park stands up. Residents, officials, and advocates demand the city end delays. No fixes yet. Danger remains.

On July 24, 2025, Sunset Park residents, Council Member Alexa Avilés, Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes, Senator Andrew Gounardes, and advocates rallied for urgent street safety fixes on Third Avenue. BKReader reports: 'Fatalities on Third Avenue...are preventable with safety upgrades.' The Department of Transportation's plan has stalled for two years. Avilés called the corridor 'persistently dangerous.' Gounardes said, 'We know how to fix it: safer street design.' No council bill or committee is listed. The event shows strong community demand, but no policy action has been taken. As of now, there is no direct impact on pedestrian or cyclist safety.

• Sunset Park Urges City to Fast-Track Third Avenue Street Fixes, BKReader, Published 2025-07-24

Two pedestrians killed. Advocates and local leaders demand action. City stalls. Third Avenue stays deadly. Anger and grief fill Sunset Park.

"This is not meant to be a highway. This is where people walk. This is where people live. This is where kids go to school." -- Andrew Gounardes

On July 23, 2025, local politicians and advocates rallied at 60th Street and Third Avenue, Sunset Park. They condemned the Adams administration's delay of a DOT safety plan, approved by Community Board 7 in 2023, after a hit-and-run killed two pedestrians. Council Member Alexa Avilés called for real investment. Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives called the delay 'unconscionable.' State Sen Andrew Gounardes and Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes demanded urgent redesign. The rally's matter: 'demanding the Adams administration implement traffic safety measures on Third Avenue.' Safety analysts note: public rallies like this can push systemic changes, making streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

• After fatal hit-and-run, local pols and street safety advocates slam delay of Third Avenue safety plan, Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-07-23

Two pedestrians killed. Advocates and local leaders demand action. City stalls. Third Avenue stays deadly. Anger and grief fill Sunset Park.

"We’ve seen how data-driven street redesign saves lives. It’s time to bring those investments to Brooklyn, not in a few years, not eventually, but now. Safer streets are not a privilege, they are a right." -- Marcela Mitaynes

On July 23, 2025, local politicians and advocates rallied at 60th Street and Third Avenue, Sunset Park. They condemned the Adams administration's delay of a DOT safety plan, approved by Community Board 7 in 2023, after a hit-and-run killed two pedestrians. Council Member Alexa Avilés called for real investment. Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives called the delay 'unconscionable.' State Sen Andrew Gounardes and Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes demanded urgent redesign. The rally's matter: 'demanding the Adams administration implement traffic safety measures on Third Avenue.' Safety analysts note: public rallies like this can push systemic changes, making streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

• After fatal hit-and-run, local pols and street safety advocates slam delay of Third Avenue safety plan, Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-07-23

Improper lane use on Lorraine Street left a scooter rider hurt. Chest abrasions marked the crash. The street stayed busy. The system failed to protect the vulnerable.

A crash on Lorraine Street at Henry Street in Brooklyn injured a 48-year-old scooter rider. According to the police report, the collision involved a bike and a standing scooter. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor. The scooter rider suffered chest abrasions but remained conscious. No other injuries were reported. Driver error—improper lane use—was the key factor cited by police.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4829865 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

Motorcycle slammed into sedan’s side on Sackett. One rider hurt, leg scraped. Both drivers failed to yield and followed too close. Metal and bodies collided. Brooklyn street, midday, danger clear.

A motorcycle and a sedan crashed on Sackett Street at Hicks Street in Brooklyn. The motorcycle struck the sedan’s left side as the sedan turned left. According to the police report, both drivers were cited for 'Following Too Closely' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The 22-year-old motorcycle driver suffered a leg abrasion. The sedan driver was not reported injured. The report notes the motorcycle driver wore a helmet. Systemic driver errors—following too close and failing to yield—led to the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4829254 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

SUV and sedan collided on Court Street at Hamilton Avenue. Three people hurt. Passengers suffered back and shoulder injuries. No clear cause listed. Metal and bodies slammed. Brooklyn shook.

An SUV and a sedan collided at Court Street and Hamilton Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, three people were injured: a 34-year-old male driver, a 21-year-old female rear passenger, and a 30-year-old female rear passenger. Injuries included back pain, shoulder pain, and whiplash. The report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are detailed in the data. No mention of helmet or signal use as a factor. The crash left metal twisted and passengers in pain.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4828603 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

Six speeding tickets. School zones. Gersh Kuntzman calls out Andrew Cuomo. Reckless driving from leaders puts lives at risk. Streets stay dangerous. No answers from Cuomo.

"if the state legislature had passed Sen. Andrew Gounardes's "Stop Super Speeder" bill, would have required Cuomo to get a speed limiter installed into his beloved Dodge." -- Andrew Gounardes

On July 18, 2025, journalist Gersh Kuntzman of Streetsblog NYC criticized former Governor Andrew Cuomo for racking up six speed-camera tickets in city school zones between March and June. Kuntzman wrote, 'That's objectively a horrendous record of reckless driving through city school zones.' He noted that if Sen. Andrew Gounardes's 'Stop Super Speeder' bill had passed, Cuomo would face a mandatory speed limiter. No council bill or committee action is involved. The safety analyst notes this is an individual’s behavior, not a policy change, so there is no direct impact on pedestrian or cyclist safety.

• Friday’s Headlines: Cuomo’s Road Rage Edition, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-18

A sedan ran a traffic control. Its bumper struck a cyclist. The rider flew from his bike. He hit his head. Blood on Hicks Street. The system failed to protect him.

A BMW sedan and a cyclist collided at Hicks Street and Congress Street in Brooklyn. The cyclist, a 27-year-old man, was ejected and suffered a head injury. According to the police report, 'Traffic Control Disregarded' was a contributing factor. The sedan's right front bumper struck the bike. The cyclist wore a helmet. No injuries were reported for the sedan's driver or passenger. The crash shows the danger when drivers ignore traffic controls.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4828287 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

A car spun out in a Brooklyn lot. The driver lost control. Madisyn Ruiz, 21, died. Two boys hurt. Tire marks linger. The driver faces charges. The family mourns. The system failed to protect.

According to NY Daily News (2025-07-15), Madisyn Ruiz, 21, was killed when her boyfriend, Zachary Cando, lost control of a 2023 Genesis G80 while 'doing donuts' in the Gateway Center parking lot. Ruiz was sitting by the curb when struck. Two nephews, ages 12 and 17, were also injured. Cando told police he 'lost control' during the stunt. He was arrested and charged with criminally negligent homicide, reckless endangerment, and reckless driving. The article notes, 'Days later, circular tire tracks were still visible in the parking lot.' This crash highlights the dangers of reckless driving in public spaces and raises questions about parking lot safety and enforcement.

• Driver Doing Donuts Kills Girlfriend, NY Daily News, Published 2025-07-15

Two SUVs crashed on Woodhull Street. One driver suffered neck injuries. Metal twisted. Streets stayed open. No clear cause. The city moves on.

Two station wagons—both SUVs—collided on Woodhull Street at Hamilton Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, a 34-year-old male driver was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. Three other male occupants, ages 34 and 66, were listed with unspecified injuries. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Both drivers were licensed and wore lap belts and harnesses. The crash left one driver hurt, but the cause remains unspecified in the official record.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4827642 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18