Safe Streets Advocates Demand Action After SUV Driver Kills Bicycle Rider in Greenpoint

Safe Streets Advocates Demand Action After SUV Driver Kills Bicycle Rider in Greenpoint

Traffic violence has killed 15 people riding bikes so far in 2023 — the most by this point in any year as far back as public records go. 

Orzechowski is the 92nd person killed by traffic violence in New York City in 2023.

BROOKLYN, NY — 73-year-old Teddy Orzechowski died Wednesday night, three weeks after the driver of an SUV struck him as he was biking west in an unprotected bike lane on Driggs Avenue at Monitor Street in Greenpoint. The crash occurred at 4:22 p.m., directly next to P.S. 110. 

Statement from Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Danny Harris:

"We are heartbroken and angry to learn that the day after we lost fellow bike rider Edgar José Torres-Hernandez, Teddy Orzechowski died after being hit by an SUV while on his bicycle. He is the 15th New Yorker riding a bike to be killed in 2023, which is on track to be New York City’s deadliest year for cyclists as far back as public records go.”

“We demand more from our elected leaders to keep New Yorkers safe on our streets – especially the streets that surround our youngest and most vulnerable neighbors. The City must comply with the legally-mandated Streets Plan, and the State Assembly must bring Sammy’s Law, legislation to give New York City control of its own speed limits, to a vote.”

“New Yorkers don’t need more studies and empty promises from our leaders. We demand action now to save lives.” 

Statement from Chris Roberti and the P.S. 110 Safe Streets Committee:

“I just received the horrible news of Teddy Orzechowski’s death. I am heartbroken for his loved ones. As a parent of two young kids — one of whom is in Kindergarten at P.S. 110 — I walk and ride through this intersection probably ten times a day, usually with a stroller. And every day I see drivers speeding and racing through stop signs. This area — between an elementary school, and a beautiful public park — should be one of the safest streets in our community.”

“We mourn with the family of Mr. Orzechowski and the growing list of families who have lost loved ones to traffic violence. We know how to make streets safer for our children, elders, and neighbors. We need leadership to make it happen immediately.”

Statement from Bronwyn Breitner, Coordinator for Make McGuinness Safe:

“For two years we have brought attention to the dangerous conditions created by rampant speeding and cut-through traffic utilizing McGuinness Blvd and other local through streets like highways in Eastern Greenpoint. In fact, P.S. 110 families have been advocating for changes at this exact intersection for 2 years. This death was preventable. The next death must be prevented by DOT's swift action to incorporate traffic calming measures in Eastern Greenpoint NOW.”

Statement from Noel Hidalgo, resident at Driggs Avenue and Monitor Street:

“My family and I are heartbroken by the death of Teddy Orzechowski. I have lived at the intersection of Driggs and Monitor for nearly 20 years, and I have experienced and documented many close encounters with cars & trucks blowing through the stop signs in front of PS110. My 10 month old son and I had just crossed the intersection and were coming up our apartment’s steps when Mr. Orzechowski was hit. I witnessed Mr Orzechowski laying in the crosswalk and getting immediate care from FDNY. I can not begin to imagine the pain his family is feeling right now.”

“During the pandemic, through the City’s Open Streets program, my neighbors and I worked with the DOT to bring safe streets treatments along Driggs. We volunteered daily to help make our streets safer. Frustratingly, neighborhood vigilanties threw the DOT open street barriers into the Newtown Creek. While the DOT promised to ‘do something about Driggs’ the street was made smoother and two bike racks were installed.”

“The City DOT and local Community Board have known about the dangerous conditions at Driggs and Monitor for decades. Will Mr. Orzechowski's death finally lead to improvements we have asked for? How many more people must die for Greenpoint to get safe streets? How many more families must bury their family members to get around our city safely? How many more?”

“Teddy Orzechowski’s death was preventable.”