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

From Crain's Insider:

An unreleased study of bicycling fatalities has led to friction among the three city agencies compiling it. The police, transportation and health departments analyzed the deaths of 200 cyclists over 10 years and found that only one of them was in a bike lane.

An insider says DOT Commissioner Iris Weinshall didn't conclude that lanes are the answer. Instead, because the accidents often involved head injuriese, Weinshall wants to call for a law mandating helmets. But the NYPD isn't eager to enforce a universal helmet law and the health department isn't ready to call for one.

Last summer, transportation officials cut the annual creation of bike lanes and routes to 20 miles from 30. A spokeswoman for the DOT says the agency is committed to increasing the pace of bike lane installations.

Cycling groups say that other cities' helmet requirements for adults have reduced cycling by 25% or more, which raises the danger for remaining bikers. Advocates believe that the emphasis should be on preventing accidents, not on mitigating injuries.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

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

Tisch Reveals Real Reason for Her E-Bike Crackdown: E-Bike Licensing

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch doubles down on her cycling criminalization campaign, saying e-bike licensing is the only other option.

May 30, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: A ‘Critical’ Moment Edition

Cyclists will protest against the NYPD's bike crackdown with a Critical Mass ride to City Hall on Friday. Plus more news.

May 30, 2025

Eyes on the Street: Astoria’s Big Beautiful 31st Avenue Bike Boulevard

Streetsblog paid a visit to New York City's widest on-street protected bike lane ever, which is up and running in Astoria.

May 30, 2025
See all posts