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

A 38-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by an SUV making a right turn on Saint Marks Place. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Saint Marks Place in Brooklyn at 10:23 AM. A 38-year-old male pedestrian, crossing with the signal at the intersection, was hit by a 2011 Chevrolet SUV making a right turn. The report cites "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor, repeated twice, indicating the driver did not yield to the pedestrian. The pedestrian sustained a head injury classified as a contusion and was conscious after the impact. The SUV showed no damage despite the collision. The driver was licensed and traveling eastbound. This incident highlights the systemic danger posed by drivers failing to yield to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704007 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A sedan struck a 31-year-old male bicyclist riding an e-bike on Butler Street in Brooklyn. The cyclist was ejected and suffered abrasions and injuries to his lower leg and foot. Driver inattention was cited as a contributing factor.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:29 PM on Butler Street in Brooklyn. A 2017 sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, was parked before the collision. The bicyclist, a 31-year-old man riding an e-bike westbound, was struck by the sedan's right front bumper. The cyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. No other contributing factors related to the bicyclist were noted. The sedan sustained damage to its right front bumper, and the e-bike was damaged at its center back end. The focus remains on the driver's failure to maintain attention, which led to this serious collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703855 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A 19-year-old bicyclist was ejected and injured after a pick-up truck struck his e-bike in Brooklyn. The collision caused bruising and elbow injuries. The truck driver’s improper lane usage led to the crash, with no damage reported to either vehicle.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:49 in Brooklyn near 458 5 Avenue. A pick-up truck traveling south struck a southbound e-bike driven by a 19-year-old male bicyclist. The point of impact was the truck’s left front quarter panel and the e-bike’s right front bumper. The bicyclist was ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report cites 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as the contributing factor, indicating driver error by the truck operator. Both vehicles reportedly sustained no damage. The bicyclist was conscious at the scene and wore unspecified safety equipment. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The licensed truck driver was going straight ahead at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703246 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

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

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

Senator Gounardes pushes a bill to slash car trips statewide. Advocates demand less driving, more transit. Highway funds feed car dominance. The law would force state projects to cut vehicle miles. Vulnerable road users stand to gain. Albany stalls. Streets stay deadly.

Bill to reduce vehicle miles traveled by 20 percent by 2050, introduced by State Senator Andrew Gounardes (District 26), is backed by advocates and the New Yorkers for Transportation Equity coalition. Announced February 6, 2024, the bill would require transportation officials to align projects with the goal of fewer car trips. Gounardes said, "We fundamentally want to be shifting how we think about transportation infrastructure." The measure responds to data showing over 90 percent of infrastructure funds go to roads, not transit. Danny Pearlstein of Riders Alliance called for an "about-face," noting highway projects have torn apart poor communities and endangered pedestrians and cyclists. The bill sits before the state legislature. No direct safety analyst assessment, but advocates stress the law would shift funding from car-centric projects to transit and greenways, reducing systemic danger for vulnerable road users.

• State Must Cut Car Trips by 20%: Advocates, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-02-06

State Sen. Gounardes pushes a bill to slash car trips by a fifth by 2050. Advocates say New York spends billions on roads while traffic deaths climb. The law would force highway projects to prove they cut driving, not fuel it.

State Sen. Andrew Gounardes introduced a bill requiring New York to reduce vehicle miles traveled by 20 percent by 2050. The bill, modeled after Minnesota law, is not yet passed or assigned to a committee. It would amend the state’s climate law, forcing transportation officials to align highway projects with the goal of fewer car trips. Gounardes warns, 'If we’re just going to use that money to double down on the transportation of the past, on just purely automobile usage, we’re making a great mistake.' Danny Pearlstein of Riders Alliance says the bill is about shifting priorities to climate and equity. Advocates note that over 90 percent of recent infrastructure funds went to roads, not transit. The measure would require revisions or offsets for projects that don’t cut driving. Gov. Hochul’s office declined comment. The bill aims to halt the cycle of road expansion, rising traffic, and mounting deaths.

• State Must Cut Car Trips by 20%: Advocates, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-06

Three new mid-block crossings now cut across Atlantic Avenue. Signals, ramps, and paint force drivers to slow. Pedestrians gain a fighting chance on Brooklyn’s deadliest stretch. Local leaders push for more. The city’s hand finally moves after years of blood.

On February 5, 2024, Council Member Lincoln Restler announced new mid-block pedestrian crossings on Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn’s so-called 'Boulevard of Death.' The crossings, between Nevins and Bond, Bond and Hoyt, and Hoyt and Smith streets, add crosswalks, traffic lights, and ramps. Restler said, 'These new mid-block crossings will create a greater sense of safety and community for Boerum Hill.' The Department of Transportation acted after Restler and others demanded change following the death of Katherine Harris, killed by a speeding driver. DOT’s study found hundreds of people crossing mid-block every weekend. Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called the project a way to 'enhance safety by better managing traffic.' Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon called the improvements 'a great step forward.' The city has finished installing signals and is completing ramps and crosswalks. Leaders want more: curb extensions, redesigned crossings, and further traffic calming. Atlantic Avenue remains a battleground for the city’s most vulnerable.

• New mid-block crossings on Atlantic Avenue aim to slow cars, increase pedestrian safety on ‘Boulevard of Death’, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-02-05

Steel met flesh on Union Street. An 83-year-old man, crossing with the light, was struck by a turning taxi. Blood pooled. His head split. The cab did not stop. The street did not forgive.

An 83-year-old man was seriously injured at the intersection of Union Street and 6th Avenue in Brooklyn when a taxi making a right turn struck him as he crossed with the signal. According to the police report, the pedestrian was 'crossing with the light' when the collision occurred. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The narrative describes the aftermath: 'Steel meets flesh. He falls. Blood pools on the pavement. Head split. Eyes open. The cab did not stop.' The victim suffered a severe head injury and was conscious at the scene. The police report makes clear the driver failed to yield to a pedestrian lawfully crossing, underscoring the persistent danger faced by New York City’s most vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699808 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A 24-year-old male bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries after being hit by two distracted drivers in parked SUVs on Pacific Street in Brooklyn. Both drivers were inattentive, causing a collision with the cyclist who was conscious and bruised.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Pacific Street in Brooklyn at 16:13. The victim, a 24-year-old male bicyclist, was injured with contusions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor for both drivers involved. Both drivers were operating Station Wagon/SUV vehicles, parked prior to the crash, and their inattention led to the collision with the bicyclist. The bicyclist was not ejected and remained conscious after the impact. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the bicyclist's behavior or safety equipment. The focus remains on the drivers' failure to maintain attention, which directly resulted in the bicyclist's injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699729 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

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

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 37-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by a sedan making an improper left turn in Brooklyn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, hitting the pedestrian at the intersection. The victim suffered upper leg contusions but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on 8 Avenue made an improper left turn onto 13 Street at 17:52 in Brooklyn. The driver, licensed and male, failed to yield the right-of-way to a 37-year-old male pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The vehicle's left front bumper struck the pedestrian, causing injuries to his hip and upper leg, classified as contusions and bruises. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. The report explicitly cites 'Turning Improperly' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors to the crash. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The incident highlights driver error in executing turns and yielding, resulting in serious injury to a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698777 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A sedan collided with a bicyclist on 5 Avenue near Berkeley Place in Brooklyn. The 29-year-old male cyclist suffered head injuries and abrasions. Police cited alcohol involvement and driver inattention as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 20:27 on 5 Avenue near Berkeley Place in Brooklyn. A sedan, occupied by two people and traveling north, struck a bicyclist traveling northeast. The bicyclist, a 29-year-old male, was injured with head trauma and abrasions and was not ejected from his bike. The report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors, indicating driver errors played a critical role. The sedan sustained damage to its left front quarter panel. The bicyclist was not wearing safety equipment. The collision highlights the dangers posed by impaired and distracted driving in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698155 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Two SUVs collided on Vanderbilt Avenue. Slippery pavement sent one into the other. The woman driving the rear SUV suffered neck injuries. Both vehicles were parked before impact. Road conditions failed her.

According to the police report, at 6:43 AM on Vanderbilt Avenue in Brooklyn, two northbound SUVs collided. The rear vehicle, a 2023 Audi SUV driven by a licensed woman, struck the center back end of a 2007 Cadillac SUV. Both vehicles were parked before the crash. The report lists 'Pavement Slippery' as a contributing factor. The woman driving the Audi suffered neck injuries and whiplash but was conscious and not ejected. No other driver errors are listed in the report. No victim actions contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697780 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Albany weighs bills A5259 and S2812 to keep and expand red-light cameras past December. Assembly Member Dinowitz and Senator Gounardes push for more cameras. DOT data shows fewer violations and crashes. Advocates demand action. The cap leaves neighborhoods exposed. Lives hang in the balance.

Bills A5259 and S2812 face debate in the New York State legislature. If lawmakers fail to act, the city’s red-light cameras—now capped at 150 intersections—will shut off December 1, 2024. The matter, described as 'reauthorize and expand the city's red-light camera program,' is championed by Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz and Senate co-sponsor Andrew Gounardes. Dinowitz, the sponsor, urges expansion, stating, 'We should have red-light cameras on every intersection.' Gounardes expects a review and expansion. DOT data backs them: violations and rear-end crashes have dropped at camera sites. Residents like Amy Bettys call the cap dangerous. Advocacy groups support the bills, though they are not a top priority. Dinowitz stresses automated enforcement is vital with limited police. The bills await committee action. Vulnerable road users face risk if the program lapses.

• Better Red Than Dead: Albany Takes Up Camera Reauthorization, Expansion, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-25

Every day, 9,000 trucks thunder through Sunset Park and Red Hook. Warehouses choke streets. Black and Latino residents breathe the fumes and dodge danger. Lawmakers push the Clean Deliveries Act to curb the chaos. The burden falls hard. The fight is on.

The Clean Deliveries Act, now under consideration in Albany, aims to regulate last-mile warehouse traffic and emissions across New York State. The bill responds to a new report showing Sunset Park and Red Hook face the city's highest truck volumes—over 9,000 daily trips—linked to sprawling Amazon, FedEx, and UPS facilities. The report states, 'a quarter of residents across the Empire State live within half a mile of a distribution center that’s at least 50,000 square feet, disproportionately harming Black and Latino communities.' State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, representing the affected Brooklyn neighborhoods, calls for urgent action 'for the sake of our climate and the safety of our streets.' Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes, whose district sees the most daily truck traffic, urges colleagues to pass the Act. Advocates like Kevin Garcia say the bill is 'key legislation to protect frontline communities from increased vehicular traffic and tailpipe emissions.' The Act would require emissions reviews, pollution minimization, and studies of low-emission zones in hotspots.

• Poorer Brooklynites Bear the Brunt of Online Delivery Boom: Report, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-23

Seven Brooklyn officials urge DOT to clear cars from corners. They want boulders, planters, and bike corrals—not just paint. Their call follows deadly crashes. They press the city to use state law and federal funds. DOT promises review. Advocates back the push.

On January 17, 2024, seven Brooklyn elected officials—including Council Member Shahana Hanif, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Members Marcela Mitaynes, Jo Anne Simon, Robert Carroll, and State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Andrew Gounardes—issued a joint letter to the NYC Department of Transportation. They called for 'universal daylighting with hardened materials such as boulders, planters, and bike corrals' at intersections. The officials cited recent fatal crashes and urged the city to opt into a state law banning parking within 20 feet of corners. They want federal funds used for these changes. The group opposes DOT’s slow pace and reliance on paint, demanding physical barriers. Community board leaders and advocates support the move. DOT says it will review the letter and remains committed to evidence-based daylighting.

• Seven Brooklyn Electeds Join Growing Calls For Universal Daylighting, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-17