Edwin “Ed” Hein, a beloved and accomplished cycling advocate, sadly passed away on Monday at the age of 60. He collapsed during a bike ride shortly after climbing the hill on Shawmont Avenue from the Schuylkill River Trail.
Ed was well-loved and admired for his dedication to bike racing, the outdoors, fitness, and his commitment to safer streets for everyone. Our paths first crossed when I began volunteering with the Bicycle Coalition of the Delaware Valley (BCDV). Back in the spring of 1994, the BCDV organized a casual one-day retreat at Harper’s Meadow on the Wissahickon Trail. Ed attended as a representative of Suburban Cyclists Unlimited, alongside Board President Noel Weyrich, Executive Director Sue McNamara, and Cartographer Steve Spindler, and others who helped elevate the BCDV from a city-focused group to a significant force in regional policy-making. Over the years, Ed and I collaborated on many initiatives.
Ed’s notable contributions to the cycling community include:
- Serving on the BCGP Board from 2001 to 2009.
- Leading as President of Suburban Cyclists Unlimited (SCU).
- Participating in various suburban county meetings, including rallying 40 SCU members to attend a Montgomery County Commissioners Meeting in 1993.
- Serving on the Cadence Youth Cycling Advisory Board, now known as the Bicycle Coalition Youth Cycling.
- Engaging in the Southeast PA Regional Bike Task Force, a joint project between the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and PennDOT.
- Successfully advocating for the construction of an underpass on the US202 Trail at Detweiler Rd.
- Educating as a League Cycling Instructor and hosting numerous Safe Cycling Classes.
- Volunteering as a coach for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Leukemia Society Team-in-Training.
- Serving as President of Guys Bicycle Racing Club.
A service for Ed Hein will be held on Saturday, Feb 8th from 1-4 pm at Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, located at 1629 Hamilton St, Allentown, PA 18902. Instead of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations to the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia in Ed’s name.
Ed Hein will be deeply missed by all who knew him and the cycling community at large.
This article only scratches the surface of Ed’s legacy, you can read more about his life below:
Lara Hein’s Tribute (Ed’s Niece)
Ed Hein Obituary