Dragged to Death: City Lets Kids Bleed for Parking Spots

Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 803 aims to keep cars out of bike lanes. Cameras would catch violators. Streets could clear. Cyclists might breathe easier. Lawmakers back the crackdown. The fight for safe passage continues.

Assembly bill A 803, now in sponsorship, proposes a bicycle lane safety program for New York City. It would enforce restrictions on bike lane use with photo devices. The bill summary reads: 'Establishes in the city of New York a bicycle lane safety program to enforce certain restrictions on the use of bicycle lanes and/or protected bicycle lanes by means of bicycle lane photo devices.' Primary sponsor Zohran Mamdani leads, joined by Brian Cunningham, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Harvey Epstein, Amy Paulin, and others. The bill was introduced January 8, 2025. No safety analyst note was provided. The measure targets drivers who block or endanger cyclists.

• File A 803, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Assembly bill A 324 demands complete street design for state- and federally-funded projects. Sponsors push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars. Safety for all hangs in the balance.

Assembly Bill A 324 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, drivers—when building or upgrading roads. Didi Barrett leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Amy Paulin, and many others. The bill also directs the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note yet, but the measure’s intent is clear: streets should protect the most vulnerable, not just move traffic.

• File A 324, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Two vehicles turning right collide on Rogers Avenue in Brooklyn. A 23-year-old moped driver is partially ejected and injured, suffering knee and lower leg contusions. Both drivers were distracted, causing a violent side impact crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:30 AM on Rogers Avenue in Brooklyn. A moped and a pick-up truck, both traveling east and making right turns, collided side-to-side. The moped driver, a 23-year-old male with a permit license, was partially ejected and sustained contusions to his knee and lower leg. Both drivers were cited for Driver Inattention/Distraction as contributing factors. The moped’s left side doors and the truck’s right side doors were damaged. The report highlights driver distraction as the primary cause, with no mention of victim fault or contributing victim behaviors. The collision underscores the dangers of inattentive driving during turning maneuvers in busy urban streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4784500 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A white Audi struck Michael Foster on Caton Avenue. The car dragged him for blocks. The driver never stopped. Foster died in the street. The Audi vanished into the night. No arrests. The city’s danger stays.

NY Daily News reported on January 1, 2025, that Michael Foster, 64, was killed after a white Audi hit him on Caton Ave. near Flatbush Ave. in Brooklyn. The driver, described as speeding, dragged Foster for half a mile before leaving him near Linden Blvd. and Nostrand Ave. The article quotes a witness: "I saw him at the stop light. He would go out to the cars and beg for change." The driver fled the scene and has not been caught. No arrests have been made. The incident highlights the lethal risk for pedestrians in city streets and the ongoing issue of hit-and-run drivers evading responsibility.

• Audi Driver Drags Man Half Mile, NY Daily News, Published 2025-01-01

A 41-year-old woman was struck at an intersection while crossing with the signal. The sedan driver failed to yield and was inattentive, causing knee and lower leg injuries. The driver made a left turn and hit the pedestrian head-on.

According to the police report, a 41-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Pacific Street and Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn at 6:38 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a sedan, driven by a licensed female driver traveling south and making a left turn, struck her with the center front end of the vehicle. The report cites driver errors including 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The vehicle sustained no damage. The incident underscores the dangers posed by driver distraction and failure to yield in intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782946 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided on Sterling Place in Brooklyn. The driver of one sedan suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited driver inattention and failure to keep right as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained damage to their bumpers.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:40 on Sterling Place in Brooklyn involving two sedans. One sedan was traveling west going straight ahead, while the other was parked. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the moving sedan and the left rear bumper of the parked vehicle. The 30-year-old male driver of the moving sedan was injured, suffering neck injuries and whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Keep Right' as contributing factors to the crash. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The collision caused damage to both vehicles' bumpers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781785 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A distracted driver struck the rear of another sedan on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. The collision injured the lead vehicle’s driver, causing back injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound at the time of impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:14 AM on Atlantic Avenue near Albany Avenue in Brooklyn. Two sedans, both traveling eastbound, collided when the trailing vehicle struck the center back end of the lead vehicle. The driver of the lead sedan, a 51-year-old woman, was injured with back pain and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report cites 'Other Vehicular' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors, indicating the trailing driver failed to maintain attention, leading to the rear-end collision. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. Vehicle damage was centered on the rear of the lead sedan and the front of the trailing sedan, confirming the nature of the impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781600 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 55-year-old male driver suffered whiplash after his SUV struck an object head-on on Atlantic Avenue. The crash occurred at 1:32 a.m. in Brooklyn. Driver inattention and distraction were cited as the sole contributing factors in the police report.

According to the police report, a 55-year-old male driver operating a 2009 Chevrolet SUV was traveling eastbound on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn at 1:32 a.m. The vehicle impacted an object with its center front end, damaging the left front bumper. The driver, who was the sole occupant, was restrained by a lap belt and harness and remained conscious after the crash. He sustained injuries described as whiplash. The report explicitly lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" twice as the contributing factor to the collision. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The crash narrative and contributing factors focus solely on the driver’s failure to maintain attention, with no mention of victim behavior or external conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4781599 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 25-year-old pedestrian suffered a bruised elbow after a moped struck him while crossing outside a crosswalk. The moped driver, unlicensed and inexperienced, was traveling east at unsafe speed. The pedestrian was conscious and injured but not ejected.

According to the police report, a moped traveling east on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn struck a 25-year-old male pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, remaining conscious after the collision. The report identifies the moped driver as unlicensed and cites 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The moped showed no visible damage, and the driver was going straight ahead at the time of impact. The pedestrian's crossing outside a crosswalk is noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The incident highlights the dangers posed by unlicensed, inexperienced drivers operating mopeds at unsafe speeds in Brooklyn.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780634 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan swung a U-turn on St Johns Place. A motorcycle passed. The two nearly met. The rider took an abrasion to the hip. No crash, no damage. Brooklyn streets, risk in every turn.

According to the police report, a sedan making a U-turn on St Johns Place at Ralph Avenue in Brooklyn came close to a westbound motorcycle. The motorcycle driver, a 35-year-old man, suffered a minor abrasion to his hip and upper leg but was not ejected and remained conscious. Both vehicles were undamaged. The sedan was driven by a licensed New York woman; the motorcycle driver was also licensed. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The only injury was to the motorcycle driver. No victim actions or additional factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780038 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 31-year-old woman suffered head injuries and shock after a BMW sedan failed to yield while making a left turn on Classon Ave in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when struck, sustaining serious injury and complaint of pain.

According to the police report, a BMW sedan traveling southeast on Classon Ave in Brooklyn struck a 31-year-old female pedestrian at an intersection while making a left turn at 21:18. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the driver. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and was in shock, with complaints of pain or nausea. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating the impact was significant enough to injure the pedestrian without damaging the car. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally, but failed to yield to the pedestrian, causing the injury. No other contributing factors from the pedestrian were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780036 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Metal groaned on Nostrand Avenue. Two cars trapped, one stacked atop the other. A bus driver, a woman, a girl—hurt but alive. Emergency crews worked fast. The street bore the scars. The cause stayed hidden in the wreckage.

NY Daily News reported on December 18, 2024, that a multi-vehicle crash at Nostrand Ave. and Park Ave. in Brooklyn left three people injured. The article states, 'Three people were injured, including an MTA bus driver and a young girl, in a collision that pinned two cars between a box truck and a city bus.' Footage showed two vehicles sandwiched between the bus and truck, with one car stacked atop another. The injured included a 59-year-old MTA driver, a 33-year-old woman, and a 9-year-old girl. All were hospitalized in stable condition. The cause of the crash was not determined at the time of reporting. The incident highlights the risks at busy intersections and the dangers posed by large vehicles in dense urban traffic.

• Cars Crushed Between Bus And Truck, NY Daily News, Published 2024-12-18

A 49-year-old man crossing Atlantic Avenue with the signal was struck by a left-turning SUV. The pedestrian suffered head abrasions but remained conscious. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, highlighting dangers at busy Brooklyn intersections.

According to the police report, a 49-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Atlantic Avenue at an intersection in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2022 Kia SUV, traveling west and making a left turn, struck him on the left front quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained head abrasions and was conscious at the scene. The report identifies driver inattention and distraction as the primary contributing factors to the crash. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally but failed to maintain attention during the turn. No vehicle damage was reported despite the impact. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal is noted but not cited as a contributing factor. This incident underscores the risks posed by distracted driving in urban environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779491 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Maritza Davila endorsed Mark Levine’s run for Comptroller. Levine vows to cut living costs, build housing, and make streets safer. He supports congestion pricing and more cycling lanes. Davila’s support signals a push for citywide safety and accountability.

On December 12, 2024, Mark Levine announced his candidacy for New York City Comptroller. The campaign launch drew endorsements from Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Members Brian Cunningham and Maritza Davila, and others. The campaign summary states Levine will 'drive affordability, solve the housing crisis, support working families, demand fiscal responsibility, and make streets safer.' Davila, representing District 53, publicly backed Levine. Levine’s record includes advocacy for congestion pricing, e-commerce reform, and expanding cycling infrastructure. These stances align with efforts to protect vulnerable road users and reduce traffic violence. The campaign’s focus on safer streets and better transit marks a shift toward systemic change for New Yorkers.

• Mark Levine launches campaign for Comptroller, backed with citywide support, amny.com, Published 2024-12-12

A sedan struck a bicyclist traveling north on Pacific Street in Brooklyn. The cyclist was ejected and suffered contusions and leg injuries. Police cited traffic control disregard and other vehicular errors by the driver as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old male bicyclist was injured after being struck by a 2011 Mercedes sedan traveling west on Pacific Street near Troy Avenue in Brooklyn at 7:57 p.m. The bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The sedan's left front bumper was damaged at the center front end. The report identifies 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Other Vehicular' errors as contributing factors, highlighting driver failure to obey traffic signals or rules. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet, but the report does not list any bicyclist errors as contributing factors. The sedan driver was licensed, while the bicyclist was unlicensed. The crash underscores the dangers posed by driver disregard for traffic controls and other vehicular errors in Brooklyn.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777719 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

At a heated mayoral forum, Zellnor Myrie demanded a dedicated busway for Flatbush Avenue. Candidates slammed slow buses and empty promises. They called for more bus lanes, free rides, and less fare policing. Riders want action, not talk. Streets remain dangerous.

On December 6, 2024, a mayoral candidate forum spotlighted New York City's broken bus service. State Senator Zellnor Myrie, representing District 20, called for a dedicated busway on Brooklyn's Flatbush Avenue, echoing the success of Manhattan's 14th Street. The forum, hosted by Riders Alliance, saw candidates—including Myrie, Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani, Jessica Ramos, Scott Stringer, and Jim Walden—debate urgent transit reforms. The matter: 'improving NYC's slow bus service.' Myrie and others backed more bus lanes, fare-free buses, and expanding Fair Fares for low-income riders. Mamdani vowed not to cave to local opposition. All criticized Mayor Adams for stalled bus projects. The forum exposed deep frustration with city inaction and highlighted the need for bold, street-level changes to protect riders and speed up commutes.

• Could a new mayor fix New York City's terrible bus service?, gothamist.com, Published 2024-12-06

An SUV plowed into two parked sedans in Brooklyn. Driver and passenger suffered whiplash and arm injuries. Police cite driver distraction. Parked cars took the brunt. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a 2018 SUV traveling west on Bergen Street struck two parked sedans at 5 p.m. in Brooklyn. The SUV's front end hit the rear of both stationary vehicles. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary cause. The 44-year-old female driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. A 38-year-old male passenger in the SUV sustained upper arm injuries and whiplash. Both were conscious and restrained. The parked sedans were unoccupied and stationary at the time of impact. The crash highlights the danger posed by driver distraction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4776962 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council bill bars cars from blocking crosswalks. No standing or parking within 20 feet. City must install daylighting barriers at 1,000 intersections yearly. Streets clear. Sightlines open. Danger cut.

Int 1138-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced December 5, 2024. The bill states: “prohibiting standing or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.” Council Member Erik D. Bottcher leads, joined by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and over two dozen co-sponsors. The law orders the Department of Transportation to install daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections each year, up from 100. The city must also run outreach and education. The bill aims to keep crosswalks clear, improve visibility, and protect people on foot and bike. No more hiding behind parked cars. The committee laid the bill over on April 21, 2025.

• File Int 1138-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-05

Council bill bars cars from blocking crosswalks. No standing or parking within 20 feet. City must install daylighting barriers at 1,000 intersections yearly. Streets clear. Sightlines open. Danger cut.

Int 1138-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced December 5, 2024. The bill states: “prohibiting standing or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.” Council Member Erik D. Bottcher leads, joined by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and over two dozen co-sponsors. The law orders the Department of Transportation to install daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections each year, up from 100. The city must also run outreach and education. The bill aims to keep crosswalks clear, improve visibility, and protect people on foot and bike. No more hiding behind parked cars. The committee laid the bill over on April 21, 2025.

• File Int 1138-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-05