A fifteen-year-old cyclist was struck and killed Wednesday afternoon in Smithtown, Long Island, once again bringing into question the safety of the area's streets and the extent of personal responsibility on the road.
Nicholas Svercel of Ronkonkoma was riding his bicycle with friends northbound on Terry Road and Route 347. Farmingdale resident Alex Helkin, 25, was westbound on Route 347 when the collision occurres. According to witnesses, Helkin had the green light; Svercel's peers claimed he may have believed the light had changed. Investigation is continuing, and Helkin's car has been impounded for a safety check.
This collision mirrors one which occurred Friday, November 20, in which fourteen-year-old Bryan Enriquez of Farmingdale was struck by a northbound vehicle while he was riding his bicycle across Route 109 at Staples Street.
It also eerily resembles one not more than a few weeks ago, on October 18, when Robert Accomando of West Islip collided with cyclist Maximo Santiago, 36, of East Farmingdale at the intersection of Route 11 and Great Neck Road in East Farmingdale. Santiago allegedly entered the intersection without yielding. After the collision he suffered severe head trauma.
Some may condemn “scofflaws” once again and wash their hands of any cyclists' blood that has once again been shed at the bumper of an automobile. Other bicyclists may cry afoul at Long Island's overdominant car culture fostering inattention behind the wheel, speeding, and a bullying mentality.
Wherever fault may lie, it is essential to view these cases a teachable moment for Long Island in general, and the Smithtown/Farmingdale area in specific. Educating area children about safe cycling will plant the seeds for smart riding habits both then and later in life. Exposing those children to the benefits of bicycling will make them more respectful of cyclists they see on the road if they do choose to drive when they reach the age.
Finally, more safety measures ought to be considered for those roads in question and nearby ones like it. Clearly, cyclists use them; their safety ought to be taken into account no matter the condition. However, traffic calming measures help all road users. The aforementioned cases in such a short amount of time are not just isolated incidents—they are warning signs.
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