Kensington Bleeds: Four Dead, Hundreds Hurt, Leaders Stall

Council backs scramble crosswalks at schools. Cars stop. Kids cross in all directions. Fewer deadly conflicts. Bill aims to shield students at arrival and dismissal. Action now sits in committee.

Resolution 0060-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, urges Albany to pass A.5001-A/S.2515-B. The measure, introduced February 28, 2024, calls for scramble crosswalks at school entrances during arrival and dismissal. The resolution states: 'establishing scramble crosswalks leading to and from school buildings.' Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary sponsor) and Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (co-sponsor) lead the push. Scramble crosswalks halt all vehicles, letting pedestrians cross in every direction. This design cuts car-pedestrian conflicts, especially for children. The council's action follows years of crashes near schools and a drop in crossing guards. The bill aims to protect the city's most vulnerable road users—its students.

• File Res 0060-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council bill targets killer corners. City must pick crash hotspots and block parking near crosswalks. Five intersections per borough each year. More space. More sight. Less blood on the street.

Int 0285-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced February 28, 2024, by Council Members Shahana K. Hanif (primary), Julie Menin, and Crystal Hudson. The bill orders the city to find intersections with the most pedestrian crashes and install curb extensions—no parking within 15 feet of crosswalks—at five sites per borough, every year. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law...requiring curb extensions at certain dangerous intersections.' Curb extensions force cars back, clear sight lines, and keep walkers in view. The sponsors push city agencies to act, not wait. The bill demands oversight and speed.

• File Int 0285-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Council calls for five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The move aims to slow cars where people walk, bike, and gather. Resolution adopted. Streets may breathe easier. Danger may shrink.

Resolution 0079-2024, adopted June 6, 2024 by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, urges Albany to let New York City set a five mile per hour speed limit on Open Streets. The matter title reads: 'authorize New York City to set a five mile per hour speed limit on streets participating in the Open Streets program.' Council Member Shahana K. Hanif led as primary sponsor, joined by Amanda Farías, Crystal Hudson, Julie Won, and Carlina Rivera. The Council's action follows rising traffic deaths and growing use of Open Streets. The bill targets streets where people walk, bike, and gather, aiming to cut speed and risk for all vulnerable users.

• File Res 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

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

A sedan turning left struck a 59-year-old man crossing with the signal on Cortelyou Road. The car hit him head-on. He suffered arm abrasions. The street became a danger zone in seconds.

According to the police report, a 59-year-old male pedestrian was crossing Cortelyou Road with the signal when a southbound 2021 Jeep sedan, making a left turn from East 2 Street, struck him with its center front end. The man suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors, but the crash happened during a left turn, a moment of high risk for pedestrians. The pedestrian was conscious and not ejected. No other causes or safety equipment were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703866 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2024-02-13

An SUV making a right turn collided with an eastbound e-bike on Avenue F in Brooklyn. The e-bike rider suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Police cite driver inattention as the primary cause of the crash, highlighting systemic dangers at intersections.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 13:04 on Avenue F in Brooklyn when a station wagon/SUV was making a right turn and struck an eastbound e-bike on its right side doors. The e-bike rider, a 33-year-old male, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious and was not ejected. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling southeast. The report explicitly lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor, indicating the SUV driver failed to properly observe the e-bike. No victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The collision impact on the e-bike's right side doors and the SUV's center front end underscores the dangers posed by turning vehicles to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4701535 - 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

Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

A distracted driver struck multiple parked SUVs on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn. The driver, a 42-year-old woman, was injured and trapped in her vehicle. The crash caused significant damage to the front and rear panels of several parked vehicles.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3:47 AM on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn. A 42-year-old female driver, traveling southbound in a 2022 Nissan SUV, collided with several parked vehicles, including a 2023 Tesla SUV, a 2018 Toyota SUV, and a 2012 Volkswagen sedan. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash. The driver was injured and trapped inside her vehicle, wearing a lap belt at the time. Damage was recorded on the right front bumper of the moving vehicle and on the left rear quarter panel, center back end, and right rear quarter panels of the parked vehicles. No other occupants or pedestrians were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700029 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-01-30

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

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 15-year-old girl was injured crossing Caton Avenue with the signal when a westbound sedan made a left turn and struck her. The impact caused abrasions and lower leg injuries. The driver showed no vehicle damage, indicating a low-speed collision.

According to the police report, a 15-year-old female pedestrian was crossing Caton Avenue at an intersection with the pedestrian signal when she was struck by a westbound Ford sedan making a left turn. The point of impact was the vehicle's left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity classified as moderate (3). The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally, with no reported vehicle damage. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not cite any pedestrian errors. The collision highlights the dangers posed by turning vehicles to pedestrians legally crossing intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695595 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans slammed together on Mc Donald Avenue. A woman in the back seat took a blow to the head and suffered whiplash. Both cars’ front bumpers crumpled. No driver errors listed. Streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Mc Donald Avenue at 12:46 in Brooklyn. Both drivers were going straight when their cars struck head-on, damaging the front bumpers. A 40-year-old female passenger in the right rear seat was injured, suffering head trauma and whiplash. She was conscious, not ejected, and secured with a lap belt and harness. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for her injury but does not cite any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695540 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A licensed male driver in a Nissan SUV struck the rear of a parked box truck on Avenue C in Brooklyn. The SUV sustained front-end damage. The driver was injured and incoherent but not ejected. Police cited unspecified driver errors.

According to the police report, a 64-year-old male driver operating a 2015 Nissan SUV was traveling southwest on Avenue C in Brooklyn at 10:20 AM when he collided with the center back end of a parked 2014 Ford box truck. The SUV's right front bumper was damaged. The driver was injured, described as incoherent, and wore a lap belt and harness. The report lists two unspecified contributing factors attributed to the driver but does not specify pedestrian or cyclist involvement. No ejection occurred, and no visible complaints were noted. The collision highlights driver error in failing to avoid a stationary vehicle, underscoring systemic risks posed by inattentive or impaired driving in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4695256 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans smashed at Avenue C and Mc Donald Avenue. One driver took a head blow and shock. Police cite traffic control disregard and alcohol. Metal twisted. Pain followed.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at Avenue C and Mc Donald Avenue in Brooklyn. A 33-year-old male driver suffered a head injury and shock. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Alcohol Involvement' as contributing factors. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead before the crash. The impact struck the center front end and left front bumper. The injured driver wore a lap belt and harness. He complained of pain and nausea after the collision. Both cars took heavy front-end damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4689091 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A box truck made a left turn on Beverley Road in Brooklyn. It struck a 39-year-old man crossing with the signal. The pedestrian suffered upper arm and shoulder contusions. The truck showed no damage. The victim remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a box truck traveling east on Beverley Road in Brooklyn made a left turn and struck a pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection near Coney Island Avenue. The pedestrian, a 39-year-old man, sustained upper arm and shoulder contusions and was conscious after the crash. The report lists no specific driver contributing factors, but the collision occurred during the truck's left turn. The vehicle showed no damage. The pedestrian was not at fault and was following the traffic signal when struck.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4685944 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

An e-bike rider collided with a bus in Brooklyn’s East 2 Street area. The rider suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The bus showed no damage. The rider was conscious and not ejected. Both vehicles traveled south at impact.

According to the police report, a 25-year-old male e-bike driver was injured after colliding with a bus in Brooklyn near East 2 Street. The rider sustained contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious and was not ejected. The bus, a 2013 Ford truck/bus, showed no damage. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead southbound at the time of impact. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the e-bike and the right rear quarter panel of the bus. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any driver errors or helmet use. The e-bike rider was not wearing safety equipment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4677902 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan plowed into a stopped van on Prospect Expressway. Three men suffered neck injuries. Police cite driver distraction and drowsiness. All remained conscious. Metal twisted. Whiplash followed.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Prospect Expressway rear-ended a stopped Chevrolet van. The sedan's right front bumper struck the van's left rear. Three men inside the sedan, including the driver and two passengers, suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police list driver inattention, distraction, and fatigue as contributing factors. All injured remained conscious and were not ejected. The van's driver was not cited for any errors. The crash underscores the danger of distraction and drowsiness behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4676247 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04