Bushwick’s Blood Price: How Many More Must Die Before We Act?

Aug 23 - Lawmakers say Hochul broke the law. They filed a brief. They argue the governor has no right to halt congestion pricing. The MTA Board, not Albany, holds the power. The pause sows confusion. Streets stay clogged. Vulnerable New Yorkers pay the price.

On August 23, 2024, a group of New York State legislators—Assembly Members Phil Steck and Andrew Hevesi, State Senator Julia Salazar, and former Assembly Member Dick Gottfried—filed a legal brief against Governor Hochul’s decision to pause congestion pricing. The matter, as described: “the legislature never gave her or any governor the power to do away with the traffic toll.” The brief cites the 2019 Traffic Mobility Act, arguing only the Traffic Mobility Review Board and the MTA can make such decisions. The lawmakers warn that letting the governor override the MTA would “make impossibly opaque the actual responsibility for MTA decisions.” Their action supports the MTA Board’s independence and opposes executive interference. No safety analyst has assessed the direct impact on vulnerable road users, but the legislators’ stance highlights the risk of political meddling in life-and-death street policy.

• State Legislators Say They Never Gave Hochul the Power to Pause Congestion Pricing, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-08-23

Aug 21 - A sedan turned right on Flushing Avenue. A motorcycle struck its front. The rider flew off, landing hard. He suffered arm and shoulder injuries. Police cited improper turning and distraction as causes.

According to the police report, a crash occurred at 12:50 PM on Flushing Avenue at Saint Nicholas Avenue in Brooklyn. A motorcycle traveling east collided with a sedan making a right turn, also heading east. The motorcyclist, a 39-year-old man, was ejected and suffered contusions and injuries to his upper arm and shoulder. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The motorcycle operator was unlicensed. The sedan driver was licensed and operating a 2004 Honda. The point of impact was the motorcycle's center front and the sedan's right front quarter panel. Driver errors, including improper turning and distraction, are noted in the police data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4749902 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 20 - A box truck barreled through Flushing Avenue, disregarding traffic control. A 29-year-old motorcyclist struck its front, was crushed, thrown, and died on the street. His helmet offered no shield against the violence of steel and neglect.

A deadly collision unfolded on Flushing Avenue near Scott Avenue in Brooklyn when a 1987 BMW motorcycle collided with the front quarter of a box truck, according to the police report. The 29-year-old motorcycle rider, who was wearing a helmet, was crushed and partially ejected from his bike. He died at the scene from severe injuries to his entire body. The police report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, drawing attention to the failure of at least one driver to obey traffic signals or signs. Both vehicles were reported as going straight ahead at the time of impact. The truck's left front quarter panel was struck, and the motorcycle overturned. The report makes no mention of any victim error or behavior contributing to the crash. The violence of the impact and the disregard for traffic control proved fatal.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4749926 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 20 - City pushes ahead with a scaled-back McGuinness Boulevard redesign. Protected bike lanes come, but dangerous elements stay. Councilmember Restler slams the compromise. Advocates and officials say safety is sacrificed for politics. DOT claims improvements, but critics remain unsatisfied.

On August 20, 2024, the city announced it will proceed with a controversial redesign of McGuinness Boulevard in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The plan, not a council bill but a Department of Transportation decision, extends parking-protected bike lanes from Calyer Street to Meeker Avenue. Councilmember Lincoln Restler, representing District 33, criticized the move, saying, 'The mayor has put forward a compromise that nobody likes.' A coalition of elected officials—including Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Comptroller Brad Lander, and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso—called for a more thorough redesign, arguing the current plan preserves dangerous elements. DOT spokesperson Vincent Barone claimed the redesign will make the corridor safer for all users, with new bike lanes and sidewalk extensions. Despite these claims, advocates and local leaders argue the plan fails to address core dangers and puts vulnerable road users at continued risk.

• City proceeds with controversial McGuinness Boulevard redesign despite opposition, gothamist.com, Published 2024-08-20

Aug 16 - A sedan driver distracted by inattention struck a northbound bicyclist making a left turn on Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn. The 24-year-old cyclist suffered back injuries and shock. The collision damaged the sedan’s right side and the bike’s front end.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:00 AM on Bushwick Avenue near Jefferson Street in Brooklyn. A sedan traveling southbound, driven by a licensed male driver, was going straight ahead when it struck a northbound bicyclist making a left turn. The point of impact was the sedan’s right front quarter panel and the bike’s left front bumper. The bicyclist, a 24-year-old male, was injured with back pain and shock, reporting complaints of pain or nausea. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both the sedan driver and the bicyclist, highlighting the sedan driver’s failure to maintain attention. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment. Vehicle damage included the sedan’s right side doors and the bike’s center front end.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4749003 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 15 - 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

Aug 15 - 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

Aug 14 - A distracted SUV driver struck an 18-year-old bicyclist on Humboldt Street in Brooklyn. The cyclist was ejected and suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The SUV was parked before impact, which hit its left side doors.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:48 on Humboldt Street, Brooklyn. The vehicle involved was a 2015 SUV, which was parked before the collision and was struck on its left side doors. The bicyclist, an 18-year-old male, was riding westbound and was ejected upon impact, sustaining abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors from the SUV driver. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment and had a permit license. The report also notes 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor but places primary emphasis on the driver's errors. The SUV driver was licensed and male. The collision caused no damage to the bike but significant injury to the bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4748787 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 11 - SUV driver lost focus on Troutman Street. The vehicle struck a parked sedan. Both driver and front passenger suffered bruises to head and shoulder. Impact was hard. Stationary car took the blow.

According to the police report, a 2019 Ford SUV traveling west on Troutman Street in Brooklyn struck a parked 2011 Nissan sedan at 13:45. The SUV's right front bumper hit the sedan's left rear bumper. The crash injured the 28-year-old female driver and a 27-year-old male front-seat passenger. Both sustained contusions and bruises to the head and shoulder. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim actions are noted. Both injured occupants were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The sedan was unoccupied at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4747573 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 28 - A late-night crash on Cypress Avenue sent a 19-year-old front passenger to the hospital with leg injuries. Two sedans collided head-on and rear-end, with alcohol involvement cited as a contributing factor in the police report.

According to the police report, the collision occurred at 2:27 AM on Cypress Avenue near Himrod Street in Brooklyn. Two sedans, a 2020 BMW and a 2022 Jeep, traveling east, collided with impact to the center back end of the BMW and the center front end of the Jeep. The report cites alcohol involvement as a contributing factor to the crash, indicating driver impairment. A 19-year-old male front passenger in one of the vehicles sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises, and was conscious at the scene. The BMW was initially parked before the crash, while the Jeep was moving straight ahead. No ejections occurred. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the victim's behavior or safety equipment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4743832 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 26 - Atlantic Avenue gets a lifeline. New mid-block crossings, concrete islands, and curb extensions aim to slow cars and protect people. Local leaders call it overdue. For years, crashes haunted this corridor. Now, the city moves to put people before traffic.

On July 26, 2024, Council Member Lincoln Restler announced major street safety upgrades for Atlantic Avenue in District 33. The project, led by NYC DOT, brings mid-block crossings, concrete pedestrian islands, curb enhancements, and split-phase signals to one of Brooklyn’s deadliest corridors. The matter, titled 'Atlantic Avenue upgrade: Locals celebrate major safety fixes coming to dangerous corridor,' highlights years of advocacy after repeated crashes. Restler, who has long pushed for these changes, praised the progress: 'Atlantic Avenue has been extremely dangerous my whole life. I'm excited by the progress we're making in partnership with DOT to expand mid-block crossings and other smart interventions to slow down cars and advance safety in our community.' The announcement follows a deadly crash last spring and is part of the city’s Vision Zero push. Local officials and advocates say these changes mark a crucial step in ending the street’s legacy of danger and death.

• Atlantic Avenue upgrade: Locals celebrate major safety fixes coming to dangerous corridor, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-07-26

Jul 22 - Low-density districts block City of Yes. Most community boards vote no. High-density areas back the plan. The fight centers on housing, parking, and who bears the city’s growth. Vulnerable New Yorkers wait as politics stall change.

Bill: City of Yes housing proposal. Status: Community board votes and public testimony as of July 22, 2024. Of 57 boards, 38 opposed the plan, 20 supported it, mostly in denser neighborhoods. The proposal, described as aiming to build 'a little more housing in every neighborhood,' faces resistance in low-density areas. Council Member Joann Ariola (R-Woodhaven) opposed more housing in her district, calling it 'suburbs.' Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso criticized neighborhoods that refuse new housing, saying it increases pressure on poorer areas. Arlene Schlesinger, a Queens resident, voiced strong opposition, especially to lifting parking mandates and adding accessory dwelling units. Community boards, often older and whiter, resist change, leaving the city’s most vulnerable to bear the brunt of housing and transportation inequity.

• Map: How Did Community Boards Vote on ‘City of Yes’ Housing Plan, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-22

Jul 22 - A man drowned off Rockaway Beach. He is the fifth this summer. Council Member Justin Brannan and others call for more lifeguards, longer hours, and more pools. The city refuses. Drones and patrols replace real protection. Swimmers keep dying.

On July 22, 2024, after a fifth drowning at a New York City beach, Council Member Justin Brannan (District 47) joined other officials to demand urgent action. The group called for expanded lifeguard hours, more staff, and new public pools. The Adams administration rejected these measures, relying instead on NYPD drones and Parks Enforcement Patrols. The matter, described as 'Body found in fifth apparent drowning off NYC beach as pols call for more lifeguard hours,' highlights the deadly gap in city safety policy. Brannan, along with Council Member Shekar Krishnan and Borough Presidents Donovan Richards and Antonio Reynoso, urged the city to extend the beach season, increase lifeguard shifts, and offer universal swimming lessons. The city has only 870 lifeguards, far short of the 1,500 needed. Vulnerable swimmers remain at risk while officials debate. The toll mounts.

• Body found in fifth apparent drowning off NYC beach as pols call for more lifeguard hours: ‘Going to get worse’, nypost.com, Published 2024-07-22

Jul 17 - Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso calls on Mayor Adams to cap parking in new developments. He wants fewer spaces, not just fewer mandates. Reynoso pushes for maximums in transit-rich areas. He says car culture drives danger. He demands bold action.

On July 17, 2024, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso issued a policy recommendation urging Mayor Adams to strengthen the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity rezoning proposal. Reynoso wants the city to set strict maximums on parking spaces in new developments, especially near transit. The matter summary states, 'Our recommendation is to remove as much parking as possible, but [if a] developer feels an obligation to put in a certain amount of parking, there should be a maximum allowable in transit-rich areas.' Reynoso supports eliminating parking mandates but says it is not enough. He points to developers building excess parking even near subways and calls for rules like Manhattan Core’s. Reynoso’s push aims to curb car dependency and promote safer, transit-oriented neighborhoods. He stresses the need to educate the public and break the grip of car culture.

• Brooklyn BP Wants Mayor Adams To Do More To Reduce Parking, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-07-17

Jul 13 - A 24-year-old woman was struck while crossing Evergreen Avenue with the signal. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing a hip and upper leg injury. The pedestrian remained conscious despite contusions and bruises from the impact.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Evergreen Avenue and Troutman Street around 6:30 p.m. She was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report cites the vehicle driver's failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and bruise to her hip and upper leg but remained conscious. The vehicle was traveling north, going straight ahead, and showed no damage or point of impact, indicating the collision's nature. The report explicitly identifies the driver's failure to yield right-of-way as the cause, with no contributing factors attributed to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4740401 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 10 - A 32-year-old male moped driver was ejected and injured on Bushwick Avenue. The crash involved improper lane usage. The rider suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm, remaining conscious after the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:55 on Bushwick Avenue involving a moped traveling south. The 32-year-old male driver was ejected from the vehicle and sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The report cites 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error in lane management. The moped showed no vehicle damage, and the driver was conscious after the incident. No other vehicles or pedestrians were reported injured. The focus remains on the driver’s improper lane usage as the cause of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4740385 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 1 - A sedan struck a motorcycle on Wyckoff Avenue. The rider, a 28-year-old woman, was ejected and suffered head injuries. Police cite driver inattention and traffic control disregard as causes.

According to the police report, a motorcycle and a sedan collided on Wyckoff Avenue in Brooklyn at 18:35. The 28-year-old female motorcyclist was ejected and suffered head injuries and minor bleeding. The report lists driver inattention, distraction, and traffic control disregard as contributing factors. The sedan and motorcycle were both traveling straight before the crash. The police report notes the motorcyclist wore a helmet. These driver errors created the conditions for the crash and the rider's injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737287 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 30 - A sedan struck an SUV on Scott Avenue in Brooklyn. Seven people inside both vehicles suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inexperience as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Scott Avenue collided with an SUV heading east. The sedan's driver held only a permit. Police listed 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor. Seven occupants—drivers and passengers—were injured, all conscious, all with neck injuries and whiplash. The sedan took damage to its center front end; the SUV was hit on its right rear bumper. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report highlights driver inexperience as the cause. All injured parties were wearing lap belts.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4736995 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 29 - A 46-year-old male bicyclist suffered a head contusion after a collision with a southbound SUV on Cypress Avenue. The SUV struck the cyclist’s left rear quarter panel. The driver disregarded traffic control, causing the crash and serious injury.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Cypress Avenue involving a 2023 SUV traveling south and a westbound bicycle. The SUV impacted the bicyclist on its left rear quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 46-year-old man, sustained a head injury classified as a contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to obey traffic signals or signs. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment, but no contributing factors related to the victim were noted. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead prior to the crash. The impact and resulting injury highlight the dangers posed by drivers disregarding traffic controls in interactions with vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4736704 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 27 - A bicyclist suffered abrasions and arm injuries after an SUV struck him from behind on Harman Street in Brooklyn. The crash occurred as both traveled westbound. Police cited the SUV driver's failure to maintain safe distance as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash happened around 7:30 PM on Harman Street in Brooklyn. A 37-year-old male bicyclist was injured, sustaining abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from his bike. The collision involved a 2021 SUV and a bike, both traveling westbound. The SUV struck the bicyclist at the left rear bumper. The police report identifies the contributing factor as "Following Too Closely," indicating the SUV driver failed to maintain a safe distance behind the bicyclist. There is no damage reported to either vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737946 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19