Jun 15 - Emily Gallagher stands firm for the McGuinness Boulevard redesign. She calls out opponents for acting in bad faith. Gallagher cites crash deaths, public support, and her own trauma. She urges the mayor to hold the line. Vulnerable lives hang in the balance.

On June 15, 2023, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher issued a public statement supporting the McGuinness Boulevard road diet and redesign. The matter, discussed in Streetsblog NYC, centers on Gallagher’s push for safer streets in Greenpoint. She recounts her history as a cyclist and her advocacy for speed cameras, lower speed limits, and inclusion in the Safe Streets for Seniors program. Gallagher says, 'I truly believe that the opposition to a road diet on McGuinness is about fear, bad faith and control.' She urges the mayor to 'stay the course' on safe streets. Gallagher’s statement highlights the deadly toll of crashes on McGuinness and the urgent need for transformative change. Thousands of constituents support the redesign. Gallagher’s stance is clear: the city must act to protect vulnerable road users.

• Greenpoint Lawmaker: ‘Opposition to McGuinness Redesign is About Fear, Bad Faith and Control’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-15

Jun 14 - A 32-year-old male cyclist was injured when an SUV made a right turn and struck his e-bike. The impact hit the cyclist’s knee and lower leg. The driver was distracted and failed to yield right-of-way. The cyclist wore a helmet and suffered bruises.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old male bicyclist was injured on Manhattan Avenue in Brooklyn when a 2008 Dodge SUV made a right turn and collided with his e-bike. The point of impact was the SUV's right front bumper striking the cyclist's center front end. The cyclist sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The cyclist was wearing a helmet at the time. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling northeast with one occupant. The collision caused damage to the SUV's right front bumper, while the e-bike showed no damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4640932 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 8 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-08

Jun 6 - A Ford SUV and a Honda motorscooter crashed at Banker Street and Calyer Street in Brooklyn. The motorscooter driver suffered back injuries and shock. Both drivers were distracted. The SUV hit the scooter’s right side. The scooter driver wore a helmet.

According to the police report, a collision occurred between a 2017 Ford SUV traveling north and a 2020 Honda motorscooter traveling east on Banker Street near Calyer Street in Brooklyn. The SUV struck the motorscooter on its right front quarter panel, causing damage to the scooter’s right side doors and the SUV’s center front end. The motorscooter driver, a 39-year-old male wearing a helmet, sustained back injuries and was in shock. Both drivers were cited for driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The report notes no ejections. The SUV had two occupants, and the scooter had one. The crash happened while both vehicles were going straight ahead.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4635551 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 6 - Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Jun 5 - A driver killed Teddy Orzechowski, 73, on Driggs Avenue. Neighbors gathered at the site. They mourned. They demanded action. Streets once safe for walking and biking now funnel cars. Officials pledged change. Locals want redesign, not more deaths.

On June 3, 2023, North Brooklyn residents rallied at Driggs Avenue, where a driver killed cyclist Teddy Orzechowski, 73. The event followed the removal of traffic calming measures, which had once protected pedestrians and cyclists. Chris Roberti, chair of the Safe Streets Committee at Public School 110, called for a 'comprehensive, safe street redesign.' Council Member Lincoln Restler promised to 'push like all hell' for changes at Monitor and Driggs by September. Assembly Member Emily Gallagher blamed state legislators for blocking Sammy's Law, which would let New York City lower speed limits. The rally featured a ghost bike and calls for urgent safety improvements. Locals plan further meetings to press for redesign and protection for vulnerable road users.

• Greenpointers Rally For Safer Streets Where Cyclist, 73, Was Killed, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-05

Jun 5 - Families for Safe Streets rallied outside Speaker Heastie’s office. They demanded action on Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City set its own speed limits. Lawmakers dodged a vote. Grief and anger filled the air. The Assembly stayed silent.

""It's frustrating. So much of the state legislative infrastructure is dedicated to normalizing and absolving drivers of harmful acts committed while driving."" -- Emily Gallagher

On June 5, 2023, supporters of Sammy’s Law gathered outside Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s Bronx office. The bill, which would grant New York City local control over its speed limits, remains stalled in the Assembly. The rally, led by Families for Safe Streets, called out lawmakers for refusing to bring the measure to a vote. Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, a leading advocate, criticized the lack of transparency: 'We are demanding that the Speaker bring this to a vote.' Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz voiced strong support, but others, like Chantel Jackson, hesitated, citing constituent feedback. The bill’s matter summary states it would not mandate lower limits but allow the city to decide. The legislative process left families of crash victims frustrated and angry. The Assembly’s inaction keeps city streets dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Supporters of Sammy’s Law Rally Heastie and Share Frustrations About Assembly’s Inaction on Speed Limit Reduction, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-05

Jun 4 - A driver killed Teddy Orzechowski, 73, at Driggs and Monitor. The city once protected this street. Neighbors tore down those barriers. Advocates begged for bike lanes. Officials delayed. Now, another cyclist is dead. The street remains dangerous. The blood is on their hands.

On June 4, 2023, a fatal crash at Driggs Avenue and Monitor Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, killed cyclist Teddy Orzechowski, 73. The intersection, once part of an Open Street program, lost its protections after local backlash. Assembly Member Emily Gallagher said, "The community has tried for a bike lane on this exact street & a play street in front of the school, and all were KILLED by backlash. Blood is on our hands. Shame on us." Advocates like Noel Hidalgo and Bronwyn Breitner called out city delays and DOT inaction. The Department of Transportation made minor changes but failed to stand up to opposition. Proposals for bike lanes stalled. The dismantling of safety measures left vulnerable road users exposed. The death highlights the deadly cost of caving to anti-safety voices and the urgent need for real protection.

• Greenpoint Crash Kills Cyclist At a Former Open Street that Opponents Dismantled, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-04

Jun 1 - Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-06-01

May 31 - Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2023-05-31

May 26 - E-scooter slammed into a parked sedan on Eckford Street. The rider, a 27-year-old woman, was thrown and suffered head wounds. Police cite driver inexperience. The sedan sat empty, rear panel crushed.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old woman driving an unlicensed e-scooter north on Eckford Street struck a parked 2022 Honda sedan. She was partially ejected and suffered head injuries with minor bleeding. The report lists 'Driver Inexperience' as the cause. The sedan was unoccupied and damaged on its right rear quarter panel. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The crash happened at 3:50 AM in Brooklyn, zip code 11222. The impact involved the e-scooter's front and the sedan's rear quarter.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632250 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 22 - Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-05-22

May 19 - A sedan traveling south on McGuinness Boulevard was struck on its left rear quarter panel by a tractor truck. The sedan’s female driver, 55, was injured and went into shock. The truck driver failed to maintain safe lane control, causing the collision.

According to the police report, a tractor truck diesel traveling south on McGuinness Boulevard collided with the left rear quarter panel of a southbound sedan. The sedan’s 55-year-old female driver was injured and experienced shock. The report lists "Unsafe Lane Changing" as a contributing factor, indicating the truck driver’s error in lane control. Both drivers were licensed. The sedan driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. No other contributing factors were specified. The crash caused damage to the left rear quarter panel of the sedan and the right front bumper of the truck.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632381 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 17 - A sedan struck a 23-year-old female bicyclist on Provost Street in Brooklyn. The cyclist was ejected and suffered upper arm injuries. The driver was starting from parking and hit the bike’s left side. The cyclist wore a helmet and remained conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan starting from parking struck a bicyclist traveling straight ahead on Provost Street in Brooklyn. The 23-year-old female bicyclist was ejected and sustained a contusion and upper arm injury. The report lists the driver’s errors as improper passing or lane usage and driver inattention or distraction. The impact occurred on the sedan’s left side doors, while the bike showed no damage. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet. No other contributing factors were noted. The crash left the cyclist injured but conscious.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630213 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 16 - Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

May 13 - A northbound SUV struck multiple parked sedans on McGuinness Boulevard. The SUV’s front hit the center back ends of stationary vehicles. One driver suffered elbow and arm abrasions. Police cited reaction to uninvolved vehicle as a factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a northbound SUV traveling straight ahead on McGuinness Boulevard in Brooklyn collided with several parked sedans. The point of impact was the SUV’s left front bumper against the center back ends of the parked vehicles. One occupant, a 49-year-old male driver wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The injury severity was moderate. The report lists the contributing factor as "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle," indicating the SUV driver’s response to another vehicle influenced the crash. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The parked sedans were stationary and unoccupied at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628525 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 12 - A 73-year-old man rode his e-bike down Monitor Street. A southbound SUV struck him head-on. He flew from the saddle, hit his head, and died. Both drivers were distracted. The SUV showed no damage. The street stayed quiet. The man did not.

A 73-year-old man riding an e-bike was killed on Monitor Street near Driggs Avenue in Brooklyn when a southbound SUV struck him. According to the police report, 'A 73-year-old man on an e-bike was struck by a southbound SUV. He flew from the saddle, hit his head, and died. Both drivers were distracted. The SUV bore no scars.' The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both the SUV and the e-bike. The cyclist suffered fatal head injuries and was ejected from his bike. The SUV sustained no damage. No other injuries were reported. The data lists no helmet for the cyclist, but only after the primary cause: driver distraction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628437 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 3 - A 27-year-old female bicyclist was ejected and injured after a sedan made a right turn on Manhattan Avenue. The bike struck the sedan’s right front quarter panel. The cyclist suffered hip and upper leg contusions and was left in shock.

According to the police report, a sedan making a right turn on Manhattan Avenue in Brooklyn collided with a bicyclist traveling east. The 27-year-old female bicyclist was ejected from her bike and sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, including contusions and bruises. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor to the crash. The sedan struck the bike on its right front quarter panel, causing the bicyclist to be thrown from the vehicle. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the crash. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4625789 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 3 - City will cut car lanes, add protected bike lanes, and shorten crosswalks on McGuinness Boulevard. The redesign follows deadly crashes and strong advocacy. Officials call it transformative. DOT claims similar changes cut deaths and injuries by 30 percent.

On May 3, 2023, the NYC Department of Transportation announced a major redesign for McGuinness Boulevard in north Brooklyn. The plan, presented to Community Board 1's Transportation Committee, will remove a car lane in each direction and install protected bike lanes along a 1.1-mile stretch from Meeker Avenue to the Pulaski Bridge. The official summary states the overhaul will 'reconfigure the 1.1-mile stretch... following advocacy for safety upgrades after multiple deaths.' Council Member Lincoln Restler and Assembly Member Emily Gallagher praised the plan, calling it 'transformative' and pledging support. DOT statistics show similar road diets reduce deaths and serious injuries by 30 percent. The redesign includes shorter crosswalks, pedestrian islands, and new loading zones. This action responds to a history of crashes and the 2021 hit-and-run killing of teacher Matthew Jensen.

• EXCLU: McGuinness Blvd. to Go On Road Diet for Protected Bike Lanes, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-03

Apr 20 - A motorbike traveling south struck a sedan moving east on Franklin Street in Brooklyn. The motorcyclist suffered knee and lower leg abrasions. Police cited driver inattention as a contributing factor. The rider remained conscious and was not ejected.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling south on Franklin Street collided with a sedan traveling east. The motorcyclist, a 59-year-old male driver, sustained abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time. The sedan was a 2017 Nissan with two occupants. Both vehicles were going straight ahead before impact, which occurred at the center front end of the motorcycle and the left front quarter panel of the sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4622924 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19