Six Dead in Crown Heights—And Politicians Still Look Away

Council calls for five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The move aims to slow cars where people walk, bike, and gather. Resolution adopted. Streets may breathe easier. Danger may shrink.

Resolution 0079-2024, adopted June 6, 2024 by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, urges Albany to let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The matter title reads: 'authorize New York City to set a five mile per hour speed limit on streets participating in the Open Streets program.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Crystal Hudson, Julie Won, and Carlina Rivera. The Council's action follows rising traffic deaths and growing use of Open Streets. The bill targets streets where people walk, bike, and gather, aiming to cut speed and risk for all vulnerable users.

• File Res 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council urges Albany to pass SAFE Streets Act. Lower speed limits. Rights for crash victims. Safe passing for cyclists. Complete streets. City demands action as deaths rise. Streets remain deadly. Lawmakers must act.

Resolution 0090-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it calls on the state to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law') and A.1901, part of the SAFE Streets Act. The matter title: 'Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.2422... allowing New York city to establish a lower speed limit, and A.1901, enacting a crash victims bill of rights.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif leads, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Nurse, and others. The resolution demands lower speed limits, crash victim rights, safe passing for cyclists, and complete street design. It cites rising traffic deaths and the failure of current measures. The Council wants Albany to give the city real power to protect people on its streets.

• File Res 0090-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council passed a law forcing taxis and for-hire cars to post bold warnings on doors. The signs tell passengers: look for cyclists before you open up. A small step. The city hands out the decals. No cost to drivers.

Int 0193-2024 became law on May 31, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' was sponsored by Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by over twenty council members, including Gutiérrez, Hudson, and Rivera. The law mandates clear warning decals on all rear passenger doors of taxis and for-hire vehicles. The Taxi and Limousine Commission will provide the signs at no cost. The measure aims to cut down on 'dooring'—a threat to cyclists citywide. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it became law.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to hunt illegal curb cuts. DOT must act fast. Green paint marks rogue driveways. Owners must fix or pay. Community boards get word on new curb cut bids. Streets may get safer for those on foot.

Int 0492-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Crystal Hudson, the bill demands DOT investigate illegal curb cut complaints within 30 days. If a curb cut is illegal, DOT paints it green for parking and orders owners to legalize or restore it. If owners refuse, DOT fixes it and recoups costs. Community boards must be notified of all new curb cut applications. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to illegal curb cuts and requiring local community board notification of curb cut applications.' Hudson leads the charge. The bill aims to keep sidewalks clear and alert the public to changes.

• File Int 0492-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to hunt illegal curb cuts. DOT must act fast. Green paint marks the spot. Owners fix or pay. Community boards get word. Streets shift. Pedestrians and cyclists watch the curb.

Bill Int 0492-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Crystal Hudson, it demands DOT investigate illegal curb cut complaints within 30 days. If a curb cut is illegal, DOT paints it green for parking and orders owners to legalize or restore it. If owners refuse, DOT repairs and bills them. The bill also requires community boards to be notified of all curb cut permit applications. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to illegal curb cuts and requiring local community board notification of curb cut applications.' No safety analyst note is available.

• File Int 0492-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council moves to hunt illegal curb cuts. DOT must act fast. Green paint marks the spot. Owners fix or pay. Community boards get word. Streets shift. Pedestrians and cyclists watch the curb.

Bill Int 0492-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Member Crystal Hudson, it demands DOT investigate illegal curb cut complaints within 30 days. If a curb cut is illegal, DOT paints it green for parking and orders owners to legalize or restore it. If owners refuse, DOT repairs and bills them. The bill also requires community boards to be notified of all curb cut permit applications. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to illegal curb cuts and requiring local community board notification of curb cut applications.' No safety analyst note is available.

• File Int 0492-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Two sedans collided on Utica Avenue in Brooklyn. The unlicensed driver changing lanes struck the left side doors of a sedan going straight. Both vehicles sustained damage. Two occupants suffered whiplash and injuries to face and shoulder.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Utica Avenue in Brooklyn at 17:16. A 2021 Honda sedan, driven by an unlicensed male driver, was changing lanes when it struck the left side doors of a 2023 BMW sedan traveling north. The BMW driver was a licensed female traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the BMW and the left side doors of the Honda. The unlicensed driver’s lane change caused the collision. Two occupants in the Honda were injured: the 35-year-old male driver suffered facial injuries and whiplash, and a 29-year-old male passenger sustained shoulder and upper arm injuries with whiplash. Both were not ejected and used safety restraints. The report lists the contributing factors as unspecified but highlights the unlicensed driver’s lane change as the critical error.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705795 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A pedestrian crossing with the signal suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a moped struck her at an intersection in Brooklyn. The impact to the pedestrian's center front end caused bruising and moderate injury, according to the police report.

According to the police report, a moped traveling west on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn struck a female pedestrian who was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruises, classified as injury severity level 3. The point of impact was the moped's center front end, which also sustained damage. The report does not list any contributing factors for the driver or the pedestrian. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. No driver errors such as failure to yield or other violations were explicitly cited in the report. The collision highlights the dangers vulnerable road users face even when crossing lawfully.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704377 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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

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 bus rear-ended a garbage truck on Rochester Avenue. Seven bus occupants, including children, suffered whole-body injuries and shock. Police cite following too closely. No one ejected. All hurt inside the bus.

According to the police report, a northbound bus struck a southbound garbage truck on Rochester Avenue at 7:00 AM. The bus driver, a 41-year-old woman, was cited for 'Following Too Closely.' Seven people on the bus, including children as young as five, suffered whole-body injuries and shock. None were ejected. All injured were passengers or the driver. The garbage truck driver was not hurt. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the sole contributing factor. No victim actions or pedestrian involvement were noted. The crash underscores the risk to passengers when large vehicles collide due to driver error.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697954 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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

SUV driver, distracted, started from parking and struck a 31-year-old woman as she exited a vehicle in Brooklyn. The impact broke her leg and foot. She was not at fault. The crash left her with severe injuries.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old woman was struck by a northbound 2023 Toyota SUV while getting off a vehicle at 1653 Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. The crash happened around 3 p.m. The SUV, starting from parking, hit the woman at the right rear quarter panel. She suffered fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity level 3. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No pedestrian actions contributed to the crash. The driver was licensed and operating legally, but failed to maintain attention, causing serious harm.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694684 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

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 taxi collided with a sedan on Eastern Parkway. A 59-year-old female passenger was injured. The driver was distracted. The impact was severe. The passenger was left in shock.

A taxi and a sedan collided on Eastern Parkway, resulting in injuries to a 59-year-old female passenger. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Outside Car Distraction.' The passenger, seated in the left rear, suffered injuries to her entire body and was not ejected. No safety equipment was used. The driver of the taxi was licensed and traveling straight ahead when the impact occurred.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692345 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 20-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a collision with a sedan on Empire Boulevard. He was ejected and suffered a head injury. The driver was unlicensed and distracted.

A bicyclist, age 20, was injured when a sedan made a left turn and collided with him on Empire Boulevard in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the crash was attributed to 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The bicyclist was ejected and sustained a head contusion. The driver was unlicensed at the time of the incident. No safety equipment was noted for the bicyclist, but the focus remains on the driver's actions leading to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691343 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

Two sedans crashed on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. One driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. The impact hit the right front bumper of one car and the right side doors of the other. Driver distraction and following too closely caused the crash.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Eastern Parkway near New York Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver of one sedan, a 32-year-old man, was injured with head trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The collision involved the right front bumper of one vehicle striking the right side doors of the other. The report lists driver errors as contributing factors: Driver Inattention/Distraction and Following Too Closely. Both drivers were licensed and operating their vehicles legally. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash caused significant damage to both vehicles but only one occupant was injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4689324 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06

A 51-year-old woman was hit on Nostrand Avenue while crossing with the signal. The sedan was making a left turn. The pedestrian suffered chest injuries and shock. The driver showed inattention or distraction. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Nostrand Avenue struck a 51-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing with the signal at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained chest injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The driver was making a left turn at the time of the collision. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. There was no damage to the vehicle, indicating a low-speed impact. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal is noted, and no other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling are mentioned.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4688589 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-06