Police Seek Driver Who Struck, Injured New CIty Bicyclist

Clarkstown police say they are looking for a sports utility vehicle that struck and injured a 39-year-old New City woman riding her bicycle on a residential street in New City.

Police said the investigation into the incident has been hampered because the victim and a witness to the accident have given conflicting descriptions of the SUV involved.

Maria Giumarra of Heritage Drive in New City was riding a bicycle when the vehicle struck the rear of the bike at about 6 p.m. Friday in front of 4 Lady Godiva Way, near the intersection with Congers Road. Police said Giumarra was knocked to the ground and sustained injuries including a broken left wrist, cuts and bruises.

Giumarra was taken to Nyack Hospital by members of the New City Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Corps. Giumarra's husband, Robert, said she needed surgery as a result of her injuries and is recovering.

Police said one person described the vehicle involved as a blue SUV, while the other person described it as a a beige SUV. The vehicle had the new orange New York State license plates.

Police ask that anyone who might have information about the incident call them at 845-639-5800.

Just four days after the bicyclist was struck, the Clarkstown Highway Department today has started installing "traffic calming" devices on Lady Godiva Way and neighboring King Arthur Court in the Camelot neighborhood. Residents of the two streets have been working with town officials for several years on ways of slowing down traffic.

Highway Superintendent Wayne Ballard said the neighborhood has become a popular short cut for drivers going from Route 304 at East Cavalary Drive to Congers Road. Ballard said the route is especially popular with students who attend Clarkstown North High School.

The traffic calming devices are large rubber pads bolted to the pavement, forming a bump in the road that slow vehicles as they go over them.