The Blood Doesn’t Lie: Dyker Heights Demands Safer Streets Now

Jan 23 - Every day, 9,000 trucks thunder through Sunset Park and Red Hook. Warehouses choke streets. Black and Latino residents breathe the fumes and dodge danger. Lawmakers push the Clean Deliveries Act to curb the chaos. The burden falls hard. The fight is on.

The Clean Deliveries Act, now under consideration in Albany, aims to regulate last-mile warehouse traffic and emissions across New York State. The bill responds to a new report showing Sunset Park and Red Hook face the city's highest truck volumes—over 9,000 daily trips—linked to sprawling Amazon, FedEx, and UPS facilities. The report states, 'a quarter of residents across the Empire State live within half a mile of a distribution center that’s at least 50,000 square feet, disproportionately harming Black and Latino communities.' State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, representing the affected Brooklyn neighborhoods, calls for urgent action 'for the sake of our climate and the safety of our streets.' Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes, whose district sees the most daily truck traffic, urges colleagues to pass the Act. Advocates like Kevin Garcia say the bill is 'key legislation to protect frontline communities from increased vehicular traffic and tailpipe emissions.' The Act would require emissions reviews, pollution minimization, and studies of low-emission zones in hotspots.

• Poorer Brooklynites Bear the Brunt of Online Delivery Boom: Report, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-23

Jan 17 - E-bike slammed into a 46-year-old woman crossing 62 Street in Brooklyn. Driver blew past traffic control. Pedestrian suffered full-body abrasions. Streets failed to protect the vulnerable.

According to the police report, a male e-bike driver heading south on 62 Street in Brooklyn struck a 46-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection with 8 Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The e-bike hit the pedestrian with its center front end, causing abrasions and injuries to her entire body. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. Driver errors are the primary cause named in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695861 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 17 - 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

Jan 16 - A Dodge truck turned left on Bay Ridge Avenue. The driver, distracted, struck a 52-year-old woman head-on. She died beneath the streetlight. The crash left blood on the asphalt and silence in the street.

According to the police report, a Dodge truck making a left turn on Bay Ridge Avenue near 13th Avenue in Brooklyn struck a 52-year-old woman standing in the roadway. The impact was direct, hitting her with the center front end of the vehicle. The woman suffered fatal head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The driver, licensed in New York, was operating a 2019 Dodge truck and was the sole occupant. The police narrative states, 'The driver was distracted.' No contributing factors related to the pedestrian’s actions are cited in the report. The fatal collision underscores the lethal consequences of driver distraction on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695644 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 15 - Council Member Brannan demands a traffic plan for Verrazzano Bridge shutdowns. Closures force cars onto local streets. Drivers mount sidewalks. Buses stall. Pedestrians and first responders face danger. Brannan and Gounardes want action. MTA and DOT pass the buck.

On January 15, 2024, Council Member Justin Brannan (District 47) called for a contingency traffic plan to address chaos during Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge closures. The matter, titled 'Bay Ridge pols call for help with traffic build-up caused by Verrazzano Bridge closures,' highlights gridlock and reckless driving on residential streets. Brannan, joined by State Senator Andrew Gounardes, pressed the MTA and DOT for early closure notifications and more traffic control. Brannan warned, 'Frustrated drivers... driving up on the sidewalk... affects not just the average driver or pedestrian but... first responders.' Gounardes added, 'Buses literally could not go anywhere.' Local leaders echoed the need for action. The MTA claimed safety as the reason for closures but shifted responsibility for street management to the DOT. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided, but the call centers the danger to pedestrians, transit riders, and emergency crews.

• Bay Ridge pols call for help with traffic build-up caused by Verrazzano Bridge closures, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-01-15

Dec 31 - Council backs harsher penalties for drivers who hide plates. Obscured tags let reckless motorists dodge cameras and tickets. The bill aims to stop evasion and protect people on city streets.

Resolution 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, urges Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Robert F. Holden, calls for increased penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The resolution states: 'increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' It was introduced and voted on in December 2023. The bill would let authorities confiscate plate coverings, suspend registrations, and block VINs. Obscured plates let drivers evade speed and red-light cameras, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The council wants tougher enforcement to keep streets safer for all.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-31

Dec 24 - A 21-year-old male bicyclist suffered facial abrasions after an SUV struck his e-bike from behind on 7 Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV driver, licensed and traveling south, was inexperienced. The cyclist was conscious and not ejected.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 7 Avenue in Brooklyn involving a 2020 Subaru SUV and a 21-year-old male bicyclist riding an e-bike. The SUV, driven by a licensed male driver traveling south, rear-ended the e-bike, impacting the center back end of the SUV and the center front end of the bike. The bicyclist sustained abrasions to his face but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists driver inexperience as a contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4689793 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 20 - A motorcycle and SUV collided on 12 Avenue in Brooklyn. The motorcyclist was ejected and suffered severe leg injuries. The SUV was turning left. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as a contributing factor. The rider wore a helmet.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old male motorcyclist was injured after colliding with a 2019 SUV making a left turn on 12 Avenue in Brooklyn. The motorcyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV struck the motorcycle with its left front bumper while the motorcycle was traveling straight east. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time. The driver of the SUV was licensed and operating the vehicle westbound. The crash caused significant damage to both vehicles' front ends.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4688907 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 20 - Council backs harsher penalties for drivers who hide plates. Obscured tags let reckless motorists dodge cameras and tickets. The bill aims to stop evasion and protect people on city streets.

Resolution 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, urges Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Robert F. Holden, calls for increased penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The resolution states: 'increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' It was introduced and voted on in December 2023. The bill would let authorities confiscate plate coverings, suspend registrations, and block VINs. Obscured plates let drivers evade speed and red-light cameras, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The council wants tougher enforcement to keep streets safer for all.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-20

Dec 20 - Council backs harsher penalties for drivers who hide plates. Obscured tags let reckless motorists dodge cameras and tickets. The bill aims to stop evasion and protect people on city streets.

Resolution 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, urges Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Robert F. Holden, calls for increased penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The resolution states: 'increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' It was introduced and voted on in December 2023. The bill would let authorities confiscate plate coverings, suspend registrations, and block VINs. Obscured plates let drivers evade speed and red-light cameras, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The council wants tougher enforcement to keep streets safer for all.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-20

Dec 20 - Council backs harsher penalties for drivers who hide plates. Obscured tags let reckless motorists dodge cameras and tickets. The bill aims to stop evasion and protect people on city streets.

Resolution 0866-2023, filed by the Committee on Public Safety, urges Albany to pass S.2447/A.5234. The measure, sponsored by Council Member Robert F. Holden, calls for increased penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates. The resolution states: 'increase the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates.' It was introduced and voted on in December 2023. The bill would let authorities confiscate plate coverings, suspend registrations, and block VINs. Obscured plates let drivers evade speed and red-light cameras, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The council wants tougher enforcement to keep streets safer for all.

• File Res 0866-2023, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2023-12-20

Dec 15 - An SUV reversed on 76th Street. Its bumper struck an 83-year-old woman standing in the road. She fell. She died there. The driver did not see her. The street was empty. No crosswalk nearby. Silence followed.

An 83-year-old woman was killed near 1326 76th Street in Brooklyn when a 2007 Honda SUV backed west and struck her legs. According to the police report, 'The bumper struck her legs. She collapsed, silent. The driver did not see.' The pedestrian was not at an intersection or crosswalk. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The woman suffered fatal injuries to her lower body and died at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The SUV sustained no damage. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of driver inattention, especially when reversing in areas without marked crossings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687579 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 15 - A 40-year-old male bicyclist was injured when an SUV hit his e-bike on Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. The impact struck the bike’s left rear bumper and the SUV’s right front quarter panel. The rider suffered bruises and leg injuries.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Fort Hamilton Parkway involving a 2008 SUV traveling north and an e-bike traveling west. The SUV struck the e-bike on its left rear bumper, impacting the SUV’s right front quarter panel. The bicyclist, a 40-year-old man wearing a helmet, sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors for both the SUV driver and the bicyclist. There is no mention of the bicyclist’s actions contributing to the crash. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687428 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 14 - A 65-year-old man was struck by an SUV on Bay Ridge Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The vehicle impacted the left side doors while parked. The man was conscious after the crash.

According to the police report, a 65-year-old male pedestrian was injured on Bay Ridge Avenue in Brooklyn after being struck by a 2017 SUV. The vehicle was parked before the crash and the point of impact was the left side doors. The pedestrian was located in the roadway, not at an intersection, performing unspecified actions. He sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, and remained conscious. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. No safety equipment or pedestrian fault was noted. The crash involved a single SUV and one pedestrian, with no other vehicles or occupants involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687260 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 13 - An SUV struck a 53-year-old woman crossing Bay Ridge Avenue. Driver inattention listed. She suffered arm abrasions. The SUV’s front end was damaged. The street saw blood and metal meet.

According to the police report, a 53-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Bay Ridge Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver of a 2011 Toyota SUV, traveling east, struck her with the vehicle’s center front end. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. The pedestrian was not at an intersection or crosswalk. She sustained abrasions and injuries to her elbow and lower arm but remained conscious. No other contributing factors, such as helmet use or signaling, were noted. The driver was licensed and proceeding straight at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687017 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 12 - A 65-year-old woman crossing with the signal on 64 Street was struck by a vehicle traveling east. The driver’s inattention caused a head injury and contusion. The pedestrian remained conscious but suffered serious harm at the intersection.

According to the police report, a pedestrian was injured on 64 Street in Brooklyn after being struck by a vehicle traveling east. The victim, a 65-year-old woman, was crossing with the signal when the crash occurred. She sustained a head injury and contusion, classified as injury severity level 3. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as the sole contributing factors. No other vehicle or pedestrian errors were noted. The driver was going straight ahead and failed to notice the pedestrian crossing legally. The pedestrian was conscious after the impact. No safety equipment or other factors were mentioned in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4686612 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 5 - A 15-year-old boy on a bike was partially ejected and injured in Brooklyn. The SUV struck the cyclist’s left side while turning right. The boy suffered abrasions and leg injuries. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing the crash.

According to the police report, a 15-year-old bicyclist was injured when a 2024 SUV made a right turn and struck the bike on its left side doors in Brooklyn. The cyclist was partially ejected and sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as the contributing factor. The SUV driver was licensed; the bicyclist was unlicensed. The cyclist was wearing a helmet, but the crash was caused by the driver’s failure to yield. The impact occurred at the right front bumper of the SUV and left side doors of the bike.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4684834 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 13 - A GMC pickup turned left at 11th Avenue and 64th Street. The truck struck a 71-year-old woman crossing with the signal. She fell. Blood pooled on the street. She died there. The crash left the intersection scarred and silent.

A 71-year-old woman was killed at the corner of 11th Avenue and 64th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, she was crossing in the crosswalk with the signal when a GMC pickup truck made a left turn and struck her head-on. The impact caused severe head injuries and she died at the scene. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The truck’s point of impact was the center front end. The victim was following the signal. No driver errors were specified in the report, but the narrative details a left-turn collision with a pedestrian who had the right of way.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4678892 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 13 - A sedan struck a bicyclist traveling south on 65 Street. The cyclist was ejected and suffered bruises and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver continued straight, impacting the bike’s left front with the sedan’s right front bumper.

According to the police report, a sedan and a bicycle collided on 65 Street. The bicyclist, a 30-year-old man wearing a helmet, was ejected and sustained contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The sedan, driven by a licensed male driver, was traveling straight south and struck the bike with its right front bumper. The bike was also traveling south and was hit on its left front. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any specific driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The cyclist was conscious after the crash. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4679360 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 2 - Two sedans crashed on 65 Street in Brooklyn. One driver made a left turn into the path of the other going straight. A 78-year-old rear passenger suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on 65 Street near 13 Avenue in Brooklyn. One vehicle was making a left turn while the other was traveling straight westbound. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the turning vehicle and the left front bumper of the other. A 78-year-old male rear passenger was injured with neck pain and whiplash, despite wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists no specific contributing factors but notes the turning maneuver likely caused the crash. Both drivers were licensed and operating vehicles westbound. The collision caused significant front-end damage to both sedans. No ejections or fatalities were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675926 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19