Blood on Graham Avenue—How Many More Will Die Before City Hall Acts?

A driver tore through McGuinness Boulevard, smashing cars and leaving a moped rider badly hurt. The carnage reignited calls for long-delayed safety fixes. Local leaders say the crash was no surprise. The city’s promise to protect lives remains unfulfilled.

""Sadly, this incident was entirely predictable and underscores once again why the McGuinness Boulevard redesign is so badly needed."" -- Antonio Reynoso

On August 10, 2023, a motorist seriously injured a moped rider and crashed into several vehicles on McGuinness Boulevard in Greenpoint. The incident, near the site of a 2021 fatality, drew a joint statement from Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, and Council Member Lincoln Restler. They called the crash 'entirely predictable' and demanded Mayor Adams immediately implement the Department of Transportation’s stalled safety redesign. The DOT’s plan, which includes narrowing the street and adding a protected bike lane, faces opposition from powerful donors. The mayor’s office claims traffic safety is a priority, but the plan remains in limbo. Advocates and officials say every delay puts more lives at risk.

• Outrage on Bloody McGuinness Blvd. as Motorist Severely Injures Moped Rider, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-10

A sedan struck an e-bike on Lorimer Street in Brooklyn. The e-bike rider, a 21-year-old man, suffered elbow and lower arm injuries. The crash involved a traffic control disregard. The sedan driver was a licensed female traveling northbound.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Lorimer Street collided with an e-bike traveling west. The e-bike driver, a 21-year-old male, was injured with elbow and lower arm trauma but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating a driver error related to ignoring traffic signals or signs. The sedan driver, a licensed female, was going straight ahead at the time of impact. The e-bike rider was wearing a helmet, but no other contributing factors were specified. The crash caused damage to the center front ends of both vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4651885 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A Ford SUV struck a 25-year-old e-bike rider head-on on Harrison Place. The rider flew from the saddle, hit the pavement, head split open. He lay semiconscious, bleeding, alone in the dark. Traffic control ignored. Streets unforgiving.

A Ford SUV hit a 25-year-old e-bike rider head-on near Harrison Place and Morgan Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the SUV disregarded traffic control and struck the cyclist, who was ejected and suffered severe head lacerations. The rider was semiconscious and bleeding at the scene. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but the primary cause remains the driver's failure to obey traffic signals and improper lane usage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4651884 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

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

A sedan rear-ended a turning car on Vandervort Avenue. The rear driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. Unsafe speed and close following listed as causes. Impact struck hard. Brooklyn street, daylight, no escape.

According to the police report, a sedan making a left turn on Vandervort Avenue in Brooklyn was struck from behind by another sedan. The rear driver, a 35-year-old man, was injured with back pain and whiplash. The report lists "Following Too Closely," "Unsafe Speed," and "Other Vehicular" as contributing factors. The impact hit the center back end of the turning sedan and the center front end of the striking sedan. No safety equipment was used by the injured driver. Both drivers held valid licenses. The crash underscores driver errors in speed and distance.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653871 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A motorcycle struck a sedan making a left turn on Flushing Avenue in Brooklyn. The motorcycle driver was ejected and suffered head injuries. Both vehicles damaged on their left front sides. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling east.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling east on Flushing Avenue collided with a sedan making a left turn. The motorcycle driver, a 47-year-old man, was ejected and sustained head injuries classified as severity 3, including contusions and bruises. The sedan driver, also licensed and traveling east, had damage to the left front quarter panel. The motorcycle's left front bumper was the point of impact. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify specific driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No helmet or signaling information was provided. The crash highlights the dangers when vehicles turn across the path of motorcycles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4647826 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A moped hit a cyclist head-on in Brooklyn. The rider was thrown, breaking and dislocating his shoulder. Police cite improper lane use by the moped. Both vehicles took front-end damage. The cyclist was conscious but hurt.

According to the police report, a moped traveling north on White Street struck a westbound bicyclist. The cyclist, a 30-year-old man, was ejected and suffered a fractured and dislocated upper arm. Police list "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as the contributing factor, pointing to driver error by the moped operator. Both the moped and bicycle sustained front-end damage. The cyclist was not wearing safety equipment, as noted in the report. No other contributing factors were listed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4647775 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A sedan backing on Maujer Street in Brooklyn hit two pedestrians outside an intersection. Both females, ages 37 and 2, suffered bruises and arm injuries. The driver was distracted and turned improperly. The crash left both conscious but injured.

According to the police report, a 2015 Infiniti sedan was backing northeast on Maujer Street in Brooklyn when it struck two pedestrians, a 37-year-old woman and a 2-year-old girl, both outside an intersection. Both pedestrians sustained contusions and injuries to their elbows, lower arms, and hands. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Turning Improperly." The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle alone. The pedestrians were engaged in other actions in the roadway at the time of the crash. There is no mention of helmet use or signaling contributing to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4648671 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Brooklyn officials demand equal tolls on all Manhattan crossings. They warn free bridges funnel traffic into certain neighborhoods. Their letter calls for fairness. The MTA stays silent. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide. Streets hang in the balance.

On July 18, 2023, Council Member Shahana Hanif and other Brooklyn officials called for 'equalized tolling on all crossings into Manhattan' as congestion pricing nears. Their letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board states: 'No one community should disproportionately bear the burden of the cars and trucks passing through their neighborhood.' Hanif, along with Lincoln Restler, Alexa Avilés, Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Crystal Hudson, joined borough, state, and federal colleagues in this push. They propose a credit system to balance costs between DOT bridges and MTA tunnels, aiming to protect neighborhoods like the Brooklyn waterfront and the BQE corridor from traffic surges. The MTA declined comment. The Board will soon set final toll rates and rules. The federal government has approved the congestion pricing plan, with tolls for cars expected between $9 and $23. Over 100 exemption requests, including from taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers, are under review.

• Pols call for ‘equalized tolling’ on all crossings into Manhattan under congestion pricing on eve of board deliberations, amny.com, Published 2023-07-18

Brooklyn officials demand equal tolls on all Manhattan crossings. They warn free bridges funnel traffic into certain neighborhoods. Their letter calls for fairness. The MTA stays silent. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide. Streets hang in the balance.

On July 18, 2023, Council Member Shahana Hanif and other Brooklyn officials called for 'equalized tolling on all crossings into Manhattan' as congestion pricing nears. Their letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board states: 'No one community should disproportionately bear the burden of the cars and trucks passing through their neighborhood.' Hanif, along with Lincoln Restler, Alexa Avilés, Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Crystal Hudson, joined borough, state, and federal colleagues in this push. They propose a credit system to balance costs between DOT bridges and MTA tunnels, aiming to protect neighborhoods like the Brooklyn waterfront and the BQE corridor from traffic surges. The MTA declined comment. The Board will soon set final toll rates and rules. The federal government has approved the congestion pricing plan, with tolls for cars expected between $9 and $23. Over 100 exemption requests, including from taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers, are under review.

• Pols call for ‘equalized tolling’ on all crossings into Manhattan under congestion pricing on eve of board deliberations, amny.com, Published 2023-07-18

A sedan slammed into an SUV’s rear on Meeker Avenue. Both drivers were distracted. The sedan driver suffered arm injuries. Airbags burst. Metal twisted. The street bore the scars.

According to the police report, a sedan and an SUV collided on Meeker Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan struck the SUV’s left rear quarter panel while both vehicles were moving straight. The sedan driver, a 45-year-old man, suffered bruises and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both drivers. Airbags deployed in the sedan. Both vehicles sustained damage to their left sides. No other injuries or contributing factors were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4646949 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A chassis cab struck the left side of an SUV on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The SUV passenger, a 34-year-old woman, suffered back contusions. The crash involved improper lane usage and an oversized vehicle. The passenger was conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, a 2023 chassis cab changed lanes improperly and collided with the left side doors of a 2018 SUV traveling westbound on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The SUV carried two occupants; a 34-year-old female passenger seated in the middle front seat was injured with back contusions. She was conscious and secured by a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver errors including "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" and notes the involvement of an "Oversized Vehicle." The chassis cab driver was licensed in North Carolina. The impact caused damage to the left side doors of the SUV and the right rear bumper of the chassis cab.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4645342 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A bus traveling north on Stewart Avenue collided with a westbound e-bike. The e-bike rider, a 61-year-old man, suffered shoulder and upper arm abrasions. The bus showed no damage. The oversized vehicle was a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a bus and an e-bike collided on Stewart Avenue in Brooklyn. The e-bike driver, a 61-year-old man, was injured with abrasions to his shoulder and upper arm but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists "Oversized Vehicle" as a contributing factor, indicating the bus's size played a role in the collision. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time. The bus sustained no damage, while the e-bike had unspecified damage. The bus driver was licensed and operating the vehicle properly. No other driver errors were noted. The e-bike rider wore a helmet, but no contributing factors related to the rider were cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4646679 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A taxi collided with a moped at Meeker Avenue in Brooklyn late at night. The moped driver, unlicensed and ejected, suffered head injuries and abrasions. Police cited traffic control disregard as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling south struck a moped moving west at the intersection of Meeker Avenue in Brooklyn. The moped driver, a 37-year-old man without a license, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained head injuries and abrasions. The taxi's front center end impacted the moped's right rear quarter panel. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the contributing factor. The moped driver was not wearing any safety equipment. The taxi driver was licensed and had two occupants. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4642571 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A concrete mixer hit a cyclist at Morgan Avenue and Harrison Place. Steel met flesh. The rider fell. Blood pooled at his leg. His helmet cracked. He stayed conscious. The truck driver was inattentive. The cyclist suffered severe leg wounds.

A concrete mixer traveling east collided with a northbound cyclist at the corner of Morgan Avenue and Harrison Place in Brooklyn. According to the police report, 'A concrete mixer moved east. A cyclist rode north. Steel struck flesh. He hit the pavement hard. Blood pooled at his leg. His helmet cracked. He stayed awake. He did not scream.' The cyclist, a 28-year-old man, suffered severe lacerations to his lower leg and remained conscious at the scene. Police cited 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for the truck driver. The cyclist was wearing a helmet, which cracked in the crash. No injuries were reported for the truck driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4642289 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Taxi and sedan crashed on Graham Avenue. Passenger and driver bruised, heads and necks struck. Police cite alcohol. Metal twisted. Brooklyn street bore the impact.

According to the police report, a taxi and a sedan collided on Graham Avenue in Brooklyn. The taxi's right front bumper hit the sedan's left front bumper. A 31-year-old woman passenger and a 32-year-old male driver were injured, suffering bruises to the head and neck. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and driving straight before the crash. No other driver errors are noted. Both injured occupants remained conscious and were not ejected. The crash left both vehicles with front-end damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4640880 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 68-year-old woman was injured when an e-bike traveling north on Graham Avenue struck her on Grand Street. The impact caused fractures and dislocations. The pedestrian was conscious but suffered injuries to her entire body. The e-bike showed no damage.

According to the police report, an e-bike traveling north on Graham Avenue struck a 68-year-old female pedestrian on Grand Street in Brooklyn. The pedestrian suffered fractures, dislocations, and injuries to her entire body but remained conscious. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor by the driver. Additionally, "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" was noted as a contributing factor related to the pedestrian. The e-bike had no visible damage after the collision. The crash highlights a failure by the e-bike operator to yield right-of-way to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4642530 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Brooklyn leaders demand the state back a park over the BQE trench in Williamsburg. They call for federal funds to cap the highway. The plan aims to cut pollution, reconnect neighborhoods, and give residents green space where cars now rule.

On June 21, 2023, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Rep. Nydia Velázquez, and Council Member Jennifer Gutierrez urged state officials to join the city in seeking federal funding for the BQGreen park proposal. The plan would cap a stretch of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in south Williamsburg, creating 3.5 acres of new parkland. Reynoso called on Governor Kathy Hochul to act as a co-applicant for funds, stating, "We're calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to be a co-applicant alongside the City of New York for federal funding to finally deck the BQE." Velázquez said, "We are fighting to reimagine the way to reconnect neighborhoods, improve traffic and reduce toxic pollution." Gutierrez stressed the urgent need for open space and clean air. The proposal, estimated at $100-200 million, is framed as an environmental justice effort to heal a community long divided and harmed by the highway.

• Brooklyn Electeds Demand State Embrace Park Over BQE Trench in Williamsburg, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-21

Mayor Adams expands Summer Streets to every borough. Five Saturdays. Seventeen miles. Cars banned from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Brooklyn and Queens get major corridors. Advocates want longer hours and connected routes. City cites costs and safety. Streets open, but only for a while.

On June 12, 2023, Mayor Adams announced the expansion of New York City’s Summer Streets program to all five boroughs. The program, managed by the Department of Transportation, will run on five Saturdays in July and August, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., covering 17 miles. Borough presidents Antonio Reynoso (Brooklyn) and Donovan Richards (Queens) pushed for this expansion, with Reynoso praising the use of major corridors like Eastern Parkway. Mayor Adams said, “This is a five-borough city and we are now saying the Summer Streets program is going be a five-borough initiative. Everyone deserves to enjoy that.” Adams expressed interest in longer hours but cited public safety and NYPD staffing costs as barriers. Advocates want more hours and connected car-free routes. The city will spend $1.5 million, not including staffing. The expansion marks a step forward, but the early end time leaves advocates wanting more.

• Summer Streets Expands to All Boroughs; Still Ends Early, Though, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-12

A motorcycle struck the rear of a parked SUV on Meserole Street in Brooklyn. The motorcycle driver, a 45-year-old man, suffered bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The SUV was damaged at its center back end.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling west on Meserole Street rear-ended a parked SUV. The motorcycle driver, a 45-year-old man, was injured with contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, indicating the motorcycle driver failed to maintain a safe distance. The SUV was stationary at the time of impact, sustaining damage to its center back end. The motorcycle's front center end was also damaged. The injured driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4636670 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09