Officials: Cyclist struck, killed in Sunset Park

Officials say a cyclist was hit and killed in Sunset Park Monday.

Investigators say it happened on Third Avenue and 35th Street.

They say 30-year-old Em Samolewicz was riding up Third Avenue when a person in a parked car opened the vehicle's door. The cyclist swerved out of the door's way and into a tractor-trailer.

Samolewicz was rushed to NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn, where she was pronounced dead.

Police sources say the truck driver initially drove away, unaware of what transpired, but returned after someone flagged him down. News 12 is told he is not expected to be charged.

This marks the 18th cyclist death in New York this year – a dramatic jump from last year, where 10 cyclists were killed.

Cyclists who spoke to News 12 say it's more pressing than ever for the city to make streets safer for them.

The advocacy group, Transportation Alternatives, is calling for a complete redesign of the Third Avenue Corridor. Currently, there are three moving lanes in each direction for cars, and none for bikes.