A fatal bicycle accident in Long Island claimed the life of an avid 66-year-old bicyclist. David Schlichting was struck by a dark-colored minivan while taking a morning riding along the South Service Road near the Long Island Expressway-just feet from the Great neck High School. The van’s driver didn’t stop at the scene, just fled without even checking on Schlichting. His injuries were so severe that doctors couldn’t save him.
If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Schlichting was a well-known figure in the world of bicycling in New York City. He rode in every one of the 41 Five Boro bike tours and covered more than 4,000 miles per year on his bike all over the world. He was well-regarded by the entire New York City bicycling community and friends with many insiders. Now his death highlights the danger that these avid enthusiasts and commuters face every time they hit city streets.
One of Schlichting longtime friends and fellow Five Boro bike tour riders said that his death should be a rallying call for improvements in bike safety across New York. Had there been a protected bike lane, he would likely still be alive today.
Details from the scene of the fatal New York City bike accident suggest that Schlichting was struck from behind. He was thrown from the bike and suffered massive head trauma. EMTs rushed him to a nearby hospital to no avail. Evidence collected by investigators points to a dark-colored minivan as the vehicle which struck him but little else is known about the vehicle or the driver.
The key to bringing justice and financial security to Mr. Schlichting’s family members-indeed, any surviving family members of bicyclists killed by hit-and-run drivers-is finding the driver responsible. The police are urging anyone with info to call their anonymous tip line.
If you’ve been injured by a careless driver in NYC, you need to speak with an experienced bicycle accident attorney in New York City today. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel at 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 for your free consultation right now.