On September 7th a 26-year-old man on a bicycle lost his life at the intersection of Erie Avenue and G Street. According to the Police, the victim had just removed his bike from a SEPTA Bus Bike Rack and attempted to merge into traffic. In a matter of seconds, he was struck by a passing moped as he traveled only a few feet after mounting his bicycle. The operator of the moped stopped and remained at the scene until help arrived. It’s unclear as to whether the bicyclist mounted and proceeded into the travel lane or if the moped driver swerved around the bus. He was the fifth bicyclist killed in Philadelphia
Less than three weeks later, on September 25th, a 55 year-old became man became the sixth victim of 2025 when he was struck by a SEPTA train while crossing the tracks at Schoolhouse Lane in the East Falls area. The incident occurred shortly before 8 a.m, and the victim was initially taken to a hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries. According to the Police report and witnesses, the cyclist was traveling downhill at a steep grade on Schoolhouse Lane and passed several vehicles that were stopped at the gates. This tragedy happened just a few hours after a pedestrian was fatally struck on the SEPTA Tracks in Morton, Delaware County.
The Safe Systems Approach to Road Safety
While the exact circumstances are unknown and other factors were possibly involved (lost control on the tracks, brake failure, visibility for the scooter driver) in either case, human error was a likely contributor. In these cases, it can be easy to blame the victim and move on. As Stephen Dunn, an Elizabeth, NJ firefighter and Vision Zero advocate, has said, “If I were to die in the line of duty, I would be seen as a hero. If I were to die in a bike crash, I would be perceived as an idiot.” Both incidents emphasize the pressing need for a commitment to cyclist safety in Philadelphia. The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia has been vocal about the need for safer streets, advocating for better infrastructure, including protected bike lanes and adequate signage, especially at high-traffic areas.
Both of the crashes involved SEPTA vehicles, and the Authority does have safety information on its website.
Rail safety at grade crossings and using the bike bus rack
Unloading a bicycle from a bus rack – To ensure your safety, immediately step to the curb. Wait for the vehicle to pull away and check for traffic before crossing or riding onto the street.
Crossing rail lines safely – When traveling near train tracks, whether on foot or by motor vehicle, SEPTA reminds the public that trains can come in any direction at any time. “Never travel into a crossing until the flashing lights go out completely,” said SEPTA Assistant General Manager of System Safety Jim Fox. “There may be a second train coming from the opposite direction that will re-activate the gates. Trains can’t swerve to avoid something in their way or stop on a dime like a rubber-tired vehicle.”
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If anyone you know has been involved in a crash or lost someone in a crash and is looking for community, please reach out to Families for Safe Streets Greater Philadelphia by emailing nicole@bicyclecoalition.org.
Families for Safe Streets Greater Philadelphia (FSSGP) is comprised of victims of traffic violence and families whose loved ones have been killed or severely injured by aggressive, reckless, or careless driving, behaviors enabled by dangerous street design. FSSGP represents the full range of greater Philadelphia’s rich diversity and collectively demands an end to traffic violence.