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

Oct 28 - A 21-year-old woman was hit by an SUV on Wilson Avenue. She suffered fractures and dislocations to her lower leg and foot. The driver was distracted and failed to notice the pedestrian crossing against the signal. The victim remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing against the signal at an intersection on Wilson Avenue. The vehicle involved was a 2022 Honda SUV traveling south, which struck the pedestrian with its center front end. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. There was no damage reported to the vehicle. The pedestrian's action of crossing against the signal is noted, but the primary cause identified is the driver's failure to maintain attention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4577154 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 27 - A pick-up truck struck an e-scooter on Knickerbocker Avenue. The female e-scooter driver was ejected and injured, suffering bruises and arm injuries. The truck hit the scooter’s front left quarter panel. Driver distraction was a factor.

According to the police report, a pick-up truck traveling west on Knickerbocker Avenue collided with a northbound e-scooter. The 37-year-old female e-scooter driver was ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. The truck impacted the scooter’s center front end and left front quarter panel. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The e-scooter driver was unlicensed but wore a helmet. The truck driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4577246 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 20 - DOT refused a protected bike lane on Brooklyn’s Fourth Avenue during construction. Cyclists face danger. The city law demands protection. DOT chose traffic flow over safety. Advocates and officials condemned the move. Illegally parked cars block the shared lane. Cyclists remain exposed.

On October 20, 2022, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced it would not install a temporary protected bike lane on Brooklyn’s Fourth Avenue during major construction, despite Local Law 124 requiring such measures when bike lanes are blocked. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, who once supported the law as a council member, now claims a protected lane would worsen traffic and turning conflicts. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Council Member Alexa Aviles criticized the decision, with Reynoso stating, 'protected bike lanes are essential,' and Aviles urging the city to 'install an alternative, fully protected bike lane where the road can accommodate one.' Advocates argue the shared lane is unsafe and often blocked by cars. The DOT’s move prioritizes vehicle flow over cyclist safety, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.

• SAFETY LAST: DOT Admits To Intentionally Endangering Cyclists on Brooklyn’s Fourth Avenue, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-10-20

Oct 15 - A distracted driver backing a vehicle struck a 26-year-old male bicyclist on Central Avenue in Brooklyn. The cyclist suffered abrasions but remained conscious. The crash involved a rear impact on the cyclist’s bike, which was parked at the time.

According to the police report, a vehicle backing on Central Avenue in Brooklyn collided with a parked bicycle ridden by a 26-year-old male bicyclist. The bicyclist was injured, sustaining abrasions but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor to the crash. The vehicle struck the bike at the center back end, damaging the vehicle's rear and the bike's left front bumper. The bicyclist was unlicensed and not wearing any safety equipment. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4573466 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 12 - A 34-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured in Brooklyn. The sedan made an improper left turn, striking the cyclist traveling west. The rider suffered knee and lower leg contusions. The driver’s error caused the crash.

According to the police report, a sedan was making a left turn on Knickerbocker Avenue in Brooklyn when it collided with a bicyclist traveling west. The bicyclist, a 34-year-old man, was ejected from his bike and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruises. The report lists "Turning Improperly" as the contributing factor, indicating the driver failed to execute the turn safely. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The sedan’s left front bumper and the bike’s right front bumper were damaged. No other contributing factors were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by driver errors in turning maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4573101 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 8 - A sedan struck a 52-year-old male bicyclist on Irving Avenue at 10:44 p.m. The cyclist was ejected and suffered a fractured hip and upper leg. The driver was licensed and traveling north. The crash involved improper lane usage and alcohol.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on Irving Avenue collided with a bicyclist also heading north. The bicyclist, a 52-year-old man, was ejected from his bike and sustained a fractured and dislocated hip and upper leg. The driver of the sedan was licensed and had four occupants in the vehicle. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Alcohol Involvement' as contributing factors. The point of impact was the sedan's right rear bumper and the bike's center front end. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash caused significant injury to the cyclist but no damage to the bike was reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4571591 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 7 - A 26-year-old man was struck by an SUV while crossing a marked crosswalk on Belvidere Street in Brooklyn. The driver, distracted and inattentive, hit the pedestrian with the vehicle's right front bumper. The man suffered bruises and leg injuries.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing a marked crosswalk at an intersection on Belvidere Street, Brooklyn. The vehicle involved was a 2013 Ford SUV traveling south, which struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene and suffered moderate injuries. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in urban crosswalks.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4572425 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 30 - An 18-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and suffered head injuries after colliding with a parked sedan on Troutman Street. The rider was semiconscious and injured internally. The sedan was stationary at impact. Illness was noted as a contributing factor.

According to the police report, an 18-year-old male bicyclist riding an e-bike westbound on Troutman Street collided with a parked sedan. The bicyclist was ejected and sustained head injuries and internal complaints. The sedan was parked at the time of impact, which occurred at its left front quarter panel. The bicyclist was unlicensed and not wearing safety equipment. The report lists illness as a contributing factor but does not specify driver errors. No failure to yield or other driver faults were recorded. The bicyclist’s injury severity was serious, and he was semiconscious after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4569355 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 30 - Council Member Alexa Avilés pushes new rules for last-mile trucking. Trucks choke Red Hook and Sunset Park. Narrow streets shake. Residents breathe fumes. The bill demands safer, smarter routes. Data and daylighting aim to protect people, not just freight.

On September 30, 2022, Council Member Alexa Avilés (District 38) introduced a package of bills targeting last-mile trucking regulation. The measures, revived in committee, seek to redesign truck routes and gather data on facilities run by Amazon, FedEx, and UPS. The matter aims to 'reduce congestion and emissions, improve safety and increase visibility,' especially in overburdened neighborhoods like Red Hook and Sunset Park. Avilés, the lead sponsor, calls for systematic changes: 'We really need to look systematically at more improved routes to ensure people are safe.' The bills would require the Department of Transportation to daylight intersections and the Department of Environmental Protection to install air monitors on heavy-use roads. Councilwoman Jennifer Gutiérrez sponsors a related bill for public truck-route data. The legislation draws support from industry and advocates, all seeking safer streets and cleaner air for vulnerable New Yorkers.

• Trio of council bills seeks to regulate last-mile trucking routes, crainsnewyork.com, Published 2022-09-30

Sep 22 - Brooklyn leaders stood outside Borough Hall. They demanded congestion pricing. They want fewer cars, cleaner air, safer streets. Council Member Lincoln Restler called it sweeping. He pushed for limited exemptions. The rally came as public comment closed. Pressure mounts for federal approval.

On September 22, 2022, Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33) joined Brooklyn officials at a rally supporting New York State's congestion pricing plan. The event came as the public comment period for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Central Business District Tolling Program ended. The plan would toll drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street, aiming to cut traffic and pollution. Restler said, “This is a tangible, major, sweeping policy that will dramatically reduce the number of cars and trucks on the street in New York City.” He supported limited exemptions, especially for taxis and for-hire vehicles, but stressed the need to keep cars off the road. The rally urged the Federal Highway Administration to approve the plan, which is expected to shift commuters to mass transit and modernize city infrastructure. Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon also backed a taxi carveout.

• Brooklyn pols rally for congestion pricing on eve of public comment period ending, amny.com, Published 2022-09-22

Sep 21 - Tom Wright backed congestion pricing at the MTA board. He called it vital. He said it cuts traffic, cleans air, and funds transit. Brooklyn lawmakers joined in. Critics raised minor issues. Supporters said fixes are simple. The push for safer streets continues.

On September 21, 2022, Tom Wright, president of the Regional Plan Association, spoke at the MTA board meeting to support congestion pricing. The statement, titled 'Congestion Pricing Benefits Are Inarguable; Its Minor Problems are Easily Fixable,' urged city, state, and federal leaders to advance the Central Business District Tolling Program. Wright said, 'Congestion pricing will have benefits for communities across the city and region: It will reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. It will raise vital revenue for public transit. It will make the transportation system more equitable.' Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Council Member Lincoln Restler planned a rally in support. The statement acknowledged minor impacts, like increased traffic on select highways, but insisted these can be addressed by electrifying fleets and capping highways. The focus remained on the program’s broad benefits for vulnerable road users and city residents.

• Opinion: Congestion Pricing Benefits Are Inarguable; Its Minor Problems are Easily Fixable, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-21

Sep 14 - A 29-year-old woman bicyclist was hit by an SUV starting from parking. She was ejected and suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The driver’s inattention caused the crash. The cyclist wore a helmet and remained conscious after the collision.

According to the police report, an SUV starting from parking struck a bicyclist traveling west on Stanhope Street. The 29-year-old female bicyclist was ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as the contributing factors to the crash. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet and remained conscious after the impact. The SUV’s point of impact was the right front quarter panel, while the bike was hit on the left side doors. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4564204 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 12 - Brooklyn and Queens leaders want car-free Summer Streets beyond Manhattan. They urge the city to open roads for people, not cars. Advocates back them. The city says it will review. Families, children, and communities stand to gain space and safety.

On September 12, 2022, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards called for expanding the 'Summer Streets' program to their boroughs. They wrote to Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, stating, 'Every year, we see how much New Yorkers enjoy the car-free street and associated activities, and we are writing to ask you to bring this beloved event to our respective boroughs in 2023.' The Department of Transportation said it would review the request. Advocates like Juan Restrepo and Jackson Chabot joined the call, demanding more hours and borough-wide access. Community groups stressed the benefits for families and children. The program is described as cost-effective, crime-free, and vital for community building. No formal council bill or vote yet, but the push is clear: open streets for all, not just Manhattan.

• Brooklyn, Queens Beeps Want ‘Summer Streets’ Too!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-12

Sep 10 - A 21-year-old female passenger suffered elbow and arm injuries in a Brooklyn crash. The SUV was hit on its right side by a sedan traveling west. Driver distraction caused the collision. The passenger was not ejected but went into shock.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Flushing Avenue in Brooklyn involving a northbound SUV and a westbound sedan. The SUV was struck on its right side doors by the sedan's front end. A 21-year-old female passenger in the SUV sustained injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, and experienced shock. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. Both drivers were licensed. The passenger was not ejected from the vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4563250 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 5 - E-scooter and SUV collided on Bushwick Avenue. Rider suffered leg abrasions. Both vehicles turned left. Police cited driver inattention. No vehicle damage. Rider stayed conscious.

According to the police report, an e-scooter and a 2013 Chevrolet SUV collided on Bushwick Avenue. The e-scooter rider, a 35-year-old man, was injured with abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He was not ejected and remained conscious. Both vehicles were making left turns at the time of the crash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The SUV had no damage despite impact to its left front quarter panel. The e-scooter was struck on its right front quarter panel. No safety equipment was noted for the e-scooter rider. The crash underscores the danger of driver distraction for vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4561273 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 3 - A sedan turning left struck an eastbound e-bike on Willoughby Avenue. The e-bike rider, a 28-year-old man, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The driver showed signs of inattention and unsafe speed. The collision damaged both vehicles’ front ends.

According to the police report, a sedan making a left turn collided with an e-bike traveling straight ahead on Willoughby Avenue. The e-bike rider, a 28-year-old man, was injured with contusions and trauma to his knee and lower leg. The report lists driver errors including inattention and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The sedan’s left front bumper and the e-bike’s center front end were damaged. The e-bike rider was conscious and not ejected. The sedan driver was licensed and female. No helmet or signaling factors were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving and unsafe turning maneuvers in mixed traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4562815 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 30 - A crash on De Kalb Avenue injured a 42-year-old male passenger. Two SUVs and a pick-up truck collided. The injured occupant suffered shock and unknown injuries. Aggressive driving and unsafe speed caused the crash.

According to the police report, the crash involved multiple vehicles on De Kalb Avenue, including two SUVs and a pick-up truck. A 42-year-old male occupant seated in the right rear passenger position was injured and experienced shock. The report lists aggressive driving and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The pick-up truck was making a right turn at the time of impact, which occurred at the center front end of the truck and involved the left front bumper of one SUV and the center back end of another vehicle. The injured passenger was not ejected and had no visible complaints. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4559644 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 30 - Lawmakers push for e-bike rebates. Senate passes, Assembly stalls. Salazar and Carroll lead. Up to $1,100 for buyers. Critics call it a luxury. Carroll disagrees. Program aims for working-class riders. Cars keep killing. E-bikes offer a way out.

""When the federal government falls short, it really does fall on the state to step up and take responsibility."" -- Julia Salazar

Senate Bill 'Ride Clean' proposes up to $1,100 rebates for e-bike purchases, covering half the cost. The bill passed the Senate but stalled in the Assembly as of August 30, 2022. The measure, led by State Senator Julia Salazar and Assembly Member Robert Carroll, aims to make e-bikes accessible to working-class New Yorkers. Salazar says, 'With the Ride Clean rebate, [e-bikes] really would be much more accessible to working New Yorkers.' Carroll pushes back on critics who call e-bikes a luxury, stating, 'They don’t realize that this is not a luxury item.' The program would use NYSERDA funds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, mirroring the Drive Clean program for electric cars. Advocates cite European and U.S. models. The bill’s fate now rests with the Assembly.

• NY Lawmakers Want To Bring E-Bikes To The People, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-30

Aug 30 - Senator Julia Salazar’s Ride Clean bill passed the New York Senate 60-3. It offers up to $1,100 for e-bike purchases. The bill aims to cut car use and emissions. It stalled in the Assembly. Lawmakers say it makes e-bikes accessible for working New Yorkers.

Senate Bill S7703, known as the Ride Clean rebate, passed the New York State Senate on June 2022 by a 60-3 vote. The bill sits stalled in the Assembly committee since January. The measure, sponsored by Senator Julia Salazar, would require NYSERDA to cover half the cost of e-bike purchases, up to $1,100. Salazar said, 'When the federal government falls short, it really does fall on the state to step up and take responsibility.' Assembly sponsor Robert Carroll added, 'This is not a luxury item.' The bill’s summary states it aims to make e-bikes accessible and reduce car dependence. If enacted, New York would join a handful of states offering direct e-bike subsidies, targeting emissions and car use in daily trips.

• NY Lawmakers Want To Bring E-Bikes To The People, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-08-30

Aug 24 - A tractor truck struck a parked sedan on Flushing Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan’s female driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The truck’s right front bumper hit the sedan’s left front quarter panel. Driver distraction caused the crash.

According to the police report, a tractor truck traveling east on Flushing Avenue collided with a parked sedan. The sedan’s 31-year-old female driver was injured, sustaining contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The truck impacted the sedan’s left front quarter panel with its right front bumper. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The sedan driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. No other contributing factors were noted. The crash occurred near Humboldt Street in Brooklyn’s 11206 zip code.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4560495 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19