(Portland, ME) January 8, 2025 – Joe Lewis, a 61-year-old attorney and beloved member of the Portland community, tragically passed away after being struck by an SUV while walking in the Old Port last Friday afternoon. According to Portland police, Lewis was walking back to his office on Moulton Street when the driver of an SUV turning onto India Street hit him, causing a severe head injury. He was transported to the hospital, where he later died.
The driver, a 69-year-old woman, has not been charged, and the investigation remains ongoing. This incident marks the second pedestrian death in Portland in recent months, highlighting the urgent need for safer pedestrian infrastructure and driver awareness.
“It is uncommon for charges to be filed in crashes like these, even at intersections where there seem to be no visual obstructions,” said Paul Drinan, Active Transportation Director for the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, as quoted in the Portland Press Herald. “Maine crash data is hard to analyze and may not present the full story of what may have happened.”
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine has identified significant issues in how municipalities and the state track and report crash data, which impedes the ability to address safety concerns effectively. The BCM is committed to partnering with stakeholders to improve crash data collection and analysis and advocate for systemic changes to protect vulnerable road users.
“This tragedy underscores the pressing need for safer roadways in Maine,” said Andrew Zarro, Executive Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. “The BCM is steadfast in its commitment to Vision Zero—achieving zero fatalities for pedestrians and cyclists—and ensuring that every Mainer can safely walk, bike, and roll on our streets. This is the second pedestrian fatality recorded in Maine in 2025, and two months since a similar fatality at the intersection of Franklin and Cumberland. We are committed to ending these devastating and avoidable tragedies.”
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine calls on law enforcement and city officials to thoroughly investigate this crash, including road design, vehicle size, and driver behavior, and to take swift action to prevent future tragedies. The BCM also encourages all road users to exercise vigilance and care, especially in areas like the Old Port, which are frequented by pedestrians.
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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.