A man aged 35 lost his life on the night of Sunday, August 11, 2024, as he tried to traverse Route 1 and 9 on his bike near North Avenue, Elizabeth, New Jersey. The accident, which happened approximately at 10:30 p.m., underscored the notorious danger associated with this intersection.
Eye-witness accounts reveal that the yet-to-be-identified victim was hit by a car, reportedly speeding in an attempt to beat a red light, driven by a 20-year-old. The force of the impact was so intense that it divided the bicycle into two and caused the decapitation of the rider.
Shonta Smith, an onlooker who resides in the vicinity, recounted that the sound of the collision was extraordinarily loud, exceeding the noise level typical of a car crash. She noticed that the traffic light turned from yellow to red by the time the young driver crossed the white line. She immediately realized that the cyclist was in danger.
Smith, who was personally acquainted with the victim, remembered him as a kind and big-hearted individual. Despite his homeless condition, he was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She further described him as an intelligent and humorous person, always ready to give of himself.
The driver involved in the accident stayed at the scene after the collision. The incident is presently under investigation by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.
The intersection at Route 1 and 9 in Elizabeth is infamous for its hazardous conditions, especially for pedestrians. It has a history of numerous fatal accidents, including those at East Jersey Street and East Grand Street. In 2020 alone, the area recorded 161 accidents, three of which resulted in deaths. In March, a pedestrian was fatally hit near this intersection. In December 2023, two taxi passengers lost their lives when a motorist ran a red light and collided with a taxi not far from the Route 1 & 9 junction.
Local inhabitants, such as Brett Graves, who regularly cross Route 1 and 9, are fully conscious of the intersection’s perils. Graves notes that pedestrians are allowed a full minute to cross prior to the change of the traffic light. However, the impatient behavior of drivers makes the intersection dangerous. Another resident, Rony Concepcion, emphasized that timing is crucial as drivers often exhibit aggression when the light turns yellow, honking at those who hesitate.