URGENT UPDATE: Local bike advocates gathered at Fairmount Park on September 9, 2025, to honor the memory of cyclist Harry Fenton, who tragically died in an accident earlier this year. The gathering, organized by Philly Bike Action, drew attention to the urgent need for safer streets amid rising concerns over reckless driving in the area.
During the event, nearly a dozen advocates, along with a rallying Elmo mascot, set up a picnic near the intersection of Belmont Avenue and the Avenue of the Republic. They utilized speed radar guns to monitor cars speeding past the park’s bike lanes, calling for immediate changes to protect cyclists and pedestrians.
Fenton, a passionate advocate for cycling safety, was killed by a reckless driver while riding through the park. Since his death, over 1,000 residents have signed a petition demanding safer conditions in Fairmount Park. Organizer Caleb Holtmeyer emphasized the pressing issue, stating, “The culture of driving in the city is people just speed and drive recklessly — and it was a reckless driver, of course, who killed Harry.”
Holtmeyer elaborated, “We should never have streets designed, especially in a park, where people can achieve speeds of 50, 60, 70 miles an hour … and kill people.” He highlighted that current road designs allow for dangerous speeds and called for a shift towards making the park more pedestrian-friendly.
Statistics reveal that at least 41 individuals have died in car crashes within or near Fairmount Park, according to data from Philly Bike Action. This alarming figure underscores the urgent need for action to protect cyclists and pedestrians.
Member of Families for Safe Streets, Suzanne Hagner, expressed the emotional toll of losing loved ones to traffic accidents. “We have younger people who ride bikes. They have children, and the children are out at 2 years old on balance bikes. They’re going to be kids who are riding big bikes soon. We have to make our streets safer,” she said.
The movement for safer streets has gained momentum, especially following Fenton’s death and the fatal incident involving doctor Barbara Friedes, who was struck by a speeding drunk driver in Center City last year. Advocates are now intensifying their calls for improved safety measures for all road users.
Philadelphia officials have dedicated $5 million to the Vision Zero initiative, aimed at eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. This program focuses on implementing safer street designs and traffic-calming measures across the city.
In addition, last month, PennDOT initiated a repaving project that will introduce a new bike lane around City Hall. This lane will feature a green pavement coating and will be separated from vehicular traffic by flexible plastic posts, enhancing safety for cyclists.
The call for action is clear: advocates urge city officials to prioritize cyclist and pedestrian safety in road designs. As Philadelphia grapples with the growing urgency for safer streets, the community remains united in their mission to protect lives.
Stay tuned as this story develops and the community continues to advocate for urgent changes to ensure the safety of all road users in Philadelphia.
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