Kensington Bleeds: Four Dead, Hundreds Hurt, Leaders Stall

Assembly Member Carroll stands firm for congestion pricing. He wants fewer cars, cleaner air, and faster buses. He rejects broad carve-outs. Only yellow cabs get a break. Uber and Lyft must pay. He demands urgency. Streets must change. Lives depend on it.

On September 27, 2022, Assembly Member Robert Carroll made a public statement supporting congestion pricing in New York City. The matter, titled 'I’m Willing to Take the Heat to Support Congestion Pricing,' was reported by Streetsblog NYC. Carroll opposes broad exemptions, saying, 'Simplicity is key and exemptions should be limited.' He supports only yellow cab drivers for additional exemptions, citing their medallion fees and capped numbers. Carroll insists Uber and Lyft drivers pay every time they enter the zone, regardless of fare. He also backs time-based charges for taxis, for-hire vehicles, and trucks, especially in busy corridors. Carroll acknowledges the financial burden but argues the cost of congestion is greater. He urges swift action, naming London, Milan, Stockholm, and Singapore as models. No safety analyst note was provided.

• AM Carroll: ‘I’m Willing to Take the Heat’ to Support Congestion Pricing, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-27

Lawmakers push for e-bike rebates. Senate passes, Assembly stalls. Salazar and Carroll lead. Up to $1,100 for buyers. Critics call it a luxury. Carroll disagrees. Program aims for working-class riders. Cars keep killing. E-bikes offer a way out.

""I think there’s a misconception that this bill is maybe purely for folks who have disposable income. They don’t realize that this is not a luxury item."" -- Robert Carroll

Senate Bill 'Ride Clean' proposes up to $1,100 rebates for e-bike purchases, covering half the cost. The bill passed the Senate but stalled in the Assembly as of August 30, 2022. The measure, led by State Senator Julia Salazar and Assembly Member Robert Carroll, aims to make e-bikes accessible to working-class New Yorkers. Salazar says, 'With the Ride Clean rebate, [e-bikes] really would be much more accessible to working New Yorkers.' Carroll pushes back on critics who call e-bikes a luxury, stating, 'They don’t realize that this is not a luxury item.' The program would use NYSERDA funds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, mirroring the Drive Clean program for electric cars. Advocates cite European and U.S. models. The bill’s fate now rests with the Assembly.

• NY Lawmakers Want To Bring E-Bikes To The People, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-30

Senator Julia Salazar’s Ride Clean bill passed the New York Senate 60-3. It offers up to $1,100 for e-bike purchases. The bill aims to cut car use and emissions. It stalled in the Assembly. Lawmakers say it makes e-bikes accessible for working New Yorkers.

Senate Bill S7703, known as the Ride Clean rebate, passed the New York State Senate on June 2022 by a 60-3 vote. The bill sits stalled in the Assembly committee since January. The measure, sponsored by Senator Julia Salazar, would require NYSERDA to cover half the cost of e-bike purchases, up to $1,100. Salazar said, 'When the federal government falls short, it really does fall on the state to step up and take responsibility.' Assembly sponsor Robert Carroll added, 'This is not a luxury item.' The bill’s summary states it aims to make e-bikes accessible and reduce car dependence. If enacted, New York would join a handful of states offering direct e-bike subsidies, targeting emissions and car use in daily trips.

• NY Lawmakers Want To Bring E-Bikes To The People, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-08-30

Lawmakers spar over who gets a break from congestion pricing. Some want tight limits. Others push for taxi exemptions and tunnel credits. Advocates warn: too many carve-outs gut the plan. The final call lands with the Traffic Mobility Review Board.

On August 26, 2022, New York officials debated congestion pricing exemptions as the policy neared implementation. The discussion, covered by Streetsblog NYC, highlighted shifting positions. State Senator Leroy Comrie, once opposed to exemptions, now listens to public input. Assembly Member Robert Carroll said, "I think that there should be limited exemptions." State Senator Andrew Gounardes added, "Obviously we want them to be as limited as possible." Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine backed toll credits for tunnel users and taxi exemptions. Taxi and for-hire drivers lobbied for relief, citing existing surcharges. Advocacy groups warned against broad carve-outs. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide on further exemptions after federal review. No direct safety impact for vulnerable road users was assessed.

• Everyone’s Suddenly Open To Some Congestion Pricing Exemptions, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-26

Council and state leaders spar over who gets a break from congestion pricing. Some want carve-outs. Others warn exemptions gut the plan. Vulnerable road users wait as drivers fight for special treatment. The final call lands with the Traffic Mobility Review Board.

On August 26, 2022, the council held a public debate on congestion pricing exemptions. The matter, titled 'Everyone’s Suddenly Open To Some Congestion Pricing Exemptions,' drew sharp lines. State Senator Leroy Comrie, once a hardliner against exemptions, now listens to public input. Assembly Member Robert Carroll backs limited carve-outs, saying, 'I think that there should be limited exemptions.' State Senator Andrew Gounardes stresses, 'Obviously we want them to be as limited as possible.' Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine pushes for toll credits and taxi exemptions. Advocacy groups warn against broad carve-outs. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide after federal review. The debate centers on who pays and who gets a pass, while the safety of people outside cars hangs in the balance.

• Everyone’s Suddenly Open To Some Congestion Pricing Exemptions, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-08-26

Nearly a thousand people signed up to speak at MTA’s congestion pricing hearings. The plan targets Manhattan below 61st Street. Supporters want fewer exemptions. Critics fear more truck traffic. Lawmakers push for swift action. Streets and air hang in the balance.

"It needs to be implemented now, we passed this bill three years ago, it’s time to get moving." -- Robert Carroll

On August 25, 2022, the MTA held public hearings on congestion pricing for Manhattan below 61st Street. The hearings drew nearly a thousand speakers. The plan, described as aiming to 'reduce congestion, air pollution, and driving into the city,' would charge drivers $5 to $23 depending on time and exemptions. Council Member Robert Carroll (District 44) urged, 'It needs to be implemented now, we passed this bill three years ago, it’s time to get moving.' Other lawmakers, including Andrew Gounardes and Mark Levine, debated exemptions and credits. Governor Hochul called the charge 'crucial to cutting the number of vehicles and combating climate change.' The hearings reflect strong support for minimal carveouts and immediate action to fund transit and clear streets. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Thousand ask to speak at upcoming MTA congestion pricing hearings, amny.com, Published 2022-08-25

Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse backs a dedicated bus lane on Flatbush Avenue. She joins Mayor Adams and others, pushing for faster, safer rides. Riders wait too long. Streets choke with traffic. The city moves to act, despite driver backlash and parking fears.

On August 9, 2022, Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse (District 46) endorsed the Flatbush Avenue dedicated bus lane proposal. The plan, a priority for the Adams administration and MTA, aims to speed up the B41 bus from Downtown Brooklyn to Marine Park. Narcisse and Councilmember Rita Joseph joined Mayor Eric Adams at a press conference, riding the B41 and speaking with riders. Narcisse said, “People are suffering waiting 30 minutes, 40 minutes, it’s unfair to the riders.” She stressed that better bus service could cut down on illegal dollar vans. The Department of Transportation, led by Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, has started community engagement. Some community boards worry about lost parking, but Rodriguez called their role advisory, saying, “we want to hear what the riders want.” Narcisse acknowledged driver backlash but insisted on the need for faster, reliable transit.

• Flatbush Avenue bus lane proposal gains support of key electeds, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2022-08-09

StreetsPAC called for voters to oust State Sen. Kevin Parker. They backed Kaegan Mays-Williams for her push on protected bike lanes and bus network redesign. Parker ignored safety questions. StreetsPAC praised other candidates who fight for safer streets and transit.

On August 9, 2022, StreetsPAC, New York City's safe streets political action committee, issued an endorsement urging Central Brooklyn voters to retire State Sen. Kevin Parker. The group backed Kaegan Mays-Williams, citing her support for redesigning Brooklyn's bus network and expanding protected bike lanes. StreetsPAC Executive Director Eric McClure said, 'She supports redesigning Brooklyn's bus network to simplify routes and speed commutes.' Parker did not respond to StreetsPAC's request for information and has a record of negative incidents. Mays-Williams stressed the need for dependable public transit and safer cycling. StreetsPAC also highlighted the safety records of Andrew Gounardes, Angel Vasquez, Jabori Brisport, Rajiv Gowda, Christian Amato, and Kristen Gonzalez, noting their support for speed cameras, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and transit improvements. The endorsement signals a clear push for candidates who prioritize vulnerable road users.

• StreetsPAC to Central Brooklyn Voters: Retire State Sen. Kevin Parker Now!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-09

A sedan changing lanes hit a motorcycle on Bills Place. The rider, helmeted, took the blow to his leg and foot. Metal crumpled. The street stayed hard. No pedestrians or cyclists involved.

According to the police report, a sedan changing lanes collided with a motorcycle traveling straight on Bills Place in Brooklyn. The crash struck both vehicles at the right front quarter panel. The 39-year-old motorcycle driver, wearing a helmet, suffered contusions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but notes the sedan was changing lanes before impact, highlighting a potential driver error. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The motorcyclist was not ejected and remained conscious after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4553199 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Two vehicles crashed on East 9 Street. A front passenger in one vehicle suffered a back injury and bruising. The collision involved improper lane usage. Both drivers were licensed men. Damage hit the front ends of both vehicles.

According to the police report, a 2008 SUV traveling east and a 2006 sedan making a right turn collided on East 9 Street. The front passenger in one vehicle, a 38-year-old man, was injured with back contusions but was conscious and wearing a lap belt. The report cites "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed men from New York. The point of impact was the left front bumper on both vehicles, causing center front end damage. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4551828 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 38-year-old male e-bike driver was partially ejected and injured after a collision with a sedan turning left. The sedan hit the bike’s right side doors. The rider suffered whole-body injuries and shock. The driver showed signs of pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a 38-year-old male e-bike driver was partially ejected and injured when a sedan struck the right side of his bike while making a left turn. The sedan was traveling south, going straight ahead, and collided with the e-bike traveling west. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" and "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as contributing factors for the e-bike driver. The injured rider suffered injuries to his entire body and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The sedan driver was licensed and operating a 2020 Hyundai. The collision caused damage to the right side doors of the e-bike and the center front end of the sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4546873 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 61-year-old man rode his e-bike up Caton Avenue. He hit a parked Kia. Metal bent. The bike stopped. He died there. Another cyclist, 42, was hurt. The street stayed silent. The crash left pain and questions.

A 61-year-old man riding an e-bike on Caton Avenue near East 4th Street in Brooklyn struck the side of a parked Kia SUV. According to the police report, 'A 61-year-old man on an e-bike struck the side of a parked Kia. Metal folded. The bike stopped. He did not rise.' The e-bike rider suffered fatal injuries. Another bicyclist, age 42, was partially ejected and sustained a neck injury but survived. The Kia was parked at the time of the crash. No driver errors or contributing factors were listed in the police data. The report notes that neither cyclist was using safety equipment, but no helmet or signaling issues were cited as contributing factors. The crash left one dead and another injured, with the street holding its breath.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4543764 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 35-year-old man was struck while crossing 12 Avenue in a marked crosswalk. The sedan, making a right turn, failed to yield right-of-way. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. The vehicle showed no damage.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing 12 Avenue at a marked crosswalk without a signal. The driver of a 2019 Chrysler sedan, traveling southeast and making a right turn, failed to yield the right-of-way. The pedestrian sustained a head contusion and was conscious at the scene. The point of impact was the right side doors of the sedan, which sustained no damage. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the crash. No other factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4543158 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

A 3-year-old boy crossing Ditmas Avenue with the signal was struck by a pick-up truck making a left turn. The child suffered a shoulder contusion and shock. The driver’s inexperience contributed to the crash. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a 3-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Ditmas Avenue at an intersection with the signal. The child sustained a contusion to the shoulder and upper arm and was in shock. The crash involved a pick-up truck traveling west that was making a left turn when it struck the pedestrian with its left front bumper. The report lists driver inexperience as a contributing factor. The vehicle showed no damage. The pedestrian was not at fault and was crossing legally. The driver was licensed and operating a 2003 Toyota pick-up truck.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4541702 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Council members push to ban non-essential helicopter flights from city-owned helipads. The bill targets tourist and luxury flights, sparing only essential services. Noise, pollution, and safety risks drive the move. The city’s airspace faces a reckoning.

On June 27, 2022, Council Member Lincoln Restler and colleagues introduced a bill to ban all non-essential helicopter flights from the Wall Street and East 34th Street city-owned helipads. The legislation, discussed in the City Council, exempts NYPD, news, and hospital helicopters. The bill’s matter title: 'Stop the Chop.' Council Members Amanda Farias, Gale Brewer, Shahana Hanif, Alexa Avilés, Crystal Hudson, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Christopher Marte, and Carlina Rivera joined as sponsors. Hanif stated, 'Our airspace is not for sale to the highest bidder and should only be available to essential needs of our city.' The bill responds to mounting complaints—nearly 60,000 since 2010—over helicopter noise and pollution. The proposal aims to cut thousands of flights, reduce greenhouse gases, and restore peace to city parks and neighborhoods.

• OPINION: Here’s How the Council Will ‘Stop the Chop’ in New York, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-06-27

A 16-year-old e-scooter rider was ejected and injured at Avenue F in Brooklyn. The SUV struck the scooter’s front end. The rider suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way as the cause.

According to the police report, a 16-year-old male riding an e-scooter was injured after a collision with a 2021 Nissan SUV traveling west on Avenue F in Brooklyn. The e-scooter rider was ejected and sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The SUV struck the scooter at the right front bumper, while the scooter was hit at its center front end. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor to the crash. The e-scooter rider was not wearing any safety equipment. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. No damage was reported to either vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4537869 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Fourth Street in Park Slope will close to cars this summer. Kids and neighbors get space. Teachers lose parking. Council Member Hanif backs the plaza. Advocates fought for years. The city acts only during school recess. Permanent change remains uncertain.

Council Member Shahana Hanif supports the plan to close Fourth Street, west of Fifth Avenue, to cars from July 8 through Labor Day weekend. The move follows a decade-long push to reclaim the block, used as both a play space and a parking lot for placard-holding teachers. The matter, described as 'a fully reimagined pedestrian plaza,' has backing from Hanif, who said, 'It’s going be a plaza. It’ll be closed off and won’t have parking spaces.' The Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID and Old Stone House plan to apply for permanent plaza status with the Department of Transportation. Advocates like Kathy Park Price cite placard abuse and safety risks, calling for a permanent pedestrian space to expand the park and protect the community. The DOT has not committed to a permanent plan. For now, the street will be car-free only during summer recess.

• UH, THANKS: City Will Turn a Dead-End Block into a Plaza … But Only When Placarded Teachers Go on Recess, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-06-14

A pick-up and two sedans crashed on Caton Avenue. One driver, 43, suffered neck injury and shock. All vehicles moved east. No pedestrians. Police list unspecified driver errors.

According to the police report, a pick-up truck and two sedans collided while traveling east on Caton Avenue at East 3 Street in Brooklyn. A 43-year-old male sedan driver was injured, suffering neck pain and shock. He was not ejected and wore a lap belt. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the crash. Damage included the left rear quarter panel of the injured driver's sedan, the right front bumper of the pick-up, and the center back end of the other sedan. No pedestrians were involved. No helmet or signal use was cited. The police report does not specify driver errors beyond listing them as unspecified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4537745 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-09

Councilman Restler wants to rip up thousands of parking placards. He targets abuse by city officials and fake permits. His bill exempts people with disabilities. Another measure rewards whistleblowers. The Council should pass both. The city’s streets demand it.

On June 7, 2022, Councilman Lincoln Restler (District 33) announced legislation to revoke tens of thousands of personal vehicle parking placards, with exemptions for people with disabilities and those covered by collective bargaining. The editorial, titled 'Free perking: Pull back run amok NYC parking placards,' calls out rampant placard abuse: 'End this scam.' Restler’s companion bill would reward whistleblowers who report cheaters with 25% of fines collected. Both measures have four co-sponsors. The editorial urges the Council to pass the bills and for Mayor Adams to sign them. Placard abuse fuels lawless parking, endangering pedestrians and cyclists. The city’s lack of oversight lets drivers block crosswalks and bike lanes. Restler’s push aims to restore fairness and safety to New York’s streets.

• Free perking: Pull back run amok NYC parking placards, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-06-07

NYPD and Parks officers stopped e-bike riders in Prospect Park. Parents, workers, and people with disabilities faced threats and exclusion. Council Members Hanif, Joseph, and Hudson demand change. The ban blocks safe routes, targets the vulnerable, and deepens inequality.

This policy debate, highlighted in a June 3, 2022 Streetsblog NYC opinion, centers on the Parks Department's ban on e-assist bikes in Prospect Park. Council Members Shahana Hanif, Rita Joseph, and Crystal Hudson, whose districts border or include the park, call for a new policy to allow e-assist bikes. The article states, 'This policy is discriminatory and ableist, and harmful to climate goals.' Hanif notes e-bikes enabled her to ride after hip surgery. The ban forces riders onto dangerous streets, blocks access for families and people with limited mobility, and invites selective NYPD enforcement. The council members urge Mayor Adams to lift the ban, arguing it closes the park to those who need safe, accessible routes most.

• OPINION: Reversing the Parks Dept. Ban on E-Bikes is a Matter of Equity, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-06-03