Blood on Neptune Avenue: How Many More Must Die Before Leaders Act?

Feb 18 - Two sedans collided on Belt Parkway in a rear-end crash. The front passenger in the struck vehicle suffered a head injury and minor bleeding. Police cited following too closely as the cause. Both vehicles were traveling westbound at the time.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Belt Parkway around 5:00 a.m. Two sedans traveling westbound collided when one vehicle struck the rear of the other. The driver of the striking vehicle failed to maintain a safe distance, resulting in a rear-end collision. The front passenger in the struck sedan, a 37-year-old male, sustained a head injury with minor bleeding and was reported to be in shock. The injured occupant was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report explicitly cites 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor for the crash. Both drivers held valid New York licenses and were traveling straight ahead at the time of impact. Vehicle damage was concentrated on the right front bumper of the striking sedan and the left rear bumper of the struck sedan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703285 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 12 - A motorcycle traveling west on Neptune Avenue struck a pedestrian at an intersection. The rider suffered a severe head injury with fractures and dislocations. Police cite aggressive driving and disregard for traffic control as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old male motorcycle occupant was injured in a collision on Neptune Avenue near West 6 Street in Brooklyn at 6:30 PM. The motorcycle, traveling straight ahead westbound, impacted the pedestrian at the intersection with its left front bumper. The injured party sustained head injuries including fractures and dislocations and remained conscious. The report identifies aggressive driving and road rage as primary contributing factors, along with the driver disregarding traffic control. These driver errors directly led to the crash and the serious injuries sustained. The report does not indicate any contributing factors related to the pedestrian's actions or safety equipment.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4702182 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 8 - 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

Feb 8 - Council moves to hike fines for riding bikes, e-bikes, and scooters on city sidewalks. The bill targets sidewalk riding with stiffer penalties. No mention of street safety or driver accountability.

Bill Int 0037-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since February 8, 2024. The measure, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...increasing civil penalties for operating a bicycle, bicycle with electric assist, or electric scooter on the sidewalk,' seeks to raise fines for sidewalk riding. Council Members Stevens (primary), Gennaro, Ung, Brewer, Brannan, and Morano sponsor the bill. The action: referral to committee. The summary states, 'This bill would increase each of the existing civil penalties for operating a bicycle, a bicycle with electric assist (commonly referred to as an “e-bike”), or an electric scooter on the sidewalk.' No safety analyst assessment is available. The bill focuses on penalties, not on street design or driver behavior.

• File Int 0037-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Feb 6 - State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and others joined a lawsuit to block New York’s congestion pricing. The editorial rails against tolls, calling them a blow to working New Yorkers. No mention of pedestrian or cyclist safety. The fight centers on driver costs.

On February 6, 2024, an editorial titled 'Time for insane NYC congestion pricing plan to hit the road' opposed the city’s congestion pricing scheme. State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-23) joined 17 other lawmakers in a lawsuit against the plan, which would charge drivers entering Midtown Manhattan. The editorial claims, 'solving [MTA fiscal problems] by punishing average New Yorkers simply for driving is insane,' and highlights concerns over economic burden. The piece quotes union leaders and lawmakers, including Scarcella-Spanton, City Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli, and US Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, all opposing the tolls. There is no assessment of the impact on vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, or transit riders. The focus remains on driver expenses and political backlash.

• Time for insane NYC congestion pricing plan to hit the road, nypost.com, Published 2024-02-06

Feb 4 - Eighteen lawmakers, including Joseph Borelli, sued to stop New York’s $15 congestion pricing. They claim the toll shifts pollution, burdens drivers, and fails communities with poor transit. The MTA defends the plan, saying it funds safer, less crowded streets.

On February 4, 2024, Council Member Joseph C. Borelli (District 51) joined seventeen other lawmakers in a federal lawsuit to block New York City’s $15 congestion pricing toll for Midtown Manhattan. The suit, supported by both Democrats and Republicans, argues the toll 'is a detriment to those that will be affected by this toll, environmentally and financially,' and claims it will shift traffic and pollution to other neighborhoods. Other plaintiffs include State Senators James Skoufis, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Iwen Chu, Monica Martinez, and Assemblymembers Aileen Gunther, Jamie Williams, and David Weprin. The MTA, backed by Governor Hochul, says the toll will raise $1 billion yearly for transit upgrades, promising safer, less congested streets and better transit for the majority who rely on public transportation. The case highlights the political and environmental battle over how to fund and shape New York’s streets.

• 18 NY lawmakers join suit to block $15 congestion toll, nypost.com, Published 2024-02-04

Feb 3 - A 38-year-old male driver suffered elbow and lower arm injuries after his sedan struck an animal on Neptune Avenue. The vehicle's right front bumper was damaged. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness and experienced shock and minor bleeding.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 2:40 AM on Neptune Avenue when the sedan, traveling west, collided with an animal. The driver, a 38-year-old male occupant, sustained injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, with minor bleeding and shock reported. The vehicle's right front bumper was damaged at the point of impact. The report lists 'Animals Action' as the contributing factor twice, indicating the animal's presence triggered the collision. The driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. No other driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were cited. The incident highlights the danger posed by animals on roadways, leading to injury and vehicle damage without fault attributed to the driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699887 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 2 - A sedan backed into traffic on Neptune Avenue. Impact was hard. The stopped driver took the hit. He suffered a head injury and concussion. Aggressive driving fueled the crash. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

According to the police report, two sedans collided at 12:14 a.m. on Neptune Avenue. The crash happened when a BMW, driven by an unlicensed New York driver, backed aggressively into a stopped Lexus. The Lexus driver, a 57-year-old man from New Jersey, was injured in the head and suffered a concussion. The report lists 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as a contributing factor. The BMW struck the Lexus’s front bumper with its rear. The injured driver wore a lap belt and harness. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The unlicensed driver’s aggressive backing directly caused the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699877 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 25 - A 29-year-old woman suffered a shoulder contusion while crossing Neptune Avenue at an intersection. She was conscious and injured but no driver errors or contributing factors were reported. The crash details remain unspecified by police.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Neptune Avenue and West 5 Street in Brooklyn at 5:30 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the crash occurred and sustained a contusion and upper arm shoulder injury. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or reckless driving. The vehicle involved is unspecified, and no details about the driver or vehicle actions are provided. The pedestrian was conscious and the injury severity was classified as moderate. The absence of reported driver errors or contributing factors leaves the cause of the crash unclear, but the pedestrian was not at fault according to the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699346 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 22 - A distracted driver struck two parked vehicles on West 5 Street, injuring a 50-year-old female SUV driver. The impact caused a head contusion and bruising. The crash exposed dangers of driver inattention amid stationary vehicles in Brooklyn.

According to the police report, at 13:20 on West 5 Street in Brooklyn, a 2023 Audi SUV traveling north collided with two parked vehicles: a 2023 Acura sedan and a 2011 Volkswagen SUV. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The female driver of the Audi SUV, age 50, suffered a head injury described as a contusion and bruise, with an injury severity level of 3. She was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness at the time. The impact points were the right front bumper of the Audi, the left rear quarter panel of the Acura, and the center back end of the Volkswagen. No other occupants were reported injured. The crash highlights the systemic danger posed by driver distraction in areas with parked vehicles.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4697080 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 7 - A female driver suffered neck injuries after her sedan was struck from behind by an SUV on Belt Parkway. The crash occurred just after midnight. Police cite unsafe speed as a contributing factor. The driver was conscious and restrained at impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:28 a.m. on Belt Parkway when a 2023 Subaru SUV traveling east struck the right rear bumper of a 2024 Honda sedan also traveling east. The point of impact was the center front end of the sedan and the right rear bumper of the SUV. The sedan driver, a 39-year-old woman, was injured with neck trauma described as whiplash. She was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness at the time of the crash. The report identifies 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor to the collision. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The SUV had one occupant; the sedan had four. No ejections occurred. The data highlights driver error related to speed as central to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4693063 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 21 - A 50-year-old woman was struck while crossing Mermaid Avenue with the signal. The SUV driver failed to yield right-of-way during a left turn. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was left in shock at the scene.

According to the police report, a 50-year-old female pedestrian was injured at an intersection on Mermaid Avenue while crossing with the signal. The driver of a 2013 GMC SUV was making a left turn and struck the pedestrian with the center front end of the vehicle. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor for the crash. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock following the collision. The vehicle showed no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle northbound at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4689665 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 13 - A sedan turning left on Neptune Avenue struck a bicyclist riding east. The 25-year-old man suffered a shoulder and upper arm contusion. The impact hit the sedan’s right front quarter panel and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 2011 Hyundai sedan was making a left turn on Neptune Avenue in Brooklyn when it collided with a 25-year-old male bicyclist traveling straight ahead eastbound. The bicyclist sustained an upper arm and shoulder contusion but was not ejected and remained conscious. The point of impact was the sedan’s right front quarter panel and the bike’s center front end. The report lists no specific contributing factors for the driver or bicyclist, but the sedan’s left turn likely caused the crash. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. No other driver errors or violations were noted in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4687254 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 12 - A 23-year-old man was hit while crossing Ocean Parkway with the signal. The SUV was making a left turn and struck him in the back. The pedestrian was conscious but suffered internal injuries. Limited view and following too closely contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing Ocean Parkway at Neptune Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2016 Kia SUV making a left turn struck him in the back. The pedestrian suffered internal injuries and remained conscious. The report lists driver errors including 'View Obstructed/Limited' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors. The vehicle had no visible damage. The pedestrian was not at an intersection but was crossing legally. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The crash highlights dangers posed by limited driver visibility and unsafe following distances.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4686417 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 27 - A 60-year-old man working on Sheepshead Bay Road was struck by a concrete mixer. The impact injured his lower leg and knee. The pedestrian suffered shock and pain. The truck showed no damage. Confusion caused the pedestrian error.

According to the police report, a concrete mixer truck traveling east on Sheepshead Bay Road struck a 60-year-old male pedestrian working in the roadway. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, and was in shock with complaints of pain or nausea. The report lists the pedestrian's confusion as the contributing factor to the crash. The truck driver was licensed and starting from parking when the collision occurred, impacting the pedestrian with the left front bumper. The vehicle sustained no damage. The report does not indicate any driver error or failure on the truck driver's part.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4682881 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 21 - A 73-year-old woman crossing Neptune Avenue with the signal was struck by a sedan making a left turn. The driver failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian suffered a fractured knee and lower leg injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Neptune Avenue made a left turn and struck a 73-year-old female pedestrian crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained fractures and dislocations to her knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The report lists driver errors including inattention and failure to yield the right-of-way. The vehicle showed no damage, and the driver was licensed. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. No other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4681281 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 16 - Two SUVs crashed on Shore Parkway in Brooklyn. One driver was stopped in traffic. The other was going straight and hit the rear of the stopped vehicle. The 28-year-old male driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Driver distraction caused the crash.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Shore Parkway in Brooklyn. One vehicle was stopped in traffic when the other, traveling westbound, struck it from behind. The 28-year-old male driver of the stopped vehicle was injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. He was conscious and wearing a lap belt at the time. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were licensed and operating SUVs. The impact occurred at the center front end of the striking vehicle and the center back end of the stopped vehicle. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4679623 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 3 - Two SUVs collided on Belt Parkway. The male driver changing lanes struck the rear of another SUV. Three occupants suffered whiplash and head or chest injuries. All wore seat belts. Shock and injury marked the scene.

According to the police report, a 19-year-old male driver traveling west on Belt Parkway changed lanes unsafely at an unsafe speed and collided with the rear of an eastbound SUV. The crash involved two SUVs and a sedan. Three occupants were injured: the male driver with chest injuries and whiplash, a 16-year-old female passenger with head injuries and whiplash, and a 56-year-old female driver with head injuries and whiplash. All occupants were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as contributing factors for the male driver. The other injuries and factors were unspecified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4676421 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 1 - A 17-year-old motorcyclist was ejected and suffered a head injury after colliding with a sedan making a left turn on Surf Avenue in Brooklyn. The rider was unconscious with a concussion and was not wearing a helmet. The sedan driver was licensed.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling west on Surf Avenue collided with a southbound sedan making a left turn. The motorcycle driver, a 17-year-old male, was ejected and sustained a head injury resulting in unconsciousness and a concussion. The report lists unsafe speed as a contributing factor. The sedan driver, a licensed female, was operating the vehicle legally but the motorcycle driver was unlicensed. The motorcycle struck the left front quarter panel of the sedan. No helmet was worn by the motorcyclist. The crash caused significant injury to the motorcyclist, who was the sole occupant of the motorcycle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675714 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Oct 31 - A 14-year-old girl playing in the roadway was struck by a southbound SUV on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn. The impact injured her elbow and lower arm. She remained conscious and suffered abrasions. The SUV’s left front bumper was damaged in the collision.

According to the police report, a 14-year-old female pedestrian was injured while playing in the roadway on Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn. The vehicle involved was a 2021 Jeep SUV traveling southbound, which struck the pedestrian with its left front bumper. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to her elbow and lower arm but remained conscious. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The pedestrian’s actions were noted as playing in the roadway, but no blame is assigned. The SUV had two occupants and the driver was licensed in New York. Vehicle damage was limited to the left front bumper.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4675421 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19