PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Martin Hannon on E-bike Safety Concerns
5:08:06
·
135 sec
Martin Hannon shares his personal experience of being injured by an e-bike while cycling on the FDR Drive bicycle path. He describes the challenges he faced in reporting the incident and seeking medical care, as well as the lasting impact on his physical abilities and enjoyment of cycling.
- Hannon was sideswiped by a motorized bike in February 2021, resulting in a broken hand that was initially misdiagnosed
- He faced difficulties in reporting the incident to the police and receiving responses from politicians and the DOT
- The accident has led to long-term physical impairments and a significant reduction in his cycling activities due to fear
Martin Hannon
5:08:06
Hi.
5:08:07
My name is Martin Hannon.
5:08:08
Thank you for having me.
5:08:10
After hearing the other victims' stories, I see that I'm a lucky one.
5:08:15
Back in February 2021, I was riding my bicycle on the bicycle path of the FDR Drive, enjoying an unusually warm winter day.
5:08:24
On about 20th Street, on the bicycle path, I got sideswiped by a motorized bike.
5:08:30
I was knocked to the ground and when I looked up, the guy that hit me stopped, looked down at me, and then rode away.
5:08:37
I looked at my hand and I saw my bone was bulging out.
5:08:41
I didn't know what to do so I got back onto my now mangled bicycle and rode straight to my doctor's office.
5:08:49
The doctor told me that my hand was not broken, but and I was sure that it was, and she suggested just icing it for the next 24 hours.
5:09:00
The following day, I went to the 7th precinct.
5:09:06
Sorry.
5:09:06
Lost my spot.
5:09:09
And I told them what happened.
5:09:10
And they asked me why didn't you stay at the scene of the accident.
5:09:15
They couldn't help me because I left the scene.
5:09:18
My hand continuously got worse.
5:09:20
1 month later, it was still swollen and discolored, so I finally went to HSS to be told that my hand was actually broken.
5:09:28
I emailed numerous politicians and DOT telling them what happened to me, but none of them responded to me.
5:09:35
I wondered at the time, what if this actually happened to them or a family member?
5:09:41
But I am happy to see today that some politicians are concerned.
5:09:46
Since that day, I avoid riding my bicycle 90% of the time out of fear.
5:09:51
And when I do, I'm always looking over my shoulder, making sure that there's no ebikes or scooters around.
5:09:57
I bought myself an indoor stationary bike to do my exercise, but I'd much rather be outside riding.
5:10:05
My hand has never been the same since the accident.
5:10:08
Opening opening up jaws is impossible.
5:10:11
3 years of doing hand therapy, I can't even make a fist, and I think it's very unfair that we have to live like this.
5:10:18
We need safer streets, and I'm all for Priscilla's role.
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
5:10:21
Thank you.
