Cyclist Killed By Van South of PLG

Jake McDonaugh, an 18-year-old cyclist from Kensington, was struck and killed by a minivan after turning onto Flatbush from Duryea Place. The driver, Michael Oxley, allegedly ran a red light and was speeding at the time of the crash. Atypically, Oxley has been charged with criminally negligent homicide and reckless driving, in addition to driving with a suspended license and traffic violations.

I am usually a huge defender of the dollar vans because they are cheaper, run more frequently and are faster than the B41. I admit that I've always considered the white-knuckle ride part of the charm. This tragedy should act as a cautionary tale for all van drivers - all drivers, really - that traffic laws exist for a reason. Nobody riding up Flatbush is in such a hurry that lives should be in danger.

Update: It turns out that Oxley was not a dollar van driver but rather a driver in a hurry. I apologize for the error.

Comments

[DD]

Sad story.

I bike up and down Flatbush daily, and I have to say, the dollar vans in this area are absolutely the scariest group of drivers I have ever encountered anywhere in the world (including biking in Europe, China and India).

[J]

It wasn't a dollar van. He was just late for work.

[Charles Star]

After checking around to confirm your correction, J, I'm changing the post. Oxley was described as a "van driver" - and (gulp) internet comments identified the vehicle as a dollar van. Brooklyn Paper, however, called it a "mini-van," so I have to assume you are correct. Thanks.

[Jeff]

And that was only one of three bicycle/car accidents that day. On Monday, I saw an ambulance and squad car at the triangle where Lincoln meets F'Bush. Couldn't see everything from my side of the street, but there was also a black van parked, and a policeman was walking a bike to the rear of the ambulance, so I assume it was another van/bike crash. And of course there are a number of ghost bicycles in Park Slope. I worry that, in a city of this size, non-fatal car/bike accidents just never make the radar screen, so we all have an unrealistic idea of how infrequent they are.

[Jerome]

As a person who used to ride a bike into Manhattan, Flatbush maybe the most direct route but it is also the most dangerous. Avoid heavy traffic streets whenever possible. Drivers will be less likely to see you.

[Duke.]

RIP. Jake...