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

Brooklyn and Queens leaders want car-free Summer Streets beyond Manhattan. They urge the city to open roads for people, not cars. Advocates back them. The city says it will review. Families, children, and communities stand to gain space and safety.

On September 12, 2022, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards called for expanding the 'Summer Streets' program to their boroughs. They wrote to Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, stating, 'Every year, we see how much New Yorkers enjoy the car-free street and associated activities, and we are writing to ask you to bring this beloved event to our respective boroughs in 2023.' The Department of Transportation said it would review the request. Advocates like Juan Restrepo and Jackson Chabot joined the call, demanding more hours and borough-wide access. Community groups stressed the benefits for families and children. The program is described as cost-effective, crime-free, and vital for community building. No formal council bill or vote yet, but the push is clear: open streets for all, not just Manhattan.

• Brooklyn, Queens Beeps Want ‘Summer Streets’ Too!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-12

Two SUVs collided on Metropolitan Avenue. Both drivers turned left. One driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cite following too closely. Metal twisted. No pedestrians or cyclists hurt.

According to the police report, two SUVs crashed on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn as both drivers made left turns. The impact struck the right front bumper of one vehicle and the right side doors of the other. One driver, age 46, was injured with neck pain and whiplash. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor for both drivers. Both vehicles were traveling east. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Both drivers were licensed. The crash left visible damage on the right side of both SUVs.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4563248 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A motorcycle struck the left side of an SUV making a left turn on Bushwick Avenue. The motorcycle driver, wearing a helmet, suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The crash was caused by driver inattention and distraction.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling south on Bushwick Avenue collided with an SUV making a left turn northbound. The motorcycle impacted the left side doors of the SUV. The motorcycle driver, a 31-year-old male occupant, was injured with abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. He was wearing a helmet and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The SUV driver’s actions involved making a left turn, while the motorcycle was going straight ahead. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4563040 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Two sedans crashed on Meeker Avenue. One struck the other from behind. Two young passengers, ages 5 and 10, suffered head injuries and shock. Both were restrained. The crash was caused by following too closely. Damage centered on rear and front ends.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling east on Meeker Avenue collided when one vehicle struck the other from behind. The crash injured two child passengers, ages 5 and 10, both seated in the rear and secured with lap belts and harnesses. Both children suffered head injuries and were in shock, with one reporting whiplash. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor. The vehicles sustained damage to their center back and front ends respectively. Both drivers were licensed men. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4561253 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Lawmakers push for e-bike rebates. Senate passes, Assembly stalls. Salazar and Carroll lead. Up to $1,100 for buyers. Critics call it a luxury. Carroll disagrees. Program aims for working-class riders. Cars keep killing. E-bikes offer a way out.

""When the federal government falls short, it really does fall on the state to step up and take responsibility."" -- Julia Salazar

Senate Bill 'Ride Clean' proposes up to $1,100 rebates for e-bike purchases, covering half the cost. The bill passed the Senate but stalled in the Assembly as of August 30, 2022. The measure, led by State Senator Julia Salazar and Assembly Member Robert Carroll, aims to make e-bikes accessible to working-class New Yorkers. Salazar says, 'With the Ride Clean rebate, [e-bikes] really would be much more accessible to working New Yorkers.' Carroll pushes back on critics who call e-bikes a luxury, stating, 'They don’t realize that this is not a luxury item.' The program would use NYSERDA funds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, mirroring the Drive Clean program for electric cars. Advocates cite European and U.S. models. The bill’s fate now rests with the Assembly.

• NY Lawmakers Want To Bring E-Bikes To The People, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-30

Senator Julia Salazar’s Ride Clean bill passed the New York Senate 60-3. It offers up to $1,100 for e-bike purchases. The bill aims to cut car use and emissions. It stalled in the Assembly. Lawmakers say it makes e-bikes accessible for working New Yorkers.

Senate Bill S7703, known as the Ride Clean rebate, passed the New York State Senate on June 2022 by a 60-3 vote. The bill sits stalled in the Assembly committee since January. The measure, sponsored by Senator Julia Salazar, would require NYSERDA to cover half the cost of e-bike purchases, up to $1,100. Salazar said, 'When the federal government falls short, it really does fall on the state to step up and take responsibility.' Assembly sponsor Robert Carroll added, 'This is not a luxury item.' The bill’s summary states it aims to make e-bikes accessible and reduce car dependence. If enacted, New York would join a handful of states offering direct e-bike subsidies, targeting emissions and car use in daily trips.

• NY Lawmakers Want To Bring E-Bikes To The People, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-08-30

A 53-year-old man on an e-scooter was ejected and suffered a head injury after a collision with an SUV on Meeker Avenue. The scooter driver was unconscious with a concussion. The SUV struck the scooter’s rear left bumper at the intersection.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Meeker Avenue involving a 2021 e-scooter and a 2020 Jeep SUV. The e-scooter driver, a 53-year-old man, was ejected and sustained a head injury resulting in unconsciousness and a concussion. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling east, while the unlicensed e-scooter driver was traveling south. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with disregarding traffic control. The SUV struck the center back end of the e-scooter, damaging its left rear bumper. The e-scooter driver was wearing a helmet. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4559194 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A 36-year-old woman driving an SUV suffered neck injuries in a crash on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The collision involved unsafe lane changing by the SUV driver. The woman was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway involving a 2018 SUV driven by a 36-year-old woman and a 2019 sedan. The SUV driver was injured, sustaining neck injuries and whiplash, and was conscious at the scene. The report lists "Unsafe Lane Changing" as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. The sedan was merging westbound when the impact occurred at the left front bumper of the sedan and the right front quarter panel of the SUV. No ejections were reported. The crash highlights the dangers of unsafe lane changes on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4561259 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A 34-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured after a Ford SUV struck him from behind on Leonard Street. The cyclist suffered abrasions and lower leg injuries. The SUV was following too closely, causing the collision.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV traveling south on Leonard Street rear-ended a southbound bicyclist. The 34-year-old male bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for the crash. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV striking the center back end of the bicycle. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or safety equipment details were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4558125 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A man rode south on Maspeth. A turning vehicle struck him. He flew. Steel crushed his leg. The helmet stayed on. The street held its breath. Brooklyn stayed silent.

A 45-year-old man riding a bike south on Maspeth Avenue at Morgan Avenue in Brooklyn was struck by a vehicle making an improper turn. According to the police report, 'A vehicle turned into him. He flew. His leg crushed beneath steel.' The cyclist suffered crush injuries to his knee and lower leg. The crash report lists 'Turning Improperly' as a contributing factor. The cyclist was ejected from his bike. The report notes he wore a helmet, but the primary cause remains the driver's improper turn. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4557237 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Sedan slammed into a 24-year-old bicyclist turning left on Metropolitan Avenue. The cyclist was ejected, hit his head, and suffered a contusion. Driver failed to yield. Blood on the street. Bike twisted.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Metropolitan Avenue struck a 24-year-old male bicyclist as he made a left turn. The impact threw the bicyclist from his bike, causing a head contusion. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The sedan hit the cyclist with its center front end. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash left the vulnerable road user injured and the bike damaged.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4553886 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Two sedans crashed on Bushwick Avenue. One driver, a 20-year-old woman, suffered head injuries and whiplash. The collision struck the right front quarter panel of one car and the front center of the other. Driver inexperience contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Bushwick Avenue. The 20-year-old female driver of a 2014 Volkswagen was injured, sustaining head trauma and whiplash. She was wearing a lap belt and remained conscious. The crash occurred when one vehicle was making a U-turn and the other was traveling straight south. The point of impact was the right front quarter panel of the Volkswagen and the center front end of the Jeep. The report lists driver inexperience as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4552343 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A man on a motorbike crashed into a turning truck on Morgan Avenue. He was thrown from the bike. His head hit the pavement. He died at the scene. The truck kept moving. The crash left one dead. Streets stayed silent.

A deadly crash unfolded on Morgan Avenue. According to the police report, a man riding a motorbike collided with a truck that was making a left turn. The rider, unlicensed and without a helmet, was ejected from his bike. His head struck the pavement, resulting in fatal injuries. The truck, a large carry-all, sustained no damage and its driver was not hurt. Police cited 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor in the crash. The report notes the rider had no helmet, but only after listing the driver error. No other injuries were reported. The impact ended one life and left the street unchanged.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4552549 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A box truck struck a sedan parked on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan’s driver, a 47-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The truck had defective brakes. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling east on Metropolitan Avenue collided with a parked sedan. The sedan’s 47-year-old female driver was injured, sustaining neck trauma and whiplash. She was conscious and wearing a lap belt at the time. The report lists defective brakes on the box truck as a contributing factor. No other driver errors were specified. The impact occurred on the left front quarter panel of the truck and the center back end of the sedan. The driver was not ejected and was the sole occupant of her vehicle. The crash highlights mechanical failure as a key cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4550839 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A van making a left turn struck a sedan traveling east on Vandervort Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan’s driver, a 20-year-old man, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way and passenger distraction as factors.

According to the police report, a 2017 Ford van was making a left turn on Vandervort Avenue when it collided with a 2014 sedan traveling straight east. The sedan’s 20-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining neck pain and whiplash. The driver was conscious and wearing a lap belt at the time. The report lists failure to yield right-of-way and passenger distraction as contributing factors. The van’s point of impact was its left front bumper, while the sedan’s left front quarter panel was damaged. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash highlights the dangers when drivers fail to yield during turns.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4552974 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A 63-year-old man was struck while crossing Conselyea Street in Brooklyn. The Ford pick-up truck hit him center front with no vehicle damage. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Driver inattention and limited view contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a 63-year-old male pedestrian was injured crossing Conselyea Street in Brooklyn when a 2019 Ford pick-up truck traveling north struck him with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as the primary contributing factors, along with a limited or obstructed view. The driver was licensed and going straight ahead. The vehicle sustained no damage. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was crossing without a signal or crosswalk. No helmet or signaling issues were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4549065 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Taxi cut lanes on Johnson Avenue. Metal hit metal. SUV’s front passenger took the blow. Neck wrenched, whiplash. He stayed conscious, strapped in. Streets stayed cold and hard.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling south on Johnson Avenue made an improper lane change and struck the front of a westbound SUV. The taxi’s left front quarter panel hit the SUV’s center front end. The SUV’s front passenger, a 40-year-old man, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors, highlighting driver error by the taxi. No other factors, such as helmet or signaling, were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4548258 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A 43-year-old woman was hit by an SUV on Maujer Street. She suffered a bruised shoulder and arm. Police cite driver inattention and aggressive driving. The victim was conscious and not in the roadway.

According to the police report, a 43-year-old woman was struck by an SUV on Maujer Street in Brooklyn. She suffered a contusion to her shoulder and upper arm. Two SUVs were involved; one was stopped in traffic, the other was moving straight ahead. The impact came from the front of the moving SUV. The report lists driver inattention and aggressive driving as contributing factors. The pedestrian was not in the roadway and remained conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors, such as helmet use or signaling, were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4549408 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A taxi and a sedan crashed on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The sedan driver, a 27-year-old man, suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. Alcohol and improper lane usage contributed to the collision.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway involving a taxi and a sedan. The sedan driver, a 27-year-old male occupant, was injured with abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists alcohol involvement and improper passing or lane usage as contributing factors. The sedan sustained damage to its right front quarter panel, while the taxi was damaged on its left rear quarter panel. The sedan driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. Both drivers were licensed and traveling eastbound. The crash highlights driver errors related to alcohol use and lane management.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4551273 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A pickup truck changed lanes and struck the rear of an SUV on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The SUV driver, a 42-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The crash involved driver distraction and caused moderate injury.

According to the police report, a pickup truck traveling east on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway changed lanes and collided with the center back end of a sport utility vehicle also traveling east. The SUV was driven by a 42-year-old woman who was injured, sustaining neck pain and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. Both vehicles sustained damage at the center back end and center front end respectively. The pickup truck driver was licensed and from New Jersey. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4546954 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11