Bay Ridge Bleeds—City Shrugs. Demand Action Before Another Family Mourns.

A motorcycle collided head-on with an SUV on Bay Ridge Avenue. The 19-year-old motorcyclist was ejected and suffered severe leg injuries. Both vehicles showed front-end damage. Unsafe speed was cited as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling east collided head-on with a northbound SUV on Bay Ridge Avenue in Brooklyn. The 19-year-old male motorcyclist was ejected from his vehicle and sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor to the crash. Both vehicles sustained center front-end damage. The motorcyclist was conscious after the crash and was wearing a helmet. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The motorcycle driver held a permit license. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4684523 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A sedan hit a bicyclist traveling east on 5 Avenue. The cyclist was ejected and suffered head injuries, losing consciousness. The driver was going straight south. Police cited unsafe speed and traffic control disregard as factors.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on 5 Avenue collided with a bicyclist going east. The bicyclist was ejected from the bike and sustained head injuries, resulting in unconsciousness and minor bleeding. The driver of the sedan had two occupants and was licensed in New Jersey. Contributing factors listed include unsafe speed and traffic control disregard by the driver. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The point of impact was the sedan's right front bumper and the bike's center front end. No fault or blame is assigned to the bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4682764 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A sedan turning left struck two pedestrians crossing with the signal on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. Both suffered head contusions but remained conscious. The driver showed inattention and inexperience. No vehicle damage was reported at the scene.

According to the police report, a 2010 Chevrolet sedan was making a left turn on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn when it struck two pedestrians crossing with the signal at the intersection. The victims, a 39-year-old woman and a 5-year-old boy, both sustained head injuries classified as contusions and bruises but remained conscious. The report lists driver inattention and driver inexperience as contributing factors to the crash. The vehicle showed no damage from the impact. Both pedestrians were injured while lawfully crossing, with no mention of helmet use or signaling by the pedestrians. The driver was licensed in New York and was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4680895 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A sedan hit a 72-year-old woman crossing Marine Avenue at dusk. Her head struck hard. She died in the street. Two sedans collided, one parked, one moving. The street grew quiet. The woman’s life ended where the light faded.

A 72-year-old woman was killed while crossing Marine Avenue near dusk. According to the police report, she was not at an intersection and crossed without a signal. A moving sedan struck her, causing fatal head injuries. The report states, 'Marine Avenue, near dusk — a 72-year-old woman crossed without a signal. A moving sedan struck her, head crushed.' Two sedans were involved: one parked, one in motion. The police list the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are detailed in the report. The woman’s death marks another tragedy on New York City’s streets, where the vulnerable pay the price for everyday traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4679990 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A bicyclist riding east struck the left side doors of a parked SUV on Bay Ridge Avenue. The cyclist suffered bruises and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver was inattentive, causing the collision.

According to the police report, a 36-year-old male bicyclist traveling east collided with the left side doors of a parked SUV on Bay Ridge Avenue in Brooklyn. The bicyclist sustained contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The SUV was stationary before the crash and had damage to its left side doors. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4676204 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 63-year-old woman was struck by a sedan making a left turn on 3 Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver was distracted. The pedestrian was crossing in a marked crosswalk without a signal. She suffered abrasions and leg injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 3 Avenue in Brooklyn struck a 63-year-old female pedestrian crossing a marked crosswalk without a signal. The driver was making a left turn when the collision occurred. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated as moderate. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The point of impact was the vehicle's left front bumper. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted. The driver was licensed and operating a 2005 Dodge sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675408 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

The Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program died on October 26, 2023. No new law replaced it. Repeat speeders now face only $50 fines. City leaders showed no urgency. State bills to curb reckless driving have stalled. Vulnerable road users remain exposed.

The Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program (DVAP) expired on October 26, 2023. No replacement policy was enacted. The program, which targeted drivers with 15 or more speed camera violations in a year, was criticized for weak enforcement: only 885 took the mandated safety course, and just 12 vehicles were seized. Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, District 31, was mentioned in coverage, but city officials, including Mayor Adams and Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, showed little urgency. Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi said, "We need sharper tools." State Senator Andrew Gounardes has proposed new bills, including mandatory speed governors for repeat offenders. With DVAP gone, repeat speeders face only minor fines, leaving dangerous drivers unchecked. The city and state have failed to act, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.

• A 'Dangerous' Sunset: What's Next for Reining In Reckless Drivers?, streetsblog.org, Published 2023-10-25

The Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program died. No new law stands in its place. City Hall drags its feet. Reckless drivers keep rolling. State efforts stall. Vulnerable New Yorkers remain exposed. The streets stay dangerous. The clock runs out. Nothing changes.

The Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program (DVAP) expired on October 25, 2023, with no replacement from the City Council or Mayor Adams. The bill targeted drivers with 15 camera-issued speeding tickets in a year, but few took the mandated safety course and almost no vehicles were seized. The matter summary: 'The program launched with a simple idea of getting reckless drivers' vehicles off our streets, so it's incredibly frustrating and disappointing that we're in this situation,' said Elizabeth Adams of Transportation Alternatives. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Mayor Adams showed little urgency. Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi said, 'We will look to the advocacy world for support to go to the state and get better restrictions and better enforcement tools.' State Sen. Andrew Gounardes is pushing for speed governors and tougher laws, but state efforts have failed. The city’s inaction leaves vulnerable road users at risk. No effective tools remain.

• A ‘Dangerous’ Sunset: What’s Next for Reining In Reckless Drivers?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-25

Red Hook wants a direct bus to Manhattan. The MTA says no. Residents wait. Cars clog the tunnel. Advocates demand space for buses, not excuses. The city’s working class and disabled riders are left stranded. The fight for fair transit continues.

On October 23, 2023, Red Hook residents and advocates renewed calls for a direct bus route to Manhattan. The Red Hook Civic Association sent a letter urging the MTA to create a regular-fare bus through the Hugh Carey Tunnel. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes backed the push, saying, "The people of Red Hook really deserve this." The MTA rejected the idea, citing congestion in the tunnel and Lower Manhattan. Joana Flores, MTA spokesperson, said it is more efficient for riders to transfer to the subway. Critics, including Danny Pearlstein of Riders Alliance, countered, "Bad traffic is not an excuse for not improving bus service, it’s an impetus for decongesting the street." Past proposals to extend the M22 or restore the B71 with a Manhattan extension were dismissed over cost and logistics. Advocates argue that buses move more people than cars and that congestion pricing should clear the way for better transit. The proposal remains stalled, leaving vulnerable riders waiting.

• Red Hook Pushes for Direct Bus to Manhattan; MTA Says (Wait for It) There’s Too Much ‘Congestion’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-23

A bus hit an e-bike rider on 65 Street near 4 Avenue. The rider, a 32-year-old man, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The bus’s right front bumper made contact with the bike’s front end. Both vehicles traveled south at impact.

According to the police report, a bus and an e-bike collided on 65 Street near 4 Avenue. The e-bike driver, a 32-year-old man, was injured with contusions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The bus was traveling straight south when its right front bumper struck the center front end of the e-bike. The e-bike driver was unlicensed. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' factors as contributing causes for both vehicles. The e-bike rider was wearing a helmet. The crash resulted in moderate injury severity but no ejection. The bus driver was licensed and operating the vehicle properly before impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4671282 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

Mayor Adams left Ashland Place unfinished. Cyclists lost a safe route. Advocates, officials, and residents rallied. They blamed City Hall for caving to a developer. The most dangerous block remains untouched. Eighty-eight crashes scar the street. Safety took a back seat.

On October 13, 2023, local officials and advocates criticized Mayor Adams for halting the Ashland Place redesign. The project, led by the Department of Transportation, aimed to create a protected bike lane from the Manhattan Bridge to Barclays Center. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said, "New York City is regressing on meeting its Vision Zero goals ... and stalled street safety improvements, like those slated for Ashland Place, are a part of the reason why." State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Council Member Crystal Hudson joined the outcry, with Hudson lamenting the incomplete corridor for cyclists. The DOT confirmed the southernmost block would not be converted, following objections from developer Two Trees Management. Advocates cited 88 crashes and multiple injuries in two years, with the most dangerous block excluded from improvements. Residents and advocates rallied, accusing the mayor of prioritizing business over public safety. City Hall deflected, blaming e-bikes for rising cyclist deaths.

• Pols, Advocates Slam Mayor Adams for Unfinished Ashland Place, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-10-13

An 86-year-old man was struck by a northbound sedan on 6 Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver was inattentive and distracted. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. The vehicle showed no damage despite impact to the right side doors.

According to the police report, an 86-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being hit by a northbound sedan on 6 Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion and remained conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The sedan struck the pedestrian on the right side doors but sustained no vehicle damage. The pedestrian was engaged in 'Other Actions in Roadway' at the time of the collision. No other contributing factors or safety equipment were noted. The driver’s distraction was the critical error leading to the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673931 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 60-year-old man was injured in Brooklyn after a sedan hit him while he was getting on or off a vehicle outside an intersection. The driver was distracted, striking the pedestrian with the car’s left front bumper. The man suffered a fractured leg.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on 5 Avenue in Brooklyn struck a 60-year-old male pedestrian who was getting on or off a vehicle outside an intersection. The pedestrian sustained a fractured and dislocated injury to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as the contributing factors to the crash. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. No other factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted. The driver was going straight ahead at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4668126 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 44-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a collision with a 2017 SUV on 80 Street. The bike struck the SUV’s front center. The cyclist suffered bruises and leg injuries. The driver showed inattention and distraction at the time.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old male bicyclist riding north on 80 Street collided with a westbound 2017 Chevrolet SUV. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV and the center back end of the bike. The bicyclist sustained contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with driver inexperience on the bicyclist’s part. The SUV driver was licensed in Texas and the bicyclist was not using any safety equipment. The crash highlights the dangers of driver distraction in vehicle-bicycle collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4663907 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A repeat offender killed Xia Ying Chen, 66, in Bath Beach. Senator Gounardes called for tougher laws and real consequences for reckless drivers. He slammed weak enforcement. Streets remain deadly. Calls for redesign and accountability echo. The system failed again.

On September 19, 2023, after a deadly crash in Bath Beach, State Senator Andrew Gounardes demanded action. The driver, Faheem Shabazz, had a record of speeding violations. Gounardes, a safe streets advocate, said, 'That's really what this conversation should be about—how are we holding people accountable when they have violations to their record and zero consequences for it.' He supports lowering speed limits and tougher penalties but stressed that enforcement is lacking. Senator Iwen Chu urged the NYC DOT to study the area for safety upgrades, stating, 'We must recognize that our streets need to be designed with safety in mind.' The DOT is reviewing the intersection. The call is clear: repeat offenders face little consequence, and street design still puts pedestrians at risk.

• ‘A real damn shame’: After grandmother killed in Bath Beach crash, pol says reckless drivers must be held accountable, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-09-19

DOT stripped protected bike lanes from Brooklyn’s Fourth Avenue. Cyclists now dodge cars and illegal parking. Elected officials and advocates demand action. DOT cites traffic, but danger grows. Pedestrians lose safe crossings. The agency stays silent. Streets stay deadly.

On September 18, 2023, a coalition of elected officials and advocates called out the Department of Transportation for removing protected bike lanes on Brooklyn’s Fourth Avenue during construction. The matter, described as 'DOT continues to ignore dangers it created on Brooklyn’s Fourth Ave,' centers on DOT’s decision to replace bike lanes with a second car lane, violating a city law that requires temporary bike lanes during such work. Council Members Lincoln Restler, Alexa Aviles, Shahana Hanif, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, State Senator Andrew Gounardes, Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, and groups like Bike New York and Transportation Alternatives sent a letter demanding the bike lane’s return and physical barriers to stop illegal parking on pedestrian islands. The letter urges DOT to 'ensure curb lanes be preserved for safe cyclist passage' and to 'deploy quick-build physical elements' for pedestrian safety. DOT has not responded. Cyclists and pedestrians remain at risk.

• DOT Continues to Ignore Dangers it Created on Brooklyn’s Fourth Ave, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-18

Council waits. DOT stalls. The Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program limps toward expiration. Thousands of reckless drivers dodge consequences. Few take the safety course. Council members call for answers, action, and stronger laws. Vulnerable New Yorkers remain exposed.

On September 18, 2023, the City Council reviewed the Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program (DVAP), which is set to expire on October 26. The Transportation Committee, led by Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers, pressed the Department of Transportation (DOT) for a final report on the program’s effectiveness. The bill required drivers with 15 speed-camera or five red-light tickets in a year to take a safety course or risk vehicle seizure. Council Member Shahana Hanif voiced disappointment, noting, 'We need to not only reauthorize this program, but strengthen it.' Despite over 34,000 drivers meeting the threshold in the last year, only about 1,200 took the course in three years. DOT has not explained the reporting delay or provided outcome data. The lack of enforcement leaves dangerous drivers on the road and vulnerable road users at risk.

• Council Needs Info from DOT So it Can Rescue (or Ignore) Fading ‘Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-18

A 74-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by a pick-up truck making a right turn in Brooklyn. The impact fractured and dislocated his shoulder and upper arm. The driver failed to yield right-of-way at the intersection.

According to the police report, a 74-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 92 Street and Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2016 Dodge pick-up truck making a right turn struck him with its right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered a fractured, dislocated shoulder and upper arm. The report lists the driver's failure to yield right-of-way as the contributing factor. The driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4663412 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

A 78-year-old man was struck by a BMW sedan while crossing 3 Avenue with the signal in Brooklyn. The driver was making a left turn. The pedestrian suffered fractures and dislocations to his lower leg and foot. Pavement was slippery.

According to the police report, a 78-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 3 Avenue and 73 Street in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2019 BMW sedan, driven by a male driver making a left turn, struck him with the vehicle's left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Pavement Slippery' as a contributing factor to the crash. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were specified. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision and suffered serious lower limb injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4661424 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-07

MTA promised faster R trains in Brooklyn. Riders waited up to 16 minutes. Senator Gounardes called out the agency for misleading the public. Track work on another line delayed improvements. Riders left stranded. Trust broken. Transparency demanded.

On September 7, 2023, the MTA faced backlash for failing to deliver on its pledge of eight-minute weekday headways for the R train in southern Brooklyn. The issue, reported by State Senator Andrew Gounardes, surfaced after riders complained of waits as long as 16 minutes. The MTA had announced service upgrades, but later changed its press release, citing F line track work as the cause for delay—work unrelated to the R train. Gounardes, who fought for MTA funding in Albany, accused the agency of misrepresenting the improvements, saying, 'I’m shocked and frustrated that the MTA would misrepresent these service upgrades to the riding public.' Transit advocates like Danny Pearlstein of Riders Alliance echoed calls for honesty: 'Public transit shouldn’t be a rollercoaster of mismatched expectations.' The incident has strained relations between the MTA and its legislative supporters, highlighting the need for transparency and reliability in transit service.

• MTA ‘Bungles’ Increased R Train Service Promise, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-07