A sense of unrest is simmering in Queens after a tragic police pursuit resulted in the death of 36-year-old cyclist Amanda Servedio this week. Servedio, a dedicated cyclist, was riding through a typically busy intersection near 37th Street and 34th Avenue on Tuesday night when a black pickup truck, pursued by police, struck her and sent her bike airborne, ending in a fatal crash that left the community reeling. Her death has reignited debate over the risks and necessity of police chases in New York City’s densely populated areas.
A memorial now stands where Servedio was killed, serving as a somber reminder for neighbors who say the streets they know well have suddenly become fraught with tragedy.
“I’m a cyclist myself. I commute into the city. I go down that street. You know, I’ve crossed that Avenue many times,” Peter Lawro, a nearby resident still processing the event, told ABC7. Another neighbor, Melissa Francisco, expressed the pervasive anxiety in the community. “There are lots of cyclists; it’s a very pedestrian-friendly neighborhood… normally,” she said.
The police pursuit began as officers attempted to stop the Dodge Ram 1500, allegedly tied to a recent burglary. According to authorities, the driver evaded, leading officers on a high-speed chase that ended when the truck collided with Servedio. Surveillance footage from the scene captures the harrowing moment the truck barreled through the intersection, sending both Servedio and her bicycle into the air. The suspects eventually abandoned the vehicle, fleeing on foot, leaving behind a trail of grief and frustration. Reports indicate the truck’s license plate was linked to nearly 100 prior violations since 2022, though the driver has yet to be arrested.
In the wake of the incident, advocates with Transportation Alternatives are calling for a reevaluation of police chase policies, particularly in crowded urban settings.
“Police chases should absolutely not exist in New York City and they’re against NYPD policy for a reason,” said Alexa Sledge of Transportation Alternatives, underscoring the dangers of high-speed pursuits in such a densely populated area.
The call for change grows louder as advocates argue that police chases have cost five lives this year alone. “They don’t keep us safe,” added Sledge. “Nothing that leads to the death of an innocent New Yorker is keeping New Yorkers safe. They need to end them now.”
