Nov 29 - Mayor Adams gutted the McGuinness Blvd. safety plan. Two lanes each way remain. Bike lanes go unprotected. Crossing distances stretch. Local leaders say nothing changed for people on foot. Cyclists dodge cars and illegal parking. The danger stays. The fight continues.

On November 29, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams’s administration scaled back the Department of Transportation’s original McGuinness Boulevard redesign. The DOT’s first plan would have cut traffic lanes and added a parking-protected bike lane. Adams ordered a weaker version after business pushback. The compromise left two car lanes in each direction during the day. Elected officials—U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, and Council Member Lincoln Restler—sent a letter urging DOT to restore the full safety plan, writing, “Nothing has been done to improve conditions for pedestrians.” Advocates say the new design increases crossing distances and leaves cyclists and pedestrians exposed. DOT says work will continue into 2024. The boulevard remains dangerous for vulnerable road users.

• Eric Adams’s McGuinness Blvd. Capitulation Did ‘Nothing’ for Pedestrians, Greenpoint Pols Charge, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-11-29

Nov 29 - Red Hook chokes on truck fumes. Lawmakers move. The Clean Deliveries Act aims to cut emissions from sprawling e-commerce warehouses. Kristen Gonzalez and others demand action. Diesel trucks crowd narrow streets. Pollution and danger rise. Residents pay the price.

Bill: Clean Deliveries Act. Announced November 29, 2023. Status: Proposed. Committee: Not specified. Lawmakers, including State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez (District 59), call for strict regulation of emissions from last-mile e-commerce warehouses. The bill would require environmental reviews for warehouses over 50,000 square feet, mandate plans to cut air pollution, and push for zero-emission delivery vehicles. Gonzalez said, 'The unchecked growth of large warehouses in neighborhoods across NYC has worsened air quality, noise pollution, and traffic safety for everyday New Yorkers.' Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes, a co-sponsor, highlighted the link between warehouse traffic, pollution, and traffic violence. The Red Hook Business Alliance and community advocates back the bill, citing heavy truck traffic, poor air, and threats to safety in working-class neighborhoods. The legislation aims to hold warehouse operators accountable and protect residents from the mounting toll of delivery-driven pollution and danger.

• Lawmakers say influx of e-commerce warehouses has spiked greenhouse gas emissions in Red Hook, urge regulation, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-11-29

Nov 16 - Council weighed a citywide bridge vending ban. Residents and tour guides demanded swift removal. Vendors pleaded for compromise. Council Member Restler pushed for designated spaces, not a blanket ban. DOT has no timeline. The fight pits safety and space against livelihoods.

On November 16, 2023, the City Council held a hearing on a proposed ban on street vending across all 789 city bridges. The Department of Transportation (DOT) seeks to prohibit vendors from pedestrian paths, bike lanes, and bridge approaches. The matter, described as a 'span ban,' drew strong public support for restrictions. Council Member Lincoln Restler, representing Brooklyn, stated, 'I am a strong supporter of vending, but it should go in designated spaces... the Brooklyn Bridge is not the place for it.' He thanked DOT for acting to eliminate vending on the bridge, but called for more vendor licenses elsewhere. Vendors and advocates argued the ban is too harsh, urging specific rules instead of a blanket prohibition. DOT will review public comments before finalizing the rule. No timeline has been set.

• Bridge Vending Ban Gains Public Support As Vendors Beg For Compromise, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-11-16

Nov 7 - A motorcycle struck a parked SUV on McGuinness Boulevard. Both drivers suffered injuries. The motorcycle driver reported neck pain and shock. The SUV driver was also in shock. Vehicles showed damage at front and left side. No clear driver errors noted.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling west collided with a southbound parked SUV on McGuinness Boulevard. The motorcycle driver, a 31-year-old man, sustained neck injuries and complained of pain and nausea. The SUV driver, a 64-year-old man, was also injured and in shock. Both drivers were licensed. The motorcycle impacted the left side doors of the SUV, which was damaged at its left front bumper. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors. Both vehicles were stationary before the crash. Safety equipment use was unknown for the SUV driver and none for the motorcycle rider. No ejections occurred.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4677287 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 29 - A sedan turned right and struck a 23-year-old cyclist. The crash threw him from his bike. He suffered a bruised back. Police cite improper lane use by the driver. The cyclist survived. The street stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a 2018 Jeep sedan making a right turn on Manhattan Avenue in Brooklyn collided with a southbound 23-year-old male bicyclist. The cyclist was partially ejected and suffered back contusions. Police list "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as the contributing factor. The sedan's left front bumper hit the center back end of the bike. The cyclist's safety equipment status is unknown. The driver was licensed. The crash left the vulnerable cyclist injured. No fault is assigned to the cyclist in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4674805 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 29 - A 40-year-old male bicyclist was injured on Calyer Street in Brooklyn. The sedan and bike collided as the driver disregarded traffic control and failed to yield right-of-way. The cyclist suffered abrasions and leg injuries but was conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Calyer Street in Brooklyn involving a sedan and a bicycle. The bicyclist, a 40-year-old man, was injured with abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists the driver’s errors as 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment and was not ejected from the bike. The sedan, a 2022 Kia, was traveling east while the bike was heading north. The impact was at the center front end of the bike. The bicyclist remained conscious after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4674678 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 9 - A sedan made a U-turn on Graham Avenue and struck a 27-year-old male bicyclist traveling north. The cyclist suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver was inattentive and turned improperly, causing the collision.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Graham Avenue attempted a U-turn and collided with a bicyclist going straight ahead. The bicyclist, a 27-year-old man wearing a helmet, sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors as 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors. The sedan's left front quarter panel struck the center front end of the bicycle. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from his bike. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted beyond the driver’s mistakes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4674673 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 3 - A sedan and moped collided head-on on Bayard Street in Brooklyn. The moped driver, a 24-year-old man, suffered facial abrasions but was conscious and not ejected. Police cited aggressive driving and road rage as contributing factors.

According to the police report, a 2020 sedan traveling west on Bayard Street struck a 2023 moped traveling north at the center front ends of both vehicles. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male occupant, sustained abrasions to his face and was conscious after the crash. The moped driver was unlicensed. The report lists aggressive driving and road rage as contributing factors to the collision. The sedan driver was licensed and female. Both vehicles had one occupant each. The moped driver was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. No pedestrian was involved. The crash caused damage to the center front ends of both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4668224 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 19 - A speeding SUV struck a parked SUV on Nassau Avenue in Brooklyn. The front passenger in the moving vehicle suffered whiplash and full-body injuries. The crash happened late at night. Driver inattention and unsafe speed caused the collision.

According to the police report, a 2016 SUV traveling east on Nassau Avenue rear-ended a parked 2023 SUV. The front passenger in the moving vehicle, a 21-year-old woman, was injured with whiplash and full-body trauma. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists unsafe speed and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The moving vehicle's right front bumper struck the parked vehicle's left rear bumper. No ejections occurred. The crash highlights the dangers of speeding and distracted driving in Brooklyn.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4664878 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 19 - A taxi struck a bicyclist on McGuinness Boulevard in Brooklyn late at night. The cyclist was ejected and suffered injuries to his entire body. The driver was licensed and traveling straight. Confusion by the bicyclist contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling south on McGuinness Boulevard collided with a bicyclist making a right turn. The bicyclist, a 30-year-old man, was ejected and sustained injuries to his entire body, resulting in shock and complaints of pain or nausea. The taxi driver was licensed and driving straight ahead. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The point of impact was the taxi's right front bumper. No driver errors by the taxi driver were noted beyond the contributing factor related to the bicyclist's actions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4664159 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 18 - Over 200 Astoria residents packed a DOT workshop after a spike in traffic deaths. Cyclists and pedestrians have died. Drivers speed, double-park, and ignore signals. Councilwoman Cabán and others demand urgent action. DOT vows to return with a safety plan.

On September 14, 2023, the Department of Transportation held a public street safety workshop in Astoria, Queens, following a surge in traffic violence. The event, covered on September 18, 2023, drew over 200 residents and was organized by Western Queens elected officials. The workshop addressed a 'significant increase in traffic-related deaths, including several high-profile fatalities involving cyclists and pedestrians.' Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani called the deaths preventable and demanded urgent changes. Cabán stated, 'If it saves lives, it’s worth doing.' DOT officials, including Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia and senior program manager Kyle Gorman, presented plans for 31st Avenue and collected resident feedback on dangerous driving, lack of protected bike lanes, and unsafe intersections. The DOT pledged to return with a proposal. No formal bill number or committee was cited; the event focused on immediate community engagement and systemic change.

• Astoria residents turnout for DOT street safety workshop following surge in traffic violence this year, amny.com, Published 2023-09-18

Sep 12 - A 27-year-old male driver suffered a neck injury in a Brooklyn crash near Meeker Avenue. The sedan struck the driver’s vehicle on the right front quarter panel. The driver was not ejected but experienced shock and pain complaints.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old male driver was injured in a collision involving a 2023 Toyota sedan traveling north near 517 Meeker Avenue, Brooklyn. The sedan impacted the right front quarter panel of the driver's vehicle. The injured driver was not ejected and suffered a neck injury with complaints of pain and nausea. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors for this crash. The driver was not using any safety equipment at the time. No other persons were reported injured or involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4662585 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 12 - Council Member Lincoln Restler stands against the city’s plan for bike lanes and a road diet on McGuinness Boulevard. He claims the redesign will push heavy traffic onto quiet side streets, risking more harm for pedestrians and families in Greenpoint.

On September 12, 2023, Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33) was mentioned in an op-ed opposing the city’s proposed bike lanes and road diet for McGuinness Boulevard. The op-ed, titled 'City plan for bike lanes on McGuinness Boulevard will overwhelm local roads,' argues that the plan, promoted by Restler and advocacy groups, would reroute thousands of vehicles onto residential streets. Restler’s opposition centers on concerns for local safety and access, stating, 'This tranquility will be disrupted when thousands of cars and trucks are rerouted onto these local streets.' Instead, the op-ed supports alternative safety measures such as speed cameras, curb extensions, and increased enforcement. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided for the impact on vulnerable road users.

• Op-ed: City plan for bike lanes on McGuinness Boulevard will overwhelm local roads, crainsnewyork.com, Published 2023-09-12

Sep 9 - A sedan making a U-turn struck an e-bike traveling north on Nassau Avenue. The e-bike rider, a 21-year-old man, suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. The crash caused front and side vehicle damage.

According to the police report, a sedan was making a U-turn on Nassau Avenue in Brooklyn when it collided with an e-bike traveling north. The e-bike rider, a 21-year-old male, was injured with upper arm and shoulder trauma and experienced shock and pain. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor by the sedan driver. The e-bike rider was wearing a helmet. The sedan sustained damage to its left side doors, while the e-bike had damage to its center front end. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4661827 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 3 - Sedan slammed into motorscooter’s rear on Greenpoint Avenue. Nineteen-year-old passenger thrown, left with bruised knee and leg. Driver failed to keep right, followed too close.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Greenpoint Avenue struck the left rear quarter panel of a motorscooter moving in the same direction. The impact partially ejected a 19-year-old female passenger from the scooter. She suffered contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors including failure to keep right and following too closely. The passenger was wearing a helmet. The collision left her injured, underscoring the risk posed by close following and improper lane use.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4659290 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 3 - A Tesla started from the curb on Greenpoint Avenue. A Honda motorcycle slammed its front. The rider, 34, flew off, helmeted, leg pouring blood. Sirens broke the silence. Driver inattention and failure to yield left the street stained.

A crash on Greenpoint Avenue in Brooklyn left a 34-year-old motorcycle rider injured. According to the police report, a Tesla sedan pulled out from the curb and was struck by a 1985 Honda motorcycle. The rider was thrown from his seat, suffering severe bleeding to his leg. Police noted the rider was helmeted and conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The Tesla's left front bumper was damaged. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to yield and lose focus. The helmet is mentioned in the report, but the primary causes remain driver inattention and failure to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4659299 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 31 - A taxi making a left turn struck an SUV going straight on Greenpoint Avenue in Brooklyn. Both male drivers suffered injuries. The taxi driver fractured his elbow and lower arm. The SUV driver sustained bruises to his shoulder and upper arm.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling southeast on Greenpoint Avenue attempted a left turn and collided with an SUV traveling west. The taxi driver suffered a fractured and dislocated elbow and lower arm, while the SUV driver sustained contusions and bruises to his shoulder and upper arm. Both drivers were conscious and not ejected from their vehicles. The report lists driver errors including failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction. The taxi driver also turned improperly. Air bags deployed in both vehicles. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4658372 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 29 - SUV hit a parked box truck in Brooklyn. Both drivers suffered shock and injuries. Police cited failure to yield. The truck stood still. The SUV’s front bumper took the blow.

According to the police report, a 72-year-old woman driving an SUV struck a parked box truck on Manhattan Avenue in Brooklyn. Both drivers, a 72-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man, suffered shock and unspecified injuries. The box truck was stationary and showed no damage. The SUV’s left front bumper was damaged. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor. No other errors or factors were listed. No ejections occurred. The report did not mention helmet or signal use.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4658069 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 23 - A 35-year-old woman was struck on McGuinness Boulevard while crossing with the signal. The moped driver disregarded traffic control and failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered hip and upper leg abrasions but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a moped traveling east on McGuinness Boulevard struck a 35-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection with Java Street. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report lists the driver's errors as 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The pedestrian sustained abrasions to her hip and upper leg and was conscious at the scene. The moped's center front end was damaged on impact. No other contributing factors or safety equipment were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4656481 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 18 - Assembly bill A 7979 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets triggers a speed limiter. Lawmakers move to curb repeat danger. No more unchecked speeding. Streets demand it.

Assembly bill A 7979, now in sponsorship, sits before the New York State Assembly. Introduced August 18, 2023, it 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during an eighteen month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Assemblymember Emily Gallagher leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, Tony Simone, Jo Anne Simon, and others. The bill aims to force chronic speeders to slow down. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear: rein in repeat offenders, protect those outside the car.

• File A 7979, Open States, Published 2023-08-18