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14-Year-Old Astoria Boy Struck Dead Riding Bicycle in Long Island City: NYPD

Looking east on Borden Avenue, with 11th Street on the right (google)

Sept. 21, 2019 By Christian Murray

A 14-year-old Astoria boy is dead after being hit by a truck while riding his bicycle in Long Island City Saturday.

Mario Valenzuela, of 35th Street in Astoria, was riding eastbound on Borden Avenue at about 1:50 p.m. when he was struck by a truck. The truck was also traveling eastbound on Borden Avenue but hit Valenzuela when the driver made a right turn on 11th Street.

Police received a call at 1:54 p.m. and upon arrival officers found Valenzuela unconscious and unresponsive. EMS also responded and pronounced him dead on the scene.

The driver of the truck, a 33-year-old man, remained on the scene and no arrests have been made. The NYPD Collision Investigation Squad is investigating the crash.

Valenzuela is the 21st bicyclist to die on the roads of New York City this year, and the second in Long Island City. Robert Spencer was killed while cycling at the intersection of Borden Avenue and 2nd Street on March 14.

email the author: news@queenspost.com

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13 Comments

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Marcelle PICHOLIS

Something must be done to stop the deadly incidents. A law should be passed where bicyclists can only ride in certain areas Should not be allowed to ride in restricted areas.

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Dave creminione@yahoo.com

Mario and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers are this very trying time. RIP Young Man

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Salvatore Coppola

I’m not placing blame here but most people riding bikes in this city do not obey any laws at all

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WRP

Experienced cyclists, Wirecutter those who ride all year, obey the rules of the road. How many motorists drive while on a cell phone…?

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Anonymous

poor soul rest in peace but it does not state that he was holding onto the truck on the right hand side – how would the truck driver know that he was there- I am sure there are plenty of cameras around.

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Jeff

I ride my bike and I find many motorists don’t acknowledge the bike lane at all. Not saying that’s what happened here just my experience.

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Claudia Arenas

R.I.P Mario…my condolences to his friends and family. My daughter went to middle school with him and she was devastated by the news. It’s so sad and I feel for the family and the driver of the truck. This is traumatic and sad for all involved.

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