Riding a bike in New York City is more dangerous than most bicyclists realize. In 2019, more New York City bicyclists died than in any other previous year since 2000. New York City bicycle accident deaths tripled in 2019 as compared to 2018. Bicycle accidents are particularly dangerous because bicyclists are usually not wearing any protective gear, other than a bicycle helmet. Bicyclists who are not wearing a helmet during an accident face an increased risk of death and brain injury. Why are bicycle accidents in New York City at an all-time high, and where do most bicycle accidents take place?
New York City Bicycle Accident Statistics
January 2019 was a particularly bloody month for bicyclist accidents in New York City. The first 28 days in January involved a 20% increase in reported bicyclist injuries. In 2019, 191 people reported bicyclist injuries, as compared to 158 reported injuries for the same time frame in 2018. Deaths caused by bicycle accidents increased by 90% in January 2019 as opposed to January 2018, with 19 people dying in bicycle, motorist, and pedestrian injuries.
Geographic Data Regarding Bicycle Accidents
Interestingly, certain boroughs of New York City have seen significant increases in cyclist injuries, as follows:
- North Brooklyn saw a 70% bicyclist injury increase
- South Brooklyn saw a 21% increase in bicyclist injuries
- Manhattan saw a 15% increase in bicyclist injuries
- North Queens saw a 7.5% increase in bicycle injury collisions and a 22% spike in pedestrian injuries
- South Queens saw an increase of bicyclist injury of 23%
- The Bronx saw a 45% increase in cyclist injuries
Why Have Bicycle Accidents Increased in New York City?
One possible reason for the increase in bicycle accidents could be related to electronic bicycles or e-bikes. E-bicycles have become extremely popular with New York City tourists and residents. In 2019, electric bicycles became a significant factor in road accidents. Bicycle deaths were the only deaths that have increased, while other traffic accident deaths have decreased in recent years.
The increase in bicycle deaths led New York City to propose a Vision Zero project. The project aims to eliminate all traffic deaths in New York City by the year 2024. The vision included the goal of extending the protected bike lanes to Union Turnpike. Being hit by a motor vehicle is the leading cause of death for children age 14 and younger in New York City. Vision Zero hopes to prevent the many bicycle deaths that happen every year in New York. Decreasing bicyclist deaths is a monumental task. Vision Zero proposes to combine stronger laws, public education, and safety on New York City Streets.
If You Have Suffered an Injury in a New York City Bicycle Accident, We can Help
If someone else’s negligence caused your bicycle injury, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the New York City bicycle accident injury lawyers at Pulvers Thomspon today to schedule your initial consultation.
