71-year-old man thrown from bike, killed after hitting dog in New York City's Central Park
NEW YORK -- A 71-year-old man was killed on Monday morning after he was thrown from his bike after hitting an off-leash dog in New York City's Central Park.
It happened just before 8:30 a.m. near East 84th Street inside the park.
The bicyclist, who was wearing a helmet at the time, was riding a trek racing pedal bike and struck the pavement. He suffered injuries to his head and body.
First responders rushed the victim to New York Presbyterian Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The owner of the golden retriever was on the scene and was not injured.
Dogs are permitted to be off leash in Central Park from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., but dogs must be on a short leash on park drives at all times.
The condition of the dog was not yet known.
The deadly incident comes after a 41-year-old pedestrian was struck by a bicyclist and killed in the same area of the park last month.
In that case, Richie O'Brien, a father of two, was walking to work when he was struck. He died days later.
After that incident, the Central Park Conservancy called for additional safety measures in the park, including a 15 mph speed limit, stronger enforcement of traffic rules and better bicycle infrastructure.
On Monday, the conservancy released a statement, calling on all New Yorkers to follow the rules of the park:
"We are heartbroken to hear of the fatal incident that occurred in Central Park this morning involving a cyclist and an off-leash dog. Our thoughts are with the family, friends and loved ones of the cyclist who lost his life," the statement said. "Central Park was created more than 150 years ago to provide a peaceful, joyful respite for all from the intense pace and pressures of the surrounding city. The Park cannot continue to serve that purpose unless all New Yorkers hold to the essential agreement of public space: know and follow the rules, and respect your fellow visitors.
There is no word yet if anyone may be facing charges in Monday's deadly incident.
