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

Feb 8 - Council bill targets cars blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, and hydrants near schools. Civilian complaints trigger fines. Streets clear, danger cut. Council moves to protect the vulnerable.

Int 0080-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 8, 2024, the bill creates a $175 penalty for vehicles blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants within 2,640 feet of schools. The Department of Transportation must set up a civilian reporting program. If a civilian complaint leads to a fine, the complainant gets 25 percent of proceeds. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to hazardous obstruction by vehicles and civilian complaints.' Council Member Carlina Rivera leads, joined by Restler, Ayala, Joseph, Menin, and others. The bill aims to keep paths clear for those most at risk.

• File Int 0080-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Feb 8 - Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Feb 7 - A 26-year-old man was struck at a Brooklyn intersection while crossing with the signal. The driver’s inattention and disregard for traffic control led to a head injury. The pedestrian suffered abrasions but remained conscious after impact.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of De Kalb Avenue and Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn around 10 p.m. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when he was struck by a bicyclist. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The impact occurred at the center front end of the bike, which sustained no damage. The pedestrian suffered a head injury and abrasions but remained conscious. The report explicitly identifies the driver’s failure to maintain attention and disregard for traffic signals as the cause of the collision. No victim fault or behavior was noted as contributing to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701626 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 1 - A 74-year-old woman crossing Wyckoff Avenue was struck by a southbound bus making a left turn. The bus driver failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered bruises and arm injuries, left in shock at the intersection.

According to the police report, a 74-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Wyckoff Avenue at an intersection when a southbound bus made a left turn and struck her with its left front bumper. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor, explicitly attributing fault to the bus driver. The pedestrian was located at the intersection and was crossing without a signal or crosswalk indication. She sustained contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, resulting in shock. The bus, a 2011 Starcraft with one male licensed driver, sustained no damage. The report emphasizes the driver's failure to yield right-of-way as the primary cause, with no contributing factors attributed to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699859 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 31 - Five years after passage, the city’s commercial waste overhaul crawls forward. Only one zone starts in 2024. Fewer trucks, fewer miles, but delays keep danger rolling. Streets still wait for safer rigs. Cyclists and pedestrians remain exposed.

Bill creating the Commercial Waste Zone program, sponsored by Antonio Reynoso, passed in 2019 after deadly crashes involving private haulers. The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) announced on January 31, 2024, that only one of twenty zones—Jackson Heights, Corona, Elmhurst—will launch this year. The law aims to cut truck miles in half, add backup cameras, GPS, and safety training. DSNY spokesperson Joshua Goodman said contracts target safety and worker protections. Reynoso urged ongoing oversight, saying, 'It is important that DSNY continuously reassess implementation and course correct as needed.' Yet, delays persist, especially on installing guard rails to prevent pedestrians and cyclists from being swept under trucks. Justin Wood of NYLPI voiced concern over the slow rollout. The program promises fewer trucks and safer streets, but for now, most neighborhoods wait.

• Long-Delayed Business Waste Program to Start Later This Year, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-31

Jan 22 - A 31-year-old woman suffered full-body injuries after a sedan struck her at a Brooklyn intersection. The driver disregarded traffic control and drove at unsafe speed while making a left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when hit.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn made a left turn and struck a 31-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection with Ditmars Street. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report cites the driver's errors as 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed.' The impact occurred at the sedan's left front bumper, causing injuries to the pedestrian's entire body. The pedestrian was not cited for any contributing factors. The driver’s failure to obey traffic control devices and excessive speed directly contributed to the crash and the pedestrian’s injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697023 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 17 - A 12-year-old girl suffered full-body injuries and shock after a vehicle disregarded traffic control and failed to yield while making a right turn on Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when struck.

According to the police report, a 12-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Knickerbocker Avenue in Brooklyn at 8:30 a.m. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the crash occurred. The vehicle, traveling south and making a right turn, failed to yield the right-of-way and disregarded traffic control, contributing to the collision. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her entire body and was reported to be in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating the impact was significant enough to injure the pedestrian without damaging the vehicle. The report explicitly cites driver errors—traffic control disregarded and failure to yield—as the primary contributing factors. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695936 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 17 - Seven Brooklyn officials urge DOT to clear cars from corners. They want boulders, planters, and bike corrals—not just paint. Their call follows deadly crashes. They press the city to use state law and federal funds. DOT promises review. Advocates back the push.

On January 17, 2024, seven Brooklyn elected officials—including Council Member Shahana Hanif, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Members Marcela Mitaynes, Jo Anne Simon, Robert Carroll, and State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Andrew Gounardes—issued a joint letter to the NYC Department of Transportation. They called for 'universal daylighting with hardened materials such as boulders, planters, and bike corrals' at intersections. The officials cited recent fatal crashes and urged the city to opt into a state law banning parking within 20 feet of corners. They want federal funds used for these changes. The group opposes DOT’s slow pace and reliance on paint, demanding physical barriers. Community board leaders and advocates support the move. DOT says it will review the letter and remains committed to evidence-based daylighting.

• Seven Brooklyn Electeds Join Growing Calls For Universal Daylighting, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-17

Jan 8 - A Toyota sedan ripped down Irving Avenue, smashing into parked cars. Metal screamed. A 29-year-old man was hurled onto the street and died. Two more men, heads bloodied, lay broken beside him. The driver had no license. Night turned deadly.

According to the police report, a Toyota sedan traveling east on Irving Avenue near Stockholm Street in Brooklyn crashed into a line of parked vehicles in the early morning hours. The report states, 'A Toyota sedan tore through the quiet night, slamming parked cars. A 29-year-old man was ejected and died in the street. Two others lay bleeding beside him, heads crushed.' The driver of the Toyota was unlicensed, as confirmed by the vehicle data: 'driver_license_status: Unlicensed.' Three passengers suffered severe injuries—one killed, two with major head trauma. The report does not list any contributing factors beyond the unlicensed driver. The parked vehicles were struck with enough force to cause fatal and life-altering injuries to the sedan's occupants. The focus remains on the unlicensed driver’s presence behind the wheel and the catastrophic results.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4693583 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 1 - A 15-year-old unlicensed driver injured his arm in a collision with a parked sedan in Queens. The crash occurred early morning as the inexperienced driver, distracted and inexperienced, struck the parked vehicle’s rear bumper with his left front bumper.

According to the police report, the crash happened at 6:49 AM in Queens near 291 Saint Nicholas. The 15-year-old male driver, unlicensed and alone in his 2000 Buick sedan, was traveling north when he collided with a parked 2020 Toyota sedan. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the Buick against the left rear bumper of the parked Toyota. The report cites 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The young driver sustained an abrasion injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but was conscious and not ejected. Vehicle damage was limited to the left front bumper of the moving car and the left rear bumper of the parked vehicle. The crash underscores risks posed by unlicensed, inexperienced drivers operating vehicles unsafely.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4693359 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 28 - A crash involving multiple vehicles left one driver injured in Brooklyn. The driver suffered back pain and nausea after the impact. The scene was chaotic, with vehicles damaged and emergency responders on site.

On December 28, 2023, a multi-vehicle crash occurred on Jefferson Street in Brooklyn. One driver, a 34-year-old male, was injured, suffering from back pain and nausea. According to the police report, the contributing factor was 'Traffic Control Disregarded.' The driver was not ejected from the vehicle. No safety equipment was used. The vehicles involved included a pick-up truck making a left turn and several sedans parked or going straight. The impact caused significant damage to the vehicles, particularly on the right front bumper of the truck and the left side doors of one sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691126 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 21 - A 50-year-old man was struck while walking on Knickerbocker Avenue. The vehicle was backing unsafely and the driver was inattentive. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to his abdomen and pelvis. The crash happened away from an intersection.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured when a vehicle backing unsafely struck him on Knickerbocker Avenue. The 50-year-old man was walking outside an intersection when the crash occurred. The report lists driver errors as backing unsafely and driver inattention or distraction. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his abdomen and pelvis. The vehicle was entering a parked position and impacted the pedestrian with its center back end. No other contributing factors or safety equipment were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4689639 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 16 - A 24-year-old man was struck on De Kalb Avenue in Brooklyn while crossing with the signal. Two SUVs were involved. The pedestrian suffered neck injuries and minor bleeding. Driver inattention was cited as a contributing factor.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing De Kalb Avenue with the signal. Two SUVs traveling west were involved. One SUV was parked before the crash and was hit on its left rear bumper. The other SUV was going straight ahead and showed no damage. The pedestrian suffered neck injuries and minor bleeding and was in shock. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No other contributing factors were specified. The pedestrian was not at fault and was crossing legally.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4688148 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 14 - Conduit Avenue kills. Brooklyn and Queens borough presidents call it urgent. They want DOT to turn this deadly, crash-heavy road into a safe corridor. In less than two years, 1,321 crashes. Seventy pedestrians and 14 cyclists hurt. Five dead. DOT silent.

On December 14, 2023, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards pressed the Department of Transportation to overhaul Conduit Avenue. Their letter called for a transformation of the avenue, described as "one of the most dangerous and non-inclusive roadways in the entire city." The officials urged DOT to prioritize traffic safety, cycling and mass transit infrastructure, pedestrian walkability, and green space. Between January 2022 and December 2023, Conduit Avenue saw 1,321 crashes, injuring 880 people—including 70 pedestrians and 14 cyclists—and killing five. Three intersections are listed as DOT pedestrian safety priorities, but the corridor itself is not. Richards and Reynoso have formed a task force and are pushing for action. DOT has not commented.

• Boob Tube: Brooklyn, Queens Leaders Want DOT to Fix Dangerous Conduit Ave., Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-12-14

Dec 13 - A moped driver made an improper left turn into a flatbed truck traveling south on Bushwick Avenue. The moped struck the truck’s right side doors. The 18-year-old moped driver was ejected and suffered bruises and arm injuries. No helmet was reported.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn when a moped driver, unlicensed and traveling west, made an improper left turn into the path of a southbound flatbed truck. The moped struck the truck’s right side doors, causing the rider to be ejected. The 18-year-old male moped driver sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists "Turning Improperly" as a contributing factor. The flatbed truck was going straight ahead with no occupants. The moped driver was not wearing any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687045 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 9 - Two sedans crashed head-on at De Kalb Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver and front passenger of one vehicle suffered head and shoulder injuries. Police cited driver inattention and improper lane usage as causes. Both occupants were restrained and not ejected.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on De Kalb Avenue in Brooklyn. The front passenger, a 35-year-old woman, sustained head injuries with minor bleeding. The 42-year-old male driver suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries with whiplash. Both occupants wore lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with improper passing or lane usage. The driver of the other vehicle had unspecified contributing factors. The impact occurred at the center front end of both vehicles. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead before the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4686780 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 7 - Two motor scooters traveling south collided head-on on Wilson Avenue. One scooter carried two men; the other had one. A 28-year-old female passenger was ejected and suffered facial contusions. Both drivers were distracted at the time of impact.

According to the police report, two motor scooters collided while traveling south on Wilson Avenue. The crash involved a scooter with two occupants and another with a single rider. A 28-year-old female passenger was ejected from the scooter and sustained facial contusions, classified as injury severity level 3. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both drivers. The impact occurred at the center front end of one scooter and the left front bumper of the other. No safety equipment was reported for the injured passenger. The collision resulted in significant vehicle damage and serious injury to the passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4685725 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 30 - A moped struck the right side of a parked sedan on Hart Street in Brooklyn. The moped driver suffered a head injury and shock. The sedan showed no damage. Improper lane usage caused the crash. The moped driver was unhelmeted and injured.

According to the police report, a moped traveling north on Hart Street collided with the right side doors of a parked sedan. The moped driver, a 31-year-old man, sustained a head injury and was in shock. The sedan, occupied by two people, showed no damage and was stationary before impact. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as the contributing factor. The moped driver was not wearing a helmet. No other contributing factors were specified. The sedan driver was licensed and uninjured. The crash highlights the dangers of improper lane use around parked vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4684024 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 29 - Two vehicles crashed on Wilson Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV struck the sedan’s front left quarter panel. The sedan’s driver, a 25-year-old man, suffered chest abrasions but was conscious and restrained. Driver inattention caused the collision.

According to the police report, a 2008 SUV traveling east on Wilson Avenue collided with a 2012 sedan traveling south. The point of impact was the SUV’s left front quarter panel and the sedan’s center front end. The sedan’s driver, a 25-year-old male occupant, was injured with chest abrasions but remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed in New York. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash caused damage to the front ends of both vehicles. No ejections occurred.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4683105 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 29 - Mayor Adams gutted the McGuinness Blvd. safety plan. Two lanes each way remain. Bike lanes go unprotected. Crossing distances stretch. Local leaders say nothing changed for people on foot. Cyclists dodge cars and illegal parking. The danger stays. The fight continues.

On November 29, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams’s administration scaled back the Department of Transportation’s original McGuinness Boulevard redesign. The DOT’s first plan would have cut traffic lanes and added a parking-protected bike lane. Adams ordered a weaker version after business pushback. The compromise left two car lanes in each direction during the day. Elected officials—U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, and Council Member Lincoln Restler—sent a letter urging DOT to restore the full safety plan, writing, “Nothing has been done to improve conditions for pedestrians.” Advocates say the new design increases crossing distances and leaves cyclists and pedestrians exposed. DOT says work will continue into 2024. The boulevard remains dangerous for vulnerable road users.

• Eric Adams’s McGuinness Blvd. Capitulation Did ‘Nothing’ for Pedestrians, Greenpoint Pols Charge, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-11-29