(Portland, ME) September 9, 2024 – Early this morning, a woman was killed after being hit by a car along Depot Street in Buckfield. On September 5th, a 4-year old child was killed by a driver in the driveway of a North Berwick daycare facility. Neither of the victims nor the driver’s names have been released.
“These are heartbreaking tragedies,” said Jean Sideris, Bicycle Coalition of Maine executive director. “Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those involved.”
The BCM urges law enforcement to carefully examine driver behavior, the roadway conditions, pedestrian facilities , phone use records, and any additional circumstances that may have contributed to the crashes. Depot Street in Buckfield does not have a sidewalk and there is a narrow shoulder on either side of the road.
These are the 7th and 8th pedestrians to be killed in Maine this year. Statewide, according to the MaineDOT crash query tool, 137 pedestrian crashes have been reported. One cyclist has been killed and MaineDOT reports 125 crashes. These numbers are slightly lower compared to a similar time frame last year.
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The Bicycle Coalition of Maine works to make Maine a better and safer place to bike, walk, and roll. Founded in 1992, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine has grown into the leading bicycle and pedestrian advocacy group in the state. The Coalition believes all Mainers should have access to bikes and bike education, and we envision a future where Maine’s roads, public ways, and trails are safe and accessible, resulting in cleaner travel options, improved health, and stronger economic benefits for Maine communities.