An interview with cyclist Michael Palacios involved in NYC hit-and-run

New York City cyclist Michael Palacios, a bike messenger and screenprinter, seemed to be intentionally run down and could have been killed by a person driving an SUV around 8:15 p.m. on Fifth Avenue. Palacios was pedalling his cargo bike with his dog Simba in the front.

According to a police report, there were only minor injuries, but Palacios’s cargo bike was destroyed. He has taken to GoFundMe in hopes of replacing it.

It should be noted that Fifth Avenue has the highest ridership of any street in Manhatten without a bike lane. One was proposed for the roadway as part of a complete street project back in 2021.

Maybe someone involved in a hit-and-run that could have ended tragically might light a fire under the NYC DOT to finally get around to some much-needed improvements to protect vulnerable road users.

Here is the proposal.

Here is footage of Palacios being hit.

Momentum checked in with Palacios to get an update on what happened.

Could you describe what led to the incident?

I told the driver “you drive like shit.”

Did it seem like the driver was trouble?

He ignored me and never said anything. I might as well have been talking to the car, but the car wasn’t driving itself.

Have you had any incidents like this before?

Yes. On Oct. 18 I was hit by an inpatient driver trying to pass me while I passed a double parked car.

Simba aboard Palacios’s cargo bike

Tell us about Simba.

Simba is pitbull from Harlem. He’s six years old and has been with me since he was three months old.

Do you think the dog would have been more seriously hurt if it hadn’t been free to jump out?

Most likely. But I don’t live on what-ifs. I live on what happened. I made the decision to not tie him to the bike because I believed it to be a wise decision. And he jumps out sometimes and runs next to me.

What was the reaction of those around you, did they come and help and take a licence plate?

No one took a plate, and they had the time too. People watch all these actions films, but in real life ain’t about it.

Was the person located and charged?

No.

Will this incident change your behaviour at all?

No. Why would I change because someone tried to kill me because their spirit is weak. I’m a pillar, and you know what pillars do! They’re some still standing in Rome.

What do you do?

I’ve been a bike messenger for some years, and I screenprint now, helping friends bring their ideas to life.

How much do you need in the Gofundme to replace the bike?

The GoFundMe is set to 5K. It’s a cargo bike. For taking big loads, kids, food and yes, pits.