The Most Dangerous Places for Cyclists and Pedestrians in NYC

New York City is one of the most heavily walked and biked cities in the world. It’s also one of the most heavily driven cities in the world, so it’s no wonder that pedestrian and cyclist accidents are incredibly common there. Now, thanks to a recent report published by Localize Labs, we know the 12 most dangerous places for pedestrians and cyclists in New York City. In these locations, which are located across the five boroughs, pedestrians and cyclists face a three times higher risk of being injured or killed in a crash.

Here are the 12 areas identified by the report:

1. Williamsburg, between Lee Avenue and North Seventh/Metropolitan Avenue, from Berry Street to Bushwick Avenue
2. Downtown Brooklyn, between Atlantic Avenue and Willoughby Street, from Boerum Place and Bond Street
3. Crown Heights/Bedford-Stuyvesant, between Pacific and Fulton streets, from Bedford to Brooklyn avenues
4. Fordham/University Heights, between Aqueduct Avenue and Ryer Avenue, from West Fordham Road and West Tremont Avenue
5. Lower East Side/Little Italy/Soho, between Spring and Grand streets, from Broadway to Forsyth Street
6. Corona, between 35th and Roosevelt Avenues, from 94th to 108th streets
7. Jackson Heights, between 37th Avenue and Broadway, from 76th Street to 84th Street/Whitney Avenue
8. Flushing, between College Point Avenue and Parsons Boulevard, from 37th to Franklin avenues
9. Ridgewood, between Woodward and Myrtle avenues, from Grove Street to Forest Avenue
10. Jamaica, between 89th to 90th avenues, from 164th Street to 168th Place
11. St. George/Tompkinsville, from Jersey to Bay streets, between Victory Boulevard to Fort Place/Taft Avenue
12. Stapleton, between Bay and Van Duzer streets, from Wright to Tompkins streets

There is a citywide average of 75 pedestrian or cyclist collisions occurring in intersections during the past five years. However, in the 12 locations listed above, that average spiked to about 238 of these kinds of crashes during the past five years.

While these locations are spread out, the Localize Labs team did note that many of these locations have something in common: pedestrian and cyclist crashes “often occur near elevated tracks or bridges and their approaches.” The reason for this may be incredibly simple: in intersections near bridges or under elevated tracks, sight lines may be blocked due to the large number of modes of transportation converging there, consequently increasing the potential for accidents. When heavy foot, bike, and vehicle traffic converge in narrow spaces, the risk of crashes increases exponentially—especially in places where there are elevated subway or other rail tracks.

In addition to avoiding the 12 areas whenever possible, cycling and pedestrians should be vigilant about what cars and people are around them at all times. Be sure to wear protective helmets while cycling, and consider turning the music down in your earphones.

At Scaffidi & Associates, we have represented numerous individuals who were injured in pedestrian or cycling accidents in New York City. We combine aggressive representation with experience and compassion: we understand how debilitating and traumatizing these injuries can be, and we work hard to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn how our experienced personal injury attorneys who specialize in pedestrian or cycling accident cases can help you.

Posted in: Personal Injury Law