Jianhua Dong Injured in Bus Accident in New Hartford, NY

New Hartford, NY — January 10, 2025, Jianhua Dong was injured in a bus accident at about 11:15 a.m. on Oxford Road.

Authorities said a bicyclist was hit by a Central New York Regional Transportation Authority bus that had been headed south near Sherrill Lane.

Bicyclist Jianhua Dong, 67, suffered serious injuries in the crash, according to authorities. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

No other injuries were reported.

Authorities are still investigating the crash.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Collisions involving public transit buses and bicyclists underscore the complexities of sharing the road safely. This crash raises critical questions about visibility, road design and the actions of both the bicyclist and the bus driver.

The first area of focus is the bus driver’s behavior and decision-making leading up to the crash. Was the driver distracted or impaired, or did they fail to account for the bicyclist in their path? Public transit drivers are held to a higher standard of care due to the size and operational challenges of their vehicles. Authorities will likely review surveillance footage from the bus, if available, as well as the driver’s training records and any evidence of distraction, such as cell phone use.

Another key consideration is the road design and conditions near Sherrill Lane. Were there clear markings or bike lanes to indicate where bicyclists should ride and where vehicles should travel? If the road lacked appropriate infrastructure, such as protected bike lanes or adequate signage, it may have created confusion or increased the likelihood of a collision.

The bicyclist’s actions will also need to be evaluated. Was the bicyclist traveling in a designated area, obeying traffic laws and visible to the bus driver? Visibility is a common factor in bicycle accidents, especially during times of reduced lighting or poor weather. Reflective clothing, lights or other visibility aids may be considered as part of the investigation.

Lastly, the severity of the bicyclist’s injuries highlights the inherent vulnerability of cyclists when sharing the road with large vehicles. Understanding how and why this crash occurred is essential not only to address accountability but also to improve safety measures, whether through infrastructure improvements, driver training, or public awareness campaigns.

For those impacted, finding answers is crucial. A thorough investigation will help clarify what went wrong and ensure that appropriate steps are taken to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.