Downtown Brooklyn bleeds at the seams: Tillary, Flatbush, Atlantic

May 31 - A 23-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a collision with an SUV in Brooklyn. The SUV struck the cyclist’s knee and lower leg. Both drivers showed signs of inattention. The cyclist suffered abrasions but was conscious and not ejected.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a 2023 SUV traveling south struck him at the intersection of York Street in Brooklyn. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV and the front center of the bike. The bicyclist sustained abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both the SUV driver and the bicyclist. The SUV driver was licensed and driving straight ahead. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633631 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 31 - Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2023-05-31

May 31 - Albany lawmakers refuse to vote on Sammy’s Law. The bill would let New York City lower speed limits below 25 mph. Council and mayor back it. Assembly leadership stalls. Streets stay dangerous. Families wait. The city’s hands remain tied.

Sammy’s Law, named after 12-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein, would let New York City set speed limits below the state’s 25 mph minimum. The bill, carried by State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, stalled in the Assembly despite strong support from the City Council and Mayor. Council Member Jen Gutierrez called the refusal to vote 'unbelievable,' saying, 'Families across the city deserve this vote.' Amy Cohen, Sammy’s mother, called the inaction 'unconscionable.' Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon said the bill lacks support to reach the floor. The bill passed the City Council’s home rule message but faces Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s resistance. The session ends June 8. Without action, the city cannot lower speed limits to protect pedestrians and cyclists.

• Sammy’s Law Not Expected to Pass in Assembly, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-31

May 26 - NYPD and Jo Anne Simon call for tougher drunk driving laws. Police ramp up DWI patrols for Memorial Day. Officials urge Albany to drop legal BAC to .05%. They cite rising deaths. Advocates say alcohol fuels a third of crashes. Streets stay deadly.

On May 26, 2023, Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon (District 52) joined NYPD and city officials to announce increased traffic enforcement for Memorial Day and to advocate for state legislation lowering the legal blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold from .08% to .05%. The announcement, made at One Police Plaza, highlighted the bill sponsored by Simon and Sen. John Liu. The matter summary states, 'Officials called on Albany to pass legislation to lower the BAC threshold to .05%, arguing it would reduce DWI fatalities by about 10% and align with other countries.' Simon declared, 'Lowering the BAC limit from .08% to .05% is desperately needed to adequately tackle this epidemic of traffic violence.' NYPD Chief Kim Royster and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez echoed the urgency. The bill awaits action in Albany. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but officials cite 43 NYC DWI deaths in 2021 and say 30% of state crashes involve alcohol.

• NYPD to step up enforcement of drink driving over Memorial Day weekend, amny.com, Published 2023-05-26

May 24 - Council backs home rule for Sammy’s Law. The move lets New York City set speed limits below 25 mph. Lawmakers and advocates say lower speeds mean fewer deaths. The bill honors Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a reckless driver. The vote puts safety first.

Bill: Home rule message for Sammy’s Law. Status: Poised for passage by the City Council on May 24, 2023. Committee: State and Federal Legislation, chaired by Council Member Shaun Abreu. The measure, titled 'City Council Poised to Pass ‘Home Rule’ Message for Sammy’s Law on Thursday,' lets New York City lower speed limits below 25 mph. Council Member Jen Gutierrez announced the Council’s intent to pass it, calling it crucial for safety. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'The city's ability to control the speed limits on its streets plays a crucial role in delivering traffic safety.' Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Mayor Eric Adams, and State Senator Andrew Gounardes all support the move. The bill honors Sammy Cohen Eckstein, killed by a reckless driver. Data cited shows lower speed limits increase pedestrian survival. Advocates stress urgency to protect New Yorkers.

• City Council Poised to Pass ‘Home Rule’ Message for Sammy’s Law on Thursday, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-24

May 21 - A 27-year-old male bicyclist struck a parked sedan on Jay Street in Brooklyn. The bike hit the sedan’s right side doors. The rider suffered a head abrasion and remained conscious. Driver distraction caused the crash. No helmet was worn.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old male bicyclist traveling north on Jay Street collided with a parked 2019 sedan. The bike struck the sedan’s right side doors, causing damage to both vehicles. The bicyclist sustained a head abrasion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor. The bicyclist was not wearing a helmet. There is no indication of other contributing factors or victim fault. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers and the vulnerability of cyclists in urban traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630762 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 21 - A 19-year-old man crossing Flatbush Avenue with the signal was struck by a turning vehicle. The impact hit the pedestrian’s lower leg and foot. The driver was inattentive and distracted. The victim suffered bruises and remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 19-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Flatbush Avenue at Lafayette Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a vehicle making a right turn struck him at the center front end. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No other vehicle or driver details were provided. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash and did not have any listed safety equipment. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4631427 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 18 - Senate bill S 7099 orders complete street design in all DOT projects with state or federal funds. Streets must serve walkers, cyclists, and riders. No more car-first blueprints. Gounardes leads. Hoylman-Sigal, Krueger back him.

Senate bill S 7099, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York Senate. Filed May 18, 2023, the bill 'requires inclusion of complete street design for state and local transportation projects undertaken by DOT or which receive both federal and state funding and are subject to DOT oversight.' Senator Andrew Gounardes sponsors the measure. Senators Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Liz Krueger co-sponsor. The bill demands every street project under DOT control put people first—pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. No safety analyst note is available yet. The bill aims to end car-centric planning.

• File S 7099, Open States, Published 2023-05-18

May 16 - Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

May 14 - A 32-year-old male bicyclist suffered a concussion and full-body injuries after an SUV made a right turn and struck him on Navy Street. The cyclist was conscious and not ejected. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as a factor.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old male bicyclist riding an e-bike was injured when a 2017 SUV made a right turn on Navy Street and collided with him. The impact occurred at the SUV's right front bumper and the bike's left front quarter panel. The bicyclist sustained a concussion and injuries to his entire body but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor to the crash. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling southwest, while the bicyclist was going straight south.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630036 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 12 - A northbound SUV rear-ended a stopped SUV on Pacific Street. The front passenger suffered neck injuries. Police cite following too closely and driver inattention. Both vehicles damaged. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a northbound Jeep SUV struck the rear of a stopped Toyota SUV on Pacific Street in Brooklyn. The front passenger in the Toyota, a 24-year-old man, suffered neck pain and whiplash. The report lists driver errors including "Following Too Closely" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as contributing factors. Both vehicles were SUVs and sustained front and rear damage. No other injuries or ejections were reported. The Toyota carried two occupants; the Jeep had one.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628769 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 9 - Two SUVs struck a sedan on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The sedan driver, a 50-year-old woman, suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cite following too closely as the cause. No pedestrians were involved.

According to the police report, three vehicles collided on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway: two SUVs and a sedan, all heading east. The 50-year-old female sedan driver was injured, sustaining head trauma and whiplash. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. The sedan was hit in the center back end; both SUVs showed front end damage. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Driver error in maintaining distance led to the crash. The injured driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628550 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 8 - A 62-year-old man driving a sedan was injured when an SUV made a left turn and struck the sedan’s left front quarter panel. The driver suffered bruises and leg injuries. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as the cause.

According to the police report, an SUV making a left turn collided with a sedan traveling straight on Flatbush Avenue Extension in Brooklyn. The sedan’s driver, a 62-year-old man, was injured with contusions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor. The sedan driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The SUV had no occupants at the time. Damage was sustained to the left front quarter panel of the sedan and the right front bumper of the SUV. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4627605 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 5 - A sedan passed too close on Atlantic Avenue. It hit an e-bike. The rider, 26, was thrown off. He suffered bruises and contusions. The crash left the cyclist hurt and the sedan’s front end damaged.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn collided with an e-bike moving in the same direction. The sedan struck the e-bike’s left side doors, ejecting the 26-year-old male rider. He suffered contusions and bruises across his entire body but remained conscious. The report lists driver errors including "Passing Too Closely" as a contributing factor. The e-bike rider was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The sedan sustained damage to its center front end. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4626983 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 4 - A 46-year-old man was struck while crossing Jay Street with the signal. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The crash happened in Brooklyn at 5:20 p.m.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Jay Street and York Street in Brooklyn. The 46-year-old man was crossing with the signal when a vehicle traveling west struck him. The report lists driver errors as failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The vehicle was going straight ahead and impacted the pedestrian at an unspecified point. No other vehicle or driver details were provided. The pedestrian remained conscious after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4626057 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 1 - A driver killed Katherine Harris on Atlantic Avenue. Politicians demand mid-block crossings, daylighted intersections, and curb extensions. They call the street a speedway. They blame city inaction. They vow to push for changes. The city promises only to study.

On May 1, 2023, after the death of Katherine Harris, Brooklyn Heights Council Member Lincoln Restler and State Senator Andrew Gounardes called for urgent safety fixes on Atlantic Avenue. At a rally, Restler said, "It is wrong how deadly this strip is." The officials demand mid-block crossings, daylighted intersections, raised crosswalks, curb extensions, and safer pedestrian space near BQE ramps. Borough President Antonio Reynoso criticized city resistance to reallocating street space, saying, "They drag their feet because they don’t want to do the inevitable." The Department of Transportation has agreed only to study new crosswalks. The bill is not yet formal legislation but marks a push for action after years of delay. No safety analyst assessment is available.

• In Wake of Death, Pols Want Mid-Block Crossings, Safer Atlantic Ave., Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-01

May 1 - Sammy’s Law, which lets New York City set speed limits below 25 mph, failed to make the state budget. The Council now holds the power. Lawmakers stall. Streets stay deadly. Victims’ families and advocates demand action. Lives hang in the balance.

Sammy’s Law, named for 12-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein, would let New York City lower speed limits below 25 mph. The bill failed to enter the 2023 state budget, shifting responsibility to the City Council. In 2021, the Council backed a home rule message 42-6, but the Assembly blocked it. Last year, the Council reversed course and failed to pass the message. This session, Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez introduced a resolution urging passage, with 10 sponsors. Transportation Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers must hold a hearing before a vote. Speaker Adrienne Adams and Brooks-Powers have not signed on, citing negotiations. The bill’s summary states: 'Life-saving legislation that would allow New York City to set speed limits below 25 miles per hour failed to make it into this year's state budget.' Data show slower speeds save lives. Advocates and victims’ families keep pushing. The Council’s inaction keeps streets dangerous.

• With ‘Sammy’s Law’ Not in the State Budget, It’s Up to the City Council to Push It, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-05-01

Apr 30 - Flatbush Avenue. Dawn. A sedan and SUV slam head-on. Metal twists. A woman bleeds from her arm. A pickup takes the hit. Unsafe speed shreds calm. The city shrugs. Lives scar. The road stays ruthless.

A sedan and an SUV collided head-on near Flatbush Avenue and Livingston Street at dawn. According to the police report, 'Speed tore metal.' The crash left a 38-year-old woman, the sedan driver, with severe arm lacerations. A pickup truck was also struck in the crash. The only contributing factor listed in the data is 'Unsafe Speed.' No other driver errors are noted. The report states, 'The belt held her. The road did not.' The violence of speed left the woman injured and the vehicles mangled. The crash highlights the danger when drivers move too fast for city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4624746 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 23 - A sedan making a left turn struck a 23-year-old male e-bicyclist going straight. The rider suffered neck injuries and whiplash but remained conscious. The crash involved traffic control disregard and damaged both vehicles’ front ends.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling northwest on Livingston Street made a left turn and collided with an e-bike traveling south. The 23-year-old male bicyclist was injured, sustaining neck trauma and whiplash while wearing a helmet. The driver of the sedan was licensed and the collision point was the sedan’s right front bumper and the e-bike’s left front bumper. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the sedan operator. No other contributing factors were specified. The bicyclist was not ejected and remained conscious after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4622850 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 23 - A northbound sedan changed lanes and struck a bicyclist traveling straight ahead on Navy Street. The cyclist, a 49-year-old man, suffered a back injury but remained conscious. The sedan showed no damage despite the impact to its right front quarter panel.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Navy Street attempted a lane change and collided with a bicyclist also heading north. The bicyclist, a 49-year-old man, sustained an internal back injury but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor for the crash. The sedan's right front quarter panel made contact with the bike's center front end, yet the sedan showed no damage. No other contributing factors were noted. The bicyclist's safety equipment status is unknown. The crash highlights the dangers of distracted driving during lane changes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4623710 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19