Bicycle Coalition of Maine
Media Contact: Andrew Zarro
P: 207.558.2211
E: press@bikemaine.org
Child Killed in Albion Hit-and-Run: Bicycle Coalition of Maine Calls for Urgent Action
Albion, Maine — The Bicycle Coalition of Maine is mourning the death of a child and the serious injuries sustained by two others following a hit-and-run crash on Friday, July 11, in Albion. According to the Maine State Police, the victims were struck while walking along Hussey Hill Road. The alleged driver, 44-year-old Benjamin Lancaster of Albion, has been charged with operating under the influence resulting in death and serious bodily injury, as well as leaving the scene of a fatal crash.
“Our hearts are with the family of the victims and the entire Albion community during this deeply painful time,” said Andrew Zarro, Executive Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. “A child has lost their life while simply walking down the road. This tragedy should never have happened, and it must not be ignored.”
The victims—a 33-year-old woman and two children—were reportedly walking along the roadside when they were struck by a white Hyundai Veloster. One child was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other remains in critical condition. The adult victim was hospitalized with serious injuries.
This incident is the latest in a troubling series of serious crashes involving vulnerable road users in Maine. As of July 2025:
- 73 bicycle crashes have been reported, with 2 resulting in fatalities
- 107 pedestrian crashes have occurred, with 9 resulting in fatalities
“These are not isolated events. They reflect a systemic failure to design and enforce safe, accessible streets,” Zarro said. “We are witnessing the deadly consequences of underinvestment in infrastructure and a continued tolerance for dangerous driving behavior.”
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine is urging immediate action to prevent further loss of life, including enhanced enforcement of impaired and reckless driving laws through expanded patrols and sobriety checkpoints. The Coalition also calls for comprehensive safety audits of roads lacking pedestrian infrastructure, particularly in rural and suburban areas. In addition, BCM advocates for sustained investment in complete streets infrastructure—such as sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting, traffic calming, and protected space for people walking and biking—and the launch of statewide education and awareness campaigns focused on safe driving and the safety and rights of vulnerable road users.
“We need to treat this moment with the seriousness it demands,” said Zarro. “Every life lost is a failure of policy, design, and enforcement. We must act boldly and urgently to make our streets safe for everyone.”
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.