Cyclists Sliced by Suspended String on Marine Parkway Bridge: No Arrests Made Despite Severe Injuries

Our NYC Personal Injury Lawyers Raise Concerns About Kite Fighting, Negligence, and Public Safety

Two cyclists were seriously injured—one critically—after riding into a string stretched across the Marine Parkway Bridge bike lane on June 1st, 2025. Despite the traumatic injuries sustained, including a severed windpipe and broken bones, the NYPD has announced it found “no criminality.” As New York personal injury attorneys, we believe this incident raises troubling questions about accountability, enforcement, and public safety.

A Harrowing Incident with Life-Altering Consequences

According to multiple eyewitnesses, the group of cyclists had just crossed from Rockaway to Marine Park when a taut string suddenly struck 40-year-old Robert Hillebrand in the throat, severing his windpipe. He remains in the ICU at Kings County Hospital, unable to speak and facing a long recovery. Hillebrand, the owner of Freewheelin’ Bike Tours, will likely be out of work for months.

Another cyclist, Jennifer Noble, sustained facial lacerations, a broken finger, and required stitches. She told reporters she believes the string resembled those used in kite fighting—a practice where participants attempt to cut down opponents’ kites using abrasive-coated string.

“An Incredible Amount of Blood” — But No Charges Filed

Despite the catastrophic injuries, the NYPD has closed its investigation without identifying a responsible party. This decision has prompted public outcry. Eyewitness Julian Rose described the string as yellow nylon and noted it seemed to be suddenly pulled into the cyclists. A piece of red-and-yellow string was later recovered from the water, but it’s unclear if it was the same one that caused the injuries.

This is not an isolated event. In 2022, another cyclist was reportedly lacerated by a kite string in the same area. Wildlife has also been harmed. According to the Broad Channel Civic Association, waterfowl have been found strangled by string tangled in marshes around Jamaica Bay.

Known Hazard, Minimal Action

Despite documented incidents, minimal preventative action has been taken. While kite fighting is banned in NYC parks, enforcement appears weak. In fact, the City has already been sued over similar injuries—most notably in 2009, when a 12-year-old boy was awarded compensation after suffering severe lacerations from a fallen kite string in a public park.

If city agencies are aware of a recurring hazard and fail to mitigate it—whether by enforcing bans, removing hazardous debris, or improving warning systems—they may be liable under New York law. Similarly, if private individuals are found to have recklessly strung or left dangerous material across a public path, they may be held responsible in a civil suit.

A Call for Immediate Oversight and Legal Accountability

This horrifying event is a wake-up call. It is unacceptable for cyclists and pedestrians to face invisible, life-threatening hazards on infrastructure designed for safe public use. If someone is injured due to the failure of others—whether private citizens, city agencies, or third-party contractors—they may have grounds for a personal injury or premises liability claim.

At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, we have represented injured New Yorkers for more than 100 years. Our accident lawyers are among the most respected trial attorneys in the state, having secured over $5 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients.

If you or someone you love has been injured while cycling due to an unmarked hazard or dangerous conditions, call 212-943-1090 to speak with a top-rated trial attorney. We pursue justice when others won’t—and we don’t back down. Our teams of Brooklyn personal injury lawyers and Queens personal injury lawyers have decades of experience handling high-stakes cases on both sides of Jamaica Bay and have secured record-setting results for victims of negligence throughout New York City.

Picture: courtesy of Wikipedia