2025 NYC Bicycle Accident Statistics Reveal Dangerous Trends for Cyclists Despite Fewer Fatalities

As E-Bike Crashes and Driver Negligence Rise, Cyclist Injuries Persist Across New York City Boroughs

New York City has made strides in reducing total traffic fatalities, but cyclists continue to face significant risks on the road. While the number of overall deaths dropped to historic lows in the first half of 2025, those on bicycles, particularly those riding e-bikes, remain vulnerable. Even with initiatives like Vision Zero and expanded bike infrastructure, thousands of riders are still injured annually, and dangerous patterns continue to emerge across boroughs.

With rising e-bike usage, seasonal traffic fluctuations, and infrastructure shortcomings, the safety landscape for cyclists demands deeper attention. Cyclists injured in preventable accidents may have legal rights if negligence played a role.

NYC Bicycle Injury and Fatality Data for 2025

As of July 2025, the total number of NYC traffic deaths has decreased by 32% compared to the same period in 2024, reaching only 87 fatalities in the first half of the year. Among those, only one involved a cyclist riding a standard bicycle—the lowest number in recent years.

While this decline may seem encouraging, the high number of serious injuries among cyclists remains a pressing concern. In 2024, 5,148 cyclists suffered injuries in traffic incidents. Based on current projections, 2025 is expected to end with a similar number.

Nationwide, the picture is more concerning. Since 2010, cyclist deaths have increased by 87%, highlighting a troubling national pattern that even New York’s traffic initiatives haven’t fully overcome.

Year-by-year data in New York shows that although total accident numbers are trending downward, the percentage of fatalities involving cyclists is rising:

• 2013: 13 cyclist deaths (4.5% of total)
• 2018: 10 cyclist deaths (4.9%)
• 2023: 30 cyclist deaths (11.3%)
• 2024: 24 cyclist deaths (10%)

This indicates a shift toward fewer but more severe collisions, often due to the higher speeds involved in modern urban traffic and the increased presence of electric mobility devices.

Key Factors Behind NYC Bicycle Accidents

The causes of cyclist injuries and fatalities across New York City are often tied to preventable human behaviors and road conditions. In 2024, the most frequently cited reasons for bicycle accidents were:

• Driver distraction, responsible for 1,544 injuries
• Failure to yield right-of-way, causing 648 injuries
• Cyclist and pedestrian errors, accounting for 467 injuries

Additional contributing factors included:

• Running stop signs or traffic lights
• Tailgating
• Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and debris

Driver inattention—often linked to cell phone use, GPS interaction, or general distraction—remains the top cause of cyclist injury. In crowded urban environments, the failure of motorists to scan for vulnerable road users at intersections or during turns leads to severe outcomes.

The Rise and Risk of E-Bike Accidents

Electric bicycles have surged in popularity across New York, transforming how residents commute and how goods are delivered. However, with increased speed and power, e-bikes bring higher risks of serious crashes.

Between 2020 and 2024, e-bikes were responsible for 1,218 reported injuries and 13 deaths in New York City. From 2022 to 2024, e-bike crash injuries rose by 10%, and early 2025 figures suggest that the trend is continuing.

E-bike collisions can be more dangerous because:

• They occur at higher speeds
• E-bikes are often heavier than standard bicycles
• Operators may be inexperienced or improperly trained
• Brake systems and acceleration patterns differ from regular bikes

Without consistent regulation or citywide safety training programs for e-bike users, both riders and pedestrians remain at heightened risk.

Where NYC Cyclists Are Most at Risk

Cycling safety varies significantly across New York’s boroughs. Some areas, like Manhattan, have benefited from protected bike lanes and redesigned streets. Others still face infrastructure challenges.

2024 Data by Borough:

Manhattan has shown improvement thanks to expanded bike lanes and Vision Zero investments, with a 50% reduction in cyclist fatalities in 2024. Brooklyn remains the most dangerous in total numbers, while Staten Island reported zero cyclist deaths, likely due to lower bike usage and less congestion.

Seasonal and Time-Based Danger Patterns

Bicycle accident risks change depending on the time of year and time of day.

• Summer is the most dangerous season, accounting for 35% of all cyclist deaths.
• Spring follows with 25%, then autumn at 29%.
• Winter remains the safest time for cyclists, with only 18% of deaths.

When it comes to timing, evening hours (6:00 PM to midnight) are the riskiest, accounting for:

• 1% of injuries
• 2% of deaths

Evenings are especially dangerous due to low visibility, higher traffic volume, and fatigued drivers. Narrow roads and poor lighting make conditions worse. Midday and early morning are statistically safer.

Legal Rights After a Bicycle Accident in NYC

Injured cyclists may be entitled to compensation if someone else’s actions contributed to their accident. Common legal grounds include:

• Driver negligence: Distracted or reckless driving, failure to yield
• Unsafe infrastructure: Potholes or missing traffic signals
• Defective equipment: Bike malfunctions or faulty safety gear
• Employer liability: If the driver was working at the time of the crash

Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation and future care
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Bicycle accident claims must be investigated promptly. Evidence such as video surveillance, crash reports, and witness statements often fades or disappears over time.

NYC Bicycle Accident Lawsuit FAQs

What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in New York?
Get medical attention right away, even if you think you’re not seriously hurt. Then file a police report, take photos of the scene, preserve your damaged bicycle or gear, and avoid making statements to insurance companies before consulting a lawyer.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?
Yes. New York follows a comparative negligence rule. That means even if you were partially responsible, you can still recover damages—though your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Is there a time limit for filing a bicycle accident lawsuit in New York?
Yes. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. For cases involving a government agency (e.g., a city vehicle), a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days.

Can I sue if the accident involved an e-bike?
Yes. Whether you were riding an e-bike or were struck by one, you may have a legal claim depending on how the crash occurred and who was responsible.

What types of damages can I recover?
You may be able to recover medical bills, future treatment costs, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. If a loved one died, you may also seek wrongful death compensation.

Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial. However, if fair compensation isn’t offered, an experienced attorney can take your case to court and fight for full damages.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle accident in New York City or anywhere in the U.S., you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term harm. The attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP are currently accepting cases nationwide related to bicycle injuries and fatalities caused by driver negligence, e-bike crashes, or unsafe infrastructure.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) for a free and confidential consultation. We will review your case, explain your rights, and fight for the justice you deserve. Don’t wait—protect your claim today.