It is well documented that the cycling and pedestrian crash death rate on Long Island far exceeds that of New York City, Connecticut and New Jersey. Suffolk County continues to be more dangerous with a cycling death rate more than double the New York State average. The rates also remain high in Suffolk County due to the number of Hispanic immigrants of lower incomes who can't afford cars and utilize bicycles to get to and from work. In fact, 43% of the documented nationalities of death victims were Hispanic.

Long Island lacks wide shouldered lanes and marked bike lanes adding to the high rate of crashes. Lack of visibility of cyclists also adds to the high rate of crashes. A high number of accidents appear to occur between 7 and 11 PM. According to a Suffolk County Detective who investigates bike accidents, the most common excuse for the driver striking the cyclist is that they simply did not see them.

Tips to avoid being involved in a Cycle Crash on Long Island include:

• Making yourself visible,
• Ride on Roadways with Designated Bike Lanes,
• If Lanes are Not Available, Ride on Wide Shouldered Roadways,
• Avoid riding at Night,
• If you must ride at Night, utilize lights,
• Ride with the flow of traffic,

Roadway Defect Claims

Long Island roads are full of potholes and other road defects. However, claims against Long Island municipalities are much more difficult than those in New York City. Establishing prior written notice of the defect always remains a challenge. A claim may be bought if you can prove the municipality affirmatively created it. Long Island also remains difficult in determining who owns the road. This recent map by the Town of Hempstead will help identify owners in this Town.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a cycling crash or bike accident in Nassau or Suffolk, while riding in the Hamptons, or anywhere in Long Island, you need a competent and experience Long Island Cycling Attorney.

Additional Resources & Links:

• Daniel Flanzig featured in 27east.com

Call or e-mail Flanzig and Flanzig, New York and Long Island's bike and cycling crash lawyers.