Residents call for change after crashes at dangerous intersection at South and LeCount St

PHILADELPHIA – At 2 p.m. on July 9, a driver crashed into a person riding a bicycle at the intersection of South St and LeCount St, at the foot of the South Street Bridge. The bicyclist was riding in the South St bike lane when the driver turned right on to LeCount and hit the rider. The bicyclist was transported to the hospital with serious injuries and is currently in the ICU.

Caption: Aftermath of crash at South and LeCount St taken by a witness at the scene. Photo courtesy of Ashley Lepera, a local resident and witness.

Unfortunately, the crash on July 9 was not the only incident at that location this week. The day before, a driver hit a woman riding a scooter. On July 3, another driver hit a grandmother and a three year old child in a cargo bike. The crash sent the grandmother to the hospital with broken bones.

Local residents say collisions at this intersection happen regularly. They petitioned their representative, Council President Kenyatta Johnson, to reverse the flow of traffic on the 600 block of LeCount Street nine months ago.

Philly Bike Action issued the following statement:

“The past week makes it abundantly clear that this intersection is unsafe for pedestrians and bicyclists. LeCount is a narrow street being used as a high-traffic cut through. We hope Council President Johnson will move quickly to reverse the road direction.”

The South St Bridge is the most heavily trafficked bicycle corridor in Pennsylvania.

“Philly Bike Action joins residents in calling for a direction change as well as other necessary safety improvements on and around the South St Bridge."

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