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Police have charged Eugenio Cidron with vehicular manslaughter after driving the West Side Highway bike path for at least a mile and fatally hitting bicyclist Eric Ng on Friday night. Cidron, who had been drinking at a company party at Chelsea Piers, was also charged with drunk driving and reckless endangerment. Cidron's brother told the Post, "This is the first time I ever heard of him drinking and driving. He was saddened by what happened, he was distraught, he couldn't believe what happened."
At the center of the accident is how vehicles are able to get onto what is supposed to be space for bicyclists. The NY Times explains how Cidron got onto the bike path:
Mr. Cidron traveled south along a cobblestone access road after leaving a Chelsea Piers parking facility and apparently meant to turn onto the West Side Highway, park workers said yesterday morning.But he cut his turn short and ended up on the bicycle path instead.
To do so, he had to drive over or around a narrow, three-foot plastic pylon mounted south of where the bike path intersects the Chelsea Piers access road. The park workers repaired the pylon yesterday.
It was the only physical barrier visible yesterday anywhere along the section of the path where Mr. Cidron had driven.
Philipp Rassmann of Time's Up, said, "Several weeks ago I saw a taxi on the bike path near the north end of the Piers. He asked me how to get onto the highway saying that he was lost. This is the one safe space I can ride without having to keep my guard up all the time."
Ng, who was raised in East Brunswick, NJ and recently graduated from NYU, had been biking from the Knitting Factory to a party in the East Village. Ng was in the New York City Teaching Fellowship program; he was substitute teaching at Automotive High School in Brooklyn, awaiting a permanent position. His father, who the Times reports put the reflectors on Ng's new bike, said, "We are going to miss him." (The Times adds that it wasn't clear if the bike had light, which are also required by law.)
The city did announce an ambitious bike safety improvement plan in September, but will it be enough? Our commenters have been debating bicycling, drunk driving, and the city's role in creating safe spaces for bicyclists. And Time's Up and Visual Resistance are planning a memorial ride and ghost bike installation in honor of Ng later this week.
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So a self entitled douche who lives 5 minutes away drives his drunk ass through a mile of "BIKE ONLY" Driveway on his expensive BMW SUV and he's a manager of a copy center? Copy Center's are one of the biggest pollutant factories in the world. All that ink and toner will kill you and the environment. this is such terrible karma. The douche killed a affluent, smart, young, kid who wanted to Teach even though he graduated from a illustrious university and could have made ten times more in salary in the corporate world. This Cidron guy makes me sick. It's like Paris Hilton killing Mother Teresa.
If there was a nice car disabling bollard instead of the plastic pylon we would have had this drunken moron with a dammaged BMW and most likely a DUI arrest. The little pylons really don't do much and are designed to break away when a car hits them. Something that is going to sto a car is needed.
hyperbole is hardly necessary in this situation and you don't have to harp on the guy's job. he was drunk, he drove, and he killed a guy. now he'll be paying for it, possibly in prison. 'nuff said.
light or no like on the bike, if the driver was so drunk that he turned his car onto a narrow bike path, he probably would have killed someone even if the bike had been made of lights.
ng sounds like he was a great guy. the world needs more people like him. any unexpected death is a tragedy, but ng's great character makes the loss even more tragic.
This driver pretty much deserves to drown in the guilt lake he's created for himself. But most importantly, is someone asking the question, "Are the bike paths marked clearly enough for a drunk driver to see them?" As far as I'm concerned, they should be to allow for the idiots in this world to not repeat this tragedy.
death penalty
The douche killed a affluent, smart, young, kid who wanted to Teach even though he graduated from a illustrious university
Because that makes it worse than him running over a homeless guy?
death penalty
Troll
Of course Tom! Don't you listen to anything Mass Media tells us? Bright, scholarly individuals are more important and newsworthy then homeless people, especially if something bad happens to them.
How do you get to the East Village from the Knitting Factory using the West Side bike path near Chelsea piers?
Soon enough we'll be hearing about the lawsuit filed against the city for its failure to install more effective vehicular barriers. More taxpayer $$$.
Knitting factory is in tribeca, it's probably easier to take a bike lane at WSH than to cut through the eastside traffic. After all, who expects to be hit on a separate bike path? It's like being hit on the bike path on the Brooklyn bridge.
I often take the greenway uptown or downtown, even if I'm heading to or leaving from the east side. It's just (usually) more safe.
yeah Tom, I'm sure if you had your druthers you'd invite a homeless person into your home instead of a Bright, scholarly individual. Of course some people are worth more than others! What society do you live in?
Jo (#12), you beat me to it. It's like you read my mind.
Why does it matter what route this kid took to go from one place to the next? He was on a bike path! No cars, drunk drivers behind the wheel or not, should be there. Doesn't matter if the kid was trying to ride his bike from the East Village to Brooklyn and Queens via the West Side...he was on a bike path. Period. Let's not blame the victim. If it hadn't been him, it would have been someone else further down the path.
confused: I'm with you. The route makes no sense if he was headed to the East Village, especially since the West Side bike path goes outward in a northwesterly direction the further up you go (and 10th, 11th and 12th Avenues are added in). The Knitting Factory is just east of Broadway, making it only about 15-20 blocks southwest of the East Village (less than 10 minutes by bike via Centre Street).
krosstown traffic, mike: there IS a dedicated bike lane on the East Side too, you know - it starts above Battery Park and stretches all the way up to the 135th Street Bridge (with one brief detour around the U.N.) - it apparently also continues above that in sections although I've never been past 135. In many ways, the East Side bike path is actually somewhat more bike-friendly than the West Side one, as many of its sections are completely cut off from any possible car traffic.
Personally, I only use the bike paths for exercise - they aren't really convenient for getting anywhere in my daily life in a timely manner. You definitely have to be careful out on the streets (especially when there are douchebags driving drunk in places where they aren't even supposed to be!). This guy must've really been going fast if poor Eric Ng saw him coming and didn't have time to get out of his way.
The east side bike path is a joke.
And asking why he would take a specific route is one step from saying he was drinking.
DO NOT blame the victim.
The Knitting Factory is West of Broadway, Near Church. So it's just a 3 block ride over to the westside highway.
The east side bike path? You mean there is one?
sure, if you wanna get mugged.
what the hell? it makes absolutely no difference why ng was on the bike path. so what if he chose a bad route from one place to another? i don't care if he was trying to bike across the east river! lost or not, he had every right to ride his bike ON A BIKE PATH. it's not like he foolishly rode his bike into the midtown tunnel. he got hit by a drunk driver! like someone said, if ng hadn't been hit we'd be arguing over why some other unfortunate person had been killed by this idiot.
My girlfriend and I went by the accident site this afternoon. We dropped some flowers and plan to help something come about as a result of this tragedy. From riding on the path this afternoon, it seems pretty clear the drunk driver had to have been aware of the cars driving to his left. In his inebriated state, the jackass didn't notice or care that there was a barrier between him and the other cars. regardless, he must have been trying to maintain speed with the traffic on the west-side highway - and we all know how slow traffic moves on that road late on a Friday night... As a cyclist, it is near impossible to judge the speed of an oncoming car, based solely on its healdights. By the time the cyclist realized there was a car hauling ass on his bike path, there was not much he could do to avoid being murdered. Furthermore, I suggest that there is a certain tolerance of cars driving on the bike path because the NYPD and Park Police, or maintenance people do it ALL THE TIME. If I were in the same situation, I would have likely assumed that the oncoming car was a cop patroling the bike path. Of course, by the time one is able to judge the speed of the oncoming car, it is too late. Less tolerance of vehicles - regardless of their "official"-ness - is necessary before our bike and pedestrian pathways become safe. This is a tragedy, and I hope the effects work their way into the psyche of the city counsel and the mayor's office...
You're a good guy, alex.
I don't think any of us are blaming the victim here.
alex, great post. thank you.
mike, you are right.
knee-jerk reaction.
*Sigh* thanks for the insights, Alex (and for confirming what I said earlier about how it must've been impossible for Alex to have gotten out of the way in time).
And yes, no one's blaming the victim. And despite whether the Knitting Factory is one block east or west of Broadway, it still doesn't make sense as a path to the East Village. Of course anyone can go any way they want - I'm merely saying the papers may have some facts wrong, that's all - it wouldn't be the first time.
One more white bicycle on the West Side bikepath.
Nice job, Alex. I was riding by there today and saw some folks stopping at the crash site. I said a little prayer as I went by. You did good.
You're absolutely right about the PD and Parks cars, but my fear in this case was that BMW Boy was going at a greater speed (I mean, *I* pass those police and parks vehicles!) and therefore didn't have time to react. If the cyclist was dead at the scene my guess is that's what happened.
You know, the NYPD has a large and growing bike squad, but I never, ever see them on the West Side path. There is zero enforcement of any of the rules of the road on the path... be they pedestrians walking there who aren't supposed to be there (they have their own path) or the cabs and buses that wing in and out by the Circle Line and ferry terminals. It would be nice to see these bike cops spend more time on the path, as opposed to the radio cars that are on there now. It is impossible to enforce the bike lane rules from a car. If they spent more time on the bike paths, then maybe this could have been prevented. Maybe, maybe not.
It's still an awful tragedy that sent a chill through me as I'm on that path at least three times a week.
Oh, and to you, Mr. Cidron... ever seen Oz? Know the character of Beecher? Don't worry, you will. You'll look good with someone's love sign burned on your ass. You'll be wishing for a death penalty.
right on, alex. you are absolutely right about all the vehicles on the bike path. i too would have assumed it was some city worker patrolling. however, i have also seen cars on exclusively designated bike paths with drivers saying they're lost and asking for directions. i don't know if they're knowingly using the path illegal for the sake of convenience (i think they are). if the cops continue to park themselves in on-street bike lanes and allow everyone else to both drive and park in them (which constantly puts us cyclists at risk of being killed) and they drive on the greenway and refuse to monitor it effectively, then of course cars are going to think it's ok for them too. cyclists are treated in this city like they have no rights. might=right and the drivers know it and abuse it.
the discussion about why the victim was riding on the bike path to or from knitting factory is ludicrous. if you're not blaming the victim, then why are you even talking about it?
one thing that amazes me is how it is that the drunken motorist didn't kill others during that 1 mile + stretch? it seems like there would have been others in his path as well on a friday night. but thank god no one else was killed.
AMy, well friday was a party night and since this happened on a day were it got cold and was rainy all day there weren't a lot of people on the bike path at that time. and I live right next to the knitting factory and to take the west side highway to the east village isn't really a big stretch. It's like 3 blocks east to the westside highway. My thoughts were that Eric probably took the westside highway cause it was damp and the roads were wet and all you have to do is travel 3 blocks east for an unimpeded bikeway with a beautiful view of the hudson at night, is that a crime? NO, the only crime is that Fucknut BMW guy. RIP ERIC!
You know, every time I try to clarify something on Gothamist, there's always a dense person or two who does their damndest to misconstrue what I'm trying to say and make me out to be a bad person. I'm outta here!
- from someone who's been biking in NYC for 8 years and KNOWS how dangerous it can be.
I don't understand how anyone in this day and age gets drunk and STILL gets behind the wheel of a car.
There is NO excuse for Eric Ng's death.
Driving drunk is the same as firing a gun into a crowd of people.
Vehicular Manslaughter is the charge against Cidron?
Thats bullshit. This wasn't an accident.
Cidron is an adult, and he CHOSE to drive drunk.
This is a slap in the face to Eric Ng and all those who loved him.
some random thoughts:
i briefly met eric 2 years ago (he was at a party in my apt), and saw him occasionally afterwards... we talked about biking. RIP eric.
i got run over by a car biking to work a month or two ago. this is going to make it much harder to get back on the saddle, even though i'm physically fine. all the ghost bikes were giving me serious chills and willies around the end of the summer. i don't think i can bear to see a friend's.
to everybody talking about his route: ever go a bit out of your way just to enjoy the ride? i know i've ridden to the west side MANY times, even though it was out of my way, just because I thoroughly enjoy riding there. down in the hudson river park, i ride slowlier than I ever do, just so i can look out over the river, enjoy the views... I stop and sit next to the fountains and waterfalls, or play with that cool foot-chime instrument down near the veterans' walls. i head up the bike path because i can zen out for a bit and spin really really fast, and not worry about traffic.
i can't anymore
AMy, well friday was a party night and since this happened on a day were it got cold and was rainy all day there weren't a lot of people on the bike path at that time. and I live right next to the knitting factory and to take the west side highway to the east village isn't really a big stretch. It's like 3 blocks east to the westside highway. My thoughts were that Eric probably took the westside highway cause it was damp and the roads were wet and all you have to do is travel 3 blocks east for an unimpeded bikeway with a beautiful view of the hudson at night, is that a crime? NO, the only crime is that Fucknut BMW guy. RIP ERIC!
Where's the Mayor? In BERMUDA again??
did I get that home right this time?
for a guy who goes to Bermuda he sure can't tan.
Gwin, if you know how dangerous it is, and you've been biking for 8 whole years, you should have no reason to pick apart his route from tribeca to the east village. The hudson river greenway is a beautiful, peaceful ride -- who wouldn't prefer that over crossing canal, houston, broadway, and the bowery?
Gwin, if you know how dangerous it is, and you've been biking for 8 whole years, you should have no reason to pick apart his route from tribeca to the east village. The hudson river greenway is a beautiful, peaceful ride -- who wouldn't prefer that over crossing canal, houston, broadway, and the bowery?
Gwin, if you know how dangerous it is, and you've been biking for 8 whole years, you should have no reason to pick apart his route from tribeca to the east village. The hudson river greenway is a beautiful, peaceful ride -- who wouldn't prefer that over crossing canal, houston, broadway, and the bowery?
I'll pick an easy ride up the Hudson with few traffic lights over a ride up the Bowery anytime.
When the roadway is wet, it does get slippery. Especially over worn paving stones.
I can't believe people are even debating this guy's route. I don't give a shit if he was drunk as shit blasting his Ipod - he chose the safest route and got killed by some drunk-driving jackass, nonetheless.
I've been on that path many times, but can't recall how well-marked it is. Even if it's not, the guy driving still wasn't watching where he was going.
It's amazing how discriminated against bikers are, coming from the perspective of a terminal walker/subwayite/taxi-passenger/driver/klutz like me.
And I think merely anyone who debates his route is just trying to see if the press, and by extension Gothamist got their facts right. In fact, the logical explanation of the beautiful view makes this story all the more tragic and sad, because Ng was just exercising the right to love and enjoy New York, like all of us are trying to do. A
And I blame the cops that weren't there when this Cidron asshole took a one mile joyride down a fucking bike path. This should be a wakeup call, but I fear it won't. The discrimination marches (wheels?) on...
With any luck, many will pay -- Cidron will pay with his ass in prison; his family will pay for birthing the jackass and obviously subsidizing that ridiculous car; Chelsea Piers and the Abigail Kirsch shit-ass catering company will pay because they not only served a drunkard to teetering but also valeted his fucking Beemer as he probably stumbled out the front door of that party; the city will pay for repeatedly ignoring mortal signs that the present design of the West Side path is inherently unsafe.
Everyone knows only money makes things happen in this town. Shameful but true.
It is a tragic death. I hope the City/Parks closes that entry route to avoid future accidents. I will check the NYU site to see if they create a scholarship in his name for future students interested in teaching. It is also tragic that another NYU student/alum got hit on her bike after leaving the Knitting Factory in the past few weeks. I think the man's company is partially liable for serving the employee alchohol and letting him drive home. A bartender / bar with a liquor license has a level of responsibility and so should a sponsor of a company party
One important thing to remember about how inebriated Cidron must have been is that when he was driving on the bike path for a mile, he's looking at a road that resembles a small two-lane road with a double yellow line in the middle! The a car easily takes up both of these two miniature lanes. Did he think he was on the smallest road in all of NYC? The yellow median is clearly visible as soon as you turn onto this bike path. Even for someone whose BAC was hovering around the legal limit, 0.01%, alarm bells would be ringing loud as hell and the person would stop in their tracks and back up immediately, hopefully looking behind them first. I haven't read about what his BAC was but I'm guessing he drank extremely heavily to get over the awkwardness of having to party with his co-workers.
So not only did this douche get behind the wheel drunk and killed someone, he set himself up to do so. Going to a company party, knowing he'd have to drive home, he still took his car from EAST 4TH STREET to Chelsea Piers. This guy couldn't walk from the A/C/E train nor take a cab.
This guys sickens me. I think everyone who posted a comment should appear at this guy's hearings/trial/sentencing or at least outside the courthouse to show our solidarity. Eric did the right thing and avoided city traffic on one of the busiest nights of the week for the safe haven of the bike path and he paid with his life.
To the whinners, who cares what route he took. The next time someone dies in a plane crash, will you debate why he didn't take the bus. The next time someone dies on the sidewalk, will you debate why he was out ofthe house. All of you are taking a tradegy and turning into a debate. This is why I left NY. Too many Nuts.
To the thinkers. Bravo! I met Cidron once back in 2002. I know his fiance. I still blame him for drinking and driving. I hope he gets serious jail time.
i was on the bike path when this happened. i left chelsea piers at 9:30pm on my bike with my headphones on. nearing the sanitation department turn, i saw headlights come up from behind me and moved out of the way. i thought "what a dickhead" and "why is he on the bike path, there are designated turning areas for cars, i.e. if you work at the sanitation dept." the silver bmw w/ license plate beginning w/ DRW or something continued on to push two more bikers to the side and disappeared, i thought he was a worker for the sanitation dept and turned in so i continued on to think nothing of it...little did i know. it could've been me or 2-3 other bikers i saw on the bike path that night & my heart goes out to Eric's family. RIP. i hate myself for not screaming at the bmw for being a jerk and to get off the bikepath..
time for a demonstration & memorial ride!
I have been friends with Eric since 1st grade. Whether or not you question his choice to ride in that particular bike lane, I am confident that it was well thought out and practical for him to use. That's the kind of guy he was. Eric was extremely smart and excited beyond belief about his teaching position. This world needs more smart, enthusiastic young teachers like Eric to teach children about all kinds of things (like how it is NEVER ok to drink and drive). We have all lost a special person who has already touched so many lives, but was striving to affect so many more. This is a loss for which there is no recovery. The entire town of East Brunswick is shocked and in mourning over this travesty. Believe me, I am just as angry (if not more so) as all of you, but the Death Penalty is not appropriate in this situation. I believe that both the judgment that will be rendered against him (there BETTER be some jail time involved) and the knowledge that he has taken such a special life away from us should be punishment enough. Cidron has to live with that for the rest of his life, just like we have to live without Eric for the rest of our lives.
This guy is going to suffer for the rest of his natural life in utter torment over what happened to Eric... who cares where he works... he's not going to be working anywhere soon, except in a jail cell. It's an absolute tragedy what has happened. Something NEEDS to be done to make this path more obvious to the driver, drunk or sober, I know this path well and it can be very confusing for those who aren't familiar!! Unfortunately, people drink and drive in this world every single day - it's just tragic that this time it ended like this - RIP ERIC. Thoughts and prayers to both of the families.
eric's mom works with me, someone should put the man that killed him on a bike an run him over. let him see how it feels