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BROOKLYN, Kings County, N.Y., Oct. 9, 2026 — A cyclist was injured Monday evening, October 5, after an unmarked NYPD vehicle reportedly ran a red light and struck her at the intersection of Hoyt Street and Atlantic Avenue, according to witnesses and security video. The crash happened around 5 p.m. in the Boerum Hill section of Brooklyn.
A woman riding an electric Citi Bike was reportedly crossing in a crosswalk when a white unmarked sedan carrying police officers drove through a red light, according to footage obtained by reporters. The car reportedly clipped the bike and knocked the rider into the roadway. Bystanders in the area, including people near a nearby street garden, rushed to help her, according to a witness.
The vehicle reportedly continued down Atlantic Avenue before stopping. Witnesses said three officers assigned to the 73rd Precinct got out and returned to the scene. One witness said officers appeared focused on the woman's belongings, including a bag that had been knocked from the bike.
The woman, whose identity has not been released, was taken to a hospital and is said to be recovering from bruises, according to her own account. She said she did not hear a siren or see emergency lights before the crash and tried to brake when she noticed the car was not stopping. She said she called 911 for an ambulance after the crash; she also said officers discouraged her from calling 911 or speaking with witnesses, a claim that has not been independently confirmed.
The NYPD said the incident is under review. No further details on charges or findings had been released as of this writing.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
When Bicycle Crashes With Vehicles Happen Most
Collisions between cyclists and cars cluster around specific windows of the day. Early evening, when commuter traffic peaks and daylight starts fading in colder months, is a common stretch for these crashes. Drivers and cyclists are both tired or rushed, intersections get busier, and visibility starts to change even before full darkness sets in.
Weekday rush hours bring a mix of turning vehicles, delivery traffic and cyclists moving through crosswalks and bike lanes at the same time, which raises the chance that someone misjudges a gap or runs a light. Weekend evenings carry a different risk profile, with more recreational riders out and more impaired driving overnight.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 49,989 pedalcyclists were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. Seasonal shifts matter too: as clocks change and evening commutes move into darker hours, low light combines with fatigue and heavier traffic to create conditions where a driver or cyclist has less time to react.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "dooring" and why is it dangerous?
Dooring happens when someone in a parked car opens a door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, often with little or no warning. Because cyclists may be moving at speed and have nowhere to swerve, these crashes can cause serious falls or send a rider into traffic.
How can cyclists stay safer in traffic?
Riding predictably, using lights and reflective gear in low light, making eye contact with drivers at intersections, and avoiding blind spots near turning vehicles all reduce risk. Following marked bike lanes and signals, when available, also helps.
What should a cyclist do after a crash with a car?
Move to safety if possible, call 911 to report the crash and request medical help, and get checked by a medical professional even if injuries seem minor. Getting the names of witnesses and documenting the scene with photos can help later if questions arise about what happened.
Do cyclists have the same road rights as drivers?
In most states, cyclists are considered operators of vehicles and have the same basic rights and responsibilities as drivers, including the right of way at intersections and crosswalks when signals and traffic laws are followed.
What to Do After a Bicycle Crash in Brooklyn, NY
If you're involved in a bicycle crash, you should call 911 right away, even if injuries seem minor at first. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries, including concussions or internal bruising, aren't obvious immediately after a collision.
It helps to stay at the scene until officers arrive and to ask for a copy of any police report once it's filed. If witnesses stop to help, getting their contact information can be valuable later. Anyone involved, hurt or not, should follow up with a doctor in the days after a crash to make sure nothing was missed in the initial assessment.
