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

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

Two sedans met steel to steel at 8th Avenue and Union. Both drivers distracted. Metal folded. A 46-year-old man, unbelted, crushed at the knee. The street fell silent, bearing the cost of inattention.

According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on at the corner of 8th Avenue and Union Street in Brooklyn at 20:14. Both vehicles were traveling straight when the crash occurred. The report states, "Both drivers distracted." The impact left a 46-year-old male driver with severe crush injuries to his knee and lower leg. The police report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor for both drivers. The injured man was not wearing a seatbelt, but the report does not cite this as a contributing factor. Additionally, a 41-year-old female front passenger suffered chest injuries and a concussion. The narrative describes the aftermath: "Metal folded. A 46-year-old man, unbelted, crushed at the knee. Both drivers distracted. The street fell quiet, holding the weight of what could not be undone." The collision underscores the danger when drivers lose focus behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727274 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A motorcycle struck the rear of an SUV traveling north on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. The motorcyclist, a 34-year-old man, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited following too closely as the primary contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:11 AM on Flatbush Avenue near Bergen Street in Brooklyn. A 34-year-old male motorcyclist, wearing a helmet, collided with the center back end of a northbound SUV. The motorcyclist was injured, sustaining contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as the sole contributing factor, repeated twice, indicating driver error on the motorcycle operator’s part. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. The motorcyclist was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No pedestrian or cyclist victims were involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726541 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 53-year-old man crossing with the signal suffered a concussion and upper arm injury when a vehicle backing on 4 Avenue struck him. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, highlighting dangers posed by distracted driving in Brooklyn intersections.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 4 Avenue and 8 Street in Brooklyn around 1:45 p.m. The 53-year-old male pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a vehicle backing up struck him. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor, cited twice, emphasizing the driver’s failure to maintain awareness during the backing maneuver. The pedestrian sustained a concussion and an upper arm injury but remained conscious. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. The vehicle involved was unspecified in type and had no occupants besides the driver. This incident underscores the systemic danger of driver distraction during complex vehicle movements like backing in busy urban intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727452 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a Ford sedan collided with his bike on 7 Avenue in Brooklyn. The crash occurred as the sedan was slowing, distracted by passengers. The cyclist remained conscious but injured.

According to the police report, a collision occurred at 4:00 PM on 7 Avenue in Brooklyn involving a 2016 Ford sedan and a bicyclist traveling southwest. The sedan was slowing or stopping when its right front bumper struck the left front bumper of the bike. The bicyclist, a 39-year-old man, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passenger Distraction' as contributing factors, indicating the sedan driver failed to maintain proper attention. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment, but no contributing factors related to the victim were noted. Neither vehicle sustained damage. The crash highlights driver distraction as a critical factor in this collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725067 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

State leaders urge passage of A4120/S1981 to slash driving by one-fifth. The bill aims to shift funding from highways to transit, cycling, and walking. Advocates say fewer cars mean fewer deaths. The clock ticks toward the session’s end.

Bill A4120/S1981, now before the New York State Legislature, seeks a 20% reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 2050. The measure is championed by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and backed by a coalition of local officials. On May 15, 2024, a letter to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins called for swift passage before the session ends in June. The letter states, 'The state Legislature should pass the law before the end of this session in June, which could pivot transportation funding toward more beneficial uses like mass transit and biking and walking infrastructure.' Stewart-Cousins is mentioned as a key recipient. The bill would force agencies to prioritize projects for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders over highway expansion. Advocates argue this shift will save lives, cut pollution, and undo harms from car-centric planning.

• New York Pols Back Gounardes's Bill to Cut Driving by 20%, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-05-15

New York City seizes the Brooklyn Marine Terminal. Officials promise a modern port and mixed-use hub. Council Member Alexa Avilés joins the task force. Critics warn of more trucks if Red Hook shrinks. The city pledges community input. Impact on street safety remains unclear.

On May 15, 2024, New York City announced it will take control of the Brooklyn Marine Terminal, launching a major redevelopment plan. The project, described as a 'modern maritime port and mixed-use community hub,' aims to overhaul the industrial waterfront with new housing and shipping facilities. Council Member Alexa Avilés, representing District 38, serves as vice chair of the Brooklyn Marine Terminal Taskforce, leading community engagement. The plan includes an $80 million city investment and a $15 million state investment in cold storage to reduce truck traffic. Rep. Jerry Nadler criticized the move, warning that shrinking the Red Hook Container Port could increase truck traffic and harm jobs. The final vision will be shaped by community input. No formal safety analysis for vulnerable road users has been released.

• City takes ownership of Brooklyn Marine Terminal, planning modern mixed-use transformation, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-05-15

Albany lawmakers urge a 20% cut in driving by 2050. The bill would shift funds from highways to transit, biking, and walking. Electeds from Brooklyn to Buffalo back the move. Streets could change. Fewer cars. More space for people. Lives at stake.

Bill A4120/S1981 aims to cut vehicle miles traveled in New York by 20% by 2050. On May 15, 2024, more than a dozen local officials sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, urging passage before session’s end in June. The letter, organized by Local Progress, states: 'This means projects that expanded cycling infrastructure, pedestrian walkways, and public transit were prioritized over outdated highway expansions and lane widening.' State Senator Andrew Gounardes sponsors the bill. Alex Marion, Syracuse city auditor, signed on, saying, 'If we can reduce the vehicle miles traveled, we can look at the space of streets differently.' The bill would force planners to consider car miles in every project, shifting focus from car movement to safer, people-first streets. The policy could help undo decades of harm from highways that split communities and reinforce segregation.

• New York Pols Back Gounardes’s Bill to Cut Driving by 20%, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-05-15

A distracted SUV driver struck a sedan traveling north on Union Street in Brooklyn. Both drivers suffered injuries including whiplash and burns. The SUV hit the sedan’s right front quarter panel, causing moderate vehicle damage and driver injuries.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Union Street near 8 Avenue in Brooklyn at 16:15. A 28-year-old female SUV driver, traveling west and going straight ahead, was inattentive and disregarded traffic control, leading to a collision with a northbound sedan. The SUV impacted the sedan’s right front quarter panel with its left front bumper. Both drivers were injured: the SUV driver sustained a moderate burn to her elbow and lower arm, while the sedan driver, a 49-year-old male, suffered whiplash. Both were conscious and wearing lap belts. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors, highlighting driver errors as central to the crash. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4724799 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

SUV turned left, struck a 62-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She suffered a head injury and concussion. Driver failed to yield. No vehicle damage. Brooklyn intersection, morning light.

According to the police report, a 62-year-old woman was crossing 7 Avenue at 3 Street in Brooklyn with the signal when an SUV making a left turn struck her with its center front end. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. The pedestrian suffered a head injury and concussion but remained conscious. The SUV, registered in Illinois and driven by a licensed New York driver, sustained no damage. No other contributing factors were noted. The crash underscores the danger when drivers fail to yield to people crossing legally at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723820 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Gov. Hochul backs renewing New York City’s small red light camera program. She stops short of supporting expansion. The city’s power over street safety grows, but Albany holds the reins. Vulnerable road users wait as lawmakers debate control and coverage.

On May 10, 2024, Gov. Kathy Hochul publicly supported reauthorizing New York City’s red light camera program, which is set to expire in December. The bill, sponsored by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, would renew the program for six years and expand cameras from 150 to 1,325 intersections. Hochul, at a ceremony for 'Sammy’s Law,' said, 'local governments should be making these decisions,' but did not endorse the expansion. The Adams administration and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez have pushed for more cameras. Hochul’s stance signals support for local control over traffic enforcement, but leaves the fate of a broader camera rollout uncertain. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while Albany debates the city’s authority to protect its streets.

• Gov. Hochul Backs Red Light Camera Renewal, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-05-10

A distracted SUV driver struck a moped on Bergen Street in Brooklyn. The moped driver was ejected and suffered serious lower leg injuries. The SUV impacted the moped’s left front bumper, causing abrasions and vehicle damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Bergen Street in Brooklyn at 18:22. A 2016 Chevrolet SUV traveling west went straight ahead and struck a 2023 moped passing westbound. The point of impact was the SUV’s right side doors and the moped’s left front bumper. The moped driver, a 39-year-old male, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained knee, lower leg, and foot injuries classified as severity level 3. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the SUV driver. The moped driver was wearing a helmet, but no contributing factors related to the victim were noted. The SUV had four occupants, and the moped driver was unlicensed. Vehicle damage included the SUV’s undercarriage and the moped’s left front bumper.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727273 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A station wagon slammed into the back of a sedan on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. The impact injured a 65-year-old rear passenger, causing back pain and shock. Police cite following too closely as the cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:35 AM on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. A 2020 Nissan SUV traveling east rear-ended a 2020 Nissan sedan also traveling east. The point of impact was the center back end of the sedan and the center front end of the SUV. The report attributes the collision to the SUV driver following too closely. A 65-year-old female passenger seated in the right rear of the sedan suffered back injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the passenger. The crash highlights the dangers of tailgating on busy city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721885 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A box truck traveling east rear-ended a station wagon SUV also heading east on 8 Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV’s front passenger, a 39-year-old man, suffered a fractured shoulder and dislocation. Police cite following too closely as the cause.

According to the police report, at 11:44 AM in Brooklyn near 1419 8 Avenue, a box truck traveling east struck the left front bumper of a Ford SUV also traveling east. The collision injured a 39-year-old male front passenger in the SUV, who sustained a fractured and dislocated shoulder. The passenger was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. The report identifies the box truck driver’s error as "Following Too Closely," leading to the crash. Both drivers were licensed, with the truck driver operating a 2020 Hino box truck and the SUV driver in a 2014 Ford SUV. The impact occurred at the left front bumper of the SUV and the right front bumper of the truck. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721311 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Assembly bill A 9921 targets cars blocking crosswalks. Makes parking in pedestrian paths a crime. Law aims to clear the way for walkers. Sponsors push for safer streets. No more cars in the crosswalk.

Assembly bill A 9921, the 'New York State pedestrian right-of-way protection act,' was introduced on April 26, 2024. The bill sits in the sponsorship stage. It makes it an unclassified misdemeanor to stop, stand, or park a vehicle in a pedestrian right-of-way. The matter title reads: 'Enacts the New York State pedestrian right-of-way protection act.' Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon leads as primary sponsor, joined by Juan Ardila, Fred Thiele, Scott Gray, and Joe DeStefano as co-sponsors. The bill cracks down on drivers who block crosswalks, aiming to keep pedestrian paths clear and safe. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 9921, Open States, Published 2024-04-26

Council orders DOT to reveal bike and micromobility numbers. Streets and bridges get counted. Riders’ paths mapped. City must show where safety fails and where it works. Data goes public. No more hiding the truth.

Int 0745-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It was introduced April 11, 2024, and became law September 14, 2024, as Local Law 88. The law’s title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring the department of transportation to provide information about bicycle and other micromobility device activity.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led as primary sponsor, joined by Farías, Schulman, Hudson, Restler, and others. The law forces DOT to publish monthly and annual data on bike and micromobility use, plus crash and safety project details. The city must show where riders go, where danger lurks, and what it does to fix it. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it stands.

• File Int 0745-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-11

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 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