Transportation Alternatives Statement After Truck Driver Kills Bike Rider in Bed-Stuy

Crashes have killed 72 people in 2023 — more fatalities than at this point in any year since 2014.

Traffic violence has killed 13 people riding bikes so far in 2023 — by far the most by this point in any year under Vision Zero, and more than triple the average since 2014. 

In 2022, 2021, and 2020, only 2 bike riders had been killed by this point in the year. 

BROOKLYN, NY — On Monday, a truck driver hit and killed Adam Uster while he was biking on an unprotected bike lane on Franklin Ave in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Adam was riding south, passing Lexington Avenue, when a flatbed truck turned into him and killed him. 

This fatality occurred in Community Board 3 in Brooklyn, which has no protected bike lanes. Franklin Avenue has only a paint-only, unprotected bike lane.

Statement from Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Danny Harris:

"We are devastated to learn that Adam Uster – a longtime biker, community member, and TA member – was killed by a truck driver in Brooklyn. Adam is the thirteenth bike rider to be killed in 2023, by far the deadliest year for bike riders under Vision Zero. We demand immediate action from our leaders to keep New Yorkers safe — the City must build essential biking infrastructure and Albany must pass Sammy’s Law, to give New York City control of its own speed limits.”