Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Dyker Heights?
The Blood Doesn’t Lie: Dyker Heights Demands Safer Streets Now
Dyker Heights: Jan 1, 2022 - Jun 6, 2025
The Numbers Do Not Lie
Five dead. Three seriously hurt. In Dyker Heights, the years grind on and the bodies keep coming. Since 2022, 901 crashes have torn through these streets. 460 people injured. The dead do not speak. The wounded limp home, if they can.
No one is spared. Children, elders, workers. In the last twelve months alone, 157 injuries. Two deaths last year. This year, none yet. But the blood dries fast on the sidewalk. The next call is always coming.
The Pattern: Who Pays the Price
Pedestrians and cyclists take the brunt. Cars and SUVs hit hardest. In the last three years, SUVs and sedans were behind the majority of deaths and injuries. Trucks and buses, less frequent, but no less final. Motorcycles, mopeds, bikes—each leaves its own mark, but the steel always wins.
The old and the young are not safe. An 83-year-old woman, dead after a driver backed an SUV into her. A 52-year-old woman, killed crossing at Bay Ridge Avenue. Names fade. The pain does not.
Leadership: Action or Delay?
The city claims progress. Vision Zero. New speed limits. More cameras. But in Dyker Heights, the carnage continues. The council votes, the mayor speaks, the DOT draws new lines. Still, the ambulances come. Promises do not stop cars.
Local leaders must do more. Lower the speed limit to 20 mph. Harden every crosswalk. Expand camera enforcement. End the delays. Every day without action is another day of risk.
The Next Step Is Yours
This is not fate. These are not accidents. Every crash is a choice made possible by policy, by silence, by delay. Call your council member. Demand safer streets. Do not wait for the next siren. Take action now.
Citations
Other Representatives

District 49
6904 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11228
Room 523, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248

District 38
4417 4th Avenue, Ground Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11220
718-439-9012
250 Broadway, Suite 1746, New York, NY 10007
212-788-7387

District 17
6605 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11219
Room 615, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
▸ Other Geographies
Dyker Heights Dyker Heights sits in Brooklyn, Precinct 68, District 38, AD 49, SD 17, Brooklyn CB10.
▸ See also
Traffic Safety Timeline for Dyker Heights
Res 0866-2023Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Obstructed License Plate Penalties▸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
Elderly Woman Killed by Backing SUV in Brooklyn▸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.
SUV Strikes E-Bike on Fort Hamilton Parkway▸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.
SUV Hits Pedestrian on Bay Ridge Avenue▸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.
Distracted SUV Driver Hits Woman on Bay Ridge▸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.
SUV Right Turn Hits 15-Year-Old Bicyclist▸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.
Two Sedans Collide on Brooklyn’s 65 Street▸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.
Unlicensed E-Scooter Driver Injured in Brooklyn Crash▸A 38-year-old woman on an unlicensed e-scooter suffered knee and lower leg injuries in Brooklyn. The crash happened on 65 Street near 9 Avenue. She was not ejected but experienced shock and minor bleeding. The scooter’s right side was damaged.
According to the police report, a 38-year-old female driver on an unlicensed e-scooter was injured in a crash on 65 Street in Brooklyn. She sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with minor bleeding and shock noted. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The e-scooter was traveling east and impacted at the right front quarter panel, damaging the right rear quarter panel. The driver was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. No other vehicles or persons were reported injured or involved. The crash highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable road users operating motorized devices without proper licensing.
13-Year-Old Pedestrian Injured by Sedan in Brooklyn▸A 13-year-old boy was struck by a southbound sedan on Fort Hamilton Parkway. The impact hit the vehicle’s right front bumper. The boy suffered abrasions and injuries to his entire body. He was conscious after the crash, crossing outside a crosswalk.
According to the police report, a 13-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being hit by a 2013 Honda sedan traveling south on Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. The collision occurred when the pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper, causing abrasions and injuries to the entire body. The pedestrian was conscious following the crash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian and no contributing factors for the driver. There is no mention of driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Speed Governor Bill▸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
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Speed Governors for Reckless Drivers▸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
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Direct Bus to Manhattan▸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
BMW Sedan Hits Brooklyn Pedestrian▸A 34-year-old man was struck by a BMW sedan in Brooklyn. The driver, distracted and inattentive, hit the pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The man suffered bruises and an elbow injury but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 34-year-old male pedestrian was injured in Brooklyn after being struck by a 2022 BMW sedan traveling southbound. The driver was going straight ahead but failed to maintain attention, contributing to the collision. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of impact and suffered contusions and an injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The police report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.
Gounardes Opposes Mayoral Rollback of Safety Projects▸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
BMW SUV Crushes Teen E-Biker on 73rd Street▸A BMW SUV struck a 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue. The teen was thrown, crushed, and left unconscious. The SUV’s front end bore the mark. The street fell silent around broken bones and twisted metal.
A 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike was hit by a BMW SUV on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the teen was thrown from his bike, crushed, and found unconscious with injuries across his entire body. The SUV’s center front end showed damage from the impact. The report lists the bicyclist as helmetless and ejected. No specific driver errors are named in the data. The crash left the street marked by silence and injury, with the vulnerable road user bearing the full force of the collision.
Sedan Hits Parked SUV on 85 Street▸A sedan traveling south struck a parked SUV on 85 Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s left side hit the SUV’s right rear bumper. The female driver suffered facial injuries and shock. Driver distraction was a contributing factor.
According to the police report, a 27-year-old female driver in a 2014 sedan was traveling south on 85 Street when she collided with a parked 2022 SUV. The point of impact was the sedan’s left side doors and the SUV’s right rear bumper. The driver was injured, sustaining facial injuries and experiencing shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The parked SUV was unoccupied at the time of the crash.
Gounardes Demands Safety Boosting Reckless Driver Accountability Measures▸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
Gounardes Opposes DOT Ignoring Temporary Bike Lane Law▸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
Gounardes Supports DOT Transparency on Dangerous Vehicle Program▸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
Gounardes Opposes Misleading MTA R Train Service Claims▸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
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
Elderly Woman Killed by Backing SUV in Brooklyn▸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.
SUV Strikes E-Bike on Fort Hamilton Parkway▸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.
SUV Hits Pedestrian on Bay Ridge Avenue▸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.
Distracted SUV Driver Hits Woman on Bay Ridge▸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.
SUV Right Turn Hits 15-Year-Old Bicyclist▸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.
Two Sedans Collide on Brooklyn’s 65 Street▸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.
Unlicensed E-Scooter Driver Injured in Brooklyn Crash▸A 38-year-old woman on an unlicensed e-scooter suffered knee and lower leg injuries in Brooklyn. The crash happened on 65 Street near 9 Avenue. She was not ejected but experienced shock and minor bleeding. The scooter’s right side was damaged.
According to the police report, a 38-year-old female driver on an unlicensed e-scooter was injured in a crash on 65 Street in Brooklyn. She sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with minor bleeding and shock noted. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The e-scooter was traveling east and impacted at the right front quarter panel, damaging the right rear quarter panel. The driver was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. No other vehicles or persons were reported injured or involved. The crash highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable road users operating motorized devices without proper licensing.
13-Year-Old Pedestrian Injured by Sedan in Brooklyn▸A 13-year-old boy was struck by a southbound sedan on Fort Hamilton Parkway. The impact hit the vehicle’s right front bumper. The boy suffered abrasions and injuries to his entire body. He was conscious after the crash, crossing outside a crosswalk.
According to the police report, a 13-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being hit by a 2013 Honda sedan traveling south on Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. The collision occurred when the pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper, causing abrasions and injuries to the entire body. The pedestrian was conscious following the crash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian and no contributing factors for the driver. There is no mention of driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Speed Governor Bill▸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
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Speed Governors for Reckless Drivers▸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
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Direct Bus to Manhattan▸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.
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Red Hook Pushes for Direct Bus to Manhattan; MTA Says (Wait for It) There’s Too Much ‘Congestion’,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2023-10-23
BMW Sedan Hits Brooklyn Pedestrian▸A 34-year-old man was struck by a BMW sedan in Brooklyn. The driver, distracted and inattentive, hit the pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The man suffered bruises and an elbow injury but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 34-year-old male pedestrian was injured in Brooklyn after being struck by a 2022 BMW sedan traveling southbound. The driver was going straight ahead but failed to maintain attention, contributing to the collision. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of impact and suffered contusions and an injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The police report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.
Gounardes Opposes Mayoral Rollback of Safety Projects▸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.
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Pols, Advocates Slam Mayor Adams for Unfinished Ashland Place,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2023-10-13
BMW SUV Crushes Teen E-Biker on 73rd Street▸A BMW SUV struck a 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue. The teen was thrown, crushed, and left unconscious. The SUV’s front end bore the mark. The street fell silent around broken bones and twisted metal.
A 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike was hit by a BMW SUV on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the teen was thrown from his bike, crushed, and found unconscious with injuries across his entire body. The SUV’s center front end showed damage from the impact. The report lists the bicyclist as helmetless and ejected. No specific driver errors are named in the data. The crash left the street marked by silence and injury, with the vulnerable road user bearing the full force of the collision.
Sedan Hits Parked SUV on 85 Street▸A sedan traveling south struck a parked SUV on 85 Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s left side hit the SUV’s right rear bumper. The female driver suffered facial injuries and shock. Driver distraction was a contributing factor.
According to the police report, a 27-year-old female driver in a 2014 sedan was traveling south on 85 Street when she collided with a parked 2022 SUV. The point of impact was the sedan’s left side doors and the SUV’s right rear bumper. The driver was injured, sustaining facial injuries and experiencing shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The parked SUV was unoccupied at the time of the crash.
Gounardes Demands Safety Boosting Reckless Driver Accountability Measures▸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
Gounardes Opposes DOT Ignoring Temporary Bike Lane Law▸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
Gounardes Supports DOT Transparency on Dangerous Vehicle Program▸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
Gounardes Opposes Misleading MTA R Train Service Claims▸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
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.
SUV Strikes E-Bike on Fort Hamilton Parkway▸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.
SUV Hits Pedestrian on Bay Ridge Avenue▸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.
Distracted SUV Driver Hits Woman on Bay Ridge▸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.
SUV Right Turn Hits 15-Year-Old Bicyclist▸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.
Two Sedans Collide on Brooklyn’s 65 Street▸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.
Unlicensed E-Scooter Driver Injured in Brooklyn Crash▸A 38-year-old woman on an unlicensed e-scooter suffered knee and lower leg injuries in Brooklyn. The crash happened on 65 Street near 9 Avenue. She was not ejected but experienced shock and minor bleeding. The scooter’s right side was damaged.
According to the police report, a 38-year-old female driver on an unlicensed e-scooter was injured in a crash on 65 Street in Brooklyn. She sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with minor bleeding and shock noted. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The e-scooter was traveling east and impacted at the right front quarter panel, damaging the right rear quarter panel. The driver was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. No other vehicles or persons were reported injured or involved. The crash highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable road users operating motorized devices without proper licensing.
13-Year-Old Pedestrian Injured by Sedan in Brooklyn▸A 13-year-old boy was struck by a southbound sedan on Fort Hamilton Parkway. The impact hit the vehicle’s right front bumper. The boy suffered abrasions and injuries to his entire body. He was conscious after the crash, crossing outside a crosswalk.
According to the police report, a 13-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being hit by a 2013 Honda sedan traveling south on Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. The collision occurred when the pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper, causing abrasions and injuries to the entire body. The pedestrian was conscious following the crash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian and no contributing factors for the driver. There is no mention of driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Speed Governor Bill▸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.
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A 'Dangerous' Sunset: What's Next for Reining In Reckless Drivers?,
streetsblog.org,
Published 2023-10-25
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Speed Governors for Reckless Drivers▸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
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Direct Bus to Manhattan▸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
BMW Sedan Hits Brooklyn Pedestrian▸A 34-year-old man was struck by a BMW sedan in Brooklyn. The driver, distracted and inattentive, hit the pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The man suffered bruises and an elbow injury but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 34-year-old male pedestrian was injured in Brooklyn after being struck by a 2022 BMW sedan traveling southbound. The driver was going straight ahead but failed to maintain attention, contributing to the collision. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of impact and suffered contusions and an injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The police report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.
Gounardes Opposes Mayoral Rollback of Safety Projects▸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
BMW SUV Crushes Teen E-Biker on 73rd Street▸A BMW SUV struck a 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue. The teen was thrown, crushed, and left unconscious. The SUV’s front end bore the mark. The street fell silent around broken bones and twisted metal.
A 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike was hit by a BMW SUV on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the teen was thrown from his bike, crushed, and found unconscious with injuries across his entire body. The SUV’s center front end showed damage from the impact. The report lists the bicyclist as helmetless and ejected. No specific driver errors are named in the data. The crash left the street marked by silence and injury, with the vulnerable road user bearing the full force of the collision.
Sedan Hits Parked SUV on 85 Street▸A sedan traveling south struck a parked SUV on 85 Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s left side hit the SUV’s right rear bumper. The female driver suffered facial injuries and shock. Driver distraction was a contributing factor.
According to the police report, a 27-year-old female driver in a 2014 sedan was traveling south on 85 Street when she collided with a parked 2022 SUV. The point of impact was the sedan’s left side doors and the SUV’s right rear bumper. The driver was injured, sustaining facial injuries and experiencing shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The parked SUV was unoccupied at the time of the crash.
Gounardes Demands Safety Boosting Reckless Driver Accountability Measures▸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
Gounardes Opposes DOT Ignoring Temporary Bike Lane Law▸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
Gounardes Supports DOT Transparency on Dangerous Vehicle Program▸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
Gounardes Opposes Misleading MTA R Train Service Claims▸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
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.
SUV Hits Pedestrian on Bay Ridge Avenue▸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.
Distracted SUV Driver Hits Woman on Bay Ridge▸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.
SUV Right Turn Hits 15-Year-Old Bicyclist▸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.
Two Sedans Collide on Brooklyn’s 65 Street▸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.
Unlicensed E-Scooter Driver Injured in Brooklyn Crash▸A 38-year-old woman on an unlicensed e-scooter suffered knee and lower leg injuries in Brooklyn. The crash happened on 65 Street near 9 Avenue. She was not ejected but experienced shock and minor bleeding. The scooter’s right side was damaged.
According to the police report, a 38-year-old female driver on an unlicensed e-scooter was injured in a crash on 65 Street in Brooklyn. She sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with minor bleeding and shock noted. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The e-scooter was traveling east and impacted at the right front quarter panel, damaging the right rear quarter panel. The driver was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. No other vehicles or persons were reported injured or involved. The crash highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable road users operating motorized devices without proper licensing.
13-Year-Old Pedestrian Injured by Sedan in Brooklyn▸A 13-year-old boy was struck by a southbound sedan on Fort Hamilton Parkway. The impact hit the vehicle’s right front bumper. The boy suffered abrasions and injuries to his entire body. He was conscious after the crash, crossing outside a crosswalk.
According to the police report, a 13-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being hit by a 2013 Honda sedan traveling south on Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. The collision occurred when the pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper, causing abrasions and injuries to the entire body. The pedestrian was conscious following the crash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian and no contributing factors for the driver. There is no mention of driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Speed Governor Bill▸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
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Speed Governors for Reckless Drivers▸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
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Direct Bus to Manhattan▸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
BMW Sedan Hits Brooklyn Pedestrian▸A 34-year-old man was struck by a BMW sedan in Brooklyn. The driver, distracted and inattentive, hit the pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The man suffered bruises and an elbow injury but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 34-year-old male pedestrian was injured in Brooklyn after being struck by a 2022 BMW sedan traveling southbound. The driver was going straight ahead but failed to maintain attention, contributing to the collision. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of impact and suffered contusions and an injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The police report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.
Gounardes Opposes Mayoral Rollback of Safety Projects▸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
BMW SUV Crushes Teen E-Biker on 73rd Street▸A BMW SUV struck a 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue. The teen was thrown, crushed, and left unconscious. The SUV’s front end bore the mark. The street fell silent around broken bones and twisted metal.
A 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike was hit by a BMW SUV on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the teen was thrown from his bike, crushed, and found unconscious with injuries across his entire body. The SUV’s center front end showed damage from the impact. The report lists the bicyclist as helmetless and ejected. No specific driver errors are named in the data. The crash left the street marked by silence and injury, with the vulnerable road user bearing the full force of the collision.
Sedan Hits Parked SUV on 85 Street▸A sedan traveling south struck a parked SUV on 85 Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s left side hit the SUV’s right rear bumper. The female driver suffered facial injuries and shock. Driver distraction was a contributing factor.
According to the police report, a 27-year-old female driver in a 2014 sedan was traveling south on 85 Street when she collided with a parked 2022 SUV. The point of impact was the sedan’s left side doors and the SUV’s right rear bumper. The driver was injured, sustaining facial injuries and experiencing shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The parked SUV was unoccupied at the time of the crash.
Gounardes Demands Safety Boosting Reckless Driver Accountability Measures▸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
Gounardes Opposes DOT Ignoring Temporary Bike Lane Law▸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
Gounardes Supports DOT Transparency on Dangerous Vehicle Program▸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
Gounardes Opposes Misleading MTA R Train Service Claims▸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
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.
Distracted SUV Driver Hits Woman on Bay Ridge▸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.
SUV Right Turn Hits 15-Year-Old Bicyclist▸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.
Two Sedans Collide on Brooklyn’s 65 Street▸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.
Unlicensed E-Scooter Driver Injured in Brooklyn Crash▸A 38-year-old woman on an unlicensed e-scooter suffered knee and lower leg injuries in Brooklyn. The crash happened on 65 Street near 9 Avenue. She was not ejected but experienced shock and minor bleeding. The scooter’s right side was damaged.
According to the police report, a 38-year-old female driver on an unlicensed e-scooter was injured in a crash on 65 Street in Brooklyn. She sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with minor bleeding and shock noted. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The e-scooter was traveling east and impacted at the right front quarter panel, damaging the right rear quarter panel. The driver was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. No other vehicles or persons were reported injured or involved. The crash highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable road users operating motorized devices without proper licensing.
13-Year-Old Pedestrian Injured by Sedan in Brooklyn▸A 13-year-old boy was struck by a southbound sedan on Fort Hamilton Parkway. The impact hit the vehicle’s right front bumper. The boy suffered abrasions and injuries to his entire body. He was conscious after the crash, crossing outside a crosswalk.
According to the police report, a 13-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being hit by a 2013 Honda sedan traveling south on Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. The collision occurred when the pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper, causing abrasions and injuries to the entire body. The pedestrian was conscious following the crash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian and no contributing factors for the driver. There is no mention of driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Speed Governor Bill▸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
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Speed Governors for Reckless Drivers▸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
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Direct Bus to Manhattan▸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
BMW Sedan Hits Brooklyn Pedestrian▸A 34-year-old man was struck by a BMW sedan in Brooklyn. The driver, distracted and inattentive, hit the pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The man suffered bruises and an elbow injury but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 34-year-old male pedestrian was injured in Brooklyn after being struck by a 2022 BMW sedan traveling southbound. The driver was going straight ahead but failed to maintain attention, contributing to the collision. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of impact and suffered contusions and an injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The police report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.
Gounardes Opposes Mayoral Rollback of Safety Projects▸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
BMW SUV Crushes Teen E-Biker on 73rd Street▸A BMW SUV struck a 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue. The teen was thrown, crushed, and left unconscious. The SUV’s front end bore the mark. The street fell silent around broken bones and twisted metal.
A 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike was hit by a BMW SUV on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the teen was thrown from his bike, crushed, and found unconscious with injuries across his entire body. The SUV’s center front end showed damage from the impact. The report lists the bicyclist as helmetless and ejected. No specific driver errors are named in the data. The crash left the street marked by silence and injury, with the vulnerable road user bearing the full force of the collision.
Sedan Hits Parked SUV on 85 Street▸A sedan traveling south struck a parked SUV on 85 Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s left side hit the SUV’s right rear bumper. The female driver suffered facial injuries and shock. Driver distraction was a contributing factor.
According to the police report, a 27-year-old female driver in a 2014 sedan was traveling south on 85 Street when she collided with a parked 2022 SUV. The point of impact was the sedan’s left side doors and the SUV’s right rear bumper. The driver was injured, sustaining facial injuries and experiencing shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The parked SUV was unoccupied at the time of the crash.
Gounardes Demands Safety Boosting Reckless Driver Accountability Measures▸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
Gounardes Opposes DOT Ignoring Temporary Bike Lane Law▸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
Gounardes Supports DOT Transparency on Dangerous Vehicle Program▸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
Gounardes Opposes Misleading MTA R Train Service Claims▸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
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.
SUV Right Turn Hits 15-Year-Old Bicyclist▸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.
Two Sedans Collide on Brooklyn’s 65 Street▸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.
Unlicensed E-Scooter Driver Injured in Brooklyn Crash▸A 38-year-old woman on an unlicensed e-scooter suffered knee and lower leg injuries in Brooklyn. The crash happened on 65 Street near 9 Avenue. She was not ejected but experienced shock and minor bleeding. The scooter’s right side was damaged.
According to the police report, a 38-year-old female driver on an unlicensed e-scooter was injured in a crash on 65 Street in Brooklyn. She sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with minor bleeding and shock noted. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The e-scooter was traveling east and impacted at the right front quarter panel, damaging the right rear quarter panel. The driver was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. No other vehicles or persons were reported injured or involved. The crash highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable road users operating motorized devices without proper licensing.
13-Year-Old Pedestrian Injured by Sedan in Brooklyn▸A 13-year-old boy was struck by a southbound sedan on Fort Hamilton Parkway. The impact hit the vehicle’s right front bumper. The boy suffered abrasions and injuries to his entire body. He was conscious after the crash, crossing outside a crosswalk.
According to the police report, a 13-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being hit by a 2013 Honda sedan traveling south on Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. The collision occurred when the pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper, causing abrasions and injuries to the entire body. The pedestrian was conscious following the crash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian and no contributing factors for the driver. There is no mention of driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Speed Governor Bill▸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
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Speed Governors for Reckless Drivers▸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
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Direct Bus to Manhattan▸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
BMW Sedan Hits Brooklyn Pedestrian▸A 34-year-old man was struck by a BMW sedan in Brooklyn. The driver, distracted and inattentive, hit the pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The man suffered bruises and an elbow injury but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 34-year-old male pedestrian was injured in Brooklyn after being struck by a 2022 BMW sedan traveling southbound. The driver was going straight ahead but failed to maintain attention, contributing to the collision. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of impact and suffered contusions and an injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The police report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.
Gounardes Opposes Mayoral Rollback of Safety Projects▸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
BMW SUV Crushes Teen E-Biker on 73rd Street▸A BMW SUV struck a 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue. The teen was thrown, crushed, and left unconscious. The SUV’s front end bore the mark. The street fell silent around broken bones and twisted metal.
A 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike was hit by a BMW SUV on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the teen was thrown from his bike, crushed, and found unconscious with injuries across his entire body. The SUV’s center front end showed damage from the impact. The report lists the bicyclist as helmetless and ejected. No specific driver errors are named in the data. The crash left the street marked by silence and injury, with the vulnerable road user bearing the full force of the collision.
Sedan Hits Parked SUV on 85 Street▸A sedan traveling south struck a parked SUV on 85 Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s left side hit the SUV’s right rear bumper. The female driver suffered facial injuries and shock. Driver distraction was a contributing factor.
According to the police report, a 27-year-old female driver in a 2014 sedan was traveling south on 85 Street when she collided with a parked 2022 SUV. The point of impact was the sedan’s left side doors and the SUV’s right rear bumper. The driver was injured, sustaining facial injuries and experiencing shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The parked SUV was unoccupied at the time of the crash.
Gounardes Demands Safety Boosting Reckless Driver Accountability Measures▸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
Gounardes Opposes DOT Ignoring Temporary Bike Lane Law▸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
Gounardes Supports DOT Transparency on Dangerous Vehicle Program▸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
Gounardes Opposes Misleading MTA R Train Service Claims▸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
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.
Two Sedans Collide on Brooklyn’s 65 Street▸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.
Unlicensed E-Scooter Driver Injured in Brooklyn Crash▸A 38-year-old woman on an unlicensed e-scooter suffered knee and lower leg injuries in Brooklyn. The crash happened on 65 Street near 9 Avenue. She was not ejected but experienced shock and minor bleeding. The scooter’s right side was damaged.
According to the police report, a 38-year-old female driver on an unlicensed e-scooter was injured in a crash on 65 Street in Brooklyn. She sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with minor bleeding and shock noted. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The e-scooter was traveling east and impacted at the right front quarter panel, damaging the right rear quarter panel. The driver was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. No other vehicles or persons were reported injured or involved. The crash highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable road users operating motorized devices without proper licensing.
13-Year-Old Pedestrian Injured by Sedan in Brooklyn▸A 13-year-old boy was struck by a southbound sedan on Fort Hamilton Parkway. The impact hit the vehicle’s right front bumper. The boy suffered abrasions and injuries to his entire body. He was conscious after the crash, crossing outside a crosswalk.
According to the police report, a 13-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being hit by a 2013 Honda sedan traveling south on Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. The collision occurred when the pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper, causing abrasions and injuries to the entire body. The pedestrian was conscious following the crash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian and no contributing factors for the driver. There is no mention of driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Speed Governor Bill▸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
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Speed Governors for Reckless Drivers▸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
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Direct Bus to Manhattan▸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
BMW Sedan Hits Brooklyn Pedestrian▸A 34-year-old man was struck by a BMW sedan in Brooklyn. The driver, distracted and inattentive, hit the pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The man suffered bruises and an elbow injury but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 34-year-old male pedestrian was injured in Brooklyn after being struck by a 2022 BMW sedan traveling southbound. The driver was going straight ahead but failed to maintain attention, contributing to the collision. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of impact and suffered contusions and an injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The police report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.
Gounardes Opposes Mayoral Rollback of Safety Projects▸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
BMW SUV Crushes Teen E-Biker on 73rd Street▸A BMW SUV struck a 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue. The teen was thrown, crushed, and left unconscious. The SUV’s front end bore the mark. The street fell silent around broken bones and twisted metal.
A 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike was hit by a BMW SUV on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the teen was thrown from his bike, crushed, and found unconscious with injuries across his entire body. The SUV’s center front end showed damage from the impact. The report lists the bicyclist as helmetless and ejected. No specific driver errors are named in the data. The crash left the street marked by silence and injury, with the vulnerable road user bearing the full force of the collision.
Sedan Hits Parked SUV on 85 Street▸A sedan traveling south struck a parked SUV on 85 Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s left side hit the SUV’s right rear bumper. The female driver suffered facial injuries and shock. Driver distraction was a contributing factor.
According to the police report, a 27-year-old female driver in a 2014 sedan was traveling south on 85 Street when she collided with a parked 2022 SUV. The point of impact was the sedan’s left side doors and the SUV’s right rear bumper. The driver was injured, sustaining facial injuries and experiencing shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The parked SUV was unoccupied at the time of the crash.
Gounardes Demands Safety Boosting Reckless Driver Accountability Measures▸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
Gounardes Opposes DOT Ignoring Temporary Bike Lane Law▸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
Gounardes Supports DOT Transparency on Dangerous Vehicle Program▸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
Gounardes Opposes Misleading MTA R Train Service Claims▸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
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.
Unlicensed E-Scooter Driver Injured in Brooklyn Crash▸A 38-year-old woman on an unlicensed e-scooter suffered knee and lower leg injuries in Brooklyn. The crash happened on 65 Street near 9 Avenue. She was not ejected but experienced shock and minor bleeding. The scooter’s right side was damaged.
According to the police report, a 38-year-old female driver on an unlicensed e-scooter was injured in a crash on 65 Street in Brooklyn. She sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with minor bleeding and shock noted. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The e-scooter was traveling east and impacted at the right front quarter panel, damaging the right rear quarter panel. The driver was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. No other vehicles or persons were reported injured or involved. The crash highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable road users operating motorized devices without proper licensing.
13-Year-Old Pedestrian Injured by Sedan in Brooklyn▸A 13-year-old boy was struck by a southbound sedan on Fort Hamilton Parkway. The impact hit the vehicle’s right front bumper. The boy suffered abrasions and injuries to his entire body. He was conscious after the crash, crossing outside a crosswalk.
According to the police report, a 13-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being hit by a 2013 Honda sedan traveling south on Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. The collision occurred when the pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper, causing abrasions and injuries to the entire body. The pedestrian was conscious following the crash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian and no contributing factors for the driver. There is no mention of driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Speed Governor Bill▸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
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Speed Governors for Reckless Drivers▸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
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Direct Bus to Manhattan▸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
BMW Sedan Hits Brooklyn Pedestrian▸A 34-year-old man was struck by a BMW sedan in Brooklyn. The driver, distracted and inattentive, hit the pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The man suffered bruises and an elbow injury but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 34-year-old male pedestrian was injured in Brooklyn after being struck by a 2022 BMW sedan traveling southbound. The driver was going straight ahead but failed to maintain attention, contributing to the collision. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of impact and suffered contusions and an injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The police report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.
Gounardes Opposes Mayoral Rollback of Safety Projects▸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
BMW SUV Crushes Teen E-Biker on 73rd Street▸A BMW SUV struck a 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue. The teen was thrown, crushed, and left unconscious. The SUV’s front end bore the mark. The street fell silent around broken bones and twisted metal.
A 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike was hit by a BMW SUV on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the teen was thrown from his bike, crushed, and found unconscious with injuries across his entire body. The SUV’s center front end showed damage from the impact. The report lists the bicyclist as helmetless and ejected. No specific driver errors are named in the data. The crash left the street marked by silence and injury, with the vulnerable road user bearing the full force of the collision.
Sedan Hits Parked SUV on 85 Street▸A sedan traveling south struck a parked SUV on 85 Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s left side hit the SUV’s right rear bumper. The female driver suffered facial injuries and shock. Driver distraction was a contributing factor.
According to the police report, a 27-year-old female driver in a 2014 sedan was traveling south on 85 Street when she collided with a parked 2022 SUV. The point of impact was the sedan’s left side doors and the SUV’s right rear bumper. The driver was injured, sustaining facial injuries and experiencing shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The parked SUV was unoccupied at the time of the crash.
Gounardes Demands Safety Boosting Reckless Driver Accountability Measures▸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
Gounardes Opposes DOT Ignoring Temporary Bike Lane Law▸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
Gounardes Supports DOT Transparency on Dangerous Vehicle Program▸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
Gounardes Opposes Misleading MTA R Train Service Claims▸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
A 38-year-old woman on an unlicensed e-scooter suffered knee and lower leg injuries in Brooklyn. The crash happened on 65 Street near 9 Avenue. She was not ejected but experienced shock and minor bleeding. The scooter’s right side was damaged.
According to the police report, a 38-year-old female driver on an unlicensed e-scooter was injured in a crash on 65 Street in Brooklyn. She sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with minor bleeding and shock noted. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The e-scooter was traveling east and impacted at the right front quarter panel, damaging the right rear quarter panel. The driver was not ejected and wore no safety equipment. No other vehicles or persons were reported injured or involved. The crash highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable road users operating motorized devices without proper licensing.
13-Year-Old Pedestrian Injured by Sedan in Brooklyn▸A 13-year-old boy was struck by a southbound sedan on Fort Hamilton Parkway. The impact hit the vehicle’s right front bumper. The boy suffered abrasions and injuries to his entire body. He was conscious after the crash, crossing outside a crosswalk.
According to the police report, a 13-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being hit by a 2013 Honda sedan traveling south on Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. The collision occurred when the pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper, causing abrasions and injuries to the entire body. The pedestrian was conscious following the crash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian and no contributing factors for the driver. There is no mention of driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Speed Governor Bill▸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
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Speed Governors for Reckless Drivers▸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
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Direct Bus to Manhattan▸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
BMW Sedan Hits Brooklyn Pedestrian▸A 34-year-old man was struck by a BMW sedan in Brooklyn. The driver, distracted and inattentive, hit the pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The man suffered bruises and an elbow injury but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 34-year-old male pedestrian was injured in Brooklyn after being struck by a 2022 BMW sedan traveling southbound. The driver was going straight ahead but failed to maintain attention, contributing to the collision. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of impact and suffered contusions and an injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The police report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.
Gounardes Opposes Mayoral Rollback of Safety Projects▸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
BMW SUV Crushes Teen E-Biker on 73rd Street▸A BMW SUV struck a 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue. The teen was thrown, crushed, and left unconscious. The SUV’s front end bore the mark. The street fell silent around broken bones and twisted metal.
A 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike was hit by a BMW SUV on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the teen was thrown from his bike, crushed, and found unconscious with injuries across his entire body. The SUV’s center front end showed damage from the impact. The report lists the bicyclist as helmetless and ejected. No specific driver errors are named in the data. The crash left the street marked by silence and injury, with the vulnerable road user bearing the full force of the collision.
Sedan Hits Parked SUV on 85 Street▸A sedan traveling south struck a parked SUV on 85 Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s left side hit the SUV’s right rear bumper. The female driver suffered facial injuries and shock. Driver distraction was a contributing factor.
According to the police report, a 27-year-old female driver in a 2014 sedan was traveling south on 85 Street when she collided with a parked 2022 SUV. The point of impact was the sedan’s left side doors and the SUV’s right rear bumper. The driver was injured, sustaining facial injuries and experiencing shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The parked SUV was unoccupied at the time of the crash.
Gounardes Demands Safety Boosting Reckless Driver Accountability Measures▸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
Gounardes Opposes DOT Ignoring Temporary Bike Lane Law▸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
Gounardes Supports DOT Transparency on Dangerous Vehicle Program▸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
Gounardes Opposes Misleading MTA R Train Service Claims▸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
A 13-year-old boy was struck by a southbound sedan on Fort Hamilton Parkway. The impact hit the vehicle’s right front bumper. The boy suffered abrasions and injuries to his entire body. He was conscious after the crash, crossing outside a crosswalk.
According to the police report, a 13-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being hit by a 2013 Honda sedan traveling south on Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. The collision occurred when the pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal. The vehicle struck the pedestrian with its right front bumper, causing abrasions and injuries to the entire body. The pedestrian was conscious following the crash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the pedestrian and no contributing factors for the driver. There is no mention of driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Speed Governor Bill▸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
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Speed Governors for Reckless Drivers▸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
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Direct Bus to Manhattan▸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
BMW Sedan Hits Brooklyn Pedestrian▸A 34-year-old man was struck by a BMW sedan in Brooklyn. The driver, distracted and inattentive, hit the pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The man suffered bruises and an elbow injury but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 34-year-old male pedestrian was injured in Brooklyn after being struck by a 2022 BMW sedan traveling southbound. The driver was going straight ahead but failed to maintain attention, contributing to the collision. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of impact and suffered contusions and an injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The police report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.
Gounardes Opposes Mayoral Rollback of Safety Projects▸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
BMW SUV Crushes Teen E-Biker on 73rd Street▸A BMW SUV struck a 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue. The teen was thrown, crushed, and left unconscious. The SUV’s front end bore the mark. The street fell silent around broken bones and twisted metal.
A 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike was hit by a BMW SUV on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the teen was thrown from his bike, crushed, and found unconscious with injuries across his entire body. The SUV’s center front end showed damage from the impact. The report lists the bicyclist as helmetless and ejected. No specific driver errors are named in the data. The crash left the street marked by silence and injury, with the vulnerable road user bearing the full force of the collision.
Sedan Hits Parked SUV on 85 Street▸A sedan traveling south struck a parked SUV on 85 Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s left side hit the SUV’s right rear bumper. The female driver suffered facial injuries and shock. Driver distraction was a contributing factor.
According to the police report, a 27-year-old female driver in a 2014 sedan was traveling south on 85 Street when she collided with a parked 2022 SUV. The point of impact was the sedan’s left side doors and the SUV’s right rear bumper. The driver was injured, sustaining facial injuries and experiencing shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The parked SUV was unoccupied at the time of the crash.
Gounardes Demands Safety Boosting Reckless Driver Accountability Measures▸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
Gounardes Opposes DOT Ignoring Temporary Bike Lane Law▸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
Gounardes Supports DOT Transparency on Dangerous Vehicle Program▸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
Gounardes Opposes Misleading MTA R Train Service Claims▸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
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
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Speed Governors for Reckless Drivers▸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
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Direct Bus to Manhattan▸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
BMW Sedan Hits Brooklyn Pedestrian▸A 34-year-old man was struck by a BMW sedan in Brooklyn. The driver, distracted and inattentive, hit the pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The man suffered bruises and an elbow injury but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 34-year-old male pedestrian was injured in Brooklyn after being struck by a 2022 BMW sedan traveling southbound. The driver was going straight ahead but failed to maintain attention, contributing to the collision. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of impact and suffered contusions and an injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The police report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.
Gounardes Opposes Mayoral Rollback of Safety Projects▸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
BMW SUV Crushes Teen E-Biker on 73rd Street▸A BMW SUV struck a 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue. The teen was thrown, crushed, and left unconscious. The SUV’s front end bore the mark. The street fell silent around broken bones and twisted metal.
A 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike was hit by a BMW SUV on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the teen was thrown from his bike, crushed, and found unconscious with injuries across his entire body. The SUV’s center front end showed damage from the impact. The report lists the bicyclist as helmetless and ejected. No specific driver errors are named in the data. The crash left the street marked by silence and injury, with the vulnerable road user bearing the full force of the collision.
Sedan Hits Parked SUV on 85 Street▸A sedan traveling south struck a parked SUV on 85 Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s left side hit the SUV’s right rear bumper. The female driver suffered facial injuries and shock. Driver distraction was a contributing factor.
According to the police report, a 27-year-old female driver in a 2014 sedan was traveling south on 85 Street when she collided with a parked 2022 SUV. The point of impact was the sedan’s left side doors and the SUV’s right rear bumper. The driver was injured, sustaining facial injuries and experiencing shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The parked SUV was unoccupied at the time of the crash.
Gounardes Demands Safety Boosting Reckless Driver Accountability Measures▸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
Gounardes Opposes DOT Ignoring Temporary Bike Lane Law▸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
Gounardes Supports DOT Transparency on Dangerous Vehicle Program▸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
Gounardes Opposes Misleading MTA R Train Service Claims▸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
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
Gounardes Supports Safety Boosting Direct Bus to Manhattan▸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
BMW Sedan Hits Brooklyn Pedestrian▸A 34-year-old man was struck by a BMW sedan in Brooklyn. The driver, distracted and inattentive, hit the pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The man suffered bruises and an elbow injury but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 34-year-old male pedestrian was injured in Brooklyn after being struck by a 2022 BMW sedan traveling southbound. The driver was going straight ahead but failed to maintain attention, contributing to the collision. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of impact and suffered contusions and an injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The police report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.
Gounardes Opposes Mayoral Rollback of Safety Projects▸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
BMW SUV Crushes Teen E-Biker on 73rd Street▸A BMW SUV struck a 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue. The teen was thrown, crushed, and left unconscious. The SUV’s front end bore the mark. The street fell silent around broken bones and twisted metal.
A 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike was hit by a BMW SUV on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the teen was thrown from his bike, crushed, and found unconscious with injuries across his entire body. The SUV’s center front end showed damage from the impact. The report lists the bicyclist as helmetless and ejected. No specific driver errors are named in the data. The crash left the street marked by silence and injury, with the vulnerable road user bearing the full force of the collision.
Sedan Hits Parked SUV on 85 Street▸A sedan traveling south struck a parked SUV on 85 Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s left side hit the SUV’s right rear bumper. The female driver suffered facial injuries and shock. Driver distraction was a contributing factor.
According to the police report, a 27-year-old female driver in a 2014 sedan was traveling south on 85 Street when she collided with a parked 2022 SUV. The point of impact was the sedan’s left side doors and the SUV’s right rear bumper. The driver was injured, sustaining facial injuries and experiencing shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The parked SUV was unoccupied at the time of the crash.
Gounardes Demands Safety Boosting Reckless Driver Accountability Measures▸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
Gounardes Opposes DOT Ignoring Temporary Bike Lane Law▸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
Gounardes Supports DOT Transparency on Dangerous Vehicle Program▸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
Gounardes Opposes Misleading MTA R Train Service Claims▸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
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
BMW Sedan Hits Brooklyn Pedestrian▸A 34-year-old man was struck by a BMW sedan in Brooklyn. The driver, distracted and inattentive, hit the pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The man suffered bruises and an elbow injury but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 34-year-old male pedestrian was injured in Brooklyn after being struck by a 2022 BMW sedan traveling southbound. The driver was going straight ahead but failed to maintain attention, contributing to the collision. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of impact and suffered contusions and an injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The police report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.
Gounardes Opposes Mayoral Rollback of Safety Projects▸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
BMW SUV Crushes Teen E-Biker on 73rd Street▸A BMW SUV struck a 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue. The teen was thrown, crushed, and left unconscious. The SUV’s front end bore the mark. The street fell silent around broken bones and twisted metal.
A 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike was hit by a BMW SUV on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the teen was thrown from his bike, crushed, and found unconscious with injuries across his entire body. The SUV’s center front end showed damage from the impact. The report lists the bicyclist as helmetless and ejected. No specific driver errors are named in the data. The crash left the street marked by silence and injury, with the vulnerable road user bearing the full force of the collision.
Sedan Hits Parked SUV on 85 Street▸A sedan traveling south struck a parked SUV on 85 Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s left side hit the SUV’s right rear bumper. The female driver suffered facial injuries and shock. Driver distraction was a contributing factor.
According to the police report, a 27-year-old female driver in a 2014 sedan was traveling south on 85 Street when she collided with a parked 2022 SUV. The point of impact was the sedan’s left side doors and the SUV’s right rear bumper. The driver was injured, sustaining facial injuries and experiencing shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The parked SUV was unoccupied at the time of the crash.
Gounardes Demands Safety Boosting Reckless Driver Accountability Measures▸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
Gounardes Opposes DOT Ignoring Temporary Bike Lane Law▸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
Gounardes Supports DOT Transparency on Dangerous Vehicle Program▸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
Gounardes Opposes Misleading MTA R Train Service Claims▸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
A 34-year-old man was struck by a BMW sedan in Brooklyn. The driver, distracted and inattentive, hit the pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The man suffered bruises and an elbow injury but remained conscious at the scene.
According to the police report, a 34-year-old male pedestrian was injured in Brooklyn after being struck by a 2022 BMW sedan traveling southbound. The driver was going straight ahead but failed to maintain attention, contributing to the collision. The pedestrian was not in the roadway at the time of impact and suffered contusions and an injury to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The police report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.
Gounardes Opposes Mayoral Rollback of Safety Projects▸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
BMW SUV Crushes Teen E-Biker on 73rd Street▸A BMW SUV struck a 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue. The teen was thrown, crushed, and left unconscious. The SUV’s front end bore the mark. The street fell silent around broken bones and twisted metal.
A 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike was hit by a BMW SUV on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the teen was thrown from his bike, crushed, and found unconscious with injuries across his entire body. The SUV’s center front end showed damage from the impact. The report lists the bicyclist as helmetless and ejected. No specific driver errors are named in the data. The crash left the street marked by silence and injury, with the vulnerable road user bearing the full force of the collision.
Sedan Hits Parked SUV on 85 Street▸A sedan traveling south struck a parked SUV on 85 Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s left side hit the SUV’s right rear bumper. The female driver suffered facial injuries and shock. Driver distraction was a contributing factor.
According to the police report, a 27-year-old female driver in a 2014 sedan was traveling south on 85 Street when she collided with a parked 2022 SUV. The point of impact was the sedan’s left side doors and the SUV’s right rear bumper. The driver was injured, sustaining facial injuries and experiencing shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The parked SUV was unoccupied at the time of the crash.
Gounardes Demands Safety Boosting Reckless Driver Accountability Measures▸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
Gounardes Opposes DOT Ignoring Temporary Bike Lane Law▸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
Gounardes Supports DOT Transparency on Dangerous Vehicle Program▸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
Gounardes Opposes Misleading MTA R Train Service Claims▸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
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
BMW SUV Crushes Teen E-Biker on 73rd Street▸A BMW SUV struck a 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue. The teen was thrown, crushed, and left unconscious. The SUV’s front end bore the mark. The street fell silent around broken bones and twisted metal.
A 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike was hit by a BMW SUV on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the teen was thrown from his bike, crushed, and found unconscious with injuries across his entire body. The SUV’s center front end showed damage from the impact. The report lists the bicyclist as helmetless and ejected. No specific driver errors are named in the data. The crash left the street marked by silence and injury, with the vulnerable road user bearing the full force of the collision.
Sedan Hits Parked SUV on 85 Street▸A sedan traveling south struck a parked SUV on 85 Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s left side hit the SUV’s right rear bumper. The female driver suffered facial injuries and shock. Driver distraction was a contributing factor.
According to the police report, a 27-year-old female driver in a 2014 sedan was traveling south on 85 Street when she collided with a parked 2022 SUV. The point of impact was the sedan’s left side doors and the SUV’s right rear bumper. The driver was injured, sustaining facial injuries and experiencing shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The parked SUV was unoccupied at the time of the crash.
Gounardes Demands Safety Boosting Reckless Driver Accountability Measures▸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
Gounardes Opposes DOT Ignoring Temporary Bike Lane Law▸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
Gounardes Supports DOT Transparency on Dangerous Vehicle Program▸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
Gounardes Opposes Misleading MTA R Train Service Claims▸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
A BMW SUV struck a 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue. The teen was thrown, crushed, and left unconscious. The SUV’s front end bore the mark. The street fell silent around broken bones and twisted metal.
A 19-year-old riding an Arrow e-bike was hit by a BMW SUV on 73rd Street near 13th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the teen was thrown from his bike, crushed, and found unconscious with injuries across his entire body. The SUV’s center front end showed damage from the impact. The report lists the bicyclist as helmetless and ejected. No specific driver errors are named in the data. The crash left the street marked by silence and injury, with the vulnerable road user bearing the full force of the collision.
Sedan Hits Parked SUV on 85 Street▸A sedan traveling south struck a parked SUV on 85 Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s left side hit the SUV’s right rear bumper. The female driver suffered facial injuries and shock. Driver distraction was a contributing factor.
According to the police report, a 27-year-old female driver in a 2014 sedan was traveling south on 85 Street when she collided with a parked 2022 SUV. The point of impact was the sedan’s left side doors and the SUV’s right rear bumper. The driver was injured, sustaining facial injuries and experiencing shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The parked SUV was unoccupied at the time of the crash.
Gounardes Demands Safety Boosting Reckless Driver Accountability Measures▸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
Gounardes Opposes DOT Ignoring Temporary Bike Lane Law▸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
Gounardes Supports DOT Transparency on Dangerous Vehicle Program▸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
Gounardes Opposes Misleading MTA R Train Service Claims▸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
A sedan traveling south struck a parked SUV on 85 Street in Brooklyn. The sedan’s left side hit the SUV’s right rear bumper. The female driver suffered facial injuries and shock. Driver distraction was a contributing factor.
According to the police report, a 27-year-old female driver in a 2014 sedan was traveling south on 85 Street when she collided with a parked 2022 SUV. The point of impact was the sedan’s left side doors and the SUV’s right rear bumper. The driver was injured, sustaining facial injuries and experiencing shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim actions were noted. The parked SUV was unoccupied at the time of the crash.
Gounardes Demands Safety Boosting Reckless Driver Accountability Measures▸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
Gounardes Opposes DOT Ignoring Temporary Bike Lane Law▸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.
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DOT Continues to Ignore Dangers it Created on Brooklyn’s Fourth Ave,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2023-09-18
Gounardes Supports DOT Transparency on Dangerous Vehicle Program▸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.
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Council Needs Info from DOT So it Can Rescue (or Ignore) Fading ‘Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program’,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2023-09-18
Gounardes Opposes Misleading MTA R Train Service Claims▸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.
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MTA ‘Bungles’ Increased R Train Service Promise,
Streetsblog NYC,
Published 2023-09-07
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
Gounardes Opposes DOT Ignoring Temporary Bike Lane Law▸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
Gounardes Supports DOT Transparency on Dangerous Vehicle Program▸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
Gounardes Opposes Misleading MTA R Train Service Claims▸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
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
Gounardes Supports DOT Transparency on Dangerous Vehicle Program▸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
Gounardes Opposes Misleading MTA R Train Service Claims▸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
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
Gounardes Opposes Misleading MTA R Train Service Claims▸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
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