Changing streets and systems
We partner with institutions, public agencies, elected officials, researchers, and community organizations to advance street designs and transportation policies that protect people walking and biking.
Pediatric Advocates for Transportation Health & Safety
Safer streets.Healthier communities.Barbara’s legacy in action.
PATHS for Barbara brings together health professionals, advocates, and community members to prevent traffic deaths and serious injuries in Philadelphia. Through evidence-based advocacy, education, and direct community programs, we are working toward streets where every person can walk, bike, roll, and travel safely.
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Everyone deserves a safe path home.
Read Barbara’s story →Dr. Barbara Friedes was a beloved pediatrician and chief resident at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. On July 17, 2024, she was killed by an intoxicated, speeding driver while riding home in the Spruce Street bike lane. She was wearing a helmet, following traffic laws, and traveling where the street told her she would be safe.
In the aftermath of her death, Barbara’s colleagues, friends, and community members formed PATHS for Barbara. We honor her life by working to prevent other families and communities from experiencing a loss that safer systems can prevent.
Our mission
Prevention at every level
PATHS for Barbara advances evidence-based solutions that reduce injuries and deaths caused by traffic violence and preventable crashes. Grounded in public health and violence prevention, we work toward zero pedestrian and cyclist deaths and serious injuries in Philadelphia, with particular attention to the communities surrounding CHOP and the University of Pennsylvania.
Protecting children through Helmet Heroes
Helmet Heroes helps children receive properly fitted bicycle helmets and practical safety education through participating pediatric primary care clinics, while equipping clinicians to make helmet guidance part of preventive care.
Making safe active transportation possible
We support policies and programs that make walking and cycling safe, practical, and welcoming ways to reach work, school, healthcare, and the people and places that matter.
Why this matters
Traffic violence is a public-health crisis, and it is preventable.
Helmets reduce the risk of serious head injury, but individual equipment cannot make an unsafe street safe.
Prevention requires safe street design, responsible speeds, effective policy, education, access to safety equipment, and public accountability.
of Philadelphia crashes in 2024 involved people walking, biking, rolling, or riding motorcycles—yet they accounted for nearly two-thirds of traffic fatalities.
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Black and Hispanic Philadelphians experience higher rates of traffic-related deaths, while high-poverty communities experience the highest crash-hospitalization rates.
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Current ways to help
There is a path for everyone.
Barbara brought people together. Her legacy still does.
We carry Barbara’s compassion, courage, and commitment to others into every clinic conversation, public meeting, partnership, and policy effort. Together, we can create streets that protect life and communities where everyone has a safe path home.