Brownsville Bleeds—Leaders Stall. Demand Safe Streets Now.

Feb 28 - Council passed a law forcing taxis and for-hire cars to post bold warnings on doors. The signs tell passengers: look for cyclists before you open up. A small step. The city hands out the decals. No cost to drivers.

Int 0193-2024 became law on May 31, 2025, after action by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...requiring taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening the door,' was sponsored by Lincoln Restler and co-sponsored by over twenty council members, including Gutiérrez, Hudson, and Rivera. The law mandates clear warning decals on all rear passenger doors of taxis and for-hire vehicles. The Taxi and Limousine Commission will provide the signs at no cost. The measure aims to cut down on 'dooring'—a threat to cyclists citywide. The mayor returned the bill unsigned, but it became law.

• File Int 0193-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-28

Feb 27 - Senate bill S 8658 orders $90 million for faster, more reliable buses and fare-free rides. Sponsors push MTA to act. Riders wait for relief. Streets choke on traffic. The city holds its breath.

Senate bill S 8658, introduced on February 27, 2024, sits in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled 'get congestion pricing right act,' directs the MTA to spend $45 million to boost bus frequency and reliability, and another $45 million to expand fare-free bus pilots in New York City. Senators Michael Gianaris (primary sponsor), Jabari Brisport, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Julia Salazar back the measure. The bill demands reporting on these investments. No safety analyst has yet assessed its impact on vulnerable road users.

• File S 8658, Open States, Published 2024-02-27

Feb 21 - A 21-year-old woman suffered a hip and upper leg contusion after a BMW sedan struck her at a Brooklyn intersection. The driver, making a left turn, failed to pay attention, hitting the pedestrian who was crossing with the signal.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Saratoga Avenue near Sutter Avenue in Brooklyn at 2:39 p.m. A BMW sedan traveling north was making a left turn when it struck a 21-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal and sustained a contusion and bruising to her hip and upper leg. The report cites "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the sole contributing factor, repeated twice, indicating the driver failed to notice the pedestrian. The vehicle's left front bumper was the point of impact, confirming the collision during the turn. No other factors such as pedestrian error or equipment issues were noted. This incident highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving at intersections, where vulnerable pedestrians rely on signals for safe crossing.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705991 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 20 - A southbound SUV struck an eastbound sedan at Junius Street and Pitkin Avenue in Brooklyn. The crash injured a 13-year-old front passenger, who suffered knee and lower leg injuries and whiplash. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 3 p.m. on Junius Street near Pitkin Avenue in Brooklyn. A 2018 SUV traveling south collided with an eastbound sedan. The point of impact was the SUV's right front bumper. The injured victim was a 13-year-old male front passenger in one of the vehicles, who sustained knee, lower leg, and foot injuries along with whiplash. He was conscious and wearing a lap belt and harness. Both drivers were licensed in New York and were traveling straight ahead before the collision. The report does not list any contributing driver errors or factors, and no pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The injury to the passenger highlights the violent force of the impact despite proper restraint use.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705089 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 14 - A 64-year-old man struck at 233 Livonia Avenue. He suffered a fractured, dislocated arm. No driver errors listed. The crash exposes the dangers Brooklyn pedestrians face at intersections.

According to the police report, a 64-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection near 233 Livonia Avenue in Brooklyn at 6:40 PM. He sustained a fracture and dislocation to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, and was conscious after the crash. The report does not specify the vehicle type or driver details, nor does it list any contributing factors such as failure to yield or driver impairment. No pedestrian actions or safety equipment were cited as contributing factors. The absence of identified driver errors in the report highlights the persistent risks pedestrians face at this intersection.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4703503 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 13 - 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 2024-02-13

Feb 13 - 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 2024-02-13

Feb 12 - A 12-year-old girl suffered upper leg injuries after being struck by a sedan at a Brooklyn intersection. The vehicle was traveling west, hitting her at the center front end. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal, according to the police report.

According to the police report, a 12-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection near 1549 Pitkin Avenue in Brooklyn at 3:58 PM. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when she was struck by a westbound 2019 Nissan sedan. The vehicle's point of impact was the center front end, and despite the collision, no vehicle damage was reported. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg and was in shock. The report lists the pedestrian's action as crossing against the signal but does not specify any contributing driver errors. No other contributing factors were noted. The driver was alone in the vehicle and was going straight ahead at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4705093 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Feb 8 - Council moves to force brighter sidewalks. Bill orders 500 corridors lit each year. Shadows shrink. Pedestrians gain ground. Committee holds the bill. Streets wait.

Int 0079-2024, now laid over in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced on February 8, 2024. The bill demands the city install pedestrian lighting in at least 500 commercial corridors per year, aiming for a minimum of 1 footcandle (11 lux) on every sidewalk. The matter title reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installation of pedestrian lighting fixtures.' Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers leads as primary sponsor, joined by Restler, Krishnan, Bottcher, and others. The committee has not yet voted. The bill’s text sets clear targets for coverage and contiguity, but action is stalled. Vulnerable road users remain in the dark until the city acts.

• File Int 0079-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-02-08

Feb 1 - A 43-year-old unlicensed motorcycle driver struck a vehicle’s bumper on Pitkin Avenue. He suffered a head injury and minor bleeding. The rider was semiconscious, not ejected. No other factors listed.

According to the police report, a 43-year-old unlicensed man was driving a motorcycle east on Pitkin Avenue in Brooklyn when he collided with the left front bumper of another vehicle. The crash left the rider semiconscious with a head injury and minor bleeding. He was not ejected from the motorcycle. The report notes the driver’s unlicensed status but lists no other contributing factors or victim actions. Damage was recorded on the motorcycle’s right front bumper. No information is provided about the other vehicle or its occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4699520 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 30 - 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 2024-01-30

Jan 27 - A sedan traveling east on Union Street struck another vehicle, causing neck injuries to the sedan’s driver. The crash involved unsafe speed and disregarded traffic control. The driver suffered whiplash and shock but was not ejected from the vehicle.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:30 on Union Street in Brooklyn. The sedan, driven by a 26-year-old male, was traveling east when it collided with another vehicle going south. The point of impact was the sedan’s left front bumper and the other vehicle’s right front bumper. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors, with the sedan driver specifically noted for unsafe speed. The driver was injured, suffering neck injuries and whiplash, and experienced shock. He was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors. This crash highlights driver errors related to speed and traffic control compliance.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4700162 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 11 - A driver hit a parked SUV in Brooklyn. Alcohol and speed fueled the crash. The driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. No one else was hurt. Metal twisted. Sirens cut the night.

According to the police report, a 27-year-old woman driving a 2016 Audi SUV north on Riverdale Avenue struck a parked 2011 Toyota SUV at 10:35 p.m. The moving vehicle hit the parked car's right rear bumper with its center front end. The driver was injured, suffering neck injuries and whiplash, and remained conscious. Police listed alcohol involvement and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The driver had a permit license from New York and was not using safety equipment. No other people were involved. The crash stemmed from driver errors: impaired operation and excessive speed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694363 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jan 5 - A 53-year-old woman was injured when a sedan making a left turn struck her at an intersection in Brooklyn. The impact to her hip and upper leg caused contusions and bruises. The driver showed no vehicle damage after the collision.

According to the police report, a 53-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of East New York Avenue and Boyland Street in Brooklyn around 10 p.m. The sedan, driven by a licensed male driver traveling west, was making a left turn when it struck the pedestrian. The point of impact was the vehicle's left front quarter panel. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her hip and upper leg, described as contusions and bruises, and remained conscious. The vehicle showed no damage after the crash. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any pedestrian errors. The driver’s action of making a left turn was the critical moment leading to the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692905 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 31 - A pick-up truck and a sedan collided on Boyland Street. One driver, a 34-year-old woman, suffered neck injuries. Alcohol involvement was noted in the crash.

A pick-up truck and a sedan collided in Brooklyn, injuring a 34-year-old female driver. According to the police report, the crash involved alcohol. The sedan was struck on the right side doors by the truck, which impacted the center front end. The driver of the sedan sustained whiplash and was conscious at the scene. No ejection occurred. The report lists unspecified contributing factors, with no mention of helmet use or signaling as factors in the incident.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4691308 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 23 - Two sedans crashed on Boyland Street in Brooklyn. One driver suffered whiplash and full-body injuries. The impact hit both vehicles’ left front bumpers. Unsafe speed and driver distraction caused the collision. Both drivers were conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Boyland Street, Brooklyn. The female driver of a 2021 Audi, traveling north and going straight, was injured with whiplash and injuries to her entire body. She was wearing a lap belt and harness and remained conscious. The male driver of a 2015 BMW was making a right turn southbound when the collision occurred. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage on their left bumpers. The report lists unsafe speed and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. No victims were ejected. The crash highlights driver errors without attributing fault to the injured occupant.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4692900 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 20 - A 56-year-old man was hit by a southbound sedan on Amboy Street in Brooklyn. The impact struck the pedestrian’s lower leg and foot, causing bruising and injury. The driver was licensed and traveling straight when the crash occurred.

According to the police report, a 56-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2022 Honda sedan traveling south on Amboy Street struck him with the vehicle’s right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Other Vehicular" as a contributing factor to the crash. The driver was licensed and driving straight ahead at the time of impact. No pedestrian actions or safety equipment were noted. The crash highlights the dangers pedestrians face from moving vehicles even when drivers appear to be following basic travel patterns.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4689069 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Dec 14 - A sedan and an SUV collided on Lott Avenue in Brooklyn. The sedan’s left side was struck. The 49-year-old male sedan driver suffered back contusions. Driver inattention was cited. No ejections occurred. Both vehicles were traveling westbound.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Lott Avenue in Brooklyn involving a sedan and an SUV, both traveling westbound. The point of impact was the left side doors of the sedan and the right front bumper of the SUV. The sedan driver, a 49-year-old man, was injured with back contusions but was conscious and not ejected. The report lists driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted. The sedan driver was restrained with a lap belt and harness. The crash caused damage primarily to the left side of the sedan and the right front of the SUV.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4694295 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 30 - Two sedans crashed on Rockaway Avenue in Brooklyn. A westbound Mitsubishi struck an eastbound Nissan making a left turn. The front passenger in the Mitsubishi suffered chest injuries and whiplash. Driver distraction caused the collision.

According to the police report, two sedans collided on Rockaway Avenue in Brooklyn. A westbound Mitsubishi, traveling straight, hit the center front end of an eastbound Nissan making a left turn. The front passenger in the Mitsubishi, a 35-year-old woman, was injured with chest trauma and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. No other contributing factors or victim errors were noted. The collision caused damage to the left front bumper of the Mitsubishi and the center front end of the Nissan.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4685322 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Nov 29 - A westbound SUV struck a northbound sedan on Boyland Street in Brooklyn. Three occupants suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cited traffic control disregard as the cause. All injured were belted and remained inside their vehicles.

According to the police report, a 2023 SUV traveling west on Boyland Street collided with a 2009 sedan traveling north. The point of impact was the left side doors of the SUV and the center front end of the sedan. Three occupants were injured: two female drivers, ages 51 and 87, and a 22-year-old male passenger. All suffered neck injuries and whiplash. All occupants were restrained with lap belts and were not ejected. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the contributing factor, indicating a failure to obey traffic signals or signs. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4683268 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19