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

Brooklyn officials demand equal tolls on all Manhattan crossings. They warn free bridges funnel traffic into certain neighborhoods. Their letter calls for fairness. The MTA stays silent. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide. Streets hang in the balance.

On July 18, 2023, Council Member Shahana Hanif and other Brooklyn officials called for 'equalized tolling on all crossings into Manhattan' as congestion pricing nears. Their letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board states: 'No one community should disproportionately bear the burden of the cars and trucks passing through their neighborhood.' Hanif, along with Lincoln Restler, Alexa Avilés, Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Crystal Hudson, joined borough, state, and federal colleagues in this push. They propose a credit system to balance costs between DOT bridges and MTA tunnels, aiming to protect neighborhoods like the Brooklyn waterfront and the BQE corridor from traffic surges. The MTA declined comment. The Board will soon set final toll rates and rules. The federal government has approved the congestion pricing plan, with tolls for cars expected between $9 and $23. Over 100 exemption requests, including from taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers, are under review.

• Pols call for ‘equalized tolling’ on all crossings into Manhattan under congestion pricing on eve of board deliberations, amny.com, Published 2023-07-18

A sedan slammed into an e-bike on Euclid Avenue near Jamaica. The rider, 39, hit the pavement. Blood pooled on his leg. Metal twisted. The morning air filled with pain and sirens. Unsafe speed left the street scarred.

A sedan collided with an e-bike on Euclid Avenue near Jamaica Avenue. The e-bike rider, a 39-year-old man, suffered severe lacerations to his leg. According to the police report, the crash involved 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor. The sedan’s left side doors crumpled, and the e-bike’s front end shattered. The report states, 'A sedan tore into an e-bike at speed. The rider, 39, hit the pavement hard. Blood soaked his leg.' No helmet or signaling issues are listed as contributing factors. The data highlights unsafe speed as the key driver error. The crash left the vulnerable rider injured and the street marked by violence.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4646913 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A bicyclist was injured in a collision with an SUV on Euclid Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV struck the bike’s right front quarter panel. The cyclist suffered abrasions and injuries to the knee and lower leg. Police cited failure to yield.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Euclid Avenue in Brooklyn involving a station wagon/SUV traveling west and a bicyclist traveling north. The SUV struck the bike on its right front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 65-year-old man, was injured with abrasions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from his bike. No other contributing factors or safety equipment details were specified. The crash caused damage to the SUV’s center front end and the bike’s right front quarter panel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4645548 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs collided on Crescent Street near Atlantic Avenue. A 2003 Honda struck the rear of a Tesla. The Honda driver, a 44-year-old woman, sat conscious, arm crushed, pain sharp in the heat. Metal and glass scattered. Silence followed the impact.

Two sport utility vehicles collided on Crescent Street near Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, a 2003 Honda SUV struck the rear of a Tesla SUV. The Honda’s driver, a 44-year-old woman, suffered crush injuries to her arm but remained conscious and belted. The report states, “A 2003 Honda struck the Tesla’s rear. The driver, 44, sat conscious, arm crushed, seatbelt tight.” Both vehicles were traveling straight before the crash. The police listed the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The impact left metal and glass scattered, and the driver’s pain marked the scene.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4646914 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-08

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

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 2023-06-01

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 2023-05-31

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

Two sedans crashed on Chestnut Street in Brooklyn. Both drivers were male and licensed. One driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Alcohol involvement and ignoring traffic controls contributed. Impact was to the front bumpers. No ejections reported.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Chestnut Street near Ridgewood Avenue in Brooklyn. Both drivers were male and licensed in New York. One driver, age 24, was injured with neck pain and whiplash but remained conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists alcohol involvement and disregarding traffic controls as contributing factors. The collision occurred with impact on the left front bumper of one vehicle and the right front bumper of the other. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead at the time. No occupants were ejected. The injuries were limited to one driver, who was treated for neck injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4626676 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans crashed head-on on Euclid Avenue in Brooklyn. Both drivers were injured, one partially ejected. Air bags deployed. Injuries included knee, lower leg, foot, and face. Both drivers experienced shock. No clear driver errors were specified.

According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on Euclid Avenue in Brooklyn. The first driver, a 35-year-old man, suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was not ejected. The second driver, a 28-year-old woman, was partially ejected and sustained facial injuries with minor bleeding. Both drivers were in shock and had air bags deployed. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified for both drivers. The vehicles were traveling straight ahead before impact, which occurred at the center front end of both cars. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4619465 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A motorbike struck a sedan turning left on Atlantic Avenue. The rider was ejected, suffering head injuries and whiplash. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Both vehicles were damaged.

According to the police report, a motorbike traveling west on Atlantic Avenue collided with a southbound sedan making a left turn onto Crescent Street. The motorbike rider, a 37-year-old man, was ejected from his vehicle and suffered head injuries and whiplash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors. The sedan, registered in Pennsylvania, was driven by a licensed male. The crash caused damage to the motorbike's front end and the sedan's left side doors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the incident.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4618999 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs collided on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. A westbound Jeep struck a turning Nissan. The Jeep driver suffered neck injuries. Police cite driver inattention and following too closely.

According to the police report, a 2020 Jeep SUV heading west on Atlantic Avenue rear-ended a 2013 Nissan SUV that was making a left turn onto Warwick Street. The crash hit the Jeep's left front bumper and the Nissan's right rear. The Jeep driver, a 31-year-old woman, was injured with neck pain and whiplash. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4616968 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Two SUVs crashed head-on on Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn. A 45-year-old female passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The impact hit the center back end of one vehicle and the left front bumper of the other. Driver inexperience contributed.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn. The crash involved a 45-year-old female occupant seated in the left rear passenger position of one SUV. She sustained neck injuries and complained of whiplash but was not ejected and remained conscious. The collision impacted the center back end of one vehicle and the left front bumper of the other. The report lists driver inexperience as a contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and traveling westbound straight ahead before the crash. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4613184 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

City Hall floats three-lane BQE. Electeds push back. Two lanes, they say, or fewer. Advocates want transit, not more highway. Officials call City Hall’s claims false. The fight is sharp. Vulnerable road users watch as cars and trucks rule the debate.

On March 3, 2023, City Hall reignited debate over the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) lane count. Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi claimed some locals want three lanes each way, but 17 elected officials, including State Sen. Julia Salazar, Sen. Andrew Gounardes, Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, and Council Member Lincoln Restler, publicly rejected the idea. Salazar said, 'no to three lanes. Two lanes at most.' Gounardes confirmed, 'all support a two-lane highway.' Gallagher wrote, '2 lanes if any.' Restler called City Hall’s statements 'plainly inaccurate.' The Department of Transportation delayed environmental review to study both options. Advocates and officials urge investment in mass transit, not highway expansion. Vulnerable road users remain at risk as the city weighs more lanes for cars and trucks.

• City Hall: We Hear that People Want to Keep Three-Lane BQE (Really?!), Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-03-03