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

Jul 4 - A 23-year-old man was struck while crossing Neptune Avenue at a marked crosswalk. The vehicle, traveling north, failed to yield right-of-way and hit the pedestrian’s right front side. The victim suffered elbow and lower arm injuries but remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 23-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Neptune Avenue in Brooklyn at 11:06 p.m. The pedestrian was crossing at a marked crosswalk without a signal when a vehicle traveling north struck him. The point of impact was the vehicle’s right front bumper. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor, indicating the driver did not yield to the pedestrian legally crossing. The pedestrian sustained injuries to his elbow and lower arm but remained conscious. The vehicle reportedly sustained no damage. No other contributing factors such as pedestrian behavior or helmet use were noted in the report. This incident highlights driver failure to yield as a critical cause of harm to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4739990 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 3 - A westbound SUV struck the rear of a sedan making a U-turn on West 23 Street in Brooklyn. The impact injured three passengers, including two children, all suffering head injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely and improper turning.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:30 PM on West 23 Street near Surf Avenue in Brooklyn. A sedan was making a U-turn when it was struck from behind by a westbound SUV. The report identifies driver errors as 'Turning Improperly' by the sedan driver and 'Following Too Closely' by the SUV driver. Three passengers in the sedan, including two children aged 4 and 8, were injured with head injuries and complaints of whiplash. None were ejected and all remained conscious. The SUV sustained damage to its left front bumper, while the sedan was impacted at the center back end. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing solely on driver errors that led to the collision and injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4738273 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 27 - An 85-year-old man crossing Sea Breeze Avenue was struck by a sedan backing unsafely. The impact caused a severe shoulder injury, fracturing and dislocating the upper arm. Glare impaired the driver's visibility, contributing to the crash.

According to the police report, a 2019 Honda sedan was backing west on Sea Breeze Avenue near Ocean Parkway at 12:17 PM when it struck an 85-year-old male pedestrian. The pedestrian was crossing outside an intersection without a signal or crosswalk. The report cites 'Backing Unsafely' and 'Glare' as contributing factors to the collision. The pedestrian suffered a severe injury to his shoulder and upper arm, including fracture and dislocation, and remained conscious. The vehicle showed no damage despite the impact to its center back end. The driver's licensed status and jurisdiction were confirmed, but the unsafe backing maneuver and glare impaired visibility, directly led to the pedestrian's injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737063 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 26 - A 22-year-old male bicyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries after an SUV backed unsafely in Brooklyn. The collision caused bruising and helmeted rider trauma. Police report cites driver error in backing maneuver as primary cause of the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:35 near West 8 Street in Brooklyn. A 22-year-old male bicyclist, wearing a helmet, was injured when a 2015 SUV backed unsafely, striking the bike. The bicyclist sustained contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot, with injury severity rated as moderate. The SUV driver, licensed in New Jersey, was traveling south and failed to yield while backing, which the report identifies as the contributing factor. The bike sustained damage to the center front end, while the SUV showed no damage. The bicyclist was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. The report highlights the driver’s unsafe backing maneuver as the critical cause, without attributing fault to the bicyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4736110 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 24 - New Yorkers packed the MTA Board meeting. They slammed the Governor’s pause on congestion pricing. The move guts $15 billion from transit upgrades. Projects for elevators and ramps stall. Disabled riders, seniors, and veterans lose out. Politicians split. Riders left stranded.

On June 24, 2024, the MTA Board heard public testimony and political debate on the fallout from Governor Hochul’s indefinite pause of congestion pricing, which was set to begin June 30. The meeting focused on the loss of funding for transit accessibility. The matter, described as 'New Yorkers decry loss of congestion pricing money for accessible transit to MTA Board,' drew sharp criticism from disability advocates and riders. State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, representing District 23, praised the Governor’s pause, calling congestion pricing 'the wrong plan for my constituents.' The pause leaves a $15 billion hole in the MTA’s capital budget, halting upgrades like elevators and ramps at dozens of stations. Advocates warned that without this funding, disabled New Yorkers, seniors, and veterans remain shut out of the subway. The MTA faces a federal mandate to make 95% of stations accessible by 2055, but these projects now stall. Riders demanded action. Politicians offered little hope.

• New Yorkers decry loss of congestion pricing money for accessible transit to MTA Board, amny.com, Published 2024-06-24

Jun 9 - Two sedans collided head-to-back on Belt Parkway late at night. The driver of the front vehicle suffered elbow and arm abrasions. Police cited unsafe speed and improper lane usage as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed men traveling westbound.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 23:18 on Belt Parkway involving two sedans traveling westbound. The front vehicle, a 2022 BMW driven by a 27-year-old man, was struck in the center back end by a 2023 Toyota sedan. The BMW driver, who was wearing a lap belt and harness, sustained abrasions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but was conscious and not ejected. The report identifies unsafe speed and improper passing or lane usage by the driver as contributing factors. Both drivers held valid licenses from New York and Pennsylvania respectively. Vehicle damage was noted on the left front bumper of the BMW and the center back end of the Toyota, indicating a rear-end collision caused by driver errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731400 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 8 - A 73-year-old man crossing with the signal was struck by a northbound sedan making a left turn. The driver failed to yield and was inattentive. The pedestrian suffered bruises and arm injuries but remained conscious at the scene.

According to the police report, a 73-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of Surf Avenue and West 8 Street in Brooklyn around 6:27 PM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a northbound 2019 Chevrolet sedan making a left turn struck him with its right front bumper. The report cites driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand but remained conscious. The vehicle sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle without occupants. This crash highlights driver errors in yielding and distraction as the primary causes of harm to a vulnerable road user.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731176 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 7 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Assembly passes A 7652. Schenectady gets school speed cameras. Law aims to slow drivers near kids. Cameras expire in 2028. Vote split. Streets may get safer for children on foot.

Bill A 7652, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady,' passed the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymembers Phil Steck and Angelo Santabarbara, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2028. The Assembly vote saw strong support but also opposition. Steck and Santabarbara led the push. The bill's text is blunt: 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Schenectady.' No formal safety analyst note was provided, but speed cameras have a record of reducing driver speed and protecting children walking to school.

• File A 7652, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 7 - Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Jun 6 - Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-06

Jun 3 - Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03

May 24 - A sedan making a left turn struck a 60-year-old woman crossing West 31st at a marked crosswalk. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries. Driver inattention and distraction caused the collision, according to the police report.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on West 31st Street was making a left turn when it struck a 60-year-old female pedestrian crossing at a marked crosswalk without a signal. The impact occurred at the center front end of the vehicle, damaging the right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, described as contusions and bruises, and remained conscious after the collision. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash, repeated twice for emphasis. No other contributing factors such as pedestrian behavior or safety equipment were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving during turning maneuvers in busy Brooklyn intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727290 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 23 - Abandoned poles and wires block sidewalks, trap walkers, and threaten cyclists. This bill sets strict deadlines for removal and transfer. Delay ends. Streets clear. Danger cut.

Int 0921-2024 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on May 23, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Justin L. Brannan with Holden, Vernikov, Marmorato, and Paladino, demands owners remove abandoned or unsafe utility poles, wires, and appurtenances within 60 days—or immediately if dangerous. Transfers to new poles must happen in 30 days. The matter title reads: 'timelines for the removal of abandoned or unsafe utility poles, wires, and appurtenances, and the transfer of appurtenances to newly erected poles.' Swift action means fewer sidewalk traps and less risk for those on foot or bike.

• File Int 0921-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-23

May 19 - A sedan struck a parked car on West 22 Street. The driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited alcohol involvement. Both cars’ bumpers were damaged. No other injuries reported.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling north on West 22 Street in Brooklyn collided with a parked sedan at 18:39. The 35-year-old male driver was injured, sustaining head trauma and whiplash, and remained conscious at the scene. Police listed alcohol involvement as a contributing factor. The moving sedan’s right front bumper and the parked car’s left rear bumper were damaged. No other people were hurt. The report does not indicate any fault or contributing behavior by the parked vehicle. Alcohol involvement by the driver stands out as the key factor in this crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726314 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 18 - Two SUVs collided on Mermaid Avenue at 8:55 a.m. One driver, making a U-turn, struck the other vehicle backing up. The male driver suffered a bruised elbow and shock. Police cited driver inattention as the primary cause.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Mermaid Avenue at 8:55 a.m. involving two SUVs traveling east. One driver, a 58-year-old male, was making a U-turn when his vehicle's left front bumper struck the left rear bumper of another SUV that was backing up. The male driver was injured, sustaining contusions to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was reported to be in shock. Both vehicles sustained damage at their respective points of impact. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both drivers. The injured driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The collision highlights the dangers of driver distraction during complex maneuvers like U-turns and backing up.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725514 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 16 - Council moves to light up step streets. At least 25 stairways each year will get new lamps. Dark paths become visible. Pedestrians gain ground. Shadows shrink. Danger loses its cover.

Int 0875-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on May 16, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the installation of pedestrian lighting on step streets.' Prime sponsor Joann Ariola, joined by sixteen co-sponsors, pushes for at least 25 step streets to be lit each year until all are covered. Step streets are open-air staircases linking streets at different heights. The bill aims to strip darkness from these paths, making them safer for people on foot. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0875-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

May 13 - A moped carrying two passengers was struck on its left rear bumper during a left turn. The right rear passenger was partially ejected and suffered contusions to the arm. Unsafe speed and improper turning by the other vehicle caused the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on West 21 Street at 15:05. A moped traveling east with two occupants was hit on its left rear bumper by a vehicle making a left turn southbound. The report cites 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Turning Improperly' as contributing factors by the other vehicle's driver. The right rear passenger, an 18-year-old female, was partially ejected and sustained contusions to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. She was conscious and injured but wore no safety equipment. The collision point and vehicle damage confirm the impact location. Driver errors—specifically unsafe speed and improper turning—directly led to the passenger’s injuries. No victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725531 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 3 - A 37-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured in a collision on West 33 Street in Brooklyn. The crash involved a Honda SUV and was marked by driver inattention and alcohol involvement. The cyclist suffered contusions and leg injuries.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 2:15 AM on West 33 Street in Brooklyn. The bicyclist, a 37-year-old male, was riding westbound when he was struck by a Honda SUV traveling in the same direction. The point of impact was the center back end of the bike and the right front bumper of the SUV. The bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruises. The report cites driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors, along with alcohol involvement. The bicyclist was also noted to have alcohol involvement. The crash highlights the dangers posed by impaired and distracted driving in Brooklyn streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721920 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 2 - Senate bill S 9162 aims to kill congestion pricing, shake up the MTA board, and order a forensic audit. Streets stay clogged. Riders and walkers face more danger. Sponsor: Jessica Scarcella-Spanton.

Senate bill S 9162 was introduced on May 2, 2024, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill's title: '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).' Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (District 23) is the primary sponsor. The bill would repeal congestion pricing, expand the MTA board, and require a forensic audit. No safety analysis was provided, but repealing congestion pricing keeps traffic thick and streets hostile for New York’s most vulnerable.

• File S 9162, Open States, Published 2024-05-02