Bicycle Coalition of Maine
Media Contact: Andrew Zarro
P: 207-623-4511
E: press@bikemaine.org
Cyclist Killed in Scarborough Hit-and-Run: Bicycle Coalition of Maine Calls for Urgent Action on Route 1 and Statewide Safety Crisis
Scarborough, ME — The Bicycle Coalition of Maine is calling for urgent action following the death of a person biking who was struck in a hit-and-run crash early Friday morning on U.S. Route 1 near Southgate Road in Scarborough.
The crash occurred around 4:05 a.m. According to Scarborough Police, the driver fled the scene, and the victim was transported to Maine Medical Center, where they later died. The investigation remains ongoing.
“This is a preventable death,” said Andrew Zarro, Executive Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. “A person commuting by bike lost their life on a road that was never designed to protect them. Route 1 is a fast-moving commuter corridor with no dedicated bike infrastructure, and the risks have been well-known. We can no longer wait for change — we need action now.”
This marks the second bicycle fatality in Maine this year. As of June 2025, the state has seen 56 bicycle crashes and 96 pedestrian crashes, with a combined 11 fatalities. These figures point to a statewide safety crisis for vulnerable road users.
U.S. Route 1 through Scarborough carries heavy traffic volumes daily and is widely used by commuters and essential workers. However, the road lacks protected bike lanes, safe shoulders, proper lighting, and other infrastructure critical for the safety of people biking and walking.
“This corridor, like many others in Maine, is designed for vehicle speed, not human safety,” Zarro added. “When our roads ignore the needs of people biking and walking, tragedies like this become inevitable.”
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine is urging the following immediate actions:
- A comprehensive safety audit of Route 1 in Scarborough;
- Emergency safety improvements such as reduced speed limits, high-visibility signage, and temporary protected bike lanes;
- A long-term commitment to Complete Streets principles, including the development and funding of safe, separated infrastructure across the state;
- Stronger enforcement of laws related to reckless driving and hit-and-run offenses.
“This isn’t just about one road or one crash,” said Zarro. “This is about how we build our streets and how we value people who move outside of cars. Every Mainer deserves to get to work, school, or home safely — no matter how they travel.”
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Scarborough Police Officer Lauren Bartlett at (207) 730-4329.
For more information or to support BCM’s work, visit www.bikemaine.org.
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The Bicycle Coalition of Maine works to make Maine a better and safer place to bike and walk. 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.