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

Feb 17 - A 47-year-old man suffered a fractured dislocation while crossing 86th Street. The pedestrian was conscious but injured across his entire body. The driver was going straight westbound. Contributing factors remain unspecified in the police report.

According to the police report, a 47-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 86th Street while crossing without a signal or crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained a fracture and dislocation affecting his entire body and remained conscious after the collision. The vehicle involved was traveling westbound, going straight ahead, and struck the pedestrian at an unspecified point of impact. The report does not specify the vehicle type or driver details. No explicit driver errors such as Failure to Yield or speeding are listed, and contributing factors are marked as unspecified. The pedestrian's crossing action was noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The report focuses on the collision dynamics and injury severity without assigning blame to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793249 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 16 - Two sedans smashed head-on on Cropsey Avenue. Night. One driver, sixty-three, took chest injuries and shock. Police blamed broken traffic signals. System failed. Metal and bodies paid the price.

According to the police report, two sedans collided head-on on Cropsey Avenue near Shore Parkway at 8:55 p.m. The 63-year-old male driver of one sedan suffered chest injuries and shock. Both vehicles took center front end damage. Police cited 'Traffic Control Device Improper/Non-Working' as a contributing factor for both drivers. No other driver errors were listed. The injured driver wore a lap belt and was not ejected. Faulty traffic signals at the scene directly contributed to the crash, exposing a systemic hazard for all road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793133 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 14 - A 16-year-old girl crossing with the signal was struck by a sedan making an improper left turn. The driver failed to yield right-of-way, causing a head injury and contusion. The pedestrian remained conscious despite the impact in Brooklyn.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling southwest on 28 Ave in Brooklyn struck a 16-year-old female pedestrian at an intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle, making a left turn, failed to yield right-of-way and turned improperly. The collision caused a head injury and contusion to the pedestrian, who remained conscious. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Turning Improperly' as the contributing factors attributed to the driver. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The pedestrian's crossing with the signal is noted but not cited as a contributing factor. This incident highlights driver errors in yielding and turning that led to serious injury of a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793132 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

Jan 31 - Assembly bill A 4214 lets drivers escape speed camera tickets if paperwork is sloppy. Missing, wrong, or unreadable info means no fine. Vulnerable road users lose a layer of protection.

Assembly bill A 4214, sponsored by Mike Reilly (District 62) with Michael Novakhov and Joe DeStefano, sits at the sponsorship stage. Introduced January 31, 2025, it reads: 'Permits a violation captured by a speed camera to be dismissed...if any information...is omitted...misdescribed or illegible.' The bill weakens speed camera enforcement by letting drivers dodge tickets on technicalities. No safety analyst has weighed in, but the measure chips away at a tool that slows cars and shields people on foot and bike.

• File A 4214, Open States, Published 2025-01-31

Jan 31 - Assembly bill A 4147 orders bold yellow signs near speed cameras. Signs must stand within fifty feet. Drivers get clear warning. Sponsors push for visibility. No mention of direct safety gains for walkers or riders.

Assembly bill A 4147 was introduced on January 31, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Relates to requirements for signs providing notice of the use of a photo speed violation monitoring system,' demands that warning signs be primarily yellow and placed within fifty feet of speed cameras. Assembly Members Mike Reilly (primary sponsor), Michael Novakhov, and Joe DeStefano back the measure. The bill aims for clearer notice to drivers. There is no analyst note on its impact for vulnerable road users.

• File A 4147, Open States, Published 2025-01-31

Jan 26 - A cargo van turned left on Cropsey Avenue. It struck Mayya Gil, 95, and her aide. Gil died. The aide survived. No charges for the driver. Another senior lost to city traffic. The street remains dangerous for the old and frail.

Gothamist (2025-01-26) reports that Mayya Gil, 95, was killed while crossing Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn with her home health aide. According to the NYPD, 'a man driving a cargo van struck both of them while making a left turn.' Gil died from her injuries; her aide was hospitalized. Police did not arrest or charge the driver. The article notes that Gil was the second elderly pedestrian killed in Brooklyn this year, and cites Transportation Alternatives: '46 senior pedestrians were killed in car crashes across the city last year.' The crash highlights the ongoing risk seniors face on city streets, especially at intersections where turning vehicles endanger those crossing on foot.

• Elderly Woman Killed Crossing Cropsey Avenue, Gothamist, Published 2025-01-26

Jan 23 - Council wants every cyclist in New York to wear a helmet. No helmet, pay a $50 fine. The bill targets riders not already covered by other laws. Debate now sits with the transportation committee.

Bill Int 1173-2025, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced January 23, 2025. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of New York, in relation to requiring bicyclists to wear protective headgear.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams leads as primary sponsor, joined by Council Members Holden, Vernikov, Narcisse, Moya, Schulman, Louis, Hanks, Brannan, and Zhuang. The measure would fine cyclists up to $50 for riding without a helmet, unless already required by other laws. The bill awaits further action in committee.

• File Int 1173-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-23

Jan 21 - Senator Scarcella-Spanton pushes S 2622. The bill kills congestion pricing, adds an MTA board seat, and orders a forensic audit. Streets risk more cars. Riders and walkers face louder, dirtier roads.

Senate bill S 2622 was introduced on January 21, 2025, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Relates to repealing congestion pricing (Part A); commissioning an independent audit of the metropolitan transportation authority (Part B); and conducting an environmental impact study (Part C),' was sponsored by Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (District 23). The bill repeals congestion pricing, expands the MTA board, and mandates a forensic audit. No safety analyst has assessed the impact, but repealing congestion pricing means more traffic and danger for New York’s most vulnerable on the street.

• File S 2622, Open States, Published 2025-01-21

Jan 16 - Reinvent Albany blasted a bill to exempt NYPD officers from Manhattan congestion tolls. The group called it unfair, a $22 million giveaway to a powerful few. They warned it would drain funds, raise tolls, and reward special interests over public safety.

On January 16, 2025, Reinvent Albany, a good government watchdog, issued a statement opposing a bill from Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. The bill seeks to exempt NYPD officers, even off-duty, from paying congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan’s central business district. Reinvent Albany called the measure 'contrary to notions of basic fairness' and a '$22 million handout' to a special interest. The Traffic Mobility Review Board had already rejected such exemptions. The group warned that multiple exemption bills could cost the public $100 million yearly and force higher tolls for everyone else. Neither Pheffer Amato nor Scarcella-Spanton commented. The watchdog urged lawmakers to serve the many, not the powerful few.

• Watchdog Group: No Congestion Pricing Toll Exemptions for Cops!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-01-16

Jan 11 - An e-scooter driver suffered a head injury after a crash in Brooklyn. The impact struck the center front end of the vehicle. Driver inattention and distraction caused the collision, leaving the rider bruised but conscious.

According to the police report, a 45-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured in a crash at 2:14 AM in Brooklyn near Bay 44 Street. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The vehicle, described as an e-scooter traveling straight ahead, sustained damage to the center front end upon impact. The rider was not ejected and remained conscious but suffered a head injury classified as a contusion or bruise with injury severity level 3. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted. The crash underscores the dangers posed by driver distraction in operating motorized devices on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785218 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jan 9 - A 72-year-old woman suffered head injuries after a van made a right turn and struck her at an intersection in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when the van’s right front bumper hit her, leaving her bruised but conscious.

According to the police report, a van traveling west on Avenue X in Brooklyn made a right turn and struck a 72-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection near W 1 St. The point of impact was the van’s right front bumper, causing a head injury classified as contusion and bruising. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal at the time of the collision, as noted under 'ped_action'. The report lists no contributing factors attributed to the driver, but the pedestrian’s crossing against the signal is recorded as a factor. The driver was licensed and operating a 2011 van. The pedestrian remained conscious after the impact but sustained injury severity level 3. No other vehicles or occupants were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4785691 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jan 8 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly crossings for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, forces the Department of Transportation to install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. The bill, sponsored by Farah N. Louis (primary) and co-sponsored by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, Ariola, and others, passed on March 15, 2025. The law demands annual reporting on compliance and reasons for any delay. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Quick, visible lines cut confusion and protect people crossing or riding. The law took effect immediately.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 1077 pushes for streets built for people, not just cars. Dozens of lawmakers back safer roads. The bill stands at sponsorship. No vote yet. Vulnerable users wait for action.

Assembly bill A 1077, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 8, 2025, the bill sits in committee. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 60 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Robert C. Carroll, and Catalina Cruz. No votes have been cast. The bill's language centers all road users, not just drivers. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users. The measure signals intent but action remains pending.

• File A 1077, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 8 - Assembly bill A 324 demands complete street design for state- and federally-funded projects. Sponsors push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars. Safety for all hangs in the balance.

Assembly Bill A 324 was introduced on January 8, 2025, now in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'Requires the consideration of complete street design for certain transportation projects which receive federal or state funding,' aims to force planners to consider all users—pedestrians, cyclists, drivers—when building or upgrading roads. Didi Barrett leads as primary sponsor, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Amy Paulin, and many others. The bill also directs the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note yet, but the measure’s intent is clear: streets should protect the most vulnerable, not just move traffic.

• File A 324, Open States, Published 2025-01-08

Jan 1 - A 19-year-old male driver suffered full-body injuries after a collision on Ocean Parkway. The SUV’s front center bore the impact. The driver was semiconscious, restrained by a lap belt, and reported pain and nausea following the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:20 AM on Ocean Parkway near Avenue Y in Brooklyn. The driver, a 19-year-old male operating a 2023 Toyota SUV, was making a left turn when the collision happened. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The SUV sustained damage to its center front end. The driver was not ejected and was restrained by a lap belt. He was semiconscious and suffered injuries to his entire body, with complaints of pain and nausea. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The incident highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction in vehicle collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4783196 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04

Jan 1 - A white Audi struck Michael Foster on Caton Avenue. The car dragged him for blocks. The driver never stopped. Foster died in the street. The Audi vanished into the night. No arrests. The city’s danger stays.

NY Daily News reported on January 1, 2025, that Michael Foster, 64, was killed after a white Audi hit him on Caton Ave. near Flatbush Ave. in Brooklyn. The driver, described as speeding, dragged Foster for half a mile before leaving him near Linden Blvd. and Nostrand Ave. The article quotes a witness: "I saw him at the stop light. He would go out to the cars and beg for change." The driver fled the scene and has not been caught. No arrests have been made. The incident highlights the lethal risk for pedestrians in city streets and the ongoing issue of hit-and-run drivers evading responsibility.

• Audi Driver Drags Man Half Mile, NY Daily News, Published 2025-01-01