Bicycle Coalition of Maine
Media Contact: Dan Bassett
P: 207-623-4511
E: press@bikemaine.org
Pedestrian Death in New Gloucester Continues Trend of Dangerous Year for Vulnerable Road Users.
(New Gloucester, ME) August 17th, 2025 – A 64-year old woman was killed on Sunday after being struck by a Ford Fusion in New Gloucester. The crash occurred on the 1100 block of Lewiston Rd at 8:40pm. The investigation is ongoing and driver impairment is not considered to be a factor. This crash adds to what has already been a devastating year for pedestrian injuries and deaths in Maine.
So far in 2025, Maine has recorded 139 pedestrian crashes, resulting in 11 fatalities, and 112 bicycle crashes, including 2 fatalities. These numbers are not just statistics — they represent real people, families, and communities whose lives have been changed and altered on streets that should be safer for all road users.
“These incidents will not stop happening unless towns and cities take action,” said Dan Bassett, Deputy Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. “Mainers deserve roads where they do not have to worry about being hit or killed by a vehicle. By committing to Vision Zero, our communities can start the change that is needed for all road users.”
As summer continues in Maine and more and more people are on the roads, the urgent need to act can not be understated. Drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists are sharing space more frequently, and without proper infrastructure to ensure the safety of all users, the consequences of unsafe streets can be tragic.
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine is calling on communities statewide to implement bold, immediate changes — including lowering speed limits in pedestrian-heavy areas, redesigning streets to prioritize safety over speed, improving visibility at crossings, and investing in public education and enforcement. Municipalities must also address the widespread gaps in how crash data is reported, tracked, and used to inform safety strategies.
“Crashes are not something we should have to accept, they can be prevented,” added Bassett. “The Bicycle Coalition of Maine will continue its work of advocating for infrastructure, education, and accountability. Maine should be a place where we are all safe to use the roads.”
The crash in New Gloucester is not a one-off tragedy, but part of a statewide emergency that demands action from all levels of officials. The Bicycle Coalition of Maine remains committed to working with communities across the state to make streets safer 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.