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

Mayor Adams pledged $375 million for public spaces and open streets. He promised to crack down on reckless drivers and electrify for-hire vehicles by 2030. But he skipped transit upgrades, parking reform, and deeper equity. Critics called the vision incomplete.

""The ROADS Act, as mentioned by Mayor Adams today, could save hundreds of lives each year, and would be crucial in achieving Vision Zero, once and for all. I strongly support any and all efforts to crack down on reckless drivers and to keep our streets safe for all. I look forward to partnering with Mayor Adams to achieve that goal," he said." -- Andrew Gounardes

On January 26, 2023, Mayor Adams delivered his State of the City address, outlining new transportation and public space plans. The speech promised a $375-million investment in public spaces, permanent open streets, and a push for zero-emission for-hire vehicles by 2030. Adams also highlighted bills targeting reckless drivers and announced a new Director of the Public Realm. The mayor said, 'We will require the 100,000-plus high-volume for-hire vehicles to be zero-emissions by 2030.' Council Member Andrew Gounardes praised the ROADS Act, saying it 'could save hundreds of lives each year.' But advocates like Open Plans and Betsy Plum criticized the lack of action on transit equity, parking reform, and access for low-income New Yorkers. The address left out bus lane expansion, Fair Fares growth, and city fleet reduction, drawing fire for missing bold, systemic change.

• ANALYSIS: The Mayor’s State of the City: Something For Everyone (But Not Enough), Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-01-26

A sedan struck a 38-year-old female bicyclist on 10 Avenue in Brooklyn. The cyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited driver inattention and distraction as causes. The bicyclist was not ejected and wore no safety equipment.

According to the police report, a 2023 sedan, parked and facing south, collided head-on with a westbound bicycle on 10 Avenue in Brooklyn. The bicyclist, a 38-year-old woman, sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' twice as contributing factors, indicating the sedan driver failed to maintain proper attention. The bicyclist was not ejected from her bike and wore no safety equipment. The sedan's front center end and the bike's front center end were damaged. No other driver errors or victim faults were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4600389 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A moped collided with a box truck on 65 Street in Brooklyn. The moped driver was ejected, suffering knee and lower leg injuries. Police cited improper lane usage and disregarded traffic control as causes. The driver was conscious but bruised.

According to the police report, a moped traveling west on 65 Street collided with a box truck also heading west. The moped driver, a 20-year-old male, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The moped driver was not wearing any safety equipment. The box truck was damaged on its right rear quarter panel, while the moped suffered front-end damage. The driver remained conscious despite the contusions and bruises. No other persons were reported injured.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4600268 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-01-24

Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-01-24

A sedan making a U-turn struck another sedan traveling straight on Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. The front passenger in the struck vehicle suffered a head injury and shock. Driver inattention and failure to yield caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 2022 Hyundai sedan was making a U-turn on Fort Hamilton Parkway when it collided with a 2017 Toyota sedan traveling north. The impact occurred at the left front bumper of the Hyundai and the right front quarter panel of the Toyota. The front passenger, a 65-year-old woman, was injured with a head injury and experienced shock. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists driver errors including driver inattention/distraction and failure to yield right-of-way. Alcohol involvement was also noted as a contributing factor. The injured party was a passenger, not at fault in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4600670 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Norman Fruchter, education reformer, died after a driver reversed into him at a crosswalk-less Bay Ridge intersection. The driver stayed. No charges. A vigil drew family, officials, and anger. Fruchter’s wife was killed by a reckless driver in 1997. Grief, outrage, no justice.

On January 4, 2023, Norman Fruchter was struck and killed by a reversing driver at 68th Street and Bliss Terrace in Council District 47. The intersection lacked a pedestrian crosswalk. Council Member Justin Brannan attended the vigil and tweeted, 'Confronting traffic violence also means taking personal responsibility [and] safe driving habits. It will take all of us.' The driver remained at the scene but faced no charges. Fruchter’s son Lev condemned the New York Automobile Insurance Plan for letting dangerous drivers stay insured. Community leaders, including NYC Comptroller Brad Lander and State Senator Andrew Gounardes, joined in mourning and frustration. Fruchter’s wife Rachel was also killed by a reckless driver in 1997, a tragedy that helped spark Vision Zero. Nearly three decades later, traffic laws remain weak. No systemic change. Vulnerable road users still pay the price.

• Education reform leader remembered after being killed by traffic violence, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-01-20

A 39-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and suffered a head injury on 66 Street. The rider was conscious but bruised. Alcohol involvement and driver distraction contributed. The bike showed no damage. The rider wore no safety equipment.

According to the police report, a 39-year-old male bicyclist was injured and ejected while traveling east on 66 Street. The rider sustained a head contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists alcohol involvement and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The bicyclist was the sole occupant of the bike, which showed no damage. The rider was not wearing any safety equipment. No other vehicles were involved, and the crash occurred while the bicyclist was going straight ahead.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4598767 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A 63-year-old man was struck by an eastbound e-bike near 76th Street in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was off the roadway and suffered neck injuries. The driver was inattentive, causing the collision. The victim was left in shock, complaining of pain.

According to the police report, an e-bike traveling eastbound struck a 63-year-old male pedestrian who was not in the roadway near 76th Street in Brooklyn. The pedestrian suffered neck injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain or nausea. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The point of impact was the center front end of the e-bike. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The pedestrian was injured but not ejected. The driver’s distraction led to the failure to avoid the collision with the pedestrian off the roadway.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4598457 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A 33-year-old e-bike rider hit a parked SUV on 65th Street. Blood streaked his face. He lay semiconscious under the streetlight. Flesh torn, metal bent. The street fell silent after the crash.

A 33-year-old man riding an e-bike crashed into the rear of a parked SUV near 65th Street and 14th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the rider was found semiconscious with severe facial lacerations. The e-bike’s front end was mangled from the impact. The SUV was unoccupied and parked at the time of the crash. The report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No other injuries were reported. The scene was marked by blood, torn flesh, and silence after the collision. The police report notes the rider was not wearing a helmet.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4597373 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Senate bill S 153 cracks down on bus lane violators. Owners face liability. Cameras catch drivers blocking buses. Sponsors push for stronger enforcement. Streets clear for buses, danger cut for those on foot.

Senate bill S 153, sponsored by Liz Krueger (District 28) with Andrew Gounardes (26) and Brad Hoylman-Sigal (47) as co-sponsors, is at the sponsorship stage. Introduced January 4, 2023, it 'relates to owner liability for failure of operator to comply with bus operation-related local law or regulation traffic restrictions and to the adjudication of certain parking infractions.' The bill extends a bus rapid transit demonstration program, using cameras to enforce bus lane rules. No safety analyst note was provided. The sponsors aim to hold vehicle owners accountable and keep bus lanes clear, a move that can reduce risk for pedestrians and bus riders.

• File S 153, Open States, Published 2023-01-04

Senate bill S 343 seeks a clear, public safety score for cars. The DMV would post these ratings. Lawmakers push for sunlight on danger. Pedestrians face risk. The system aims to expose it.

Senate bill S 343 was proposed on January 4, 2023. It sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Creates a pedestrian safety rating system for motor vehicles,' would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to post these ratings online. Primary sponsor Andrew Gounardes leads, joined by Leroy Comrie, Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Zellnor Myrie, Gustavo Rivera, Julia Salazar, Luis R. Sepúlveda, and Toby Ann Stavisky. The measure targets transparency. It puts the danger of cars in plain sight. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 343, Open States, Published 2023-01-04

A 36-year-old man driving an SUV backed unsafely on 65 Street in Brooklyn. The SUV struck a slowing sedan from behind. The SUV driver suffered a shoulder injury and bruising. Police cited backing unsafely and driver distraction as causes.

According to the police report, a 36-year-old male driver in a 2014 SUV backed unsafely on 65 Street in Brooklyn, colliding with a slowing sedan ahead. The SUV driver sustained an upper arm and shoulder contusion but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The sedan was slowing or stopping when struck on its right rear bumper by the SUV's left front bumper. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The SUV driver was not ejected and suffered moderate injury. The crash highlights driver errors in backing maneuvers and distraction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4594161 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

A 75-year-old woman suffered full-body abrasions after a forklift backed into her on 9 Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver failed to notice her presence, causing injury and shock. The forklift’s left rear bumper hit her outside the roadway.

According to the police report, a forklift traveling south on 9 Avenue in Brooklyn backed unsafely and struck a 75-year-old female pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The pedestrian sustained abrasions over her entire body and was in shock. The point of impact was the forklift’s center back end, damaging the left rear bumper. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with unsafe backing. The pedestrian’s location and actions did not contribute to the crash. The driver was licensed and operating a 2020 Yale forklift. No safety equipment or victim fault is mentioned.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4590080 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Drivers hide plates. Cameras miss them. Streets stay dangerous. Senator Gounardes pushes a bill to pay citizens for reporting illegal plates. Police claim action, but advocates see little change. The bill sits in committee. Ghost cars keep rolling.

State Senator Andrew Gounardes introduced a bill in 2022 to reward citizens who report illegal license plates. The bill remains in committee. The measure would give whistleblowers 25% of the ticket, up to $75. The matter targets drivers who obscure or remove plates to dodge automated enforcement. As city and state agencies rely more on cameras to catch speeders and red-light runners, more drivers hide their plates. The Department of Transportation says cameras failed to ticket over 4% of violators last fall, up from 1% in 2019. Advocates accuse police of lax enforcement and even breaking the law themselves. Gounardes’s bill, still stalled, aims to close this loophole and put power in the hands of citizens. Vulnerable road users remain at risk while enforcement lags.

• Guerilla activists fight back against NYC drivers who hide license plates to evade tolls and tickets, gothamist.com, Published 2022-12-14

Police arrested Adam White for removing plastic from a hidden plate. Charges dropped. Council Member Restler pushes Int. 501: fines for blocking lanes, rewards for civilian reporting. Politicians call for accountability. Defaced plates shield reckless drivers. Streets stay dangerous.

On December 1, 2022, Brooklyn Council Member Lincoln Restler renewed his push for Int. 501, a bill to fine drivers $175 for blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants near schools, and to reward civilians with 25% of the fine for reporting violations. The matter arose after attorney Adam White was arrested for removing plastic from an obscured license plate; charges were later dropped by Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, citing 'insufficient evidence.' The bill, discussed at a press conference, aims to crack down on license plate defacement and illegal parking, which Restler says is rampant among city workers and police. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes introduced a similar bill at the state level. Both lawmakers stress the need for public accountability and tougher enforcement to protect vulnerable road users from drivers who evade responsibility.

• Attorney Arrested for ‘Criminal Mischief’ Charge Will Sue Driver for Wrongful Arrest, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-12-01

Two SUVs collided in Brooklyn on 81st Street. The 18-year-old driver suffered a bruised elbow and lower arm injury. The crash involved left-side impact and driver distraction. Both vehicles were traveling east when the collision occurred.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on 81st Street in Brooklyn. The 18-year-old male driver of one SUV was injured, sustaining contusions and bruises to his elbow and lower arm. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The crash occurred as one vehicle was going straight ahead and the other was merging, with impact on the left side doors of one SUV and the right front bumper of the other. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4582928 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

Lawmakers and advocates rallied in Manhattan. They demanded more money for the MTA. They want six-minute bus and subway service. They warned against service cuts and fare hikes. They called for gas tax revenue to fund transit. Riders need safe, frequent service.

On November 17, 2022, state legislators and transit advocates pressed for increased MTA funding and six-minute off-peak service. The push comes ahead of the next budget cycle. Assembly Members Zohran Mamdani and Amanda Septimo, State Senator Andrew Gounardes, and Assembly Member Emily Gallagher led the call. Mamdani said, 'If we implement six-minute service, the consequences would be felt for riders across all aspects of their life.' Septimo called transit an economic and racial justice issue. Gounardes urged the governor to include MTA funding in the initial budget. Gallagher criticized the gas tax holiday, urging funds go to transit. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber warned that cuts or fare hikes would devastate working- and middle-class New Yorkers. The group demanded action to protect and improve transit for all riders.

• Legislators and Advocates Press Case For MTA Rescue And Six-Minute Service, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-17

A sedan struck an e-bike on 77 Street in Brooklyn. The e-bike rider suffered abrasions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver disregarded traffic control. The sedan showed front-end damage. The e-bike rider was not ejected.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on 77 Street in Brooklyn involving a sedan and an e-bike. The e-bike rider, a 40-year-old man, was injured with abrasions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the sedan operator. The sedan sustained damage to its center front end. The e-bike rider was wearing a helmet and was not ejected from the vehicle. No other contributing factors were specified. The crash involved the sedan traveling east and the e-bike traveling north, both going straight ahead at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4576927 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10

An 86-year-old woman crossed Bay Ridge Parkway with the signal. A sedan turned left and hit her. Blood pooled on the street. She stayed conscious, head bleeding. The driver was distracted. The car showed no damage. The street bore the mark.

An 86-year-old woman was struck while crossing Bay Ridge Parkway at 12th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, she was crossing with the signal when a sedan, making a left turn, hit her. She suffered a head injury with severe bleeding but remained conscious at the scene. The report states, 'The driver was distracted.' Contributing factors listed include 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way.' The sedan sustained no damage. The data shows the pedestrian was following the signal at the intersection. No helmet or signal use is mentioned as a factor. The crash left blood on the street, marking another day of danger for those on foot.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4575754 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-10