No One Is Safe Until Streets Change

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

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 2025-08-04

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

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 2025-08-04

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 2025-08-04

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

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

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

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

A 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 2025-08-04

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 2025-08-04

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

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 2025-08-04

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 2025-08-04

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

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 2025-08-04

A sedan turning right struck a bicyclist going straight on 9 Avenue. The cyclist was ejected, suffering a head injury and concussion. The crash damaged the left side of the bike and right front quarter panel of the sedan. No driver errors listed.

According to the police report, a sedan making a right turn collided with a bicyclist traveling straight west on 9 Avenue in Brooklyn. The bicyclist, a 55-year-old man, was ejected from his bike and sustained a head injury resulting in a concussion. The bike was damaged on its left side doors, and the sedan's right front quarter panel was impacted. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or distraction. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The cyclist remained conscious after the crash but suffered serious injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4655378 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

DOT moves to end a rule letting drivers park in unmarked crosswalks at T-intersections. Cars block ramps, endanger walkers, and hide danger. Advocates cheer. The city will hold a hearing. The change restores sight lines and puts people before parking.

On July 27, 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOT) proposed a rule change to close a 2009 loophole that allowed drivers to park in unmarked crosswalks at T-intersections. The proposal, not yet finalized, will be discussed at a virtual hearing in early September. The matter summary states: 'The city wants to reverse a 2009 policy that allows drivers to park in unmarked crosswalks at T-intersections, undoing a decade-and-a-half giveaway to drivers that blocked pedestrian access and made streets less safe.' Former Council Member Vincent Gentile pushed for the original exemption, arguing it would create parking and increase safety. DOT spokesperson Mona Bruno said, 'This proposed change will enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians.' Disability and street safety advocates, including Jean Ryan, praised the move, saying the loophole blocked access for people with disabilities and endangered all pedestrians. The change will restore visibility at intersections, known as daylighting, and aligns city rules with state law requiring clear sight lines at crosswalks.

• City To Close Loophole That Allows Drivers to Park in Certain Crosswalks, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-07-27

Brooklyn officials demand equal tolls on all Manhattan crossings. They warn free bridges funnel traffic into certain neighborhoods. Their letter calls for fairness. The MTA stays silent. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide. Streets hang in the balance.

On July 18, 2023, Council Member Shahana Hanif and other Brooklyn officials called for 'equalized tolling on all crossings into Manhattan' as congestion pricing nears. Their letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board states: 'No one community should disproportionately bear the burden of the cars and trucks passing through their neighborhood.' Hanif, along with Lincoln Restler, Alexa Avilés, Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Crystal Hudson, joined borough, state, and federal colleagues in this push. They propose a credit system to balance costs between DOT bridges and MTA tunnels, aiming to protect neighborhoods like the Brooklyn waterfront and the BQE corridor from traffic surges. The MTA declined comment. The Board will soon set final toll rates and rules. The federal government has approved the congestion pricing plan, with tolls for cars expected between $9 and $23. Over 100 exemption requests, including from taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers, are under review.

• Pols call for ‘equalized tolling’ on all crossings into Manhattan under congestion pricing on eve of board deliberations, amny.com, Published 2023-07-18

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06

Albany gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers pass A 7043. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program runs until 2028. Streets near schools face new watchful eyes.

Bill A 7043, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Albany,' moved forward after committee votes in June 2023. The Assembly passed it on June 6, the Senate on June 8. Patricia Fahy sponsored the bill. The measure allows speed cameras in school zones, aiming to catch drivers who speed near children. The program ends December 31, 2028. Many lawmakers voted yes, some no. The bill targets driver behavior in Albany school zones, putting enforcement where kids walk and cross.

• File A 7043, Open States, Published 2023-06-06