A female cyclist was the victim of a hit-and-run on Buffalo’s West Side earlier this week. While the circumstances surrounding the incident are not yet totally clear, the attack does underscore the danger that road rage can pose for bicyclists riding in the city as well as the need for education and driver engagement to reduce aggressive driving behaviors.
By Jeff Preval
Originally published by WGRZ.com
BUFFALO, NY – A bicyclist is out of the hospital after being targeted by an aggressive driver and then attacked by the driver and a passenger.
Buffalo Police are now searching for the suspects and have released a description of the getaway car.
Investigators tell us the bicyclist was just out for a ride Tuesday evening, when she came to the intersection of Massachusetts and Normal avenues and an aggressive driver in a red four-door Lexus approached her.
“Initial information received from the victim appeared that it was a targeted event – the vehicle did maneuver in a manner so as to hit her,” said Capt. Jeff Rinaldo of Buffalo Police.
Investigators tell us two women jumped out and attacked the woman, who suffered injuries to her head, and was taken to ECMC.
[REPORTER: Any idea on whether there was something that provoked this from earlier?]
When asked if there was something to provoke the attack, Rinaldo said, “It’s part of our investigation at this point based on some very preliminary information. It appears as if it was an accident that words were exchanged and something escalated into a violent act from there.”
Police say they don’t know if the victim knew the women who attacked her.
Justin Booth, the founder of Go Bike Buffalo says he’s not sure if aggression toward cyclists is on the rise, but that if you’re riding in Buffalo, you need to be prepared.
“Anyone who rides their bicycle is going to experience as aggressive driver in one shape or form, particularly in the city, so it’s a constant issue. There needs to be some more education to make sure we can address this,” Booth said.
Police are looking to see if there’s any surveillance video of the incident.
Anyone who may have any information about the attack should call Buffalo Police.