Safe Streets Advocates Demand Action After Bus Driver Kills Bike Rider in Borough Park, 200th Bike Rider Killed In Vision Zero-era

2023 is on track to be the deadliest year under Vision Zero for bike riders.

Only 16% of all on-street protected bike lanes in New York City are in Brooklyn.

BROOKLYN, NY — Bike rider Luis Perez-Ramirez, 44, was killed Thursday after a school bus driver struck him on Fort Hamilton Parkway and 41st Street in Borough Park, Brooklyn. 

Community Board 12, where this crash occurred, is a designated Bicycle Priority District — showing the City of New York knows this area is dangerous for bike riders — but there are zero safety improvements or bike infrastructure at this intersection. DOT promised to install 75 miles of bike lanes by 2022 in the Bicycle Priority Districts — community boards with a high number of cyclists killed or severely injured and limited bike infrastructure — however, DOT missed its goal by almost 20 miles. 

Seven of the city’s 10 Bicycle Priority Districts are in Brooklyn. Despite high cycling rates, the borough is still behind when it comes to safe biking infrastructure. Only 16% of all on-street protected bike lanes are in Brooklyn, and less than 0.2% of streets have a protected bike lane in Community Board 12, despite the fact that the majority of households here do not own a car. 

Of the 200 cyclists killed under Vision Zero, by far the highest number were killed in Brooklyn. 77 of the 200 cyclists, or 39% of the fatalities, occurred in the borough, although it accounts for only 30% of New York City’s population. Additionally, 44% of bike riders killed this year were killed in Brooklyn. 

2023 is on track to be the deadliest year under Vision Zero for cyclists, and the 2nd deadliest year in recorded history. 

Statement from Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Danny Harris:

"We are heartbroken and angry to learn that New York City has lost the 23rd person riding a bike this year and the 200th bike rider in the Vision Zero-era.” 

“We demand more from Mayor Adams and our elected leaders to keep New Yorkers safe on our streets – especially streets and intersections they know are dangerous. From last week’s oversight hearing on the Streets Plan to the recently-released Mayor’s Management Report, it’s clear the Adams Administration is ignoring legal mandates to make our streets safer. Whether it's rolling back the McGuinness Boulevard redesign or canceling long-planned bus improvements on Fordham Road, this administration is not just neglecting safety — it's enabling future death and injury on the streets of New York City.” 

“We need action and leadership now. The growing number of people killed on our streets  should be taken as nothing less than an immediate call to action. Ignoring essential street safety projects, legal mandates, and dangerous streets will only intensify this crisis.”

“As a cyclist, Mayor Adams made a commitment to street safety and understands the challenges of riding in this city. However, we’ve seen time-and-time again his administration slow or stop street safety improvements, including protected bike lanes. New Yorkers need the mayor to prioritize our most vulnerable street users and advance the legal mandates of the Streets Plan without delay or excuse.”

Statement from Martha Valenzuela, a member of Families for Safe Streets:

“Four years ago yesterday, my beloved son Mario Valenzuela Jr. was riding his bike to play soccer with friends when he was struck and killed by a truck driver in Long Island City. Mario was just 14 years old. He was a sweet and caring son, brother, and friend, and he should still be here with us today. His entire life was in front of him, but he was taken from us because of our leaders’ failure to design safe streets. One bike rider killed is too many, but 200 is an unacceptable failure of New York City’s leaders to make streets safe for everyone using them. We send our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the bike rider killed by preventable traffic violence.”

“Our leaders can and must stop this carnage, and it starts by finally putting human life ahead of vehicle speeds. No more studies, we demand concrete action now. The NYC Streets Plan isn’t optional — New Yorkers can’t afford any more delays on getting street safety projects built.”