Philly bicyclists find lack of rider, pedestrian protection 'exceptionally frustrating'

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — “Paint will not protect us, concrete now!” chanted bicyclists Friday during a protest ride through Center City.

Hundreds of people gathered demanding the mayor and other city officials do more to protect bike riders and pedestrians in the city.

“Concrete is the gold standard for protection. These flex posts that we see on the streets, they were always sort of meant to be temporary. They’re intended to be driven over… paint keeps no one safe. It is merely a suggestion,” said Jessie Amadio with Philly Bike Action, which organized the protest ride.

On July 17, Barbara Friedes, a 30-year-old oncology doctor at CHOP, was struck and killed by a drunk driver while riding her bike near Rittenhouse Square.

District Attorney Larry Krasner said 68-year-old Michael Vahey was driving nearly 60 miles per hour down Spruce Street around 7 p.m. when he veered into the bike lane and hit her. Vahey surrendered to police that night. He faces many charges.

That same night, pedestrian Christopher Cabrera was killed in Kensington by a reckless driver.

“It’s exceptionally frustrating. Advocates have been calling for change for years,” Amadio said. “And it’s only going in the wrong direction.”

Advocates also pointed to Mayor Cherelle Parker’s new budget taking money from Vision Zero as a major flaw. Parker clarified that the money was reallocated to the Streets Department, and said she stood by the advocates in their fight .

Rider Al Meinster said he trusts Parker despite the budget troubles.

“I think she’s responsive, I think her heart is in the right place and I do believe she will do what is possible.”

He also wants to see police do more to enforce parking regulations.

“They have not done that. They keep asking me the question, would you rather us fight crime or police the bike lanes.”

Riders made a stop during the ride at 18th and Spruce streets, where Friedes was killed.

They also held a short rally at City Hall, where words of support for Friedes were heard from riders like Yolanda Gomez Galvez.

“Nobody should experience a nightmare like this. I know and I recognize how painful and confusing this situation is for you. And I hope you can find some support and comfort in this amazing community,” Galvez said.

Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said Friedes is the first bicyclist death of the year in Philadelphia, but more than two dozen pedestrians have been hit and killed by cars.