Flatbush Bleeds, City Shrugs: Who Will Stop the Killing?

Senate bill S 100 demands complete street design in state and federally funded projects. Lawmakers push for public guidance. Streets built for people, not just cars.

Senate bill S 100 was introduced on January 4, 2023, and is 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, and drivers. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan leads, joined by Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Jeremy Cooney, Michael Gianaris, Kristen Gonzalez, Rachel May, Kevin S. Parker, and Luis R. Sepúlveda. The bill also orders the department to publish street design guidance. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 100, Open States, Published 2023-01-04

Two sedans collided on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. The lead vehicle was struck from behind. A 19-year-old male driver suffered head injuries and whiplash. Police cited following too closely and driver distraction as causes. Both drivers were licensed men.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling north on Flatbush Avenue collided in a rear-end crash. The 19-year-old male driver of the lead vehicle was injured, sustaining head trauma and whiplash. He was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. Both drivers were licensed men operating their vehicles straight ahead. The impact occurred at the center back end of the lead vehicle and the left rear bumper of the striking vehicle. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4592541 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 47-year-old man driving a sedan on Flatbush Avenue suffered a bruised elbow and lower arm injury. The crash happened during a left turn. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The vehicle's front end was damaged.

According to the police report, a 47-year-old male driver was making a left turn on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn when the crash occurred. The driver sustained contusions and bruises to his elbow and lower arm but was not ejected and remained conscious. The vehicle, a 2017 sedan, suffered damage to the center front end with impact on the left front bumper. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the contributing factor, repeated twice, indicating the driver’s failure to maintain focus led to the collision. The driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness. No other vehicles or pedestrians were reported injured or involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4583022 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 72-year-old man driving a sedan was injured when an SUV made an improper U-turn and struck the sedan’s right side. The sedan driver suffered bruises and arm injuries. Both vehicles were traveling north on East 73 Street in Brooklyn.

According to the police report, a 72-year-old male sedan driver was injured when a station wagon/SUV made an improper U-turn on East 73 Street in Brooklyn and collided with the right side of the sedan. The sedan driver sustained contusions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists driver errors including "Turning Improperly" and "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as contributing factors. The sedan driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. The SUV was making a U-turn while the sedan was going straight ahead. The impact occurred on the sedan’s right side doors and the SUV’s left front bumper.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4581160 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 39-year-old woman was hit by an SUV on Mill Avenue in Brooklyn. She was crossing with the signal when the vehicle, traveling east, struck her with its right front bumper. She suffered bruises and injuries to her elbow and lower arm.

According to the police report, a Station Wagon/SUV traveling east on Mill Avenue struck a 39-year-old female pedestrian who was crossing with the signal at the intersection. The pedestrian sustained contusions and injuries to her elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report lists driver errors including Unsafe Speed and Driver Inattention/Distraction as contributing factors. The vehicle had no damage and was going straight ahead at the time of impact. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. No helmet or signaling issues were noted. The crash highlights the dangers posed by speeding and distracted driving in Brooklyn intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4577855 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 29-year-old male SUV driver suffered a neck contusion after backing unsafely into a bus on Quentin Road in Brooklyn. The bus was traveling east when the SUV, moving north, struck its right side doors. Driver inattention caused the crash.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old male driver of a 2019 SUV was injured when he backed unsafely into a 2011 bus traveling east on Quentin Road in Brooklyn. The SUV struck the bus's right side doors, causing a neck contusion to the SUV driver, who was conscious and wearing a lap belt. The report lists driver inattention and backing unsafely as contributing factors. The bus driver was licensed and going straight ahead at the time of impact. The SUV driver’s distraction and unsafe backing maneuver led to the collision. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4569614 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Steel screamed on Pearson Street. Two sedans crashed head-on. Both drivers, women, trapped and bleeding, arms shattered. Distraction ruled the wheel. A teenage passenger sat stunned. Sirens cut the silence. The street held its breath.

Two sedans collided head-on near Avenue U in Brooklyn. According to the police report, both vehicles were driven by women—one 55, the other 31. Both drivers suffered crush injuries to their arms and were pinned in their seats, conscious but badly hurt. A 17-year-old female passenger was also involved. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both vehicles. No other causes are cited. The crash left steel twisted and lives changed. The data shows both drivers wore lap belts and harnesses. The impact was direct, center front to center front, with both cars traveling west. The street fell silent after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4563340 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two SUVs crashed on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. One driver made a left turn into the path of another going straight. The front passenger in the turning vehicle suffered head injuries and whiplash. Both vehicles sustained front and side damage.

According to the police report, two sport utility vehicles collided on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. One driver was making a left turn while the other was traveling straight southbound. The point of impact was the center front end of the turning vehicle and the left front bumper of the other. The front passenger in the turning vehicle, a 21-year-old male, was injured with head trauma and whiplash but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report lists no specific contributing factors but notes the turning maneuver as a key action. Both vehicles were damaged, with the turning SUV sustaining front-end damage and the other SUV damaged on the left side doors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4561542 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Cadillac sedan struck a 53-year-old cyclist on Ohio Walk. The cyclist flew from his bike, helmeted, head bleeding. Shock froze his face. The car’s right bumper cracked. Both moved straight. The driver held only a permit.

A 17-year-old permit driver in a Cadillac sedan struck a 53-year-old cyclist on Ohio Walk near East 66th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, both the car and the cyclist were traveling straight when the sedan’s right front bumper hit the cyclist. The impact ejected the cyclist from his bike. He suffered a severe head injury and was in shock. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The cyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but the crash left him bleeding from the head. The driver had only a learner’s permit at the time of the collision.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4558418 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided on Quentin Road. Aggressive driving sent a 41-year-old man to the ground. He suffered bruises and leg injuries. Police blamed road rage. The victim stayed conscious. Brooklyn streets stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a 41-year-old male pedestrian was struck and injured on Quentin Road in Brooklyn. The crash involved two sedans traveling westbound, one stopped in traffic and the other moving straight ahead. The vehicles collided, and the impact injured the pedestrian, causing contusions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists aggressive driving and road rage as contributing factors. No other factors, such as helmet use or signaling, were noted. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene and suffered moderate injuries. The report does not assign fault to the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4556373 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan turning left collided with an SUV going straight on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. Both drivers, a 53-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman, suffered bruises and contusions. Alcohol involvement was a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a 2013 sedan making a left turn struck a 2021 SUV traveling north on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. Both drivers were injured: the male sedan driver sustained head contusions, and the female SUV driver suffered injuries to her elbow and lower arm. Both occupants were conscious and not ejected. The report lists alcohol involvement as the primary contributing factor for both drivers. The sedan's point of impact was the right front quarter panel, while the SUV was hit at the center front end. Both drivers were licensed and wearing safety equipment, including an airbag and lap belt. No other driver errors or victim factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4555585 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A motorcycle struck the left side of an SUV making a left turn on Avenue T in Brooklyn. The motorcycle driver was ejected and injured, suffering abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The crash involved failure to yield right-of-way.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling east on Avenue T collided with a northbound SUV making a left turn. The motorcycle struck the left side doors of the SUV. The motorcycle driver, a 42-year-old man, was ejected and sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The report lists "Failure to Yield Right-of-Way" as a contributing factor. The SUV driver was licensed and had no reported injuries. The motorcycle sustained front-end damage. No safety equipment was noted for the injured motorcycle driver. The crash highlights the dangers when drivers fail to yield during turning maneuvers.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4557572 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

SUV hit a 12-year-old boy crossing Avenue T in Brooklyn. Driver failed to yield and was distracted. The boy suffered abrasions and leg injuries. Impact came as the SUV turned left.

According to the police report, a 12-year-old pedestrian was injured at Avenue T and Mill Avenue in Brooklyn. The boy was crossing with the signal when a 2005 Honda SUV, making a left turn, struck him with its center front end. The report lists the driver's failure to yield right-of-way and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The boy suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. He was conscious at the scene. The vehicle showed no damage.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4556167 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

An e-bike rider was ejected and suffered a head injury after colliding with an SUV making a left turn on Bergen Avenue. The rider was conscious but sustained a concussion. The SUV driver was distracted, causing the crash.

According to the police report, a 37-year-old male e-bike driver was injured and ejected in a collision with a 2011 Jeep SUV on Bergen Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV was making a left turn while the e-bike was traveling straight. The point of impact was the SUV's left front quarter panel and the e-bike's center front end. The e-bike rider suffered a head injury and concussion but remained conscious. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash, attributed to the SUV driver. The e-bike rider was wearing a helmet. No other factors or victim errors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4554392 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse backs a dedicated bus lane on Flatbush Avenue. She joins Mayor Adams and others, pushing for faster, safer rides. Riders wait too long. Streets choke with traffic. The city moves to act, despite driver backlash and parking fears.

On August 9, 2022, Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse (District 46) endorsed the Flatbush Avenue dedicated bus lane proposal. The plan, a priority for the Adams administration and MTA, aims to speed up the B41 bus from Downtown Brooklyn to Marine Park. Narcisse and Councilmember Rita Joseph joined Mayor Eric Adams at a press conference, riding the B41 and speaking with riders. Narcisse said, “People are suffering waiting 30 minutes, 40 minutes, it’s unfair to the riders.” She stressed that better bus service could cut down on illegal dollar vans. The Department of Transportation, led by Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, has started community engagement. Some community boards worry about lost parking, but Rodriguez called their role advisory, saying, “we want to hear what the riders want.” Narcisse acknowledged driver backlash but insisted on the need for faster, reliable transit.

• Flatbush Avenue bus lane proposal gains support of key electeds, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2022-08-09

StreetsPAC called for voters to oust State Sen. Kevin Parker. They backed Kaegan Mays-Williams for her push on protected bike lanes and bus network redesign. Parker ignored safety questions. StreetsPAC praised other candidates who fight for safer streets and transit.

On August 9, 2022, StreetsPAC, New York City's safe streets political action committee, issued an endorsement urging Central Brooklyn voters to retire State Sen. Kevin Parker. The group backed Kaegan Mays-Williams, citing her support for redesigning Brooklyn's bus network and expanding protected bike lanes. StreetsPAC Executive Director Eric McClure said, 'She supports redesigning Brooklyn's bus network to simplify routes and speed commutes.' Parker did not respond to StreetsPAC's request for information and has a record of negative incidents. Mays-Williams stressed the need for dependable public transit and safer cycling. StreetsPAC also highlighted the safety records of Andrew Gounardes, Angel Vasquez, Jabori Brisport, Rajiv Gowda, Christian Amato, and Kristen Gonzalez, noting their support for speed cameras, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and transit improvements. The endorsement signals a clear push for candidates who prioritize vulnerable road users.

• StreetsPAC to Central Brooklyn Voters: Retire State Sen. Kevin Parker Now!, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-09

SUV reversed on East 36 Street. Smashed into parked car. Woman behind the wheel took the hit. Whiplash. Full-body pain. Police blamed driver distraction. No one else injured.

According to the police report, a 63-year-old woman driving an SUV on East 36 Street in Brooklyn backed into a parked SUV. The crash struck the center front of her vehicle and the center rear of the parked car. The driver suffered whiplash and injuries to her entire body. Police listed 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The driver was properly restrained. No other errors or victim actions were cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4545379 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Councilman Restler wants to rip up thousands of parking placards. He targets abuse by city officials and fake permits. His bill exempts people with disabilities. Another measure rewards whistleblowers. The Council should pass both. The city’s streets demand it.

On June 7, 2022, Councilman Lincoln Restler (District 33) announced legislation to revoke tens of thousands of personal vehicle parking placards, with exemptions for people with disabilities and those covered by collective bargaining. The editorial, titled 'Free perking: Pull back run amok NYC parking placards,' calls out rampant placard abuse: 'End this scam.' Restler’s companion bill would reward whistleblowers who report cheaters with 25% of fines collected. Both measures have four co-sponsors. The editorial urges the Council to pass the bills and for Mayor Adams to sign them. Placard abuse fuels lawless parking, endangering pedestrians and cyclists. The city’s lack of oversight lets drivers block crosswalks and bike lanes. Restler’s push aims to restore fairness and safety to New York’s streets.

• Free perking: Pull back run amok NYC parking placards, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-06-07

Senate passed S 5602 to keep school zone speed cameras running longer. More eyes on reckless drivers. Lawmakers push back against speeding near kids. The vote was clear. The danger remains.

Bill S 5602, titled 'Relates to the hours of operation of a school zone speed camera demonstration program,' passed the Senate on May 25, 2022, and the Assembly on June 2, 2022. The bill extends the hours that speed cameras operate in New York City school zones. Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, with co-sponsors Biaggi, Cleare, Gianaris, Hoylman, Jackson, Kavanagh, Krueger, Myrie, Persaud, Ramos, Rivera, and Sepulveda. The measure saw strong support in both chambers, despite some opposition. The bill aims to keep cameras watching when children are at risk. More enforcement, more accountability. The fight for safer streets continues.

• File S 5602, Open States, Published 2022-06-02

Albany passed A 8936. Cities get more state cash if they build complete streets. Lawmakers want safer roads. The bill sailed through both chambers. Money now follows safety.

Bill A 8936, titled 'Relates to complete street design features and funding of construction and improvements at a municipalities' expense,' passed the Assembly on May 23, 2022, and the Senate on June 1, 2022. The bill boosts state funding for transportation projects when municipalities add complete street features. Assemblymember Fahy led as primary sponsor, joined by Hunter, Seawright, Woerner, and others. The Assembly and Senate both voted yes, with broad support. The law aims to push cities to design streets for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—by tying state dollars to safety upgrades.

• File A 8936, Open States, Published 2022-06-01