Brooklyn Heights Bleeds: Speed Kills, Leaders Stall

A sedan struck the rear of a tractor truck on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The sedan driver, a 29-year-old man, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely as the primary cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway at 1:00 AM. A sedan traveling westbound collided with the center rear of a tractor truck also moving westbound. The sedan driver, a 29-year-old male occupant, was injured with head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report explicitly identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor attributed to the sedan driver. The tractor truck, a 2015 model registered in New York, sustained front-end damage, while the sedan, a 2010 model registered in Pennsylvania, was damaged at the rear center. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776532 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

MTA’s congestion pricing plan splits New Yorkers. Council Member Holden calls it betrayal. Poll shows narrow support. Some see a cash grab, others hope for better transit. The $9 fee hits drivers. The city waits for the impact.

On November 18, 2024, the MTA approved congestion pricing, set to start January 5, 2025. The plan charges $9 for cars and $14.40 for trucks entering Manhattan below 60th Street. amNew York Metro polled nearly 3,000 residents: 53.8% support, 44.9% oppose. The matter, titled 'Here’s how New Yorkers really feel about congestion pricing,' reveals sharp divides. Council Member Robert F. Holden (District 30, Queens) condemned the move, calling it a 'blatant political move and a shameless betrayal of New Yorkers.' State Sen. Andrew Gounardes backed the plan, citing needed transit upgrades. The bill’s impact on vulnerable road users was not assessed. The debate centers on funding transit versus burdening drivers. The city stands at a crossroads.

• Here’s how New Yorkers really feel about congestion pricing, amny.com, Published 2024-12-03

A city worker crashed into three cars in Bed-Stuy. She dragged a person, struck a car with a pregnant woman, and tried to flee. No life-threatening injuries. Police arrested her near the scene. Charges include assault and reckless endangerment.

Gothamist (2024-11-27) reports a New York City Housing Authority employee crashed into three vehicles near Gates Avenue and Marcus Garvey Boulevard in Brooklyn. Police say the driver, Tanisha Simpson, "swiped an oncoming car," dragged a person trying to get her information, and hit another car with a pregnant woman inside. She then struck a third, unoccupied vehicle before being arrested by city sheriffs nearby. The pregnant woman was taken to a hospital for evaluation. Simpson faces charges of reckless endangerment, assault, and leaving the scene. The incident highlights ongoing risks at busy intersections and underscores the consequences of fleeing after a crash.

• Driver Drags Person, Hits Pregnant Woman, Gothamist, Published 2024-11-27

Bay Ridge’s parks and promenade get $30 million for repairs and upgrades. Community Board 10 approves. New lighting, wider paths, and more green space promised. Council Member Justin Brannan funds and supports. Cyclists and pedestrians get safer, smoother routes. No timeline yet.

On November 25, 2024, City Council Member Justin Brannan and Community Board 10 announced approval and funding for major upgrades to the Bay Ridge Promenade and Leif Ericson Park. The Parks Committee and full board both voted unanimously for the $30 million overhaul, which includes $20.97 million for the Shore Road Promenade and $9.25 million for Leif Ericson Park. The project, described as 'Destination: Greenways!', will expand green space, separate bike and pedestrian lanes, add lighting, and install new amenities. Brannan, a key funder and supporter, said, 'Our local parks are the lungs of our city.' The overhaul aims to improve recreational cycling, repair pothole-ridden paths, and increase accessibility. Board members raised concerns about safety and sanitation, which the Parks Department pledged to address in final designs. No construction timeline has been set.

• Bay Ridge community board greenlights $30M facelift for Shore Road Promenade, Leif Ericson Park, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-11-25

SUV struck a 36-year-old woman crossing Middagh Street with the signal. Impact shattered her knee and lower leg. Driver was distracted. Night, Brooklyn. No damage to the car. The street bore the force.

According to the police report, a 36-year-old woman was crossing Middagh Street at Henry Street in Brooklyn with the signal when a southbound SUV made a left turn and struck her with its left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered a fractured, distorted, and dislocated knee and lower leg. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating legally. No pedestrian errors or equipment issues were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4773757 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Governor Hochul cuts the congestion toll to $9. The move aims to beat a Trump block. Experts warn the lower fee will not cut traffic like the original $15 plan. Urgency grows as the MTA stalls projects. Vulnerable road users wait for relief.

""It’s more important than ever that we start congestion pricing immediately, before Trump can block it,"" -- Andrew Gounardes

On November 8, 2024, State Senator Andrew Gounardes responded to Governor Hochul’s revised congestion pricing plan. The new proposal drops the peak toll from $15 to $9. The plan’s status is pending, with urgency to implement before a new presidential administration. Gounardes stressed, “It’s more important than ever that we start congestion pricing immediately, before Trump can block it.” The bill aims to fund the MTA’s 2020-2024 capital plan, but economist Charles Komanoff warns, “You don’t get the immediate traffic speed gain that a $15 toll would give.” The measure is meant to reduce traffic and improve transit, but the lower toll means less impact. The MTA has already paused $16 billion in work. The focus is on starting the program, but advocates note the diluted toll will not deliver the same safety and quality-of-life gains for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Analysis: Hochul's $9 Congestion Toll May Stave Off Trump, But Won't Reduce Traffic as Much, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-11-08

Governor Hochul slashes NYC’s congestion toll to $9. The move aims to beat a federal block but guts traffic reduction. Streets will see less relief. The plan leaves vulnerable road users exposed. The city trades speed and safety for political timing.

""It s more important than ever that we start congestion pricing immediately, before Trump can block it," said state Senator Andrew Gounardes (D-Brooklyn). "The time to commit to better public transit, less traffic and cleaner air is now."" -- Andrew Gounardes

On November 8, 2024, Governor Hochul proposed lowering New York City’s congestion pricing toll from $15 to $9. The plan, a policy proposal to adjust congestion pricing, comes as officials rush to implement it before a new presidential administration can intervene. The original $15 toll, crafted by the Traffic Mobility Review Board and approved by the MTA Board, promised strong traffic reduction and included credits and caps. The $9 version, previously reviewed in environmental assessments, may lack those protections. Economist Charles Komanoff warns, 'You lose other benefits. Most noticeably, you don’t get the immediate traffic speed gain that a $15 toll would give.' State Senator Andrew Gounardes urges swift action, saying, 'The time to commit to better public transit, less traffic and cleaner air is now.' The lower toll is projected to improve traffic speeds by only 6.4 percent, far less than the 17 percent expected from the original plan. With less traffic reduction, streets remain dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Analysis: Hochul’s $9 Congestion Toll May Stave Off Trump, But Won’t Reduce Traffic as Much, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-11-08

A sedan and a carry-all collided on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway at night. The carry-all driver’s unsafe lane change caused a right front impact. The sedan driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash but remained conscious and inside the vehicle.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:50 on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The collision involved a sedan traveling east and a carry-all merging eastbound. The carry-all driver committed 'Unsafe Lane Changing,' cited twice as the contributing factor. The impact occurred at the right front bumper of the carry-all and the left front bumper of the sedan. The sedan driver, a 42-year-old male, sustained neck injuries and complained of whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The report explicitly identifies the carry-all driver’s unsafe lane change as the cause, with no contributing factors attributed to the sedan driver or any victim behavior. The crash highlights the dangers of improper merging maneuvers on high-speed expressways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4769450 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 35-year-old male driver suffered facial abrasions after his SUV was struck from behind by another SUV on Clark Street in Brooklyn. Police identified following too closely as the cause. Both vehicles were traveling westbound at the time of impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Clark Street in Brooklyn at 1:18 p.m. Two SUVs traveling westbound were involved. The lead vehicle, a 2018 Toyota SUV with two occupants, was stopped in traffic when it was struck in the center back end by a 1997 Ford SUV. The Ford driver was cited for following too closely, which caused the rear-end collision. The 35-year-old male driver of the Toyota sustained abrasions to his face but was conscious and not ejected. He was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists no contributing factors related to the victim's actions. The collision highlights the dangers of tailgating in congested traffic conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4767318 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs collided head-to-tail on Clinton Street in Brooklyn. Both drivers were heading north when the rear vehicle struck the front. Two passengers suffered neck injuries and whiplash, both restrained but shocked. Driver inattention caused the crash.

According to the police report, at 10:40 AM on Clinton Street in Brooklyn, two SUVs traveling north collided in a rear-end crash. The front vehicle, a 2018 Toyota SUV with three occupants, was struck in the center back end by a 2016 Honda SUV traveling behind it. The point of impact was the center front end of the rear vehicle. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash. Two passengers in the front vehicle, a 43-year-old female and a 39-year-old male, both seated in the middle front seat or lying across a seat, were injured with neck injuries and complaints of whiplash. Both were wearing lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report notes their emotional status as shock. There are no contributing factors listed for the passengers. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction leading to rear-end collisions in Brooklyn.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4763901 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council pushes Albany to let New York City ticket drivers who block bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Cyclists face deadly risk. Lawmakers demand action. Streets must protect the vulnerable.

Resolution 0574-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced September 26, 2024, it urges passage of S.5008A/A.803A. The measure calls for a 'bicycle lane safety program' using cameras to enforce bike lane rules. Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor), Lincoln Restler, and Erik D. Bottcher back the resolution. The text states: 'enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' The council demands Albany act. Cyclists die while drivers block lanes. The bill aims to hold motorists accountable and protect those most at risk.

• File Res 0574-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Council bill slashes legal parking time for big rigs. Ninety minutes max for tractor-trailers. Three hours for other commercial trucks. Streets clear faster. Heavy metal moves on.

Int 1069-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced September 26, 2024. The bill reads: "reducing the maximum time commercial vehicles may park." Sponsored by Kevin C. Riley and 23 others, it limits parking to three hours for most commercial vehicles, and 90 minutes for tractor-trailers, unless signs say otherwise. The law takes effect 120 days after passage. Council aims to keep streets less clogged by oversized trucks. No safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets long-term truck storage on city streets.

• File Int 1069-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Council ends jaywalking penalties. Pedestrians now cross anywhere, any time. No summons. Law strips drivers of excuses. Streets shift. Power tilts to people on foot.

Int 0346-2024, now enacted, rewrites New York’s pedestrian rules. The bill, heard by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, passed on September 26, 2024, and became law on October 26, 2024. Its title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to pedestrian crossing guidelines and right of way.” Sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-sponsored by Narcisse, Won, Hanif, Hudson, and Restler, the law lets pedestrians cross streets anywhere, even against signals. No more tickets for crossing outside crosswalks. The Department of Transportation must educate all street users on new rights and responsibilities. The law removes a tool police used to target walkers. It shifts blame from people on foot to the system and those behind the wheel.

• File Int 0346-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-09-26

Feds send $164 million to Brooklyn Marine Terminal. Officials cheer jobs, cleaner air, and modern piers. Some warn of more trucks. The city takes control. Freight moves, but so do risks. Streets near Red Hook brace for change.

On September 23, 2024, federal officials announced $163.8 million for the Brooklyn Marine Terminal (BMT) in Council District 26. The funding, praised by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Mayor Eric Adams, aims to 'revitalize the Brooklyn Marine Terminal,' reduce truck traffic, and modernize infrastructure. The NYC Economic Development Corporation took over BMT from the Port Authority in May. U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler warned the deal could increase truck traffic and threaten jobs, but stressed the port's importance. The grant targets repairs, modernization, and traffic reduction. No formal safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided. The project’s impact on street safety remains unclear as freight and trucks shift through Red Hook.

• NYC gets $164 million in fed funds to restore Brooklyn Marine Terminal, amny.com, Published 2024-09-23

A white SUV struck a 74-year-old man in a Bay Ridge crosswalk. The driver did not slow down. The victim flew through the air. He died at the hospital. The driver fled. Senator Gounardes called for prosecution and safer streets.

On September 12, 2024, State Senator Andrew Gounardes (District 26) responded to a fatal hit-and-run in Bay Ridge. Surveillance video shows a white SUV slamming into Segundo Reina-Gaon, 74, at Ridge Boulevard and Bay Ridge Avenue. The driver did not slow down and fled the scene. Gounardes wrote, 'Awful news to wake up to this morning in Bay Ridge. The video is hard to watch. The driver doesn’t appear to even slow down. This driver needs to be apprehended and prosecuted. And we will continue to work with DOT to make this intersection – and Ridge Boulevard – safer.' Gounardes supports stronger enforcement and street redesign to protect pedestrians. The crash underscores the deadly risk to vulnerable road users at dangerous intersections.

• Brutal video shows SUV plow into 74-year-old, send him flying in fatal hit-and-run crash, nypost.com, Published 2024-09-12

A white SUV struck and killed a 74-year-old man in a Bay Ridge crosswalk. The driver fled. Council Member Justin Brannan called out the violence. Police search for answers. Grief and anger grip the neighborhood. The victim’s family mourns. Justice remains elusive.

On September 12, 2024, Council Member Justin Brannan (District 47) responded to a deadly hit-and-run in Bay Ridge. The incident, reported by brooklynpaper.com, saw a 74-year-old pedestrian killed while crossing Ridge Boulevard at Bay Ridge Avenue. The matter, titled 'Police seek driver of white SUV after 74-year-old killed in Bay Ridge hit-and-run,' details how the driver fled, leaving the victim and several damaged vehicles behind. Brannan posted: 'This is not the news any of us wanted to wake up to today. One of our neighbors was killed by a driver in a white SUV last night. The driver took off, and all of it was captured on video.' State Senator Andrew Gounardes also voiced outrage and concern. Both officials pledged to support the investigation and seek justice for the victim. No safety analyst assessment was provided for this event.

• Police seek driver of white SUV after 74-year-old killed in Bay Ridge hit-and-run, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-09-12

A white SUV struck Segundo Reina-Gaon, 74, in a Brooklyn crosswalk. The driver fled. Paramedics rushed Reina-Gaon to the hospital. He died. Police set up a checkpoint. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes had raised safety concerns at this spot days before.

On September 12, 2024, a fatal hit-and-run occurred in Council District 26. Segundo Reina-Gaon, 74, was killed crossing Ridge Blvd. near Bay Ridge Ave. The incident happened just a block from where State Senator Andrew Gounardes met with Department of Transportation officials to discuss safety issues earlier that week. Gounardes responded, 'Devastated to wake up to the news that a Bay Ridge neighbor was killed by an SUV in a hit-and-run last night. Just two days ago I was discussing safety concerns one block from here with DOT.' The NYPD set up a checkpoint at the crash site, stopping vehicles and checking IDs. The matter underscores the deadly risk to pedestrians and the urgent need for systemic change. Gounardes supports pedestrian safety improvements and enforcement against hit-and-run drivers.

• SUV collides with 74-year-old man on Brooklyn crosswalk in fatal hit-and-run, nydailynews.com, Published 2024-09-12

City law now forces DOT to reveal where bikes and scooters go. Streets and bridges, protected or not. Data goes public. Riders’ movement, danger, and safety projects laid bare. No more hiding the facts.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and passed on August 15, 2024. The law orders the Department of Transportation to post current bicycle and micromobility ridership data online, updated monthly or at least yearly. The matter summary reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Restler, Hudson, Schulman, and others. The law demands transparency on where riders travel and what DOT does to keep them safe. This opens the books on bike movement and exposes gaps in protection.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-08-15

A 29-year-old female driver suffered neck injuries after her SUV overturned on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The crash involved a box truck changing lanes without yielding. The SUV driver was restrained but left with serious pain and shock.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway around 12:50 PM. A 29-year-old female SUV driver, traveling westbound and going straight ahead, was struck when a box truck, also westbound, changed lanes without yielding right-of-way. The report cites the box truck driver's failure to yield and unsafe lane changing as contributing factors. The SUV overturned and was demolished on impact. The SUV driver, who was wearing a lap belt and harness, was not ejected but sustained neck injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The box truck showed no damage. This collision highlights the dangers posed by driver errors such as failure to yield and unsafe lane changes on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4746757 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Sedan struck cyclist from behind on Clinton Street. Slippery pavement sent the rider down. Cyclist, helmeted, suffered head injuries. Brooklyn street turned dangerous. Impact left one hurt, one shaken.

According to the police report, a sedan rear-ended a bicyclist traveling northbound near 166 Clinton Street in Brooklyn at 13:09. The 24-year-old male cyclist was partially ejected and suffered head abrasions and shock. The sedan, driven by a licensed male with one passenger, hit the center back end of the bike. Both vehicles were moving straight ahead. The report lists 'Pavement Slippery' as a contributing factor for the crash. The cyclist wore a helmet. No other driver errors are cited in the data. The crash left the cyclist injured and highlighted the danger of slick city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4746195 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04