Greenpoint Bleeds—Demand Safe Streets Now

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 2025-08-05

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 2025-08-05

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 2025-08-05

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 2025-08-05

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 2025-08-05

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

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 2025-08-05

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

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 2025-08-05

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 2025-08-05

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

Mayor Adams approved a diluted redesign for McGuinness Boulevard. Protected bike lanes will come, but car lanes stay open during peak hours. The plan falls short of full safety measures. The road remains dangerous. Victims still count. No one is satisfied.

On August 16, 2023, Mayor Adams announced a compromise redesign for McGuinness Boulevard, a notorious Brooklyn corridor. The Department of Transportation will install curbside protected bike lanes and reduce car lanes from two to one in each direction on most of the strip. However, north of Calyer Street, two lanes for cars will remain open during weekdays, reverting to parking lanes at night and on weekends. The plan, shaped after lobbying by business interests and mayoral adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin, mixes two previous DOT proposals. Mayoral spokesman Charles Lutvak said, 'Traffic safety is a key priority for Mayor Adams, and we are delivering with a redesign of McGuinness Boulevard that will make this corridor safer for all road users.' Local officials, including Council Member Lincoln Restler, called it a 'critical step' but noted it lacks key safety elements. The compromise leaves gaps. Since 2021, 62 people have been injured on this stretch. The carnage continues.

• Mayor Adams Signs Off On Compromise for Deadly McGuinness Blvd.; No One Truly Happy, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-16

Mayor Adams approved a diluted redesign for McGuinness Boulevard. Protected bike lanes will come, but car lanes stay open during peak hours. The plan falls short of full safety measures. The road remains dangerous. Victims still count. No one is satisfied.

On August 16, 2023, Mayor Adams announced a compromise redesign for McGuinness Boulevard, a notorious Brooklyn corridor. The Department of Transportation will install curbside protected bike lanes and reduce car lanes from two to one in each direction on most of the strip. However, north of Calyer Street, two lanes for cars will remain open during weekdays, reverting to parking lanes at night and on weekends. The plan, shaped after lobbying by business interests and mayoral adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin, mixes two previous DOT proposals. Mayoral spokesman Charles Lutvak said, 'Traffic safety is a key priority for Mayor Adams, and we are delivering with a redesign of McGuinness Boulevard that will make this corridor safer for all road users.' Local officials, including Council Member Lincoln Restler, called it a 'critical step' but noted it lacks key safety elements. The compromise leaves gaps. Since 2021, 62 people have been injured on this stretch. The carnage continues.

• Mayor Adams Signs Off On Compromise for Deadly McGuinness Blvd.; No One Truly Happy, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-16

A sedan struck a 37-year-old female bicyclist on Manhattan Avenue. The cyclist suffered bruises and injuries to her elbow and lower arm. The driver was inattentive and distracted. The bicyclist remained conscious and was not ejected from her bike.

According to the police report, a sedan parked on Manhattan Avenue collided with a bicyclist traveling south. The bicyclist, a 37-year-old woman, sustained contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The bicyclist's own error or confusion is also noted but no helmet or signaling issues were mentioned. The sedan's right side doors were damaged on impact. The crash highlights the dangers when drivers fail to pay attention to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653342 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A driver struck a moped rider on McGuinness Boulevard. The rider’s leg broke. Politicians and neighbors demand the mayor act. The city delays a safety plan. The street stays deadly. The call is clear: fix McGuinness now.

On August 11, 2023, Council Member Lincoln Restler and other Northern Brooklyn officials responded to a crash on McGuinness Boulevard, where a driver hit and injured a moped rider. The incident happened near Meeker Avenue, one block from where teacher Matthew Jensen was killed in 2021. The matter, titled 'Locals call for mayor to take immediate action after moped rider injured on McGuinness Boulevard,' highlights the urgent need for the Department of Transportation’s proposed safety redesign. Restler, along with U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, and State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, issued a joint statement: 'Lives are being put at risk. We need immediate action by the Mayor's office to implement the Department of Transportation's proposed safety improvements so that everyone in our community can feel confident that McGuinness Boulevard will not cause more tragedies.' The safety plan remains blocked, leaving vulnerable road users exposed to ongoing danger.

• Locals call for mayor to take ‘immediate action’ after moped rider injured on McGuinness Boulevard, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-08-11

A driver struck a moped rider on McGuinness Boulevard. The rider’s leg broke. Politicians and neighbors demand the mayor act. The city delays a safety plan. The street stays deadly. The call is clear: fix McGuinness now.

On August 11, 2023, Council Member Lincoln Restler and other Northern Brooklyn officials responded to a crash on McGuinness Boulevard, where a driver hit and injured a moped rider. The incident happened near Meeker Avenue, one block from where teacher Matthew Jensen was killed in 2021. The matter, titled 'Locals call for mayor to take immediate action after moped rider injured on McGuinness Boulevard,' highlights the urgent need for the Department of Transportation’s proposed safety redesign. Restler, along with U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, and State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, issued a joint statement: 'Lives are being put at risk. We need immediate action by the Mayor's office to implement the Department of Transportation's proposed safety improvements so that everyone in our community can feel confident that McGuinness Boulevard will not cause more tragedies.' The safety plan remains blocked, leaving vulnerable road users exposed to ongoing danger.

• Locals call for mayor to take ‘immediate action’ after moped rider injured on McGuinness Boulevard, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-08-11

A speeding SUV rear-ended a parked SUV on Newton Street in Brooklyn. The striking driver was injured and in shock. Police cited unsafe speed. Both vehicles suffered heavy front and rear damage.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Newton Street in Brooklyn. Both vehicles were parked before the crash. The driver of the striking SUV, a 33-year-old man, was injured and in shock. The crash caused damage to the rear of the parked SUV and the front of the striking SUV. Police listed unsafe speed as a contributing factor. No mention was made of victim fault or safety equipment contributing to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653084 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

State pours federal cash into highways. Comptroller Lander and Assemblymember Gallagher push back. They call for greenways, bike paths, and transit. Highway expansion repeats old mistakes. Vulnerable road users lose out. Safety and climate take a back seat.

On August 4, 2023, Assemblymember Emily Gallagher (District 50) joined Comptroller Brad Lander in criticizing New York State’s use of federal infrastructure funds. The state plans to spend hundreds of millions widening city highways, including $730 million for the Van Wyck Expressway. Lander called this a repeat of past errors, saying, 'Even maintaining a state of good repair on existing roadway infrastructure would be a better use of money than widening the highway.' Gallagher warned, 'New York state risks squandering the historic investments of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by directing far too much funding toward highway expansion instead of climate resilient, multimodal projects.' Both urge a shift to projects that cut emissions and improve safety for all, especially those outside cars. The state DOT defends its plan, but advocates say vulnerable road users are left exposed.

• State spending too much federal infrastructure money on NYC highways: Comptroller Lander, gothamist.com, Published 2023-08-04

Two bodies pulled from Newtown Creek. Council Member Gutiérrez demands action. Industrial zones draw crowds but lack lights, signs, transit. Politicians push for safety. Danger stalks dark streets. City must fix deadly gaps before more lives are lost.

On August 4, 2023, Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez (District 34) led a call for increased nightlife safety in industrial areas after two men died near Brooklyn Mirage. The matter, titled 'After two bodies recovered from Newtown Creek, pols petition for more nightlife safety measures in industrial areas,' highlights the lack of lighting, signage, connectivity, and public transportation in the Industrial Business Zone (IBZ). Gutiérrez, joined by U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Assembly Members Maritz Davila and Emily Gallagher, and State Senator Julia Salazar, urged a full investigation and demanded urgent infrastructure upgrades. Gutiérrez said, 'We remain committed to enhancing public safety and ensuring that the nightlife community operates and maintains responsible practices.' The push centers vulnerable road users—pedestrians and nightlife patrons—who face systemic danger in neglected, poorly lit streets.

• After two bodies recovered from Newtown Creek, pols petition for more nightlife safety measures in industrial areas, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-08-04

State Sen. Gounardes and Assembly Member Gallagher push a bill to force repeat speeders to install limiters. The tech would cap speed, targeting drivers with six or more tickets. Advocates say it could cut deaths. Reckless drivers face real consequences.

On August 2, 2023, State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assembly Member Emily Gallagher announced new legislation targeting recidivist reckless drivers. The bill, introduced in the New York State Legislature, would require drivers with at least six speeding tickets in a single year, or 11 points in 18 months, to install speed limiter devices in their vehicles. The matter summary states: "We are going to literally force you to slow down by requiring you to install a speed limiter on your car." Gounardes led the announcement at the Atlantic Avenue intersection where a driver killed Katherine Harris. Gallagher, co-sponsor, said, "Cars and trucks can act as weapons when used recklessly." The bill aims to bypass bureaucratic hurdles and act automatically, modeled after ignition interlock devices for drunk drivers. Advocates and city officials joined the call, citing data that speed limiters can reduce traffic deaths by 37 percent. The bill targets the most dangerous drivers, seeking to end impunity for repeat offenders.

• In-Car Tech Would Force NYC’s Worst Drivers to Slow Down Under New Proposal, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-02