NYC Bicyclist Fatalities Climbing Dramatically This Year

In all of 2018, there were 10 cyclists killed in traffic accidents in New York City. This year – and we are just halfway through 2019 – there have already been 10 bicyclist deaths.

In just one recent week, there were 3 cyclist deaths in Brooklyn alone. In fact, 8 of the total 10 2019 New York City fatalities occurred in Brooklyn. A 16-year old bicyclist was killed when he was “doored” by someone in a parked car. This dangerous behavior occurs when a driver or passenger in a parked car opens the door on the traffic side just before a biker travels past. “Dooring” is illegal in New York, but it takes vigilance on our busy streets to check carefully for an approaching bicyclist.

Another of the recent Brooklyn fatalities occurred when a cyclist allegedly ran his bike through a red light and was hit by a vehicle coming into the intersection. The third death occurred when a bicyclist was crossing Avenue U in Marine Park and was struck by a car.

Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Vision Zero Action Plan Must Address Bicycle Fatality Increase

The Mayor’s Borough Pedestrian Safety Plans target streets that are the most dangerous for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers. Studies show that only 7% of NYC streets – a total of 424 miles – are responsible for half of the pedestrian fatalities.

The plan for 2019 is to change traffic signals to discourage speeding. Pedestrians will have exclusive crossing time at 300 intersections to reduce the risk of crashes. The prioritized streets and intersections will drive future Vision Zero enforcements and safety projects.

Last year, the NYC Department of Transportation stated that 20 miles of “on-street” protected bike lanes were added, bringing the total to 1,217 – the largest in the nation. However, critics state that not all of those lanes are protected with a physical barrier between the bikes and other vehicles.

A Streetsblog investigation revealed that the actual number is closer to 16 miles. Why the discrepancy? Because of how the two groups define a “protected bike lane.” NYC calls a bike route “protected” if there are notices and lanes painted on the roadway – even without the presence of a physical barrier.

On the other hand, cyclists define “protected bike lane” as one in which cars physically cannot enter or park. Motorists typically drive all over painted bike lanes instead of avoiding them entirely as is the intention.

We Can Help If You Have Been Injured in a Truck Accident

If you or a family member has been harmed by a defective product, car accident, truck accident, construction accident, slip and fall or any other type of personal injury, please contact StolzenbergCortelli, LLC Attorneys at Law immediately. Please call us for a free consultation at our locations in New York County, Rockland County, and Westchester County. Attorneys Howard Stolzenberg and Terrence James Cortelli, personal injury attorneys in White Plains, Nyack and New York City, will fight to secure justice for you and your family. You can reach us at (914) 361 – 4888 or contact us via the website.