Another Teen Cyclist Killed in Brooklyn: Is NYC Failing to Protect its Children?

Teenager Killed, Two Injured in Brooklyn Truck Crash

A tragic incident occurred on Monday afternoon in Brooklyn, leaving a 16-year-old e-bike rider dead and two others injured. The crash occurred on Ditmas Avenue, a notorious roadway that Mayor Adams pledged to make safer in his first press conference.

According to the NYPD, a truck driver turning right onto Coney Island Avenue struck the three teenagers who were on the e-bike. The 16-year-old operating the bike, Juraed Umedjon, sustained the most severe injuries and later died at Maimonides Hospital.

The truck driver remained at the scene and has not been charged, but an investigation is ongoing. The incident has raised serious concerns about road safety in the city, especially for cyclists and pedestrians.

A Dangerous Intersection

This intersection is known for its high number of crashes. In the past five years, there have been 95 reported crashes, injuring 26 people. The entire stretch of Coney Island Avenue has been designated as a Vision Zero priority zone since 2015, but little has been done to improve safety.

Despite promises for safety improvements, including pedestrian islands at three intersections, none have been installed yet. This is a particularly concerning situation, as Juraed's death comes just two days after another pedestrian was killed in the Bronx by a Ford van driver.

Calls for Action

Advocates like Transportation Alternatives are calling for immediate action to improve safety in the city. They argue that these crashes are preventable and that the city needs to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety.

<figure><figcaption>The intersection of Ditmas and Coney Island avenues, clockwise from top left, from 2011 to 2024.<span></span><span>Photos: Google</span></figcaption> </figure>

Transportation Alternatives' Flatbush Streets for People campaign is pushing for protected bike lanes throughout the corridor, emphasizing the lack of such lanes south of Prospect Park. The organization argues that the city needs to take bold steps to prevent further tragedies like this.

A Growing Problem

Juraed's death is sadly not an isolated incident. As of August 18th, there have been 158 fatalities on NYC roads, marking an 8% increase compared to the average under Vision Zero. This incident highlights the ongoing struggle for safer streets in New York City.

The city has a responsibility to protect its citizens, particularly its children, and it is time for tangible action to make roads safer for everyone.