72-year-old bicyclist killed in Manhattan hit and run
MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) -- A bicyclist was fatally struck by a car in Manhattan in a hit and run Monday morning.
Authorities say the 72-year-old Upper East Side resident, identified as Joseph Chiam, was found next to his bicycle on West 45th Street in Midtown just before 6 a.m.
It is unclear if he was in the bike lane on Eighth Avenue and was struck by a turning vehicle, or if he rode his bicycle across on West 45th Street and was struck by the vehicle on Eighth Avenue.
A nearby employee heard the man call out for help.
"I watch the guy outside, he was moving," deli worker Ali Alsamed said. "I didn't see anything else like a car, and at the same time we called the ambulance and police."
The victim was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where he died.
Police say the driver and the truck have been located, but it remains under investigation whether he was aware he struck someone or if he will be issued a summons or face charges.
Other riders say the intersection can be a dangerous.
"A lot of people are unaware of where they are going," Jalal Kane said. "It's like there is no control of people walking in the bike lane or cars doing anything."
By mid afternoon, officers were stationed along the bike lane enforcing the rules and writing several tickets. They were also at the intersection handing out Vision Zero cards warning motorists to take it slow.
Randolph Chung has been riding for 50 years and was sorry to hear about the rider's death.
"I am very careful watching the lights and watching the vehicles coming, and you can never tell if a vehicle coming against the traffic light," he said. "So I am very careful to watch."
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