STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The death of a motorcyclist on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge last weekend is the latest in a spate of serious motorcycle-involved crashes that have left a disturbing number of Staten Islander riders dead or critically injured over the past year.
NYPD data shows that motorcycle crashes, including those that result in an injury or fatality, have been increasing on Staten Island and across the city since 2021.
Tragically, that includes six Staten Islanders who have died in motorcycle crashes since last summer -- one who was killed while riding in New Jersey -- plus the man killed last weekend on the bridge, who was a Brooklynite.
The ages of those killed range from 20s to 50s; all were male riders.
According to Advance/SILive.com reporting, at least three others have been critically injured in that period, including one motorcyclist who was left on the road in a hit-and-run on the Staten Island Expressway.
In May, the NYC Department of Transportation and NYPD partnered to tackle the rising trend of motorcycle fatalities throughout New York City, which they say in part is due to an overall increase in ridership since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a press release at the time, the DOT said that 2023 had an all-time high number of motorcycle fatalities.
Additionally, according to the press release, only 27% of the citywide riders who died last year had a motorcycle license.
As part of the initiative, both agencies greatly expanded their education and enforcement efforts for motorcycle safety.
“While New York City has seen positive trends in traffic fatalities since the pandemic, motorcycle usage has increased and related fatalities continue to be a serious public safety challenge across the city,” said a spokesperson from the DOT. “We are hosting Vision Zero training sessions to provide motorcycle riders with critical safety skills, while advocating in Albany in support of legislation that would help ensure riders have the necessary licensing and registration before they take to the road.”
An increase in deaths, injuries
The Staten Island Advance/SILive.com analyzed publicly available data from New York City, including Motor Vehicle Collisions - Crashes and the NYPD’s Traffic Safety Forum, to find and compare the number of deaths and injuries from motorcycle crashes in the last few years.
The data shows that the number of fatal crashes involving motorcycles on Staten Island doubled between 2021 and 2023.
From 2021 to 2022, there were two fatal motorcycle crashes on Staten Island. Both happened in the summer of 2021.
There was a sudden jump in 2023, as four fatal crashes were recorded in the borough, three of which happened between July and December of that year.
Meanwhile, the number of injuries from motorcycle crashes on Staten Island also increased, from 64 in 2022 to 81 in 2023, representing a jump of around 26%.
Additionally, 60% of the motorcycle injuries in both years took place from the start of the summer onward.
One shortcoming of the data used is that no distinction is made for the severity of injuries. Life-altering and more mundane wounds are counted together, but both still show a serious trend.
Data gives cause of crashes, with ‘inattention’ a dangerous trend
As we’re halfway through 2024, the numbers so far are on pace with the previous year.
As of June 23, the most recent data made available by the NYPD, there were 34 crash-related injuries to motorcycle riders. Over the same period in 2023, there were 32.
There were two fatalities this year, which aligns with the numbers through the first six months of 2023. These 2024 figures, however, don’t include the crash from last weekend or the recent death of a Staten Island man who was riding in New Jersey.
In police reports a contributing factor is usually attached to the crash. For all motorcycle collisions in 2024, both fatal and non-fatal, the most common factor is driver inattention, followed closely by disregarded traffic signals.
No distinction is made if the motorcyclist or any driver involved in the crash were the ones at fault, however, data has shown that distracted driving has become the leading reason for car drivers in the city to be ticketed.
Human Cost
Behind the statistics are the friends, family and neighbors who lost their lives as part of the growing trend.
Two of the victims, a 33-year-old man who died on the West Shore Expressway in July 2021 and a 29-year-old who was killed on New Dorp Lane in September, were never publicly identified by police.
Their families join those of the other Staten Islanders who died in motorcycle crashes in the last year:
Samuel K. Jones — 6/18/2024
Jones, 25, was a 2017 graduate of Port Richmond High School and the youngest son of his parents, Willie and Lisa Jones, who is remembered for his infectious enthusiasm for life, generosity and contagious smile.
Jones’ loved ones said he had an “unwavering willingness” to help those in need — especially the elderly — and make them laugh.
During his time at Port Richmond High School, Jones played on the school’s football team and was involved in the culinary program, according to his obituary.
Durmish Golesh — 6/15/2024
Golesh, 27, graduated from Tottenville High School and worked with his brother-in-law running a local business, L&D Electrical.
“To my beautiful, pure hearted brother, you left me with so much of your amazing friends and family that loved you so much,” Leyza Mexhuani, Golesh’s sister, said. “You gave your heart to whoever needed it, you always left yourself behind for others and that’s how we will always remember you. You will always be remembered as everyone’s safe place and your memories will keep us smiling forever. We love you so much Duri and we will miss you forever.”
Daniel Zaloga-Lakatosz — 3/12/2024
Zaloga-Lakatosz, 25, of Great Kills, was an honorable, industrious, educated young man, his family said.
After attending PS 32 and Barnes Intermediate School (I.S. 24) in Great Kills, he graduated from Tottenville High School before graduating from the College of Staten Island.
“It is a shame that he is gone too soon,” said his brother, Aramis, 31. “He was a good kid. He went to school. He never did drugs. He worked hard. He went to work every day. He did everything the way it should be done.”
“His friends loved him,” Aramis said of his brother, who would have turned 26 in August. “I loved him.”
James Barghaan — 9/3/2023
Barghaan, 53, was a paramedic who served the people of Staten Island for the last three decades.
A fishing enthusiast and member of a darts team that competed at Mother Pug’s Saloon, he had been riding a motorcycle since he was 18 years old.
Braghaan was survived by his wife, Angela, a brother, two sisters, four nieces and nephews, five great nieces and nephews, and his dogs, Wolfgang and Astrid.
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