Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the urgent need for action against subway surfing, especially after the tragic death of a 13-year-old girl, urging New Yorkers to report this dangerous trend. He expressed concern over how children, including a nine-year-old, have been involved in such risky activities. Adams promised to enhance educational campaigns and hold social media platforms accountable for allowing footage of subway surfing to circulate, highlighting the importance of community awareness in preventing future tragedies.
During the press conference, Adams warned: "It sounds harmless, but it is not harmless. That train that you hear behind you is filled with steel, metal. Being on top, if you fall, even if the train is not moving, you have the potential of slipping through the cracks of the train. Just a fall is harmful." This statement underscores the physical dangers of subway surfing and encourages a change in behavior among youth.
Adams also reflected on New York's rising subway surfing-related fatalities, noting that the recent death marked the sixth incident in 2024. This alarming increase from the previous year's five deaths calls for urgent community involvement, heightened awareness, and more robust enforcement of safety measures to protect young lives from this risky practice.
Since the NYPD launched its drone program last year to survey the subways and identify surfers, they recorded over 100 people engaging in subway surfing. The program is framed as essential in preventing further incidents, having reportedly saved 114 lives, showcasing the potential of proactive measures in addressing youth safety on public transportation.
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