Bicycle & E-Bike Accidents
What Happens When a Cyclist Hits a Pedestrian in NYC?
Fault, injuries, insurance, and what to do next — a guide from Koenigsberg & Associates Law Offices.
June 18, 2026
Warmer weather brings millions of New Yorkers outside — and with them, a surge of cyclists, e-bike riders, and delivery workers sharing the city's streets and sidewalks. While the growth of cycling in NYC has brought real benefits, it has also introduced new dangers for pedestrians. Bicycle and e-bike crashes with pedestrians are more common than many New Yorkers realize, and the injuries can be far more serious than people expect.
NYC's cycling landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. The rapid rise of e-bikes — particularly among food delivery workers — has added a new dimension to this problem. E-bikes travel significantly faster than traditional bicycles and can weigh two to three times as much, making collisions with pedestrians considerably more dangerous.
If you've been struck by a cyclist or e-bike rider in NYC, you probably have questions: Who is at fault? What are your legal options? How does insurance work when a bicycle — not a car — hits you? This guide answers each one.
By the Numbers
How common are cyclist-pedestrian crashes in NYC?
2,250+
Pedestrians injured by cyclists in NYC since 2011
23 of 30
2023 cyclist fatalities involved e-bike riders
20+ mph
Top speed of many delivery e-bikes — 2–3× a bicycle's weight
5 days
Police must report injury e-bike crashes to the DMV (effective July 2025)
Cars, SUVs, and trucks still account for over 92% of pedestrian injuries — but the share attributable to cyclists and e-bike riders has climbed sharply as cycling volumes and delivery traffic have grown.
Interactive Data
Koenigsberg & Associates Pedestrian Accident Report
Explore the data behind pedestrian crashes in New York City. The interactive report below lets you dig into how, when, and where pedestrians are most often injured on city streets.
Who Is at Fault?
It comes down to duty of care
Cyclists in New York follow the same traffic laws as drivers. Pedestrians have responsibilities too. In most cases, fault is split between the parties — and either side can be the one who broke the rules.
When the cyclist is at fault
Common cyclist negligence
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Ignoring traffic signals or stop signs
Cyclists must stop at red lights and stop signs. A cyclist who runs a red light and strikes a pedestrian with the walk signal is likely liable.
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Riding on the sidewalk
In NYC, cyclists 14 and older are prohibited from riding on the sidewalk. Doing so is illegal behavior that directly increases liability.
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Speeding or reckless riding
Excessive speed — especially on 20+ mph e-bikes — reduces stopping time. Weaving through crowds or ignoring pedestrian traffic can be negligence.
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Riding distracted or impaired
Using a phone while cycling, or riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs, clearly violates the duty of care.
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Failing to yield in crosswalks
Cyclists, like drivers, must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Failure to yield is a traffic violation and grounds for liability.
When the pedestrian may share fault
Behaviors that can shift fault
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Stepping off the curb suddenly
Walking into the path of an oncoming cyclist without looking can shift some responsibility onto the pedestrian.
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Crossing against a signal
Crossing against a Don't Walk signal or outside a designated crosswalk weakens a pedestrian's claim.
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Walking while distracted
Head down, phone in hand, headphones in — failing to notice an approaching cyclist can contribute to fault.
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Walking in a bike lane
Standing or walking in a bike lane — where cyclists have the right of way — may share responsibility for a collision.
Good news for injured pedestrians
New York uses pure comparative negligence.
Even if a pedestrian is partly at fault, they can still recover damages — reduced by their share of responsibility. A pedestrian found 20% at fault can still collect 80% of their total damages.
The E-Bike Difference
Why e-bike crashes hit harder — and create different legal questions
E-bikes travel much faster than conventional bicycles and weigh two to three times as much. Injuries tend to be more severe — and the insurance picture is inconsistent and often inadequate. The legal landscape for e-bike injury claims is still evolving, which makes prompt legal advice critical.
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Three e-bike classes under New York law, each with different rules — Class 3 (up to 25 mph) is most restricted.
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All e-bike riders must obey traffic signals, yield to pedestrians, and stay off sidewalks.
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Helmets are required for riders under 18 on any class, and for all riders on Class 3 e-bikes.
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As of July 2025, police must report e-bike and e-scooter injury crashes to the DMV within five days.
Insurance & Recovery
How does insurance work when a bike hits a pedestrian?
This is where cyclist-pedestrian cases get complicated — and where many injured pedestrians are surprised to learn their options differ from a standard car crash.
Bicycles are not required to carry liability insurance in New York. There may be no policy to file against directly — but you usually have options.
Homeowner's or renter's insurance
The cyclist's personal liability coverage often applies to bicycle accidents.
Your own health insurance
Covers your medical bills regardless of the cyclist's coverage situation.
A direct personal injury lawsuit
When the cyclist was clearly negligent, suing them personally is an option even if uninsured.
E-bike coverage is more complex and depends heavily on the class of bike and how it was being used at the time of the crash.
Delivery worker employers
A delivery rider's employer may carry commercial coverage — opening a potential claim against the company.
Rental and share programs
Operators like Citi Bike may carry liability coverage that applies in certain circumstances.
Product liability
A defective e-bike component (battery, brakes, throttle) can support a claim against the manufacturer.
Municipal or contractor liability
Unsafe road conditions or infrastructure failures may make the city or a contractor responsible.
Common Injuries
Pedestrians have no protection — and injuries are often severe
Adrenaline can mask pain in the moments after a crash. Serious injuries — including internal bleeding and brain trauma — may not produce obvious symptoms for hours or days. Always seek medical attention right away.
Fractures & broken bones
Wrists, arms, shoulders, and hips are common — often from instinctive attempts to break a fall after impact.
Concussions & TBI
Pedestrians struck by a cyclist may hit the pavement head-first. TBI symptoms can be delayed — always see a doctor.
Severe bruising & road rash
Abrasions can penetrate deep layers of skin and carry significant infection risk.
Lacerations
Cuts from contact with the frame, handlebars, or the ground itself.
Spinal & neck injuries
Can cause lasting pain, limited mobility, or — in serious cases — permanent disability.
Psychological trauma
PTSD, anxiety, and a fear of crossing streets or being near cyclists can profoundly affect quality of life.
Next Steps
What to do after being hit by a cyclist or e-bike rider
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Call the police
Request a police response so an official accident report is filed. If the cyclist tries to leave, note appearance, bike type and color, and any delivery app branding.
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Get medical attention immediately
Go to the ER or urgent care right away, even if injuries seem minor. Prompt care protects your health and creates the medical record any legal claim depends on.
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Gather evidence at the scene
If you're able: get the cyclist's contact info, note the bike type and any delivery branding, photograph the scene and injuries, collect witness contacts, and look for nearby cameras.
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Do not admit fault
Avoid statements that could be read as accepting responsibility. Under New York's comparative negligence system, the investigation should determine fault — not a sidewalk apology.
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Contact a personal injury attorney
Cyclist and e-bike crashes involve complex questions of fault, coverage, and damages. An attorney can identify every available source of compensation and protect your rights.