Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Brooklyn Bike Patrol Shut Down After Founder Has Heart Attack
By
Rebecca Fishbein
Published Jun 14, 2013
Modified Jun 14, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Rebecca Fishbein
Published Jun 14, 2013
Modified Jun 14, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
For nearly two years, Brooklyn women heading home late at night have had the protection of Brooklyn Bike Patrol, a group of cyclists who volunteered to escort women from the subway after dark. Sadly, the patrol is no more; founder Jay Ruiz announced today that he suffered a heart attack over the weekend, and the service will no longer be offered.
Ruiz, who spearheaded the organization after a number of sexual assaults rocked Park Slope in 2011, posted a message on Facebook this morning announcing the closure of the program and his harrowing health scare:
Attention Brooklyn!! This is Jay Ruiz President and Founder. This is the most difficult post I'm ever going to make. This pass Saturday & Monday I had a heart attack. I ride 150-200 miles a week and do 100 pushups a day. I thought it was heartburn! Finally made it to the hospital yesterday after 3 days of vomiting. I was shocked to learn what my heart been through.
But I have to say that we going to shut down this service. I'm so sorry to all the women that depends on our service. Remember that I love doing this and I'm very proud of what the BBP has become and and all the people we helped. I ask for you to give me and my family privacy during this time. God bless and i love you all. And remember ladies watch your surroundings and stay alert.
Though Brooklyn Bike Patrol was initially based near Prospect Park, it became very popular in North Brooklyn last winter following a string of sexual assaults and attacks on women in Bushwick. And the organization didn't just provide physical protection; Ruiz was an outspoken advocate for women's safety, attending community meetings in neighborhoods suffering from high assault incidences, speaking with the Brooklyn DA's office about safety issues and posting information about attacks and assaults regularly on BBP's Facebook page. The service will be missed, and we hope Ruiz has a speedy recovery.
Tagged
brooklyn
brooklyn bike patrol
bushwick
heart attack
jay ruiz
park slope
prospect heights
Rebecca Fishbein
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Man shot and killed on Midtown subway platform Saturday afternoon, NYPD says
Police said they're searching for a person of interest.
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
Published Oct 17, 2026
Modified Oct 17, 2026
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
Suspects were driving a Subaru Forester, police said.
By
Ryan Kost
News
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
Suspects were driving a Subaru Forester, police said.
By
Ryan Kost
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
By
Catalina Gonella
Tompkins Square Park is getting a makeover. Some say it's too much.
By
Willow Higgins
Deer are all over New Jersey roads looking for sex, state officials warn
By
Rosemary Misdary
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .