Brooklyn Heights Bleeds: Speed Kills, Leaders Stall

A new app warns drivers about speed and red-light cameras. It helps them skirt tickets, dodge limits, and endanger lives. Safe-streets advocates slam the app. They say speed cameras save lives. The city fights for more control. The danger grows.

On May 13, 2022, Streetsblog NYC reported on the launch of NYC SpeedCamBuster, a cellphone app that alerts drivers to speed and red-light camera locations. The article, titled "New App Helps Reckless Drivers Thumb Their Noses at City’s Speed Cameras," details how the app lets drivers evade enforcement and dispute tickets. Safe-streets groups, including Transportation Alternatives and engineer Jehiah Czebotar, condemned the app. Jacob deCastro of Transportation Alternatives said, "If drivers want to avoid speeding tickets, they simply should not speed." Czebotar added, "Any demand for notifications to help drivers avoid speed cameras is proof that actually enforcing the speed limit does change driver behavior for the better." The NYPD warned that such apps undermine public safety. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes is pushing to reauthorize and expand the speed camera program. The app, and others like it, threaten vulnerable road users by making streets less safe.

• New App Helps Reckless Drivers Thumb Their Noses at City’s Speed Cameras, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-05-13

Albany holds the fate of New York City’s speed cameras. Senator Gounardes pushes to renew and expand the program. Cameras now guard schools, but the law may expire. Advocates demand more hours, tougher penalties. The clock ticks. Lives hang in the balance.

Senate Bill (no number given) led by State Senator Andrew Gounardes faces debate in Albany as of May 13, 2022. The bill seeks to renew and strengthen New York City’s school speed zone camera program, which is set to expire June 2. The measure would expand camera hours to 24/7 and increase penalties for repeat offenders, including insurance notification and license suspension. The committee and current status are not specified, but only nine legislative days remain. The bill summary states: 'New York City officials are in conflict with state lawmakers in Albany over the future of school speed zone cameras.' Gounardes is confident in renewal. Mayor Eric Adams and advocates want home rule for NYC on speed cameras and speed limits, but Albany resists. Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez urges lawmakers to use every tool to fight reckless driving. The bill’s fate will shape the city’s ability to protect pedestrians and cyclists from speeding drivers.

• Albany to decide whether NYC school speed zone cameras get real teeth, gothamist.com, Published 2022-05-13

Senator Gounardes fights to renew and expand speed camera enforcement as DOT fumbles Albany talks. Eleven killed in a violent week. City’s push for home rule stalls. Advocates demand action. Cameras in bike lanes and tougher penalties on the table.

Senate Bill sponsored by Andrew Gounardes (D-Brooklyn) seeks to renew and expand New York City’s speed and red light camera program. The bill, discussed in May 2022, aims to allow 24/7 automated enforcement and add penalties for repeat offenders, including registration suspensions. The matter summary: 'DOT officials said they’re negotiating amendments to Gounardes’ bill that would further crack down on reckless drivers, including a provision to let the city install cameras to ticket cars in bike lanes.' Gounardes stressed urgency: 'We cannot leave Albany without reauthorizing the speed cameras.' DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez’s late push for home rule caused confusion, risking the program’s renewal. The bill is under negotiation as the legislative session nears its end. Eleven people died on city streets that week, underscoring the stakes for vulnerable road users.

• NYC’s push for more traffic camera enforcement bungled by DOT commissioner in talks with Albany legislators: sources, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-05-12

Albany killed New York City’s push for control over speed cameras. Mayor Adams and DOT backed home rule, but lawmakers stalled. Senator Gounardes now fights to renew and expand camera programs before they shut off. Vulnerable road users remain exposed. Local power denied.

State Senator Andrew Gounardes’s bill S5602 sought to grant New York City control over its speed and red-light camera programs. The effort failed this session. The matter, described as 'home rule for the city on speed cameras,' stalled after City Hall did not send a formal request. Gounardes, shifting focus, now pushes to renew and expand the city’s automated enforcement before cameras go dark in July. Assembly Member William Magnarelli, chair of the Transportation Committee, blamed City Hall for inaction. Mayor Eric Adams and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez voiced support for home rule, but Albany holds the power. Advocates and victims’ families decry the repeated need to beg for basic safety tools. The Crash Victim Rights and Safety Act, including Sammy’s Law for lower speed limits, remains in limbo. Without home rule, New York City’s most vulnerable—pedestrians, cyclists, children—face continued risk from political delays.

• Let’s Face It, ‘Home Rule’ on Speed Cameras is Dead — Blame Focuses on City Hall, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-05-11

Mayor Adams vowed to get reckless drivers off city streets. He promised $904 million for safety. But he gave no details. No plan for enforcement. No timeline. Advocates want action, not talk. Vulnerable New Yorkers still wait for real change.

On April 27, 2022, Mayor Adams made a public statement on traffic enforcement and street safety policy. He announced a $904 million budget for safety improvements and said, 'We need to find them proactively, and get them off the streets.' Adams called for meetings with precincts and targeting dangerous intersections. But he gave no specifics on enforcement, legislative changes, or expanding the Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program. Advocates like Eric McClure (StreetsPAC) and Sara Lind (Open Plans) welcomed the words but demanded concrete action, especially from the NYPD. The city’s current laws limit its power to remove dangerous drivers. Pending state bills could help, but for now, the mayor’s promise remains just that—words, not protection for those most at risk.

• Mayor Says He’ll Act on Reckless Drivers, But Leaves Out the ‘How’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-04-27

New York ranked 13th in bike safety but earned an F for traffic laws. Lawmakers and advocates demand stronger protections. The state lacks a safe passing law and local speed control. Riders face risk. Change is urgent. Lives hang in the balance.

"Bicyclists in New York deserve better than an F-rating for their safety on our streets, said State Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-Bay Ridge)." -- Andrew Gounardes

On April 21, 2022, the League of American Bicyclists released a report ranking New York State 13th in bike friendliness, but giving it an F+ for traffic laws and practices. The report criticized the absence of a defined safe passing distance for motorists overtaking cyclists, the lack of local control over speed limits, and poor public reporting on police stops. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes called the grade unacceptable, urging passage of his road-sharing training bill and support for Sen. Brad Hoylman’s bill to lower speed limits. Gounardes also pushed to keep speed cameras active. Advocates like Jon Orcutt acknowledged progress, such as the MTA’s bike strategy and new greenway funding, but stressed the need for stronger laws. The League’s summary: 'New York received high marks for infrastructure and funding, and education and encouragement, but got an F+ in traffic laws and practices.' The state’s failure to protect cyclists and pedestrians leaves vulnerable road users exposed to daily danger.

• New York Gets an ‘F’ Grade in the New ‘Bike Friendly States’ Survey…, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-04-21

New York scored high for bike infrastructure but failed on traffic laws. No safe passing rule. Cities can’t set lower speed limits. Lawmakers call for action. Cyclists remain exposed. The state’s grade: F for safety. Progress lags. Danger persists.

"Bicyclists in New York deserve better than an F-rating for their safety on our streets, said State Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-Bay Ridge)." -- Andrew Gounardes

On April 21, 2022, a national survey ranked New York State 13th for bike friendliness but gave it an F+ in 'Traffic Laws and Practices.' The review, covered by Streetsblog, highlighted the lack of a defined safe passing distance, restrictions on local speed limits, and missing public data on police stops. The League of American Bicyclists noted, 'New York is way behind other states on having a safe passage law, as 38 other states do.' State Sen. Andrew Gounardes called for urgent legislative fixes, including road-sharing training, lower speed limits, and keeping speed cameras on. Emily Gallagher, District 50, was mentioned in the advocacy push. The report underscores how state inaction leaves cyclists and pedestrians at risk, despite some progress in infrastructure and enforcement.

• Why New York State Gets an ‘F’ Grade in the New ‘Bike Friendly States’ Survey, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-04-21

Traffic deaths in New York City jumped 44% in early 2022. Fifty-nine people died in three months. Pedestrians and children bore the brunt. Advocates and Senator Gounardes call for urgent street redesigns and expanded camera enforcement. City Hall and Albany face mounting pressure.

On April 20, 2022, advocates and Senator Andrew Gounardes (District 26) sounded the alarm as traffic deaths in New York City surged. The report, titled 'Advocates demand action as NYC traffic deaths rise 44% in 2022,' revealed 59 deaths in the year's first quarter, the highest since Vision Zero began in 2014. Pedestrians and minors suffered most. Gounardes declared, 'It is unacceptable that there have been more traffic fatalities this year than since Vision Zero began.' Transportation Alternatives called for Mayor Adams to back a $3.1 billion DOT street redesign plan and for Albany to grant NYC home rule over traffic cameras. Advocates demand more bike lanes, safer intersections, and unrestricted camera enforcement. The push aims to end the deadly toll on city streets.

• Advocates demand action as NYC traffic deaths rise 44% in 2022, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-04-20

Two sedans crashed on Cadman Plaza West. One driver suffered neck injuries. Police cited driver inattention and inexperience. Both cars took heavy front and rear damage. The injured driver was conscious.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling south on Cadman Plaza West in Brooklyn collided. A 41-year-old male driver was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention and driver inexperience as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained damage to their center front and back ends. No occupants were ejected. The crash underscores the risks posed by distracted and inexperienced driving.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4517760 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-15

Albany moves to require six hours of pro instruction for new drivers. Gounardes and Carroll push the bill. They slam weak rules. Supporters say it will cut road violence. The DMV stays silent. The streets demand better.

Senate Bill 8667, introduced by Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Bobby Carroll, would require all new drivers in New York State to complete six hours of professional driving instruction before taking the road test. The bill was proposed on March 29, 2022. It is currently under consideration in committee. The measure’s summary states it would mandate 'directed training with a professional.' Gounardes called out the current system, linking lack of experience to crashes and road violence. Carroll said professional training means better drivers. The bill has backing from the New York State Association of Professional Driving Schools and the city Department of Transportation. Both stress the need for real training to protect all road users. The DMV has not commented. The bill aims to close deadly gaps in driver preparation.

• Albany Bill Would Finally Mandate Instruction for Student Drivers (Well, a Little), streetsblog.org, Published 2022-03-29

Senate Bill 8667 would force new drivers to log six hours with a professional instructor. Gounardes and Carroll say the current system is lax. They want more training. Safety leaders back the move. DOT is reviewing. Streets stay deadly.

Senate Bill 8667, introduced by Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Bobby Carroll, would require all new drivers in New York State to complete six hours of professional driving instruction before taking the road test. The bill was announced on March 29, 2022. Gounardes slammed the current rules as too lenient, saying, "For some drivers, the first time they take the wheel [as a licensed driver] they are in sole control of their car." Carroll called the requirement "reasonable." Stephen Walling, president of the New York State Association of Professional Driving Schools, said the bill would "go a long way towards keeping all New Yorkers safer on our roads." The NYC Department of Transportation called driver education "crucial" for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users, and is reviewing the proposal. The bill awaits committee action.

• Albany Bill Would Finally Mandate Instruction for Student Drivers (Well, a Little), Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-29

Mayor Adams stood at a deadly Brooklyn intersection. He blamed Albany for tying the city’s hands. He called out the NYPD for weak enforcement. Twenty-seven pedestrians dead this year. Cameras go dark at night. Speeders win. Vulnerable lives lost.

On March 25, 2022, Mayor Adams held a press conference on street safety and traffic enforcement policy. The event spotlighted the city’s struggle to control its own traffic laws. Adams slammed state rules that force red light and speed cameras off between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., calling it 'unbelievable.' He said, 'Who are we protecting? We’re protecting the speeders. How about protecting Isaiah?' State Senator Andrew Gounardes, district 26, echoed Adams: 'It makes no sense that the city cannot control its own destiny on these streets.' Adams admitted NYPD traffic enforcement lags, with summonses down by more than half since 2019. Twenty-seven pedestrians have died so far this year—three more than last year. The mayor pressed for 24/7 camera operation and renewed NYPD focus. The council and advocates demand Albany act before more lives are lost.

• Mayor Adams blames Albany for NYC street safety flaws, but says city must do a better job, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-03-25

Mayor Adams stood with a grieving family. He demanded Albany let New York City control speed cameras, lower speed limits, and expand red-light cameras. He slammed laws that shield reckless drivers. Advocates say enforcement is not enough. Streets must change to save lives.

On March 25, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams issued a statement urging Albany to grant New York City authority over its speed camera enforcement system, lower speed limits, and expand red-light camera programs. Adams criticized the law that forces cameras off at 10 p.m., asking, 'Who are we protecting? We're protecting the speeders?' He cited clear data showing cameras cut violations and crashes. State Senator Andrew Gounardes echoed Adams, questioning why lawmakers outside the city control local street safety. Adams admitted NYPD traffic enforcement has dropped and pledged to prioritize it. Advocates argue enforcement alone is not enough and call for street redesigns to protect pedestrians and cyclists. Traffic deaths remain high, especially when cameras are off. The push highlights a fight for local control and safer streets for all vulnerable New Yorkers.

• Adams Wants Albany Help in Stopping Reckless Drivers, But There is Much More He Can Do On His Own, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-25

A 29-year-old man was injured crossing Clark Street in Brooklyn. An SUV backing east on Monroe Place struck him from behind. The pedestrian suffered a back contusion. The driver failed to back safely, causing the crash.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Clark Street outside an intersection in Brooklyn. The crash occurred when a 2018 SUV was backing east on Monroe Place and struck the pedestrian at the center back end of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained a back contusion and remained conscious. The report lists "Backing Unsafely" as the contributing factor, indicating driver error during the backing maneuver. The vehicle showed no damage. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal, but the report does not assign fault to him. No safety equipment or other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4511895 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-15

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 2022-03-02

A sedan and an SUV crashed on Court Street. The SUV driver and a 55-year-old female passenger suffered back injuries. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way. The passenger was not ejected but went into shock. Damage hit front quarter panels.

According to the police report, a 2007 GMC sedan and a 2007 Mazda SUV collided on Court Street. The sedan was starting from parking, and the SUV was going straight ahead, both traveling south. The collision impacted the right front quarter panel of the sedan and the left front bumper of the SUV. A 55-year-old female passenger in the SUV was injured, suffering back injuries and shock. The report lists failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor. The passenger was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. The drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles legally. The crash caused significant damage to both vehicles' front quarter panels.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4504820 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-15

DOT says new sensors to catch overweight trucks on the BQE will not arrive until year’s end. Council Member Restler calls the daily truck hazard urgent. Lawmakers demand swift action. The city and state must coordinate. Vulnerable road users wait.

On January 31, 2022, DOT confirmed that weigh-in-motion (WIM) sensors for the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) will take a year to install. The pilot program, enabled by a state bill signed December 22, aims to fine illegally overweight trucks. The bill was introduced by State lawmakers Brian Kavanagh and Jo Anne Simon. Council Member Lincoln Restler, representing District 33, pressed for rapid installation, warning, "There are extremely overweight trucks barreling down the triple cantilever every single day that are a hazard to the health and safety of our community." The matter title states: "Tonnage sensors on the BQE will take a year to set up: DOT." The project is complex, requiring city and state DOT coordination and a 90-day grace period once operational. Vulnerable road users remain exposed while the system is delayed.

• Tonnage sensors on the BQE will take a year to set up: DOT, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2022-01-31

DOT drags its feet. Overweight trucks pound the BQE. Council Member Restler calls it a daily hazard. Lawmakers push for weigh-in-motion sensors. The city says setup takes a year. Vulnerable road users wait while trucks threaten collapse.

On January 30, 2022, Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33) pressed for urgent action on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) weigh-in-motion (WIM) pilot. The bill, sponsored in the state legislature by Brian Kavanagh and Jo Anne Simon, was signed into law on December 22. The measure, described as a 'critical project' by DOT, aims to catch and fine overweight trucks using new sensors. Restler said, 'There are extremely overweight trucks barreling down the triple cantilever every single day that are a hazard to the health and safety of our community.' DOT claims the system will be operational by year’s end, citing technical complexity. The Brooklyn Heights Association and local officials demand faster action. The pilot is the first of its kind in the nation. Until sensors are live, the BQE remains a danger zone for everyone not behind the wheel.

• Weight' for it: BQE automatic truck tonnage sensors will take a year to set up, DOT says, amny.com, Published 2022-01-30

A taxi struck a sedan stopped in traffic on Cadman Plaza West in Brooklyn. The sedan’s right rear bumper took the hit. A 42-year-old female passenger suffered chest injuries and shock. The crash was caused by following too closely.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling north on Cadman Plaza West rear-ended a sedan that was stopped in traffic. The point of impact was the sedan’s right rear bumper. The taxi driver was slowing or stopping, but failed to maintain a safe distance, contributing to the collision. A 42-year-old female occupant in the sedan, seated in the right rear passenger position, was injured with chest trauma and experienced shock. She was restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the driver error. No other contributing factors were noted. The crash caused injury but no fatalities.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4498476 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-15

Albany leaders debate MTA’s future. Advocates want $500 million yearly to keep subways and buses moving. Riders face fare hikes and service cuts if lawmakers stall. The fight is urgent. Riders wait. Cars kill. Transit saves lives.

This funding debate centers on Gov. Hochul’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget, which allocates $6.6 billion in operating aid for the MTA but lacks new dedicated revenue. The proposal, discussed on January 28, 2022, has not advanced to a formal committee or bill stage. The matter: 'Who Wants To Give The MTA Half A Billion Dollars?' State Sen. Andrew Gounardes backs progressive funding, saying, 'Funding high-ridership bus routes and the subway such that transit options would be arriving every six minutes is something we need to be pushing for.' Comptroller Brad Lander and advocates like the Riders Alliance demand $500 million per year to avoid fare hikes and boost service. The push is clear: more frequent, affordable transit keeps vulnerable New Yorkers out of harm’s way. No formal safety analysis was provided, but the stakes for pedestrians and riders are life and death.

• Who Wants To Give The MTA Half A Billion Dollars?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-01-28