As Crashes Rise, Pedestrians and Bikers are at Greater Risk Than Ever in 2026

By Luke Bower

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

On Saturday, September 12th, a group of teens, including teens from the Deering High School community, were involved in an accident on Warren Ave. This resulted in the death of a 13 year old boy from Scarborough and the hospitalization of two other teens for non life-threatening injuries. Three days later on Tuesday, September 15th, another incident involving a boy getting his foot run over by a truck occurred on Fox St. Both these events are raising concerns over traffic safety in Portland.

The problem of traffic safety in Portland has increased over the past couple of years, and some believe that these two accidents demonstrate the need for additional legislation. According to Vision Zero, in 2025, 4 pedestrians died and 11 were severely injured for a total of 456 injury-related crashes across Portland. 2026 has also had multiple fatalities and 25 total pedestrian crashes so far. This shows that current laws are not doing enough to keep pedestrians safe. Bikers have also been seriously injured, according to Bike Maine (4 in 2025, 20 crashes in 2026). Bikers are also facing increased danger as continued accidents occur.

Portland has begun taking more measures to combat this issue. According to Vision Zero in Portland, walk signals have started appearing before a green light and red lights last longer so that people can cross the street safely. Commercial St. has also temporarily extended curbs, says News Center Maine. Work is being done to improve sight lines and street lighting for drivers and pedestrians, according to Vision Zero and the Police Department is continuing to make sure drivers are following speed limits, not driving distracted, and yielding to pedestrians who are crossing, from WGME. Despite these improvements, some say not enough is being done. 

“The sidewalks [in Portland] still aren’t so good, and it’s hard for people to get around the city,” says Zoe Eiber, a social worker at Deering High School. “There’s a lack of light and the sidewalk ends in some areas.” 

Andrew Zarro, executive director at the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, has had dangerous experiences when he is riding a bike, and says that “[he] was… run off the road last Saturday by a driver who blew through a stop sign…” and that “an individual bicyclist can do everything correctly and still be put in a dangerous position.” The same thing goes for pedestrians. Their concern is felt by many in Portland, as speed limits have not been lowered and right on red lights in some places make crossing the street dangerous.

The students who were hurt in the car accident on September 12 will receive messages of support from the school’s Muslim Student Association and the broader Deering community.  Photo Credit: Ms. Leffler

Some people say that speed limits and right on reds need to be changed in order to protect all pedestrians and bikers, but especially children, in Portland. They also say sidewalks and tunnels must be improved to help everyone see and use the walkways safely. “The tragic events involving children over the past few days are a heart-wrenching reminder of how fragile life can be,” Mark Dion, mayor of Portland, said in a statement from WMTW. “...Help us ensure that every child and community member arrives home safely.”