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

Jun 2 - A sedan struck a 10-year-old boy riding a bike near West 30 Street in Brooklyn. The boy suffered a fractured knee and lower leg injuries. The driver was distracted. The child was confused at the scene. No helmet was worn.

According to the police report, a 2016 Infiniti sedan traveling south collided with a 10-year-old bicyclist near West 30 Street in Brooklyn. The boy was injured with fractures and dislocations to his knee and lower leg. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. It also notes confusion on the part of the bicyclist. The impact occurred on the left side doors of the sedan and the right front quarter panel of the bike. The bicyclist was not ejected and remained conscious. The child was not wearing any safety equipment. The crash highlights driver distraction and bicyclist confusion as key errors leading to injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4634590 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 1 - A sedan struck a bicyclist traveling east on Neptune Avenue. The 53-year-old woman was partially ejected and suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Driver distraction caused the crash. The bicyclist wore a helmet and was in shock at the scene.

According to the police report, a 2009 Jeep sedan and a bicycle collided while both were traveling east on Neptune Avenue. The bicyclist, a 53-year-old woman, was partially ejected and sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. She complained of pain and nausea and was wearing a helmet. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors to the crash. The sedan struck the bicycle on the right side doors, causing damage to both vehicles. The bicyclist was the only occupant of her vehicle, and the sedan had one male driver with a valid New York license. The crash left the bicyclist in shock and injured, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4633974 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 1 - 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 2023-06-01

May 31 - 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 2023-05-31

May 20 - A 6-year-old girl crossing Cropsey Avenue with the signal was struck by a southbound sedan. The driver, distracted and inattentive, hit her with the right front bumper. She suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg.

According to the police report, a 6-year-old female pedestrian was injured while crossing Cropsey Avenue at an intersection in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a southbound sedan struck her with its right front bumper. The driver was identified as male, licensed in New York, and traveling straight ahead. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor to the crash. The child sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. There is no mention of helmet use or other safety equipment. The collision caused damage to the sedan's right front bumper.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4630599 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 16 - Senate backs S 775. The bill defines the ignition interlock monitor’s job. It forces offenders to install devices and obey court orders. Lawmakers act to keep repeat drunk drivers off the street.

Senate bill S 775, titled "Relates to the responsibilities of an ignition interlock monitor," passed committee votes on February 1, March 21, and May 16, 2023. The bill describes the monitor’s role and mandates compliance for those ordered to install ignition interlock devices. Primary sponsor Jeremy Cooney (District 56) led, joined by Nathalia Fernandez, Monica Martinez, and Shelley Mayer. The measure saw broad support, with senators voting yes across multiple sessions. The law aims to keep drivers with violations from endangering others by enforcing strict compliance with court-ordered ignition interlocks.

• File S 775, Open States, Published 2023-05-16

May 13 - A 41-year-old man was struck and injured while walking on West 36 Street. The SUV was backing up when it hit the pedestrian. The man suffered knee and lower leg injuries and was left in shock at the scene.

According to the police report, a 41-year-old male pedestrian was injured on West 36 Street when a 2004 Jeep SUV backing south struck him with its right front quarter panel. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was performing other actions in the roadway. The report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle while backing. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot and was left in shock. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted. The pedestrian's confusion contributed to the crash, but no safety equipment or helmet use was mentioned.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628482 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 12 - A 68-year-old man was struck by an eastbound SUV on West 8 Street in Brooklyn. He suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. The pedestrian crossed against the signal, causing confusion. The driver was licensed and driving straight.

According to the police report, a 68-year-old male pedestrian was injured after being hit by a 2013 Ford SUV traveling east on West 8 Street in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal at the intersection when the collision occurred. The impact was at the center front end of the vehicle, causing abrasions and injuries to the pedestrian's elbow and lower arm. The driver was licensed and driving straight ahead at the time. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as a contributing factor. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were noted. The pedestrian's action of crossing against the signal was the primary factor in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4628478 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 1 - A pick-up truck made a U-turn on Neptune Avenue and struck the right side of a westbound sedan. Two female passengers in the sedan suffered injuries and shock. Driver distraction and unsafe lane changing contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a pick-up truck was making a U-turn on Neptune Avenue when it collided with the right side doors of a westbound sedan. The sedan carried three occupants, including two female passengers who were injured and experienced shock. The front passenger wore a lap belt and harness, and the rear passenger was secured in a child restraint. The report lists driver inattention and unsafe lane changing as contributing factors to the crash. The pick-up truck driver held a valid license, while the sedan driver had a permit. The impact damaged the right rear quarter panel of the sedan and the left front bumper of the pick-up truck.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4625254 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 25 - A 39-year-old male sedan driver suffered head injuries in a Brooklyn crash. The SUV made a left turn and struck the sedan’s left side. The driver was semiconscious but restrained by a lap belt and harness. Visibility was limited at impact.

According to the police report, a 2011 SUV making a left turn collided with a 2019 sedan traveling east on Surf Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan’s left side doors bore the impact. The sedan driver, a 39-year-old man, was injured in the head and found semiconscious. He was wearing a lap belt and harness and was not ejected. The report lists "View Obstructed/Limited" as a contributing factor. The SUV driver was licensed and traveling southwest. The crash involved a failure to yield during the left turn maneuver, as the SUV struck the sedan going straight ahead. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4623383 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 24 - Two 12-year-old boys were hit by an SUV making a left turn on Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn. Both were crossing with the signal. They suffered bruises and injuries to their knees and lower legs. The driver failed to yield and was distracted.

According to the police report, a 2010 SUV driven by a licensed male driver was making a left turn on Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn when it struck two 12-year-old boys crossing at the intersection with the signal. Both pedestrians sustained contusions and injuries to their knees, lower legs, and feet. The report lists the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle showed no damage, and both boys were conscious after the crash. No other safety equipment or victim actions were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4623370 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Apr 4 - MTA’s Brooklyn bus overhaul draws fire. Riders and officials slam cuts to B48, fear lost connections. Seniors and disabled New Yorkers face longer walks. Community voices rise. The city’s promise of better service clashes with real, lived needs.

"You have so many people living here who are seniors. You have people with disabilities, you have people who just cannot tolerate the elimination of one stop." -- Alec Brook-Krasny

On April 4, 2023, Council Member Phara Souffrant Forrest and other Brooklyn officials voiced strong opposition to the MTA’s Brooklyn bus network redesign. The draft plan, released in December, proposes increased spacing between stops, route changes, and new 'Rush' service. Key changes include the elimination and rerouting of the B48, which officials say 'removes a vital connection between Western Crown Heights and Greenpoint without any adequate transit replacement.' Forrest and others argue these cuts threaten accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities. Community members warn that longer distances between stops will hit the most vulnerable hardest. The MTA claims the redesign will bring 'more reliable, frequent service with better connections,' but public feedback shows deep concern. The plan remains under review, with workshops ongoing and legal hurdles for new bus lanes due to budget and staffing woes.

• Brooklyn bus redesign proposal rankles some riders, amny.com, Published 2023-04-04

Mar 21 - Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2023-03-21

Mar 20 - A sedan struck an 11-year-old girl crossing Mermaid Avenue against the signal. The driver was inattentive and speeding. The girl suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. Impact hit the vehicle’s right front bumper.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling west on Mermaid Avenue struck an 11-year-old female pedestrian crossing against the signal at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruises. The driver was identified as a licensed female from New York. Contributing factors listed include driver inattention and unsafe speed. The point of impact was the vehicle’s right front bumper, causing damage to the right front quarter panel. The pedestrian was conscious after the crash. The report highlights driver errors of inattention and speeding as key causes. No mention of helmet or signaling factors was made.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4614387 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 19 - A 13-year-old boy suffered facial abrasions and shock after a crash on West 30 Street. He was crossing with the signal when struck. The vehicle involved is unspecified. No driver errors or contributing factors were reported by police.

According to the police report, a 13-year-old male pedestrian was injured while crossing West 30 Street with the signal. He sustained abrasions to his face and was in shock. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors. The vehicle involved is unspecified, and no details about the driver or vehicle type were provided. The pedestrian was at an intersection and had the right of way. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The crash resulted in injury severity level 3, indicating moderate injury. The report does not assign fault or blame to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4614386 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 17 - A 50-year-old man was injured crossing West 15 Street in a marked crosswalk. The SUV driver, distracted and inattentive, made a right turn and hit the pedestrian with the vehicle’s right front bumper. The man suffered abrasions and leg injuries.

According to the police report, a 50-year-old male pedestrian was crossing West 15 Street in a marked crosswalk when he was struck by a 2012 Ford SUV making a right turn. The impact occurred at the vehicle’s right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as the contributing factors to the crash. The driver was licensed and traveling northwest. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4614388 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 8 - Three Bay Ridge officers got city and state awards for shielding students during a deadly U-Haul rampage. The driver struck eight, killed one. Officers rushed to shelter kids. Politicians praised quick action. Community demanded tougher traffic violence measures and mental health support.

On March 8, 2023, State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Council Member Justin Brannan honored officers from the 68th Precinct for their response to the February U-Haul attack in Bay Ridge. The event, not tied to a specific council bill, recognized police who 'evacuated and sheltered school children' as a driver struck eight pedestrians and killed one. Gounardes said, 'These students, their families and our entire community here in southern Brooklyn will be forever grateful.' Brannan called the response 'a shining example' of local policing. The commendation took place at Bay Ridge Preparatory School. The incident sparked calls for 'enhanced measures against traffic violence' and more mental health resources at a vigil for the victims. No formal safety analysis was provided, but the focus remained on protecting vulnerable road users and preventing future harm.

• ‘Heroic’ Bay Ridge officers honored for protecting students during U-Haul attack, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-03-08

Mar 3 - A Chevy pickup hit two people on Mermaid Avenue. The driver was distracted. A 41-year-old woman died beneath the truck. An 18-year-old man broke his pelvis. Both crossed with the signal. The street bore the weight of loss.

A westbound Chevy pickup struck two pedestrians at Mermaid Avenue and West 24th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, a 41-year-old woman, crossing with the signal, was hit head-on and killed beneath the truck. An 18-year-old man, also crossing with the signal, suffered pelvic fractures. The report states, “The driver was distracted.” The only listed contributing factor is Driver Inattention/Distraction. Both victims were in the crosswalk, following the signal. No other contributing factors are mentioned in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4609976 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Mar 3 - South Brooklyn residents rallied in Coney Island. They slammed the MTA’s bus redesign plan. Protesters warned that cutting stops would strand seniors and people with disabilities. Council Member Justin Brannan led the charge, demanding the MTA keep vital service for vulnerable riders.

On March 2, 2023, Council Member Justin Brannan (District 47) joined southern Brooklyn residents at a public protest against the MTA’s proposed Brooklyn bus network redesign. The event, covered by brooklynpaper.com, centered on fears that eliminating bus stops would harm those with few transit options. The matter, titled 'Southern Brooklynites blast MTA’s proposed bus redesign at Coney Island protest,' drew attention to the impact on seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income riders. Brannan launched a petition urging the MTA to reconsider, stating, 'I'm going to make sure the MTA knows this plan won't fly with me.' The protest reflects deep concern that the redesign would cut lifelines for the city’s most vulnerable road users.

• Southern Brooklynites blast MTA’s proposed bus redesign at Coney Island protest, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2023-03-03

Feb 27 - A taxi struck a bicyclist traveling west on West 21 Street. The rider suffered a shoulder and upper arm contusion. The taxi’s left front quarter panel took the impact. The driver was distracted. The cyclist was conscious and not ejected.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling south on West 21 Street collided with a bicyclist going straight west. The point of impact was the taxi’s left front quarter panel and the bike’s center front end. The bicyclist, a 33-year-old man, sustained an upper arm and shoulder contusion but remained conscious and was not ejected. The taxi driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as the contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. Vehicle damage was limited to the taxi’s left front quarter panel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4609303 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19