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

Cyclist Struck in the Bronx Today Is Second Fatality in Past Two Weeks

A cyclist was struck and killed by a driver this morning in the Bronx, and EV Grieve reports that a restaurant worker who was hit by a motorist last week while biking in Brooklyn died from his injuries.

Cesar, identified as the cyclist fatally struck by a driver in Downtown Brooklyn on October 20. Photo: EV Grieve

Today's crash occurred in Claremont. NYPD and published reports say Walter Ayala, 36, was traveling west on St. Paul's Place when he was struck by the driver of a Toyota headed north on Third Avenue. Ayala died at the scene.

NYPD told Streetsblog it appears Ayala ran a red light and the motorist had the right of way. NYPD didn't specify how the agency determined who had the right of way, and provided no information about driver speed. A spokesperson said no summonses were issued and the investigation is ongoing.

Walter Ayala was killed in the 42nd Precinct, in the City Council district represented by termed-out Helen Foster.

In the earlier crash, a cyclist identified as Cesar was biking home from his job at Stromboli Pizza in the East Village sometime on the night of October 20 when according to DNAinfo the driver of a GMC truck hit him at the corner of Smith and Schermerhorn Streets in Downtown Brooklyn.

DNAinfo reported the next day that the cyclist was making a left turn from Smith to Schermerhorn when he was struck by the northbound driver, and that he was hospitalized in serious but stable condition.

Via Gothamist, EV Grieve wrote today that the cyclist, who was identified by a reader, died as a result of the crash:

"Apparently he was on a bicycle going home to Brooklyn after work and was hit by a truck and died from his injuries in the hospital after being in a coma for a few days," Aizaz says.

He leaves behind a wife and three children.

Says Aizaz, "Cesar had a lot of charm and a very positive attitude about everything we ever chatted about."

Stromboli Pizza is taking donations for the family.

No other details were reported pertaining to what caused this crash. The DNAinfo story from October 21 said the motorist "was not expected to be charged."

The crash that killed Cesar occurred in the 84th Precinct, in the council district represented by Steve Levin.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Freeze Frame: Fixed Cameras Are Speeding Up Buses In And Out of Bus Lanes

The expansion of bus-mounted traffic enforcement cameras is yielding faster and safer trips for bus riders, the MTA said.

March 25, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: A Pretty Normal Commute Edition

Join us, Sean Duffy, as we ride on the "Shithole Express." Plus other news.

March 25, 2025

Council Transportation Chair Asks DOT To Rip Up a Bike Lane

The same Queens pol who berates the DOT for failing to build enough bike lanes wants one torn out of her district.

March 24, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Subway ‘Shithole’ (Yes, That’s What He Said) Edition

U.S. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy visited a sinkhole in New Jersey, but nonetheless cursed out our subway system. Plus other news.

March 24, 2025

Albany Running Out of Options to Close MTA Funding Gap: Watchdog

Tighten the belt and give up the frills, the Citizens Budget Commission warned.

March 21, 2025
See all posts