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

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

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

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 2025-08-06

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 2025-08-06

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 2025-08-06

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 2025-08-06

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

A 41-year-old man riding an unlicensed e-scooter was ejected after hitting a defective pavement patch on Wyckoff Avenue. He suffered head injuries and contusions. Unsafe speed caused the crash. The scooter showed no damage despite the impact.

According to the police report, a 41-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured and ejected after a crash on Wyckoff Avenue. The report lists unsafe speed and defective pavement as contributing factors. The driver was unlicensed and traveling north, going straight ahead when the crash occurred. The point of impact was the left side doors, but the vehicle sustained no damage. The rider suffered head injuries and contusions and was in shock. The report does not mention any helmet use or signals. Unsafe speed and pavement defects were the primary causes of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4670296 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 54-year-old woman suffered hip and upper leg injuries after emerging from near a parked SUV on Melrose Street. The vehicle was entering a parked position. The pedestrian was conscious and had abrasions. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a 54-year-old female pedestrian was injured while emerging from in front of or behind a parked vehicle on Melrose Street. The involved vehicle, a 2012 Mazda SUV, was entering a parked position at the time of the crash. The pedestrian sustained hip and upper leg injuries and abrasions but remained conscious. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian and no driver errors or violations were noted. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed in New York. The incident highlights the dangers pedestrians face near parked vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4664775 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A moped and sedan collided on Knickerbocker Avenue in Brooklyn. The moped driver, 24, was partially ejected and suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The sedan was turning left. The crash involved passing too closely. No helmet was worn.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male moped driver was partially ejected and injured in a collision with a sedan on Knickerbocker Avenue, Brooklyn. The moped was traveling north, and the sedan was making a left turn westbound. The report lists 'Passing Too Closely' as a contributing factor to the crash. The moped driver sustained contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver was not wearing any safety equipment. The sedan’s point of impact was its left front quarter panel, while the moped’s right front quarter panel was damaged. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the moped driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4664540 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

DOT stripped protected bike lanes from Brooklyn’s Fourth Avenue. Cyclists now dodge cars and illegal parking. Elected officials and advocates demand action. DOT cites traffic, but danger grows. Pedestrians lose safe crossings. The agency stays silent. Streets stay deadly.

On September 18, 2023, a coalition of elected officials and advocates called out the Department of Transportation for removing protected bike lanes on Brooklyn’s Fourth Avenue during construction. The matter, described as 'DOT continues to ignore dangers it created on Brooklyn’s Fourth Ave,' centers on DOT’s decision to replace bike lanes with a second car lane, violating a city law that requires temporary bike lanes during such work. Council Members Lincoln Restler, Alexa Aviles, Shahana Hanif, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, State Senator Andrew Gounardes, Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, and groups like Bike New York and Transportation Alternatives sent a letter demanding the bike lane’s return and physical barriers to stop illegal parking on pedestrian islands. The letter urges DOT to 'ensure curb lanes be preserved for safe cyclist passage' and to 'deploy quick-build physical elements' for pedestrian safety. DOT has not responded. Cyclists and pedestrians remain at risk.

• DOT Continues to Ignore Dangers it Created on Brooklyn’s Fourth Ave, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-18

A 23-year-old man riding a moped was ejected after an improper turn on Cypress Avenue. He suffered abrasions and abdomen-pelvis injuries. The moped showed no damage. The driver was unlicensed and conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male moped driver was injured and ejected during a crash on Cypress Avenue. The report lists "Turning Improperly" as the contributing factor. The driver was unlicensed and traveling north, going straight ahead before impact. The moped sustained no damage despite the driver’s injuries, which included abrasions and trauma to the abdomen and pelvis. The driver was wearing a helmet and remained conscious after the crash. The point of impact was the right side doors of the moped, with the other vehicle striking the left front bumper. No other vehicles or persons were involved or injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4662806 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Two SUVs collided on Myrtle Avenue. One rear-ended the other at unsafe speed. A 34-year-old woman in the back seat suffered head injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles took heavy center impact.

According to the police report, two SUVs were westbound on Myrtle Avenue when the second SUV struck the first from behind. The lead vehicle was stopped in traffic. The striking SUV hit at unsafe speed, damaging both vehicles at their center points. A 34-year-old female passenger in the right rear seat of the lead SUV was injured, suffering head trauma and whiplash. The report lists driver errors as "Unsafe Speed" and "Other Vehicular" factors. The injured passenger was restrained by a lap belt and harness. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655235 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A bus made a left turn on Wilson Avenue. It struck a 30-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She suffered abrasions and injuries to her elbow and lower arm. The driver was distracted and turned improperly. The pedestrian was conscious.

According to the police report, a 30-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Wilson Avenue with the signal. A bus traveling south made a left turn and struck her at the intersection. The impact was to the center front end of the bus. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists driver errors as "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Turning Improperly." The bus driver was licensed and had seven occupants in the vehicle. There was no damage reported to the bus. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. The report does not indicate any contributing factors related to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655234 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

DOT unveiled a watered-down redesign for McGuinness Boulevard. Protected bike lanes will run the length, but car lanes stay for peak hours. Advocates call it less safe. Restler and others back the compromise. The fight for real safety continues.

"We look forward to continuing to work with the Administration, the Department of Transportation, and our community to make North Brooklyn’s streets safer for all" -- Antonio Reynoso

On August 17, 2023, Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33) joined other officials in announcing a compromise redesign for McGuinness Boulevard. The Department of Transportation's new plan, described as a 'compromised version,' adds protected bike lanes but keeps two car lanes during peak hours from Calyer Street to the Pulaski Bridge. The matter, titled 'Relief in Greenpoint as compromise reached on McGuinness Boulevard redesign,' reflects years of advocacy for safer streets. Restler, along with Borough President Reynoso and others, welcomed the changes and pledged to push for swift implementation. Advocacy group Make McGuinness Safe criticized the compromise as 'less effective and less safe,' blaming business opposition for watering down the original plan. The compromise marks a partial win for vulnerable road users, but falls short of the full road diet advocates demanded.

• Relief in Greenpoint as compromise reached on McGuinness Boulevard redesign, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-08-17

Mayor Adams approved a diluted redesign for McGuinness Boulevard. Protected bike lanes will come, but car lanes stay open during peak hours. The plan falls short of full safety measures. The road remains dangerous. Victims still count. No one is satisfied.

On August 16, 2023, Mayor Adams announced a compromise redesign for McGuinness Boulevard, a notorious Brooklyn corridor. The Department of Transportation will install curbside protected bike lanes and reduce car lanes from two to one in each direction on most of the strip. However, north of Calyer Street, two lanes for cars will remain open during weekdays, reverting to parking lanes at night and on weekends. The plan, shaped after lobbying by business interests and mayoral adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin, mixes two previous DOT proposals. Mayoral spokesman Charles Lutvak said, 'Traffic safety is a key priority for Mayor Adams, and we are delivering with a redesign of McGuinness Boulevard that will make this corridor safer for all road users.' Local officials, including Council Member Lincoln Restler, called it a 'critical step' but noted it lacks key safety elements. The compromise leaves gaps. Since 2021, 62 people have been injured on this stretch. The carnage continues.

• Mayor Adams Signs Off On Compromise for Deadly McGuinness Blvd.; No One Truly Happy, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-16

A 28-year-old woman was struck by a sedan while crossing Central Avenue late at night. The driver, distracted and inexperienced, hit her with the front center of the vehicle. She suffered abrasions and injuries to her elbow and lower arm.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Central Avenue outside an intersection. The sedan, traveling straight ahead, struck her with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with driver inexperience. The pedestrian was conscious and not ejected. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted and inexperienced drivers to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4653497 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A driver struck a moped rider on McGuinness Boulevard. The rider’s leg broke. Politicians and neighbors demand the mayor act. The city delays a safety plan. The street stays deadly. The call is clear: fix McGuinness now.

On August 11, 2023, Council Member Lincoln Restler and other Northern Brooklyn officials responded to a crash on McGuinness Boulevard, where a driver hit and injured a moped rider. The incident happened near Meeker Avenue, one block from where teacher Matthew Jensen was killed in 2021. The matter, titled 'Locals call for mayor to take immediate action after moped rider injured on McGuinness Boulevard,' highlights the urgent need for the Department of Transportation’s proposed safety redesign. Restler, along with U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, and State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, issued a joint statement: 'Lives are being put at risk. We need immediate action by the Mayor's office to implement the Department of Transportation's proposed safety improvements so that everyone in our community can feel confident that McGuinness Boulevard will not cause more tragedies.' The safety plan remains blocked, leaving vulnerable road users exposed to ongoing danger.

• Locals call for mayor to take ‘immediate action’ after moped rider injured on McGuinness Boulevard, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-08-11

City officials slam a developer’s push to add 95 parking spaces in Downtown Brooklyn. They call it dangerous and wasteful. The site sits by major transit and a new bike lane. Leaders demand housing, not more cars, to protect people on foot and bike.

On August 11, 2023, city officials and advocates opposed a plan to expand a parking lot at Schermerhorn and Hoyt streets in Downtown Brooklyn. The proposal, by Edison Properties, would add 95 parking spaces. Dan Garodnick, chair of the City Planning Commission, called the site 'ideal for housing.' Council Member Lincoln Restler, who represents the area, stated he is an unequivocal 'no' on the expansion and wants a use that benefits the community. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso urged the city to discourage private vehicles, citing high pedestrian traffic and strong transit access. City Planning Commissioner Juan Camilo Osorio highlighted policies to cut car use and decarbonize the city. Officials warn that more parking means more cars and more danger for people walking and biking, especially after a major bike lane was added to Schermerhorn Street.

• City Wants More Housing, Not Parking, in Downtown Brooklyn, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-11

A driver tore through McGuinness Boulevard, smashing cars and leaving a moped rider badly hurt. The carnage reignited calls for long-delayed safety fixes. Local leaders say the crash was no surprise. The city’s promise to protect lives remains unfulfilled.

""Sadly, this incident was entirely predictable and underscores once again why the McGuinness Boulevard redesign is so badly needed."" -- Antonio Reynoso

On August 10, 2023, a motorist seriously injured a moped rider and crashed into several vehicles on McGuinness Boulevard in Greenpoint. The incident, near the site of a 2021 fatality, drew a joint statement from Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, and Council Member Lincoln Restler. They called the crash 'entirely predictable' and demanded Mayor Adams immediately implement the Department of Transportation’s stalled safety redesign. The DOT’s plan, which includes narrowing the street and adding a protected bike lane, faces opposition from powerful donors. The mayor’s office claims traffic safety is a priority, but the plan remains in limbo. Advocates and officials say every delay puts more lives at risk.

• Outrage on Bloody McGuinness Blvd. as Motorist Severely Injures Moped Rider, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-08-10