Mother of Son Killed on New Falls Road Wants Action
Sharon Rearick’s online petition is calling on the public for help in getting walkways throughout New Falls Road.
Sharon Rearick sitting peacefully with her son's roadside memorial
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Sharon Rearick’s life changed forever on July 22.
On New Falls Road in Middletown, her son was run over by a hit-and run driver, John Rearick, 23. Several days later, he died from his injuries at St. Mary Medical Center, and for Sharon Rearick, the loss galvanized her to action.
New Falls Road, she says, is dangerous and something needs to be done about it. On August 29, Rearick created a petition one on Change.Org. In it she calls for sidewalks to be constructed on the highway for the safety of the public
Named the “Sidewalks for New Falls Road, Honoring John Rearick by Making a Difference,” the petition spells out the danger for the public when traveling by foot on the road as Rearick says in the online document. With approximately 1,300 signatures to date, and circulated through Patch and Facebook, locals are signing in support of the petition rapidly.
Have you had a close call on New Falls Road. Leave a comment?
One supporter, Renee E. Mundy, of Levittown, said, “There is a huge need for sidewalks on the super busy road. How many more deaths are needed to make this change?” Another endorser, Josh Bagley of Bensalem posted he’s walked on the road and knows from firsthand experience how dangerous it is.
The petition has created a local buzz and is catching the attention of state and local officials. State Sen. Tommy Tomlinson and State Rep. Tina Davis, both support the call for action and are working in tandem with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to figure out a way for a walkway to be built to protect pedestrians.
In letters obtained by Patch Bristol Township Manager Bill McCauley contacted PennDOT requesting the agency complete a traffic study of New Falls Road, citing the road as “…one of most dangerous highways for pedestrian travel in Bucks County….”
PennDOT's reponse to McCauley in early September stating they are in support of a study, however, state funds to build sidewalks isn’t typical for the state agency. Further deliberation is required by the four municipalities involved in order for any movement on the issue to be realized, the transportation office says.
Rearick realizes, it will be a process but since response to the petition has been so “phenomenal and overwhelming,” there is no turning back now, she says.
“I really believe we can get this done.”
As she looked out over to where a memorial for her son stands tears flowed down her cheeks.
“If there’s some good that can come of my loss, then so be it. I want to see this happen not only for me, but also for the next person walking on that road. I don’t want my son’s death to be in vain and that’s why this petition is so important to me.”
As for hit –and-run driver on August 9, Jonathan Simmons, 27 of Bristol Township turned himself in to police admitting he was the driver of the car that struck and killed Rearick’s son John.
Simmons is now charged with accident involving death or injury, which is a felony, as well as other related offenses. He faces a maximum of seven years in prison and is now free on $500,000 unsecured bond.
To view the petition and the Facebook page created in honor of John Rearick please see the links below.
Sharon Rearick
9:59 am on Monday, September 24, 2012
As of this morning Monday September 24, there are 1411 signatures. Keep signing and posting messages. Thanks together we CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Sharon Rearick
10:13 am on Monday, September 24, 2012
The accident happened July 22, and he passes July 28 2012.
EARL NELSON
10:18 am on Monday, September 24, 2012
Very sorry for your loss Sharon.
EARL NELSON
10:18 am on Monday, September 24, 2012
Ive been in the township for going on 17 years ands never understood why New Fall Rd doesnt have walkways and or sidewalks?
Sharon Rearick
10:34 am on Monday, September 24, 2012
Earl, Please share this story with anyone that will listen.
Shana Jugler
11:54 am on Monday, September 24, 2012
Me and my family just want to take my brothers death and make something positive. No other family should have to go through the pain and loss of a family member like my family has had to because if lack of sidewalks
EARL NELSON
12:01 pm on Monday, September 24, 2012
I will Sharon.
Sharon Rearick
12:02 pm on Monday, September 24, 2012
PLEASE POST YOUR COMMENTS SO THEY WILL HEAR US.
Kim Stewart
12:55 pm on Monday, September 24, 2012
I grew up very close to where John was killed and still have family and friends in the area. This has always been one of the deadliest roads in Lower Bucks County. Please sign the petition so no other family has to endure the loss of a child.
Sharon Rearick
1:25 pm on Monday, September 24, 2012
Thank you Kim
Nicole benner
3:30 pm on Monday, September 24, 2012
So sorry for your loss, don't stop fighting
Sharon Rearick
5:46 pm on Monday, September 24, 2012
Thank you Nicole, please sign and share. Thanks
http://www.change.org/petitions/side-walks-for-new-falls-road-levittown-pa-honoring-john-rearick-by-making-a-difference
Jackie7580
4:43 pm on Monday, September 24, 2012
We live in colbolt ridge and my 14 year old daughter likes to ride her bike to the wawa, Anthony's pizza , exc. it's scary because people do not pay attention half the time while drive. And there I believe is no sidewalks along that area.... Hopefully something changes.
I am very sorry for your lose:(
Sharon Rearick
5:47 pm on Monday, September 24, 2012
Thanks Jackie, Please sign ans share with anyone that will listen.
http://www.change.org/petitions/side-walks-for-new-falls-road-levittown-pa-honoring-john-rearick-by-making-a-difference
BETH DILTS
7:05 pm on Monday, September 24, 2012
So very sorry for your loss I can't imagine your grief. Your positive action is admirable, you have my support.
Sharon Rearick
8:36 pm on Monday, September 24, 2012
Please sign and share this petition and this story.
Katrina
5:04 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
I remember the day one of my best friends,my youngest daughter,and i placed the blue and red cross's along with the blue flowers in that spot...John was a good friend of ours, i am happy to know that they still sit there to this day. Sharon Rearick and her family are truly amazing people to have suffered such a loss and be able and willing to turn it into something so great. you have mine and my family's full support.
Sharon Rearick
4:38 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
OK Levittown Patch, I need your help with this effort. It has been brought to my attention that the townships do not have the money to fund the sidewalk project so i am asking for community support in DONATING TIME AND OR MATERIALS. Please ANY AND ALL CONCRETE CONTRACTORS that would be ABLE AND WILLING to donate time and or materials to make this a reality. Get in touch with me 267-261-3147 (this is my phone I use as a contact phone for my zumba classes, so0when you get a zumba message you are not dialing wrong) I would also be willing to have fundraisers and SELLING BLOCKS OF CONCRETE new goal is to work on getting concrete contractors do donate their time and or materials to get the side walks done. I do not want the township to have any reason to NOT keep this community safe. Please post that we are looking for contractor help. Silence the townships refusal because of money before it starts. Thank you for the amazing support. Sharon Rearick and Family
Joe Squire
6:12 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
This is a bad enough road considering all the bars lined up on it, and now that you have idiots texting and driving as well, even worse, with one little swirve you can hit someone as there really is no shoulder to walk or ride a bike on. It amazes me how they can not get this done saying they don't have enough money, then you look at other townships, like say falls township who put in a beautiful walkway on both sides of levittown pkwy with benches, trash bins etc, along the way from levittown pkwy to fallsington/tullytown road. Obviosuly they would not have to, or be able to do the whole road due to personal properties and business parking lots, so I think collabaratively (sp) with other townships along the road, they could get something done, at least on one side for a start. I can not imagine what you are going through and our thoughts and prayers are with you and May God Bless!