City can delay no longer after cyclist injured on Spring Garden Street. The time for change is now.

PHILADELPHIA – On June 8, during a police pursuit, a Philadelphia police car hit a 68-year-old bicyclist at the intersections of 7th and Spring Garden Streets. The crash injured the cyclist, but thankfully did not take his life. The man is reported to be in the hospital in stable condition.

Philly Bike Action issued the following statement:

“"The City of Philadelphia has spent over a decade, considering, planning, and studying a protected bike lane on Spring Garden instead of building one. A protected bike lane would have kept this man safe. Instead, he has to spend time recovering in a hospital.”

The current configuration of Spring Garden Street sandwiches bicyclists between fast-moving traffic and parked cars. A simple swap of the parked cars and the bike lane would keep the street safe for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Unfortunately, a Pennsylvia state law prevents Philadelphia from implementing this low cost, easy fix on state owned roads like Spring Garden.

“Sunday’s accident makes it clear that Philadelphians of all ages use bike lanes, but that the lack of protection disproportionately harms our most vulnerable. It is time for the Pennsylvania State Legislature, Philadelphia’s City Council and the Parker Administration to prioritize the safety of cyclists and pedestrians on Spring Garden Street and install protected bike lanes as soon as possible.”

Philly Bike Action, a local grassroots organization, continues to advocate for safer streets.