No One Dead—Yet: Gravesend’s Streets Are Waiting for Blood

Poor DOT signs on Hylan Boulevard sow chaos. Drivers turn from the wrong lane. Collisions mount. Bus lane rules shift by the hour. The street stays dangerous for those on foot and bike.

According to amny (2025-08-05), collisions on Hylan Boulevard have risen due to unclear DOT signage about bus lane hours. Borough President Vito Fossella noted, “That’s one accident every four days where somebody perhaps unwittingly thinks they must turn from the middle lane.” The article reports 32 crashes in 2025 tied to drivers making right turns from the middle lane instead of the curb-side bus lane. Some signs list hours, others only say 'Bus Corridor Photo,' confusing drivers. The lack of clear, consistent information leaves intersections hazardous, especially for vulnerable road users. The report highlights a pressing need for better signage and clearer policy.

• Confusing Bus Lane Signs Spur Crashes, amny, Published 2025-08-05

A motorcycle and sedan collided on Belt Parkway. The motorcycle driver was ejected and fractured his arm. A sedan passenger suffered a bruised shoulder. Police cite traffic control disregard.

A motorcycle and a sedan crashed on Belt Parkway at 26 Avenue in Brooklyn. The motorcycle driver, age 21, was ejected and suffered a fractured arm. A 30-year-old sedan passenger was bruised on the shoulder. According to the police report, 'Traffic Control Disregarded' was a contributing factor. The motorcycle driver was unlicensed. No helmet use or turn signal issues were listed as factors. The sedan had two occupants. The crash left both vehicles damaged at the front and side. No fatalities were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4831065 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

A sedan hit a cyclist on Shore Parkway. The crash left the cyclist bleeding and in shock. Police cite alcohol involvement. The driver turned right. The cyclist rode straight.

A sedan and a bicycle collided at Shore Parkway and Bay 44 Street in Brooklyn. The 35-year-old male cyclist suffered knee and foot injuries, with minor bleeding and shock. According to the police report, alcohol involvement was a contributing factor. The sedan was making a right turn when it struck the cyclist, who was traveling straight. No injuries were reported for the sedan’s occupants. The report lists no driver errors beyond alcohol involvement. The cyclist wore a helmet, as noted after the driver’s actions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4830616 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

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

A sedan making a right turn hit with force. The driver suffered a shoulder injury and shock. Police list the cause as unspecified. The crash left pain and questions on Shore Parkway.

A sedan traveling east on Shore Parkway, near Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn, was involved in a crash while making a right turn. The driver, a man, suffered a shoulder and upper arm injury and was in shock. According to the police report, the contributing factors were 'Unspecified.' The point of impact was the left front bumper. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No other injuries were reported. The crash left the driver with pain and nausea, but the report does not specify further details.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4828760 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

A left turn on Avenue V ended in violence. An 89-year-old driver was ejected and injured. Police cite inattention and failure to yield. Metal struck flesh. The street stayed open.

An 89-year-old male driver was ejected and injured in a crash at 86th Street and Avenue V in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the driver suffered shoulder and upper arm abrasions. The crash involved two vehicles: one making a left turn, the other traveling straight. Police cite 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The injured driver was conscious at the scene. No safety equipment was used. No pedestrians or cyclists were reported hurt.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4828784 - 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

A delivery worker stopped on Lincoln Ave. A driver clipped his open door. Words turned to blows. The driver pulled a pipe, struck hard, then fled. The worker went to the hospital. Police seek the attacker.

NY Daily News (2025-07-12) reports a 36-year-old grocery delivery worker was attacked on Lincoln Ave. in Cypress Hills after a driver struck his open car door. The two argued. The driver "opened his hatchback, pulled out a pipe, and lunged at the victim, striking him repeatedly." The attacker fled. Police released images of the suspect. No arrests have been made. The incident highlights the dangers faced by workers on city streets and the potential for minor collisions to escalate into violence.

• Grocer Beaten With Pipe In Brooklyn, NY Daily News, Published 2025-07-12

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.

• Hit-And-Run Kills Two In Sunset Park, ABC7, Published 2025-07-11

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.

• Elderly Man Killed In Brooklyn Hit-Run, CBS New York, Published 2025-07-10

A judge cleared the city to strip protection from Bedford Avenue’s bike lane. Cyclists will ride exposed. Cars will pass inches away. The barrier falls. Risk rises.

NY1 reported on July 9, 2025, that a judge ruled the city may remove parking protection from part of Bedford Avenue’s bike lane. The article states, "The city can proceed with its controversial plan to convert part of a parking-protected bike lane...back into an unprotected one." The lawsuit, brought by Transportation Alternatives and local residents, challenged the city’s move. The decision highlights a policy shift: removing barriers that shield cyclists from traffic. Without protection, riders face direct exposure to moving vehicles, increasing systemic danger for vulnerable road users.

• Judge Allows Bedford Bike Lane Change, NY1, Published 2025-07-09

A man crossing near Broadway Junction died after a gray Ford hit him. The driver fled. Hours later, a Mustang plowed into six in the Bronx. Both drivers vanished. The city counts 55 pedestrian deaths this year.

NY Daily News (2025-07-04) reports a 36-year-old man was killed crossing Broadway and East New York Ave. in Brooklyn when a gray Ford struck him and fled. Hours later, a Ford Mustang hit six people in the Bronx, then the driver and passenger ran off. The article notes, 'It was the second hit-and-run in the five boroughs in 24 hours.' Police said, 'As of Thursday, 55 pedestrians have been killed by vehicles while crossing city streets.' Both drivers remain at large. The incidents highlight persistent dangers for pedestrians and the ongoing problem of drivers fleeing crash scenes.

• Hit-And-Run Drivers Strike Brooklyn, Bronx, NY Daily News, Published 2025-07-04

A rider lost control near Emerson Place. He struck the median. Thrown from his bike, he died at the hospital. The crash shut down the westbound lanes. The city’s roads claimed another life.

NY Daily News (2025-07-03) reports a 55-year-old motorcyclist died after losing control on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway near Emerson Place. Police said he was 'zipping west' on a Kawasaki KLR650 when he hit the concrete median and was thrown onto the road. Medics took him to Brookdale University Hospital, where he died. The crash closed part of the expressway for investigation. The article highlights the dangers of high-speed expressways and unforgiving road design.

• Motorcyclist Killed On Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, NY Daily News, Published 2025-07-03

SUV turned left on Avenue Y. Struck a 19-year-old e-scooter rider. Arm injury. Police cite improper turn and driver distraction. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

A Ford SUV making a left turn on Avenue Y collided with a 19-year-old woman riding an e-scooter. The e-scooter rider suffered an arm injury. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Turning Improperly' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' Both vehicles were traveling west. The SUV driver was licensed and uninjured. The e-scooter rider was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. The report lists no helmet or signal issues for the e-scooter. Systemic danger remains for those outside cars.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4824412 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

Two SUVs and a sedan collided on Avenue Z. Three drivers hurt. Police cite driver inattention. Metal twisted. Pain followed. Brooklyn traffic stands still.

Three drivers were injured when two SUVs and a sedan collided on Avenue Z at Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the crash involved driver inattention or distraction. One driver suffered a knee and leg abrasion. Two others reported pain in the abdomen, pelvis, shoulder, and upper arm. All vehicles were stopped or merging before impact. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No other causes are noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4827916 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

A judge paused city plans to cut a protected bike lane after children were struck crossing. The lane, built after five pedestrian crashes, stays for now. Streets wait. Danger lingers.

NY1 reported on July 1, 2025, that a judge halted the city's move to remove a three-block section of the Bedford Avenue protected bike lane. The city acted after 'incidents of children exiting school buses, crossing into the lane, and being hit by bikes.' The lane, stretching over two miles, was installed in 2024 following 'years of advocacy and five pedestrian incidents.' The hearing highlights ongoing conflict between street safety for cyclists and pedestrians, and the city's rapid policy shifts in response to crashes.

• Bedford Avenue Bike Lane Faces Review, NY1, Published 2025-07-01

An eight-year-old boy died after a Honda SUV struck him at Eastern Parkway and Albany Ave. He was dragged under the car. Blood pooled. His sister watched. The driver stayed. No arrest. The city investigates.

NY Daily News (2025-06-29) reports an 8-year-old boy was fatally struck by a 69-year-old Honda Pilot driver at Eastern Parkway and Albany Ave. in Brooklyn. The boy was crossing when hit; witnesses saw him dragged from under the SUV. The article quotes, "I saw the kid being dragged from underneath the car by a woman." The driver remained at the scene. No arrests were made. NYPD Collision Squad investigates. The crash highlights persistent dangers at city intersections and the lethal risk large vehicles pose to children.

• Child Killed By SUV In Crown Heights, NY Daily News, Published 2025-06-29

SUV struck a 69-year-old cyclist on Bay 48 Street. Cyclist ejected, suffered arm injuries. Police cite failure to yield. Bike demolished. SUV undamaged.

A 69-year-old man riding a bike was struck by a station wagon/SUV on Bay 48 Street near Shore Parkway in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the crash occurred when the SUV failed to yield the right-of-way. The cyclist was ejected and sustained injuries to his arm. The bike was demolished. The SUV showed no damage. Police list 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The cyclist was wearing a helmet. No injuries were reported for the SUV occupant.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4824737 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

SUV and e-bike collided at 27th Avenue. Cyclist suffered head injury and minor bleeding. Police list all factors as unspecified. Streets remain hazardous for riders.

An SUV and an e-bike collided at 27th Avenue in Brooklyn. The 68-year-old male cyclist was injured, suffering a head wound and minor bleeding. According to the police report, all contributing factors are listed as 'Unspecified.' The SUV’s right rear quarter panel and the e-bike’s left side were damaged. No driver errors are detailed in the report. The cyclist was not using safety equipment, but this is noted only after the absence of identified driver mistakes. The crash underscores the persistent danger faced by cyclists on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4823925 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-18

Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.

On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.

• Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-23