After at least 11 years of pleading, the NYC DOT has finally installed a safety covering on the Roosevelt Island Bridge bike lane metal grating.
Here's what it looked like for cyclists riding over the Roosevelt Island Bridge bike lane new safety covering yesterday.
On Instagram and Twitter, I asked cyclists what they though of the new Roosevelt Island Bridge bike lane safety covering. Responses included:
And on both sides! LOVING this. This lousy bike lane kept me on the pedestrian path for years. I was polite but it was inconvenient for everybody. This is a HUGE improvement!
It's a significant improvement - although I would advise riders to take it slow in the wet.
I was on a group ride once where we hit that bridge and two riders got almost immediate blow outs! This has to be better.
Haven't tested it yet, but sure didn't like that bridge before, although the destination is wonderful
Oh wow. Can't wait to try it. The metal grating freaked me out! I hope the covering is more anti-skid in the rain. That was not safe before!
I like it a lot
Much improved from a safety standpoint- my tires no longer slip, which used to occur on the metal surface. The WEBike female bike forum is ecstatic about it as well! I haven’t tried it in rain/wet conditions yet however.
Beautiful! The old surface was so scary that I avoided riding over it entirely. This change literally helps connect me and my family.
It is noticeable (as an aside) how much less noise the cars are making, when the road doesn't reflect the sound back (but rather let it pass through the grate)
Curious how traction will be when wet.
Tried it once after rain. Was ok. Haven’t tried it during rain. I’m going to be very cautious.
It's a significant improvement - although I would advise riders to take it slow in the wet.
I don’t understand why they didn’t cover the full length of the bike lanes but I hope it keeps people from riding bikes and scooters on the walkway. It’s hard enough getting my kid to and from school every day without having to dodge those.
Still doesn't stop the idiots from riding on the walkway...
I spoke with Mr Krikler on October 22 as the DOT began to install the Roosevelt Island Bridge bike lane safety covering.
Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Julie Menin adds:
Once successful, this surface covering can be replicated around the city over metal grating structures to allow for smoother rides for cyclists. Thanks to @RooseveltIsland for first reporting as well. https://t.co/rpxK8ejbUq
... On Wednesday, September 9, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee rejected banning bicycles from the Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix. Instead RIOC will seek to improve safety with better signage, road striping and education as well as examining if the broken Motorgate Atrium escalator can be fixed so bicycle riders can use it instead of the helix ramp....
During last evening's (October 13) RIOC Operations Advisory Committee meeting (audio web cast here), RIOC President Charlene Indelicato reported the results of a preliminary Helix Ramp study by Cornell Tech and their engineering consultants AKRF. According to Ms. Indelicato, the Cornell Tech/AKRF study concluded that fixing the Motorgate Escalator for use by bicycle riders was not an option but there is a possibility of installing a bike/pedestrian only ramp from the Motorgate Helix to the street level at the East Promenade.
Here's Ms. Indelicato advising the RIOC Operations Advisory Committee of the possible bicycle/pedestrian only Motorgate Helix ramp,
next steps for a feasibility study and RIOC Director Michael Shinozaki reviews current bike safety issues on Roosevelt Island Helix ramp.
Ms. Indelicato also noted that if it is determined to be a viable project, the Roosevelt Island Helix bicycle/pedestrian only ramp would have to wait until after the first phase of Cornell Tech is completed in 2017 before being built.
Below is October 7 letter from AKRF to Cornell Tech Director Of Capital Planning Andrew Winters describing in greater detail the plan to study possibility of Roosevelt Island Bicycle/Pedestrian only Helix Ramp.
Re: Cornell Applied Sciences – Roosevelt Island Bicycle Helix
Dear Mr. Winters:
Based on our understanding of the additional scope of work items discussed at our meeting of September 24th, 2015 attended by you and representatives from RIOC and AKRF, we request authorization to proceed with the following additional work items.
Introduction
AKRF is pleased to submit this proposal to assist in developing recommendations to improve bicycle access and circulation on Roosevelt Island, with a focus on travel between the Roosevelt Island (36th Avenue) Bridge and the Cornell Tech campus. This scope focuses on assessing the feasibility and cost of a bicycle helix structure connecting the elevated structure just west of the Roosevelt Island Bridge (herein referred to as “Motorgate Garage Level 4 entryway structure”) to the north-south service road along the East River – East Channel to provide a direct access to a proposed two-way bike path. Also, because there is an interest on behalf of Roosevelt Island’s residents and visitors in seeing short-term improvements, we have included a scope of work to assess the potential for immediate action pavement striping and signage improvements on the helix and its approaches.
Scope of work
Task 1 – SHORT-TERM TRAFFIC, BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS
AKRF will perform a site visit to inventory the pavement markings and signage on the helix and approaches, which we will illustrate in CAD drawings. As-built drawings of the helix and Motorgate Garage Level 4 entryway structure are required for this task and are expected to be provided by RIOC. If drawings cannot be furnished, we have included a contingency task for AKRF to collect the necessary geometric data. We will collect a photo inventory during both day and night time periods to illustrate driver points-of-view during various lighting conditions, and the ability to see pavement markings, signage and bicyclists on the helix and approaches. The physical inventory drawings and photo log will provide the existing conditions against which current standards will be compared.
After a comparison to current standards and best practices for pavement striping and signage, AKRF will recommend striping and signage improvements, which may consist of new signage, new striping, scarification of existing striping, and removal of existing signage. To assist bicyclists and pedestrians with wayfinding, we will include signage recommendations to access the existing elevator and stairs. Although it is not possible to physically prohibit bicyclists and pedestrians from using the helix, additional signage in the short term could reduce the unintended use of the helix by bicyclists and pedestrians. We will illustrate the proposed improvements on the existing conditions CAD drawings. Also, we will provide approximate costs for materials and installation, as we did for the proposed Roosevelt Island Two-Way Bicycle Facility.
For budgeting purposes, traffic engineering studies, traffic signal warrants, AutoTurn templates, and other detailed analyses are not assumed to be necessary for this task since the existing lane configurations, traffic control, and approximate lane widths would be maintained.
Task 2 – BIKE HELIX ASSESSMENT
AKRF will assess the potential for a direct bicycle connection from the Motorgate Garage Level 4 entryway structure to the street level below. We will assess the potential for a two-way helix taking off from the north side of the structure and landing adjacent to the existing service road along the East River – East Channel, which is the location of the potential future two-way bike path. To perform this work, AKRF requires a copy of the as-built drawings for the Motorgate Garage Level 4 entryway structure and proposed landing point area, which are expected to be provided by RIOC. If drawings cannot be furnished, we have included a contingency task for AKRF to collect the necessary geometric data.
The various considerations for this assessment are material (steel, concrete, hybrid), allowable grade (ADA will be followed) and curvature, height and lateral clearances for fire apparatus and bridge inspection equipment, and width of the structure, and effective width of the path on the bike helix. We will conduct an iterative assessment where the geometric constraints (height, width, grade, and curvature) are first identified, followed by an assessment of operational options. Next, we will explore different operational options, such as a shared space where bicyclists and pedestrians mix, a facility where pedestrians and cyclists are separated by striping or a physical barrier, or an all-pedestrian facility where cyclists must dismount and walk their bicycles alongside pedestrians. For budgeting purposes, it is assumed that a preferred alternative will be identified through this process. If the assessment does not identify that a potential exists for a bike helix at this location, Task 2 will be halted and the Project Team notified before illustrative sketches or cost estimates are prepared.
Once a preferred alternative is identified, we will provide illustrative sketches from these two points-of-view:
The sketches will be rendered in color, showing the materials, shadows and dimensions in the same scale as the base photo. We will provide the renderings in .pdf so that they can be shared electronically. If production of the renderings on presentation boards or other hard copy media is needed, we will provide these on at-cost basis, as directed by the Project Team.
We will also provide approximate costs for materials and installation of the bicycle helix preferred alternative, independent of permitting and approvals, environmental remediation, land acquisition, and other costs. For budgeting purposes, structural, geotechnical, hazmat and other detailed site feasibility studies are not assumed to be necessary for this task since this task is the first step in determining feasibility from a geometric constraints perspective.
We anticipate that this work will be completed within approximately two months of AKRF receiving the necessary as-built drawings, or within approximately two months of AKRF’s completion of collecting geometric data if drawings cannot be furnished.... We appreciate you inviting us to meet with you on September 24th to brainstorm ideas to improve bicycle access to Roosevelt Island and to the Cornell Applied Sciences Campus, and welcome the opportunity to continue serving you on this important project.
RIOC did stripe the Motorgate Helix Ramp a few days ago
UPDATE 10/19 - The October 13 RIOC Operations Advisory Committee discussed the uneven Helix Striping too. RIOC President Indelicato acknowledged that the striping was uneven, RIOC only had one bidder for the job, but the stripes do the job she said.
The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) invites:
... all bikers or interested parties. We will be discussing Bike safety, the Helix, and the resolution on prohibiting bikes on the helix.
The PSC meeting takes place 7 PM tonight, September 21, at the Westview Community Room (625 Main Street).
Bike Riders Coming Down Helix Ramp 9/20
As previously reported, on August 11 the RIRA PSC passed a resolution banning bicycles for safety reasons from using the Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix ramp to and from Main Street. The PSC helix bike banning resolution was to be voted on by the full RIRA Common Council during its September meeting.
On Wednesday, September 9, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee rejected banning bicycles from the Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix. Instead RIOC will seek to improve safety with better signage, road striping and education as well as examining if the broken Motorgate Atrium escalator can be fixed so bicycle riders can use it instead of the helix ramp.
So, the RIRA Public Safety Committee will be discussing helix bike safety issues again tonight. If you are interested in the subject, please attend tonight's meeting.
More on the helix ramp safety issue here and here.
A bicycle rider was injured in a collision with a car on the Motorgate Helix Ramp to the Roosevelt Island Bridge last Monday July 13....
and:
... the RIRA Public Safety Committee (PSC) unanimously passed this resolution recommending that bicycles, wheelchairs and scooters be banned from the the Motorgate Helix Ramp during the PSC's August 11 meeting:
Resolution that Bicycles, Wheelchairs, and Scooters Be Banned from Helix Ramp
WHEREAS the helix ramp is a narrow roadway for two-way motor vehicle traffic;
WHEREAS the helix ramp has limited-distance sight lines as it spirals between the bridge deck and street level;
WHEREAS visibility is sometimes limited by sun-glare;
WHEREAS there is no leeway on the ramp for vehicles to swerve to avoid hitting a bicycle or a wheelchair or a scooter;
WHEREAS a bike lane or a sidewalk cannot be added to the ramp;
THEREFORE, the Public Safety Committee of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association hereby resolves that all bicycles, wheelchairs, and scooters be banned from the helix ramp."
The resolution will be debated during RIRA's September 9 Common Council meeting. Even if the resolution is approved by the RIRA Common Council, RIRA has no power to implement such a ban. However, RIOC could use the RIRA resolution as an indication of Roosevelt Island community wishes to ban bicycles from the Helix Ramp and implement such a ban....
Google Street View Image Of Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix Ramp
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Advisory Committee discussed issue of bicycle and vehicle safety on the Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix at it's September 8 meeting last night. (full audio web cast of meeting here, bike helix discussion starts approximately 1 hour 8 minute mark).
RIOC Director Michael Shinozaki began the discussion saying:
I don't really think it's safe for cyclists to be on the helix because of the nature of car and truck traffic on there. The problem is we need to come up with a viable alternative. In the past we had the escalator that went from the platform straight down and people used the escalator...
The escalator has been closed for many years without an explanation for the reason.
RIOC President Charlene Indelicato said that the Cornell engineering team will examine the escalator situation to determine if it can be operational.
In the meantime, Ms. Indelicato said:
... You can't protect alot of people from themselves....
and bicycle:
... banning is not going to work. we don't have the manpower to enforce it and secondly I think there are alot of groups, not Bike NY, who protest these things feeling it is some sort of infringement on peoples rights and you don't want even more bikes trying it out....
... I am inclined to listen to the experts. We will listen to Bike NY, Cornell...
about bike helix safety issues.
RIOC Director Howard Polivy summarized the Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix bike safety initiatives saying RIOC:
... will look at stripes, signs and sight lines...
Current Helix Ramp Sign To Use Motorgate Elevator
Here's 6 minute portion of the RIOC Operations Advisory Committee discussion of Helix Bike Safety,
the full 27 minute discussion,
and Helix bike safety recommendations from Bike New York.
Proposals to Improve Safety of Non-motorized users on the Helix Ramp
You can address the bike safety concerns on the helix by taking the following cost effective preventive safety measures that various parties can take to keep the every one safe on the helix:
1- Enforce the 10mph speed limit (RIOC, Public Safety).
ticket drivers who exceed the 10 mph speed limit.
install a speed display sign so people know how fast they are going on the helix, with an additional sign noting the helix ramp is 10mph.
install speed humps or bumps that keep vehicle speeds under the limit.
Work with DOT, PSD, or Bike New York to pass out Vision Zero information and bumper stickers or other Helix-specific safety information at the top of the helix.
2. Enforce the Helix no passing zone (RIOC, PSD).
maintain the center “no passing zone” stripes, which wear off quickly due to large vehicles negotiating the tight turn.
Make the “No Passing Zone” sign stronger. How about “Don’t even think of passing here” sign?
Install flexible bollards on the center stripe.
3. Enforce against dangerous cycling behaviors, especially wrong way cycling (against traffic) and not using lights at night (RIOC PSD).
4. Interpret & Apply the “Share the Road” signage on the helix. Most motorists and many cyclists don’t know what sharing the road looks like in practice. Under state law NYS VAT § 1234 cyclists may “take the lane” when the lane is too narrow to share side-by-side with an over-taking vehicle to prevent dangerous passing. Given that the helix is a two-way road with a narrow single lane, and constricted sight lines both motorists and cyclists should understand how to share it safely. And sharing in this context does not mean that it’s the job of the cyclist to get out of the motorist’s way. The helix ramp is short—it’s not a huge inconvenience for a motorist to wait behind a cyclist until the cyclist clears the helix. Cyclists should take the lane on the helix because it is too narrow for safe passing.
paint “sharrow” symbols in both directions in the center of the helix lanes (RIOC) indicating to all users that cyclists should take the lane on the helix. (RIOC)
conduct public education campaign about what “Sharing the Road” on the Helix means in practice. (Bike New York, RIOC, PSD) with fliers
Create a short video on how all users should safely share the helix. (Bike New York, RIOC, PSD).
5. Education
Work with Cornell construction contractors so that truck drivers understand the reasonable and safe driving limits utilizing short safety classes, the video, friendly flyering at construction sites. (Bike New York)
Conduct bike safety education campaign so that cyclists use best practices for using the helix, including use of lights at night, not riding against traffic, and “taking the lane” on the helix. (Bike New York)
Frank Farance shares this video of bicyclists riding down the helix ramp
RIRA is meeting 8 PM tonight at the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street) to vote on the Public Safety Committee resolution banning bikes from the Helix.
Without RIOC's approval, RIRA's resolution approving banning bikes from Helix means nothing.
UPDATE 10:30 PM - The RIRA Common Council did not vote on the helix bike ban resolution but sent it back to the Public Safety Committee for further review.
UPDATE 11:30 PM - Here's the RIRA Common Council discussion.
... The issue of bicycle safety on the helix ramp was discussed during the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) July 14 Public Safety Committee (PSC) meeting.
The PSC unanimously voted to recommend closing the Motorgate Helix Ramp to bicycle riders....
Following up on its July 14 meeting, the RIRA Public Safety Committee (PSC) unanimously passed this resolution recommending that bicycles, wheelchairs and scooters be banned from the the Motorgate Helix Ramp during the PSC's August 11 meeting:
Resolution that Bicycles, Wheelchairs, and Scooters Be Banned from Helix Ramp
WHEREAS the helix ramp is a narrow roadway for two-way motor vehicle traffic;
WHEREAS the helix ramp has limited-distance sight lines as it spirals between the bridge deck and street level;
WHEREAS visibility is sometimes limited by sun-glare;
WHEREAS there is no leeway on the ramp for vehicles to swerve to avoid hitting a bicycle or a wheelchair or a scooter;
WHEREAS a bike lane or a sidewalk cannot be added to the ramp;
THEREFORE, the Public Safety Committee of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association hereby resolves that all bicycles, wheelchairs, and scooters be banned from the helix ramp."
The resolution will be debated during RIRA's September 9 Common Council meeting. Even if the resolution is approved by the RIRA Common Council, RIRA has no power to implement such a ban. However, RIOC could use the RIRA resolution as an indication of Roosevelt Island community wishes to ban bicycles from the Helix Ramp and implement such a ban.
Last Thursday afternoon, I saw bike riders safely going up (with helmet)
and down (without helmet) the Motorgate helix ramp.
Commenting on the July 16 bike helix safety post, these residents react to RIRA recommendation banning bikes from the Helix Ramp.
So I guess what PSC is saying is that the Helix is inherently unsafe with cyclists because automobiles can't be trusted to drive slowly enough to not run over cyclists? Brilliant governance.
How is it that nobody has commented on the fact that the double-striped yellow lines in the middle of the Helix roadway (to separate lanes of vehicular traffic) are practically non-existent? Perhaps RIOC should first tackle this problem for existing automobile traffic before we start commenting on bicycle safety.
With Cornell Tech coming to RI, we are going to have more cyclists on the island. Signage is a start, but the bigger issue is influx of traffic & people. Has anyone addressed that? More Red Buses? More frequent Red Buses? Ferry? Eliminate parking on all of Main Street & add a shared bike lane? This is the bigger picture...more student population will mean more bikes, this should be looked at from a long term standpoint.
If safety is your main concern then driving slower is the best way to make sure you're driving safely, whether the issue is pedestrian, cycle, or auto safety.
Close the helix for bicyclists instead of enforcing road rules so both parties can use it? What a hell of an approach is that? Typical island reaction to problem solving.
The bridge is already very bicycle-unfriendly... I guess we are another step closer to banning cycling on Roosevelt Island.
I have serious safety concerns about how Bike NYC operates on Roosevelt Island, and I have made a video showing the poor practices of your instructors here. I saw children be led in a line down the Helix Ramp, which is unsafe for cyclists. I then spoke to the two instructors, neither of which had proper training on Bike Safety. And when I pointed out the safety problems, one of your instructors said: there wasn't a law against it, so if I have problems with their unsafe practices, then I should go get the laws changed. Both are not competently trained because they don't understand bike safety....
Bike New York is irresponsible in their teachings to kids, such as riding the Helix. This is unsafe, and now will have kids thinking this is safe to do. The instructors lack knowledge about safety, they are poorly trained, and have poor attitudes towards safety.According to RIOC/PSD staff, Bike New York has had these kids come down the ramp in the mix of CEMENT TRUCKS and other large vehicles....
According to Bike NY representative:
The safety concerns surrounding the helix ramp have been brought to our attention and we are working on this issue with RIOC.
Several reasons why Helix is unsafe. Here's how those children can get run over, see pic for details.
Honestly parents, with traffic situation & nowhere for children to go, do you want you children riding in this middle of this? Of course not.
I've calculated the white car to be traveling at 20 fps (feet-per-second), which is approx. 13.3 MPH. Use standard brake distance formulas (15 fps deceleration, 1 second recognition time, 1 second reaction time), it would take 53 feet for this car to stop, which is the distance of the three children in front of the car. Because there is oncoming traffic, there is no room to move to the left to avoid the cyclists, and for the cyclists, there is no room to move to the right. So if one of those three children were to lose control (a bump, etc.), they would likely be run over by the white car.
All that happens in a split second.
Another reason it is dangerous is that the bicycle path is at a stress level of 5, as per the City's bike path stress methodology, which requires "expert" level cyclist skills. Obviously, the children don't have expert level skills, thus this particular patch of roadway (Motorgate Helix Ramp) is dangerous for their skill level.
Another reason it is dangerous is that there is not enough clearance for vehicles to pass the bicycles.
Another reason it is dangerous is that the children are riding 2-3 abreast towards the bottom, rather than single file.
In summary, just because the video does not show injury, it does not imply it is safe.
Also, you ask "Also, the lack of visible stripes separating the up and down lanes for portions of the helix may be a significant contributor to helix safety issues". The safety issues shown here are not attributable to a lack of lane stripes -- both cars are in their lanes, yet it is unsafe.
There have been some motorists/cyclists who thought this was a one-way ramp, so I agree that line strips should be added. However, regardless of the obvious 2-way traffic and the requirements to stay to the right, cyclists still proceed in the wrong direction. Lane striping does not fix that behavioral problem.
As for only one accident in many years, Good Safety Methodology doesn't require ANY accident to take a response: all it takes is being informed of a safety problem ... unfortunately, accidents are a main method of discovering a safety problem, but there is no requirement that one needs a history of accidents before taking action. Imagine if that were true: the parent complaining loudly that their child were injured when the safety problem was already known ... would you be telling that parent "well, we need at least 3 serious accidents before taking any action".
Aside from that not making sense, that is not how safety practitioners work, such as the National Transportation Safety Board ... no need to wait for an actual accident to take corrective action on a safety issue.
I have confirmed with RIOC that this is their position too: no need to wait for more accidents to address a safety issue.
If bicycles, scooters and wheelchairs are banned from the Motorgate ramp, they will have to use the Motorgate elevators or stairs
to and from Roosevelt Island. Another option discussed was to create a path through the Motorgate garage to access Roosevelt Island to and from the Roosevelt Island Bridge rather than from the Helix Ramp.
Will bike and scooter riders, including food delivery bikes and scooters coming from Queens to Roosevelt Island, use any of these alternative options to the Helix Ramp?
RIRA member Mickey Rindler adds:
The proposal to ban Bicycles from the Helix put forward by the RIRA Public Safety Committee is a MISGUIDED idea coming from people who know little about bicycles or bike safety. The RIRA Common Council should be supporting measures that promote the safety of ALL residents, including bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists.
I have ridden my bike and driven my car on the helix hundreds of times and I know precisely what the dangers are. If the committee had bothered to ask cyclists who use the bridge and helix, they would have learned that we are uniformly against such a restriction. We don’t want to be protected by people who think they are doing the right thing. The fact that this ban is being promulgated because there was a single recent bicycle accident on the helix whose circumstances remain obscure is absurd. Accidents have been few and very far between.
What bicycle riders want is IMPROVED SAFETY on the Island. There are ways to ensure that both vehicles and bicycles can use the helix safely. I note that:
Descending the helix from the R.I. Bridge is as safe as riding on any city street where vehicles and bikes share the roadway. There is excellent visibility and cars and trucks know to keep their distance and go slow. I have never seen anyone fall off their bike (or wheelchair for that matter and I’ve seen many go down and a few go up — including one just last night).
Riding up the helix is more problematic as drivers ascending behind the bikes cannot see around the curve. However, there are solutions like pruning the tree in the center of the helix and removing the guardrail on top of the concrete barrier going up.
The elevator, especially on weekend afternoons when people have carts and groceries, is extremely slow when you have two bicycles — I would say an average of 3-4 minutes slower than riding. If there are more bikes, there are long delays.
Most importantly, many bicyclists will IGNORE the signs and RIDE ON THE HELIX anyway. Motorists who mistakenly think there are no bikes on the road will be LESS alert to bicycles, INCREASING THE POSSIBILITY THAT SERIOUS ACCIDENTS WILL OCCUR.
A BETTER SOLUTION is to post signs saying BIKES SHARE THE ROAD and paint SHARROWS on the pavement.
Mayor Bloomberg did not submit his proposal for bike lanes and shared roadways to a vote of motorists or pedestrians — no doubt a majority would want bikes banned from roads altogether. The same is true if you allow Islanders who don’t cycle or the disabled to vote on whether bikes should be allowed on our promenades.
Most disturbing to me is that banning activities that have been going on for decades sets a dangerous precedent. We should also be concerned that, God forbid, a pedestrian may be seriously hurt by a bicyclist somewhere else on the Island. I can easily envision that the PSC and RIOC will want to ban all bicycling. Instead, the CC should be working to support our cycling community and to ensure that such a scenario never comes about.
Proper signage will help insure safety. The traffic sign at foot of helix ramp indicating a 10 mph speed limit and allowing bicycles
A bicycle rider was injured in a collision with a car on the Motorgate Helix Ramp to the Roosevelt Island Bridge last Monday July 13.
A resident reported Monday:
I think someone got run over on the ramp to RI bridge.possibly a biker. I can just see lots of police/nyfd
A spokesperson for the NYPD 114 precinct said on Tuesday:
... in regards to the collision yesterday on Roosevelt Island. It occurred on Monday, July 13, 2015 around 6 PM ... According to the accident report, the vehicle was heading up the Roosevelt Island ramp in his lane and the bicyclist was heading down the ramp in the same lane as the automobile. The bicyclist was traveling in the wrong lane. They collided coming around the bend. The bicyclist did hurt what appears to be his leg from the collision and was removed to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
There are conflicting versions of the July 13 bike accident on the Roosevelt Island Bridge Motorgate Helix Ramp. Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) Chief Jack McManus told me that the Bike Rider and Car were going up the ramp in the same direction when the car hit the bike rider from behind resulting in the accident and a broken leg for the cyclist.
Asked to explain the discrepancy in accident reports, both NYPD and RIOC PSD said they were relaying the information told to them by the car driver and bike rider.
The issue of bicycle safety on the helix ramp was discussed during the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) July 14 Public Safety Committee (PSC) meeting.
Image Of Bike Rider Coming Down Helix Ramp Yesterday (not the injured rider)
The PSC unanimously voted to recommend closing the Motorgate Helix Ramp to bicycle riders. If the Motorgate Helix Ramp is closed to bicycle riders, they would have to take the Motorgate elevators or staircase instead to exit and enter Roosevelt Island.
The decision to close the ramp to bicyclists is up to RIOC.
Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Director Jack McManus and Deputy Director Lynda Marmara met with members of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee last night. Among the topics discussed were improvements to Roosevelt Island bicycle infrastructure and bicycle safety.
The discussion began with RIRA's Helen Chirivas reporting that she agreed with RIOC President Charlene Indelicato that the Roosevelt Island bicycle infrastructure needs to be improved before Citibike can install their bike stations.
RIRA's Rosanna Ceruzzi noted that she thought Citibike was too expensive and suggested that Bike NY's Roosevelt Island programming include less expensive bike rentals.
RIRA's Lynn Strong-Shinozaki emphasized the need for wearing bike helmets. Ms.Strong-Shinozak said the Roosevelt Island bike rider, Anna-Maria Mostrom, who was killed in the collision with RIC Red Bus was not wearing a helmet at the time. Ms Strong-Shinozaki added that the Red Bus involved in the collision had to drive around a parked cab which may have contributed to the accident.
Also discussed were RIOC Public Service announcements about bike safety. Deputy Director Marmara suggested using some local Roosevelt Island talent to produce the bike safety announcements though she specifically hoped any public service announcement would not be like the previous Public Safety Recruitment Video
Here's video of the discussion.
Will have more of this very interesting Roosevelt Island Public Safety conversation soon.
An update on Roosevelt Island resident Anna-Maria Mostrom, the bicyclist critically injured after October 8 collision with the Roosevelt Island Red Bus
Lynn Strong-Shinozaki reports:
Anna-Maria Mostrom's Memorial Service was held Saturday October 18 at The Swedish Church 5 East 48th St. at 5 pm. The small Church was over flowing in her honor. The service was beautiful. I had the honor of speaking with her family who made the courageous decision to donate her organs. I hope this inspires more people to do the same. For anyone who wants to send their condolences to the family they will be able to do so through the Swedish Church.
The Swedish newspaper Expressen reported on October 15 that Roosevelt Island resident Anna Maria Mostrom died. According to Expressen (via Google Translate)
... Late on Tuesday evening local time died Anna-Maria Mostrom shortly after the respirator turned off. The father wrote in a text message to Expressen that Anna-Maria went off at 22:50 local time, ie 4:50 this morning Swedish time. The whole family, with mom, dad, sister, boyfriend and the next few friends were gathered and had quietly got to say goodbye.
She rescues five to six lives, writes Ronny Mostrom in SMS....
Tragically, 29 year old Anna-Maria Mostrom, a resident of the Octagon building, was hit by a Roosevelt Island Red Bus while she was riding a bicycle on Main Street near the Motorgate/Gristedes Turnaround at about about 9:20 PM.
... According to the NYPD, after hitting the Red Bus, the 29 year old bicyclist fell and hit her head on the pavement. She was not wearing a bike helmet.
Swedish model Anna-Maria Mostrom, 29, is in a coma in a hospital in New York after being hit by a bus as she rode to home on Roosevelt Island.
The family has been forced to take the difficult decision to shut down all the systems that keep her alive for a few days.
It is not easy now. It's so unfair, says her dad Ronny Mostrom.
Anna-Maria Mostrom left home in Sweden for a life as a model across the Atlantic.
There, she lived her dream life and lived for two years in New York after setting up in the Swedish TV show Top Model in 2005 and 2006, she was now in its tenth year in the United States.
Last Wednesday evening met Anna-Maria Mostrom of a bus that made a hasty left turn.
Exactly what happened when the accident occurred is not clear, but Anna-Maria, who at the time was on her way home to the house on Roosevelt Island, between Manhattan and Queens, fell to the ground and hurt herself so badly that she ended up in a coma....
... Their daughter is brain-dead and without the ventilator, the rest of her body would cease to function immediately. The doctors have tried, but her own breathing was like tiny sighs. Her parents has now met a medical team and decided to donate her organs.
Hopefully they can save up to 10 lives, Ronny Moström says.
Her friends visit her in her hospital bed, many want to say their goodbyes. The parents have decided that the ventilator will be shut down between 7pm and 10pm later today. Exactly how long time her body will be able to hold on after that is uncertain, it could be a matter of minutes....
... According to police, the bus was making a left turn when it struck her, causing her to fall off the bike. It has not been confirmed whether or not Mostrom swerved into the bus or the bus ran into her. The driver remained at the scene with Mostrom until emergency personnel arrived and is not facing charges in the accident...
Received this report about 9:30 PM from a Roosevelt Island resident:
Red bus hit a person (can't tell if pedestrian or bicyclist) just before Gristedes turn around. Road closed going north.
Kevin Deutch tweets:
Woman struck by vehicle on Roosevelt Island. RI bus at scene appears to have hit her, witnesses say. pic.twitter.com/oPy4XcCqpC
— Kevin Deutsch (@NewsdayCrime) October 9, 2014
Here's what the RIOC bus looks like. Many residents have complained about it being too big for narrow island roads. pic.twitter.com/I1Pj35k0CR
— Kevin Deutsch (@NewsdayCrime) October 9, 2014
Everyone here hoping the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation takes bus complaints seriously after this accident. pic.twitter.com/KhwFXxLZsK
— Kevin Deutsch (@NewsdayCrime) October 9, 2014
Click thru the tweets for more pictures but be advised they are close ups of the scene. (pictures were removed).
According to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC,) Public Safety Director Jack McManus a female bicycle rider was hit by the Red Bus. The woman was taken to the hospital. No further information available at this time.
Last night, a collision occurred near the turnaround by Gristedes between a bicyclist and one of our Red Buses. The accident is currently being investigated by NYPD and we are taking the necessary precautions to ensure that all proper procedures are followed.
Please be advised that we have been actively working to ensure that our streets are safe for cyclists and motorists. Recently, members of RIOC's Transportation and Community Relations departments met with cycling nonprofit Bike New York to discuss road-sharing and safety education classes, both for Red Bus drivers and for cyclists in our community. Our goal is to promote a safe and progressive approach to traffic on Roosevelt Island and to maintain the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. It is important that cyclists exercise safety at all times by wearing a helmet. Drivers and cyclists are encouraged to always be aware of their surroundings at all times and to use extra caution in high-traffic areas.
We will continue to investigate this incident and will respond to the situation appropriately.
UPDATE 10/14: Received this statement from RIOC today:
Last Wednesday, October 8th, a cyclist was involved in an traffic collision with a Red Bus (a local shuttle service) near the Motorgate Garage bus turnaround on Roosevelt Island. We have been advised by the NYPD that the cyclist sustained a severe head injury and is currently hospitalized in serious condition.
Charlene M. Indelicato, President of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, states: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with the cyclist and all those affected by this traumatic incident. I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones as they undergo this difficult experience."
The New York City Police Department is currently handling this investigation.
Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.
The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.
