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

State Sen. Gounardes pushes a bill to slash car trips by a fifth by 2050. Advocates say New York spends billions on roads while traffic deaths climb. The law would force highway projects to prove they cut driving, not fuel it.

State Sen. Andrew Gounardes introduced a bill requiring New York to reduce vehicle miles traveled by 20 percent by 2050. The bill, modeled after Minnesota law, is not yet passed or assigned to a committee. It would amend the state’s climate law, forcing transportation officials to align highway projects with the goal of fewer car trips. Gounardes warns, 'If we’re just going to use that money to double down on the transportation of the past, on just purely automobile usage, we’re making a great mistake.' Danny Pearlstein of Riders Alliance says the bill is about shifting priorities to climate and equity. Advocates note that over 90 percent of recent infrastructure funds went to roads, not transit. The measure would require revisions or offsets for projects that don’t cut driving. Gov. Hochul’s office declined comment. The bill aims to halt the cycle of road expansion, rising traffic, and mounting deaths.

• State Must Cut Car Trips by 20%: Advocates, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-06

A sedan making a right turn struck an eastbound e-bike on Bay Ridge Parkway. The e-bike driver, a 64-year-old man, was ejected and suffered head injuries. Police cite driver inattention as the cause, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 16:20 on Bay Ridge Parkway in Brooklyn. A 2021 Buick sedan was making a right turn when it collided with an eastbound e-bike. The e-bike driver, a 64-year-old man, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained head injuries, leaving him semiconscious with complaints of pain and nausea. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The sedan's right front quarter panel struck the e-bike's center front end, indicating the sedan driver failed to yield or properly observe the e-bike. The e-bike driver was wearing a helmet, but no contributing factors were attributed to his actions. The sedan driver was licensed in Ohio, while the e-bike operator was unlicensed. This collision underscores the lethal consequences of driver distraction in mixed-vehicle environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699803 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

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 distracted driver struck a parked sedan on slippery pavement in Brooklyn. The driver suffered back injuries and whiplash but was not ejected. The collision damaged both vehicles’ bumpers, highlighting risks from inattention and road conditions.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 11 Avenue in Brooklyn at 2:10 a.m. A 39-year-old male driver of a sedan was injured with back pain and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a primary contributing factor, alongside slippery pavement. The sedan was parked and struck in the rear center, while the SUV, traveling north, hit the sedan’s left rear bumper with its right front bumper. Both vehicles sustained damage. The driver of the sedan was not using any safety equipment. This collision underscores the dangers posed by driver distraction and hazardous road conditions, without any noted fault or contributing behavior from other road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4698126 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Albany weighs bills A5259 and S2812 to keep and expand red-light cameras past December. Assembly Member Dinowitz and Senator Gounardes push for more cameras. DOT data shows fewer violations and crashes. Advocates demand action. The cap leaves neighborhoods exposed. Lives hang in the balance.

Bills A5259 and S2812 face debate in the New York State legislature. If lawmakers fail to act, the city’s red-light cameras—now capped at 150 intersections—will shut off December 1, 2024. The matter, described as 'reauthorize and expand the city's red-light camera program,' is championed by Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz and Senate co-sponsor Andrew Gounardes. Dinowitz, the sponsor, urges expansion, stating, 'We should have red-light cameras on every intersection.' Gounardes expects a review and expansion. DOT data backs them: violations and rear-end crashes have dropped at camera sites. Residents like Amy Bettys call the cap dangerous. Advocacy groups support the bills, though they are not a top priority. Dinowitz stresses automated enforcement is vital with limited police. The bills await committee action. Vulnerable road users face risk if the program lapses.

• Better Red Than Dead: Albany Takes Up Camera Reauthorization, Expansion, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-25

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

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 2025-08-05

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 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 2025-08-05

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

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

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 2025-08-05

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

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

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

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 2025-08-05

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 2025-08-05

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 2025-08-05

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 2025-08-05

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 2025-08-05