16-year-old Jaydan McLaurin suffered a fatal hit-and-run accident while cycling on an electric Citi Bike in Queens on Monday evening.
The driver, identified as 18-year-old Yaser Ibrahim, was unlicensed and operating a BMW SUV.
After being located by the police, Ibrahim was arrested and charged with driving without a license, leaving the scene of an accident, and possessing a tinted windshield.
This devastating event underscores the pressing need for enhanced safety measures for cyclists on New York City roads. McLaurin was reportedly cycling northbound on 21st Avenue in Astoria when the collision occurred.
The impact was so severe that it nearly split the electric Citi Bike in two. McLaurin was transported to Harlem Hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries.
This marks the 11th cyclist fatality in New York City in 2023, with an unprecedented 10 of those deaths occurring at the beginning of the year.
Cyclist injuries have also increased by nearly 20 percent across the city and 40 percent in Queens, particularly in northwestern neighborhoods such as Astoria and Sunnyside.
Despite these alarming statistics, the crash site has few protected bike lanes. Astoria’s northern neighborhoods are largely devoid of protected bike lanes, with just one such route along Shore Boulevard and 20th Avenue.
The accident site on 21st Street was designated as a Vision Zero priority corridor in 2014. However, nearly a decade later, it still only has an unprotected painted bike lane.
City officials are urged to construct safer streets to prevent further tragedies.
Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Danny Harris stated, “These are preventable tragedies. Mayor Adams and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez must invest in building safe streets, especially on known-dangerous corridors. We cannot afford to fall further behind on the NYC Streets Plan’s legal requirements.”
As bicycle accident attorneys, we have witnessed numerous cases of cyclists being injured or killed due to negligent or reckless drivers. It is crucial for city officials to take immediate action to ensure safer streets for all road users, including cyclists.
This involves implementing more protected bike lanes, reducing speed limits, and enforcing traffic laws to hold drivers accountable for their actions.
Oliveri & Schwartz has been representing injured cyclists throughout New York since 1983.
We hold the negligent party accountable and fight to obtain maximum compensation for the cyclist.
Call 212-987-1100 for immediate help!
For more info on bicycle accidents, CLICK HERE.
