NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – New York City is on track to mark its deadliest year for bike riders since 1999, according to new data released by non-profit watchdog Transportation Alternatives.
There have been a total of 183 deaths related to traffic crashes in the first nine months of 2023, and among them, 25 were bike riders, according to the analysis.
Nearly a quarter-century ago, the total number of people killed while riding a bike in the city was 40.
In 2022, the number was 18 cyclists in total.
“Mayor Adams has the tools to end traffic violence, and yet he continues to put politics over people,” said Danny Harris, Transportation Alternatives' executive director. “We’re facing a crisis of traffic violence on our streets — 183 New Yorkers killed in traffic violence, and the deadliest two years for bike riders under any mayor in recorded history.”
The first and second quarters of 2023 had more people killed in accidents than the average during the time when Vision Zero, a safety program designed to reduce and eventually eliminate traffic-related fatalities and injuries that began in 2014 under Mayor De Blasio, was in place.
On Sept. 21, the 200 bike rider died in a traffic accident since Vision Zero started, bringing the total number of deaths in New York City to 2,339 since the program began.
This year marks the deadliest first two years of any mayor's term for bike riders, and there are still three months left in 2023, according to the report.
The report emphasizes that political will and leadership can make a significant difference in keeping vulnerable road users safe, particularly bike riders.
A staggering 94% of bike riders killed in traffic incidents lost their lives on streets lacking protected bike lanes. These protected lanes have been shown to reduce fatalities and serious injuries for all road users by 18%, yet only 3% of New York City's streets feature this feature, the report said.
Further alarming statistics reveal that cars, trucks, and larger vehicles were responsible for 99% of pedestrian fatalities.
The report also called on the administration to step up its practices for bike rider safety. It urges the Adams administration to complete the NYC Streets Plan, which mandates the construction of protected bike lanes, bus lanes, pedestrian areas, and upgraded intersections.
“This administration has watered down or canceled vital projects — this includes the street redesign of McGuinness Boulevard; a busway on the second-most dangerous street for pedestrians citywide, Fordham Road; and the last stretch of Ashland Place,” the report read.
“Announcements alone are not infrastructure. Promises won’t keep bike riders safe – but completed, fully-protected bike lanes will. The time to act is now. Fast track the Streets Plan without any more delays or excuses. Lives depend on it,” Harris said.