A 55-year-old e-bike rider was fatally struck by an SUV in Queens on Thursday afternoon, marking yet another tragedy amid a rising wave of electric bike collisions across New York City in 2025.
According to the NYPD, Zhao Feng Zhen of Bayside was traveling southbound on Hollis Court Boulevard near 50th Avenue in Queens Village around 2:18 p.m. on July 31 when the crash occurred. Zhen, riding an electric bicycle, was struck by a 2015 Nissan Rogue driven by a 62-year-old woman traveling in the same direction.
Authorities say the SUV approached the intersection at 50th Avenue when it collided with the e-bike, throwing Zhen off the bike and onto the pavement. She suffered critical chest injuries upon impact. Emergency responders from the 111th Precinct arrived swiftly following a 911 call. Zhen was transported to NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
No arrests have been made at this time. The NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad is actively investigating the incident to determine the exact sequence of events and whether any charges will be filed.
A Rising Concern: E-Bike Fatalities in NYC
This fatal collision comes during a year of growing concern over the safety of e-bike riders and pedestrians alike. NYPD data shows a more than 25% increase in e-bike-involved collisions citywide compared to the same period last year.
E-bikes, once celebrated as a green alternative to traditional transportation, are now at the center of a heated public safety debate. The sharp rise in accidents has prompted city officials to reconsider current regulations and enforcement.
Zhen’s death, though tragic, is unfortunately not unique. The increasing frequency of such incidents reflects broader issues in urban mobility and infrastructure, especially as more residents turn to electric mobility solutions like e-bikes and mopeds for commuting or delivery work.
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Local Impact and Precinct Data
Within the jurisdiction of the 111th Precinct — which covers parts of northeastern Queens — traffic fatalities remain at two for the year to date, matching the same number from the previous year. But while the fatality count may not have increased locally, residents and safety advocates fear that growing e-bike traffic may lead to more dangerous encounters on the road.
Queens Village, where Thursday’s crash occurred, features a mix of residential roads and heavily trafficked intersections, which can create unpredictable conditions for cyclists, especially with limited bike lane infrastructure in some areas.
Policy Response: Mayor Adams’ Proposal
Just days before this latest fatality, Mayor Eric Adams announced proposed regulations targeting moped and e-bike riders who work for food delivery services. The plan, unveiled as part of a broader safety initiative, includes a requirement for app companies to register with the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT) and assign unique ID numbers to delivery riders, also known as “deliveristas.”
While it remains unclear if Zhao Feng Zhen was working as a delivery rider at the time of the crash, her death brings renewed urgency to the city’s regulatory conversation.
Adams emphasized that the proposals aim to protect all road users — pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers — while ensuring that delivery workers operate safely and within defined guidelines. “It’s about accountability and saving lives,” Adams said during a press briefing.
Call for Comprehensive Safety Reform
In the wake of increasing fatalities, transportation safety advocates are pushing for more comprehensive reforms. One such initiative gaining momentum is Priscilla’s Law, named after a pedestrian killed by an unregistered e-bike last year. The proposed legislation would require all e-vehicles — not just those used for commercial delivery — to be registered with the DOT.
Advocates argue that current rules leave significant gaps, especially as private e-bike ownership has surged. They say mandatory registration and licensing could make it easier to hold reckless riders accountable and improve enforcement.
“This is not just about delivery drivers anymore,” said Lucy Morales, a Queens-based transportation safety activist. “Every e-vehicle should be identifiable. When someone breaks the law or causes a crash, there must be a way to trace them.”
Supporters of the law point to increased reports of sidewalk riding, red-light running, and high-speed incidents involving both commercial and private e-bike riders. They claim stronger registration rules could help deter bad behavior and promote responsible use.
Infrastructure and Education Gaps
Aside from legal reforms, urban planners and cycling advocates stress the need for better infrastructure. While the city has expanded its bike lane network, critics say many neighborhoods — especially in outer boroughs like Queens — still lack safe routes for e-bike users.
“Paint is not protection,” said Allen Chu, a spokesperson for Streets Are for Everyone, a local advocacy group. “We need protected bike lanes, better traffic calming measures, and education campaigns for all road users.”
Many e-bike riders, including immigrants and gig workers, may not receive adequate training before hitting the streets, experts warn. Unlike car drivers, e-bike operators don’t require a license or safety course, which can lead to unsafe riding practices in dense traffic environments.
Community Grieves as Investigation Continues
Back in Queens Village, the community mourns the loss of Zhao Feng Zhen. Neighbors described her as a quiet, hard-working woman who often rode her e-bike through the area.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said James Lee, a local resident who witnessed the aftermath of the crash. “We see these bikes everywhere now, but we never expect something like this to happen right here.”
As investigators continue to examine surveillance footage and vehicle data, Zhen’s death serves as another grim reminder of the city’s evolving traffic landscape and the need for updated safety measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the e-bike rider killed in the Queens SUV collision?
The victim was Zhao Feng Zhen, a 55-year-old resident of Bayside, Queens. She was fatally struck while riding her e-bike southbound on Hollis Court Boulevard on July 31, 2025.
What caused the fatal e-bike and SUV collision in Queens?
According to the NYPD, the collision occurred when a 2015 Nissan Rogue, driven by a 62-year-old woman, struck Zhen’s e-bike as both were traveling in the same direction near 50th Avenue in Queens Village.
Was the SUV driver arrested after the crash?
No arrests have been made at this time. The NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad is still investigating the circumstances of the crash.
Was Zhao Feng Zhen working for a delivery company at the time of the accident?
It is currently unknown whether Zhao Feng Zhen was working as a delivery rider or riding the e-bike for personal use. Authorities have not confirmed her employment status.
Are e-bike collisions increasing in New York City?
Yes. NYPD statistics show that e-bike-related collisions have risen by more than 25% citywide in 2025 compared to the same period last year.
What is being done to address e-bike safety in NYC?
Mayor Eric Adams has proposed new rules requiring food delivery app companies to register with the Department of Transportation and issue ID numbers for riders. Advocates are also pushing for Priscilla’s Law, which would require all e-vehicles to be registered with the DOT.
What is Priscilla’s Law?
Priscilla’s Law is a proposed piece of legislation aimed at improving accountability for e-vehicle users. It would require all electric bikes, scooters, and similar vehicles — not just those used for commercial delivery — to be registered with the city.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Zhao Feng Zhen in Queens underscores the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures as New York City grapples with a surge in e-bike usage and related accidents. While e-bikes offer a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation, their growing presence on busy city streets demands updated regulations, better infrastructure, and increased public awareness.