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STATEN ISLAND, Richmond County, N.Y., Oct. 13, 2026 — A bicyclist died Monday night, October 12, after colliding with an ambulance near Richmond Avenue and Christopher Lane, in the Graniteville section of Staten Island.
The collision occurred around 10:35 p.m., officials said. The bicyclist, described as a man in his 40s, was reportedly riding south in the northbound lanes of Richmond Avenue when he struck an ambulance that was heading south and starting a left turn onto Christopher Lane.
The man was thrown from his bicycle onto the roadway, officials said. He suffered head and body injuries and was taken to Richmond University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The ambulance driver, a 58-year-old, stayed at the scene and has not been named at fault. The ambulance was not carrying a patient and was not responding to an emergency call at the time, according to the report. The crash remains under investigation.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
Bicycle Deaths by the Numbers
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 49,989 pedalcyclists were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. That figure covers riders hurt in collisions with cars, trucks, and other vehicles on streets across the country, from minor scrapes to fatal impacts like the one in Graniteville.
Most of those crashes happen at night or in low light, when drivers and cyclists alike have less time to react to each other's position and speed. Wrong-way riding, like what officials described in this case, adds another layer of risk because neither driver nor cyclist expects traffic from that direction.
Emergency vehicles are involved in a small share of these crashes, but the same rules of visibility and reaction time apply. A bicyclist moving against the normal flow of traffic can be invisible to a driver checking mirrors and blind spots built for standard traffic patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cyclists have the same rights to the road as drivers?
Yes. In New York and most states, bicyclists are considered vehicle operators and must follow the same traffic laws, including riding with the flow of traffic and obeying signals.
Do bicycle crashes happen more often at intersections?
Many do. Turning vehicles, crossing traffic, and limited sightlines make intersections a common site for bicycle collisions, especially at night.
What injuries are most common in bicycle crashes?
Head, neck, and chest injuries are frequent because riders have little protection in a collision with a vehicle. Broken bones and road rash from being thrown off the bike are also common.
What usually causes bicycle accidents?
Common factors include low visibility, riders traveling against traffic, failure to yield at turns or intersections, and drivers not seeing cyclists in time to stop.
What to Do After a Bicycle Crash in Staten Island, NY
If you witness or are involved in a bicycle collision, call 911 right away and stay with the injured person until help arrives. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation is important since head and internal injuries aren't always obvious right after a crash.
Try to note details while they're fresh: the time, direction of travel, weather and lighting conditions, and any vehicles involved. If police respond, ask for a copy of the report number for your records.
Staten Island's mix of wide roads and residential side streets means cyclists and drivers often share space with little separation. Reporting unsafe conditions, like poor lighting or confusing turn lanes, to the city can help prevent future crashes in the same area.
