Transportation Alternatives Statement on the 29th Cyclist Fatality in 2019

Statement of Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Danny Harris in response to an Upper East Side crash in which the driver of a school bus struck and killed a 50-year-old man who was riding a bicycle near Central Park at 96th Street and 5th Ave

“Transportation Alternatives sends its condolences to the family of the 50-year-old man who was struck and killed while biking near Central Park. He is the 29th person killed while biking on Mayor de Blasio’s streets this year, nearly tripling the total killed in 2018 (10), and making 2019 the deadliest year for cycling in New York since 1999. 

With each cyclist and pedestrian death, we do not need thoughts, hopes, prayers or distant plans from our leaders. We need immediate action to give all New Yorkers safe, equitable and dignified transportation alternatives. As a city, we have scores of examples where street improvements, including protected bike lanes, save lives and build a better city for everyone. Despite our successes, New York City has still failed to build a protected and connected bike network that could have prevented this tragedy and countless others. 

Mr. Mayor, New Yorkers continue to die on your streets and you can save them. On behalf of all New Yorkers, we demand that you expedite implementation of the Green Wave Plan and the Streets Master Plan. As advocates, we stand ready to support and do whatever is needed to ensure that we build a city that celebrates human life, not traffic.”