Elderly E-scooter Rider Killed in Head-On Crash with Cyclist in Brooklyn

On Monday afternoon, 77-year-old Thomas Bakas was traveling on a stand-up electric scooter in the designated bike lane on Schermerhorn Street, downtown Brooklyn, close to the Smith Street intersection. A 47-year-old cyclist, who had been riding outside the lane, attempted to merge back by threading between two vacant parked cars. As Bakas tried to pass, the two riders collided head-on, sending both to the ground.

Neither was wearing a helmet. Emergency responders transported Bakas to Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where he was declared dead. The cyclist sustained no injuries, stayed at the scene, and was not arrested. Police are conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident.