Williamsburg Bleeds While City Hall Turns Back

Council bill targets cars blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, and hydrants near schools. Civilian complaints trigger fines. Streets clear, danger cut. Council moves to protect the vulnerable.

Int 0080-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 8, 2024, the bill creates a $175 penalty for vehicles blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants within 2,640 feet of schools. The Department of Transportation must set up a civilian reporting program. If a civilian complaint leads to a fine, the complainant gets 25 percent of proceeds. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to hazardous obstruction by vehicles and civilian complaints.' Council Member Carlina Rivera leads, joined by Restler, Ayala, Joseph, Menin, and others. The bill aims to keep paths clear for those most at risk.

• File Int 0080-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

A bus traveling east on Grand Street struck a parked sedan’s left rear quarter panel. The impact injured a 33-year-old female passenger in the sedan, causing contusions to her elbow and lower arm. The bus sustained damage to its right rear quarter panel.

According to the police report, a 2021 New Flyer bus was traveling eastbound on Grand Street in Brooklyn when it collided with a parked 2016 Hyundai sedan. The point of impact was the left rear quarter panel of the sedan and the right rear quarter panel of the bus. The sedan had one occupant, a 33-year-old female passenger, who sustained contusions and bruises to her elbow and lower arm but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists the contributing factor as "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion," but no driver errors were explicitly cited. The bus driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The collision caused damage to both vehicles’ rear quarter panels, highlighting risks posed by vehicle proximity and movement near parked cars.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701829 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Five years after passage, the city’s commercial waste overhaul crawls forward. Only one zone starts in 2024. Fewer trucks, fewer miles, but delays keep danger rolling. Streets still wait for safer rigs. Cyclists and pedestrians remain exposed.

Bill creating the Commercial Waste Zone program, sponsored by Antonio Reynoso, passed in 2019 after deadly crashes involving private haulers. The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) announced on January 31, 2024, that only one of twenty zones—Jackson Heights, Corona, Elmhurst—will launch this year. The law aims to cut truck miles in half, add backup cameras, GPS, and safety training. DSNY spokesperson Joshua Goodman said contracts target safety and worker protections. Reynoso urged ongoing oversight, saying, 'It is important that DSNY continuously reassess implementation and course correct as needed.' Yet, delays persist, especially on installing guard rails to prevent pedestrians and cyclists from being swept under trucks. Justin Wood of NYLPI voiced concern over the slow rollout. The program promises fewer trucks and safer streets, but for now, most neighborhoods wait.

• Long-Delayed Business Waste Program to Start Later This Year, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-31

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 2024-01-30

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 2024-01-30

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 2024-01-30

A box truck struck a parked SUV from behind on Roebling Street in Brooklyn. The impact injured a 16-year-old female passenger in the SUV, causing whiplash and whole-body pain. Driver distraction and passing too closely contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, at 11:37 AM on Roebling Street in Brooklyn, a box truck traveling west rear-ended a parked SUV. The collision caused center front-end damage to the truck and center back-end damage to the SUV. A 16-year-old female occupant in the SUV suffered injuries described as whiplash and entire body pain, with injury severity rated at level 3. The report cites 'Passing Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors to the crash. The injured passenger was not ejected and was conscious after the collision. The truck driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead prior to impact. The SUV was stationary at the time of the crash. The data highlights driver errors in maintaining safe distance and attention, leading to the injury of a vulnerable passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698976 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A 28-year-old woman crossing outside a crosswalk was struck by a sedan making a left turn in Brooklyn. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, injuring the pedestrian’s lower leg and foot. The impact occurred at the vehicle’s right front bumper.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2023 Acura sedan, traveling south and making a left turn, struck her with its right front bumper. The pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal at the time of impact. The report identifies the primary contributing factor as driver inattention or distraction. The pedestrian suffered injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, and was reported to be in shock. The collision occurred in Brooklyn near North 4 Place at 9:38 AM. No pedestrian fault or contributing factors were cited in the report. The driver’s failure to maintain attention while executing the turn directly led to the pedestrian’s injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698985 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Advocates stormed Albany for Sammy’s Law. They want New York City to set its own speed limits. Last year, Speaker Heastie blocked a vote. Mothers starved in protest. Lawmakers stalled. Now, survivors and families demand action. Data shows lower speeds save lives.

On January 23, 2024, advocates launched a renewed push for Sammy’s Law in Albany. The bill, which would let New York City control its own speed limits, stalled last year when Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie refused to allow a vote, despite majority support. Brooklyn Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, a strong supporter, noted, 'Even [lawmakers] who had City Council members from their districts supporting the bill were still not interested.' Queens Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, recently injured by a driver, said, 'Had the car been going faster ... I might not be here.' Amy Cohen of Families for Safe Streets highlighted broad support: 'We have organizations from across the city supporting Sammy’s Law.' City data shows a 36% drop in pedestrian deaths after the 2014 speed limit reduction. The bill remains in limbo, but advocates are not backing down.

• This Year’s Mettle: The Push for Sammy’s Law Begins — With or Without Carl Heastie, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-23

Seven Brooklyn officials urge DOT to clear cars from corners. They want boulders, planters, and bike corrals—not just paint. Their call follows deadly crashes. They press the city to use state law and federal funds. DOT promises review. Advocates back the push.

On January 17, 2024, seven Brooklyn elected officials—including Council Member Shahana Hanif, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Members Marcela Mitaynes, Jo Anne Simon, Robert Carroll, and State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Andrew Gounardes—issued a joint letter to the NYC Department of Transportation. They called for 'universal daylighting with hardened materials such as boulders, planters, and bike corrals' at intersections. The officials cited recent fatal crashes and urged the city to opt into a state law banning parking within 20 feet of corners. They want federal funds used for these changes. The group opposes DOT’s slow pace and reliance on paint, demanding physical barriers. Community board leaders and advocates support the move. DOT says it will review the letter and remains committed to evidence-based daylighting.

• Seven Brooklyn Electeds Join Growing Calls For Universal Daylighting, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-17

A 52-year-old male bicyclist suffered upper arm injuries and shock after a collision with an SUV making a right turn. The impact partially ejected the cyclist, who was wearing a helmet. Driver inattention was cited as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:20 on South 4 Street involving a 2007 Nissan SUV and a bicyclist. The SUV driver was making a right turn when the collision occurred, impacting the bicyclist on the left front bumper and causing center front end damage to the SUV. The bicyclist, a 52-year-old male wearing a helmet, was partially ejected and sustained upper arm injuries, experiencing shock and complaints of pain or nausea. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both the SUV driver and the bicyclist, highlighting driver error as central to the crash. The bicyclist was traveling westbound, while the SUV was heading eastbound. No other contributing victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694355 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A 23-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured on Kent Avenue in Brooklyn. The crash caused facial contusions and bruising. According to the police report, driver inexperience was a key factor in the collision that damaged the bike’s front end.

At 12:28 PM on Kent Avenue in Brooklyn, a 23-year-old male bicyclist was involved in a crash resulting in ejection and facial injuries. According to the police report, the bicyclist was the sole occupant and driver of the bike traveling north, going straight ahead when the collision occurred. The point of impact was the center front end of the bike, which sustained damage. The report explicitly cites "Driver Inexperience" as a contributing factor to the crash. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet, but the report does not list victim behavior as a contributing factor. The injuries included contusions and bruises to the face, with an injury severity rated at 3. This incident highlights the dangers posed by inexperienced operators on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691752 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A 39-year-old man was struck on Berry Street by a moped traveling north. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to his knee and lower leg. The moped driver was unlicensed and driving at unsafe speed with aggressive behavior.

According to the police report, a moped traveling north on Berry Street in Brooklyn struck a 39-year-old pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The moped driver was unlicensed and driving with unsafe speed and aggressive driving or road rage. The point of impact was the center front end of the moped, which also sustained damage there. The pedestrian was conscious but injured. The report lists the driver's unsafe speed and aggressive driving as contributing factors. No helmet or signaling issues were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4690756 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Two sedans crashed on Marcy Avenue. One driver hit the other's right side doors. Both drivers suffered internal injuries to neck and head. Police cited traffic control disregard and failure to yield. Both drivers conscious, restrained by lap belts.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Marcy Avenue. The first vehicle, traveling east, struck the right side doors of the second vehicle, which was traveling south. Both drivers were injured: a 31-year-old man suffered neck injuries, and a 42-year-old woman sustained head injuries. Both were conscious and restrained by lap belts. The report lists driver errors including 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. Neither driver was ejected from their vehicle. The crash caused center front end damage to the first sedan and right side door damage to the second.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691137 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

Conduit Avenue kills. Brooklyn and Queens borough presidents call it urgent. They want DOT to turn this deadly, crash-heavy road into a safe corridor. In less than two years, 1,321 crashes. Seventy pedestrians and 14 cyclists hurt. Five dead. DOT silent.

On December 14, 2023, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards pressed the Department of Transportation to overhaul Conduit Avenue. Their letter called for a transformation of the avenue, described as "one of the most dangerous and non-inclusive roadways in the entire city." The officials urged DOT to prioritize traffic safety, cycling and mass transit infrastructure, pedestrian walkability, and green space. Between January 2022 and December 2023, Conduit Avenue saw 1,321 crashes, injuring 880 people—including 70 pedestrians and 14 cyclists—and killing five. Three intersections are listed as DOT pedestrian safety priorities, but the corridor itself is not. Richards and Reynoso have formed a task force and are pushing for action. DOT has not commented.

• Boob Tube: Brooklyn, Queens Leaders Want DOT to Fix Dangerous Conduit Ave., Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-12-14

A passenger hanging outside a vehicle on Metropolitan Avenue suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The driver, making a left turn, struck him with the right front quarter panel. The passenger was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle.

According to the police report, a vehicle making a left turn on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn struck a passenger hanging outside the vehicle. The passenger, a 26-year-old male, was injured with abrasions to his elbow and lower arm but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a contributing factor. The point of impact was the vehicle's right front quarter panel. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The passenger was riding outside the vehicle without safety equipment. The crash caused moderate injury but no loss of consciousness.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4686425 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

A BMW SUV rear-ended a stopped Mazda on Meeker Avenue. Three Mazda occupants suffered neck injuries. Police cite alcohol and speed. Impact crushed the Mazda’s rear and BMW’s front.

According to the police report, a BMW SUV traveling west struck the rear of a Mazda SUV stopped in traffic on Meeker Avenue. Three Mazda occupants, ages 25 to 31, suffered neck injuries diagnosed as whiplash. All were conscious and restrained. The report lists alcohol involvement and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The BMW driver was licensed and moving straight ahead. The Mazda had five occupants, with three injured. Damage centered on the Mazda’s rear and the BMW’s front. Driver errors—alcohol involvement and unsafe speed—led to the rear-end crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4684132 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-13

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

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