The Dead Don’t Wait—Why Should We?

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 2025-08-05

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

Two SUVs collided at Irving Avenue in Brooklyn. The left front bumper of one struck the right side doors of the other. A 50-year-old female front passenger suffered back injuries and whiplash. Failure to yield right-of-way was cited as the cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Irving Avenue in Brooklyn at 16:53. Two station wagons/SUVs traveling west and south collided, with impact on the left front bumper of one vehicle and the right side doors of the other. The driver of the westbound SUV held a permit license, while the southbound driver was licensed. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the crash. A 50-year-old female front passenger in one SUV was injured, sustaining back injuries and whiplash. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness at the time of the collision. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing instead on driver errors and failure to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701644 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A moped slammed into a 21-year-old woman crossing Cooper Street. She took the hit to her knee and leg. Driver inattention caused the crash. The street failed to protect her.

According to the police report, a moped traveling west on Cooper Street struck a 21-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing outside an intersection. The pedestrian suffered contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The point of impact was the center front end of the moped. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No other driver errors were cited. The pedestrian’s location outside a crosswalk is noted but not blamed. The crash underscores the danger posed by inattentive drivers to people on Brooklyn’s streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701638 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Council bill targets cars blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, and hydrants near schools. Civilian complaints trigger fines. Streets clear, danger cut. Council moves to protect the vulnerable.

Int 0080-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 8, 2024, the bill creates a $175 penalty for vehicles blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants within 2,640 feet of schools. The Department of Transportation must set up a civilian reporting program. If a civilian complaint leads to a fine, the complainant gets 25 percent of proceeds. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to hazardous obstruction by vehicles and civilian complaints.' Council Member Carlina Rivera leads, joined by Restler, Ayala, Joseph, Menin, and others. The bill aims to keep paths clear for those most at risk.

• File Int 0080-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

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 2024-01-30

A moped and sedan collided on Wilson Avenue in Brooklyn. The moped driver, a 22-year-old male, was ejected and suffered upper arm injuries. Police cited driver inattention and improper lane usage as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:16 on Wilson Avenue in Brooklyn involving a sedan and a moped traveling eastbound. The moped driver, a 22-year-old male, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained injuries to his shoulder and upper arm, including contusions and bruises. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the primary contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained damage to their left front bumpers. The moped driver was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The sedan was driven by a licensed female driver with five occupants inside. The collision highlights critical driver errors leading to serious injury, without any indication of fault or contributory behavior by the moped rider.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698189 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 43-year-old man was struck while crossing Linden Street with the signal. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and was inattentive. The pedestrian suffered a head abrasion but remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:50 p.m. on Linden Street in Brooklyn. A 43-year-old male pedestrian was crossing the street with the signal when he was hit by a vehicle. The report identifies the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained a head abrasion and was conscious after the collision. The vehicle involved was unspecified in type and had no occupants other than the driver. The report does not attribute any fault or contributing factors to the pedestrian beyond noting he was crossing with the signal. This incident highlights driver errors, including failure to yield and distraction, as central causes of the injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695418 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A moped struck a 26-year-old woman on Bushwick Avenue. She suffered a fractured knee and leg. Police cite driver inattention and passing too closely. The crash left the pedestrian injured and exposed.

According to the police report, a moped traveling south on Bushwick Avenue struck a 26-year-old female pedestrian who was not in the roadway and not at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained a fractured and dislocated knee and lower leg, classified as injury severity level 3. The point of impact was the center front end of the moped. The report lists driver inattention, distraction, and passing too closely as contributing factors. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian's actions were noted. The crash underscores the danger posed by inattentive moped operation near pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694822 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Sedan driver lost focus. Moped rider thrown, hurt in Brooklyn. Abdomen and pelvis struck. Night crash. Streets scarred. Distraction and bad turns brought pain.

According to the police report, a sedan and a moped collided on Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn at 10:30 p.m. The 21-year-old moped rider was ejected and suffered abdominal, pelvic, and abrasion injuries. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" and "Turning Improperly" as the sedan driver's errors that led to the crash. Both vehicles hit at their left front bumpers, damaging their center front ends. The moped rider was unlicensed but wore a helmet. The crash left one vulnerable road user injured, underscoring the danger of inattention and improper maneuvers behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692186 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 35-year-old man on an e-bike was injured in a collision with a sedan in Brooklyn. The driver was making a left turn when the impact occurred. The rider was ejected and suffered a head injury.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old man riding an e-bike was injured when a sedan made a left turn and collided with him. The driver, a male, was traveling north and failed to maintain a safe speed. The e-bike rider was ejected from his vehicle and sustained a head contusion. The report does not specify any safety equipment used by the rider. The incident highlights the dangers of driver errors, particularly unsafe speed and failure to yield during turns.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691631 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

SUV turned right on Jefferson Avenue. E-scooter rider, 17, struck and hurt. Head contusion. Driver inattention and failure to yield listed. Brooklyn street, sharp impact, young life jarred.

According to the police report, a 17-year-old male e-scooter rider was injured when an SUV made a right turn on Jefferson Avenue in Brooklyn. The scooter, traveling straight, struck the SUV’s center front end. The rider suffered a head contusion but stayed conscious and was not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The SUV driver was licensed and turning right; the scooter rider held a permit. No safety equipment was noted for the scooter rider. The SUV had minimal damage, while the scooter’s center back end was damaged.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4684867 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 23-year-old man riding a moped north on Bushwick Avenue was injured in a collision. The moped was struck at the center back end. The driver was unlicensed and traveling at unsafe speed. He suffered a head injury and shock.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male moped driver was injured in a crash on Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn. The moped, traveling north, was hit at the center back end by another vehicle also traveling north. The driver was unlicensed and contributed to the crash by unsafe speed. The report lists no other contributing factors for the driver. The injured man was not wearing any safety equipment and suffered a head injury and shock. The vehicle damage was noted as none on the moped, but the other vehicle sustained front-end damage. The driver was not ejected and had no visible complaints at the scene.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4682219 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 9-year-old girl was struck by an SUV while crossing Central Avenue at a marked crosswalk. She suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was in shock. The driver hit her with the vehicle’s right front bumper. Confusion contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a 9-year-old female pedestrian was injured when an SUV traveling south on Central Avenue struck her at a marked crosswalk. The point of impact was the vehicle’s right front bumper, causing injuries to the pedestrian’s knee, lower leg, and foot. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal and was confused, which the report lists as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed and driving straight ahead. The report identifies pedestrian error and confusion as the primary contributing factors. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding are noted in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4681431 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A speeding sedan tore down Putnam Avenue. The unlicensed driver ignored traffic control. Three passengers inside suffered bruises and a concussion. Parked cars stood no chance. Metal crumpled. The street bore the scars.

According to the police report, a sedan driven by an unlicensed operator crashed into several parked vehicles on Putnam Avenue in Brooklyn. Three male passengers, ages 18, 25, and 44, were injured. Their injuries included a concussion and bruises to the head and limbs. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed' as driver errors. None of the injured were ejected, and all remained conscious. The sedan's right side doors and the center back ends of the parked vehicles were damaged. No contributing factors related to passenger behavior or safety equipment were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4678122 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A sedan hit a 27-year-old e-bike rider on Halsey Street in Brooklyn. The rider suffered abrasions to his knee, leg, and foot. Police cite driver inexperience and distraction as causes.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old man riding an e-bike east on Halsey Street was struck by a northbound sedan. The e-bike rider suffered abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists driver inexperience and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The sedan hit the e-bike with its left front bumper, damaging the center front end. The e-bike rider was unlicensed. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675644 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A moped and sedan crashed on Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn. The moped driver, 44, was partially ejected and injured with bruises to his elbow and lower arm. Both drivers were distracted. The sedan was turning right; the moped went straight.

According to the police report, a collision occurred between a moped and a sedan on Bushwick Avenue, Brooklyn. The moped driver, a 44-year-old man, was partially ejected and sustained contusions to his elbow and lower arm. The sedan was making a right turn while the moped was traveling straight ahead. Both drivers contributed to the crash through inattention and distraction. The moped driver was unlicensed and not wearing any safety equipment. The sedan's right front quarter panel and the moped's center front end were damaged. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' twice as contributing factors. No other causes or victim errors are noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4674465 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A 19-year-old e-bike rider was ejected and injured after colliding with a sedan on Harman Street. The sedan struck the bike’s front end while going straight north. The rider suffered abrasions and upper leg injuries. Driver distraction was a factor.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Harman Street in Brooklyn involving a sedan and an e-bike. The 19-year-old male e-bike rider was making a right turn westbound when the sedan, traveling northbound, struck the bike’s center front end with its right front bumper. The rider was ejected and sustained abrasions and upper leg injuries. The sedan driver, a licensed female, was going straight ahead. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The e-bike rider was conscious but injured, with no safety equipment reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4674469 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05