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

Feb 18 - Assembly bill A 5623 would make parking in crosswalks a crime. Drivers who block pedestrian paths face misdemeanor charges. Law aims to keep crossings clear. Pedestrians get space. Streets breathe.

Assembly bill A 5623, titled the "New York State pedestrian right-of-way protection act," was introduced on February 18, 2025. The bill sits at the sponsorship stage. It would make it an unclassified misdemeanor to stop, stand, or park a vehicle in a pedestrian right-of-way. Jo Anne Simon (District 52) is the primary sponsor, joined by Scott Gray (District 116) and Joe DeStefano (District 3) as co-sponsors. The bill targets drivers who block crosswalks, aiming to protect pedestrian space and reduce danger at crossings. No safety analyst note is available.

• File A 5623, Open States, Published 2025-02-18

Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

Jan 31 - A westbound SUV and bus collided on Tillary Street in Brooklyn. The SUV driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited improper lane usage by the SUV driver as a contributing factor. Both vehicles sustained front quarter panel damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Tillary Street near Flatbush Avenue Extension in Brooklyn at 14:50. The collision involved a westbound Ford SUV and a westbound New Flyer bus. The SUV driver, a 47-year-old female occupant, was injured with neck trauma and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report identifies 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor linked to the SUV driver. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front quarter panels—right front on the SUV and left front on the bus. The SUV driver’s improper lane usage directly contributed to the crash, highlighting a critical driver error in this collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789646 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jan 31 - A diesel truck plowed into a sedan’s rear on Atlantic Avenue. Both sedan occupants suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cite the truck driver for following too closely.

According to the police report, a diesel tractor truck rear-ended a sedan on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn at 8:42 AM. The truck’s front struck the sedan’s rear. Both sedan occupants—a 40-year-old male driver and a 25-year-old female passenger—sustained neck injuries and whiplash. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor, pointing to the truck driver’s failure to maintain distance. Both injured persons were conscious and restrained. No victim actions contributed to the crash. The collision underscores the risk when drivers fail to keep safe space on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789645 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jan 30 - Four cars slammed together on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway ramp. Drivers followed too close. Metal crumpled. A 43-year-old woman behind the wheel took the worst of it—neck pain, whiplash, still conscious.

According to the police report, four vehicles collided on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway ramp at 7:48 a.m. The crash unfolded as multiple drivers failed to keep safe distances, with 'Following Too Closely' listed several times as a contributing factor. One driver also reacted to an uninvolved vehicle, worsening the pileup. A 43-year-old female driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. She was not ejected and remained conscious. The vehicles involved—sedans and SUVs—showed front and rear-end damage, matching the chain-reaction impact. The report highlights repeated driver errors in following distance. No contributing factors were attributed to the injured driver's actions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789643 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jan 27 - Senate bill S 3387 demands complete street design in all DOT projects with state or federal funds. Streets must serve walkers, cyclists, and riders. No more car-first roads. Sponsors push for safer, fairer streets.

Senate bill S 3387, now in sponsorship, sits before the New York State Senate. The bill, titled 'Relates to requiring inclusion of complete street design for state and local transportation projects subject to oversight by the department of transportation,' would force all DOT projects using state or federal funds to include complete street design. Senator Andrew Gounardes leads as primary sponsor, joined by Patricia Fahy, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Liz Krueger. Their action aims to end car dominance and put vulnerable road users first. The bill was introduced January 27, 2025. No safety analyst note is available.

• File S 3387, Open States, Published 2025-01-27

Jan 26 - A cargo van turned left on Cropsey Avenue. It struck Mayya Gil, 95, and her aide. Gil died. The aide survived. No charges for the driver. Another senior lost to city traffic. The street remains dangerous for the old and frail.

Gothamist (2025-01-26) reports that Mayya Gil, 95, was killed while crossing Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn with her home health aide. According to the NYPD, 'a man driving a cargo van struck both of them while making a left turn.' Gil died from her injuries; her aide was hospitalized. Police did not arrest or charge the driver. The article notes that Gil was the second elderly pedestrian killed in Brooklyn this year, and cites Transportation Alternatives: '46 senior pedestrians were killed in car crashes across the city last year.' The crash highlights the ongoing risk seniors face on city streets, especially at intersections where turning vehicles endanger those crossing on foot.

• Elderly Woman Killed Crossing Cropsey Avenue, Gothamist, Published 2025-01-26

Jan 24 - A sport utility vehicle struck a sedan from behind on the Brooklyn Bridge. Three occupants in the sedan suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The crash was caused by the SUV driver following too closely, resulting in rear-end impact damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:15 on the Brooklyn Bridge involving a 2020 Toyota SUV and a 2025 Volkswagen sedan, both traveling eastbound. The SUV struck the sedan at the center back end, causing damage to both vehicles. The report cites "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance. The sedan carried three occupants—a 28-year-old male driver and two passengers aged 39 and 22—each wearing lap belts and harnesses. All three sustained neck injuries and complained of whiplash, with injury severity rated at level 3. None were ejected and all remained conscious. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the victims. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver errors such as tailgating on busy city bridges.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788213 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jan 24 - Two vehicles collided on Adams Street in Brooklyn during right turns. A 41-year-old female SUV driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The crash involved improper lane usage, causing damage to both vehicles’ side doors and serious occupant injury.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:35 AM on Adams Street in Brooklyn. A 41-year-old female driver of a 2020 SUV was injured, sustaining neck injuries and whiplash, and was conscious at the scene. Both vehicles, an SUV and a sedan, were making right turns when the collision happened. The point of impact was the left front quarter panel of the SUV and the right side doors of the sedan. The report cites 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in lane management during the maneuver. The injured driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The crash caused significant damage to the left side doors of the SUV and the right rear quarter panel of the sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788178 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jan 24 - Speed cameras slash reckless driving. At school zones, speeding drops 94 percent. But the program expires soon. DOT Commissioner Rodriguez urges Albany to act. State Sen. Gounardes backs expansion. Cameras save lives. Delay risks more deaths. Lawmakers hold the key.

Bill to reauthorize New York City's speed camera program is pending in Albany. The program, covering 750 school zones, needs state approval before June. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez calls speed cameras 'one of the most effective tools' to stop deadly driving. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, who sponsored the last reauthorization, says, 'my bill to expand the speed camera program has saved lives.' The city wants stronger penalties for repeat offenders and action on license plate fraud, which lets millions of violations go unpunished. The report shows cameras cut speeding by 94 percent and reduce injuries and deaths. The program faces political hurdles, but the evidence is clear: speed cameras protect people on foot and bike. Lawmakers must decide whether to keep this life-saving tool.

• DOT to Albany: Don’t Forget to Reauthorize Our Life-Saving Speed Cameras, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-24

Jan 21 - Senator Gounardes pushes S 2504. The bill hikes fines for repeat speed camera violations. It targets reckless drivers. The aim: slow cars, save lives. No direct safety impact noted yet.

Senate bill S 2504 was introduced on January 21, 2025, and is at the sponsorship stage. The bill, sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, proposes 'increasing fines for subsequent speed camera violations in the city of New York.' No committee referral or vote has occurred yet. Gounardes leads the push to penalize repeat offenders. There is no formal safety analyst note on the impact for vulnerable road users at this stage.

• File S 2504, Open States, Published 2025-01-21

Jan 21 - Assembly bill A 2642 orders new safety tech in every car. The DMV must set rules. Lawmakers push for change. Streets could see fewer crashes. The fight for safer roads moves to Albany.

Assembly Bill A 2642, now in sponsorship, would require advanced safety technology in all vehicles statewide. The bill, introduced January 21, 2025, directs the DMV commissioner to set rules and regulations. The matter reads: 'Mandates the use of advanced safety technology in vehicles in the state; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles to promulgate certain rules and regulations.' Brian Cunningham leads as primary sponsor, joined by Steven Raga, Chris Burdick, Tony Simone, Manny De Los Santos, Jen Lunsford, and Jo Anne Simon. The bill aims to force carmakers and drivers to adopt life-saving tech. No safety analyst has yet assessed its direct impact on vulnerable road users.

• File A 2642, Open States, Published 2025-01-21

Jan 17 - A 21-year-old man riding south on Court Street was thrown from his bike. He hit the ground. His arm and hand scraped raw. No driver errors listed. System failed to protect him.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old male bicyclist riding southbound on Court Street in Brooklyn was ejected from his bike and suffered abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists his injury as moderate. No other vehicles were damaged. The police report does not specify any driver errors or contributing factors, listing them as 'Unspecified.' No helmet use or crossing signal issues are mentioned. The absence of clear fault in the report highlights the dangers faced by cyclists on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786474 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jan 16 - Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16

Jan 13 - Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

Jan 9 - A 55-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after an SUV failed to yield while making a left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at a Brooklyn intersection when the impact occurred. The driver caused the collision.

According to the police report, the crash happened at 14:10 on Nevins Street near Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn. A 55-year-old female pedestrian was crossing the intersection with the signal when a 2021 Honda SUV, traveling south and making a left turn, struck her with the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' by the driver as the contributing factor. The vehicle sustained no damage. The pedestrian was conscious and injured, with no contributing factors attributed to her actions. This collision highlights the dangers posed by driver failure to yield at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785142 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jan 9 - Assembly bill A 1236 hits Albany. It targets drivers who block bike lanes. The bill adds a mandatory surcharge. Money goes to the court. Cyclists get no relief until cars clear the lane.

Assembly bill A 1236 was introduced on January 9, 2025. It sits at the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Relates to violations and a mandatory surcharge for parking in a bicycle lane,' would require drivers who block bike lanes to pay a mandatory surcharge to the court that finds them liable. Jo Anne Simon (District 52) leads as primary sponsor, joined by Deborah Glick (District 66) and Tony Simone (District 75) as co-sponsors. The bill aims to penalize drivers who endanger cyclists by blocking bike lanes, but its impact depends on enforcement and driver behavior. No safety analyst note is available.

• File A 1236, Open States, Published 2025-01-09

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 803 aims to keep cars out of bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Streets could clear. Cyclists might breathe easier. Lawmakers back the crackdown. The fight for safe passage continues.

Assembly bill A 803, now in sponsorship, proposes a bicycle lane safety program for New York City. It would enforce restrictions on bike lane use with photo devices. The bill summary reads: 'Establishes in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and/or protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Primary sponsor Zohran Mamdani leads, joined by Brian Cunningham, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Harvey Epstein, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill was introduced January 8, 2025. No safety analyst note was provided. The measure targets drivers who block or endanger cyclists.

• File A 803, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 324 demands complete street design for state- and federally-funded projects. Sponsors push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars. Safety for all hangs in the balance.

Assembly Bill A 324 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, drivers—when building or upgrading roads. Didi Barrett leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Amy Paulin, and many others. The bill also directs the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note yet, but the measure’s intent is clear: streets should protect the most vulnerable, not just move traffic.

• File A 324, Open States, Published 2025-01-08