At about 12:30 am Saturday morning, NYPD responded to a call of a cyclist hit by a driver on Franklin Street at Noble Street. The 27-year-old male cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene and the accident has been labeled a hit-and-run. According to Gothamist, “An initial investigation by the NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad determined that the cyclist was biking on Franklin Street when he was struck by the garbage truck driver who was moving south on Franklin. The garbage truck driver then left the scene after striking the cyclist.” The police are still looking for the truck which is described as a green and white sanitation truck with yellow writing.
By Saturday, neighbors had learned that the deceased was a member of the community. Neftaly Ramirez was a beloved employee at Paulie Gee’s and had been biking to his home in Alphabet City after a shift at the restaurant. Paulie Gee’s was closed in mourning Saturday. 110 Franklin Street is the future home of Paulie Gee’s slice shop.
Neftaly is the 11th cyclist fatality this year in New York City, and his death brings renewed calls to make our city streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians. The 94th precinct alone has had 43 cyclist accident so far this year, the same number as last year. The NYPD is asking anyone who has information about the accident to reach out (800-577-TIPS) as the investigation is ongoing.