Memorial Bike Ride Honors Late Swarthmore Professor

Cyclists commemorate former math professor killed in bicycle-automobile collision

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:06am

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Swarthmore students and faculty joined Delaware County-area cyclists on Saturday, March 28, for a 4.5-mile bike ride in memory of former Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics Eduard 'Teddy' Einstein, who was fatally struck by a car while riding his bicycle in Upper Darby, PA in December 2025. The memorial ride and dedication ceremony were organized by local cycling advocacy groups to honor Einstein's life and demand safer infrastructure for cyclists.

Why it matters

Einstein's death sparked outrage from cycling groups over the dangerous road conditions that contributed to the fatal collision. The memorial event aimed to raise awareness of the challenges faced by cyclists in the region and push for concrete changes to improve bike safety, as cycling is a common and affordable mode of transportation for many in the Philadelphia area.

The details

The memorial ride was completed by two groups of cyclists departing from either end of Einstein's daily commute between Swarthmore and West Philadelphia, meeting at the site of the crash for a 'ghost bike' dedication ceremony. Traffic cones were used to temporarily narrow the dangerously wide intersection where Einstein was killed, demonstrating the type of infrastructure improvements cycling advocates hope to see implemented permanently.

  • The memorial ride took place on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • Einstein was fatally struck by a car while cycling in Upper Darby, PA in December 2025.

The players

Eduard 'Teddy' Einstein

A 38-year-old former Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Swarthmore College who was killed in a bicycle-automobile collision while commuting in December 2025.

Ruth Fahey

The wife of Eduard 'Teddy' Einstein.

Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (BCGP)

A cycling advocacy group that oversees the installation and upkeep of 'ghost bikes' in the Philadelphia region and provided support services to Einstein's family after his death.

Philly Bike Action (PBA)

A volunteer organization that co-sponsored the memorial ride and of which Einstein was a member.

Bike Delco

A local cycling group that co-sponsored the memorial ride.

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What they’re saying

“We had an excellent turnout. [BCGP] estimates that 75 people showed up. One of Teddy's summer research students ... got the chance to meet Teddy's wife Ruth [Fahey] and left some flowers for him.”

— Jacob Russell, Swarthmore Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics and PBA member

“One of the things that stood out to me was the number of people who participated that didn't even know Teddy. A local bike rental company offered free e-bikes to use for anyone who wanted one. The biking community is passionate about bike safety and showed up to support Teddy's family and demand concrete changes.”

— Carolyn Reinhart, Swarthmore Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics

What’s next

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has promised upgrades to the intersection where Einstein was killed, including narrowed crossings, a protected bike crossing, high-visibility pedestrian markings, and traffic-calming measures.

The takeaway

This memorial event highlighted the urgent need for safer infrastructure for cyclists in the Philadelphia region, where biking is a common and affordable mode of transportation for many. The tragic loss of Professor Einstein has inspired advocacy to improve road conditions and protect vulnerable road users.