Transportation Alternatives Statement After Hit-And-Run Driver of SUV Kills 14-Year-Old Boy Riding a Bike in Astoria

Crashes have killed 58 people in 2023 — 35% more than this point in 2018, the safest year under Vision Zero.

Traffic violence has killed 11 bike riders so far in 2023 — by far the most of any year under Vision Zero, and almost twice even the second deadliest year.

Last year was the deadliest year for children under Vision Zero.

QUEENS, NY — On Monday night, the driver of an SUV struck and killed a 14-year-old boy riding a bike in a hit-and-run on 21st Street near 21st Avenue in Astoria, Queens. Children are eight times more likely to be killed in crashes involving SUVs or pick-up trucks than a sedan, and more New Yorkers are buying these larger cars each year – between 2016 and 2020, the number of SUVs owned by New Yorkers increased by 21%.

Hit-and-runs also remain common, deadly, and frequently unsolved: in 2022, 31% of all fatalities were hit-and-runs, but the NYPD solved just four. 

21st Street in Queens remains one of the most dangerous streets in Queens, according to DOT’s Vision Zero Pedestrian Safety Action Plan.

This is the third child to be killed by the driver of a car in New York City this year, and 97 children have been killed since Vision Zero was first announced. 

Statement from Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Danny Harris:

“We are heartbroken and angry to learn that the driver of an SUV struck and killed a 14-year-old boy riding a bicycle in Astoria last night in a hit and run. We send our deepest condolences to the loved ones of this child.”

“These are preventable tragedies. Mayor Adams and Commissioner 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.”

“We’re concerned by the deadly rise in hit-and-runs across the five boroughs – at least three in the past week alone – especially as so many hit-and-runs remain unsolved. Nobody should fear death or serious injury on our streets. No parent should have to worry about whether their child will make it home from a bike ride.”