Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bicycle Safety

Improper Steel Plate May Have Caused Fatal Crash


The steel construction plate above may have contributed to Derek Lake's fatal bike crash yesterday.

Transportation Alternatives has issued a press release (PDF file) that says 23-year-old filmmaker Derek Lake's fatal bike crash may have been caused by a metal street plate that is "in violation of the City DOT's 'Highway Rules' governing the specifications for construction plating in the street."

The Highway Rules specify that steel construction plates must be "sufficiently ramped to provide smooth riding and safe condition." Likewise,  the steel plates must have "skid resistence surface equal to or greater than the adjacent existing street or roadway surface."

TransAlt notes that in addition to not having skid-proof surfacing or ramping, the two-inch high steel plate that may have contributed to Lane's crash was partly covered with loose gravel and construction debris.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

NJ’s Plan to Widen the Turnpike Can Really Break Your Heart

"I've lived in a lot of places and all of them have had neighborhoods destroyed by turnpike expansion. New Jersey is no exception," said one activist.

June 2, 2025

Car Harms Monday: ‘Gridlock Sam’ Says We Have Lost Our Lives to the Automobile

Take it from the former head of the city's Department of Traffic: If we restore valuable public space to the people, the result will be a healthier, happier, and more humane city.

June 2, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Critical Mass of Rage Against the NYPD Edition

Scores of New Yorkers rode on Friday to protest the Police Department's criminal crackdown on cyclists. Plus other news.

Talking Headways Podcast: Bike Guides to Build Your City

Let's talk bike lane design guides, the importance of history, political will, and the stress of being an expert witness in court.

June 2, 2025

Cyclist: Cop Pulled a Taser During Summons Chase

In a dramatic escalation of the NYPD's criminal crackdown on bike riders, a police officer pulled a stun gun while chasing a cyclist for allegedly running a red light on a regular bike.

May 30, 2025

Albany Pols Seize the Helm(et)

Helmet laws remain controversial — they're the "common-sense" approach pushed by lawmakers who ignore that studies show they don't improve safety.

May 30, 2025
See all posts