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

Jan 1 - A bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries after an SUV turning right struck him head-on. The crash occurred on 65th Street and Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. Driver inattention was cited as the cause, highlighting systemic dangers for cyclists.

According to the police report, at 6:00 PM on 65th Street near Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn, a 2024 SUV driven by a licensed female driver was making a right turn when it collided with a bicyclist traveling straight ahead. The point of impact was the center front end of both vehicles. The bicyclist, a 45-year-old man, sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. There is no indication that the bicyclist's behavior contributed to the collision. The SUV driver’s failure to maintain attention while turning created a hazardous situation, resulting in significant harm to the vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783157 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 1 - A white Audi struck Michael Foster on Caton Avenue. The car dragged him for blocks. The driver never stopped. Foster died in the street. The Audi vanished into the night. No arrests. The city’s danger stays.

NY Daily News reported on January 1, 2025, that Michael Foster, 64, was killed after a white Audi hit him on Caton Ave. near Flatbush Ave. in Brooklyn. The driver, described as speeding, dragged Foster for half a mile before leaving him near Linden Blvd. and Nostrand Ave. The article quotes a witness: "I saw him at the stop light. He would go out to the cars and beg for change." The driver fled the scene and has not been caught. No arrests have been made. The incident highlights the lethal risk for pedestrians in city streets and the ongoing issue of hit-and-run drivers evading responsibility.

• Audi Driver Drags Man Half Mile, NY Daily News, Published 2025-01-01

Dec 29 - A 77-year-old man suffered a fractured hip and leg after a vehicle struck him at a Brooklyn intersection. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, hitting the pedestrian squarely in the front. The victim was conscious but seriously injured.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:22 on Fort Hamilton Parkway near Bay Ridge Avenue in Brooklyn. A pedestrian, a 77-year-old male, was crossing with the signal when he was struck by a vehicle traveling northbound, going straight ahead. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle, which sustained damage in the same area. The pedestrian suffered a fractured, distorted, and dislocated injury to his hip and upper leg and was conscious at the scene. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor twice, indicating the driver did not yield to the pedestrian legally crossing the street. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were noted. The crash highlights driver error and systemic danger at this intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4782275 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 20 - A southbound SUV and westbound sedan collided on 11 Ave in Brooklyn late at night. Two vehicle occupants suffered moderate injuries, including neck whiplash and facial bruising. Driver inexperience was cited as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11 Ave near 65 St in Brooklyn at 11:20 p.m. A 2023 Ford SUV traveling south and a 2012 Toyota sedan traveling west collided, impacting the SUV's center front end and the sedan's right front bumper. The report identifies "Driver Inexperience" as a contributing factor to the collision. Two occupants were injured: the male sedan driver, age 42, sustained neck injuries described as whiplash, and a female passenger, age 37, suffered facial contusions. Both occupants were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses at the time of the crash. No pedestrian or cyclist involvement was reported. The report highlights driver error without attributing fault to the injured occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4780331 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 18 - A box truck driver distracted by inattention struck an SUV merging eastbound in Brooklyn. The SUV driver, a 52-year-old woman, suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The impact damaged the right rear quarter of the truck and left front quarter of the SUV.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:47 in Brooklyn near 923 73rd Street. A box truck traveling east struck the left front quarter panel of a station wagon/SUV merging eastbound. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the truck driver failed to maintain proper attention during the maneuver. The SUV driver, a 52-year-old female, was injured with contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot, and was conscious at the scene. She was restrained with a lap belt and harness. The truck sustained damage to its right rear quarter panel. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the SUV driver. This collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving during merging maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779815 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 18 - Metal groaned on Nostrand Avenue. Two cars trapped, one stacked atop the other. A bus driver, a woman, a girl—hurt but alive. Emergency crews worked fast. The street bore the scars. The cause stayed hidden in the wreckage.

NY Daily News reported on December 18, 2024, that a multi-vehicle crash at Nostrand Ave. and Park Ave. in Brooklyn left three people injured. The article states, 'Three people were injured, including an MTA bus driver and a young girl, in a collision that pinned two cars between a box truck and a city bus.' Footage showed two vehicles sandwiched between the bus and truck, with one car stacked atop another. The injured included a 59-year-old MTA driver, a 33-year-old woman, and a 9-year-old girl. All were hospitalized in stable condition. The cause of the crash was not determined at the time of reporting. The incident highlights the risks at busy intersections and the dangers posed by large vehicles in dense urban traffic.

• Cars Crushed Between Bus And Truck, NY Daily News, Published 2024-12-18

Dec 16 - A 47-year-old woman driving a sedan suffered head injuries and shock after a collision on 77th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, driver inattention caused the crash, striking a parked vehicle and resulting in pain and nausea.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:21 on 77th Street in Brooklyn. The injured party was a 47-year-old female driver of a 2012 Toyota sedan traveling eastbound. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the collision. The sedan impacted the left front bumper against a parked Chevrolet truck, damaging both vehicles. The driver sustained head injuries, experienced shock, and complained of pain and nausea. The report explicitly identifies driver distraction as the cause, with no mention of victim fault or contributing pedestrian or cyclist behaviors. The collision highlights the dangers of driver inattention on city streets, resulting in serious injury to a vehicle occupant.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4779232 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 5 - Council bill bars cars from blocking crosswalks. No standing or parking within 20 feet. City must install daylighting barriers at 1,000 intersections yearly. Streets clear. Sightlines open. Danger cut.

Int 1138-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced December 5, 2024. The bill states: “prohibiting standing or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.” Council Member Erik D. Bottcher leads, joined by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and over two dozen co-sponsors. The law orders the Department of Transportation to install daylighting barriers at a minimum of 1,000 intersections each year, up from 100. The city must also run outreach and education. The bill aims to keep crosswalks clear, improve visibility, and protect people on foot and bike. No more hiding behind parked cars. The committee laid the bill over on April 21, 2025.

• File Int 1138-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-12-05

Dec 3 - MTA’s congestion pricing plan splits New Yorkers. Council Member Holden calls it betrayal. Poll shows narrow support. Some see a cash grab, others hope for better transit. The $9 fee hits drivers. The city waits for the impact.

On November 18, 2024, the MTA approved congestion pricing, set to start January 5, 2025. The plan charges $9 for cars and $14.40 for trucks entering Manhattan below 60th Street. amNew York Metro polled nearly 3,000 residents: 53.8% support, 44.9% oppose. The matter, titled 'Here’s how New Yorkers really feel about congestion pricing,' reveals sharp divides. Council Member Robert F. Holden (District 30, Queens) condemned the move, calling it a 'blatant political move and a shameless betrayal of New Yorkers.' State Sen. Andrew Gounardes backed the plan, citing needed transit upgrades. The bill’s impact on vulnerable road users was not assessed. The debate centers on funding transit versus burdening drivers. The city stands at a crossroads.

• Here’s how New Yorkers really feel about congestion pricing, amny.com, Published 2024-12-03

Dec 2 - A 47-year-old woman suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sedan driver failed to yield while making a left turn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal at a Brooklyn intersection when the impact occurred, leaving her bruised but conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on 67 St in Brooklyn struck a 47-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection with Fort Hamilton Parkway around 6:15 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle, making a left turn, hit her with its left front bumper. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor, emphasizing the driver's error in not yielding to the pedestrian. The victim sustained contusions and bruises to her knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The police report does not list any contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior, focusing solely on the driver's failure to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4775730 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 27 - A driver struck three cars in Bed-Stuy. She dragged a person, hit a vehicle with a pregnant woman, then crashed into an empty car. No life-threatening injuries. Police arrested her at the scene. Charges include assault and reckless endangerment.

Gothamist reported on November 27, 2024, that a New York City Housing Authority employee was arrested after a chaotic crash in Brooklyn. According to police, the driver, Tanisha Simpson, "swiped an oncoming car," then "drove away, dragging the person several feet and hitting another car with a pregnant woman inside." She struck a third, empty car before New York City Sheriffs arrested her nearby. The pregnant woman was taken to the hospital for evaluation, but no serious injuries were reported. Simpson faces charges of reckless endangerment, assault, and leaving the scene. The incident highlights the dangers of hit-and-run behavior and the risks faced by vulnerable road users at busy intersections.

• Three-Car Brooklyn Crash Sparks Arrest, Gothamist, Published 2024-11-27

Nov 25 - Bay Ridge’s parks and promenade get $30 million for repairs and upgrades. Community Board 10 approves. New lighting, wider paths, and more green space promised. Council Member Justin Brannan funds and supports. Cyclists and pedestrians get safer, smoother routes. No timeline yet.

On November 25, 2024, City Council Member Justin Brannan and Community Board 10 announced approval and funding for major upgrades to the Bay Ridge Promenade and Leif Ericson Park. The Parks Committee and full board both voted unanimously for the $30 million overhaul, which includes $20.97 million for the Shore Road Promenade and $9.25 million for Leif Ericson Park. The project, described as 'Destination: Greenways!', will expand green space, separate bike and pedestrian lanes, add lighting, and install new amenities. Brannan, a key funder and supporter, said, 'Our local parks are the lungs of our city.' The overhaul aims to improve recreational cycling, repair pothole-ridden paths, and increase accessibility. Board members raised concerns about safety and sanitation, which the Parks Department pledged to address in final designs. No construction timeline has been set.

• Bay Ridge community board greenlights $30M facelift for Shore Road Promenade, Leif Ericson Park, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2024-11-25

Nov 13 - A 23-year-old man suffered abrasions and arm injuries after a sedan made a left turn and struck him at an intersection. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing the collision despite the pedestrian crossing with the signal.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 65 Street and 11 Avenue in Brooklyn around 1:30 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2018 Hyundai sedan, traveling southeast and making a left turn, struck him with the vehicle's center front end. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the driver. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but remained conscious. The sedan showed no damage, indicating the impact was likely at low speed. The driver’s failure to yield right-of-way at the intersection directly caused the pedestrian’s injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4771151 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 8 - Governor Hochul cuts the congestion toll to $9. The move aims to beat a Trump block. Experts warn the lower fee will not cut traffic like the original $15 plan. Urgency grows as the MTA stalls projects. Vulnerable road users wait for relief.

""It’s more important than ever that we start congestion pricing immediately, before Trump can block it,"" -- Andrew Gounardes

On November 8, 2024, State Senator Andrew Gounardes responded to Governor Hochul’s revised congestion pricing plan. The new proposal drops the peak toll from $15 to $9. The plan’s status is pending, with urgency to implement before a new presidential administration. Gounardes stressed, “It’s more important than ever that we start congestion pricing immediately, before Trump can block it.” The bill aims to fund the MTA’s 2020-2024 capital plan, but economist Charles Komanoff warns, “You don’t get the immediate traffic speed gain that a $15 toll would give.” The measure is meant to reduce traffic and improve transit, but the lower toll means less impact. The MTA has already paused $16 billion in work. The focus is on starting the program, but advocates note the diluted toll will not deliver the same safety and quality-of-life gains for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Analysis: Hochul's $9 Congestion Toll May Stave Off Trump, But Won't Reduce Traffic as Much, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-11-08

Nov 8 - Governor Hochul slashes NYC’s congestion toll to $9. The move aims to beat a federal block but guts traffic reduction. Streets will see less relief. The plan leaves vulnerable road users exposed. The city trades speed and safety for political timing.

""It s more important than ever that we start congestion pricing immediately, before Trump can block it," said state Senator Andrew Gounardes (D-Brooklyn). "The time to commit to better public transit, less traffic and cleaner air is now."" -- Andrew Gounardes

On November 8, 2024, Governor Hochul proposed lowering New York City’s congestion pricing toll from $15 to $9. The plan, a policy proposal to adjust congestion pricing, comes as officials rush to implement it before a new presidential administration can intervene. The original $15 toll, crafted by the Traffic Mobility Review Board and approved by the MTA Board, promised strong traffic reduction and included credits and caps. The $9 version, previously reviewed in environmental assessments, may lack those protections. Economist Charles Komanoff warns, 'You lose other benefits. Most noticeably, you don’t get the immediate traffic speed gain that a $15 toll would give.' State Senator Andrew Gounardes urges swift action, saying, 'The time to commit to better public transit, less traffic and cleaner air is now.' The lower toll is projected to improve traffic speeds by only 6.4 percent, far less than the 17 percent expected from the original plan. With less traffic reduction, streets remain dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Analysis: Hochul’s $9 Congestion Toll May Stave Off Trump, But Won’t Reduce Traffic as Much, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-11-08

Nov 7 - An e-scooter rider suffered upper arm injuries after colliding with a sedan traveling east on 65th Street in Brooklyn. The scooter struck the sedan’s right rear bumper. The rider remained conscious but bruised, highlighting risks in mixed traffic flows.

According to the police report, at 9:16 AM on 65th Street in Brooklyn, an e-scooter traveling east collided with a sedan also moving east. The point of impact was the sedan’s right rear bumper and the e-scooter’s center front end. The e-scooter driver, a 47-year-old man, was injured with contusions and upper arm trauma but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists the contributing factor as "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion," indicating confusion or error on the part of the e-scooter rider. The sedan driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead, with no cited driver errors. No victim behaviors such as helmet use or crossing signals were noted as contributing factors. The collision underscores the dangers faced by vulnerable road users in shared traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4769874 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 21 - A bus struck an e-scooter from behind on 8 Avenue in Brooklyn. The e-scooter driver, a 50-year-old man, suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee and lower leg. The crash exposed driver distraction as a deadly hazard on city streets.

According to the police report, the collision occurred at 19:20 on 8 Avenue in Brooklyn when a southbound bus rear-ended a southbound e-scooter. The e-scooter driver, a 50-year-old male, was injured with abrasions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, implicating the bus driver in failing to maintain attention. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead, and the bus impacted the left rear bumper of the e-scooter. The e-scooter driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. This crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in interactions with vulnerable road users like e-scooter riders.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4765468 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 17 - A 21-year-old woman suffered back injuries and shock after a sedan struck her at a Brooklyn intersection. The driver, making a right turn, failed to pay attention. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 65 Street and 10 Avenue in Brooklyn at 16:48. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a northbound sedan, making a right turn, struck her with its center front end. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The pedestrian sustained a back injury and contusions, experiencing shock at the scene. The vehicle showed no damage, indicating a low-speed impact. The driver was licensed and operating a 2002 Nissan sedan. The report does not list any pedestrian errors or helmet use as contributing factors, focusing solely on the driver's failure to maintain attention while turning.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4764262 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 14 - A 54-year-old woman crossing with the signal was struck by a sedan backing unsafely in Brooklyn. The driver, unlicensed and traveling east, caused knee and lower leg injuries. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 70 Street near Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn at 14:18. A 54-year-old female pedestrian was crossing with the signal when she was hit by a sedan backing unsafely. The driver, a male with an unlicensed Virginia license, was traveling east and backing the vehicle at the time of impact. The report lists 'Backing Unsafely' as the primary contributing factor. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises, and was conscious after the collision. The vehicle, a 2019 Lexus sedan, showed no damage despite the impact. The driver’s unlicensed status and unsafe backing maneuvers directly contributed to the crash, highlighting systemic dangers posed by driver errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4763440 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 26 - A 3-year-old boy suffered a head contusion after being struck while playing in the roadway on 72 Street near Fort Hamilton Parkway. The sedan involved showed no damage, and no driver errors were cited in the police report.

According to the police report, a 3-year-old male pedestrian was injured with a head contusion while playing in the roadway on 72 Street near Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. The child was conscious at the scene and sustained a bruise to the head. The vehicle involved was a 2023 Chevrolet sedan traveling westbound, with one licensed male driver going straight ahead. The report notes no damage to the vehicle and no point of impact damage, indicating a low-impact collision. No contributing driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were cited. The pedestrian's contributing factors were listed as unspecified. The report focuses on the pedestrian playing in the roadway but does not assign fault or blame to the child.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4759025 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19