No One Is Safe Until Streets Change

Feb 28 - Council bill targets private car permits. Only elected officials, disabled drivers, and union contracts keep parking perks. Streets may clear. Danger shifts. Committee weighs next step.

Int 0411-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after its February 28, 2024 introduction. The bill, sponsored by Julie Won, Lincoln Restler, Gale Brewer, Christopher Marte, Erik Bottcher, Alexa Avilés, and the Brooklyn Borough President, aims to 'prohibit any city agency from issuing parking permits to private vehicles that do not have an elected official license plate, and would provide for the revocation of such parking permits.' Exemptions remain for people with disabilities and collective bargaining agreements. The bill seeks to cut back on private car privileges, a move that could reshape curb space and city streets.

• File Int 0411-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council urges Albany to pass SAFE Streets Act. Lower speed limits. Rights for crash victims. Safe passing for cyclists. Complete streets. City demands action as deaths rise. Streets remain deadly. Lawmakers must act.

Resolution 0090-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, it calls on the state to pass S.2422 ('Sammy’s Law') and A.1901, part of the SAFE Streets Act. The matter title: 'Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.2422... allowing New York city to establish a lower speed limit, and A.1901, enacting a crash victims bill of rights.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif leads, joined by Gutiérrez, Hudson, Nurse, and others. The resolution demands lower speed limits, crash victim rights, safe passing for cyclists, and complete street design. It cites rising traffic deaths and the failure of current measures. The Council wants Albany to give the city real power to protect people on its streets.

• File Res 0090-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council passed a law forcing taxis and for-hire cars to post bold warnings on doors. The signs tell passengers: look for cyclists before you open up. A small step. The city hands out the decals. No cost to drivers.

Int 0193-2024 became law on May 31, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' was sponsored by Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by over twenty council members, including Gutiérrez, Hudson, and Rivera. The law mandates clear warning decals on all rear passenger doors of taxis and for-hire vehicles. The Taxi and Limousine Commission will provide the signs at no cost. The measure aims to cut down on 'dooring'—a threat to cyclists citywide. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it became law.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 28 - Council bill pushes DOT to let schools, centers, and institutions use streets outside their doors. More people, less traffic. Streets shift from cars to community. Still in committee.

Int 0450-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 28, 2024. The bill orders DOT to create a program letting community centers, schools, arts, and religious institutions use adjacent outdoor spaces. The matter title reads: 'requiring the department of transportation to establish a program to allow community centers, schools, arts and cultural institutions and religious institutions to use adjacent outdoor spaces.' Council Member Shekar Krishnan leads, joined by Stevens, Restler, Won, and others. The bill has not yet passed. If enacted, it could reclaim space from cars, giving it to people. No formal safety analysis yet, but the measure could mean safer, more vibrant streets for all.

• File Int 0450-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 18 - A 66-year-old woman suffered a hip and upper leg injury while crossing 8 Avenue at 54 Street in Brooklyn. She was conscious and bruised. The police report notes no driver errors or contributing factors from the pedestrian. The crash remains unclear.

According to the police report, a 66-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 8 Avenue and 54 Street in Brooklyn at 11:20. She was crossing with the signal when struck, sustaining a contusion and injuries to her hip and upper leg. The report lists no contributing factors from the driver or the pedestrian. The vehicle involved is unspecified, and no driver errors such as failure to yield or reckless driving are cited. The pedestrian was conscious at the time of the report. The lack of detailed vehicle or driver information and absence of contributing factors in the data highlight systemic dangers at this intersection but do not assign fault to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4704339 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 13 - Two SUVs collided on 50th Street in Brooklyn. One driver struck from behind, hurt his back, suffered shock. Pavement was slick. The crash left both vehicles damaged, the injured man shaken.

According to the police report, two SUVs were traveling east on 50th Street in Brooklyn when one rear-ended the other, which was stopped in traffic. The pavement was slippery. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors. The driver of the struck SUV, a 46-year-old man, suffered back pain and shock. He was not ejected and wore a lap belt. No other driver errors are listed. Both vehicles were damaged at the center front and back ends. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4702311 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 8 - Council bill targets cars blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, and hydrants near schools. Civilian complaints trigger fines. Streets clear, danger cut. Council moves to protect the vulnerable.

Int 0080-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 8, 2024, the bill creates a $175 penalty for vehicles blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, or hydrants within 2,640 feet of schools. The Department of Transportation must set up a civilian reporting program. If a civilian complaint leads to a fine, the complainant gets 25 percent of proceeds. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to hazardous obstruction by vehicles and civilian complaints.' Council Member Carlina Rivera leads, joined by Restler, Ayala, Joseph, Menin, and others. The bill aims to keep paths clear for those most at risk.

• File Int 0080-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Feb 5 - A 83-year-old woman suffered full-body contusions and shock as a station wagon SUV made a right turn and struck a parked vehicle in Brooklyn. The crash caused center front end damage and injured the rear right passenger without ejection.

According to the police report, the crash occurred in Brooklyn at 13:29 when a 2005 Mazda SUV was making a right turn traveling west. The vehicle impacted the left front bumper against a parked BMW SUV. The driver’s inattention and distraction were cited as contributing factors. An 83-year-old female occupant seated in the right rear passenger position sustained injuries described as contusions and bruises to the entire body and was in shock. She was not ejected from the vehicle. The collision caused center front end damage to the Mazda SUV and left front quarter panel damage to the parked BMW. The report explicitly attributes the crash to driver inattention and distraction, highlighting systemic risk from driver errors without implicating the injured passenger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700465 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 28 - A 39-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck and injured by a sedan in Brooklyn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing the collision. The pedestrian suffered shock and unknown injuries at the intersection of 52 Street and 8 Avenue.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on 52 Street in Brooklyn struck a 39-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing with the signal at the intersection with 8 Avenue. The pedestrian was injured and experienced shock, with injury severity rated as 3 and bodily injury unknown. The report explicitly cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the driver. The driver was licensed and operating a 2011 Acura sedan. No vehicle damage was recorded, indicating the impact may have been low-speed but sufficient to cause injury. The pedestrian’s crossing with the signal was noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The collision highlights driver error in yielding to pedestrians at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699630 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

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

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

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

Jan 17 - Seven Brooklyn officials urge DOT to clear cars from corners. They want boulders, planters, and bike corrals—not just paint. Their call follows deadly crashes. They press the city to use state law and federal funds. DOT promises review. Advocates back the push.

On January 17, 2024, seven Brooklyn elected officials—including Council Member Shahana Hanif, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Members Marcela Mitaynes, Jo Anne Simon, Robert Carroll, and State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Andrew Gounardes—issued a joint letter to the NYC Department of Transportation. They called for 'universal daylighting with hardened materials such as boulders, planters, and bike corrals' at intersections. The officials cited recent fatal crashes and urged the city to opt into a state law banning parking within 20 feet of corners. They want federal funds used for these changes. The group opposes DOT’s slow pace and reliance on paint, demanding physical barriers. Community board leaders and advocates support the move. DOT says it will review the letter and remains committed to evidence-based daylighting.

• Seven Brooklyn Electeds Join Growing Calls For Universal Daylighting, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-01-17

Dec 29 - A 22-year-old woman was injured when an SUV struck her while she crossed with the signal. The driver failed to yield and was distracted. She suffered a hip injury and was left in shock.

According to the police report, a 22-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing 8 Avenue with the signal. The driver of a 2006 SUV was making a left turn when he struck her. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained an upper leg injury and was in shock following the incident. No damage was reported to the vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691262 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 14 - A 5-year-old boy was struck while crossing 45 Street at 10 Avenue in Brooklyn. He suffered a fractured and dislocated lower leg. The child was conscious but seriously hurt. No driver errors or contributing factors were reported.

According to the police report, a 5-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 45 Street and 10 Avenue in Brooklyn. The child was crossing with the signal when he sustained a fracture and dislocation to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene and suffered serious lower limb injuries. The vehicle involved was unspecified, and no details about the driver or vehicle condition were provided.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687482 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 29 - Red Hook chokes on truck fumes. Lawmakers move. The Clean Deliveries Act aims to cut emissions from sprawling e-commerce warehouses. Kristen Gonzalez and others demand action. Diesel trucks crowd narrow streets. Pollution and danger rise. Residents pay the price.

Bill: Clean Deliveries Act. Announced November 29, 2023. Status: Proposed. Committee: Not specified. Lawmakers, including State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez (District 59), call for strict regulation of emissions from last-mile e-commerce warehouses. The bill would require environmental reviews for warehouses over 50,000 square feet, mandate plans to cut air pollution, and push for zero-emission delivery vehicles. Gonzalez said, 'The unchecked growth of large warehouses in neighborhoods across NYC has worsened air quality, noise pollution, and traffic safety for everyday New Yorkers.' Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes, a co-sponsor, highlighted the link between warehouse traffic, pollution, and traffic violence. The Red Hook Business Alliance and community advocates back the bill, citing heavy truck traffic, poor air, and threats to safety in working-class neighborhoods. The legislation aims to hold warehouse operators accountable and protect residents from the mounting toll of delivery-driven pollution and danger.

• Lawmakers say influx of e-commerce warehouses has spiked greenhouse gas emissions in Red Hook, urge regulation, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-11-29

Nov 23 - An e-bike driver struck from behind on 9 Avenue in Brooklyn suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The impact hit the center back end of the bike. The driver remained conscious but bruised. Police cited driver inattention as a factor.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old male e-bike driver traveling west on 9 Avenue was hit from behind. The collision impacted the center back end of the e-bike, causing contusions and injuries to the driver's knee, lower leg, and foot. The driver was not ejected and remained conscious after the crash. Police identified 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The e-bike driver was the sole occupant and was not using any safety equipment at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4682000 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 13 - A sedan traveling north struck a parked sedan on 43rd Street in Brooklyn. The driver of the moving vehicle suffered a head injury and shock. Police cited driver fatigue as the cause. The parked car sustained right-side damage.

According to the police report, a 44-year-old male driver traveling north on 43rd Street collided with a parked sedan. The moving vehicle hit the parked car on its right side doors, causing damage to both vehicles. The driver was injured, suffering a head injury and shock, and was wearing a lap belt at the time. The report lists the contributing factor as "Fell Asleep," indicating driver fatigue led to the crash. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The parked vehicle had no occupants at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4670392 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 12 - A 73-year-old man on an e-bike crashed near 9th Avenue. He was thrown from the bike and suffered a head abrasion. No other vehicles or people were involved. The man was unlicensed and wore no safety gear.

According to the police report, a 73-year-old man riding an e-bike was partially ejected and injured near 4819 9 Avenue in Brooklyn. He suffered a head abrasion and remained conscious after the crash. The report states the driver was unlicensed, which is a key contributing factor. The e-bike showed damage to the left front bumper. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The man wore no safety equipment. The crash highlights the risks faced by vulnerable road users on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4670230 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 4 - A female e-scooter driver suffered head injuries after an SUV made a left turn and struck her on 8 Avenue in Brooklyn. The scooter hit the SUV’s right rear quarter panel. The rider was conscious and bruised but not ejected.

According to the police report, a 31-year-old female e-scooter driver traveling south on 8 Avenue was struck by a westbound SUV making a left turn. The point of impact was the SUV’s right rear quarter panel and the scooter’s center front end. The rider sustained head contusions and bruises but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists contributing factors as "Other Vehicular" and "Unsafe Speed" for the e-scooter driver. The SUV driver was licensed and the scooter driver held a permit. No helmet or signaling factors were noted. The collision caused damage to both vehicles’ front and rear ends.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4667730 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 6 - Advocates pressed DOT to ban all parking at T intersections. They called the current proposal weak. Parked cars block sightlines. Pedestrians, disabled people, and children pay the price. Speakers demanded daylighting at every intersection. DOT offered no timeline. The danger remains.

On September 6, 2023, advocates confronted the Department of Transportation (DOT) at a rules hearing over a city proposal to ban parking at curb cuts in T-shaped intersections. The proposal aims to close a 2009 loophole that lets drivers park in crosswalks at three-way junctions if unmarked or lacking signals. The matter summary reads: 'A city proposal to ban parking at curbs cuts in "T" intersections must go further by banning all parking at the edges of such intersections, advocates demanded.' Christine Serdjenian Yearwood, Jean Ryan, Rosamond Gianutsos, and Jackson Chabot spoke out, demanding a total ban and daylighting at all intersections. Advocates argue that parking at T intersections blocks visibility and endangers pedestrians, especially the disabled and children. DOT supports the rule change but gave no timeline. The city still overrides state law requiring 20 feet of clear space at crosswalks. The fight for safety continues.

• Advocates to DOT: End All Parking at T-Shaped Intersections, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-09-06

Aug 24 - A 50-year-old man was hit by a sedan while crossing outside a crosswalk in Brooklyn. The vehicle struck him head-on, causing bruises and injuries to his lower leg and foot. The pedestrian remained conscious after the impact.

According to the police report, a 50-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2017 Chevrolet sedan traveling east struck him with its center front end. The pedestrian was crossing the street outside a crosswalk or signal. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The pedestrian suffered contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the crash. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The crash occurred near 4802 10 Avenue in Brooklyn, zip code 11219.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4656831 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19