Riding around New York City is a challenge on two wheels. With lots of green space and paved roadways available for anyone who wants to ride, bicycle accident injuries are increasing with the number of people who choose to ride.
The city and state have invested in increasing the infrastructure necessary to accommodate more riders and make it available to everyone. The introduction of e-bikes and “dockless” bikes for the public to ride anywhere free or cheap means even more bicyclists in NYC.
Mayor DeBlasio’s Vision Zero, modeled on a similar program in Stockholm, aims to reduce all traffic fatalities for pedestrians and bicyclists to zero. Unfortunately, that goal hasn’t yet been reached. Vision Zero’s 2017 report shows that although pedestrian accidents decreased, bicycle and motorcycle accidents increased, with 4,397 reported incidents of cyclist injuries and 23 cyclist fatalities. (The 2017 NYC Bicycle Data Crash Report is available here.) Florida is the most dangerous area in the US for bicyclists.
Where The Most Accidents Happen
A recent report from Localize.city shows twelve of the most dangerous spots for bicyclists and pedestrians in New York City:
- Brooklyn, 1,691 injuries
- Williamsburg: general boundaries between Lee Avenue and North Seventh/Metropolitan Avenue, from Berry Street to Bushwick Avenue
- Downtown Brooklyn: general boundaries between Atlantic Avenue and Willoughby Street, from Boerum Place and Bond Street
- Crown Heights/Bedford-Stuyvesant: general boundaries between Pacific and Fulton streets, from Bedford to Brooklyn avenues
- Bronx, 451 injuries
- Fordham/University Heights: general boundaries between Aqueduct Avenue and Ryer Avenue, from West Fordham Road and West Tremont Avenue
- Manhattan, 1,260 injuries
- Lower East Side/Little Italy/Soho: concentrated around Delancey/Kenmare Street. General boundaries between Spring and Grand streets, from Broadway to Forsyth Street
- Queens, 913 injuries
- Corona: general boundaries between 35th and Roosevelt Avenues, from 94th to 108th streets
- Jackson Heights: general boundaries between 37th Avenue and Broadway, from 76th Street to 84th Street/Whitney Avenue
- Flushing: general boundaries between College Point Avenue and Parsons Boulevard, from 37th to Franklin avenues
- Ridgewood: general boundaries between Woodward and Myrtle avenues, from Grove Street to Forest Avenue
- Jamaica: general boundaries between 89th to 90th avenues, from 164th Street to 168th Place
- Staten Island, 82 injuries
- St. George/Tompkinsville: general boundaries from Jersey to Bay streets, between Victory Boulevard to Fort Place/Taft Avenue
- Stapleton: general boundaries between Bay and Van Duzer streets, from Wright to Tompkins streets
Always Ride Safe
Bicycling is an enjoyable way to exercise, get around and commute to work in NYC. Many people make their living on a bicycle. But safety is always something to consider when riding in or out of NYC.
One of the most important pieces of safety equipment you can have is a properly-fitting helmet, with the strap fastened. A helmet will help protect your head against hard strikes and absorb some of the force involved if you should have an accident.
Other safety equipment to consider:
- Padded shorts, which can help prevent road rash and soft tissue injuries
- Padded gloves, which can protect your hands if you fall
- Reflective clothing and bike lights, helping you be more visible to drivers at night
New York’s Bicycle Accident Law Firm
NYC can be a dangerous place for anyone on a bike. Accidents can mean bruises and scrapes or broken bones. Whether you were hit, or hit someone else, protect yourself against lawsuits and insurance companies. Call Hoffmaier & Hoffmaier today at (212) 777-9400 (or use our online contact form.)
As a family-owned personal injury law firm in New York City, we have more than 26 years of experience helping people just like you. Our contingency fee arrangement means we won’t get paid until you do, whether we settle your case in or out of court.
