June Rodriguez killed in hit-and-run at Lancaster Ave and 56th
December 21, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEVENTH CYCLIST KILLED IN PHILLY THIS YEAR, DOUBLING LAST YEAR’S TOTAL.
PHILADELPHIA – In the early morning of Dec. 20, a driver hit and killed 54-year old June Rodriguez as he was riding his bike on Lancaster Avenue making a left turn onto North 56th Street. Police say the driver of a red SUV struck Rodriguez before fleeing the scene. A beloved friend and DJ of many in the Philadelphia community, June was just trying to make his way home after his shift that night.
Saturday’s death marks the seventh cyclist killed in Philadelphia this year, up from three in 2024. This comes in spite of promises to improve bicycle safety from Mayor Cherelle Parker back in August 2024.
Lancaster Avenue in particular has an extensive history of crashes resulting in injury and death. The road has featured on every iteration of the high-injury network since 2017, as one of the most unsafe streets in Philadelphia. Only a few months ago, in September, a 77-year-old pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run just two blocks away at the intersection of Lancaster and 54th Street.
Unfortunately, Lancaster Avenue features an unprotected bike lane, one of many in Philadelphia. However, PennDOT’s interpretation of state law prohibits the installation of a parking protected bike lane on Lancaster Avenue. Parking separated bike lanes limit drivers' ability to behave recklessly or use the bike lane as a shoulder or turning lane.
Philly Bike Action issued the following statement:
“Despite promises from Philadelphia leadership, cyclists are no safer than they were last year. A doubling in the number of deaths is proof that the time for action was yesterday.”
“The frequent appearance of one road on the high-injury network is proof that the current configuration is unsafe for everyone, and PennDOT, who controls the street, is not doing enough to fix it."
Philly Bike Action, a local grassroots organization, continues to advocate for safer streets.
