Statement: Four New Yorkers Killed While Cycling in First 10 Days of September

Advocacy group Transportation Alternatives reacts to the death of a 29-year-old man killed while cycling in Midwood, Brooklyn

 Statement of Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Danny Harris:

“Early Thursday morning, a 29-year-old man was struck and killed by the driver of a 455 horsepower 2020 Chevrolet Camaro SS at the intersection of Ocean Parkway and Avenue N in Midwood, Brooklyn. The driver’s vehicle, which is registered in New Jersey, has received five speed camera summonses since June 10. His victim is the fourth person to die while cycling on New York City streets in September, and the 13th cyclist killed to date in 2020.  

This fatal crash took place in the district of City Council Member Kalman Yeger, a district with the most bicyclist fatalities in New York City in recent years. In the last two years, seven New Yorkers have been killed by drivers while cycling in Yeger’s district. By comparison, the district with the second-most cyclist deaths during the same time period saw two cyclist fatalities. 

After the crash, police told reporters that the driver of the Camaro had a green light. The NYPD has a long history of speaking prematurely, taking drivers’ words at face value, and blaming victims for their own deaths. This violates NYPD policy and compounds the grief of victims families. But to explain the cause of a fatal crash, on the record, without evidence, and before an investigation is complete, seems to be standard operating procedure for New York’s Finest. 

When Lauren Davis was killed by a driver in 2016, the NYPD told reporters she was riding against traffic. When Dan Hanegby was killed by a driver in 2017, the NYPD told reporters he swerved into the bus that ran him over. When MD Abdul Bashar was killed by a driver last year, the NYPD told reporters he was riding on the sidewalk. But video evidence would eventually prove the NYPD to be wrong in all three cases. We call on NYPD Commissioner Shea to bring an end to the shameful practice of blaming traffic crash victims for their own deaths and exonerating drivers before crash investigations have been completed.

With the dramatic uptick in cyclist deaths in recent days, it’s clear that the Mayor de Blasio must do more to bring an end to traffic violence. Especially now, as more commuters start heading back to work, children start heading back to schools, and bike ridership skyrockets, the mayor must work aggressively to advance a surface transportation plan and build a connected network of protected bike lanes across the five boroughs."