UMass Lowell Addresses Car-Pedestrian Crashes

University launches task force to improve pedestrian safety after recent incidents

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Following several car-pedestrian crashes near the UMass Lowell campus, including one fatal incident, the university administration has announced the creation of a Campus Pedestrian Safety Task Force to assess current conditions and implement additional safety measures in coordination with the city of Lowell.

Why it matters

The car-pedestrian crashes on and around the UMass Lowell campus have raised serious concerns about pedestrian safety, especially in high-traffic areas near the university. The administration's response to create a task force demonstrates a commitment to addressing these issues and working with local authorities to find solutions.

The details

In early February, a pedestrian was seriously injured after being struck by a Lowell Police cruiser while crossing Wilder Street on UMass Lowell's South Campus. A week later, another car-pedestrian crash occurred at the intersection of Aiken and Perkins streets on the university's East Campus, injuring two people. Both incidents remain under investigation. Following the fatal accident that claimed the life of a 60-year-old pedestrian, UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen announced the creation of the Campus Pedestrian Safety Task Force, to be led by the university's police chief. The task force will work with both the university and city police departments to assess current conditions and implement additional safety measures, such as improvements at key crossings.

  • In early February, a pedestrian was struck by a Lowell Police cruiser while crossing Wilder Street.
  • One week after the first incident, another car-pedestrian crash was reported at the intersection of Aiken and Perkins streets.
  • Last Wednesday, the pedestrian struck by the Lowell Police cruiser, 60-year-old Daniel Kennedy, died from his injuries.

The players

UMass Lowell

A public research university located in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Julie Chen

Chancellor of UMass Lowell, who announced the creation of the Campus Pedestrian Safety Task Force.

Ron Dickerson

UMass Lowell Police Chief, who will lead the Campus Pedestrian Safety Task Force.

Daniel Kennedy

A 60-year-old Billerica resident and retired Gloucester Fire Department lieutenant who died from injuries sustained when he was struck by a vehicle while crossing Wilder Street.

Lowell Police Department

The local police department that is investigating the car-pedestrian crashes near the UMass Lowell campus.

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What they’re saying

“Nothing is more important to our university than the safety and well-being of UMass Lowell students, staff and faculty. Events of the past two weeks, including the tragic death of a student from injuries sustained when he was hit by a car, remind us of the critical importance of monitoring conditions on our urban campus and making improvements.”

— Julie Chen, Chancellor, UMass Lowell (lowellsun.com)

What’s next

The Lowell City Council will hear a motion at its Tuesday night meeting requesting that the City Manager work with UMass Lowell to explore installing rectangular rapid flashing beacons at the intersections of Pawtucket-Walker and Pawtucket-Wilder streets by the start of the summer.

The takeaway

The car-pedestrian crashes near the UMass Lowell campus have highlighted the need for improved pedestrian safety measures, especially in high-traffic areas. The university's creation of a task force to work with local authorities demonstrates a commitment to addressing these issues and finding solutions to protect students, staff, and the broader community.