Brooklyn Has the Highest Rate of Fatal Bicycle Accidents of All NYC Boroughs

Personal Injury News | June 10, 2019

When it comes to navigating the cramped traffic and side streets of the Big Apple, a bicycle can prove to be a lifesaver. With the convenience of two thin wheels and pedestrian laws, you won’t be stuck in lines of vehicles for hours on end and can race from Point A to Point B with relative ease. However, the fact of the matter is that, unlike motorists, you are exposed to more dangerous elements.

Due to the testy nature of bike riding in the city, accidents can happen quite frequently in New York City, but, as expected, certain parts of this metropolitan landscape are riskier than others, especially for unsuspected bicyclists on their daily commute.

Here is why Brooklyn has the highest rate of fatal bicycle accidents out of all the NYC boroughs.

The Highest-Ranking in Bicycle-Related Fatalities

Brooklyn Has the Highest Rate of Fatal Bicycle Accidents of All NYC BoroughsAccording to a report issued by the New York City Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene, Parks and Recreation, and Transportation (with help from the New York City Police Department), between 1996 and 2005, Brooklyn boasted the highest rate of bicycle-related fatalities, with Manhattan coming in at a close second. Here is a closer look at sample data:

  1. Brooklyn: 40% of crashes (3.3 fatalities per million)
  2. Manhattan: 24% of crashes (3.3 fatalities per million)
  3. Queens: 21% of crashes (2.0 fatalities per million)
  4. Bronx: 13% of crashes (2.1 fatalities per million)
  5. Staten Island: 2% of crashes (0.9 fatalities per million)

Furthermore, here is a look at where the most accidents occurred in a given area:

  • East Manhattan (north of the midtown area)
  • Park Slope (Brooklyn)
  • Hunts Point (Bronx)

Bicycle-Related Injuries in the Boroughs

In terms of bike-related traffic injuries, as of 2017, Brooklyn has moved to the second-place position, as shown in a New York Police Department report:

  • Queens: 14,138
  • Brooklyn: 13,046
  • Bronx: 8,339
  • Manhattan: 5,300
  • Staten Island: 2,710

For more information on bicycle safety, please review the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s report on safe bicycle riding.

Personal Injury Lawyer in Syracuse, New York

Riding your bicycle can be immensely convenient and fun during the spring and summer, but safety should always be a top priority for people who are not operating motor vehicles on the roadways of the state. In many cases, distracted and negligent drivers will not provide the right of way to other people, which can ultimately result in moderate to catastrophic injuries. In the event that you or a loved one has sustained injuries as a result of a bicycle crash involving a car, you will no doubt feel terrified and concerned about what you should do next.

Although this might be difficult, though, you must remain calm. With the assistance of a lawyer who is experienced with personal injury cases, you can gather viable resources to create a strong case in court.

We at Gattuso & Ciotoli have more than 50 years of combined legal experience and deliver the some of the most high-quality legal services to victims of a wide variety of accidents in the vicinity of Syracuse, New York. We value your perspective on your case and your goals for the future and ready to help you receive the justice you deserve. For more information on our four practice areas or your legal matter, contact us at (315) 314-8000 today.