The Dead Don’t Wait—Why Should We?

A northbound SUV making a left turn collided with a southbound bicyclist on Bushwick Avenue. The cyclist suffered abrasions and arm injuries. Police cite driver inattention and failure to yield as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, at 5:00 p.m., a 2017 Chevrolet SUV traveling north on Bushwick Avenue was making a left turn when it struck a southbound bicyclist. The impact occurred on the left side doors of the bike and the center front end of the SUV. The bicyclist, a 51-year-old male wearing a helmet, sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors attributed to the SUV driver. The cyclist was not ejected and remained conscious. The SUV had no occupants other than the driver, who was unlicensed. This crash highlights critical driver errors in yielding and attention that led to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4716179 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a collision with an SUV on Gates Avenue. The cyclist was partially ejected but remained conscious. The crash was caused by driver inattention, according to the police report.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Gates Avenue involving a station wagon/SUV and a bicyclist traveling south. The SUV was traveling east and both vehicles were going straight ahead when the crash happened at 19:50. The bicyclist, a 39-year-old male, was partially ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The SUV showed no damage, while the bike sustained damage to its center front end. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors related to the victim were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715824 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A motorcycle collided with a sedan on Wyckoff Avenue, ejecting the rider. The 32-year-old driver suffered facial injuries and minor bleeding. Alcohol involvement and unsafe speed by the motorcyclist led to the violent impact and severe trauma.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at 19:25 on Wyckoff Avenue in Brooklyn involving a 2017 Yamaha motorcycle and a 2015 Toyota sedan. The motorcycle was traveling north, and the sedan south, both going straight ahead when the crash happened. The motorcycle driver, a 32-year-old male, was ejected from the vehicle, sustaining facial injuries and minor bleeding, and was reported to be in shock. The report cites 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors attributed to the motorcycle driver. The sedan's point of impact was its left rear bumper, while the motorcycle sustained damage to its center front end. The motorcycle driver held only a permit license. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The crash highlights driver errors related to impaired operation and excessive speed, resulting in severe injury to the vulnerable motorcyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715268 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A moped traveling south collided with an SUV making a left turn on Central Avenue in Brooklyn. The moped driver suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. Police cited driver inattention as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, at 11:40 PM on Central Avenue in Brooklyn, a moped traveling south struck a station wagon/SUV that was making a left turn. The moped's right front quarter panel was the point of impact, sustaining damage, while the SUV showed no damage. The moped driver, a 32-year-old male occupant, was injured with abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The SUV driver’s license status and identity were not reported. This collision highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction during turning maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714846 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan driver, distracted and inattentive, struck a 34-year-old woman riding her bike northeast on Irving Avenue. She suffered bruises to her knee, leg, and foot. The crash shows the threat drivers pose to cyclists.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling southeast collided with a bicyclist heading northeast on Irving Avenue at 19:40. The 34-year-old woman riding the bike was injured, suffering contusions to her knee, lower leg, and foot. She remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, pointing to the sedan driver's failure to pay attention. No other contributing factors or cyclist actions were cited. This crash highlights the danger distracted drivers create for people on bikes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714452 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 2024-03-27

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 2024-03-20

Council bill demands DOT fix NYCHA sidewalks first. Seniors come before all. Broken walks trip, injure, kill. Law forces city to show its work. No more hiding behind red tape.

Bill Int 0504-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced March 7, 2024. It orders the DOT to prioritize sidewalk repairs at NYCHA sites, with senior housing first. The bill summary reads: 'establishing priority for sidewalk repairs at developments operated by the New York city housing authority.' Sponsors include Alexa Avilés (primary), Shaun Abreu, Shahana K. Hanif, Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Sandy Nurse, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Pierina Ana Sanchez, Lincoln Restler, Rafael Salamanca, Jr., and Farah N. Louis. The law also requires public reporting of repairs and timelines. Sidewalk neglect endangers NYCHA residents—this bill aims to force action and transparency.

• File Int 0504-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-07

Council moves to expand Open Streets on busy holidays. More hours. More car-free blocks. Pedestrians and cyclists get space when crowds surge. Streets shift from traffic to people. Danger drops. The city listens to neighborhoods.

Bill Int 0270-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it amends city code to require the Department of Transportation to expand Open Streets hours on holidays with heavy foot traffic—Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day, Halloween, and others. The bill reads: 'special activation of the Open Streets program on certain holidays and time periods with significant pedestrian traffic.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rivera, Brooks-Powers, Louis, Nurse, Ossé, Sanchez, Cabán, Banks, Avilés, Riley, Salaam, Hanif, Feliz, Won, Restler, and Joseph. Community groups can suggest more dates. The city must review all requests under the same standards as regular Open Streets. This bill aims to give people the street when they need it most.

• File Int 0270-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill demands NYPD track every time cops use cars as weapons. No more hiding behind vague stats. Each crash, each injury, must be counted. The city moves closer to truth.

Int 0255-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by Hudson, Won, Hanif, Bottcher, Brewer, Avilés, Abreu, Ossé, Krishnan, Williams, Cabán, Nurse, Sanchez, and at the Brooklyn Borough President's request. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to use of force incidents involving police department use of a motor vehicle.' It forces the NYPD to report every use of a car to control a subject. No more lumping these acts with other force. The bill aims for hard numbers and real accountability. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, passengers—will no longer be invisible in police data.

• File Int 0255-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council wants DOT to study how street design can keep commercial trucks out of residential blocks. The bill sits in committee. Streets should shelter people, not heavy traffic.

Int 0114-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to report on 'the utility and feasibility of using street design as a means to limit or reduce the use by commercial vehicles of streets in residential neighborhoods.' Jennifer Gutiérrez leads as primary sponsor, joined by Avilés, the Public Advocate, and others. The bill was referred to committee on the day of introduction. It demands a clear look at how design can push trucks off streets where people walk, bike, and live.

• File Int 0114-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council wants 100 miles of protected bike lanes each year. Cyclists need steel and concrete, not paint. The bill sits in committee. Streets could change. Lives hang in the balance.

Int 0271-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 28, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the installation of protected bicycle lanes.' Council Member Lincoln Restler leads, joined by Rivera, Louis, Hanif, Ossé, Brewer, Cabán, Nurse, Hudson, Salaam, Bottcher, Gutiérrez, Feliz, Won, and Joseph. The bill demands the Department of Transportation install 100 miles of protected bike lanes per year for six years. The aim: real protection for cyclists and a safer city grid.

• File Int 0271-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council urges Albany to pass SAFE Streets Act. Lower speed limits. Rights for crash victims. Safe passing for cyclists. Complete streets. City demands action as deaths rise. Streets remain deadly. Lawmakers must act.

Resolution 0090-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it calls on the state to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law') and A.1901, part of the SAFE Streets Act. The matter title: 'Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.2422... allowing New York city to establish a lower speed limit, and A.1901, enacting a crash victims bill of rights.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif leads, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Nurse, and others. The resolution demands lower speed limits, crash victim rights, safe passing for cyclists, and complete street design. It cites rising traffic deaths and the failure of current measures. The Council wants Albany to give the city real power to protect people on its streets.

• File Res 0090-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council passed a law forcing taxis and for-hire cars to post bold warnings on doors. The signs tell passengers: look for cyclists before you open up. A small step. The city hands out the decals. No cost to drivers.

Int 0193-2024 became law on May 31, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' was sponsored by Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by over twenty council members, including Gutiérrez, Hudson, and Rivera. The law mandates clear warning decals on all rear passenger doors of taxis and for-hire vehicles. The Taxi and Limousine Commission will provide the signs at no cost. The measure aims to cut down on 'dooring'—a threat to cyclists citywide. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it became law.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council calls for five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The move aims to slow cars where people walk, bike, and gather. Resolution adopted. Streets may breathe easier. Danger may shrink.

Resolution 0079-2024, adopted June 6, 2024 by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, urges Albany to let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The matter title reads: 'authorize New York City to set a five mile per hour speed limit on streets participating in the Open Streets program.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Crystal Hudson, Julie Won, and Carlina Rivera. The Council's action follows rising traffic deaths and growing use of Open Streets. The bill targets streets where people walk, bike, and gather, aiming to cut speed and risk for all vulnerable users.

• File Res 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council calls for five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. Streets slow. Danger drops. Pedestrians and cyclists get space. Resolution adopted. Albany must act.

Res 0079-2024, adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 6, 2024, urges Albany to let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The resolution states: "authorize New York City to set a five mile per hour speed limit on streets participating in the Open Streets program." Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Crystal Hudson, Julie Won, and Carlina Rivera. The measure passed committee and full council on June 6. The bill aims to cut speed and risk where people walk, bike, and gather. The council's push now waits for state lawmakers and the governor.

• File Res 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council calls for five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. Streets slow. Danger drops. Pedestrians and cyclists get space. Resolution adopted. Albany must act.

Res 0079-2024, adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 6, 2024, urges Albany to let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The resolution states: "authorize New York City to set a five mile per hour speed limit on streets participating in the Open Streets program." Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Crystal Hudson, Julie Won, and Carlina Rivera. The measure passed committee and full council on June 6. The bill aims to cut speed and risk where people walk, bike, and gather. The council's push now waits for state lawmakers and the governor.

• File Res 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Senate bill S 8658 orders $90 million for faster, more reliable buses and fare-free rides. Sponsors push MTA to act. Riders wait for relief. Streets choke on traffic. The city holds its breath.

Senate bill S 8658, introduced on February 27, 2024, sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'get congestion pricing right act,' directs the MTA to spend $45 million to boost bus frequency and reliability, and another $45 million to expand fare-free bus pilots in New York City. Senators Michael Gianaris (primary sponsor), Jabari Brisport, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Julia Salazar back the measure. The bill demands reporting on these investments. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users.

• File S 8658, Open States, Published 2024-02-27

Two sedans collided on Wilson Avenue in Brooklyn at night. The left rear passenger of one vehicle suffered a back injury and shock. Both drivers were distracted, causing impact to the left side doors and front end of the vehicles.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:48 on Wilson Avenue in Brooklyn. Two sedans, one traveling east and the other north, collided while both drivers were going straight ahead. The point of impact was the left side doors of the eastbound vehicle and the center front end of the northbound vehicle. The report cites driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both vehicles. A 39-year-old female occupant seated in the left rear passenger seat of the eastbound sedan was injured, suffering back pain and shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report emphasizes driver errors, specifically distraction, as the cause of the collision. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703608 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 2024-02-13