JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Dozens gathered in downtown Jacksonville Friday to honor the lives lost to pedestrian and traffic crashes.
The event, organized by the city and its Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, was held in observance of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
Teresa Rose attended and spoke during the event, to honor her friend Katie.
Katie was killed on Oct. 30, 2020, after being hit by a truck while riding her bicycle in St. Augustine. Rose said this happened at the intersection of US1 and King Street.
Rose, who has also been hit while riding a bike before, carries a photo of Katie in her wallet, as a reminder of the friend she describes as “loud, funny and kind.”
“Always made you feel included. Like I had a time in my life where I felt really alone and isolated and she always made sure to check on me,” Rose said.
Rose said the photo is also a reminder to keep going.
Drew Haramis, whose daughter Allison was killed 15 years ago in a car crash, also spoke at the event.
She described that since her daughter’s death, she’s made it a mission to help families in Northeast Florida who lost a child, pay for their funerals.
Between Jan. 1, 2021, and Dec. 31, 2023, Jacksonville had 508 people die from traffic crashes.
During the event, flags were displayed to represent each life lost.
Organizers and attendees stressed the need for change to prevent further tragedies.
To help reduce the number of deaths, speakers discussed the city’s Vision Zero Action Plan. This comprehensive initiative aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and reduce serious injuries by half by 2035.
The plan, which has different components, focuses on enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety by improving crosswalks, expanding bike lanes, and adjusting speed limits in critical areas.
When asked about the Vision Zero plan, and the plan to help it improve this area, Rose shared her optimism.
“Hopeful. Hopeful, it’s been a long time since I thought that change would happen,” Rose said. “To see a city come together and have the mayor speak and all of these wonderful people organizing to make a change, I feel hopeful.”
Rose added that events like these bring her joy and help keep the memories of those lost alive.
For her and many others, the gathering was an inspiring reminder of the urgent need for safer streets in Jacksonville.