The West Chester Patch is reporting that 32 -year-old Kirsten Higley was killed early Monday morning while cycling to work on Boot Rd just east of Mary Jane Lane in West Goshen Township. The driver stopped and is cooperating with the investigation. West Goshen Police are asking anyone with relevant information to contact the department's Traffic Safety Division at 610-696-7400.
While we don't know the specifics of the crash, we know that it occurred at 6:44 am, more than a half hour before sunrise. The shoulder and width of Boot Road, which is one of Chester County's most important cycling routes, varies greatly and as you pass Mary Jane Lane the shoulder totally disappears as the road crests at a hill. Bike lanes are recommended for Boot Rd. in the Central Chester County Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Plan. In the near term we are urging PENNDOT and the Chester County Planning Commission to look at low cost ways to make Boot Road safer.
View PA/NJ Bicycle Crashes 2011-2013 in a larger map
Friends of the victim reflected on her character in the article's comments section. They claimed that she was an experienced cyclist, traveling that route for more than 6 years, and that her bike was properly equipped with lights. Our condolences go out to the friends and family of Kirsten Higley.
This is the legacy blog of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. It is an archive of posts from 2003 to 2014. Making your ride better since 1972. https://www.bicyclecoalition.org
1 comments:
Working my way through grad school delivering newspapers has me on Boot Road every morning. I remember seeing Ms. Higley almost everyday riding to work with a big smile on her face. She was a safe rider with blinking lights on the front and back of her bicycle.
I had no idea she was killed in such a irresponsible and cruel manner. Near the scene of the accident is a white bicycle adorned with her name. When I saw that memorial I Googled her name which brought me here. What a shame.
May you rest in peace, Kirsten.
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