Paceline
Bicycling Magazine, June, 1994

Transportation Alternatives, a New York City cycling advocacy group,reported in a recent issue of City Cyclist that bike messenger KhakeToure became the first rider to be killed in the city in '94. The 34-year-oldToure, who was wearing a helmet, reportedly ran a red light andwas hit by a bus and a taxi. He'd been a messenger for 7 years. In a sortof eulogy, about 100 couriers later blocked the street at the site of theaccident for about 45 minutes, then embarked on a Critical Mass-type ridearound the city. Joe Falasca, a messenger participating in the event, toldTA "We all know the dangers of messengering -- no benefits, no healthinsurance, no worker's comp. But for a lot of guys, it's the only job theycan get."

According to TA, 17 cyclists were killed in New York City in '92. Finalfigures aren't available for '93, but the estimate is 15 - 20.

[It should be noted that in most killings of cyclists the policetake the motorist's version of the events as fact since the dead cyclistcannot tell their side.

In 1999 35 cyclists were killed in New York City.]