One Broken Body at a Time—Windsor Terrace Bleeds, Leaders Stall

A sedan struck a 41-year-old woman crossing 6 Avenue in Brooklyn. She suffered hip and upper leg abrasions. The e-bike driver was also injured. Both drivers disregarded traffic control. The crash left the pedestrian conscious but injured.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 6 Avenue collided with a pedestrian crossing with the signal near 15 Street in Brooklyn. The pedestrian, a 41-year-old woman, sustained abrasions to her hip and upper leg and was conscious at the scene. The e-bike driver, also 41, was injured and in shock. The report lists "Traffic Control Disregarded" as a contributing factor for both the sedan driver and the e-bike driver. The pedestrian was not at fault and was crossing legally. The sedan's front center end and the e-bike's left front quarter panel were damaged. Both drivers failed to obey traffic controls, leading to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4592004 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Council Member Shahana Hanif condemned the NYPD for arresting Adam White, a lawyer for crash victims, after he cleared a defaced plate. Police charged White, ignored the driver’s violations, and called the driver a victim. Hanif demanded accountability for police misconduct.

On November 16, 2022, Brooklyn Council Member Shahana Hanif issued a statement criticizing the NYPD’s 78th Precinct after officers arrested attorney Adam White. White, known for representing victims of traffic violence, was charged with criminal mischief for removing plastic that hid a car’s license plate—a tactic often used to dodge cameras and tolls. The NYPD did not ticket the driver, who had a record of violations, and instead labeled him the 'victim.' Hanif called the arrest 'outrageous' and 'police misconduct,' demanding accountability from precinct leadership. She said, 'It is shocking how the NYPD continues to prioritize unlawful and reckless car owners while harassing cyclists and pedestrians at every opportunity.' Legal experts, including White’s attorney Gideon Oliver, questioned the charges and called for dismissal. The case highlights systemic failures in traffic enforcement and police discretion, with vulnerable road users left exposed.

• Brooklyn Council Member Blasts Cops for Arresting Famed Bike Lawyer For Fixing Defaced Plate, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-16

DOT began outreach for a Grand Army Plaza overhaul. The plan aims to carve out more space for people on foot and bike. Council Members Hudson and Hanif pushed for fixes. Advocates want traffic cut and safety raised. Designs come in 2024.

On November 13, 2022, the Department of Transportation (DOT) kicked off public outreach for a major redesign of Grand Army Plaza. The effort, not yet a formal bill, marks the start of a multiyear process with capital funding. The DOT presented plans to 'create more space for pedestrians and cyclists,' and floated ideas to connect Prospect Park’s northern entrance to the Soldiers Memorial Arch. Council Members Crystal Hudson and Shahana Hanif previously called for DOT to address 'signal timing and unprotected bike lanes.' Community advocates and residents voiced strong support for closing parts of the plaza to traffic and improving infrastructure for people walking and biking. The process includes public meetings, surveys, and a traffic study, with preliminary designs expected in 2024. While some residents worry about car access, the push is clear: less traffic, more safety for the vulnerable.

• DOT Kicks Off Outreach on New Grand Army Plaza Fix: ‘Dream Big’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-13

DOT moves to ban cars from Grand Army Plaza. Council members demand urgent fixes. Pedestrians and cyclists face danger daily. Crashes, injuries, broken sidewalks, and chaos define the space. The city promises swift action. Streets for people, not cars.

On November 10, 2022, the NYC Department of Transportation proposed making Grand Army Plaza car-free and connecting it to Open Streets on Vanderbilt and Underhill Avenues. The matter, described as 'NYC DOT proposal for car-free Grand Army Plaza and related street safety improvements,' is not a formal council bill but has drawn council attention. Council Member Shahana Hanif (District 39) and Crystal Hudson pressed DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez to address the plaza’s 'endless traffic, poor sidewalk conditions, broken benches, and overflowing trash cans.' Hanif and Hudson demanded immediate safety upgrades after recent crashes injured pedestrians and cyclists. DOT Deputy Commissioner Eric Beaton said, 'We want to take it to the next level... more consistent and better designed public spaces.' The agency is seeking public feedback and plans to draft detailed designs within the year. The proposal aims to end the status quo of danger and disrepair, prioritizing vulnerable road users over cars.

• Exclusive: DOT eyes Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza as NYC's next car-free space, gothamist.com, Published 2022-11-10

SUV struck a 31-year-old man on a bike on 5 Avenue. Driver started from parking. Cyclist was passing. Impact threw rider, left him with leg injuries and abrasions. Police cite close passing and blocked view.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old male bicyclist was partially ejected and injured when an SUV struck him on 5 Avenue. The cyclist suffered abrasions and lower leg trauma. The report lists driver errors: 'Passing Too Closely' and 'View Obstructed/Limited.' The SUV was starting from parking as the cyclist passed. The SUV showed no damage; the bike was hit at the front. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash. No helmet or signaling factors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4573227 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Assembly Member Carroll stands firm for congestion pricing. He wants fewer cars, cleaner air, and faster buses. He rejects broad carve-outs. Only yellow cabs get a break. Uber and Lyft must pay. He demands urgency. Streets must change. Lives depend on it.

On September 27, 2022, Assembly Member Robert Carroll made a public statement supporting congestion pricing in New York City. The matter, titled 'I’m Willing to Take the Heat to Support Congestion Pricing,' was reported by Streetsblog NYC. Carroll opposes broad exemptions, saying, 'Simplicity is key and exemptions should be limited.' He supports only yellow cab drivers for additional exemptions, citing their medallion fees and capped numbers. Carroll insists Uber and Lyft drivers pay every time they enter the zone, regardless of fare. He also backs time-based charges for taxis, for-hire vehicles, and trucks, especially in busy corridors. Carroll acknowledges the financial burden but argues the cost of congestion is greater. He urges swift action, naming London, Milan, Stockholm, and Singapore as models. No safety analyst note was provided.

• AM Carroll: ‘I’m Willing to Take the Heat’ to Support Congestion Pricing, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-27

A sedan traveling north struck a parked SUV on Seeley Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s driver, a 39-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. The impact damaged the front center of the sedan and the left side doors of the SUV.

According to the police report, a 2021 Honda sedan was traveling north on Seeley Street when it collided with a parked 2021 Subaru SUV. The sedan struck the left side doors of the stationary vehicle. The sedan’s driver, a 39-year-old woman, sustained neck injuries and complained of whiplash. She was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the driver but does not identify any specific driver errors or victim actions. The parked SUV had no occupants at the time of the crash. Damage was concentrated on the sedan’s center front end and the SUV’s left side doors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4565618 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Two sedans slammed together on Prospect Expressway East. A woman driver took the hit, her abdomen and pelvis injured. Speed played a role. Metal twisted. Shock followed.

According to the police report, two sedans collided while traveling east on Prospect Expressway East. The crash left a 31-year-old female driver with abdominal and pelvic injuries. She was in shock but not ejected, and wore a lap belt. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and an 'Unspecified' factor as contributing causes. Both vehicles suffered front-end damage from the impact. The male driver was licensed in New York, the female in New Jersey. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash underscores driver errors related to speed and other unspecified factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4561767 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Two bikes slammed together on Prospect Park Southwest. A young rider hit the ground. Blood spilled from his leg. Skin torn. He stared at the sky, awake. The street fell silent. Two children and another man were also involved. No helmets. No mercy.

Two bicycles collided head-on at Prospect Park Southwest and Greenwood Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, a 23-year-old male rider was partially ejected and suffered severe lacerations to his leg, remaining conscious at the scene. Two children, ages 2 and 4, and a 35-year-old man were also involved, all listed as bicyclists. The report notes, 'Two bikes collided head-on. A 23-year-old rider hit the ground hard. No helmet. Blood ran from his leg. Skin peeled back.' No contributing factors or driver errors were specified in the data. Helmets were not used, as noted after the absence of driver errors. The crash left one rider badly hurt while others escaped with unspecified injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4561432 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Lawmakers push for e-bike rebates. Senate passes, Assembly stalls. Salazar and Carroll lead. Up to $1,100 for buyers. Critics call it a luxury. Carroll disagrees. Program aims for working-class riders. Cars keep killing. E-bikes offer a way out.

""I think there’s a misconception that this bill is maybe purely for folks who have disposable income. They don’t realize that this is not a luxury item."" -- Robert Carroll

Senate Bill 'Ride Clean' proposes up to $1,100 rebates for e-bike purchases, covering half the cost. The bill passed the Senate but stalled in the Assembly as of August 30, 2022. The measure, led by State Senator Julia Salazar and Assembly Member Robert Carroll, aims to make e-bikes accessible to working-class New Yorkers. Salazar says, 'With the Ride Clean rebate, [e-bikes] really would be much more accessible to working New Yorkers.' Carroll pushes back on critics who call e-bikes a luxury, stating, 'They don’t realize that this is not a luxury item.' The program would use NYSERDA funds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, mirroring the Drive Clean program for electric cars. Advocates cite European and U.S. models. The bill’s fate now rests with the Assembly.

• NY Lawmakers Want To Bring E-Bikes To The People, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-30

Senator Julia Salazar’s Ride Clean bill passed the New York Senate 60-3. It offers up to $1,100 for e-bike purchases. The bill aims to cut car use and emissions. It stalled in the Assembly. Lawmakers say it makes e-bikes accessible for working New Yorkers.

Senate Bill S7703, known as the Ride Clean rebate, passed the New York State Senate on June 2022 by a 60-3 vote. The bill sits stalled in the Assembly committee since January. The measure, sponsored by Senator Julia Salazar, would require NYSERDA to cover half the cost of e-bike purchases, up to $1,100. Salazar said, 'When the federal government falls short, it really does fall on the state to step up and take responsibility.' Assembly sponsor Robert Carroll added, 'This is not a luxury item.' The bill’s summary states it aims to make e-bikes accessible and reduce car dependence. If enacted, New York would join a handful of states offering direct e-bike subsidies, targeting emissions and car use in daily trips.

• NY Lawmakers Want To Bring E-Bikes To The People, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-08-30

Lawmakers spar over who gets a break from congestion pricing. Some want tight limits. Others push for taxi exemptions and tunnel credits. Advocates warn: too many carve-outs gut the plan. The final call lands with the Traffic Mobility Review Board.

On August 26, 2022, New York officials debated congestion pricing exemptions as the policy neared implementation. The discussion, covered by Streetsblog NYC, highlighted shifting positions. State Senator Leroy Comrie, once opposed to exemptions, now listens to public input. Assembly Member Robert Carroll said, "I think that there should be limited exemptions." State Senator Andrew Gounardes added, "Obviously we want them to be as limited as possible." Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine backed toll credits for tunnel users and taxi exemptions. Taxi and for-hire drivers lobbied for relief, citing existing surcharges. Advocacy groups warned against broad carve-outs. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide on further exemptions after federal review. No direct safety impact for vulnerable road users was assessed.

• Everyone’s Suddenly Open To Some Congestion Pricing Exemptions, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-26

Council and state leaders spar over who gets a break from congestion pricing. Some want carve-outs. Others warn exemptions gut the plan. Vulnerable road users wait as drivers fight for special treatment. The final call lands with the Traffic Mobility Review Board.

On August 26, 2022, the council held a public debate on congestion pricing exemptions. The matter, titled 'Everyone’s Suddenly Open To Some Congestion Pricing Exemptions,' drew sharp lines. State Senator Leroy Comrie, once a hardliner against exemptions, now listens to public input. Assembly Member Robert Carroll backs limited carve-outs, saying, 'I think that there should be limited exemptions.' State Senator Andrew Gounardes stresses, 'Obviously we want them to be as limited as possible.' Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine pushes for toll credits and taxi exemptions. Advocacy groups warn against broad carve-outs. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide after federal review. The debate centers on who pays and who gets a pass, while the safety of people outside cars hangs in the balance.

• Everyone’s Suddenly Open To Some Congestion Pricing Exemptions, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-08-26

Nearly a thousand people signed up to speak at MTA’s congestion pricing hearings. The plan targets Manhattan below 61st Street. Supporters want fewer exemptions. Critics fear more truck traffic. Lawmakers push for swift action. Streets and air hang in the balance.

"It needs to be implemented now, we passed this bill three years ago, it’s time to get moving." -- Robert Carroll

On August 25, 2022, the MTA held public hearings on congestion pricing for Manhattan below 61st Street. The hearings drew nearly a thousand speakers. The plan, described as aiming to 'reduce congestion, air pollution, and driving into the city,' would charge drivers $5 to $23 depending on time and exemptions. Council Member Robert Carroll (District 44) urged, 'It needs to be implemented now, we passed this bill three years ago, it’s time to get moving.' Other lawmakers, including Andrew Gounardes and Mark Levine, debated exemptions and credits. Governor Hochul called the charge 'crucial to cutting the number of vehicles and combating climate change.' The hearings reflect strong support for minimal carveouts and immediate action to fund transit and clear streets. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Thousand ask to speak at upcoming MTA congestion pricing hearings, amny.com, Published 2022-08-25

A 32-year-old woman was struck by an e-scooter while crossing 15 Street at 8 Avenue in Brooklyn. The scooter driver made an improper lane usage maneuver. The pedestrian suffered bruises and abdominal injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a male e-scooter driver traveling east on 15 Street struck a 32-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection of 15 Street and 8 Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her abdomen and pelvis. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor, indicating the driver failed to maintain proper lane discipline. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but not ejected. The vehicle's point of impact was the right front bumper, and the scooter sustained damage to its center front end. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4556839 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse backs a dedicated bus lane on Flatbush Avenue. She joins Mayor Adams and others, pushing for faster, safer rides. Riders wait too long. Streets choke with traffic. The city moves to act, despite driver backlash and parking fears.

On August 9, 2022, Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse (District 46) endorsed the Flatbush Avenue dedicated bus lane proposal. The plan, a priority for the Adams administration and MTA, aims to speed up the B41 bus from Downtown Brooklyn to Marine Park. Narcisse and Councilmember Rita Joseph joined Mayor Eric Adams at a press conference, riding the B41 and speaking with riders. Narcisse said, “People are suffering waiting 30 minutes, 40 minutes, it’s unfair to the riders.” She stressed that better bus service could cut down on illegal dollar vans. The Department of Transportation, led by Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, has started community engagement. Some community boards worry about lost parking, but Rodriguez called their role advisory, saying, “we want to hear what the riders want.” Narcisse acknowledged driver backlash but insisted on the need for faster, reliable transit.

• Flatbush Avenue bus lane proposal gains support of key electeds, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2022-08-09

A 17-year-old e-bike rider struck by a northbound SUV on Prospect Park Southwest. The bike hit the SUV’s right front bumper. The rider suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. Driver distraction caused the collision. No ejection occurred.

According to the police report, a 17-year-old male riding an e-bike westbound on Prospect Park Southwest collided with a northbound Ford SUV. The point of impact was the SUV’s right front bumper and the e-bike’s center front end. The e-bike rider sustained abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The rider was conscious and not ejected. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The e-bike rider wore no safety equipment. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4550074 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

An 18-year-old male bicyclist was injured on Prospect Park West in Brooklyn. The SUV made a left turn and struck the cyclist traveling north. The rider suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The crash involved failure to yield and unsafe speed.

According to the police report, a 2009 Toyota SUV was making a left turn on Prospect Park West when it collided with a northbound bicyclist. The 18-year-old male cyclist was injured, sustaining abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The report lists the contributing factors as Failure to Yield Right-of-Way and Unsafe Speed. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment and was conscious after the crash. The SUV's left front bumper and the bike's center front end were damaged. Driver inattention and distraction also contributed to the crash. The bicyclist was not ejected and was the sole occupant of his vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4550078 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 26-year-old male bicyclist was injured in Brooklyn when an SUV made a left turn and struck him. The impact hit the bike’s front center and the SUV’s left front quarter panel. The cyclist suffered abrasions and leg injuries.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male bicyclist was injured when a 2012 SUV made a left turn and collided with him as he traveled straight south on Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. The point of impact was the SUV's left front quarter panel and the bike's center front end. The bicyclist sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet and was conscious after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4546368 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Senator Zellnor Myrie told a city panel how NYPD officers used bikes as weapons during a protest. He described tires on his back, threats of pepper spray, and trauma that lingers. The Civilian Complaint Review Board found the officer abused his authority.

On June 30, 2022, State Senator Zellnor Myrie testified at an NYPD disciplinary hearing for Officer Michael Kovalik, a member of the Strategic Response Group. The hearing followed a Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) investigation, which found Kovalik abused his authority by threatening Myrie and others with pepper spray during a protest on May 29, 2020. The matter centered on 'excessive use of force with department-issued bikes' and the officer's actions at a protest outside Barclays Center after George Floyd's murder. Myrie, detained with zip ties, said, 'I felt what felt like bike tires on my back and on my arms.' He described lasting trauma from the incident. The CCRB prosecutor, Andre Applewhite, argued video evidence confirmed the threats. Myrie and another lawmaker have filed a federal lawsuit against the NYPD. The case highlights the dangers faced by peaceful protesters and the use of police bicycles as tools of force.

• Brooklyn Pol Tears Up Describing Brutal Treatment at Hands (and Bikes) of Cops, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-06-30