Bicyclist killed after being struck by truck in Southwest Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A bicyclist was killed after being struck by a truck in Southwest Philadelphia.

"I noticed I couldn't cross, and I looked. He was covered," said Rosy Coleman from Southwest Philadelphia. "It was horrible."

It happened around 8:15 a.m. Thursday.

According to police, the driver of a white Mack truck was turning right from Baltimore Avenue onto 58th Street (Cobbs Creek Parkway).

The bicyclist, who was also traveling on Baltimore Avenue, was hit by the truck and became lodged underneath the vehicle.

"It just happened so fast, and when you heard the lump, we knew it was that," said Joyce Brooks from Southwest Philadelphia.

The 50-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not been released.

"It was devastating, but I pray for the family," said Brooks.

Residents in the area describe the intersection as very busy and dangerous and call on local leaders to enhance safety measures to prevent more deadly crashes.

"If we don't have the signs and the right signals, then this is where it comes to and this is what happens," said Brooks.

We reached out to PennDOT and the city for comment regarding improvements.

PennDOT released this statement:

"PennDOT has met with community leaders, residents, stakeholders, and elected officials several times in recent years, including at Motivational High School, for feedback and support to design a comprehensive safety improvement program for the Cobbs Creek Parkway Corridor and 63rd Street.

The first phase of the project is scheduled to be advertised for construction later this year, and construction on the project would likely start in early 2026 following the award process."

An investigation into this crash continues.

"I hope it don't happen again. I hope the city, Mayor Parker, get us what we need up here," said Brooks.

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia tracks the number of traffic-related bike deaths and works to make cycling safer in the region. The number of fatalities is down compared to 2023, but in a statement sent to Action News, the organization says:

"This crash happened as children were walking to a school, just one block away. We are devastated for the victim's family, friends, and the greater Southwest Philly community."