No Deaths, No Mercy: Cypress Hills Bleeds While Leaders Stall

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 males, ages 16 and 18, suffered fractures and dislocations in a moped crash on Hendrix Street. Both were conscious but injured in the collision. Unsafe speed and aggressive driving by the moped driver caused the crash and serious injuries.

According to the police report, a moped traveling north on Hendrix Street crashed, impacting with its center front end. The vehicle had two occupants: an 18-year-old male driver and a 16-year-old male passenger. Both sustained fractures and dislocations—driver to the elbow, lower arm, and hand; passenger to the knee, lower leg, and foot. Neither occupant was ejected, and both were conscious after the crash. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as contributing factors, explicitly pointing to driver errors. The moped was going straight ahead before the collision, with damage focused on the center front end. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703729 - 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

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

An SUV driver distracted by inattention struck an e-bike rider traveling west on Fulton Street. The e-bike rider was ejected and suffered a serious head injury, left unconscious with internal complaints. The SUV was parked before the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:12 on Fulton Street involving a parked SUV and an e-bike traveling west. The SUV driver was cited for Driver Inattention/Distraction. The e-bike rider, a 30-year-old male, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained a severe head injury, rendering him unconscious with internal complaints. The point of impact was the left side doors of the SUV and the center front end of the e-bike. The SUV was stationary before the crash, while the e-bike was going straight ahead. No contributing factors related to the victim's behavior were listed in the report. The collision highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction, especially involving vulnerable road users on e-bikes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699495 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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 bus driver lost consciousness on Jamaica Avenue. The bus slammed into parked cars. The driver suffered head injuries and shock. Police cite lost consciousness and fatigue. No pedestrians or passengers were hurt.

According to the police report, a bus driver traveling east on Jamaica Avenue in Brooklyn lost consciousness at 8:30 a.m. The bus struck several parked vehicles, including a sedan and two SUVs. The report lists 'Lost Consciousness' and 'Fatigued/Drowsy' as contributing factors. The 57-year-old driver, restrained by a lap belt and harness, suffered head injuries and was in shock. No pedestrians or other occupants were reported injured. The impact damaged the front of the bus and the left front bumpers of the parked vehicles. The report identifies driver incapacitation as the primary cause, with no mention of victim fault.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699999 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 35-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sedan made a left turn and struck her at an intersection on Atlantic Avenue. She was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred, leaving her in shock and pain.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Atlantic Avenue was making a left turn when it struck a 35-year-old female pedestrian crossing at the intersection with the signal. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, resulting in a complaint of pain and nausea and emotional shock. The report does not list any contributing factors from the pedestrian, indicating the driver’s maneuver was the primary cause. The driver’s failure to yield while making a left turn created a dangerous situation for the pedestrian legally crossing the street. No other vehicle occupants were involved, and the pedestrian was not ejected or cited for any contributing behavior. This incident underscores the risks posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians even when crossing lawfully.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4693965 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 32-year-old man on an e-scooter was injured in a collision with a sedan. The driver failed to pay attention while making a left turn. The rider suffered a knee injury and was conscious at the scene.

The crash occurred on Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn when a 32-year-old man riding an e-scooter was struck by a sedan making a left turn. According to the police report, the driver was distracted and failed to yield properly. The rider sustained injuries to his knee and lower leg, classified as a severity level 3 injury. The driver’s inattention and improper lane usage contributed to the collision. The rider was wearing a helmet, but it was not a motorcycle helmet, as he was on an e-scooter.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691419 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs crashed on Jamaica Avenue in Brooklyn. One driver made a U-turn. The other went straight. The impact hit the left front bumper of one and the left rear quarter of the other. A 35-year-old driver suffered whiplash and full-body injuries.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided on Jamaica Avenue in Brooklyn. One vehicle was traveling straight east while the other was making a U-turn. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the first SUV and the left rear quarter panel of the second. A 35-year-old male driver, wearing a lap belt and harness, was injured with whiplash and entire body trauma but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists driver inexperience and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed in New York. The crash caused damage to the center front end of one vehicle and the left rear bumper of the other.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4689100 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans slammed together in Brooklyn. An 18-year-old driver took a head injury and whiplash. Police cite traffic control disregard and failure to yield. Both cars hit head-on. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at Chestnut Street and Ridgewood Avenue in Brooklyn. The crash left an 18-year-old male driver injured with a head wound and whiplash. Police list 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as driver errors. Both drivers were licensed and going straight. The impact struck the front ends of both vehicles. No victim errors or other contributing factors appear in the report. The injured driver was conscious, restrained, and not ejected.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4668672 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Toyota turned right on Highland Boulevard. The driver bled from his eye. The woman beside him gashed at the head. Both lived. Alcohol and speed drove the crash. Metal and flesh paid the price.

Two people were injured when a Toyota sedan crashed near Highland Boulevard and Jamaica Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the car turned right and struck hard, leaving the driver with severe eye lacerations and the front passenger with a deep head wound. Both occupants were conscious after the crash. The report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The narrative notes alcohol on their breath and speed in their wake. No other vehicles or road users were involved. The crash underscores the danger when drivers combine alcohol and speed behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4668678 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Metal screamed on Atlantic Avenue. Two sedans crashed. Chaos spread. Eight vehicles tangled. A man on foot caught the storm. Blood spilled. His body cut deep. He stayed awake. The street fell silent around him.

A violent crash erupted on Atlantic Avenue near Essex Street. Two sedans collided, setting off a chain reaction that involved eight vehicles. A 35-year-old man, walking at the intersection, was struck and suffered severe lacerations across his body. According to the police report, 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' fueled the initial collision. One driver was unlicensed. The report lists no errors by the pedestrian. The force of the crash left the man conscious but badly hurt. The scene was chaos—metal, glass, and blood on the street. The police report details the carnage but does not blame the victim.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4663855 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 50-year-old woman driving a 2021 Jeep SUV rear-ended a northbound e-scooter on Bushwick Avenue. The SUV driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and inexperience as contributing factors. No ejections occurred.

According to the police report, a 50-year-old female driver operating a 2021 Jeep SUV struck the rear of a northbound e-scooter on Bushwick Avenue. The SUV driver was injured, sustaining neck pain and whiplash, and remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the crash. The e-scooter was unoccupied at the time of impact. The SUV sustained damage to its center back end, while the e-scooter was damaged at its center front end. The SUV driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted and inexperienced drivers in collisions involving vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4657918 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

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

A 24-year-old woman was struck while crossing against the signal on Fulton Street in Brooklyn. She suffered bruises and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The vehicle was traveling north, continuing straight with no reported damage.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Fulton Street and Elton Street in Brooklyn. She was crossing against the signal when the collision occurred. The vehicle involved was traveling north, going straight ahead, and sustained no damage. The pedestrian suffered contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors beyond the pedestrian crossing against the signal. No safety equipment or helmet use was noted. The driver’s license status and vehicle details were unspecified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4648207 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04