Pedestrian Dies In Crash With Cyclist In Central Park

NYC accident

Given the number of pedestrians and cyclists on the streets of New York, it comes as a pleasant surprise that more accidents do not occur than are currently reported. Nevertheless, accidents unfortunately do happen, and the results can be catastrophic. Often accidents between pedestrians and cyclists are relatively minor and do not involve any injures. But, sometimes these accidents can have deadly consequences, as evidenced by a recent crash involving a pedestrian and bicyclist in New York City’s Central Park. Contacting a Brooklyn accident attorney can help answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your case.

Deadly Central Park Pedestrian-Bicyclist Crash

In September 2014, a bicyclist riding through Central Park struck and killed a woman. The bicyclist hit the woman while she was walking across West Drive near West 63rd Street in the park.

According to police, the bicyclist came down the street on his racing bike. The rider then apparently swerved to avoid a group of pedestrians when he hit the woman crossing the street. The woman struck her head on the road. Emergency personnel rushed her to the hospital and placed the woman on a ventilator. Tragically, the woman died several days later from her head injuries.

Police did not charge the bicyclist with any crime. Following the accident, police increased their efforts to catch bikers violating traffic laws in Central Park. Police have issued more than triple the number of moving summonses than last year. Half of the bicycle violations were for riders for failing to properly yield to pedestrians. In addition, Mayor Bill de Blasio has initiated a cycle-safety crackdown in order to prevent pedestrian deaths from bicyclists.

The Rarity of New York City Pedestrian-Bicyclist Crashes

Pedestrian deaths from cyclists are rare in New York City. According to various New York City agencies, from 1996 through 2013, only 15 pedestrians died from accidents involving bicyclists. The victims involved in these accidents tend to be older (above 60). In addition, pedestrians disregarding traffic signals caused several of the accidents.

Paul Steely White, executive director of Transportation Alternatives, commented on the rarity of pedestrian deaths by saying “you’re more likely to be struck by lightning.” In fact, accidents between bicyclists and motor vehicles are much more common. From 1996 through 2005, 225 bicyclists died in crashes and 92% of these deaths involved motor vehicles.

Contact A Brooklyn Wrongful Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle or automobile accident, a Brooklyn accident attorney can help you with your case. You may be able to recover compensation for injuries if the party who caused the accident failed to obey traffic laws or failed to act in a reasonable and prudent manner.

From handling your insurance claim to filing a lawsuit, Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum will work tirelessly to protect your rights. Contact the Law Office of Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum today for a consultation and case evaluation at (718) 237-5586.

UPDATE 9/24/15:

Jason Marshall was spotted this last spring blowing through red lights with his son on the handle bars of the bike Marshall was riding. The DialyMail.co.uk reported that the cyclist who killed pedestrian Jill Tarlov last year while speeding down a Central Park bike lane, was seen blowing through red  traffic lights in East Harlem. His son rode at the front of the bike near the handle bars in a co-rider device. Marshall has not been charged for his involvement in the death of Jill Tarlov even though eye witnesses say that he was speeding and “it didn’t look like he tried to stop”.