OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM PHILADELPHIA COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON ON CYCLING ACCIDENT ON 18TH AND SPRUCE STREETS

PHILADELPHIA, PA (July 18, 2024) - I want to express my deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Barbara Friedes, who was riding her bike yesterday (July 17) and killed by a speeding driver at 18th and Spruce Streets, located in the Second Council District.

Philadelphia Police say a 68-year-old driver was speeding down Spruce Street just before the crash and they are still investigating what caused the crash.

In the aftermath of yesterday's accident, I have asked the Philadelphia Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS) to examine and recommend what short and long-term safety measures can be implemented along the sections of Spruce Streets within the Second Council District to try and reduce the possibility of such a tragic death from happening again.

I will work with Philadelphia OTIS and Mayor Cherelle Parker's administration to explore what additional safety measures can be installed throughout the Second Council District.

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Council President Kenyatta Johnson, a former Pennsylvania State Representative, represents the Second Council District which includes parts of Center City, South Philadelphia, and Southwest Philadelphia.

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