Advocating for Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety: Laws to Watch in 2025
Traffic safety remains a pressing concern across Pennsylvania, with vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists often bearing the brunt of preventable tragedies. Piscitello Law, a dedicated advocate for safe streets, hosted a pivotal "friend-raiser" event in the fall of 2024 to support the PA Safe Roads Political Action Committee (PAC). This event brought families, advocates, and policymakers together to champion legislative changes that can and will save lives. Here’s a look at the key initiatives set to shape 2025 and beyond.
Jay Alert – A Hit-and-Run Advisory System
The devastating loss of 8-year-old Jayanna Powell in 2016 highlighted the need for systemic change. While walking home from school, Jayanna was struck and killed by a reckless driver who fled the scene. Her mother, Ayeshia Poole, and aunt, Jasmine Hoffman, have since been relentless in advocating for the “Jay Alert” system.
This alert system, introduced through Senate Bill 730 by PA State Senator Anthony Williams, aims to notify regional auto body shops of hit-and-run incidents, expediting suspect identification. Jayanna’s family has spent nearly a decade fighting for this legislation, demonstrating incredible resolve for change. PA State Representative Morgan Cephas plans to introduce a companion bill in 2025, and public support will be crucial to its success.
Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras – Expanding Coverage
Speeding remains one of the most significant contributors to traffic violence. Latanya Byrd, who lost her niece, Samara Banks, and her three young children to drag racers on Roosevelt Boulevard in 2013, has been a staunch advocate for Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras. Latanya is a strong and passionate voice in the mission to slow speeds by employing this speed camera technology.
The 2020 pilot ASE program along Roosevelt Boulevard reduced pedestrian crashes by 50% and speeding violations by 95%, as highlighted in the Vision Zero 2023 Report. Following these promising results and continued advocacy, Governor Joshua Shapiro signed PA House Bill 1284 into law in December 2023, expanding ASE coverage to five additional high-injury corridors. It is crucial to track the ASE program expansion to ensure that these speed cameras are installed on high-injury corridors.
Parking-Protected Bike Lanes – A Life-Saving Barrier
Laura and Rich Fredricks rarely miss the opportunity to speak about their daughter, Emily, who was tragically struck and killed while cycling in Philadelphia in 2017. They’ve advocated tirelessly for PA House Bill 140, also known as “Susan’s and Emily’s Law,” which would amend the PA state Vehicle Code to allow vehicles to park more than 12 inches from the curb. That amendment is needed to allow parked vehicles to serve as physical barriers for bike lanes.
Bike Pittsburgh and the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia have been instrumental in advocating for this legislation. Parking-protected bike lanes offer significantly greater safety compared to those that rely solely on flexible plastic posts. While some neighborhoods have expressed resistance, support for PA House Bill 1283 continues to build momentum. It's crucial for cycling advocates and PACs to maintain pressure on elected officials to ensure this bill receives the attention it deserves. We remain optimistic that this legislation will reach the governor’s desk in 2025—a long-overdue step toward meaningful change.
Join the Movement for Safer Roads
Piscitello Law is proud to collaborate with the PA Safe Roads PAC and advocacy groups such as Families for Safe Streets, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, Philly Bike Action, and Bike Pittsburgh to champion these vital initiatives. Achieving safer streets for all road users demands collective action and unwavering advocacy.
Whether it’s signing petitions, attending community meetings, or spreading awareness, your voice can make a difference. Visit PA Safe Roads PAC and Piscitello Law to learn more and join the movement toward safer streets in 2025. Everyone deserves to make it home at the end of a bike ride or walk home from school. Together, we can honor the memories of those needlessly lost to traffic violence and protect future generations.