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

Aug 6 - A 10-year-old girl was injured while emerging from behind a parked vehicle on Myrtle Avenue. She suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee and lower leg. The SUV involved showed no damage. The child was conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 10-year-old female pedestrian was injured on Myrtle Avenue after emerging from in front of or behind a parked vehicle. She sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The vehicle involved was a 2014 Chevrolet SUV traveling west, with no damage reported and no occupants inside. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not indicate any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The pedestrian was conscious at the time of the report. No helmet or signaling factors were noted. The incident highlights the dangers pedestrians face when visibility is obstructed by parked vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4651680 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 4 - Two bodies pulled from Newtown Creek. Council Member Gutiérrez demands action. Industrial zones draw crowds but lack lights, signs, transit. Politicians push for safety. Danger stalks dark streets. City must fix deadly gaps before more lives are lost.

On August 4, 2023, Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez (District 34) led a call for increased nightlife safety in industrial areas after two men died near Brooklyn Mirage. The matter, titled 'After two bodies recovered from Newtown Creek, pols petition for more nightlife safety measures in industrial areas,' highlights the lack of lighting, signage, connectivity, and public transportation in the Industrial Business Zone (IBZ). Gutiérrez, joined by U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Assembly Members Maritz Davila and Emily Gallagher, and State Senator Julia Salazar, urged a full investigation and demanded urgent infrastructure upgrades. Gutiérrez said, 'We remain committed to enhancing public safety and ensuring that the nightlife community operates and maintains responsible practices.' The push centers vulnerable road users—pedestrians and nightlife patrons—who face systemic danger in neglected, poorly lit streets.

• After two bodies recovered from Newtown Creek, pols petition for more nightlife safety measures in industrial areas, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-08-04

Jul 28 - A 23-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a collision with a 2021 Ford SUV on Bushwick Avenue. The SUV struck the bike on its right side doors. The bicyclist suffered contusions and lower leg injuries. The driver failed to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a 2021 Ford SUV traveling north on Bushwick Avenue struck him on the bike's right side doors. The bicyclist sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The SUV driver was licensed and going straight ahead at the time of impact. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4650179 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 19 - A motorcycle and sedan collided on Flushing Avenue in Brooklyn. The motorcycle driver and passenger, both 32, were ejected. Both suffered head injuries and abrasions. The driver was cited for other vehicular factors. No helmets were worn.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling east on Flushing Avenue collided with a northbound sedan. The motorcycle driver and passenger, both 32 years old, were ejected from the vehicle. Both sustained head injuries and abrasions. The driver was conscious but injured. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor for the crash, indicating driver error on the motorcycle operator's part. Neither occupant wore safety equipment. The sedan had no occupants at the time. The impact occurred at the motorcycle's center front end. The passenger was riding or hanging on the outside of the motorcycle when ejected. Both victims suffered serious injuries but survived.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4648521 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 18 - Brooklyn officials demand equal tolls on all Manhattan crossings. They warn free bridges funnel traffic into certain neighborhoods. Their letter calls for fairness. The MTA stays silent. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide. Streets hang in the balance.

On July 18, 2023, Council Member Shahana Hanif and other Brooklyn officials called for 'equalized tolling on all crossings into Manhattan' as congestion pricing nears. Their letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board states: 'No one community should disproportionately bear the burden of the cars and trucks passing through their neighborhood.' Hanif, along with Lincoln Restler, Alexa Avilés, Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Crystal Hudson, joined borough, state, and federal colleagues in this push. They propose a credit system to balance costs between DOT bridges and MTA tunnels, aiming to protect neighborhoods like the Brooklyn waterfront and the BQE corridor from traffic surges. The MTA declined comment. The Board will soon set final toll rates and rules. The federal government has approved the congestion pricing plan, with tolls for cars expected between $9 and $23. Over 100 exemption requests, including from taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers, are under review.

• Pols call for ‘equalized tolling’ on all crossings into Manhattan under congestion pricing on eve of board deliberations, amny.com, Published 2023-07-18

Jul 18 - Brooklyn officials demand equal tolls on all Manhattan crossings. They warn free bridges funnel traffic into certain neighborhoods. Their letter calls for fairness. The MTA stays silent. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide. Streets hang in the balance.

On July 18, 2023, Council Member Shahana Hanif and other Brooklyn officials called for 'equalized tolling on all crossings into Manhattan' as congestion pricing nears. Their letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board states: 'No one community should disproportionately bear the burden of the cars and trucks passing through their neighborhood.' Hanif, along with Lincoln Restler, Alexa Avilés, Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Crystal Hudson, joined borough, state, and federal colleagues in this push. They propose a credit system to balance costs between DOT bridges and MTA tunnels, aiming to protect neighborhoods like the Brooklyn waterfront and the BQE corridor from traffic surges. The MTA declined comment. The Board will soon set final toll rates and rules. The federal government has approved the congestion pricing plan, with tolls for cars expected between $9 and $23. Over 100 exemption requests, including from taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers, are under review.

• Pols call for ‘equalized tolling’ on all crossings into Manhattan under congestion pricing on eve of board deliberations, amny.com, Published 2023-07-18

Jul 14 - A sedan struck a 35-year-old male bicyclist on Harman Street in Brooklyn. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg bruises. The driver was inattentive. The bike showed no damage. The rider was conscious and not ejected from the bike.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Harman Street collided with a bicyclist also heading west. The bicyclist, a 35-year-old man, sustained contusions and bruises to his knee and lower leg. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment and was not ejected from the bike. The sedan's left front bumper was the point of impact, but the vehicle showed no damage. The bicyclist was conscious and injured but not seriously. The driver’s failure to maintain attention caused the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4648472 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 28 - 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 2025-09-19

Jun 21 - 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

Jun 19 - 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 2025-09-19

Jun 14 - 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 2025-09-19

Jun 12 - 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

Jun 11 - A 37-year-old man riding a bike was ejected and left unconscious on Stockholm Street. He suffered bruises across his body. The crash stemmed from driver inattention. The bike’s front end was damaged.

According to the police report, a 37-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured while riding straight on Stockholm Street. He was found unconscious, with contusions and bruises to his entire body. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. The bike sustained damage to its center front end. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved or hurt. The bicyclist was not using safety equipment at the time, as noted after the driver error.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4644874 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 11 - A taxi made a left turn on Central Avenue. A bicyclist traveling southeast collided with the taxi’s left rear quarter panel. The 44-year-old male cyclist suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a taxi was making a left turn on Central Avenue when it struck a bicyclist traveling in the same direction. The bicyclist, a 44-year-old man, was injured with abrasions to his elbow and lower arm but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. The taxi driver was licensed and operating the vehicle properly, with no damage reported to either vehicle. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The collision occurred at the taxi’s left rear quarter panel, indicating the impact happened as the taxi turned left.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4638432 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 9 - 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 2025-09-19

Jun 8 - 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

Jun 7 - 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 2025-09-19

Jun 6 - 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

Jun 1 - 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

May 31 - 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 2025-09-19