NEW YORK, NY – August 24, 2020 – According to an online news report published on streetsblog.org, an NYPD spokeswoman praised Streetsblog for informing the law enforcement agency about a “mysterious disappearance” of the agency’s bicycle accident injury statistics. Streetsblog, a 501c3 non-profit organization, informs the public about hazards to help prevent pedestrian injuries and deaths. […]
NEW YORK, NY – August 24, 2020 – According to an online news report published on streetsblog.org, an NYPD spokeswoman praised Streetsblog for informing the law enforcement agency about a “mysterious disappearance” of the agency’s bicycle accident injury statistics. Streetsblog, a 501c3 non-profit organization, informs the public about hazards to help prevent pedestrian injuries and deaths. According to StreetsBlog, the NYPD restored accident statistics regarding injuries to cyclists.
According to StreetsBlog, the newly posted bicycle accident statistics for New York City show the total number of bicycle accidents are down approximately 5 percent in 2020. However, bicycle accident injuries are up in the following NYC boroughs:
In Brooklyn North, bicycle accident injuries are up .2 percent so far in 2020. However, between mid-July to mid-August accident injuries are up 11 percent as compared last year.
In Manhattan North, bicycle accident injuries are up 2 percent so far in 2020, and up 20 percent from mid-July to mid-August.
In Queens North, bicycle accident injuries are up 1 percent so far in 2020, and up 19 percent from mid-July to mid-August.
On Staten Island, bicycle accident injuries are up 13 percent so far in 2020, and up 22 percent from mid-July to mid-August.
In Bronx, bicycle accident injuries are up over 33 percent so far in 2020 and up 41 percent from mid-July to mid-August.
The pandemic has resulted in more people commuting to work by bicycle. Now that New York City has been opening and motor vehicle traffic is increasing, accidents are rising. The total number of motor vehicle miles traveled increased 63 percent in the five boroughs of New York City.
According to Polly Trottenberg, DOT Commissioner, trucks caused a disproportionate number of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities in 2019. City programs such as the Green Wave Bicycle Safety Plan are designed to identify and address specific issues. The Green Wave Bicycle Safety Plan is targeting the growing issue of large trucks striking and killing cyclists.