Josh Goldinger was struck and killed at around 2:45 PM on Tuesday August 8th while trying to cross Makefield Rd at N. Old Homestead Rd. in Lower Makefield Township, Pennsylvania, according to news reports.
Josh is believed to be the fourth person on a bicycle killed by a motor vehicle drivers in 2017 in the Greater Philadelphia Region. He is the second victim in Bucks County.
There is no doubt that this young man was loved by many.
A Change.org petition to Lower Makefield Township has been created, asking to add sidewalks to Makefield Road.
As of Thursday afternoon, nearly than 8,000 people have signed it. People are not just writing this tragedy off as an unfortunate “accident” — they want to make the road safer for everyone.
It is unclear as to whether the addition of sidewalks, alone, would have prevented this crash. But a look at Google Street View shows the Makefield Rd road is not designed for bicycle or pedestrian travel.
The area is residential. If people live there, then non-motorized travel should be expected. A school zone is located a couple of hundred feet north of the intersection, that alone should justify a sidewalk or better yet a shared use sidepath. A zebra-style crosswalk (think Abby Road) would be a visible indicator for motorists to expect pedestrians.
Makefield Road is a township road that looks more like a semi-rural highway than a neighborhood street with a speed limit is posted at 35 mph. A person struck by a vehicle at that speed has a 70 percent chance of dying, with the impact equivalent to falling out of a 4th-floor window. This crash was in broad daylight with excellent sight lines.
On behalf of the Bicycle Coalition and Bike Bucks County, we offer our deepest condolences to Josh’s family and friends. And if you haven’t yet, please sign the petition.
I am an aunt of one of Josh’s friends. This should never have happened. God bless Josh and his family.
I am wondering if a 4-way stop sign could have helped. Is this something the Bucks County City Planning Commission could research?
Josh loved riding his bike. It made him happy. I believe it is important to continue to accept bicycling as a legitimate and efficient mode of transit. The more bikers on the roads the safer they are. Please ask your representative to include bicycle infrastructure in their transportation enhancement plans.
Best,
Todd Schwartz
South Philadelphia
Bicycle Coalition Member and Josh’s Cousin
My son Aidan was in Josh’s “squad” and they biked together all the time. This has been a devastating time. I think the sidewalk and bike lane ideas could be difficult to accomplish but the idea of 4 way stop signs at this intersection seems more realistic. It could have lessened the severity of this accident if not avoided it altogether. It is a block from an elementary school. There is no public transportation and kids bike throughout this area all the time on their way to Yardley Borough. I hope some change comes out of this tragic event.
My name is Morgan Jolley. Both my sister Mary and I were on the track team at Charles Boehm with Josh. I remember the first time I ever ran the 800 meter. I was out of breath, sweating, and extremely exhausted. Josh had come over to me, put his arms around me, and said “you did great”. That was the nicest thing anybody said to me the whole season
Mr. and Mrs. Goldinger, I hope you and your family know how much my sister and I will miss josh. He will remain in our hearts… Always and Forever.