A local organization is calling for action after a hit-and-run left a bicyclist in extremely critical condition Saturday in West Philadelphia.
Police say the 26-year-old man was riding his bicycle near 45th and Market streets about 3:45 a.m. Saturday when a vehicle struck him and fled the scene. The man was taken to Presbyterian Hospital, where he remained in extremely critical condition Sunday after sustaining massive head trauma in the crash.
The hit-and-run prompted the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia to call on lawmakers for action.
"Hit-and-run traffic crashes like that at 45th and Market Street early this morning are, unfortunately, increasingly common in Philadelphia. This is a huge problem," Randy LoBasso, of the Bicycle Coalition, said. "Whatever the reason for this particular crash, we know that both illegal speed and smartphone usage behind the wheel [are] common among drivers."
LoBasso went on to call for better enforcement of traffic laws to prevent crashes, including more red-light cameras and speed cameras.
"We hope the state government moves forward on relevant legislation before another cyclist is injured," LoBasso said.
Police have not yet released a description of the hit-and-run vehicle. They continue to investigate.
