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

Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-05-23

Senate and Assembly passed S 1078. New drivers must now learn how to avoid hitting people on foot or bike. Law aims to cut crashes at the root—before drivers get the keys.

Bill S 1078, introduced in the Senate on April 27, 2021, requires pedestrian and bicyclist safety instruction in the drivers pre-licensing course. The bill moved through committee and passed the Senate and Assembly, with key votes on May 20, 2021, February 1, 2022, May 16, 2022, and May 23, 2022. The matter summary reads: 'Requires instruction in pedestrian and bicyclist safety as part of the drivers pre-licensing course.' Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, joined by Bailey, Biaggi, Brisport, Cleare, Comrie, and others. The measure targets driver ignorance, a root cause of deadly crashes, by putting vulnerable road users at the center of driver education.

• File S 1078, Open States, Published 2022-05-23

Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-05-23

A 30-year-old man was struck while crossing Meeker Avenue with the signal. The driver disregarded traffic control and failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered a fractured and dislocated upper arm. The crash left him conscious but injured.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Meeker Avenue and Union Avenue. The 30-year-old male pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the crash occurred. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors by the driver. The pedestrian sustained a fractured, distorted, and dislocated upper arm injury but remained conscious. The vehicle involved is unspecified, and no additional driver details are provided. The report does not mention any pedestrian fault or safety equipment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4530378 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Two SUVs collided on Meeker Avenue. One driver suffered a bruised arm. The crash stemmed from passing too closely and improper lane use. Metal scraped. No pedestrians or cyclists were hurt.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles crashed on Meeker Avenue at Apollo Street in Brooklyn. The male driver of one SUV, age 39, was injured with a contusion to his elbow and lower arm. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. Police listed "Passing Too Closely" and "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as contributing factors. The impact damaged the left front bumper of one SUV and the right rear bumper and left side doors of the other. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4532380 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Senate and Assembly passed S 1078. New drivers must now learn how to avoid hitting people on foot or bike. Law aims to cut crashes at the root—before drivers get the keys.

Bill S 1078, introduced in the Senate on April 27, 2021, requires pedestrian and bicyclist safety instruction in the drivers pre-licensing course. The bill moved through committee and passed the Senate and Assembly, with key votes on May 20, 2021, February 1, 2022, May 16, 2022, and May 23, 2022. The matter summary reads: 'Requires instruction in pedestrian and bicyclist safety as part of the drivers pre-licensing course.' Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, joined by Bailey, Biaggi, Brisport, Cleare, Comrie, and others. The measure targets driver ignorance, a root cause of deadly crashes, by putting vulnerable road users at the center of driver education.

• File S 1078, Open States, Published 2022-05-16

Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.

Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.

• File S 5130, Open States, Published 2022-05-16

A new report shows most NYC road deaths happen when speed cameras are off. Advocates and officials push Albany to let the city run cameras all day, every day. The state stalls. Lives hang in the balance. The data is clear. Action lags.

Senate Bill 5602, still pending in Albany, would let New York City control and expand speed camera enforcement to 24/7. The Transportation Alternatives report, 'Speeding Doesn’t Sleep,' warns that 59 percent of city road deaths occur when cameras are off. The report urges full-time operation, noting cameras cut speeding by 72 percent where installed. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez calls passage 'very important.' Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Governor Hochul support local control. Danny Harris of Transportation Alternatives says, 'We need Albany to allow New York City to operate speed safety cameras 24/7 so every neighborhood is protected from speeding drivers every hour of the day, every day of the week.' Despite strong public support, the legislature has not acted. The evidence is stark: when cameras are off, people die.

• Yet Another Report Makes Clear Case for City Control of Speed Cameras, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-05-10

A bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries in a rear-end collision on Morgan Avenue, Brooklyn. The crash involved a sedan and an SUV. The bicyclist was in shock and complained of pain. The driver followed too closely, causing the impact.

According to the police report, a 33-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a crash on Morgan Avenue in Brooklyn. The bicyclist sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot and was not ejected from the bike. The crash involved a sedan and an SUV traveling southbound. The police identified 'Following Too Closely' and 'Passing Too Closely' as contributing factors. The sedan struck the bike from behind, damaging the front center of the sedan and the rear center of the bike. The bicyclist was in shock and complained of pain or nausea. The report lists no helmet or signaling issues. The collision highlights driver error in maintaining safe distance.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4524185 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A bicyclist was ejected and injured after a station wagon passed too closely on Metropolitan Avenue in Queens. The impact struck the bike’s right front quarter panel. The rider suffered arm injuries and shock, wearing a helmet at the time.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a station wagon passed too closely on Metropolitan Avenue in Queens. The collision occurred at the right front quarter panel of both vehicles. The bicyclist was ejected and suffered injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, along with shock. The report lists driver errors as "Passing Too Closely" and "Passing or Lane Usage Improper." The bicyclist was wearing a helmet, but the primary contributing factors were driver errors. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4522096 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

An e-scooter driver struck by a sedan on Moore Street suffered back injuries. The crash happened late at night. The scooter driver was conscious but bruised. Police cited failure to yield and improper turning by the scooter driver as causes.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Moore Street involving an e-scooter and a sedan. The 31-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured, sustaining back contusions and bruises. The scooter driver was not ejected and remained conscious after the crash. The report lists the contributing factors as failure to yield right-of-way and turning improperly by the e-scooter driver. The sedan was traveling west, going straight ahead, and struck the e-scooter at the center back end. The e-scooter driver was also traveling west, going straight ahead. No safety equipment was noted for the e-scooter driver. The sedan had no occupants at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4519496 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Manhattan and Brooklyn borough presidents pressed DOT to let Citi Bike add more e-bikes. They say more e-bikes mean fewer cars, safer streets. DOT did not commit. The cap stands. Riders wait. The city’s car problem grows.

On April 7, 2022, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso sent a letter to the Department of Transportation (DOT) urging it to raise the 20 percent cap on e-bikes in the Citi Bike fleet. The matter, titled 'Manhattan and Brooklyn Borough Presidents Ask DOT To Raise Cap on E-Bikes in Citi Bike Fleet,' argues that 'increasing the availability of Citi Bike electric bikes is essential' for shifting commuters out of cars. Levine and Reynoso both support expanding e-bike access and public subsidies for Citi Bike, opposing the current pricing structure. DOT acknowledged the request but did not promise action. The council members stress that more e-bikes mean more safe, reliable trips for New Yorkers, especially for short journeys that now fill city streets with cars.

• Manhattan and Brooklyn Borough Presidents Ask DOT To Raise Cap on E-Bikes in Citi Bike Fleet, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-04-07

A 45-year-old woman was hit by an SUV while crossing Vandervort Avenue outside a crosswalk. She suffered a head contusion and remained conscious. The vehicle struck her head-on, causing serious injury. The crash occurred in Brooklyn late at night.

According to the police report, a 45-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2017 Chevrolet SUV traveling north on Vandervort Avenue struck her outside an intersection. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk and suffered a head contusion classified as a serious injury. The SUV impacted the pedestrian at its center front end. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4515917 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A motorcyclist was ejected and injured after colliding with a sedan on Leonard Street. The motorbike driver was unlicensed and distracted. The sedan was making a right turn. The motorcyclist suffered bruises and whole-body injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a motorcyclist traveling south on Leonard Street collided with a sedan making a right turn westbound. The motorcyclist was ejected from the bike and sustained contusions and injuries to the entire body. The motorcyclist was unlicensed and the crash involved driver inattention and inexperience. The sedan's right front bumper struck the left front of the motorcycle. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet and remained conscious after the crash. The sedan driver was licensed and alone in the vehicle. The report lists driver inattention and driver inexperience as contributing factors, with no mention of victim fault or other factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4517008 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Two sedans slammed together on Meeker Avenue at dawn. One driver took a blow to the shoulder and arm. Police blame unsafe speed. Metal twisted at the front ends. No pedestrians or cyclists involved.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Meeker Avenue at 5:55 a.m. The crash left a 26-year-old male driver with shoulder and upper arm injuries and bruising. Police cited unsafe speed as a contributing factor. Both vehicles were traveling straight before the impact. Damage hit the center front ends and right quarter panel. Both drivers were licensed and restrained. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in this crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4515993 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Two sedans traveled east on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. One struck the right rear bumper of the other. The driver of the striking vehicle, a 28-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both drivers were going straight ahead at impact.

According to the police report, two sedans were traveling eastbound on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway when one vehicle struck the right rear bumper of the other. The driver of the striking sedan, a 28-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. Both vehicles were going straight ahead at the time of collision. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not indicate any failure to yield or other driver errors explicitly. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt. No other injuries or damages were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4514935 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Two SUVs collided on Graham Avenue in Brooklyn. One driver was injured, suffering shoulder and upper arm contusions. The crash happened as one vehicle made a right turn and the other a left turn. Following too closely caused the impact.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided on Graham Avenue in Brooklyn. A 63-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining contusions and bruises to his shoulder and upper arm. The crash occurred when one SUV was making a right turn and the other was making a left turn. The point of impact was the right rear bumper of the turning vehicle and the center front end of the other. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The injured driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4514046 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

A 55-year-old woman crossing with the signal was hit by an eastbound SUV in Brooklyn. The pedestrian suffered elbow and lower arm injuries with minor bleeding. The driver failed to yield and was inattentive, causing the collision at an intersection.

According to the police report, a 55-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing with the signal at an intersection on Skillman Avenue in Brooklyn. The vehicle involved was a 2018 Jeep SUV traveling east, which struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, and experienced minor bleeding and shock. The report lists driver errors including "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as contributing factors. The SUV showed no damage, and there were no occupants in the vehicle at the time. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4514053 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-11

Garbage piles choke New York sidewalks. Rats swarm. Pedestrians dodge filth. Council Member Sandy Nurse and Borough President Antonio Reynoso push for organics recycling and fair funding. City agencies stall. Mayor Adams sends mixed signals. Streets stay dangerous for those on foot.

On March 22, 2022, the New York City Council’s Sanitation Committee debated the city’s trash crisis. The hearing, covered by Streetsblog NYC, spotlighted Council Member Sandy Nurse and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. Nurse demanded full funding for sanitation, calling the crisis 'unprecedented.' Reynoso urged immediate action on 'save-as-you-throw' and mandatory organics recycling, saying, 'We have full authority to implement both.' The matter title reads: 'TRASH CITY: Here’s Why New York is So Filthy.' The committee reviewed stalled pilot programs and budget cuts. Nurse stressed the need for equitable services and investment in public transit and clean streets. The debate exposed political inertia and underfunding, leaving sidewalks hazardous for pedestrians and failing neighborhoods most at risk.

• TRASH CITY: Here’s Why New York is So Filthy, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-22

Garbage piles choke sidewalks. Rats swarm. Pedestrians dodge filth. Council Member Sandy Nurse calls the city’s trash crisis ‘unprecedented.’ She demands full funding for sanitation. She backs organics recycling, pay-as-you-throw, and fewer cars. The city stalls. Streets stay dangerous.

On March 22, 2022, the City Council held a hearing on sanitation, waste management, and budget cuts. Council Member Sandy Nurse (District 37) led the charge, declaring, ‘the cuts to Sanitation cannot be negotiated, must be fully funded,’ and warning of an ‘unprecedented sanitation crisis.’ The hearing, covered in the article ‘TRASH CITY: Here’s Why New York is So Filthy,’ spotlighted stalled reforms like containerized waste, mandatory organics recycling, and pay-as-you-throw. Nurse and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso demanded immediate action and opposed further cuts. The debate exposed how trash piles and budget slashes endanger pedestrians, block sidewalks, and worsen city life. The article’s conclusion: real safety and cleanliness require investment in transit, clean streets, and fewer cars.

• TRASH CITY: Here’s Why New York is So Filthy, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-03-22