Inwood Burns While Leaders Stall: Deadly Streets, Broken Promises

City made Jamaica and Archer Avenue busways permanent. Jamaica Avenue hours slashed. Archer stays 24/7. Northern Boulevard bus lanes started after months of delay. Local politicians fought restrictions. Bus riders still face slow trips. City bows to business pressure.

On November 15, 2022, the Adams administration made busways on Jamaica and Archer avenues permanent after a one-year pilot. The Department of Transportation cut Jamaica Avenue’s busway hours from 24/7 to 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, while Archer Avenue remains round-the-clock. The Northern Boulevard bus lane project, stalled for months after Council Member Francisco Moya lobbied against it, finally began installation. Council Members Nantasha Williams and Selvena Brooks-Powers opposed the busways, calling for their elimination and citing business concerns. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and other local officials pushed for even shorter hours. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez defended the busways, saying, 'strong bus infrastructure is a necessity.' Despite opposition, the city kept some busway hours intact, but caved to business interests, reducing protection for bus riders and vulnerable road users.

• City Makes Jamaica Busways Permanent But With Shorter Hours; Begins Northern Blvd. Bus Lanes, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-11-15

A 48-year-old woman was struck by a taxi while crossing a marked crosswalk on Payson Avenue. The driver, making a right turn, was inattentive. The pedestrian suffered bruises and injuries to her knee and lower leg. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a taxi traveling south on Payson Avenue made a right turn and struck a 48-year-old female pedestrian crossing at a marked crosswalk without a signal. The pedestrian was conscious but sustained contusions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the primary contributing factor. The taxi showed no visible damage despite the impact occurring at the right front bumper. The pedestrian was not cited for any fault, and no other contributing factors such as helmet use or signaling were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4584104 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

DOT moves to ban cars from Grand Army Plaza. Council members demand urgent fixes. Pedestrians and cyclists face danger daily. Crashes, injuries, broken sidewalks, and chaos define the space. The city promises swift action. Streets for people, not cars.

On November 10, 2022, the NYC Department of Transportation proposed making Grand Army Plaza car-free and connecting it to Open Streets on Vanderbilt and Underhill Avenues. The matter, described as 'NYC DOT proposal for car-free Grand Army Plaza and related street safety improvements,' is not a formal council bill but has drawn council attention. Council Member Shahana Hanif (District 39) and Crystal Hudson pressed DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez to address the plaza’s 'endless traffic, poor sidewalk conditions, broken benches, and overflowing trash cans.' Hanif and Hudson demanded immediate safety upgrades after recent crashes injured pedestrians and cyclists. DOT Deputy Commissioner Eric Beaton said, 'We want to take it to the next level... more consistent and better designed public spaces.' The agency is seeking public feedback and plans to draft detailed designs within the year. The proposal aims to end the status quo of danger and disrepair, prioritizing vulnerable road users over cars.

• Exclusive: DOT eyes Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza as NYC's next car-free space, gothamist.com, Published 2022-11-10

Mayor Adams claimed victory on intersection safety, boasting 1,200 upgrades. But most were light tweaks, not real redesigns. Activists saw missing data, empty promises, and little for cyclists or bus riders. Council Member Brewer vowed to dig deeper.

On October 31, 2022, Mayor Adams held a press conference at Eighth Avenue and 46th Street to announce his administration surpassed its pledge to improve safety at 1,000 intersections, reporting 1,200 treatments. The effort included leading pedestrian intervals, all-way stops, and some street redesigns. Adams declared, "Promise made, promise kept," but activists and Transportation Alternatives criticized the lack of physical upgrades and transparency. Council Member Gale A. Brewer, representing District 6, promised to investigate the data issues. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez acknowledged ongoing fatalities but highlighted fewer pedestrian deaths and the launch of 24/7 speed cameras. Critics noted most Vision Zero priority intersections were untouched, and the city lags on protected bike and bus lane targets. The lack of detailed, user-friendly data clouds the true impact for vulnerable road users.

• Adams at the Crossroads: Mayor Touts Intersection Fixes As Road Violence Crisis Continues, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-10-31

Mayor Adams claimed over 1,200 intersections got safety upgrades. Most were light tweaks, not real redesigns. Activists say data is murky. Deadly crashes persist. City missed targets for protected bike and bus lanes. Vulnerable New Yorkers remain at risk.

On October 31, 2022, Mayor Adams held a press conference to announce his administration exceeded its promise to improve safety at 1,000 intersections, reporting 1,200 treatments. The event, attended by DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Council Member Gale Brewer, highlighted a major redesign at Eighth Avenue and 46th Street. The city claims upgrades like leading pedestrian intervals, all-way stops, and raised crosswalks. But activists and Council Member Brewer questioned the data, noting most changes were minor signal tweaks, not physical redesigns. The Department of Transportation declined to release full details, making verification impossible. Adams said, "Promise made, promise kept." Rodriguez stressed the need for a culture shift and pointed to 24/7 speed cameras. But activists warn the city lags on protected bike and bus lane goals. Traffic deaths remain high. The lack of transparency leaves vulnerable road users exposed.

• Adams at the Crossroads: Mayor Touts Intersection Fixes As Road Violence Crisis Continues, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-10-31

City officials claim 1,200 intersections now safer. Bottcher hails Eighth Avenue’s changes. DOT touts bike lanes, road diets, and pedestrian upgrades. But death and injury counts remain grim. Streets still threaten walkers, riders, and the vulnerable.

On October 30, 2022, the city announced it surpassed its goal, redesigning 1,200 intersections for safety. The effort, led by the Department of Transportation, included protected bike lanes, road diets, and pedestrian-first signals. Council Member Erik Bottcher, District 3, praised the Eighth Avenue redesign, saying, 'We’ve got room for pedestrians, cyclists, and cars. It’s a much more pleasant corridor.' The announcement followed a year with 187 deaths and over 37,000 injuries by September 30. Mayor Adams and DOT Commissioner Rodriguez called for a shift away from car dominance, pushing for a safer, more inclusive city. Despite progress, the toll on vulnerable road users remains high. The city’s promise: more redesigns, but the danger persists.

• Safer crossings: NYC has redesigned 1,200 intersections this year, Adams says, amny.com, Published 2022-10-30

A 2007 Honda SUV made a right turn on 9 Avenue. It hit two pedestrians, ages 8 and 50, both crossing with the signal. Both suffered abrasions and injuries to limbs and neck. The driver failed to yield right-of-way. Confusion contributed.

According to the police report, a 2007 Honda SUV traveling south on 9 Avenue made a right turn and struck two pedestrians at the intersection. Both victims, an 8-year-old girl and a 50-year-old woman, were crossing with the signal. They sustained abrasions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, foot, and neck. The report lists driver errors including failure to yield right-of-way. Pedestrian confusion also contributed to the crash. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The point of impact was the right front bumper of the SUV. Both pedestrians were conscious after the collision. No mention of helmet use or signaling by pedestrians was noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4580551 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

Paseo Park on 34th Avenue turned a deadly street into a safe haven. In two years, no one has died. Injuries to walkers and cyclists have plunged. The city eyes making it permanent. Council Member Moya blocks expansion. The numbers speak: lives saved.

This report covers the transformation of 34th Avenue into Paseo Park, an open street project in Queens. The project, now two years old as of October 25, 2022, has slashed traffic deaths and injuries. The matter summary states: 'the street has become much safer for all users as it has created dignified public space for all residents.' Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez led the ribbon-cutting. City officials are moving to make the changes permanent. In the last two years, there have been zero traffic deaths on 34th Avenue and a 43 percent drop in crashes in the surrounding area. Pedestrian and cyclist injuries have dropped by half, even as usage soared. Council Member Francisco Moya has not supported expanding Paseo Park into his district, leaving the project stalled at the border. The data show: open streets save lives, cut injuries, and give neighborhoods space to breathe.

• NUMBER CRUNCH: ‘Paseo Park’ is Already a Success Story, Defying Screaming Foes, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-10-25

City report shows business boomed on car-free streets. DOT chief Rodriguez hails Open Streets as the city’s future. Council Speaker Adams pushes back on curbside dining. Mayor vows to make outdoor dining permanent. Economic gains clear. Streets still contested ground.

On October 25, 2022, city officials released a report on the Open Streets program’s economic impact. The Department of Transportation, led by Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, worked with Bloomberg Associates and NYC Finance to analyze business growth. The report states, 'business is booming along streets converted to outdoor dining strips or car-free open streets.' Rodriguez supports curbside dining, declaring, 'the future of New York City is going car free.' Council Speaker Adrienne Adams disagrees, saying outdoor dining should stay on the sidewalk. Mayor Adams promises to keep the program as a 'critical driver of recovery.' The report found more business growth on open streets than on similar corridors, with gains in Astoria, Prospect Heights, and Chinatown. The council remains divided on the program’s permanent form.

• City’s ‘Open Streets’ Program Sparked Economic Growth During Pandemic, New Report Shows, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-10-25

On Halloween, the city will ban cars from 100 streets. Kids will walk free. No engines, no rush, no threat. The move follows a 42% drop in pedestrian injuries on 34th Avenue. Officials say car-free streets mean fewer dead children.

On October 24, 2022, the NYC Department of Transportation announced a major expansion of car-free streets for Halloween. The initiative, called 'Trick-or-Streets,' will close 100 streets—across all boroughs except Staten Island—from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The DOT will extend hours on 40 existing open streets and keep another 60 car-free through the evening, partnering with the Street Activity Permit Office for more pedestrian zones. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'I am incredibly excited to build on the triumph of our thriving Open Streets program ... this Halloween, providing greater access to safer, shared community spaces.' Assembly Member Catalina Cruz and Council Member Shekar Krishnan backed the move, stressing the deadly risk cars pose to children. DOT data shows a 42% drop in pedestrian injury crashes on 34th Avenue since it went car-free. The city cites national spikes in child pedestrian deaths on Halloween. The message is clear: car-free streets save lives.

• NO TRICK, ALL TREAT: City to Ban Cars on Some Streets for Halloween, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-10-24

DOT refused a protected bike lane on Brooklyn’s Fourth Avenue during construction. Cyclists face danger. The city law demands protection. DOT chose traffic flow over safety. Advocates and officials condemned the move. Illegally parked cars block the shared lane. Cyclists remain exposed.

On October 20, 2022, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced it would not install a temporary protected bike lane on Brooklyn’s Fourth Avenue during major construction, despite Local Law 124 requiring such measures when bike lanes are blocked. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, who once supported the law as a council member, now claims a protected lane would worsen traffic and turning conflicts. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Council Member Alexa Aviles criticized the decision, with Reynoso stating, 'protected bike lanes are essential,' and Aviles urging the city to 'install an alternative, fully protected bike lane where the road can accommodate one.' Advocates argue the shared lane is unsafe and often blocked by cars. The DOT’s move prioritizes vehicle flow over cyclist safety, leaving vulnerable road users at risk.

• SAFETY LAST: DOT Admits To Intentionally Endangering Cyclists on Brooklyn’s Fourth Avenue, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-10-20

City Council pushed back the greenway master plan deadline. The plan now lands December 2024, not July 2023. The delay matches a $7.25-million federal grant. Advocates want more greenways, but warn: current paths are broken, dangerous, and neglected.

Bill to create a New York City greenway master plan passed the City Council Transportation Committee on October 19, 2022. The deadline moved from July 1, 2023, to December 1, 2024, after talks with the Adams administration. The bill summary reads: 'A bill that requires a multi-agency effort to create a greenway master plan for New York City unanimously passed the City Council Transportation Committee on Thursday, but there's a catch: the actual master plan won't be revealed until the end of 2024.' DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez supported the delay to align with a $7.25-million federal RAISE grant. DOT spokeswoman Mona Bruno said the funding will help 'prioritize active transportation projects that will reconnect historically disenfranchised communities.' Advocates, including Steve Vaccaro, blasted the poor state of current greenways, calling them dangerous and costly. Despite the delay and maintenance failures, the bill's passage signals hope for safer, expanded routes.

• Greenway Master Plan Bill Now Has a Later Deadline For Creation of Said Master Plan, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-10-19

A truck driver killed Kala Santiago on a no-truck route. He passed too close, failed to yield, and faced no charges. The city lacks a three-foot passing law. A 2019 bill to fix this died in committee. Cyclists remain exposed. Justice denied.

In 2019, then-Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez introduced a bill requiring drivers to keep a minimum three-foot distance when overtaking cyclists. The bill, supported by NYPD and DOT, never reached a vote before Rodriguez’s term ended and has not been reassigned. The bill summary states it 'would require drivers of motor vehicles to maintain a minimum distance of three feet when overtaking a bicycle.' Rodriguez sponsored the bill. Legal experts Daniel Flanzig and Steve Vaccaro criticized the lack of enforcement and the absence of a defined safe passing law, noting that most of the country already has such protections. Flanzig called the law essential to prevent tragedies like the death of Kala Santiago, who was killed by a truck driver on Parkside Avenue. Without this law, cyclists remain at risk, and drivers rarely face consequences.

• No Charges for Truck Driver Who Killed Cyclist Despite Being on a No-Truck Route and Failing to Yield, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-10-14

Officials cut the ribbon on a fortified, two-way bike lane on Schermerhorn Street. Cyclists now ride behind parked cars, shielded from traffic. The old, chaotic street saw 29 cyclist injuries and one death. Councilmember Restler pushed for this change.

On October 12, 2022, the Department of Transportation held a ribbon-cutting for the new protected bike lane on Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn's District 33. The overhaul converted the street to one-way eastbound and installed a two-way, parking-protected bike lane. The matter summary reads: 'DOT cuts ribbon on newly fortified Schermerhorn Street bike lane.' Councilmember Lincoln Restler, who championed the redesign, attended the event and called it 'a great friggin day for Brooklyn.' The old lanes were unprotected and blocked by double-parked cars, forcing cyclists into traffic. Since 2012, 29 cyclists have been injured and one killed along this stretch. The new design separates cyclists from vehicles, aiming to end the danger that plagued this busy corridor.

• DOT cuts ribbon on newly fortified Schermerhorn Street bike lane, amny.com, Published 2022-10-12

City officials cut the ribbon on a new two-way protected bike lane on Schermerhorn Street. Cyclists now ride behind parked cars, shielded from traffic. Councilmember Lincoln Restler pushed for the overhaul after years of crashes and blocked lanes. Safety comes first.

On October 12, 2022, the Department of Transportation opened a fortified, two-way protected bike lane on Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn’s District 33. The project, championed by Councilmember Lincoln Restler, followed years of complaints about blocked, unprotected lanes and frequent crashes. The matter, described as a 'complete transformation of the look and feel of the corridor,' converted Schermerhorn from a chaotic two-way street to a one-way with parking-protected bike lanes. Restler, who once failed to ride the stretch without leaving the lane due to illegal parking, called the redesign 'real safety in downtown Brooklyn.' DOT data shows 29 cyclists injured and one killed on this stretch since 2012. The overhaul separates cyclists from moving vehicles, reducing risk for Brooklyn’s most vulnerable road users.

• DOT cuts ribbon on newly fortified Schermerhorn Street bike lane, amny.com, Published 2022-10-12

A tractor-trailer killed Kala Santiago, 25, on Parkside Avenue near Prospect Park. Councilmember Rita Joseph demanded safer streets. Parkside is not a truck route. The street has seen dozens of injuries. Advocates want protected bike lanes. Lives hang in the balance.

On October 12, 2022, Councilmember Rita Joseph (District 40) responded to the death of cyclist Kala Santiago, struck and killed by a tractor-trailer on Parkside Avenue, Brooklyn. Joseph, in a joint statement with Transportation Alternatives, said, "The tragic death of yet another cyclist in our city, this time in my own neighborhood, shows how far we need to come to address traffic violence." Joseph called for urgent action to make streets safer. Parkside Avenue, not a designated truck route, has seen 161 injuries in five years, including 28 cyclists and 25 pedestrians. Advocates, including Danny Harris of Transportation Alternatives, demanded the city fast-track protected bike lanes, warning, "Lives are on the line." The city has completed eight miles of protected lanes this year, with a goal of 20 by January. The push for protected infrastructure follows a spike in traffic deaths and ongoing danger for vulnerable road users.

• Cyclist killed in Brooklyn crash near Prospect Park, gothamist.com, Published 2022-10-12

A motorcycle and SUV collided on 115 Post Avenue in Manhattan. The SUV made a U-turn and struck the motorcycle’s front center. The motorcyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The crash involved improper lane usage by the SUV driver.

According to the police report, a motorcycle traveling south was struck by an SUV making a U-turn on 115 Post Avenue in Manhattan. The point of impact was the motorcycle’s center front end and the SUV’s left rear quarter panel. The motorcycle driver, a 40-year-old man, was injured with knee and lower leg trauma but was not ejected. The report lists "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the SUV operator. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time. No other contributing factors were specified.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4571811 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

A sedan driver fell asleep and crashed into a parked car on West 207 Street. The front passenger suffered whiplash and full-body injuries. Both cars took heavy front-end damage. Only the passenger was hurt.

According to the police report, a westbound sedan struck a parked sedan on West 207 Street in Manhattan after the driver fell asleep. The crash left a 59-year-old female front-seat passenger injured, with whiplash and injuries to her entire body. She was conscious, not ejected, and wore a lap belt and harness. The report lists "Fell Asleep" as the contributing factor for the crash. Both vehicles had center front-end damage. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4571809 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16

Council Member Gale Brewer challenges DOT’s street safety boasts. She questions claims of 750 redesigned intersections. Public data shows far less. Most fixes are signal timing, not real protection. Advocates want proof, not promises. Road deaths remain high. Brewer vows investigation.

On October 5, 2022, Council Member Gale Brewer, chair of the Council's oversight committee, announced plans to investigate the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) street safety claims. Brewer questioned DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez’s assertion that 750 of 1,000 intersections were redesigned, citing public data showing fewer than 400. Brewer said, “I love the idea of using her committee's investigatory power to explore whether the Adams administration has indeed redesigned 750 of the promised 1,000 intersections... or whether it done fewer than that, as the agency's own public data shows.” She confirmed her intent to use committee investigators and hold an oversight hearing. The matter, titled “City Council oversight inquiry into DOT street safety implementation and data transparency,” highlights DOT’s lack of documentation and reliance on signal retiming over physical improvements. Advocates and Brewer demand full transparency and real progress. Road deaths remain high, and the city lags on legal mandates for bus and bike lanes.

• CM Brewer: ‘I’ll Hold DOT Accountable on Promises and Data’, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-10-05

A sedan struck a bicyclist on West 207 Street in Manhattan. The cyclist was injured in the head and suffered bruising. The crash involved improper lane usage by the driver and confusion by the bicyclist. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling westbound on West 207 Street collided with a bicyclist traveling eastbound who was making a left turn. The bicyclist, a 38-year-old man, sustained a head injury and contusion but was conscious and not ejected from his bike. The report lists driver errors including improper passing or lane usage. The bicyclist's confusion or error also contributed to the crash. The cyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The sedan's point of impact was the roof, and the bike was struck at its center front end. No other injuries or factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4570322 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-16