With thousands of bikes and docks spread across all five boroughs, bike-share programs like Citi Bikes have significantly increased the number of cyclists on the road at any given time. Like any form of transportation, Citi Bikes come with risks, and accidents involving rental bikes are becoming increasingly common.
Whether you were hit by a motorist while riding a Citi Bike, injured by a defective bike, or struck as a pedestrian, it’s important to understand your legal rights. These cases can be more complicated than typical bicycle accidents, and recovering compensation may involve going up against large corporations, city agencies, or insurance carriers.
Here’s everything you need to know if you were injured in a Citi Bike accident in New York City.
The Impacts of NYC Law on the Citi Bike Program
Citi Bike is operated by Motivate, a subsidiary of Lyft, in partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT). Riders agree to terms and conditions when they use the service—typically through the Citi Bike app or membership agreement—which may impact liability and claims.
Citi Bikes are considered bicycles under New York law, and riders must obey the same traffic rules as any other cyclist. This includes stopping at red lights, riding with traffic, yielding to pedestrians, and avoiding sidewalks (except where allowed).
That said, the difference of rental bikes from privately-owned bikes means that injury claims after a Citi Bike accident can differ significantly from other bike crashes.
How Citi Bike Accidents Differ from Regular Bicycle Accidents
When someone is hurt in a standard bike crash, liability often falls on a negligent driver, another cyclist, or the cyclist themselves. But with Citi Bikes, other factors may come into play. These can include:
- Defective or poorly maintained bicycles
- Malfunctioning docking stations
- Inadequate instructions or signage
- Software or app failures (e.g., lock malfunctions)
- Lack of safety features (e.g., lights, reflectors)
Additionally, because Citi Bike is part of a public-private partnership, determining liability can be more complex than in a private bicycle or motor vehicle claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Citi Bike Accident?
The answer depends on how the accident happened. Liability may fall on:
A Motor Vehicle Driver
If a driver hits a Citi Bike rider while violating traffic laws or driving carelessly, they may be liable for the cyclist’s injuries. This is the most common scenario, and these claims are typically filed under New York’s no-fault insurance system. If the injuries are serious, you can step outside the no-fault system and pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
Motivate/Lyft (Citi Bike Operator)
If the bike itself was defective, not properly maintained, or unsafe, the operating company may be liable under negligence or product liability law. These companies are responsible for maintaining their fleet and ensuring bikes are roadworthy. If they failed to inspect or repair a bike that caused your crash, they can be held accountable.
The City of New York
Because Citi Bike operates in partnership with NYC DOT, certain issues like dangerous street conditions, poorly designed bike lanes, or malfunctioning docking stations could implicate the city. However, lawsuits against city agencies are subject to special rules and notice requirements, including a 90-day Notice of Claim deadline.
Another Cyclist or Pedestrian
Sometimes crashes occur due to the actions of others using the road or bike lanes, such as pedestrians stepping into bike lanes or reckless riders causing collisions. These individuals can be held liable if their actions were negligent.
The Injured Party
If the injured person was riding unsafely, disregarding traffic laws, or operating a Citi Bike in a prohibited area, they may be found partially at fault. New York follows comparative negligence rules, which means your compensation could be reduced based on your share of fault.
What To Do Immediately After a Citi Bike Accident
If you are involved in an accident while using a Citi Bike, or are struck by someone on a Citi Bike, take the following steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Call 911: report the accident and request medical attention, especially if you are seriously hurt. Police will also create an accident report, which will be important for your claim.
- Seek Medical Attention: even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked out. Some injuries may not be apparent right away.
- Gather Evidence: take photos of the scene, your injuries, the Citi Bike, nearby signage, road conditions, and any vehicles or parties involved.
- Find Witnesses: if anyone saw the accident happen, get their name and contact information. Eyewitness testimony can be helpful.
- Try to Preserve the Bike: if possible, take note of the Citi Bike’s serial number or take photos of it before returning it. The condition of the bike may be important to your claim.
- Avoid Discussing the Accident with Citi Bike or Lyft Representatives: anything you say could be used to limit your claim. Don’t sign anything or make formal statements until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
- Contact an Experienced Injury Attorney: the sooner you speak with a personal injury lawyer, the better. These cases can involve multiple layers of liability, complex insurance policies, and strict legal deadlines.
Get an Experienced NYC Citi Bike Accident Lawyer
Citi Bike accident cases are not straightforward. You could be dealing with a major corporation (Lyft), a city government agency (NYC DOT), insurance companies, or even product liability issues. The legal process is complex, and missing a step, like failing to file a Notice of Claim on time, could jeopardize your entire case.
At Morelli Law, our award-winning personal injury attorneys are deeply familiar with the laws surrounding bicycle accidents, shared mobility programs, and municipal liability in New York City. We know how to go up against powerful entities, protect your rights, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a Citi Bike or rental bike accident in NYC, you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. The team at Morelli Law Firm is here to listen to your story, evaluate your case, and help you understand your legal options, with no upfront costs and no fee unless we win. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
