A pregnant woman and her unborn child died in a January crash in Playa del Rey, California, after the city had removed bike lanes from the street where the incident occurred. Regan Cole-Graham, 36, was cycling with her husband and three-year-old son on Pershing Drive when an 87-year-old driver allegedly struck her. Both Regan, who was seven months pregnant, and her son were transported to a hospital. Tragically, only the toddler survived.
The family's attorney, Brian Breiter, stated that the removal of the bike lanes was a critical factor in the crash. "That protection, that area of safety was taken away and we believe that was a critical factor," Breiter told KTLA 5 News.
In May 2017, the city of Los Angeles implemented a pilot program that included "road diets" on Pershing Drive, which reduced traffic lanes to enhance safety. However, the program faced immediate opposition from residents and business owners who cited increased traffic congestion. Subsequently, then-Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that the removed lanes would be restored.
"This pilot program has shown us that lane reductions are not the right approach in Playa del Rey, but we can and will find a way to ease congestion and improve traffic safety in this neighborhood," Garcetti stated at the time, introducing alternative safety measures such as speed-feedback signs and improved crosswalks.
The Graham family intends to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the city, asserting that the decision to remove the bike lanes placed cyclists at risk. Matthew Graham, Regan's husband, expressed his grief and determination to advocate for safer streets.
The incident occurred on January 31 as the family approached the intersection of Pershing Drive and Manchester Avenue. The driver of the vehicle, who remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, has not been charged.
Regan died from her injuries, but doctors were able to deliver her baby girl, Ophelia, who later succumbed to her injuries. Matthew Graham described the loss as devastating, stating, "I feel like she was the better parent of the two of us and now I have to try and somehow make up for the void that is so impossible to fill."
Following the tragedy, an advocacy group, Streets Are For Everyone, organized a memorial. The group's executive director, Damian Kevitt, called the deaths a "preventable tragedy" and urged the city to expedite safety improvements. A GoFundMe campaign established by the family to support their needs has raised over $300,000.