Philadelphia Cyclist Advocates Say Concrete Barriers Would Prevent Deaths On Spruce Street

CBS Philadelphia

July 19, 2024

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Thirty-year-old Barbara Friedes, a doctor at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, was hit and killed while riding her bike in Rittenhouse Square Wednesday evening. It marked the first cyclist death of 2024.

Since 2020, 27 people have been killed while cycling in the city of Philadelphia.

Some advocates say Spruce Street has one of the most popular bike lanes in the city, but it's too dangerous for cyclists. Spruce is a one-way, one-lane street running east to west. The parking lane is to the right of the lane of traffic. To the left of the road is a small buffer lane, and a bike lane is on the far left next to the sidewalk. Advocates say the buffer lane is not enough to protect people on bikes.

Advocates say the buffer zone next to Spruce Street's bike lane is not enough to keep riders safe/CBS News Philadelphia

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