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

Apr 20 - A sedan making a U-turn hit a bicyclist going straight on Jay Street in Brooklyn. The cyclist, a 33-year-old man, suffered a facial contusion. The driver failed to yield right-of-way amid limited visibility. No helmet was worn.

According to the police report, a 2015 Chevrolet sedan traveling north on Jay Street in Brooklyn made a U-turn and collided with a southbound bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 33-year-old man, was injured with a facial contusion but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'View Obstructed/Limited' as contributing factors. The sedan's right front bumper struck the cyclist, who was riding without safety equipment. The cyclist sustained bruising but the bike showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle during the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4622095 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 19 - Senator Gounardes wants steeper fines for repeat speed camera violations. The bill targets drivers who ignore warnings. It aims to hit reckless behavior in the wallet. No direct safety impact for pedestrians or cyclists yet.

Senate bill S 6425 was introduced on April 19, 2023, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, proposes 'increasing fines for subsequent speed camera violations in the city of New York.' Gounardes leads the push to penalize repeat offenders. The legislation is not yet assigned to a committee. No safety analyst has assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The bill’s intent is clear: escalate penalties for those who keep speeding, but its effect on street safety remains unmeasured.

• File S 6425, Open States, Published 2023-04-19

Apr 18 - Four sedans collided on Adams Street in Brooklyn. Two vehicles stopped in traffic were struck from behind by moving cars. A 45-year-old male driver suffered a head contusion. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. No ejections reported.

According to the police report, a chain collision occurred on Adams Street involving four sedans. Two vehicles were stopped in traffic when they were struck from behind by two moving sedans traveling east. A 45-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining a head contusion but remained conscious and was not ejected. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No other contributing factors were specified. The crash caused damage to the center back and front ends of the vehicles involved. The incident highlights the dangers of driver distraction in traffic congestion.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4621489 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 15 - A box truck making a right turn struck a sedan starting from parking in Brooklyn. The sedan driver, a 58-year-old man, suffered back contusions. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as the cause. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage.

According to the police report, a 2016 Ford box truck was making a right turn when it collided with a 2016 BMW sedan that was starting from a parking position. The impact occurred at the right front bumper of the truck and the left front bumper of the sedan. The sedan driver, a 58-year-old man, was injured with back contusions and remained conscious. The report lists failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles eastbound. The sedan driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4620669 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 12 - Senator Gounardes’s bill would end car-first reviews. It targets a 15% cut in vehicle miles by 2050. The plan favors safer streets, less pollution, and more ways to get around. Advocates say it’s overdue. The old system kept streets dangerous.

State Bill S1234, introduced by Senator Andrew Gounardes on April 12, 2023, aims to overhaul New York’s environmental review process. The bill, now before the legislature, would replace the outdated 'level of service' metric—focused on driver delay—with a mandate to reduce total vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 15 percent by 2050. The bill summary states: 'By eliminating the relevance of level of service as a metric and utilizing vehicle miles traveled reduction instead, we can provide a new criteria for determining the significance of transportation impacts.' Gounardes, the bill’s sponsor, argues this shift will cut emissions and promote safer, multimodal streets. Advocates like Jon Orcutt and Sara Lind back the measure, calling it a long-overdue update that could finally let safety and climate take priority over car traffic. The bill follows California’s lead and could set a national example.

• State Bill Seeks to Alter Environmental Review So it Doesn’t Only Care About Drivers, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-04-12

Apr 7 - A dump truck struck a 31-year-old male e-bicyclist on Flatbush Avenue Extension in Brooklyn. The rider was ejected and suffered fractures and dislocations to his lower leg and foot. The truck showed no damage. The crash involved improper lane usage.

According to the police report, a dump truck traveling south on Flatbush Avenue Extension collided with an e-bike also traveling south. The e-bicyclist, a 31-year-old man, was ejected from his bike and sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The truck's right front quarter panel made contact with the bike's left front quarter panel. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor. The dump truck driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead. The e-bike rider was injured but conscious. There is no mention of helmet use or other safety equipment. The truck sustained no damage, while the e-bike had damage to its center front end.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4618963 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 1 - A 55-year-old woman was struck on Flatbush Avenue Extension while crossing with the signal. The sedan, driven by an unlicensed man making a left turn, failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered hip and upper leg injuries and was left in shock.

According to the police report, a sedan driven by an unlicensed male driver was making a left turn on Flatbush Avenue Extension in Brooklyn when it struck a 55-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg and was reported to be in shock. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the crash, attributed to the driver. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. The pedestrian had no visible complaints at the scene. The driver’s unlicensed status and failure to yield right-of-way were key factors in this collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4618805 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 1 - An e-bike rider crashed on Tillary Street near Flatbush Avenue Extension. The 23-year-old woman suffered a fractured knee and dislocated foot. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way. The bike’s front end was damaged; the other vehicle showed no damage.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old female e-bike driver was injured in a collision on Tillary Street in Brooklyn. She suffered fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The crash involved two vehicles traveling straight ahead, with impact at the center front end of the e-bike. The report lists failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor. The e-bike rider was wearing a helmet. The other vehicle, carrying two occupants, sustained no damage. The report does not specify additional contributing factors or details about the second vehicle. The rider was conscious and not ejected from her bike.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4627011 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 1 - A 37-year-old female bicyclist suffered neck injuries on Jay Street in Brooklyn. She reacted to an uninvolved vehicle and sustained whiplash. The e-bike showed no damage. The rider was conscious and not ejected from the bike.

According to the police report, a 37-year-old female bicyclist riding an e-bike eastbound on Jay Street in Brooklyn was injured after reacting to an uninvolved vehicle. The rider sustained neck injuries described as whiplash and remained conscious throughout the incident. The report lists "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle" as a contributing factor to the crash. No other driver errors were noted. The e-bike showed no damage, and the rider was not ejected. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment at the time. The crash caused injury severity level 3, with the rider complaining of neck pain.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4617519 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 27 - A 23-year-old woman was struck by a motorcycle on Fulton Street in Brooklyn. She was crossing with the signal when the motorcycle, traveling southwest, hit her at the front center. She suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee and lower leg.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling southwest on Fulton Street struck a 23-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver errors including Driver Inattention/Distraction and Failure to Yield Right-of-Way as contributing factors. The motorcycle impacted the pedestrian at the center front end. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but there is no mention of helmet use or other safety equipment. The crash highlights driver errors that led to harm of a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4616661 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 26 - A Ford SUV hit debris on Flatbush Avenue. The undercarriage ripped open. The driver, 29, was crushed and partly ejected. He hung from the door, lap belt tight, eyes open. Night swallowed the scene. Pavement failed him.

A Ford SUV traveling northwest on Flatbush Avenue struck road debris. The undercarriage tore apart. According to the police report, the 29-year-old driver was partially ejected and suffered severe back injuries. He was found conscious, crushed, and hanging half-out the door, his lap belt and harness still fastened. The report lists 'Obstruction/Debris' and 'Pavement Defective' as contributing factors. No mention of driver error appears in the data. The crash left the driver injured, with the vehicle's undercarriage destroyed. The scene was marked by broken pavement and the failure of city infrastructure.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4616917 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 26 - A 37-year-old man was hit while crossing Flatbush Avenue at a marked crosswalk. The sedan, traveling south, struck him with its front center. He suffered fractures and dislocations to his lower leg and foot. The driver was distracted.

According to the police report, a 37-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Flatbush Avenue at a marked crosswalk outside an intersection. The sedan, driven by a licensed male driver traveling south, struck the pedestrian with the vehicle's center front end. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was found semiconscious. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with tinted windows that may have impaired the driver's visibility. The pedestrian was not at fault and was crossing without a signal. The crash caused significant injury to the pedestrian and damage to the vehicle's center back end.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4616039 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 23 - A sedan turning improperly struck an e-scooter rider going straight on Jay Street. The rider, a 40-year-old man, was partially ejected and suffered hip and upper leg injuries. Unsafe speed by the sedan contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan making a U-turn on Jay Street collided with an e-scooter traveling south. The e-scooter driver, a 40-year-old man, was partially ejected and sustained injuries to his hip and upper leg, resulting in complaints of pain and nausea. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors, both attributed to the sedan driver. The e-scooter driver was going straight ahead at the time of impact. The sedan's right front bumper struck the center front end of the e-scooter. No helmet or signaling factors were noted. The crash highlights driver errors that led to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4615254 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 23 - Senator Gounardes wants a 25-cent fee on every online package. The money would fund city infrastructure. Trucks crowd streets. Packages pile up. The bill aims to slow the flood. City Hall will review. Delivery giants face new rules. Streets stay dangerous.

State Senator Andrew Gounardes introduced a bill on March 23, 2023, proposing a 25-cent surcharge on every online delivery package in New York City. The bill, now under review, aims to raise $226 million yearly for city infrastructure. Gounardes said, "We're proposing an infrastructure fund to help pay for some of the capital costs to mitigate some of the consequences of last-mile trucking, and freight growth." The bill responds to a surge in daily package deliveries, now at 2.3 million, and forecasts of 200,000 trucks a day by 2045. Gounardes, the bill's sponsor, wants the city—not the MTA—to control the funds. City Hall has not taken a position but said it welcomes ideas to limit emissions and advance infrastructure. The bill joins other efforts to regulate last-mile delivery and warehouse placement. No formal safety analysis for vulnerable road users was provided.

• State Senator Seeks Online Delivery Charge to Fund City Infrastructure, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-23

Mar 22 - A 61-year-old woman was struck by an e-scooter while crossing Atlantic Avenue with the signal. The rider failed to yield right-of-way and used improper lane passing. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot.

According to the police report, a 61-year-old female pedestrian was injured when an e-scooter traveling south on Atlantic Avenue struck her at an intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. The report lists the driver's errors as failure to yield right-of-way and improper passing or lane usage. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The e-scooter showed no vehicle damage and impacted the pedestrian on the left front quarter panel. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4615624 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 21 - Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Mar 21 - 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 2023-03-21

Mar 19 - E-bike hit a 59-year-old man crossing Atlantic Avenue with the signal. The man’s shoulder broke and dislocated. Driver ignored traffic control. The victim stayed conscious. No mention of helmet or other gear.

According to the police report, an e-bike traveling east on Atlantic Avenue struck a 59-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing the street with the signal. The pedestrian suffered a fractured and dislocated upper arm, a severe injury. The report lists the driver’s errors as disregarding traffic control and failing to yield the right-of-way. The e-bike showed no vehicle damage, suggesting a direct impact to the pedestrian. The victim remained conscious at the scene. No mention of helmet use or other safety equipment was noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4615670 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 14 - Albany lawmakers plug the MTA’s budget hole and block a fare hike. They launch a free bus pilot but refuse funds for more frequent service. Riders wait. Advocates warn: infrequent buses and trains leave New Yorkers stranded, exposed, and at risk.

On March 14, 2023, state legislators proposed a budget to fill the MTA’s fiscal deficit, avoid a fare hike, and fund a pilot for free buses. The bill, still under negotiation before the April 1 deadline, does not include the $300 million sought to boost off-peak bus and subway service to every six minutes. The matter summary reads: 'Legislators in Albany have proposed a budget to fill the MTA's fiscal hole, avert a fare hike, and fund a small pilot of free buses across New York City.' Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Andrew Gounardes pledged to keep fighting for better frequency. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber praised stable funding. Advocates like Betsy Plum criticized the omission: 'The legislature's budget ignores millions of riders stranded 12, 15, 20 minutes or more on subway platforms and at bus stops.' The budget’s failure to expand service leaves vulnerable riders waiting longer, exposed to danger and delay.

• State Legislators Fill MTA Fiscal Hole, Reject Fare Hike — But Don’t Expand Service, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-14

Mar 14 - Albany lawmakers plug the MTA’s budget hole and block a fare hike. They launch a free bus pilot but refuse to fund more frequent service. Riders wait. The streets stay dangerous. The system limps on. Vulnerable New Yorkers are left behind.

On March 14, 2023, state legislators proposed a budget to address the MTA’s fiscal crisis. The plan, discussed in committee, fills the funding gap and stops a fare hike. It launches a free bus pilot in low-income and commercial districts. The bill, backed by Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, does not include the $300 million needed to run buses and subways every six minutes off-peak. The matter summary states: 'Legislators in Albany have proposed a budget to fill the MTA's fiscal hole, avert a fare hike, and fund a small pilot of free buses.' Hoylman-Sigal supported ending Madison Square Garden’s tax break to help fund transit. Advocates and lawmakers like Zohran Mamdani blasted the omission, warning that infrequent service leaves riders stranded and exposed. The budget keeps the system afloat but fails to deliver safer, more reliable transit for those most at risk.

• State Legislators Fill MTA Fiscal Hole, Reject Fare Hike — But Don’t Expand Service, streetsblog.org, Published 2023-03-14