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

Aug 14 - Int 1353 forces DOT to install traffic calming by schools within 60 days of a study. Faster hardware cuts speeds and protects walkers and cyclists.

Int 1353-2025 was introduced Aug. 14, 2025 and is in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It would amend the administrative code to require DOT to install traffic-calming or control devices on streets adjacent to schools within 60 days of a study. The bill states: "the department shall complete the installation of such traffic calming device or traffic control device by no later than 60 days after the department issues such traffic study determination." Sponsors: Farah N. Louis (primary), with co-sponsors Jennifer Gutiérrez and Lincoln Restler. It takes effect immediately if enacted. Requiring installation within 60 days accelerates proven infrastructure that lowers speeds and crash risk, encouraging walking and biking and improving safety and equity for many vulnerable users.

• File Int 1353-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 14 - Int 1353-2025 forces DOT to install traffic calming on streets beside schools within 60 days of a study finding. It shortens long delays that leave crossings and bike lanes exposed. Major transportation projects are exempt.

Int. No. 1353-2025 (status: Sponsorship; referred to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure) was filed Aug. 14, 2025 and sent to committee the same day. The matter is titled: "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the time permitted for the installation of a traffic calming device or traffic control device on any street adjacent to a school." It was introduced by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez and cosponsored by Tiffany Cabán, Lincoln Restler and Farah N. Louis. The bill would require that "the department shall complete the installation... by no later than 60 days after the department issues such traffic study determination." The law takes effect immediately. The measure requires timely installation of proven devices within 60 days, reducing deployment delays and protecting pedestrians and cyclists—especially children—while reasonably exempting major projects.

• File Int 1353-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 10 - A 19-year-old woman was hit by the driver of a sedan while crossing Cedar Street. She suffered a contusion to her knee and lower leg and remained conscious. Police recorded driver inattention and passing too closely.

According to the police report, the crash resulted from "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Passing Too Closely." The driver of a sedan was traveling east on Cedar Street when the driver hit a 19-year-old woman who was crossing the street. She sustained a contusion to her knee and lower leg and was conscious at the scene. Police recorded the point of impact as the sedan’s left front bumper. The report lists those two contributing factors and notes no other serious injuries or vehicle occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4833848 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-07

Aug 8 - A 29-year-old cyclist hit a parked GMC SUV on Evergreen near DeKalb at 3 a.m. She scraped her arm and stayed conscious. Her front wheel met the SUV’s right rear bumper. Metal won. She hurt.

A 29-year-old woman riding a bike hit the right rear bumper of a parked 2007 GMC SUV on Evergreen Ave near DeKalb Ave in Brooklyn at about 3 a.m. She suffered abrasions to her lower arm and stayed conscious. According to the police report, officers recorded “Other Vehicular” and “Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion.” The SUV was unoccupied. No driver errors were listed. The point of impact was her bike’s center front end against the SUV’s right rear bumper. The crash left the cyclist hurt and the bike damaged.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4833762 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-07

Aug 7 - Two SUVs and a sedan collided at center-front on Myrtle Ave in Brooklyn. A 36-year-old driver suffered back pain and whiplash. Police recorded 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor.

Three vehicles collided on Myrtle Ave in Brooklyn. The driver of a 2023 Honda SUV, the driver of a 2018 Audi SUV, and a 2011 Scion sedan met in center front-end impacts. A 36-year-old man driving one of the vehicles was injured and complained of back pain and whiplash. According to the police report, police recorded 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor. The report notes center front-end damage across all three vehicles and records the injured person as an occupant driver. The report does not list other contributing factors or other injured parties.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4833774 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-07

Aug 7 - Southbound driver blew a control. Struck a 75-year-old woman in the crosswalk on Humboldt at Flushing. She had the signal. She went down with a leg bruise. Brooklyn pavement took the rest. The car kept straight. The system failed her.

A southbound driver on Humboldt Street at Flushing Avenue struck a 75-year-old woman who was crossing with the signal. According to the police report, contributing factors were “Traffic Control Disregarded” and “Other Vehicular.” The pedestrian suffered a lower-leg contusion and was listed as injured but conscious. The report places her in the intersection, crossing with the walk. Driver errors cited include Traffic Control Disregarded. Only after those failures does the report list Other Vehicular. The vehicle is recorded as going straight ahead, with point of impact noted as Other. No additional narrative or vehicle details were provided in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4834881 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-07

Aug 7 - A pedestrian was killed on Morgan Avenue — the third in three years. Advocates call for protected bike lanes and mid-block crossings. Officials back the push. The city has not redesigned the street. Danger remains.

Bill number: none. Status: infrastructure safety advocacy with no committee action. Key date: August 7, 2025 (reporting and renewed calls). The matter: "Three Years, Three Deaths: Advocates Want DOT To Make Morgan Avenue Safe." Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez publicly backed the redesign and warned of urgency, saying, "Every single death... is 100 percentable preventable." State Sen. Julia Salazar and Assembly Member Emily Gallagher also supported the push. Advocates demand a protected bike lane, mid-block crossings, and new loading zones. The lack of significant street redesign after repeated fatalities perpetuates unsafe conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, discouraging active transportation and failing to address systemic risks. Advocates plan a community speak-out to press DOT for action.

• Three Years, Three Deaths: Advocates Want DOT To Make Morgan Avenue Safe, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-08-07

Aug 7 - A pedestrian was killed on Morgan Avenue — the third in three years. Advocates call for protected bike lanes and mid-block crossings. Officials back the push. The city has not redesigned the street. Danger remains.

Bill number: none. Status: infrastructure safety advocacy with no committee action. Key date: August 7, 2025 (reporting and renewed calls). The matter: "Three Years, Three Deaths: Advocates Want DOT To Make Morgan Avenue Safe." Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez publicly backed the redesign and warned of urgency, saying, "Every single death... is 100 percentable preventable." State Sen. Julia Salazar and Assembly Member Emily Gallagher also supported the push. Advocates demand a protected bike lane, mid-block crossings, and new loading zones. The lack of significant street redesign after repeated fatalities perpetuates unsafe conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, discouraging active transportation and failing to address systemic risks. Advocates plan a community speak-out to press DOT for action.

• Three Years, Three Deaths: Advocates Want DOT To Make Morgan Avenue Safe, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-08-07

Aug 4 - The driver of a motorcycle struck a parked sedan on Bushwick Ave and was ejected. The 27-year-old rider suffered knee and foot injuries and abrasions. Police cited driver inattention. The rider wore a helmet.

A motorcycle driver struck a parked sedan on Bushwick Ave near Forrest St in Brooklyn. The motorcycle was traveling north and its center front end hit the sedan's left side doors. The driver of the motorcycle, a 27-year-old man, was ejected and suffered knee, lower-leg and foot injuries and an abrasion. According to the police report, "Driver Inattention/Distraction" was a contributing factor. The rider wore a helmet. The sedan was parked and listed one occupant with unspecified injuries. Police recorded no pedestrian involvement.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4832979 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-07

Jul 30 - Council moves to ban parking near corners. Sightlines clear. Crashes drop. Pedestrians and cyclists breathe easier. DOT doubts linger. Advocates press on. Streets could change fast.

""Universal daylighting is a proven, effective way to make our streets safer for pedestrians, bikers and drivers."" -- Sandy Nurse

On July 30, 2025, the NYC Council Progressive Caucus made a major push for Intro 1138, a bill to ban parking within 20 feet of intersections. The measure sits with the Transportation Committee. Council Member Julie Won introduced it after deadly crashes in her district. Eighteen caucus members back the bill, aiming to force a vote this year. The matter: 'eliminate parking within 20 feet of an intersection.' Council Member Sandy Nurse called daylighting 'a proven, effective way to make our streets safer.' DOT raised doubts about non-hardened daylighting, but safety analysts say restricting parking near intersections improves visibility, reduces collisions, and protects people on foot and bike.

• NYC Council Progressive Caucus to make push for universal daylighting in 2025, City & State NY, Published 2025-07-30

Jul 17 - Council raised pay for grocery deliveristas. EMTs now earn less. Delivery workers face city streets daily. Council chose their risk. First responders left behind.

On July 17, 2025, the NYC Council passed a bill raising minimum pay for app-based grocery delivery workers to $21.44 per hour. The bill, sponsored by Council Member Sandy Nurse, matches earlier raises for restaurant deliveristas. The matter summary: 'the NYC Council approved on Monday a pay increase for app-based grocery-delivery workers.' Speaker Adrienne Adams and Justin Brannan backed higher EMT pay, but the bill leaves FDNY EMTs earning less than delivery workers. Safety analysts found no direct impact on pedestrians or cyclists: 'The pay increase for app-based delivery workers does not directly affect the safety of pedestrians or cyclists, nor does it impact street design, mode shift, or driver accountability.'

• FDNY EMT outrage: First responders now earn less than grocery delivery workers after NYC Council vote, AMNY, Published 2025-07-17

Jul 16 - The driver of an SUV making a left turn hit a parked sedan on St Nicholas Ave. Four women in the SUV — the driver and three passengers — were injured. Head, leg and whole‑body trauma, whiplash and shock followed. Police cited driver inattention.

An SUV making a left turn struck a parked Audi sedan on St Nicholas Ave near Dekalb Ave in Brooklyn. Four women in the SUV — the driver and three passengers — were injured. Injuries reported include head trauma, hip/upper‑leg injury, whole‑body injury, whiplash, and shock. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The report records the SUV's pre‑crash action as 'Making Left Turn' and notes the parked sedan's pre‑crash status as 'Parked.' Police listed driver inattention as the contributing factor in the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4828542 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-07

Jul 15 - A car spun out in a Brooklyn lot. The driver lost control. Madisyn Ruiz, 21, died. Two boys hurt. Tire marks linger. The driver faces charges. The family mourns. The system failed to protect.

According to NY Daily News (2025-07-15), Madisyn Ruiz, 21, was killed when her boyfriend, Zachary Cando, lost control of a 2023 Genesis G80 while 'doing donuts' in the Gateway Center parking lot. Ruiz was sitting by the curb when struck. Two nephews, ages 12 and 17, were also injured. Cando told police he 'lost control' during the stunt. He was arrested and charged with criminally negligent homicide, reckless endangerment, and reckless driving. The article notes, 'Days later, circular tire tracks were still visible in the parking lot.' This crash highlights the dangers of reckless driving in public spaces and raises questions about parking lot safety and enforcement.

• Driver Doing Donuts Kills Girlfriend, NY Daily News, Published 2025-07-15

Jul 13 - Council moves to shield delivery workers. Wage floors, tipping rules, and safety gear on the line. Workers face street danger daily. New rules aim to cut risk and boost dignity.

On July 14, 2025, the NYC Council will vote on bills to protect delivery workers. The agenda includes wage floors, tipping requirements, and safety measures. Council Members Shaun Abreu, Jennifer Gutierrez, and Sandy Nurse sponsor key bills. Barbara Russo-Lennon supports the package. The matter summary states: 'Council members will vote on a list of legislative items that would benefit delivery app workers.' These protections can improve worker well-being and bargaining power, reducing pressure to take unsafe risks. The council’s action targets the daily hazards faced by delivery workers on city streets.

• NYC Council expected to vote Monday on wage and workplace protections for delivery workers, AMNY, Published 2025-07-13

Jul 13 - Council moves to shield delivery workers. Wage floors, tipping rules, and safety gear on the line. Workers face street danger daily. New rules aim to cut risk and boost dignity.

On July 14, 2025, the NYC Council will vote on bills to protect delivery workers. The agenda includes wage floors, tipping requirements, and safety measures. Council Members Shaun Abreu, Jennifer Gutierrez, and Sandy Nurse sponsor key bills. Barbara Russo-Lennon supports the package. The matter summary states: 'Council members will vote on a list of legislative items that would benefit delivery app workers.' These protections can improve worker well-being and bargaining power, reducing pressure to take unsafe risks. The council’s action targets the daily hazards faced by delivery workers on city streets.

• NYC Council expected to vote Monday on wage and workplace protections for delivery workers, AMNY, Published 2025-07-13

Jul 12 - Two men crossed Third Avenue. A BMW struck them. Blood marked the car. The driver fled. Police tracked him down. He faces manslaughter charges. Sunset Park mourns.

According to NY Daily News (2025-07-12), a BMW driver hit and killed two men, ages 59 and 80, as they crossed Third Ave. at 52nd St. in Brooklyn. The driver, Juventino Anastacio Florentino, left the scene, leaving car parts behind. Police used license plate readers to find him. Florentino admitted, 'I had a six pack of Modelos and two drinks... It's my fault.' His blood alcohol content was 0.06%, below the legal limit. He faces manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide charges. The case highlights the deadly risk of hit-and-run crashes and the role of alcohol, even below legal thresholds.

• BMW Driver Kills Two in Brooklyn Hit-and-Run, NY Daily News, Published 2025-07-12

Jul 10 - A woman crossing Wyckoff Ave at Troutman was struck. Her leg broke. The crash left her hurt in the crosswalk. The driver’s actions remain unknown. The street stayed silent.

A 34-year-old woman was hit while crossing Wyckoff Avenue at Troutman Street in Brooklyn. She suffered a fractured leg and dislocation. According to the police report, the pedestrian was in a marked crosswalk with no signal. The report does not list any driver errors or contributing factors. No details about the vehicle or driver actions appear in the data. The crash left the pedestrian injured at the intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4826941 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-07

Jul 10 - City rips out Bedford Avenue bike lane. Cyclists lose safe passage. Judge sides with mayor. Injuries had dropped. Advocates warn: danger returns. Streets grow harsher for those outside cars.

Streetsblog NYC (2025-07-10) reports that Mayor Adams will remove a protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue after a judge upheld the city’s decision. Advocates say this 'all but guarantees that there will be blood on Eric Adams's hands.' NYPD data showed injuries dropped after the lane’s installation. The city acted after complaints from local leaders. The lane sits on a 'Vision Zero Priority Corridor,' one of Brooklyn’s most dangerous streets. Cyclists and residents called the move political and warned it strips away proven safety. No driver errors cited, but the policy shift exposes vulnerable road users to renewed risk.

• Brooklyn Bike Lane Removal Sparks Outrage, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-10

Jul 10 - Council ends Instacart loophole. All app delivery workers get minimum wage. Bills target pay, tips, and safety. Workers risk streets for every order. Law brings fairer pay, not safer roads.

On July 10, 2025, the City Council advanced Intro 1133 and 1135 to close the Instacart loophole and regulate app-based delivery. The bills, led by Council Members Jennifer Gutiérrez, Sandy Nurse, and Shaun Abreu, require all apps to pay minimum wage and restore upfront tipping. The matter summary: 'regulate the app-based delivery industry.' Sophia Lebowitz supported the action. Advocates say the package strengthens 2023's pay law. A safety analyst notes: mandating minimum wage improves labor conditions but does not directly affect safety, mode shift, or street equity for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Council To Close Instacart Loophole, Pass Delivery Industry Regulation Bills, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-07-10

Jul 8 - The driver of a sedan hit a parked SUV on Wilson Ave at Himrod St in Brooklyn. A 15-year-old male passenger suffered shoulder and upper-arm injuries and shock. Police cited driver inattention and unsafe speed.

The driver of a sedan hit a parked SUV on Wilson Ave at Himrod St in Brooklyn. A 15-year-old male passenger was injured, suffering shoulder and upper-arm trauma and shock with a complaint of pain. "According to the police report ..." police recorded Driver Inattention/Distraction and Unsafe Speed as contributing factors. The sedan struck the SUV’s left front quarter panel with its right front bumper while the sedan was traveling east and the SUV was parked. Vehicles were damaged. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved, per the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4828189 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-07