Park Slope Bleeds While Leaders Stall—Demand Streets That Protect People, Not Cars

Feb 10 - A 22-year-old male driver suffered a head injury and concussion after a collision involving a limo and a sedan in Brooklyn. The crash, marked by driver inexperience, left the driver in shock with serious injuries but no ejection from the vehicle.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:30 near 620 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. The collision involved a 2016 limo and a 2017 sedan, both traveling east. The limo was parked before the crash, and impact occurred at the limo's left front bumper and the sedan's center front end. The 22-year-old male driver of the sedan, who was wearing a lap belt, sustained a head injury and concussion, resulting in shock. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor to the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The driver was not ejected from the vehicle. This incident highlights the dangers posed by inexperienced drivers in urban traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792094 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 8 - A 19-year-old bicyclist suffered bruises and arm injuries after a Mercedes SUV passed too closely on Union Street in Brooklyn. The driver’s improper passing and passenger distraction led to the collision. The cyclist remained conscious and was not ejected.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:50 AM on Union Street near 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. A Mercedes Benz SUV, occupied by two people, was parked before the crash but then passed the bicyclist improperly, striking the cyclist on the right side doors. The bicyclist, a 19-year-old male, was injured with contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists the driver’s errors as "Passing Too Closely" and "Passing or Lane Usage Improper," with an additional factor of "Passenger Distraction." The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected but suffered injury severity level 3. The cyclist was unhelmeted, but no victim behavior was cited as contributing. The vehicle damage was reported as none, indicating the impact was likely from close contact rather than a high-speed collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791284 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 5 - A 39-year-old man crossing Prospect Place with the signal was struck by a westbound sedan. The vehicle’s left front bumper impacted the pedestrian, causing a hip and upper leg contusion. Driver inattention was cited as the cause.

According to the police report, a 39-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Prospect Place in Brooklyn at 10:31 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a westbound sedan struck him on the left front bumper, impacting his hip and upper leg. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, repeated twice, highlighting the driver’s failure to maintain focus. The vehicle sustained damage to its left front quarter panel. The pedestrian suffered a contusion and was conscious at the scene. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s behavior were noted. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle straight ahead. This crash underscores the dangers posed by distracted driving in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791283 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 30 - A motorscooter driver in Brooklyn suffered injuries after rear-ending a stopped vehicle on Flatbush Avenue. The rider was ejected and sustained abrasions and arm injuries. Police cited following too closely as the primary cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn at 7:17 PM. The motorscooter, traveling south, struck the center back end of a stopped vehicle. The sole occupant, a 44-year-old female driver wearing a helmet, was ejected from the scooter and sustained abrasions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for the crash. The vehicle struck showed no damage and had no occupants. The driver of the motorscooter was licensed in New York. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790031 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 27 - Senate bill S 3387 demands complete street design in all DOT projects with state or federal funds. Streets must serve walkers, cyclists, and riders. No more car-first roads. Sponsors push for safer, fairer streets.

Senate bill S 3387, now in sponsorship, sits before the New York State Senate. The bill, titled 'Relates to requiring inclusion of complete street design for state and local transportation projects subject to oversight by the department of transportation,' would force all DOT projects using state or federal funds to include complete street design. Senator Andrew Gounardes leads as primary sponsor, joined by Patricia Fahy, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Liz Krueger. Their action aims to end car dominance and put vulnerable road users first. The bill was introduced January 27, 2025. No safety analyst note is available.

• File S 3387, Open States, Published 2025-01-27

Jan 26 - A cargo van turned left on Cropsey Avenue. It struck Mayya Gil, 95, and her aide. Gil died. The aide survived. No charges for the driver. Another senior lost to city traffic. The street remains dangerous for the old and frail.

Gothamist (2025-01-26) reports that Mayya Gil, 95, was killed while crossing Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn with her home health aide. According to the NYPD, 'a man driving a cargo van struck both of them while making a left turn.' Gil died from her injuries; her aide was hospitalized. Police did not arrest or charge the driver. The article notes that Gil was the second elderly pedestrian killed in Brooklyn this year, and cites Transportation Alternatives: '46 senior pedestrians were killed in car crashes across the city last year.' The crash highlights the ongoing risk seniors face on city streets, especially at intersections where turning vehicles endanger those crossing on foot.

• Elderly Woman Killed Crossing Cropsey Avenue, Gothamist, Published 2025-01-26

Jan 24 - Speed cameras slash reckless driving. At school zones, speeding drops 94 percent. But the program expires soon. DOT Commissioner Rodriguez urges Albany to act. State Sen. Gounardes backs expansion. Cameras save lives. Delay risks more deaths. Lawmakers hold the key.

Bill to reauthorize New York City's speed camera program is pending in Albany. The program, covering 750 school zones, needs state approval before June. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez calls speed cameras 'one of the most effective tools' to stop deadly driving. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, who sponsored the last reauthorization, says, 'my bill to expand the speed camera program has saved lives.' The city wants stronger penalties for repeat offenders and action on license plate fraud, which lets millions of violations go unpunished. The report shows cameras cut speeding by 94 percent and reduce injuries and deaths. The program faces political hurdles, but the evidence is clear: speed cameras protect people on foot and bike. Lawmakers must decide whether to keep this life-saving tool.

• DOT to Albany: Don’t Forget to Reauthorize Our Life-Saving Speed Cameras, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-24

Jan 22 - Assembly Bill 2716 would force new cars to obey speed limits. The law targets vehicles made or assembled after January 1, 2030. Sponsor: Robert C. Carroll. No safety review yet. The streets wait.

Assembly Bill A 2716, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly as of January 22, 2025. The bill 'mandates the use of intelligent speed assistance systems in certain motor vehicles registered in the state which were manufactured or assembled on or after January 1, 2030.' Assembly Member Robert C. Carroll (District 44) sponsors the measure. No committee action or votes yet. No formal safety analyst review has been filed. The bill aims to keep cars from breaking speed limits. Vulnerable road users stand to gain, but the impact remains unmeasured.

• File A 2716, Open States, Published 2025-01-22

Jan 21 - Senator Gounardes pushes S 2504. The bill hikes fines for repeat speed camera violations. It targets reckless drivers. The aim: slow cars, save lives. No direct safety impact noted yet.

Senate bill S 2504 was introduced on January 21, 2025, and is at the sponsorship stage. The bill, sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, proposes 'increasing fines for subsequent speed camera violations in the city of New York.' No committee referral or vote has occurred yet. Gounardes leads the push to penalize repeat offenders. There is no formal safety analyst note on the impact for vulnerable road users at this stage.

• File S 2504, Open States, Published 2025-01-21

Jan 21 - Assembly bill A 2642 orders new safety tech in every car. The DMV must set rules. Lawmakers push for change. Streets could see fewer crashes. The fight for safer roads moves to Albany.

Assembly Bill A 2642, now in sponsorship, would require advanced safety technology in all vehicles statewide. The bill, introduced January 21, 2025, directs the DMV commissioner to set rules and regulations. The matter reads: 'Mandates the use of advanced safety technology in vehicles in the state; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles to promulgate certain rules and regulations.' Brian Cunningham leads as primary sponsor, joined by Steven Raga, Chris Burdick, Tony Simone, Manny De Los Santos, Jen Lunsford, and Jo Anne Simon. The bill aims to force carmakers and drivers to adopt life-saving tech. No safety analyst has yet assessed its direct impact on vulnerable road users.

• File A 2642, Open States, Published 2025-01-21

Jan 19 - SUV turned right on Atlantic Avenue. Driver’s view blocked. Two rear passengers hurt. Both suffered head injuries and shock. One bled. One felt pain and nausea. Driver errors and poor visibility led to crash.

According to the police report, a 2024 Toyota SUV made a right turn on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn at 12:54 a.m. when the driver’s view was obstructed or limited. The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as driver errors. Two rear-seat passengers, a 27-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, were injured. Both suffered head injuries and shock. The man had minor bleeding; the woman complained of pain and nausea. Neither was ejected or used safety equipment. The SUV’s center front end was damaged in the impact. The report highlights driver mistakes and limited visibility as causes, without blaming the injured passengers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4786768 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 16 - Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16

Jan 16 - Assembly bill A 2299 targets reckless drivers. Eleven points or six camera tickets in a year triggers forced speed control tech. Lawmakers move to curb repeat speeders. Streets demand fewer deadly risks.

Assembly bill A 2299, now in sponsorship, sits with the New York State Assembly. Introduced January 16, 2025, the bill 'requires the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices if a driver accumulates eleven or more points on their driving record during a 24 month period, or receives 6 speed camera or red light camera tickets during a twelve month period.' Primary sponsor Emily Gallagher leads a bloc of co-sponsors, including Rebecca Seawright, Andrew Hevesi, and others. The measure aims to clamp down on repeat speeders with mandatory speed-limiting tech. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 2299, Open States, Published 2025-01-16

Jan 13 - Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

Jan 13 - Senate bill S 1675 would force carmakers to face the facts. Every vehicle gets a pedestrian safety score. The public sees it. No more hiding danger behind steel and glass.

Senate bill S 1675, now at the sponsorship stage, sits with the New York State Senate. Filed January 13, 2025, it aims to 'create a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles which shall be posted on the department of motor vehicles' website.' Senator Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The bill demands transparency. It would show the public which cars endanger walkers and which spare them. No safety analyst has yet weighed in, but the intent is clear: expose the risk, protect the vulnerable.

• File S 1675, Open States, Published 2025-01-13

Jan 9 - A cyclist crashed on Henry Street. No protected bike lanes. The driver sped off. The street stayed the same. Neighbors rallied. The council member listened. The injury was harsh. The system failed. Brooklyn’s gap in bike safety remains wide.

On January 9, 2025, Streetsblog NYC published an essay detailing a crash on Henry Street in Brooklyn. The piece, titled 'A Brush With Danger Made Me Exhibit A in My Fight for Better Bike Lanes in Brooklyn,' describes the lack of protected bike lanes in Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens. The author recounts merging into traffic, being closely followed by a driver, and crashing on a wet, greasy iron grid. The car sped away. Passersby helped. The cyclist suffered a broken collarbone. The essay notes, 'Our area of Brooklyn is a major hole in the borough's protected bike lane network.' Council Member Shahana Hanif attended a community meeting on the issue. The call is clear: Brooklyn’s streets favor cars, not people. The absence of protected lanes leaves cyclists exposed and injured. The system’s neglect is the danger.

• ESSAY: A Brush With Danger Made Me Exhibit A in My Fight for Better Bike Lanes in Brooklyn, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-09

Jan 9 - Assembly bill A 1236 hits Albany. It targets drivers who block bike lanes. The bill adds a mandatory surcharge. Money goes to the court. Cyclists get no relief until cars clear the lane.

Assembly bill A 1236 was introduced on January 9, 2025. It sits at the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Relates to violations and a mandatory surcharge for parking in a bicycle lane,' would require drivers who block bike lanes to pay a mandatory surcharge to the court that finds them liable. Jo Anne Simon (District 52) leads as primary sponsor, joined by Deborah Glick (District 66) and Tony Simone (District 75) as co-sponsors. The bill aims to penalize drivers who endanger cyclists by blocking bike lanes, but its impact depends on enforcement and driver behavior. No safety analyst note is available.

• File A 1236, Open States, Published 2025-01-09

Jan 8 - A 48-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by a sedan making a right turn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, with limited view cited. The pedestrian suffered injuries to his elbow and lower arm, remaining conscious after impact.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling southwest on 5 Ave in Brooklyn struck a 48-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing with the signal. The collision occurred at 14:24 near Lincoln Pl. The driver was making a right turn and failed to yield the right-of-way, which is listed as a contributing factor along with a limited or obstructed view. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but remained conscious. The vehicle's point of impact was the right front bumper, and the sedan showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The report highlights driver error—failure to yield right-of-way and limited visibility—as the primary causes of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784918 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 803 aims to keep cars out of bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Streets could clear. Cyclists might breathe easier. Lawmakers back the crackdown. The fight for safe passage continues.

Assembly bill A 803, now in sponsorship, proposes a bicycle lane safety program for New York City. It would enforce restrictions on bike lane use with photo devices. The bill summary reads: 'Establishes in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and/or protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Primary sponsor Zohran Mamdani leads, joined by Brian Cunningham, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Harvey Epstein, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill was introduced January 8, 2025. No safety analyst note was provided. The measure targets drivers who block or endanger cyclists.

• File A 803, Open States, Published 2025-01-08