Transportation Alternatives Statement in Response to Cyclist Killed by MTA Bus Driver in Williamsburg

Crash Occurred At Exact Same Intersection Where Truck Driver Killed Cyclist Three Years Ago

2020 Will Have Second Highest Number of Cyclist Deaths Since 1999

On Wednesday night, the driver of a B43 bus killed a cyclist in Williamsburg, at the intersection of Metropolitan and Graham Avenues. Initial reports indicate that the victim was 33-year-old Adrian Coyotl De Los Santos, who was riding an ebike to work at a food truck in Greenpoint. The victim is at least the 25th person to be killed riding a bicycle in New York City this year.

Statement of Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Danny Harris:

“In the three years since a truck driver killed a cyclist at the exact same intersection, Mayor de Blasio has not installed any safety improvements at this site. The Mayor has known this street is unsafe, has known the proven measures that prevent deaths, but has chosen not to act. This is inexcusable.”

“Just yesterday, Mayor de Blasio said that ‘we are a Vision Zero city and we need to be more of a Vision Zero city.’  But with cyclists dying at increasing levels, and overall traffic fatalities rising for the second year in a row, we need action and not words from Mayor de Blasio to stop the carnage on our streets now.”

“We can’t wait for action from Albany. We can’t wait for the next mayor. Mayor de Blasio controls the streets of New York City and he must take immediate steps today to get Vision Zero back on track and keep New Yorkers alive. He can start by restoring funding to Vision Zero and other life saving programs like the Green Wave Plan, Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program, and Streets Master Plan.

“No New Yorker should fear death or injury on our streets. Mayor de Blasio, we demand action now.”