No One Dead—Yet: Gravesend’s Streets Are Waiting for Blood

Jun 29 - An SUV hit and killed an eight-year-old boy as he crossed Eastern Parkway with his sister. The driver stayed. Blood washed from the street. The boy died at the hospital. The crash left a family and a community shattered.

According to the New York Post (2025-06-29), an eight-year-old boy was killed by a black Honda Pilot while crossing Eastern Parkway at Albany Street in Crown Heights. The article states, "A black Honda Pilot slammed into eight-year-old Mordechai Keller as he crossed Eastern Parkway at Albany Street at 5:33 p.m." The 69-year-old driver remained at the scene and was not arrested. The crash is under investigation. The incident highlights the ongoing danger for pedestrians in Brooklyn, especially at busy intersections. No charges have been filed, and officials cleaned the scene in accordance with religious customs.

• SUV Strikes Boy Crossing Eastern Parkway, New York Post, Published 2025-06-29

Jun 25 - SUV struck a 69-year-old cyclist on Bay 48 Street. Cyclist ejected, suffered arm injuries. Police cite failure to yield. Bike demolished. SUV undamaged.

A 69-year-old man riding a bike was struck by a station wagon/SUV on Bay 48 Street near Shore Parkway in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the crash occurred when the SUV failed to yield the right-of-way. The cyclist was ejected and sustained injuries to his arm. The bike was demolished. The SUV showed no damage. Police list 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The cyclist was wearing a helmet. No injuries were reported for the SUV occupant.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4824737 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 24 - SUV and e-bike collided at 27th Avenue. Cyclist suffered head injury and minor bleeding. Police list all factors as unspecified. Streets remain hazardous for riders.

An SUV and an e-bike collided at 27th Avenue in Brooklyn. The 68-year-old male cyclist was injured, suffering a head wound and minor bleeding. According to the police report, all contributing factors are listed as 'Unspecified.' The SUV’s right rear quarter panel and the e-bike’s left side were damaged. No driver errors are detailed in the report. The cyclist was not using safety equipment, but this is noted only after the absence of identified driver mistakes. The crash underscores the persistent danger faced by cyclists on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4823925 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 24 - A teen on a moped slammed into a turning car in Midwood. He flew off, struck hard, died at the hospital. His passenger survived, hurt. The driver stayed. No arrests. Another moped rider died days before. Streets remain deadly.

NY Daily News (2025-06-24) reports a 17-year-old died after his moped collided with a Genesis G80 driven by a 71-year-old man making a left turn on East 8th St. in Brooklyn. Police said the moped 'slammed into' the car, then hit a parked Honda Odyssey. Both the teen and his passenger suffered trauma; the teen died at Maimonides Medical Center. The car driver remained at the scene. No arrests were made, and the NYPD Highway District Collision Squad is investigating. The article also notes a separate fatal moped crash days earlier involving a drunk, unlicensed driver. These incidents highlight persistent risks for vulnerable road users and ongoing gaps in street safety.

• Teen Killed, Man Critical In Brooklyn Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-06-24

Jun 23 - Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.

On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.

• Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-23

Jun 23 - Eleven city lawmakers voted no on speed cameras. Their votes keep streets exposed. Pedestrians and cyclists lose a shield. Reckless drivers win. The city’s most basic defense—rejected. The toll will be measured in blood, not words.

On June 13 and June 17, 2025, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted on reauthorizing New York City's school zone speed camera program. The Senate passed the measure 38-21; three city senators—Stephen Chan, Andrew Lanza, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton—voted no. The Assembly passed it 110-31, with nine city lawmakers—Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, Stacey Pheffer Amato, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, David Weprin, Kalman Yeger—opposing. The Streetsblog NYC article, 'Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program,' quotes lawmakers dismissing speed cameras as revenue grabs or burdens. The safety analyst notes: 'The event text does not describe a specific policy or legislative action, so no direct safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists can be assessed.' Still, the votes signal disregard for proven tools that protect those outside cars.

• Ye Shall Know Their Names! Meet the Dirty Dozen City Pols Who Voted Against Speed Camera Program, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-06-23

Jun 22 - E-bike rider struck and injured on Avenue X. Sixty-five-year-old man suffered arm bruises. Crash linked to reaction to another vehicle. No damage to bike. Streets remain hazardous.

A 65-year-old man riding an e-bike on Avenue X in Brooklyn was injured. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle.' The cyclist suffered a contusion to his arm but remained conscious. No damage was reported to the bike. The report lists 'Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle' as the main contributing factor. No other vehicles or persons were directly involved. The incident highlights the persistent dangers faced by cyclists on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4822649 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 22 - A moped rider died in Bay Ridge. A driver, drunk and unlicensed, struck him at dawn. The crash left another man broken. The street ran red. The city counts its dead. The system failed to keep danger off the road.

Gothamist (2025-06-22) reports a fatal crash at Third Avenue and 67th Street in Brooklyn. Police say Leslie Moreno, 29, drove intoxicated and without a license when her Acura collided with a moped carrying two men. Joel Mota, 22, died from head and torso injuries. His passenger suffered multiple fractures. Moreno was arrested and hospitalized in stable condition. The article notes, 'Moreno was driving west on 67th Street while Mota was driving south on Third Avenue, and he hit her passenger-side door.' NYPD data shows 13 motorized two-wheeler deaths citywide so far this year. The crash highlights persistent risks from unlicensed, impaired drivers and the vulnerability of riders on city streets.

• Unlicensed Drunk Driver Kills Moped Rider, Gothamist, Published 2025-06-22

Jun 18 - A stolen Chevy struck Tiffany Cifuni’s car in Brooklyn. She stepped out to confront the driver. The driver ran her down and fled. Cifuni, twelve weeks pregnant, died on the street. Police arrested the suspect weeks later.

NY Daily News reported on June 18, 2025, that Chaquasia Pigford was arrested for killing Tiffany Cifuni in a Brooklyn hit-and-run. Pigford, driving a stolen Chevy Trax, rear-ended Cifuni’s Toyota late at night on May 24. When Cifuni, pregnant and 32, exited her vehicle to exchange information, Pigford sped off. Cifuni followed for two blocks, confronted Pigford, and was then run over. Prosecutors described the incident in court, noting Pigford refused to engage before fleeing. The article quotes Cifuni’s family and Assistant District Attorney Tara Kelly: 'Pigford was driving a stolen 2016 Chevy Trax... when she rear-ended Cifuni’s 2021 Toyota 4Runner.' The case highlights the lethal risk of hit-and-run drivers and the dangers posed by stolen vehicles on city streets.

• Pregnant Woman Killed After Brooklyn Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-06-18

Jun 18 - Congestion pricing cuts traffic jams across Manhattan and the metro. Streets clear. Delays drop. Fewer cars mean more space for people. The city breathes. Vulnerable road users gain ground. Data shows real relief, not empty promises.

On June 18, 2025, the Regional Plan Association released a report on congestion pricing’s impact. The study, covered by Barbara Russo-Lennon, found a 25% drop in Manhattan traffic jams, with smaller but real declines in the Bronx and New Jersey. The report states: 'Congestion pricing is delivering clear benefits, saving people time and the aggravation of being stuck in traffic.' Council Member Frank Morano and State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton criticized the program, citing Staten Island’s smaller gains and health concerns. MTA Chair Janno Lieber defended the policy, pointing to improved drive times and transit use. Safety analysts note congestion pricing reduces car traffic, lowers crash risk for pedestrians and cyclists, encourages mode shift, and supports safer, more equitable streets. The program’s future now rests with the federal courts.

• Real road relief: Latest congestion pricing research shows fewer traffic jams and delays across NYC metro area, Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-06-18

Jun 17 - Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.

Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-17

Jun 16 - White Plains gets speed cameras near schools. Lawmakers move fast. Most vote yes. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. Program ends 2030. Streets may slow. Danger faces children every day.

Senate Bill S 7678, sponsored by Shelley Mayer, establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in White Plains. The bill passed the Senate on June 11, 2025, and the Assembly on June 16, 2025. The matter reads: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of White Plains; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2030.' Mayer led the push. Most senators and assembly members voted yes. The bill aims to catch speeding drivers near schools, a known threat to children and families. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 7678, Open States, Published 2025-06-16

Jun 16 - Senate passed S 7785. The bill carves out large Mitchell-Lama housing from bus traffic rules. Lawmakers voted yes. The carve-out weakens enforcement. Streets grow less safe for people on foot and bike.

Bill S 7785, titled 'Relates to bus operation-related traffic regulations,' passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The measure, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, excludes violations in cooperative housing developments with at least 10,000 Mitchell-Lama units from bus operation traffic regulations. The bill advanced through committee and received broad support in both chambers. By exempting these large complexes, the law weakens traffic enforcement where thousands live. This move increases risk to pedestrians and cyclists, stripping away protections that save lives. Vulnerable road users lose another layer of safety in dense city streets.

• File S 7785, Open States, Published 2025-06-16

Jun 14 - A child steps from a bus. A cyclist strikes. Bedford Avenue’s protected bike lane will vanish. City listens to complaints, not data. Streets stay dangerous. Cyclists and children caught in the crossfire. Policy shifts, safety left behind.

CBS New York reported on June 14, 2025, that Mayor Eric Adams will remove three blocks of the protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn after several crashes, including one involving a child exiting a school bus. The mayor cited 'community concerns' and stated, 'After several incidents—including some involving children...we decided to adjust the current design.' City Council Member Lincoln Restler criticized the move, calling it 'pure politics' and warning, 'He is going to make this area less safe for pedestrians, for cyclists.' The article highlights tension between local complaints and street safety policy. No driver error is cited; the crash involved a cyclist and a child. The decision raises questions about how New York responds to vulnerable road users and whether removing infrastructure addresses underlying dangers.

• Brooklyn Bike Lane Removed After Crashes, CBS New York, Published 2025-06-14

Jun 13 - A sedan turned left on Avenue X. Its driver’s view was blocked. A 24-year-old motorized rider was hit and injured. Police cite driver inattention and obstructed view.

A sedan making a left turn at Avenue X in Brooklyn struck a 24-year-old man operating a motorized vehicle. According to the police report, the crash resulted in injury to the motorized rider, who suffered an arm abrasion. The report lists 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The sedan’s driver was not injured. The police report also notes confusion involving vulnerable road users. The crash highlights the danger when drivers turn with limited visibility and distraction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4824736 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 13 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.

Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.

• File S 5677, Open States, Published 2025-06-13

Jun 13 - Senate and Assembly clear S 6815. MTA workers get a pass for driving in bus lanes while on duty. Law shields agency vehicles from tickets. Streets grow more crowded. Vulnerable users face more risk.

Bill S 6815, titled 'Relates to bus lane restrictions in New York city,' passed the Senate on June 12, 2025, and the Assembly on June 13, 2025. The bill states, 'it shall be a defense to any prosecution for a violation of a bus lane restriction ... when an employee of the metropolitan transportation authority is performing authorized duties.' Sponsored by Senator Leroy Comrie and co-sponsored by Nathalia Fernandez, the measure exempts MTA employees from bus lane tickets while working. No safety analysis was provided. The bill opens bus lanes to more agency vehicles, crowding space meant for buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.

• File S 6815, Open States, Published 2025-06-13

Jun 13 - Senate passes S 8344. School speed zone rules in New York City get extended. Lawmakers make technical fixes. The bill keeps pressure on drivers near schools. Streets stay a little safer for kids.

Bill S 8344, titled 'Extends provisions and makes technical corrections to school speed zones in NYC; repealer,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill passed Senate votes on June 12 and June 13, and cleared the Assembly on June 17. The measure extends and corrects school speed zone laws in New York City, repealing outdated provisions. Gounardes led the push, with strong support from most Senate Democrats and a split Assembly. The bill's technical fixes aim to keep protections in place for children and other vulnerable road users near schools. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8344, Open States, Published 2025-06-13

Jun 12 - Senate backs S 4045. Repeat speeders face forced installation of speed assistance tech. Eleven points or six camera tickets triggers action. Law targets reckless drivers. Streets may get safer for those outside the car.

Senate bill S 4045, sponsored by Andrew Gounardes and co-sponsored by over two dozen senators, passed committee votes on June 11 and June 12, 2025. The bill, titled 'Relates to requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices for repeated violation of maximum speed limits,' mandates these devices for drivers who rack up eleven or more points in 24 months, or six speed or red light camera tickets in a year. The measure aims to curb repeat dangerous driving. Senators including Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, and others voted yes. The bill targets drivers with a pattern of violations, seeking to cut risk for pedestrians and cyclists by limiting repeat speeding.

• File S 4045, Open States, Published 2025-06-12

Jun 12 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Schenectady schools. The bill passed both chambers. Cameras catch drivers who endanger kids. The program ends in 2030. Streets near schools may get safer. The vote was not unanimous.

Senate Bill S 5677, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' moved through the Senate and Assembly in June 2025. The Senate passed it on June 12, with primary sponsor James Tedisco (District 44) and co-sponsor Patricia Fahy (District 46) leading the push. The Assembly approved it on June 13. The bill sets up automated speed enforcement near schools and sunsets December 31, 2030. The measure aims to catch speeding drivers near children. Some lawmakers voted no, but most supported the move. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the bill targets a known danger zone for vulnerable road users.

• File S 5677, Open States, Published 2025-06-12