Cyclist Critically Injured After Encountering Kite String on Marine Parkway Bridge
Bicycle Navigators Face Grave Risks
In a tragic incident on the Marine Parkway Bridge, a group of cyclists became victims of a potentially deadly hazard when they struck a string—believed to be from a kite—that was suspended across the bike lane. The collision has left two cyclists seriously injured, prompting ongoing investigations and calls for increased safety measures.
Victims and Injuries
The most critically affected cyclist, Robert Hillebrand, remains in intensive care following severe injuries to his throat. Reports indicate that the string severed his windpipe, necessitating multiple blood transfusions, with friends noting the harrowing sight of Hillebrand in a life-threatening state. “It was an incredible amount of blood,” said Joey Eisler, a close friend. “It was a look of someone who just had their throat cut.” Hillebrand, who operates Freewheelin’ Bike Tours, is expected to be out of work for several months as he recovers.
A second cyclist, Jennifer Noble, also sustained injuries, requiring stitches for facial lacerations and suffering a broken finger. Witnesses provide troubling accounts of the event, suggesting that several cyclists had briefly stopped when the dangerous string snapped into view.
Conflicting Accounts of the Hazard
While police attribute the injuries to a kite string often used in a local form of kite fighting, opinions on its safety are divided. Witness Julian Rose described the cord as a yellow nylon string secured tightly across the roadway, suggesting it may not have been solely related to kite fighting. “They collected a string,” said Rose, referring to a subsequent retrieval from the water, though its direct link to the incident remains unconfirmed.
Danny Mundy, president of the Broad Channel Civic Association, has expressed growing concerns over kite-fighting activities in the area, citing his own father’s experiences with similar injuries. Mundy has been vocal about the dangers of kite strings littering local trails, stating, “It’s absolutely dangerous and unacceptable. We can’t do this anymore because someone is going to get killed.”
Authorities Respond
While the NYPD has reported no criminality in this case, the incident has drawn considerable attention to the need for increased safety regulations concerning kite flying. Parks officials have previously implemented warnings against kite fighting in the area, and as of now, it is unclear whether additional measures will be taken in response to this event.
As the investigation continues, public health and safety organizations are urged to reassess the implications of recreational activities that pose significant risks to cyclists and the community at large.
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