A bicyclist lost his life on Sunday evening, August 11, 2024, when he was struck by a car while crossing the infamous Route 1 and 9 intersection in Elizabeth, New Jersey, close to North Avenue. The tragic incident happened around 10:30 p.m., underscoring the danger that this particular intersection poses to road users.
The 35-year-old victim, who has yet to be identified, was hit by a vehicle driven by a 20-year-old attempting to outrun a red light. The car was reportedly exceeding the speed limit at the time of the crash, resulting in an impact so severe that it broke the bike into two pieces and decapitated the rider.
Shonta Smith, a local resident who saw the accident, stated that the sound of the collision was louder than a typical crash. She noted that the traffic light had turned yellow and had switched to red by the time the driver crossed the stop line. This made her instantly realize that the bicyclist was in danger.
Smith, who knew the deceased, remembered him as a kind-hearted and generous individual. Despite his homelessness, he was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. He was described as intelligent and humorous, always willing to give despite his own circumstances. She said he was friendly to her but had never revealed his name.
The driver stayed at the accident scene. The incident is currently under investigation by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.
Elizabeth’s Route 1 and 9 is notorious for its dangerous conditions, especially for pedestrians. The intersection has been a site of numerous fatal accidents, including incidents at East Jersey Street and East Grand Street. In 2020, the area saw as many as 161 crashes, three of which resulted in fatalities. Earlier in March, a pedestrian was killed near this intersection and in December 2023, two taxi passengers lost their lives in a crash after a car ran a red light and hit the taxi close to the Route 1 & 9 intersection.
People like Brett Graves, who often cross Route 1 and 9, are well aware of the dangers this intersection presents. Graves notes that despite a full minute allotted for pedestrians to cross, the junction remains perilous due to the impatience of drivers. Rony Concepcion, another local, points out that timing is critical as drivers often become aggressive and honk at those who hesitate when the light turns yellow.
