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

Two SUVs slammed front-first on Evergreen Avenue. One driver suffered neck pain and whiplash. Police cite traffic control ignored. Both vehicles took heavy front-end damage. No pedestrians involved.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided head-on on Evergreen Avenue in Brooklyn. The crash left a 52-year-old male driver with neck injuries and whiplash. He was conscious, restrained by a lap belt and harness, and not ejected. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the contributing factor. Both vehicles struck each other with their front bumpers. The other driver, also male, held only a permit license. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4641243 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Brooklyn leaders demand the state back a park over the BQE trench in Williamsburg. They call for federal funds to cap the highway. The plan aims to cut pollution, reconnect neighborhoods, and give residents green space where cars now rule.

On June 21, 2023, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Rep. Nydia Velázquez, and Council Member Jennifer Gutierrez urged state officials to join the city in seeking federal funding for the BQGreen park proposal. The plan would cap a stretch of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in south Williamsburg, creating 3.5 acres of new parkland. Reynoso called on Governor Kathy Hochul to act as a co-applicant for funds, stating, "We're calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to be a co-applicant alongside the City of New York for federal funding to finally deck the BQE." Velázquez said, "We are fighting to reimagine the way to reconnect neighborhoods, improve traffic and reduce toxic pollution." Gutierrez stressed the urgent need for open space and clean air. The proposal, estimated at $100-200 million, is framed as an environmental justice effort to heal a community long divided and harmed by the highway.

• Brooklyn Electeds Demand State Embrace Park Over BQE Trench in Williamsburg, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-21

A 17-year-old male bicyclist was injured on Troutman Street when a sedan made a left turn. Both drivers were distracted. The rider suffered bruises and arm injuries. No vehicle damage was reported. The bicyclist was not ejected and was in shock.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Troutman Street involving a sedan and an e-bike. The 17-year-old male bicyclist was injured, sustaining contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The sedan driver was making a left turn, and the e-bike rider was changing lanes. Both drivers were cited for driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment and was not ejected from the vehicle. Neither vehicle sustained damage at the point of impact. The bicyclist was the sole occupant of the e-bike, and the sedan had one occupant. The incident left the bicyclist in shock with moderate injury severity.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4639724 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A moped carrying two was struck by a sedan turning right on Cypress Avenue. Both moped riders were ejected and suffered fractures to their legs. The moped driver was unlicensed. Driver distraction was cited as a factor in the collision.

According to the police report, a moped traveling north on Cypress Avenue collided with a westbound sedan making a right turn. The moped driver, unlicensed and carrying a passenger, was ejected along with the passenger. Both sustained fractures and dislocations to their knees, lower legs, and feet. The sedan showed no damage. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The moped driver and passenger were not wearing safety equipment. The sedan driver was licensed and operating legally. The crash highlights the dangers of distracted driving and the vulnerability of moped occupants in collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4637665 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Mayor Adams expands Summer Streets to every borough. Five Saturdays. Seventeen miles. Cars banned from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Brooklyn and Queens get major corridors. Advocates want longer hours and connected routes. City cites costs and safety. Streets open, but only for a while.

On June 12, 2023, Mayor Adams announced the expansion of New York City’s Summer Streets program to all five boroughs. The program, managed by the Department of Transportation, will run on five Saturdays in July and August, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., covering 17 miles. Borough presidents Antonio Reynoso (Brooklyn) and Donovan Richards (Queens) pushed for this expansion, with Reynoso praising the use of major corridors like Eastern Parkway. Mayor Adams said, “This is a five-borough city and we are now saying the Summer Streets program is going be a five-borough initiative. Everyone deserves to enjoy that.” Adams expressed interest in longer hours but cited public safety and NYPD staffing costs as barriers. Advocates want more hours and connected car-free routes. The city will spend $1.5 million, not including staffing. The expansion marks a step forward, but the early end time leaves advocates wanting more.

• Summer Streets Expands to All Boroughs; Still Ends Early, Though, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-06-12

Ambulance struck a 15-year-old cyclist on Myrtle Avenue. The boy was ejected, bruised, and hurt his arm. Driver inattention and tailgating caused the crash. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

According to the police report, an ambulance traveling southeast on Myrtle Avenue rear-ended a 15-year-old bicyclist who was heading east. The impact ejected the boy from his bike, leaving him with bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The report lists driver inattention and following too closely as contributing factors. The ambulance sustained damage to its right rear quarter panel. The cyclist was not wearing safety equipment, as noted in the report, but the primary causes were the ambulance driver's distraction and failure to maintain distance.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4636555 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-08

Two sedans collided on Menahan Street in Brooklyn. One was parked; the other struck it from behind. A 28-year-old rear passenger suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Driver distraction and following too closely caused the impact. No ejections reported.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Menahan Street near Wyckoff Avenue in Brooklyn. One vehicle was parked when the other, traveling north, struck it on the left side. The crash injured a 28-year-old male rear passenger, who sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The passenger was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver errors as 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely.' The parked vehicle had no occupants, and the moving vehicle's driver was licensed. Damage was concentrated on the right front quarter panel and right side doors of the moving sedan and the left side doors and left rear quarter panel of the parked sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4635981 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2023-06-01

A 40-year-old man working in the roadway was struck by an SUV traveling north on Suydam Street in Brooklyn. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The driver showed inexperience and distraction. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a 40-year-old male pedestrian was injured while working in the roadway at an intersection on Suydam Street near Knickerbocker Avenue in Brooklyn. The vehicle involved was a 2018 Ford SUV traveling north. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inexperience and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The driver was licensed and alone in the vehicle. The SUV showed no damage from the impact. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No other factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633738 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2023-05-31

A 25-year-old male e-bike driver suffered a head abrasion after colliding with a sedan on Suydam Street. The crash involved disregard of traffic control. The e-bike showed no damage. The rider was conscious and not ejected.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Suydam Street involving a sedan and an e-bike. The e-bike driver, a 25-year-old man, sustained a head abrasion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs. Additionally, 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' was noted, suggesting some confusion or error on the part of the e-bike rider. The sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, showed no damage, and the e-bike also had no visible damage. The rider was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. The crash highlights the dangers when traffic controls are ignored.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632238 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A pickup truck slammed into the rear of an SUV on Stanhope Street in Brooklyn. Both vehicle occupants suffered back injuries and whiplash. The crash happened at night. The pickup truck driver followed too closely, causing the collision.

According to the police report, a pickup truck traveling south on Stanhope Street rear-ended a slowing SUV. The impact injured both occupants of the SUV, a 52-year-old male driver and a 59-year-old female front passenger, both suffering back injuries and whiplash. Both were conscious and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report lists "Following Too Closely" as the contributing factor for the crash. The pickup truck sustained front-end damage, while the SUV showed no damage. The pickup truck driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead before the crash. The collision caused injury but no ejections. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630967 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 52-year-old man driving an SUV struck an e-bike on Cypress Avenue. The driver suffered chest injuries and shock. Police cited traffic control disregard and unsafe speed. The e-bike showed no damage. The SUV’s front end was damaged.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Cypress Avenue involving a station wagon/SUV and an e-bike. The 52-year-old male SUV driver was injured, suffering chest trauma and shock. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The e-bike was traveling west, the SUV south, both going straight ahead. The SUV sustained front-end damage; the e-bike showed no damage. No helmet or signaling factors were noted. The driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness. The crash highlights driver errors in traffic control compliance and speed management.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630574 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 25-year-old female bicyclist was injured in a collision with an SUV on Willoughby Avenue in Brooklyn. The crash happened at night. The bicyclist suffered a head contusion but was conscious and wearing a helmet. The SUV and bike collided front to front.

According to the police report, a 25-year-old female bicyclist traveling west on Willoughby Avenue collided head-on with a northbound SUV. The bicyclist sustained a head injury described as a contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists driver errors including Traffic Control Disregarded and Driver Inattention/Distraction. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet, which was noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The SUV was a 2020 model traveling straight ahead, as was the bicyclist. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage. The crash highlights the dangers when drivers disregard traffic controls and fail to pay attention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4629868 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

A man stepped from a parked car. A bus passed too close. Metal ripped his arm. Blood spilled on De Kalb Avenue. The bus did not stop. The man stayed behind, awake, bleeding, his arm torn open.

A 31-year-old man exited a parked car on De Kalb Avenue. As he stepped down, a westbound bus passed too close. According to the police report, 'Passing Too Closely' was the contributing factor. The bus struck the man’s arm, causing severe lacerations and heavy bleeding. The bus did not stop. The man remained conscious at the scene. No injuries were reported for the bus driver or other vehicle occupants. The police report lists no errors by the victim. The crash highlights the danger when large vehicles fail to give space to people outside cars.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4626484 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07