Neighbors react to death of man struck by e-bike
It happened Friday night on Franklin Street near India Street in Greenpoint.
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Neighbors of Luis Cruz are shocked to learn about a 49-year-old who died after being struck by an e-bike.
It happened Friday night on Franklin Street near India Street in Greenpoint.
Police said Cruz suffered severe head trauma and died later at a hospital.
The 26-year-old e-bike rider stayed on scene.
"I can't believe that happened to him," said neighbor Ada Ramos. "I'm pretty shocked right now."
There is now a memorial of flowers and a note taped to a tree near the spot where Cruz was fatally struck.
The note, which was not signed, states Cruz was a father who "embodied the true spirit of the American Dream, working tirelessly to provide for his family while never indulging in a single luxury for himself."
Neighbors said they would see Cruz coming and going to work and was a "decent guy."
The crash has neighbors questioning if more needs to be done to regulate and make e-bikes safer on the roads.
"They should be regulated more and they should be forces to take classes something they need to be reprimanded so if they are not following the rules," said Ramos.
According to the NYC Department of Transportation, e-bikes must stay off sidewalks, yield to pedestrians and follow all traffic laws.
There was one pedestrian death involving an e-bike in 2024.
Last year, the DOT launched an educational campaign to promote safety among e-bike users.
No charges have been filed in this case.
Cruz's family declined an interview.
