Statement from Transportation Alternatives after a Pedestrian Was Killed in a Crash with a Delivery Worker on an E-bike in Greenpoint

NEW YORK — Today, Transportation Alternatives released the following statement after a pedestrian was killed in a crash with a delivery worker on an e-bike in Greenpoint, Brooklyn over the weekend. According to news reports, the pedestrian was exiting a double-parked car and crossing the street when the delivery worker, traveling south on Franklin Street, hit him. The delivery worker remained on the scene and was not charged by police. 

Statement from Ben Furnas, Executive Director at Transportation Alternatives: 

“We are devastated to learn of the death of a 49-year-old pedestrian on Friday. 19 pedestrians and one person riding a bike have been killed on New York City’s unsafe streets in just the first 79 days of the year.

“The truth is that no one gets into a car or e-bike on their way to do delivery work looking to harm another human being – but unregulated delivery app companies push workers to make deliveries faster or risk losing their job. While we are still learning the details of Friday’s tragedy, we know that exploitative work standards set by delivery app companies put all New Yorkers at risk just so Silicon Valley CEOs can profit. The New York City Council could pass real regulation today to crack down on the delivery app companies creating these dangerous conditions. 

“There are some who may seek to capitalize on this man’s death to call for an expansive and poorly-targeted ‘licensing’ scheme. This could entangle all bike riders in red tape, and won't lead to real accountability or better conditions on the street. This delivery worker stayed at the scene. They complied with the police. They were not charged. 

“Franklin Street has no bike lane, and nowhere to ride safely when cars are double-parked, as they allegedly were on Saturday. Small street design changes like pinch points or chicanes can slow speeds, increase visibility, prevent double parking, and save lives. 

“New Yorkers are clamoring for comprehensive and effective solutions that professionalize delivery work and keep pedestrians and cyclists safe. It’s time for New York leaders to crack down on predatory delivery apps and accelerate building the safe streets infrastructure that help keep everyone safe.”

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