Pedestrian's Death Spurs Plea For Protected Bike Lanes In Brooklyn

BROOKLYN, NY — After a 49-year-old pedestrian was fatally struck by an e-bike in Brooklyn this weekend, activists are calling for urgent action from New York leaders to overhaul street infrastructure and protect lives.

Transportation Alternatives, an advocacy group focused on "reclaiming New York City's streets from cars," issued a public statement urging city leaders to crack down on predatory delivery apps and fast-track the development of safer street infrastructure.

The statement follows the fatal incident of 49-year-old Luis Cruz, who was struck by a delivery worker on an e-bike while crossing the road toward Franklin Street in Greenpoint.

"We are devastated to learn of the death of a 49-year-old pedestrian on Friday. Nineteen pedestrians and one person riding a bike have been killed on New York City’s unsafe streets in just the first 79 days of the year," said Ben Furnas, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives.

Police said Cruz was exiting a double-parked car and crossing the street when the delivery worker, traveling south on Franklin Street, struck him. The delivery worker remained at the scene and was not charged.

"The truth is that no one gets into a car or e-bike on their way to do delivery work looking to harm another human being – but unregulated delivery app companies push workers to make deliveries faster or risk losing their job," Furnas added.

Activists from Transportation Alternatives argue that the "exploitative work standards" set by delivery app companies are putting all New Yorkers at risk. They are calling on the New York City Council to implement meaningful regulations to address the dangerous conditions created by these companies.

“New Yorkers are clamoring for comprehensive and effective solutions that professionalize delivery work and keep pedestrians and cyclists safe," Furnas said. "It’s time for New York leaders to crack down on predatory delivery apps and accelerate building the safe streets infrastructure that help keep everyone safe."

Transportation Alternatives also pointed out that Franklin Street lacks a bike lane and offers no safe space for cyclists when cars are double-parked, creating hazardous situations for all.

"Small street design changes like pinch points or chicanes can slow speeds, increase visibility, prevent double parking, and save lives," Furnas said.