Another Body, Another Excuse: Who Pays for Senate District 26’s Deadly Streets?

Councilmember Restler and Brooklyn leaders want DOT to flip Bond Street’s traffic northbound after Schermerhorn’s redesign. Locals face gridlock. Community Board 2 backs the move. They demand DOT protect the Bond Street bike lane with a physical barrier.

On October 21, 2022, Councilmember Lincoln Restler (District 33) and Brooklyn Community Board 2 requested the Department of Transportation (DOT) extend Bond Street’s northbound direction to Livingston Street. The request follows complaints after Schermerhorn Street’s redesign, which added a protected bike lane but made all crossings one-way southbound, causing gridlock and blocking access for services. The Community Board’s Transportation and Public Safety Committee, chaired by Sid Meyer, voted to support the change and insisted DOT maintain and protect the Bond Street bike lane with a physical barrier. Restler said, 'We believe that this proposal will improve traffic flow and enhance the public’s access to essential services, deliveries, and residences.' DOT is reviewing the proposal. The matter centers on the impact of traffic changes on residents and the need to safeguard vulnerable road users.

• Street relief: Downtown Brooklynites ask DOT to flip traffic on Bond Street after Schermerhorn redesign, brooklynpaper.com, Published 2022-10-21

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

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

A Mack garbage truck turned left on 85th Street. The driver failed to yield. An 81-year-old woman, crossing with the signal, was struck. Her leg was torn away. She died beneath the truck’s front bumper. The street ran red with her blood.

An 81-year-old woman was killed at the corner of 85th Street and 15th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, she was crossing with the signal when a Mack garbage truck, making a left turn, struck her. The impact tore away her leg. She died at the scene, beneath the truck’s front bumper. The police report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The driver was licensed and operating a 2021 Mack truck. The victim was following the rules, crossing at the intersection with the signal. No helmet or signaling issues are mentioned in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4570960, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Toyota SUV struck a westbound sedan on 13th Avenue. The sedan’s driver, an 80-year-old woman, died at the scene. Two others suffered back injuries. Both vehicles failed to yield. The crash left pain and silence on the corner.

An 80-year-old woman driving a sedan westbound on 13th Avenue at 84th Street in Brooklyn was killed when a southbound Toyota SUV struck her car broadside. According to the police report, 'An 80-year-old woman, unbelted behind the wheel of a westbound sedan, was struck broadside by a southbound Toyota SUV. Her head hit hard. She died there, alone, in the driver’s seat.' Two other people, an 18-year-old male driver and a 47-year-old female passenger in the SUV, suffered back injuries. The police report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor for both vehicles. The sedan driver was not wearing a seatbelt, as noted in the report, but the primary cause cited is failure to yield.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4569789, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A sedan hit a northbound cyclist on State Street near Smith. The rider flew from his bike. His hip shattered on the pavement. Blood pooled. The car kept moving. The street fell silent. One man injured. Metal and flesh collided.

A sedan traveling east on State Street struck a northbound cyclist near Smith Street in Brooklyn. The cyclist, a 29-year-old man, was ejected from his bike and suffered crush injuries to his hip and upper leg. According to the police report, the crash involved 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. The sedan's right front quarter panel hit the cyclist, who was not wearing a helmet. The driver, a 59-year-old woman, remained uninjured. No other contributing driver errors were listed in the report. The impact left the cyclist injured and the street stained with blood.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4566854, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A Jeep turned right on Navy Street. A man on a bike rode straight. The Jeep’s bumper caught his leg. He crashed hard. His hip split open. Blood pooled on the street. He stayed awake, helmet cracked, pain sharp.

A crash on Navy Street left a 42-year-old man on a bike badly hurt. According to the police report, a Jeep turned right while the cyclist went straight. The Jeep’s bumper struck the cyclist’s leg. He fell, suffering severe lacerations and a split hip. Blood pooled as he lay conscious, his helmet cracked. The driver of the Jeep and another occupant were not reported injured. The police report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The cyclist’s helmet is noted only after the collision. No driver errors are specified in the data. The impact left the cyclist with serious injuries while the Jeep sustained damage to its right side doors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4567065, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A sedan crashed into a parked diesel truck on Third Avenue. Metal buckled. The driver’s back broke. He died at the scene. Alcohol played a role. The street was quiet, but the impact was final.

A sedan traveling south on Third Avenue in Brooklyn struck the rear of a parked diesel truck near 383rd Street. According to the police report, the sedan 'slammed into the back' of the truck. Three people were involved. The 35-year-old male occupant suffered fatal back injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other occupants, a 31-year-old man and a female registrant, were listed with unspecified injuries. The police report cites 'Alcohol Involvement' as a contributing factor for all involved. The sedan sustained heavy front-end damage. The parked truck was hit at the left rear bumper. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash underscores the lethal risk when alcohol and driving mix.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4567647, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A KIA SUV hit a Yamaha motorcycle on 81st Street. Both drivers were distracted. The rider, helmeted, was thrown and bled from the head. The SUV’s bumper tore. The motorcycle crumpled. Both men survived. The street ran red and silent.

A KIA SUV collided with a Yamaha motorcycle on 81st Street near 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, both drivers were distracted at the time of the crash. The 36-year-old motorcyclist, who wore a helmet, was ejected and suffered a bleeding head injury but remained conscious on the asphalt. The 28-year-old SUV driver sustained a minor burn to his back. The SUV’s front bumper was torn, and the motorcycle was left crumpled. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor for both drivers. The report notes the motorcyclist’s helmet use only after citing driver distraction. No pedestrians were involved. The crash left two men injured and a street scarred by impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4562500, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

Speed cameras now run all day, every day. Tickets soared 70 percent in three weeks. Most violations hit at night and weekends—times once uncovered. Officials say the surge proves drivers speed when unchecked. The city claims this crackdown will save lives.

On August 1, 2022, New York City activated speed cameras 24/7 after a legislative deal in Albany. In the first three weeks, cameras issued 513,777 tickets—70 percent more than before. The bill, championed by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, removed harsher penalties but kept round-the-clock enforcement. The matter summary states, 'speed safety cameras are working as they should—catching more speeding drivers and combatting reckless driving.' Council members and advocates, including Elizabeth Adams and Jehiah Czebotar, backed the move. They point to data showing most extra tickets came at night and weekends, exposing a hidden threat to pedestrians and cyclists. Officials insist the expansion will save lives and curb reckless driving.

• Sin City: New 24/7 Speed Cameras Issue a Whopping 70 Percent More Tickets, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-09-01

Council and state leaders spar over who gets a break from congestion pricing. Some want carve-outs. Others warn exemptions gut the plan. Vulnerable road users wait as drivers fight for special treatment. The final call lands with the Traffic Mobility Review Board.

On August 26, 2022, the council held a public debate on congestion pricing exemptions. The matter, titled 'Everyone’s Suddenly Open To Some Congestion Pricing Exemptions,' drew sharp lines. State Senator Leroy Comrie, once a hardliner against exemptions, now listens to public input. Assembly Member Robert Carroll backs limited carve-outs, saying, 'I think that there should be limited exemptions.' State Senator Andrew Gounardes stresses, 'Obviously we want them to be as limited as possible.' Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine pushes for toll credits and taxi exemptions. Advocacy groups warn against broad carve-outs. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide after federal review. The debate centers on who pays and who gets a pass, while the safety of people outside cars hangs in the balance.

• Everyone’s Suddenly Open To Some Congestion Pricing Exemptions, streetsblog.org, Published 2022-08-26

Lawmakers spar over who gets a break from congestion pricing. Some want tight limits. Others push for taxi exemptions and tunnel credits. Advocates warn: too many carve-outs gut the plan. The final call lands with the Traffic Mobility Review Board.

On August 26, 2022, New York officials debated congestion pricing exemptions as the policy neared implementation. The discussion, covered by Streetsblog NYC, highlighted shifting positions. State Senator Leroy Comrie, once opposed to exemptions, now listens to public input. Assembly Member Robert Carroll said, "I think that there should be limited exemptions." State Senator Andrew Gounardes added, "Obviously we want them to be as limited as possible." Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine backed toll credits for tunnel users and taxi exemptions. Taxi and for-hire drivers lobbied for relief, citing existing surcharges. Advocacy groups warned against broad carve-outs. The Traffic Mobility Review Board will decide on further exemptions after federal review. No direct safety impact for vulnerable road users was assessed.

• Everyone’s Suddenly Open To Some Congestion Pricing Exemptions, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-08-26

Nearly a thousand people signed up to speak at MTA’s congestion pricing hearings. The plan targets Manhattan below 61st Street. Supporters want fewer exemptions. Critics fear more truck traffic. Lawmakers push for swift action. Streets and air hang in the balance.

On August 25, 2022, the MTA held public hearings on congestion pricing for Manhattan below 61st Street. The hearings drew nearly a thousand speakers. The plan, described as aiming to 'reduce congestion, air pollution, and driving into the city,' would charge drivers $5 to $23 depending on time and exemptions. Council Member Robert Carroll (District 44) urged, 'It needs to be implemented now, we passed this bill three years ago, it’s time to get moving.' Other lawmakers, including Andrew Gounardes and Mark Levine, debated exemptions and credits. Governor Hochul called the charge 'crucial to cutting the number of vehicles and combating climate change.' The hearings reflect strong support for minimal carveouts and immediate action to fund transit and clear streets. No formal safety analyst assessment was provided.

• Thousand ask to speak at upcoming MTA congestion pricing hearings, amny.com, Published 2022-08-25

A Cadillac SUV tore north on Cadman Plaza West. The driver lost control. Steel slammed forward. The driver, 60, trapped and incoherent. In the back, a 76-year-old woman crushed. No belts. No warning. One dead, one broken. Silence followed.

A Cadillac SUV sped north on Cadman Plaza West near Furman Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the SUV was traveling at unsafe speed when it crashed. The 60-year-old male driver was trapped and incoherent, suffering crush injuries. In the right rear seat, a 76-year-old woman was also trapped and killed, her body crushed. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as contributing factors. Neither occupant wore safety equipment, as noted after the driver errors. The crash left one dead and one injured. The scene was steel, silence, and loss.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4557775, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

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

Speed cameras now run all day, every day in New York City. The law ends the blackout. No more breaks for speeders. State Senator Andrew Gounardes led the charge. The city’s streets stay watched. Vulnerable lives get a fighting chance.

On August 1, 2022, a new law took effect expanding New York City’s speed camera program to operate 24/7. The bill, sponsored in the State Senate by Andrew Gounardes, passed in Albany and was signed by Governor Hochul in June. The measure extends the program for three years and ends the old rule that shut cameras off overnight and on weekends. The Department of Transportation has installed about 2,000 cameras in 750 school zones. The bill’s summary: 'expands the safety technology around the clock.' Gounardes said, 'Your right to speed does not supersede anyone’s rights to live on the streets safely.' Mayor Eric Adams joined advocates to celebrate, stating, 'A city that never sleeps deserves a camera system that won’t take a nap.' DOT data shows 59% of traffic deaths happened during off hours. The expansion aims to close that deadly gap.

• Whoa there! NYC speed cameras now stay on 24/7, amny.com, Published 2022-08-01

A Land Rover barreled down 3rd Avenue. The SUV struck head-on. Metal folded. The airbag burst. The 70-year-old woman behind the wheel took the full force. She died in the seat. Three others survived. The street swallowed another life.

A 70-year-old woman driving a 2020 Land Rover SUV was killed in a head-on crash on 3rd Avenue near Council District 38. According to the police report, the SUV struck head-on, the airbag deployed, and the front end crumpled. The driver, who was not ejected, suffered fatal injuries to her entire body and died at the scene. Three other occupants, including a 50-year-old man and two children, sustained unspecified injuries. No contributing factors or driver errors were listed in the police report. The report notes the airbag deployed but does not cite it as a contributing factor. The crash left the SUV destroyed and claimed the life of its driver.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4550586, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-15

A driver killed cyclist Wenntwen Porgho at a deadly Bronx intersection. No charges were filed. The spot is known for crashes, yet remains unchanged. Lawmakers blasted the lack of accountability. Another pedestrian, Monica Chen, was killed days earlier. Still, no charges.

On July 21, 2022, a driver killed cyclist Wenntwen Porgho at a dangerous Bronx intersection. The intersection, despite a history of crashes, has not been redesigned. No charges were filed against the driver, even though evidence suggested a failure to yield. Days earlier, Monica Chen, a pedestrian, was killed by a turning driver in Bay Ridge. Again, no charges. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and City Council Member Justin Brannan expressed outrage, stating, "We are both outraged that the epidemic of traffic violence continues and as a result, a 67 year old woman is dead." They pledged to press the Department of Transportation for more safety measures. The NYPD declined comment. The Bronx faces a surge in road deaths. Vulnerable road users pay the price.

• Driver Kills Cyclist in Deadly Bronx Yet is Not Charged — Part of a Surge in Road Violence, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-07-21

Governor Hochul signed a law forcing new drivers to study pedestrian and cyclist safety. The law adds these topics to pre-licensing courses and written exams. Senator Gounardes pushed the measure. Streets are not just for cars. The law takes effect January.

On July 15, 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill mandating that new drivers in New York be tested on pedestrian and cyclist safety awareness. The measure, championed by State Senator Andrew Gounardes, requires pre-licensing courses and written exams to include instruction on the dangers faced by cyclists and pedestrians. The bill's summary states it aims to 'educate drivers about the dangers faced by cyclists and pedestrians and will create a thoughtful road culture going forward.' Gounardes sponsored the bill, which takes effect in January. Until now, the driver's manual offered only a single page on sharing the road. The law directs the state to consult law enforcement, advocates, and medical experts to shape the curriculum. Hochul said, 'This law will help prevent crashes and save lives.'

• Hochul signs bill mandating new NY drivers be tested on cyclist and pedestrian safety awareness, gothamist.com, Published 2022-07-15

Gov. Hochul signed a law forcing new drivers to learn about pedestrian and cyclist safety. The law closes a deadly gap in driver education. Assemblymember Gallagher and Senator Gounardes led the push. The change targets inexperience behind the wheel. Lives are at stake.

On July 15, 2022, Governor Hochul signed a law requiring cyclist and pedestrian safety awareness in New York's driver licensing process. The bill, led by Assemblymember Emily Gallagher and Senator Andrew Gounardes, updates the five-hour pre-licensing course and driver's manual. The matter summary states: 'The law addresses a longstanding gap in driver education, which had previously left generations of motorists with little awareness of road-sharing with pedestrians and cyclists.' Gov. Hochul said, 'It is common sense to make pedestrian and bike safety education mandatory for drivers.' Gounardes noted that driver instruction had not kept pace with the growing presence of cyclists and micro-mobility users. In 2021, driver inexperience contributed to over 2,500 injury crashes in NYC. The law took 11 years to pass, reflecting persistent advocacy for vulnerable road users.

• Gov. Hochul Signs Law Adding Cyclist and Pedestrian Safety Awareness to Driver’s License Requirements, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-07-15