Cycling Deaths Increased In 2017, City Data Shows

CHELSEA, NY — The number of cyclists killed in NYC traffic crashes increased slightly in 2017, while traffic fatalities overall dropped for the fourth straight year, according to a new city analysis

City data shows that 214 people were killed in traffic deaths in New York City in 2017, the lowest number on record and a drop of 28 percent since the city launched its traffic safety initiative Vision Zero four years ago. The dip in traffic deaths is driven largely by a decrease in pedestrian deaths, which dropped from 184 in 2013 (the year before Vision Zero was launched) to 101 pedestrian deaths last year. City officials released the annual Vision Zero report on Friday, touting the city's dramatic drop in traffic deaths since the program was implemented.

The number of cyclists killed in city crashes has remained consistent over the last 20 years, ranging between 12 and 24 cyclists killed since 2000. In 2017, 23 cyclists were killed in traffic crashes, up from 18 killed last year. Although the overall number of cyclists killed in traffic collisions has remained steady, the rate of cycling fatalities has dipped. The Vision Zero Year Four report shows that while the number of deaths has remained constant in recent years, the cycling population has grown significantly.

The deaths in 2017 included a number of high-profile collisions. Kelly Hurley was fatally injured in April 2017 while cycling in the East Village. The 31-year-old was entering what's known as a "mixing zone" — an area of the road where a bike lane merges with a left-hand turn land — when a box truck slammed into her while turning left. In the wake of Hurley's death, cyclists condemned the design of "mixing zone" intersections, which they say are dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.

Two cyclists were killed in Chelsea within days of each in June, moving transportation activists to continue their plea for more crosstown bike lanes in Manhattan. City officials announced this year a plan to add four new crosstown bike lanes in Manhattan, two in Chelsea and two in Midtown, to provide safer options for cyclists moving across the city. City officials also plan to build a protected bike lane on 13th Street in advance of an anticipated jump in cycling commuters when the L train shuts down in 2019.

You can read the full Vision Zero Year Four report here.

Image credit: Kathleen Culliton / Patch