A bicyclist was killed during his routine morning ride last week in Queens, New York. Michael Schenkman was killed when he was struck by a young motorist while riding on Northern Boulevard in Queens at 6:30a.m. The particular area where Mr. Schenkman was killed is known as one of the most dangerous roadways for pedestrians and cyclists, and has been flagged by the city several times.
Unfortunately, The implementation of the Vision Zero traffic safety project has had minimal effect in preventing death and injuries to cyclists on New York City streets. The program, instituted by Mayor Bill DeBlasio, aims to achieve a highway system with no fatalities or serious injuries on the roadways. Under the program, the Mayor has put into effect various measures in an effort to improve traffic safety such as a 25 mile per hour speed limit, redesigned streets, and harsh laws/penalties for individuals who have killed or seriously injured pedestrians or other motorists.
Despite Mayor DeBlasio’s efforts with regard to Vision Zero, 2016 to date has seen more cyclists killed than all of 2015. 16 people have been killed while riding in New York City as compared to last year’s number of 15 cyclist fatalities. The Mayor has said that he will continue installing a great number of bike lanes for riders to comfortably and safely share the road with motorists, as well as continuing to invest in initiatives in an effort to achieve the ultimate goal of the Vision Zero program.
If you or someone you know has sustained a serious injury or been killed in a bicycle accident, contact our office for a free consultation.