On Wednesday and Thursday, cyclists, including Spiegelman, will be on West Chester Pike near the accident site during rush hours, holding up signs telling motorists: "Bicyclists May Use Full Lane."
The group, which includes members of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, hopes to enlist the help of the state Department of Transportation, Delaware County officials, and local police to improve bicycle safety, bring attention to the challenges of sharing the road, and prevent another death.
At 9.52 a.m. July 15, Garrett was in the westbound lane riding uphill when he was hit from behind by a car driven by a 51-year-old woman from Broomall. Though he was wearing a helmet, Garrett sustained severe head injuries and died that day, said Thomas Murray, Marple Township police chief.
The driver told police she did not see the cyclist until she was on top of him. No citations were issued, said Murray.
"He loved his bicycle," said Stephen G. Emerson, president of Haverford College and a friend of Garrett's. The death of the popular teacher has left a huge hole at the school, he said.
Garrett, 38, an instructor in biology and chemistry, had made some key discoveries in his field of stem-cell research, Emerson said. Originally from Louisiana, Garrett loved living and cycling in Southeastern Pennsylvania and rode to work every day, Emerson said.
The Bicycle Coalition estimates that in 2008, more than 36,000 people commuted to work in Philadelphia by bicycle at least once a month, according to its website.
David Bennett, a Bicycle Coalition spokesman, said West Chester Pike is used by a number of commuting cyclists, and is one of the few practical routes between the Newtown Square area and 69th Street in Upper Darby, a transportation hub and entryway to the city.
"Bicyclists have the right to use the road," said Jenny Robinson, a PennDoy spokeswoman, adding that bicycles "are classified as vehicles."
