The Cyclone roller coaster at Coney Island is now closed indefinitely

Surprise, surprise, a wooden roller coaster that is almost a hundred years old has technical problems. This is why people suffer from veloxrotaphobia (also called roller coaster phobia).

Sarcasm aside, and to the chagrin of many New Yorkers, the famous Cyclone roller coaster at Luna Park on Coney Island has been closed indefinitely since Thursday, August 22nd.

The 97-year-old roller coaster was on its way up “when operators took it out of service due to a damaged sprocket in the machine room,” according to the New York City Department of Public Works. “The operator stopped the ride and several people were rescued from the roller coaster without injury.” Videos were shared on social media showing rescue workers dangerously guiding passengers down from the towering ride.

Even when the ride is working perfectly, it can still give you nightmares. Cyclone reaches speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, offers a drop of 85 feet, and seats 24 passengers per ride. The roller coaster, named after the Brooklyn Cyclones minor league baseball team, is also a New York City landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Since it opened in 1927, there have been two deaths from riding Cyclone, but none of those were due to mechanical issues, like this incident in 2024.

For long-time fans, the creaks and groans of the wooden structure are more nostalgic than disturbing. And adrenaline enthusiasts keep coming back to experience the dozens of terrifying runs.

Following the latest incident, Luna Park released a statement. “The Coney Island Cyclone is a 97-year-old roller coaster that is meticulously maintained and tested daily,” it said. “We will reopen the Cyclone roller coaster when repairs are complete and the facility passes DOB inspection.”

At the moment it is still unclear when exactly Luna Park Cyclone will reopen. But we are in no rush to jump back on.

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