‘A Car-Free Broadway Would Have Prevented This Crash’: Statement from Transportation Alternatives After Taxi Crash Injures Bike Rider, Numerous Pedestrians on Broadway

‘A Car-Free Broadway Would Have Prevented This Crash’

Statement from Transportation Alternatives After Taxi Crash Injures Bike Rider, Numerous Pedestrians on Broadway

Traffic violence continues citywide with crashes killing 45 pedestrians so far this year. 

In Manhattan, crashes have killed six pedestrians, up 50 percent over 2018, the safest year of the Vision Zero era

MANHATTAN, NY — Yesterday, a taxi driver of an SUV struck a cyclist on Broadway and 29th Street before accelerating into multiple tourists eating bagels. Today, the four victims on the street and the person riding a bike are recovering from gruesome, life-altering injuries. 

Statement from Executive Director Danny Harris

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims of yesterday’s horrific car crash on Broadway. Visiting New York City, going to lunch or biking across town should not lead to gruesome, permanent injury.”

“This was no accident. This crash was entirely preventable. This crash occurred adjacent to a part of Broadway where the bike lane is only marked by paint. The taxi driven in this crash had amassed eight speed safety camera violations and two red light violations since November 2019. This block was also an Open Street last year, when the threat of gruesome car crashes was eliminated entirely.”

“Whether it’s building truly protected bike lanes, cracking down on reckless drivers, or building car-free streets, New York City has the tools to keep our streets safe. But when elected leaders hold back these tools or lack the political will to get these done, the consequences on our streets are horrific.”    

“A car-free Broadway would have prevented this heinous crash.” 

“We know that prioritizing people over cars on our streets is good for our climate, economy, and safety. This can become a reality by taking concrete steps to implement NYC 25x25. We just need political courage to make it happen.” 

“We are also extremely alarmed by numerous reports that have victim-blamed the bike rider for causing this crash. A cyclist did not hit and severely injure pedestrians. This heinous incident was caused by a driver, and made worse by an unsafe street without a concrete-protected bike lane. This bike rider, along with four pedestrians, now face life-altering injuries because the driver of a multi-ton vehicle barreled into them. These reports retraumatize victims and distract from the root cause of traffic violence on our streets.”

“Our streets are in crisis. We are demanding aggressive efforts to make New York City streets safe. Don’t waste time and resources with more studies. Use the proven tools that work now.”

###