Dragged to Death: City Lets Kids Bleed for Parking Spots

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

A driver suffered injuries after his SUV collided with a parked SUV on Schenectady Avenue. The crash, caused by the driver’s illness, left him semiconscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The parked vehicle sustained rear-end damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Schenectady Avenue around 4:00 p.m. when a 29-year-old male driver of a 2017 Ford SUV traveling east collided with a parked 2018 Jeep SUV. The driver was injured and found semiconscious but was not ejected from the vehicle, restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report cites the driver’s illness as a contributing factor to the crash. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the moving SUV and the center back end of the parked vehicle, which sustained damage to its right rear bumper. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The driver was licensed in New Jersey. This incident highlights the systemic danger posed when driver health issues impair vehicle control.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701592 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 69-year-old woman suffered head injuries after a sedan struck her at an intersection on Brooklyn Avenue. The driver was making a left turn and failed to yield right-of-way, distracted and inattentive. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Brooklyn Avenue struck a 69-year-old female pedestrian at an intersection while she was crossing with the signal. The driver, a licensed male operating a 2015 Toyota sedan, was making a left turn when the collision occurred. The point of impact was the vehicle's left front quarter panel, which sustained damage. The pedestrian sustained a head injury classified as severity level 3 and was conscious with an abrasion complaint. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. No pedestrian fault or contributing behaviors were noted. The crash highlights driver errors in yielding and attentiveness during turning maneuvers at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700142 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

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 moped driver was ejected and severely injured when a Ford SUV made a left turn and struck the moped head-on on Rochester Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV driver failed to yield and was impaired by alcohol, causing a violent collision.

According to the police report, at 5:02 AM on Rochester Avenue in Brooklyn, a 27-year-old male moped driver was severely injured and ejected from his vehicle after a collision with a Ford SUV. The SUV was traveling south and making a left turn when it struck the moped, which was traveling north. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the SUV and the moped was demolished. The SUV driver, who was licensed in California, was found to have alcohol involvement and failed to yield the right-of-way, contributing directly to the crash. The moped driver suffered injuries to his entire body and was conscious but ejected from his vehicle. The report highlights driver errors and impairment as the primary causes, with no contributing factors attributed to the moped rider.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698455 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

An e-bike rider suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a collision on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. The crash involved driver inattention, causing impact to the bike’s left front bumper. The rider remained conscious and was wearing a helmet.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:58 a.m. on Atlantic Avenue near Kingston Avenue in Brooklyn. The injured party was a 30-year-old male e-bike driver who sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the collision. The e-bike was traveling east, going straight ahead, and was struck on its left front bumper. The rider was wearing a helmet and was not ejected from the vehicle. The crash involved another vehicle also traveling east and going straight ahead, which impacted the right front bumper. The report does not specify any contributing factors related to the victim. The focus remains on the driver's inattention as the cause of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697951 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

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

A moped driver was ejected and suffered neck injuries after a high-speed collision with a sedan on Troy Avenue. The crash involved driver inattention and unsafe speed, resulting in a violent impact that left the rider with whiplash and serious trauma.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:00 PM on Troy Avenue involving a sedan and a moped traveling straight ahead in perpendicular directions. The moped driver, a 52-year-old male, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained neck injuries described as whiplash, with an injury severity rated at level 3. The sedan, registered in Pennsylvania, struck the moped at its center front end while traveling west. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The moped driver was wearing a helmet, but no victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The collision's force caused significant damage to both vehicles' front ends, emphasizing the severity of the impact and the systemic danger posed by speeding and distracted driving.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692907 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

In Brooklyn, an 11-year-old e-scooter driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sedan struck the scooter’s front. The crash at Utica Avenue involved unsafe speed and driver inexperience, leaving the young rider bruised but conscious.

According to the police report, the collision occurred at 15:20 on Utica Avenue in Brooklyn. An 11-year-old female e-scooter driver was injured, sustaining contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors for the e-scooter driver. The sedan, traveling east, struck the e-scooter’s center front end with its left rear quarter panel. The e-scooter was traveling south, going straight ahead before impact. The young rider was not ejected and remained conscious after the crash. The report highlights the e-scooter driver’s unsafe speed and inexperience, emphasizing driver errors rather than victim fault.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692389 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 62-year-old cyclist was hit by a left-turning car on Rochester Avenue. He suffered serious leg injuries. His bike was demolished. The crash shows the danger of turning vehicles for people on bikes.

According to the police report, a 62-year-old man riding a bike northbound on Rochester Avenue was struck by a vehicle making a left turn from Pacific Street. The cyclist suffered contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. His bike was demolished. The report notes the vehicle was making a left turn, a frequent driver action in such crashes. No contributing factors were listed for the cyclist. The cyclist was wearing a helmet, but the report highlights the impact and the left-turn maneuver as central to the crash. The cyclist remained conscious and was not ejected. No victim actions contributed to the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692348 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A driver struck three pedestrians at Ralph Avenue. All were crossing with the signal. They suffered serious injuries. The driver was distracted and failed to yield. Shock rippled through the scene.

Three pedestrians, ages 9, 10, and 55, were injured while crossing Ralph Avenue with the signal. According to the police report, the driver, a licensed female operating a 2013 SUV, was distracted and failed to yield the right-of-way. The 9-year-old boy sustained a back injury, the 10-year-old girl injured her elbow, and the 55-year-old woman suffered a shoulder injury. All three reported pain and shock following the incident. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was traveling west at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691730 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Council calls for scramble crosswalks at schools. Kids cross in all directions. Cars stop. Fewer deadly conflicts. NYPD cut crossing guards. Streets stay dangerous. Council pushes Albany for action.

Resolution Res 0792-2023 was filed by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced September 28, 2023, and filed at session’s end, it urges Albany to pass A.5001-A/S.2515-B. The matter: 'establishing scramble crosswalks leading to and from school buildings during times of student arrival and dismissal.' Council Members Hanif (primary), Brooks-Powers, Restler, and Riley sponsored. The bill responds to deadly crashes near schools and NYPD’s cut of 486 crossing guards. Scramble crosswalks stop all cars so kids cross in every direction, cutting conflicts. The Council wants the state to act before more children are hurt.

• File Res 0792-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-31

A 43-year-old male motorcyclist was injured on Atlantic Avenue. The crash involved a motorcycle traveling east. The rider suffered fractures and dislocations to his lower leg and foot. The driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling east on Atlantic Avenue collided with another vehicle. The motorcyclist, a 43-year-old male driver, sustained knee, lower leg, and foot injuries including fractures and dislocations. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The motorcyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash caused damage to the motorcycle's left front bumper. The rider remained conscious and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report identifies driver inattention and distraction as key errors leading to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4689935 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 43-year-old male driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries after his SUV struck a parked sedan’s left rear bumper on Kingston Avenue. The crash involved alcohol. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness.

According to the police report, a 43-year-old male driver in a 2011 SUV collided with a parked 2019 sedan on Kingston Avenue. The SUV impacted the sedan’s left rear bumper, causing injuries to the driver’s knee, lower leg, and foot, along with whiplash. The driver was conscious and secured by a lap belt and harness. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. The crash involved no ejections. The driver held a valid New York license. The collision also involved a pick-up truck traveling west, which struck the SUV’s left side doors. The primary driver error indicated is alcohol involvement, with no other driver errors specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4689079 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 32-year-old male bicyclist was injured on Classon Avenue. The SUV driver made a left turn and struck the cyclist traveling straight north. The bicyclist suffered abrasions and knee, lower leg, and foot injuries. The cyclist wore a helmet.

According to the police report, a 2019 SUV traveling north on Classon Avenue made a left turn and collided with a 32-year-old male bicyclist going straight north. The bicyclist was injured with abrasions and trauma to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The SUV sustained damage to its left front bumper, the point of impact. The bicyclist was conscious and wearing a helmet. The report lists no specific contributing factors but notes the SUV was making a left turn while the bicyclist was going straight. This suggests a failure to yield by the SUV driver. The bicyclist was not ejected and suffered injury severity level 3.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4689325 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

SUV turned left on Utica Avenue. Sedan going straight struck its front. Both drivers hurt. Chest and leg injuries. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Pain lingered.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV making a left turn on Utica Avenue collided with a Honda sedan traveling north. The sedan's left front bumper hit the SUV's center front end. The 43-year-old woman driving the SUV and a 51-year-old male passenger suffered chest and leg injuries. Both reported pain and shock. The report lists no specific driver errors, only unspecified contributing factors. Both vehicles were damaged at the front. All occupants were licensed and wore seat belts. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687882 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A man rode north on Rogers Avenue. The pavement broke beneath him. He flew from his e-bike. His head struck the street. Blood pooled on the asphalt. He died there, alone, in the morning light.

A 37-year-old man riding an e-bike north on Rogers Avenue was killed after hitting defective pavement. According to the police report, the rider was ejected from his bike, struck his head, and died from severe bleeding. The report lists 'Pavement Defective' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The crash caused fatal head injuries. The police note the rider was not wearing a helmet, but this is mentioned only after the systemic hazard of broken pavement. No other vehicles or people were involved. The street failed him. The city failed him.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692318 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A taxi traveling south on Franklin Avenue crashed, striking the center back end. Two male rear passengers suffered back injuries and whiplash. Alcohol involvement was noted. Both remained conscious and were not ejected from the vehicle.

According to the police report, a 2012 Ford taxi traveling south on Franklin Avenue struck an object or vehicle at the center back end. Two male rear passengers, ages 35 and 37, were injured with back pain and whiplash. Both were conscious and not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. The driver’s errors include impaired operation due to alcohol involvement. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The passengers’ safety equipment status is unknown. The crash caused moderate injuries to the occupants in the rear seats.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4682093 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09