June 20, 2025 NEW YORK, NY – A fatal incident in Central Park on Wednesday evening has once again cast a spotlight on pedestrian and cyclist safety within the city's green oasis. Salvador Nico Garcia, a 43-year-old Bronx resident, died after his bicycle collided with a pedestrian, resulting in a critical head injury.
The New York Police Department reported the collision occurred just before 6 p.m. on East Drive near 97th Street. According to officials, Garcia struck a 41-year-old pedestrian who was in a designated crosswalk. The impact caused Garcia to fall from his bike, sustaining severe head trauma. He was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The pedestrian, who suffered only minor hand abrasions, declined medical attention at the scene.
Understanding the Broader Picture: NYC Cycling Fatalities
This tragic event comes amid ongoing efforts to improve street safety across New York City. NYPD data reveals that as of June 15th this year, Garcia's death marks the first fatality of a cyclist on a traditional bicycle. In contrast, there have been 13 deaths involving individuals on motorized two-wheelers, a category that includes e-bikes and e-scooters.
While any death is a profound loss, these figures represent a decrease compared to the same period last year, when three traditional cyclists and 29 motorized two-wheeler riders had died. 2023 was a particularly grim year for cyclists and e-bike riders in New York City, marking the deadliest in over two decades, with the majority of fatalities occurring among e-bike users, as previously reported by The New York Times.
Citywide Traffic Safety Trends
Despite the individual tragedies, Mayor Eric Adams announced in April an overall decline in traffic deaths across all transportation modes in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2024. This broader trend offers a glimmer of hope amidst the continued challenges of ensuring safe passage for all New Yorkers, whether on foot, bike, or in a vehicle.
