Barbara Friedes, a 30-year-old physician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a graduate of Johns Hopkins, was identified on Thursday morning as the cyclist who was struck and killed on Wednesday, July 17 at 7:28 p.m. at Spruce Streets close to the intersection of 18th Street while commuting to work at CHOP.
Friedes has just been selected as chief resident as CHOP for the upcoming year before meeting her tragic end. “she was the kindest person I’ve ever met in my entire life.” Her husband said in an interview.
What Happened To Barbara Friedes
Captain Andrew Disanto of the Philadelphia Police Department stated that Friedes was airborne approximately thirty feet from the scene and sustained a severe head injury. When the incident occurred, she was donning a helmet.
Police report that Friedes was riding in a marked bike lane when she was struck by a blue 2018 Volkswagen driven by a 69-year-old man who was speeding west on Spruce Street.
After striking Friedes, the Volkswagen went on to hit three more vehicles that were lawfully parked on the street: a 2019 Lexus, a 2018 Toyota, and a 2019 Nissan.
The driver, who was 69 years old, was transported to a nearby hospital with some minor injuries. No charges have been brought against him.
It is important to emphasize that these awful events are preventable. In order to safeguard both bicycles and pedestrians on nearby sidewalks, the city must take proactive measures, such as funding Vision Zero and constructing properly segregated bike lanes.
No one would ever wish to loose a loved one like Barbara Friedes. Keep her husband and family in your thoughts and prayers.
More details are still coming out, so make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when we drop more update concerning Barbara Friedes case.
