No One Dies—Everyone Bleeds: Flatbush Needs Action, Not Excuses

Feb 13 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-02-13

Feb 3 - DOT revives its student contest to push street safety and walking. Kids make PSAs. Winners get cash. Council Member Narcisse backs the move. The city wants young voices to remind drivers: streets are for people, not just cars.

On February 3, 2023, the Department of Transportation announced the return of the 'We're Walking Here' competition. This program, paused during the pandemic, targets K-12 students across New York City. The contest runs March 6-31, with students creating public-service announcements to promote walking and traffic safety. Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, representing District 46, voiced support: 'I am happy to support the NYC DOT's relaunch of their "We're Walking Here" campaign to raise awareness of our collective responsibility to eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries.' The contest partners with the 'Hip Hop 50' campaign, blending street safety with city culture. Winners receive prizes from The Safe Streets Fund. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez called students 'some of our most vulnerable pedestrians.' The program aims to put safety in the hands of those most at risk.

• DOT brings back student competition that promotes health and street safety, amny.com, Published 2023-02-03

Feb 1 - 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 2023-02-01

Jan 24 - Assembly and Senate passed A 602. The bill sets state funding rules for federally assisted and municipal complete street projects. Lawmakers moved fast. Streets shaped by budgets, not safety.

Bill A 602, titled 'Relates to the percentage responsibility of the state for federally assisted projects,' passed committee votes in the Assembly on January 24, 2023, and in the Senate on February 13, 2023. Sponsored by Patricia Fahy, the bill addresses how much the state pays for federally assisted projects and for municipal projects with complete street designs. The measure saw broad support, with near-unanimous yes votes in both chambers. The bill's focus is on funding, not on direct safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File A 602, Open States, Published 2023-01-24

Jan 13 - Assembly bill A 1280 pushes for streets built for all. Dozens of lawmakers back the plan. The bill demands roads that protect walkers, cyclists, and riders. It calls for design, not luck, to keep people safe.

Assembly bill A 1280, now in sponsorship, aims to 'enable safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles.' Introduced January 13, 2023, the bill sits with the Assembly. Jonathan Rivera leads as primary sponsor, joined by over 70 co-sponsors including Patrick Burke, Kenny Burgos, and Catalina Cruz. Their action signals strong legislative momentum. The bill’s focus: force planners to build streets for people, not just cars. No safety analyst note is available, but the intent is clear—systemic change for vulnerable road users. The bill’s progress can be tracked at the New York Assembly website.

• File A 1280, Open States, Published 2023-01-13

Sep 24 - SUV struck sedan from behind on Belt Parkway. Woman driving sedan suffered back injury and shock. Both cars moved west. No pedestrians or cyclists involved. Driver errors not specified.

According to the police report, a 29-year-old woman driving a sedan was injured when an SUV rear-ended her on Belt Parkway. The SUV hit the sedan’s center back end while both vehicles traveled west. The sedan driver suffered a back injury and shock. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified, with no clear driver errors identified. The sedan driver was restrained and not ejected. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved in the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4566892 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Sep 3 - SUV and sedan collided head-on in Brooklyn. Both drivers distracted by eating or drinking. SUV driver and sedan passenger suffered neck injuries. Both were conscious and restrained at the scene.

According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV and a sedan crashed on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn at 11:17 p.m. Both vehicles were traveling north and struck each other at their center front and back ends. The SUV driver and the front passenger in the sedan suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both were conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses. The report lists eating or drinking and driver inattention/distraction as contributing factors. No ejections occurred. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead before the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4560861 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 9 - 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

Jul 30 - A 50-year-old male bicyclist was injured when an SUV made a right turn and struck him on Flatbush Avenue. The cyclist suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The SUV showed no damage at impact.

According to the police report, a 50-year-old male bicyclist traveling south on Flatbush Avenue was struck by a westbound SUV making a right turn. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV and an unspecified area on the bike. The bicyclist sustained abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors for the crash. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet and was conscious after the collision. The SUV driver was licensed and the vehicle showed no damage from the impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4551967 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 29 - A sedan starting from parking struck a 53-year-old male bicyclist riding north on Flatbush Avenue. The cyclist suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm. The driver was inattentive and distracted. The bicyclist wore a helmet and remained conscious.

According to the police report, a sedan driven by a licensed male driver started from parking and collided with a bicyclist traveling north on Flatbush Avenue. The bicyclist, a 53-year-old man, sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a contributing factor. Additionally, "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" was noted. The sedan showed no damage, while the bike sustained front-end damage. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4541765 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 2 - 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

Jun 1 - 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

May 31 - A 53-year-old woman was struck by a taxi on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. She suffered injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The taxi showed no damage. The pedestrian was not at an intersection and was in shock after the collision.

According to the police report, a 53-year-old female pedestrian was injured by a taxi traveling south on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot and was in shock. The taxi was parked before the crash and showed no damage or point of impact. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The pedestrian was not at an intersection at the time of the collision. No safety equipment or signals are noted. The taxi driver was licensed and operating a 2021 vehicle with three occupants.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4534726 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 31 - 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 2022-05-31

May 26 - A 28-year-old male motorcycle driver was ejected and suffered severe injuries on Flatbush Avenue. The crash involved unsafe speed and driver distraction. The rider was unhelmeted and sustained fractures and dislocations across his body.

According to the police report, a 28-year-old male motorcycle driver was injured after a crash on Flatbush Avenue. The driver was ejected from the vehicle and suffered fractures and dislocations to his entire body. The report lists unsafe speed and driver inattention or distraction as contributing factors. The motorcycle, a 2021 Piaggio, was traveling north and struck an object or surface with its center front end. The driver was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the crash. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved according to the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4531667 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 25 - 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 2022-05-25

May 24 - Metal screamed on Flatbush Avenue. A taxi struck a sedan. A woman, seventy-seven, took a blow to the head. A man, thirty-nine, broke his hip. Both drivers pinned, belts tight, pain sharp. Traffic control ignored. Distraction ruled the moment.

A taxi collided with a sedan near Aviation Road on Flatbush Avenue. According to the police report, a 77-year-old woman suffered a head injury and a 39-year-old man sustained a broken hip. Both drivers were conscious but trapped by their seat belts. The report states: “Traffic Control Disregarded” and “Driver Inattention/Distraction” as contributing factors. The crash left both vehicles damaged, with the taxi’s right front bumper and the sedan’s left rear bumper taking the brunt. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The police report makes clear: driver error and distraction led to the violent impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4530757 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

May 23 - 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 2022-05-23

May 23 - Senate and Assembly passed S 1078. New drivers must now learn how to avoid hitting people on foot or bike. Law aims to cut crashes at the root—before drivers get the keys.

Bill S 1078, introduced in the Senate on April 27, 2021, requires pedestrian and bicyclist safety instruction in the drivers pre-licensing course. The bill moved through committee and passed the Senate and Assembly, with key votes on May 20, 2021, February 1, 2022, May 16, 2022, and May 23, 2022. The matter summary reads: 'Requires instruction in pedestrian and bicyclist safety as part of the drivers pre-licensing course.' Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, joined by Bailey, Biaggi, Brisport, Cleare, Comrie, and others. The measure targets driver ignorance, a root cause of deadly crashes, by putting vulnerable road users at the center of driver education.

• File S 1078, Open States, Published 2022-05-23

May 16 - Senate and Assembly passed S 1078. New drivers must now learn how to avoid hitting people on foot or bike. Law aims to cut crashes at the root—before drivers get the keys.

Bill S 1078, introduced in the Senate on April 27, 2021, requires pedestrian and bicyclist safety instruction in the drivers pre-licensing course. The bill moved through committee and passed the Senate and Assembly, with key votes on May 20, 2021, February 1, 2022, May 16, 2022, and May 23, 2022. The matter summary reads: 'Requires instruction in pedestrian and bicyclist safety as part of the drivers pre-licensing course.' Primary sponsor: Senator Gounardes, joined by Bailey, Biaggi, Brisport, Cleare, Comrie, and others. The measure targets driver ignorance, a root cause of deadly crashes, by putting vulnerable road users at the center of driver education.

• File S 1078, Open States, Published 2022-05-16