The launch of the Citi Bike Share Program introduced more than 6,000 bikes and 330 stations throughout the streets of New York City. More than 14,000 people have signed up for annual memberships and have flooded the streets of New York. Add this to the notoriously unforgiving traffic and congested corridors of the City and you will have chaos.
However, after more than five months and five million trips, there have been no reported fatalities among the program’s riders. Only about two dozen injuries, most of them minor, have been reported.
Consistent Statistics in Bike Injuries and Death
In 2012, New York City’s Department of Transportation reported 18 bicycle deaths from car accidents in the months of January through October. Compared with 10 so far this year, the numbers have remained rather consistent. Although there was one borough death this year in Manhattan and Brooklyn, that serve the Citi Bike Share Program, the rider was not riding a Citi bicycle. It should be noted that during the same period last year, there were two reported deaths in the same vicinity.
There were many skeptics at the inception of the program, pointing to the grim beginnings of a similar bike share program in Paris. However, New York’s program thus far has been free of tragic results. While there is no guarantee that the system’s promising safety trends will continue, this program has proven to be a success thus far.
Injured on a Bike? We Are Here to Help!
Despite the safety trend, you may still find yourself injured while riding a Citi Bike and in need of monetary compensation for the injuries you have sustained.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a bicycle accident that was caused by the negligent or reckless actions of another party, call the NYC bike accident lawyers at Gersowitz, Libo & Korek, P.C. to discuss your rights.
For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation, call us at 212-584-2494.