FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia is deeply saddened by the death of a bicyclist on Aramingo Avenue in Frankford struck by a SEPTA Bus driver and a catastrophic, life-threatening injury to another bicyclist struck by a hit-and-run driver on 52nd St in West Philadelphia on May 10th.

So far in 2016, at least two people riding bicycles have been killed by motorists. On April 16th, 27 year-old Jamal C. Morris was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on Market St near 46th in West Philadelphia.

In 2015, nine bicyclists died in crashes, the most in a year in at least two decades. In a typical year, two-to-four bicycle fatalities are generally reported in Philadelphia.

On Wednesday, May 18 at 7pm the Bicycle Coalition will be hosting the Ride of Silence, a worldwide event that aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for, and honor, the lives of those who have been killed or injured.

We believe that investigating every serious crash offers an opportunity to prevent future deaths. Just like the National Transportation Safety Board investigates every plane, rail, or bus crash with a goal of zero deaths. Everyday travel modes, such as crashes involving people on bicycle or foot, deserve the same attention.

Vision Zero is an international road traffic safety project that aims to achieve a highway system with no fatalities or serious injuries in road traffic. Over the past two years, the Bicycle Coalition has put a heightened focus on road deaths between all users, and the significant impact a Vision Zero policy could have in reducing these needless road deaths and injuries.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of the victim that lost his life and we wish for a full and speedy recovery of the man who was critically injured.

Contact:
Randy LoBasso
randy@bicyclecoalition.org
215-242-9253 Ext. 311