Third Avenue: Two Miles, Too Many Graves

May 15 - 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

May 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

May 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

May 10 - 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

May 6 - Two sedans collided on a Brooklyn street late at night. A driver starting from parking hit a parked vehicle on its left side. The driver of the moving car was injured, unconscious, and suffered full-body trauma despite safety restraints.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:50 in Brooklyn near 4 Avenue. A sedan registered in New York, driven by a licensed female driver, was starting from parking when it struck a parked sedan registered in Texas on the left side doors. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both vehicles involved. The injured party was the driver of the moving sedan, a 23-year-old female occupant who was unconscious and sustained injuries to her entire body. She was not ejected and had an airbag deployed along with lap belt and harness restraints. The collision caused damage to the left side doors of both vehicles. The report highlights driver distraction as the critical cause, with no contributing factors attributed to the victim's behavior.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4723199 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 30 - A sedan making a left turn collided with an eastbound bicyclist on 65 Street near 3 Avenue. The bicyclist suffered facial abrasions but remained conscious. Driver inattention or distraction caused the crash, damaging the sedan’s left front quarter panel.

According to the police report, a 2007 Honda sedan was traveling north on 65 Street and making a left turn when it struck a bicyclist traveling eastbound. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front quarter panel and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist, a 44-year-old man, sustained abrasions to his face but was conscious and not ejected. The report cites driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor to the crash. The sedan’s driver was licensed in New York. No contributing factors were listed for the bicyclist. The collision caused damage to the left front quarter panel of the sedan. This crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction during turning maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721278 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 26 - A 77-year-old man suffered a fractured hip and leg after an SUV backing westward hit him in Brooklyn. The driver’s unsafe backing and distraction caused the crash, leaving the pedestrian injured and conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 77-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2008 Ford SUV backed unsafely in Brooklyn near 142 44 Street at 2:51 AM. The vehicle was traveling west and struck the pedestrian with its center back end. The report cites 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained a fractured and dislocated upper leg and hip injury, classified as injury severity 3, and remained conscious. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle alone. The crash highlights the dangers of unsafe backing maneuvers combined with driver distraction, with no contributing factors attributed to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720585 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 23 - A westbound SUV struck a northbound sedan on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV driver, a 22-year-old man, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Both vehicles sustained front and side damage. Police cited other vehicular factors as contributing causes.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:38 AM on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn involving a westbound 2020 Toyota SUV and a northbound 2021 Audi sedan. The SUV driver, a 22-year-old male, was injured with contusions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The point of impact was the SUV's center front end and the sedan's right side doors. Police identified 'Other Vehicular' factors twice as contributing causes, indicating driver errors related to vehicle operation. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The report does not list any pedestrian or cyclist involvement or victim behaviors contributing to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719594 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 21 - A 17-year-old bicyclist was ejected and suffered a head contusion after a sedan struck him on 55 Street. The driver’s improper lane usage caused the collision. The bicyclist was conscious but injured, with no helmet reported.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:50 on 55 Street involving a sedan traveling south and a westbound bicycle. The sedan driver, licensed in Florida, was going straight ahead but committed 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper,' which the report cites as the contributing factor. The 17-year-old male bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained a head contusion, classified as injury severity 3. The bicyclist was conscious at the scene but was not wearing any safety equipment. The sedan showed no damage, while the bike sustained center front end damage. The report highlights the driver’s lane misuse as the cause, focusing on systemic danger from vehicle operation errors without attributing fault to the bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720421 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 19 - A bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg abrasions after a licensed sedan driver made a right turn on 50 Street in Brooklyn. The collision caused vehicle damage and left the cyclist injured but conscious, highlighting driver error in a busy intersection.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:30 AM on 50 Street near 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. A licensed sedan driver, traveling east and making a right turn, struck a northbound bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 30-year-old male, was injured with abrasions to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report cites 'Other Vehicular' as a contributing factor, pointing to driver error during the turn. The sedan sustained damage to its right front bumper and right side doors, while the bike showed no damage. Notably, the bicyclist was unlicensed and wore no safety equipment, but these were not listed as contributing factors. The incident underscores the danger posed by driver maneuvers in shared road spaces.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4719238 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 18 - Two sedans collided on the Gowanus Expressway. Lane change led to rear impact. Female driver and male passenger injured. Both suffered whiplash. No one ejected. No pedestrians or cyclists involved.

According to the police report, two sedans crashed at 13:40 on the Gowanus Expressway. One sedan, driven by a licensed woman, was changing lanes when another sedan struck its left rear bumper with its right front. The female driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Her male front passenger sustained back injuries and whiplash. Both were restrained and not ejected. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but notes the lane change maneuver before the collision, highlighting driver error related to lane changing. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4720113 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 18 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned and unplated cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. Police target vehicles with missing or fake plates. Fewer hazards for those on foot and bike.

Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 18, 2024. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation.' Sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary) and co-sponsored by over a dozen council members, it forces the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours and empowers NYPD to tow cars with missing or obscured plates or stickers. The law aims to clear street hazards fast, reducing risks for pedestrians and cyclists.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Apr 4 - A 33-year-old female bicyclist was partially ejected and injured in a collision with a right-turning SUV on 57 Street in Brooklyn. The bicyclist suffered back contusions and bruises. The SUV driver was licensed; the bicyclist was unlicensed.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:40 AM on 57 Street in Brooklyn. A 33-year-old female bicyclist, traveling westbound and going straight ahead, collided with a Nissan SUV making a right turn westbound. The bicyclist was partially ejected and sustained back contusions and bruises, classified as injury severity level 3. The SUV driver was licensed and had two occupants. The bicyclist was unlicensed and was riding without safety equipment. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the bicyclist but does not cite any specific driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The impact was to the center front end of the bike and the right front quarter panel of the SUV. The data highlights the danger posed by turning vehicles to bicyclists, especially when the bicyclist is unlicensed and partially ejected.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715835 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 3 - Two SUVs collided on 5 Avenue in Brooklyn at 5:31 p.m. Both drivers were distracted, causing a crash that injured one man with neck whiplash. The impact damaged the right front quarter panel and left front bumper of the vehicles.

According to the police report, two SUVs traveling south on 5 Avenue in Brooklyn collided at 5:31 p.m. Both drivers were cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. One driver was merging while the other was going straight ahead. The point of impact was the right front bumper of one vehicle and the center front end of the other. The crash caused damage to the right front quarter panel and left front bumper. A 47-year-old male driver, wearing a lap belt and harness, suffered a neck injury described as whiplash and was conscious after the crash. The report explicitly identifies driver distraction as the cause, with no other contributing factors noted. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714596 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 3 - A 58-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by a right-turning SUV in Brooklyn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way and turned improperly, causing head injuries and bruising to the pedestrian. The vehicle showed no damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred in Brooklyn at 25 Street and 4 Avenue around 3:34 PM. A 58-year-old female pedestrian was crossing the intersection with the signal when she was hit by a 2018 Ford SUV making a right turn. The point of impact was the vehicle's right front quarter panel. The report cites the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and improper turning as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and contusions but remained conscious. The SUV sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle eastbound. The report focuses on driver errors, specifically failure to yield and improper turning, as the cause of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714572 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 2 - A 38-year-old male moped driver suffered a bruised elbow and lower arm injury in a Brooklyn crash. The collision occurred on 4 Avenue at 8:35 a.m., leaving the driver conscious but injured. The report notes no helmet or safety equipment used.

According to the police report, a 38-year-old male moped driver was injured in a crash on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn at 8:35 a.m. The driver, operating a 2023 moped traveling north and going straight ahead, sustained contusions and bruises to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report states the driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The moped's point of impact and damage was the center back end. The driver was not wearing any safety equipment at the time. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No other vehicles or pedestrians were reported injured or involved. The data highlights the vulnerability of the moped driver who suffered injury despite no noted violations or external factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714840 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 30 - A motorcyclist was ejected and injured after colliding with a parked sedan on 4 Avenue. The rider suffered contusions and lower leg injuries. The crash exposed risks tied to unlicensed driving and vehicle positioning on city streets.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:20 on 4 Avenue involving a motorbike and a sedan, both initially parked. The motorbike, driven by a 30-year-old unlicensed male, collided with the left side doors of the sedan. The motorcyclist was ejected and sustained knee, lower leg, and foot injuries, described as contusions and bruises. The report highlights the motorcyclist's unlicensed status as a critical factor. Both vehicles were traveling south before the collision, which impacted the motorbike's center front end and the sedan's left side doors. The motorcyclist was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714303 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 30 - Sedan tried to pass on Hamilton Avenue. Struck a box truck. Passenger in front seat suffered facial abrasions. Driver’s improper lane use and speed caused the crash. Truck was not damaged.

According to the police report, a sedan attempted an improper passing maneuver on Hamilton Avenue in Brooklyn at 1:21 AM. The sedan collided with a box truck traveling in the same direction. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors by the sedan driver. The front passenger, a 35-year-old woman, suffered facial abrasions and was injured. She remained conscious and was not ejected. The box truck was undamaged. Driver errors in lane usage and speed led to the impact, exposing the risks of improper passing on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713533 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 28 - A 58-year-old man suffered upper arm injuries after a sedan struck him in Brooklyn. The driver’s inattention and obstructed view contributed to the crash. The pedestrian was semiconscious and complained of pain and nausea at the scene.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling straight ahead in Brooklyn collided with a 58-year-old male pedestrian at approximately 1:32 AM. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his shoulder and upper arm and was semiconscious, complaining of pain and nausea. The report cites the driver’s contributing factors as "View Obstructed/Limited" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction." The vehicle showed no damage despite striking the pedestrian with its center front end. The driver was licensed and operating a 2014 Honda sedan. The pedestrian’s actions or behaviors were not listed as contributing factors. This crash highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction and limited visibility in urban environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713234 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 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