Transportation Alternatives Statement in Response to E-Cyclist Struck and Killed by Rolls Royce Driver in Manhattan

The driver of a Rolls Royce convertible struck and killed 28-year-old Jakir Hossain at E. 38th Street and Tunnel Exit Street in Manhattan, a known dangerous intersection. 

Statement of Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Danny Harris:

“On Saturday, November 28, the driver of a Rolls Royce convertible struck an e-cyclist who later passed away from his injuries on December 6. The victim, identified as Jakir Hossain, is at least the 23rd person to die while riding a bicycle, and over 230 people have been killed by traffic violence to date this year in New York City. Tunnel Exit Street where the crash took place is a known dangerous intersection; just last year there were 17 crashes on the surrounding four blocks.

The driver remained on the scene, but has not been charged. Initial reports from the NYPD say the driver had a green light, but there is no mention of video footage. The investigation “remains ongoing,” but in many cases the NYPD reaches premature conclusions, only taking in the driver’s account. In two crashes last year, the NYPD later reversed their initial conclusion that the cyclists were at fault after conducting a full investigation. 

 New York City is on track for the second highest number of traffic fatalities since Mayor Bill de Blasio took office, and for the third year in a row we’ll see an increase in traffic fatalities. Instead of doing more to save human life on our streets, the mayor is doing less. Mayor de Blasio has slashed funding for life-saving programs like Vision Zero, the Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program, the Green Wave plan, and the Streets Master Plan. Without immediate action from the mayor, more New Yorkers will continue to die in preventable crashes on our streets.”