Bicycle Safety

Hit by a Car? Nothing Can be Done Unless You’re Hurt.

A letter in the Daily News this week reminds us of the need for better enforcement as well as the open source hit-and-run investigation conducted by Streetsblog readers last November:

By Aaron Naparstek

12:15 PM EDT on June 1, 2007

A letter in the Daily News this week reminds us of the need for better enforcement as well as the open source hit-and-run investigation conducted by Streetsblog readers last November:

Brooklyn: Last week, as I rode my bicycle along Third Ave. in Brooklyn, I was hit by a car as it cut around traffic in the parking lane. Other than a few scrapes I was not hurt, and my bike was not damaged. I argued with the driver and he sped off, hitting my bike again. I went to the precinct to file a complaint and was told nothing could be done because I was not hurt and my bike was not damaged. So, bicyclists, beware: You can be bullied, harassed and even hit without any repercussions. My suggestion: Fall down and scream for an ambulance. Then maybe the cops will do something.

Photo: Jason Varone

Aaron Naparstek

Aaron Naparstek is the founder and former editor-in-chief of Streetsblog. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Naparstek's journalism, advocacy and community organizing work has been instrumental in growing the bicycle network, removing motor vehicles from parks, and developing new public plazas, car-free streets and life-saving traffic-calming measures across all five boroughs. He was also one of the original cast members of the "War on Cars" podcast. You can find more of his work on his website.