Transportation Alternatives Statement After Three Crashes Kill Two Pedestrians, One Bike Rider in Four Hours
Crashes have killed 54 New Yorkers in 2023 — 32% more than this point in 2018, the safest year under Vision Zero.
10 people biking have been killed this year — more than any other year at this point under Vision Zero.
The average age of bike riders killed this year is 59.
NEW YORK — In a span of about four hours, traffic violence killed three people across New York City.
A two-car crash in Borough Park killed a 23-year-old pedestrian.
15 minutes later in East Harlem, a hit-and-run driver of an SUV killed Oscar Nieves, a 62-year-old man, as he crossed in the crosswalk. Eyewitness accounts said the driver was speeding.
Four hours later in Morris Park, another hit-and-run driver of a pick-up truck struck and killed a 64-year-old man as he rode his bicycle. Eyewitness accounts also said this driver was speeding.
Two of the three crashes occurred on Vision Zero Priority Corridors, streets the City of New York knows are dangerous.
54 New Yorkers have died on our streets so far this year, up more than 10% from the VZ-era average, and more than at this point in seven of the last eight years. Nearly two-thirds of deaths this year have been New Yorkers walking or riding bicycles.
Statement from Danny Harris, Executive Director at Transportation Alternatives:
“Today, families, loved ones, and entire communities are mourning three preventable deaths on our streets. We send our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the three people killed in traffic violence.”
“This crisis demands action from our leaders now. We know what works to prevent crashes and save lives in New York City. Yet, the State Assembly is blocking New York City from using life saving tools, like reducing speed limits, to keep New Yorkers safe. Now is not the time for politics: We need to pass Sammy’s Law and get Vision Zero back on track in New York City.”
“Every day, every hour counts. Albany must act now to save lives across the five boroughs.”
Statement from Amy Cohen, Co-Founder of Families for Safe Streets and mother of 12-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein:
“New York City needs all the tools available to fight the epidemic of traffic violence. We know driving at high speeds is a major factor in four out of every five crashes that kill people in cars, and it’s unacceptable that New York City has to defer to Albany on what speeds are appropriate for our streets. This dysfunctional relationship is preventing us from saving lives.”
“I am fighting for Sammy’s Law in memory of my son and all of my fellow New Yorkers who have lost loved ones or been injured in traffic violence, and we won’t rest until New York City is empowered to set the speeds that keep us safe. We are grateful for the Governor’s and State Senate’s support, and all eyes are on the Assembly to make this happen now.”
