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

Nov 26 - Two sedans crashed on Cypress Avenue. A 22-year-old female driver and a 4-year-old passenger suffered whiplash and injuries to the hip and entire body. The driver was distracted and disregarded traffic control. Both occupants were restrained and conscious.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Cypress Avenue. The 22-year-old female driver was injured in the hip and upper leg and suffered whiplash. A 4-year-old passenger in the same vehicle also suffered whiplash and injuries to the entire body. Both occupants were conscious and properly restrained, with the driver using a lap belt and harness and the child in a child restraint. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with disregarding traffic control. The collision involved impact to the left side doors of the female driver's vehicle and the center front end of the other sedan. No ejections occurred.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4682202 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 21 - A 22-year-old man was struck while crossing De Kalb Avenue with the signal. The driver, distracted and failing to yield, hit the pedestrian in the hip and upper leg. The victim suffered abrasions but remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of De Kalb Avenue and Wilson Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a vehicle traveling east struck him with its center front end. The report lists driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to the hip and upper leg but remained conscious. The vehicle was occupied by a single driver who was going straight ahead at the time of impact. No other factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4682218 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 20 - Two SUVs traveling east on Myrtle Avenue collided. The right front quarter panel of one struck the left front bumper of the other. A 32-year-old female passenger suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries. Both drivers were distracted at the time of impact.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided while traveling east on Myrtle Avenue. The point of impact was the right front quarter panel of one SUV and the left front bumper of the other. A 32-year-old female occupant in the right rear passenger seat was injured, sustaining shoulder and upper arm injuries and was in shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were cited for driver inattention and distraction, which contributed to the crash. No other contributing factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4681303 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 20 - A 30-year-old man crossing with the signal was hit by a moped traveling west on Flushing Avenue. The pedestrian suffered a severe head injury and lost consciousness. The moped driver was unlicensed and speeding, distracted at the moment of impact.

According to the police report, a moped traveling west on Flushing Avenue struck a 30-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained a severe head injury, including fractures and dislocations, and was unconscious after the collision. The report lists the moped driver's contributing factors as unsafe speed and driver inattention or distraction. The driver was unlicensed. The point of impact was the center front end of the moped. No damage was reported to the vehicle. The pedestrian was not at fault and was following traffic signals at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4682259 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 13 - Council Member Alexa Avilés calls for a full redesign of the city’s truck route map. Trucks flood neighborhoods, endanger lives, and choke streets. Introduction 708 demands safer, smarter routes. The bill has strong support. The city’s map has not changed since the 1970s.

Introduction 708, sponsored by Council Member Alexa Avilés, seeks a sweeping overhaul of New York City’s outdated truck route map. The bill, now before the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was highlighted in an op-ed published November 13, 2023. Avilés, as committee chair, wrote, 'An overhaul of our truck route map is long overdue. We must pass Introduction 708 for the sake of our communities and all New Yorkers.' The measure would require the Department of Transportation to redesign truck routes to improve safety, visibility, and reduce congestion and emissions. It also mandates input from neighborhoods, environmental groups, and industry. Avilés leads a coalition of 40 co-sponsors, with support from Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. The bill responds to the surge in freight traffic, which has battered streets and put vulnerable communities—often communities of color—at risk. The current map, unchanged since the 1970s, routes heavy trucks through residential areas, increasing danger for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Op-Ed | NYC’s truck routes haven’t changed since the 1970s. It’s time for an overhaul., amny.com, Published 2023-11-13

Nov 11 - A 25-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and suffered head injuries on Knickerbocker Avenue. The rider was unlicensed and traveling north when unsafe speed caused a crash. The cyclist was left in shock with abrasions and serious head trauma.

According to the police report, a 25-year-old male bicyclist riding north on Knickerbocker Avenue was involved in a crash caused by unsafe speed. The bicyclist was unlicensed and riding without safety equipment. The impact ejected him from the bike, resulting in head injuries and abrasions. The report notes the point of impact was the center back end of the bike, indicating a loss of control at speed. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The contributing factor listed is unsafe speed. The victim was not at fault, and no helmet or signaling issues were cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4679084 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 10 - A sedan struck a 54-year-old bicyclist on Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn. The cyclist was partially ejected and suffered head abrasions. The driver was distracted. Both vehicles traveled east. The bicyclist was unhelmeted and injured but conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan and a bicycle collided on Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn. The bicyclist, a 54-year-old man, was partially ejected and sustained head abrasions. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash. The sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, and the unlicensed male bicyclist were both traveling straight ahead eastbound. The point of impact was the sedan's left front quarter panel and the bike's center front end. The bicyclist was not wearing a helmet. The cyclist was injured but conscious at the scene.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4678096 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 6 - City and Lyft will double e-bikes and cap prices, but leave most neighborhoods stranded. No new public money. Electrification pilot starts. Advocates slam lack of expansion. Riders outside core zones stay shut out. System grows in power, not reach.

On November 6, 2023, the Adams Administration and Lyft announced amendments to the Citi Bike contract, which runs through 2029. The deal, covered in Streetsblog NYC, doubles e-bikes from 10,000 to 20,000 and adds new and replacement classic bikes. The matter summary states, 'No system expansion... you're not going to be able to ride the bikes anywhere new because system expansion was not part of the amendment agreement.' Council members were not directly named, but Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso praised electrification, saying, 'This is exactly the direction we should be moving in—toward greener, safer, and more accessible micromobility options for New Yorkers.' John Tomac of Bike South Brooklyn condemned the lack of expansion: 'We're disappointed that you still can’t ride a Citi Bike in most of New York City.' The contract introduces price caps but avoids public funding. The city’s refusal to expand or subsidize Citi Bike leaves many vulnerable road users in transit deserts, with safer, greener options still out of reach.

• What We Get — And Don’t Get — In The New Citi Bike Deal, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-11-06

Nov 4 - A moped driver, unlicensed and helmeted, was ejected after a collision with a Jeep SUV on Bushwick Avenue. The SUV struck the moped’s left side while both vehicles traveled opposite directions. The rider suffered knee and lower leg injuries.

According to the police report, a moped traveling north on Bushwick Avenue collided with a southbound Jeep SUV. The SUV struck the moped’s left side doors, causing the moped driver to be ejected. The moped driver, a 23-year-old male, was injured with contusions and trauma to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error. The moped driver was unlicensed but wore a helmet. The SUV sustained damage to its right front bumper, and the moped’s left front quarter panel was damaged. No other contributing factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4676482 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 27 - A town hall to attack Vision Zero was scrapped after a tow truck driver killed a 7-year-old boy near Fort Greene Park. Borough President Reynoso and Council Member Hudson withdrew, saying the meeting would send the wrong message. The church canceled. Grief and anger filled the street.

On October 27, 2023, a planned anti-Vision Zero town hall was canceled in Brooklyn. The event, organized by Vision Zero opponents, was set to criticize the city's road safety program. But after a tow truck driver killed 7-year-old Kamei Hughes near Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Council Member Crystal Hudson withdrew. In their open letter, they wrote, 'Holding a forum where Vision Zero will be criticized in the neighborhood next to where a young boy’s life was lost to traffic violence sends the wrong message to the community and to our borough.' The church, led by Rev. Anthony Trufant, canceled the meeting. Local residents called for more enforcement against reckless drivers. The tragedy underscored the stakes: pedestrian deaths are down, but the toll of traffic violence remains high.

• Anti-Vision Zero Town Hall Postponed After Pols Bail Following Little Boy’s Death, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-27

Oct 27 - A child died under the wheels of an NYPD tow truck. The mayor dodged questions. He said, “I love New York.” He left. Grieving parents and officials demanded action. The city’s promises rang hollow. Trust in leadership cracked. Streets stayed dangerous.

On October 27, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams faced questions after a 7-year-old was killed by an NYPD tow-truck driver. The event followed his administration’s interruption of several safe street projects. When pressed by a Streetsblog reporter—'Why should New Yorkers trust you to make the city’s streets safer?'—Adams replied, 'I love New York, I love New York,' and left without a substantive answer. The matter, as reported, centers on public frustration: 'Adams had previously promised to do "whatever it takes to keep our streets safe" after the child’s death.' Council Member Crystal Hudson and Borough President Antonio Reynoso called for urgent safety improvements. A Brooklyn parent’s letter demanding action drew 1,800 signatures in days. The mayor’s silence deepened distrust. The city’s vulnerable remain at risk.

• Asked About Street Safety After Child’s Death, Mayor Says, ‘I Love New York!’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-27

Oct 27 - A police tow truck driver struck and killed 7-year-old Kamei Hughes in Fort Greene. Witnesses say the driver used a phone. Charges followed. Councilmember Hudson called to expand, not question, street safety programs. A community meeting was postponed after the tragedy.

On October 27, 2023, a fatal crash in Council District 35 left a 7-year-old boy dead. The driver, an NYPD Traffic Enforcement Agent, faces charges for failing to yield and exercise due care. The incident drew swift response from Councilmember Crystal Hudson, who, alongside Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, withdrew from a planned community meeting meant to critique Open Streets and Vision Zero. Their joint statement read, 'this is not the time to rethink a street safety program that has brought traffic deaths to historic lows in New York City,' and called for expanding, not reconsidering, safety measures. The meeting was postponed out of respect for the victim and to underscore the need for stronger protections for vulnerable road users.

• NYPD tow truck driver arrested after fatally striking 7-year-old boy in Fort Greene, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-10-27

Oct 26 - A city tow truck driver struck and killed a 7-year-old boy near Fort Greene Park. Witnesses saw reckless driving. The city exempts itself from daylighting laws. Council Member Hudson and residents demand action. The district faces high crash rates and weak safety measures.

On October 26, 2023, a 7-year-old boy was killed by an NYPD tow truck driver in Brooklyn. The crash happened near Fort Greene Park, where witnesses reported the driver was speeding, using her phone, and dragged the child before stopping. The intersection’s visibility was blocked by a legally parked car, as New York City exempts itself from state daylighting rules. Council Member Crystal Hudson visited the scene, spoke with police and residents, and acknowledged a pattern of reckless tow truck driving. Hudson said, 'This is the worst possible outcome, and, yet, we are forced to reckon with the worst possible outcome at the hands of the NYPD all too often.' Residents demanded speed bumps and crossing guards. The crash came as the Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program expired and crossing guard positions were cut. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso called for an end to 'senseless traffic violence.' The district has a high rate of crashes and a history of resistance to safety improvements.

• Every Parent’s Nightmare: Child Killed by NYPD Tow Truck Driver in Brooklyn, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-26

Oct 24 - Two SUVs crashed on Flushing Avenue. One driver suffered a head abrasion. Driver inattention and bad lane use caused the impact. Metal twisted. Blood spilled. Brooklyn streets stayed hard.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided on Flushing Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver of a Virginia-registered Jeep, a 25-year-old man, was injured with a head abrasion but was not ejected. The crash involved improper lane usage and driver inattention or distraction. The Jeep was making a left turn when it struck a parked Nissan SUV. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The Jeep was damaged on its right front quarter panel; the Nissan on its left rear. No other contributing factors, such as helmet use or signaling, were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673368 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 21 - SUV crashed into a parked bus in Brooklyn. Driver suffered arm and shoulder injuries. Police cited aggressive driving and unsafe passing. No pedestrians or bus passengers hurt.

According to the police report, a sport utility vehicle traveling west on De Kalb Avenue struck a parked bus near Myrtle Avenue. The SUV's center front end hit the bus's left rear bumper. The 36-year-old woman driving the SUV was injured in her shoulder and upper arm and experienced shock. She was restrained by a lap belt and complained of pain and nausea. Police listed aggressive driving and passing too closely as contributing factors. The bus was stationary with only the licensed driver aboard and was not moving at the time of the crash. No pedestrians or other passengers were involved. The crash underscores driver errors tied to aggressive behavior and unsafe passing.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673226 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 18 - A 29-year-old male e-scooter rider was partially ejected and suffered a head abrasion in a collision with an SUV on Bushwick Avenue. The SUV driver was distracted and speeding. The e-scooter driver was unlicensed and injured but conscious.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old male riding an e-scooter was partially ejected and sustained a head abrasion after colliding head-on with a 2022 Ford SUV traveling north on Bushwick Avenue. The e-scooter driver was unlicensed. The report lists driver inattention and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The SUV driver was distracted and speeding, leading to the crash. The e-scooter rider was injured but remained conscious. The collision caused center front-end damage to the SUV and right front bumper damage to the e-scooter. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving and speeding in interactions between motor vehicles and vulnerable e-scooter riders.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4672986 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 17 - A 2006 Nissan SUV made a right turn on De Kalb Avenue in Brooklyn. It struck two female pedestrians crossing at a marked crosswalk without a signal. Both suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The crash caused bruises and abrasions.

According to the police report, a 2006 Nissan SUV traveling east on De Kalb Avenue made a right turn and struck two pedestrians crossing at a marked crosswalk without a signal. Both victims, a 19-year-old woman and a 43-year-old woman, sustained injuries to their knees and lower legs, including contusions and abrasions. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the SUV. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted in the data. Both pedestrians were conscious at the scene. The driver was licensed and uninjured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673411 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 14 - A sedan turning left on De Kalb Avenue hit a 51-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was in shock. The driver failed to yield and was distracted. The crash left her in pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on De Kalb Avenue made a left turn and struck a 51-year-old female pedestrian crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in shock and complaints of pain and nausea. The report lists driver errors as Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The point of impact was the sedan's left front bumper. The pedestrian was not at fault and was following the crossing signal at the time of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673410 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 13 - A 23-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured after a head-on crash with an SUV on Flushing Avenue. The impact caused back contusions. The SUV and bike both sustained front-end damage. Driver distraction played a key role in the crash.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male bicyclist traveling north on Flushing Avenue collided head-on with a westbound SUV. The bicyclist was ejected and suffered back contusions, classified as injury severity level 3. Both vehicles sustained center front-end damage. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with driver inexperience for the bicyclist. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The bicyclist was wearing a motorcycle helmet, but the report does not list this as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction in Brooklyn streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4672686 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 13 - Mayor Adams left Ashland Place unfinished. Cyclists lost a safe route. Advocates, officials, and residents rallied. They blamed City Hall for caving to a developer. The most dangerous block remains untouched. Eighty-eight crashes scar the street. Safety took a back seat.

On October 13, 2023, local officials and advocates criticized Mayor Adams for halting the Ashland Place redesign. The project, led by the Department of Transportation, aimed to create a protected bike lane from the Manhattan Bridge to Barclays Center. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said, "New York City is regressing on meeting its Vision Zero goals ... and stalled street safety improvements, like those slated for Ashland Place, are a part of the reason why." State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Council Member Crystal Hudson joined the outcry, with Hudson lamenting the incomplete corridor for cyclists. The DOT confirmed the southernmost block would not be converted, following objections from developer Two Trees Management. Advocates cited 88 crashes and multiple injuries in two years, with the most dangerous block excluded from improvements. Residents and advocates rallied, accusing the mayor of prioritizing business over public safety. City Hall deflected, blaming e-bikes for rising cyclist deaths.

• Pols, Advocates Slam Mayor Adams for Unfinished Ashland Place, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-13