Brooklyn neighborhoods top list of the most dangerous places for bicyclists

Throughout U.S. cities, more people are choosing to commute via bicycle than ever before. This is true in New York City were Mayor de Blasio has committed to adding bike lanes and a city-wide bike share program started in 2013. However, the recent death of a 37-year-old biker, who was struck and killed when a vehicle collided with another car and jumped the median, served as a solemn reminder to bicyclists throughout the city of the many hazards they face.

So far in 2015, six bicyclists have died of injuries they suffered after being hit by a motor vehicle. Data compiled by the Auto Insurance Center helps shed light on where most bicycle accidents occur in the city and why they occur.

Accident statistics indicate that, with nearly eight injuries per 100 collisions, Brooklyn is the most dangerous place for bikers with the neighborhoods of Clinton Hill and Fort Greene reporting the highest numbers of injuries. With roughly five injuries per 100 accidents, the Brooklyn neighborhood of Boro Park ranks as the second most dangerous place for bikers followed by Manhattan’s East Village neighborhood which reported nearly five injures per 100 collisions.

In total, researchers determined that biking is the most dangerous form of transportation in the city with “77.5 percent of collisions” resulting in a bicyclist suffering injuries. Not surprisingly, reports of bicycle accidents and injuries were most prevalent during both the morning and evening rush hours with many police reports citing driver inattention as the cause.

Bicyclists in New York City must be vigilant when riding throughout the city. In cases where a biker is involved in an accident with a car or truck, the resulting injuries are often serious and debilitating. Taking legal action can help in the recovery of compensation and alleviate the many financial burdens associated with lost wages and medical bills.

Source: New York Business Journal, “Six cyclists dead in NYC: where are the most dangerous spots for bikes?,” Teresa Novellino, July 14, 2015