Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Lawyers Discuss Car-Free Open Street Event

For city bikers, sharing the streets with cars can be dangerous. In 2014, there were 551 bicycle accidents in Philadelphia alone. Bicycle lanes and legislation help, but accidents will always be a concern. However, one initiative which may help reduce the rate of bicycle accidents in Philadelphia would be car-free open street events, allowing bicyclists, as well as walkers or runners, a safe space to freely move without fear of serious car accidents. One such event is scheduled for this upcoming Saturday, September 24, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Philly Free Streets Event Promotes Reduced Accident Rate

Enthusiasts were allowed a first taste of car-free streets last fall during the Pope’s visit to Philadelphia. Due to the scale of the event, it was necessary that car traffic was shut down on multiple streets. Now, the nonprofit organization Open Streets PHL has successfully lobbied for a preplanned car-free open street event. Such an event promotes a healthy and fit lifestyle, and also allows for a greatly decreased rate of accidents.

The event, Philly Free Streets, will be taking place on South Street. Car traffic will be blocked off from Front Street to the South Street Bridge. The route will then go along the Schuylkill River Trail to MLK Drive, and then end at Belmont Plateau. While some intersectional car traffic will still be allowed through, for the most part the trail will be entirely car-free. Depending on its success, this event may even prompt other bicycle days throughout the year.

The Future of Open-Street Events in Philadelphia

Multiple organizations have already begun planning future car-free open street events in Philadelphia. Open Streets PHL is hoping to prove the viability of the concept with September’s event. If it is successful, they plan to continue the initiative in the future, which could make a great difference in the rate of bicycle accidents in Philadelphia. Another organization, the Philly Distance Runners, has already begun planning an Open Streets 15K/30K run in Philadelphia, which may reduce the number of pedestrian accidents as well. While open-street events may have a future in Philadelphia, for now, however, it is important for motorists to safely share the road with bicyclists and pedestrians.

Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Advocate for Injured Parties

If you or someone that you know has suffered an injury due to a bicycle accident, then the skilled and experienced Philadelphia bicycle accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law are the people to call for help. From our offices in Center City, Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout Philadelphia County, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, Camden County, Burlington County, Salem County, Gloucester County, Cumberland County, and Atlantic County. Call our Cherry Hill offices at 856-414-0010 or at our Philadelphia offices at 215-426-4493 to schedule a free consultation, or submit an online form.