A Chinese woman in Queens was struck by an SUV while riding an electric bicycle in Queens Village and died after being taken to a hospital. Police stated that no arrests were made at the time of the accident, and the detailed cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Police identified the deceased as Feng Zhen Zhao, a 55-year-old Bayside resident. The accident occurred at approximately 2:18 p.m. on July 31 at the intersection of Hollis Court Boulevard and 50th Avenue.
According to preliminary investigations, the driver, a 62-year-old woman driving a 2015 Nissan SUV, was traveling southbound on Hollis Court Boulevard when she collided with Zhao, who was riding a motorcycle in the same direction. Zhao was thrown from the vehicle and fell to the ground, suffering injuries.
Emergency personnel rushed the victim to NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital, but he later died of severe chest injuries.
After the accident, the NYPD’s Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad took over the investigation. No arrests have been made, and police have not yet stated whether any driving violations, including speeding, failure to yield, or distracted driving, remain to be determined.
It’s unclear whether Ms. Zhao worked as a delivery driver. Due to the high number of electric vehicle accidents in the city, the city government is currently drafting new regulations requiring drivers of electric vehicles working with food delivery platforms to register and have a vehicle number. According to NYPD statistics, so far this year, the number of accidents involving electric motorcycles has increased by more than 25% compared to the same period last year.
The NYPD’s 111th Precinct has had two traffic fatalities this year, the same as the same period last year. Although the death toll has remained stable, traffic safety issues continue to cause community concern.
Recently, groups advocating for electric vehicle management have again called on the City Council to pass the “Priscilla Law,” which advocates that all electric vehicles, regardless of whether they are affiliated with a delivery platform, should be registered with the City Department of Transportation (DOT) and strengthen road safety standards.
