NYC Cyclist Deaths Hit 24-Year High

The Rising Risks for Bike and E-Bike Riders in New York City and What Victims Can Do Legally

New York City witnessed its deadliest year for cyclists since 1999, with 30 riders losing their lives in 2023. According to the Department of Transportation, most of these fatalities involved electric bikes, with 23 of the 30 deaths occurring among e-bike riders. This marks more than a twofold increase in e-bike deaths compared to previous years and signals a dangerous shift in urban transportation safety. While e-bikes provide convenience and are increasingly popular for commuting and delivery work, they also introduce new risks, especially when used on streets lacking proper infrastructure.

The rise in fatal crashes is not solely tied to a spike in ridership. Even experienced riders using Citi Bikes or non-delivery e-bikes were among those killed. These incidents occurred citywide, often on roads with no dedicated bike lanes, forcing cyclists to compete with speeding cars and trucks. As the city modernizes its transportation network to accommodate electric mobility, many riders are left vulnerable to collisions and solo accidents.

This troubling trend affects all New Yorkers who rely on bicycles and e-bikes for transportation, recreation, or work. Families devastated by a cyclist’s death may be entitled to legal remedies through wrongful death or personal injury claims.

The Breakdown of Bicycle and E-Bike Deaths in 2023

The data provided by the Department of Transportation paints a grim picture. Of the 30 cyclists who died in 2023:

• 11 died in collisions with trucks
• 4 died in collisions with cars
• 7 died after solo crashes or falls
• 1 died after colliding with a pedestrian
• 7 were riding traditional bicycles

Most fatalities happened in areas with no bike lanes or only minimal infrastructure, such as painted “sharrows” that provide no physical barrier between bikes and vehicles. Despite the growing popularity of e-bikes, solo crashes represented a surprising portion of e-bike fatalities, with nearly a third of victims dying without contact with another vehicle or pedestrian. This shift signals that higher speeds and rider inexperience may be compounding risks.

Even with the city’s ongoing efforts to expand protected bike lanes, many cyclists remain at risk, especially when bike paths abruptly end, forcing them into mixed traffic. In multiple incidents, riders were killed at intersections when trucks turned and struck them. Poor driver visibility and the lack of protective road features often contribute to these fatal events.

How Infrastructure Failures Put Cyclists in Danger

While New York City has made some progress by adding 33.2 miles of protected bike lanes in 2023, that only scratches the surface. The city now boasts 689 miles of protected bike lanes, but this still represents just a fraction of the city’s massive street network. Most roadways remain unprotected for cyclists, leaving dangerous gaps in what should be a safe and continuous bike lane system.

The absence of reliable bike infrastructure contributes directly to the growing number of cyclist deaths. In cases where bike lanes suddenly disappear or turn into shared lanes with cars, riders are thrust into high-risk environments. One tragic example involved a 37-year-old woman riding a Citi Bike on a Brooklyn road where a dedicated lane transitioned into a shared lane. As a box truck passed, it clipped her handlebars, causing her to fall under the vehicle and die.

Intersections also remain one of the most hazardous locations for cyclists. Many deaths occurred when large trucks, often with significant blind spots, made right-hand turns and struck cyclists riding legally in the bike lane. Although the city has experimented with design features to slow vehicle turns and reduce blind-spot collisions, the pace of change has not matched the urgency of the crisis.

The Unique Dangers of Electric Bicycles in Urban Environments

E-bikes are a double-edged sword. While they offer mobility and efficiency, they also carry unique hazards. E-bikes can reach higher speeds than traditional bicycles, which means less reaction time for riders and more severe outcomes in crashes. Speed becomes particularly dangerous on roads filled with potholes, construction barriers, or when lanes are blocked by illegally parked vehicles.

Rider inexperience is also a growing concern. Many first-time e-bike users are unaware of how quickly these bikes accelerate or how difficult they can be to control in traffic. This inexperience, coupled with the higher speed, is suspected to be a factor in the significant number of solo accidents seen in 2023.

Moreover, e-bike riders often navigate tight city corridors, uneven pavement, and unpredictable drivers. Without proper training, they are at high risk for falls and loss of control, even without another vehicle involved. The shift to e-bikes must be met with better education and more thoughtful infrastructure to prevent these kinds of tragedies.

Truck Collisions: A Major Cause of Fatal Bike Crashes

Truck-related accidents were the leading cause of cyclist deaths in 2023. Of the 30 total fatalities, trucks were involved in at least 15 incidents. Large vehicles such as box trucks and tractor-trailers present a lethal threat to cyclists, especially at intersections where drivers may fail to see a rider alongside them.

The elevated height of trucks, their wide turns, and the prevalence of blind spots all contribute to deadly outcomes. Six cyclists were killed by turning trucks, highlighting the urgent need for intersection redesign and truck driver accountability. In many of these collisions, the rider was obeying traffic laws and using a marked bike lane.

Legal claims involving truck crashes are complex but often necessary. Truck drivers and companies have a legal duty to operate safely and to be aware of cyclists in their path. When negligence is a factor—such as failing to yield, making unsafe turns, or ignoring bike lanes—victims or their families may have grounds for a lawsuit against the driver, the trucking company, or other responsible parties.

Legal Options for Injured Cyclists and Grieving Families

When a cyclist is injured or killed in a traffic crash, legal action can help secure financial support and hold negligent parties accountable. New York personal injury and wrongful death laws provide a legal framework for recovering damages.

If you or a loved one was involved in a bike or e-bike accident, you may be able to recover:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of future income
• Funeral and burial costs (in wrongful death cases)
• Non-economic damages such as loss of companionship or emotional trauma

It is important to gather evidence as quickly as possible. Police reports, medical records, witness statements, video surveillance, and accident reconstructions can all support a strong legal case. Families should not bear the emotional and financial burden of these tragedies alone—especially when preventable infrastructure failures or negligent drivers are to blame.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For a Free Case Review

If you or someone you love was seriously injured or killed while riding a bike or e-bike in New York City, legal help is available. Parker Waichman LLP is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm with decades of experience fighting for victims of traffic violence. You may be entitled to financial compensation. Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) now for a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal rights and options for justice.