Family of CHOP doctor killed in car crash calls for change – NBC10 Philadelphia

The parents of Dr. Barbara Friedes, a 30-year-old cyclist who died while riding her bike in Center City last week, say her death could have been prevented and are joining activists and Philadelphia cyclists in demanding change.

“None of this makes sense. There is no justification for this, there is no logic,” said John Dietrick, Friedes’ father. “It was so easy to stop this.”

The fatal crash occurred on Wednesday evening, July 17, in the 1800 block of Spruce Street. According to police, Friedes was riding her bike when a speeding driver drifted into the bike lane and struck her. No charges have been filed against the driver of the vehicle, a man in his 60s. Philadelphia police said the investigation is ongoing.

Friedes was just named chief of surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Her colleagues described her as a “beacon of light.” Her family members said she was also brave and kind.

“Very compassionate, accepting of everyone and willing to help with whatever is needed,” said Mary Dietrick, Friedes’ mother.

“Barbara never did anything easy. She always took on the most difficult challenge, the hardest fight, and she did it. She did it with a smile. She did it with grace. She fought for everyone and made everyone feel welcome,” her father said.

On Sunday morning, hundreds of cyclists and other community members gathered for a vigil at the intersection where Barbara was killed.

According to the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, Friedes will be the first person to die while cycling in Philadelphia in 2024. In 2023, the city is expected to have a record number of bicycle deaths, with 10 deaths.

During the vigil, activists paid tribute to all traffic victims. They held up signs demanding “No more bicycle deaths.”

“These tragic deaths are not only unacceptable, they could have been prevented,” said Chris Gale, executive director of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.

Activists hope the vigil will draw attention to the lack of permanent safety infrastructure for cyclists. They are calling for the installation of concrete barriers to protect bike lanes.

“She did everything right. She still lost her life because there wasn’t enough infrastructure and concrete barriers. There was no way to really protect her on the road,” Gale said.

Friedes’ parents attended the vigil and learned about other families in Philadelphia who have lost loved ones in traffic accidents.

“The sheer number is shocking when you listen to the other families, and quite frankly, it’s disgusting that something like this can happen,” said John Dietrick.

Friedes’ parents say they are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for their daughter from the community, CHOP, her coworkers, cyclists and strangers.

“It was very heartfelt,” John Dietrick said. “It was very comforting and helped me through the process.”

Now they are calling on the city to use their daughter’s courage to enact more safety measures for cyclists in Philadelphia.

“She wouldn’t want it for herself. She would want it for change. She would want it for improvement and to make sure it doesn’t happen again. It can’t happen,” John Dietrick said. “No one should feel that way. It just can’t happen.”