World Day of Remembrance 2024 – Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia

On Sunday families of traffic crash victims, community members, and faith leaders gathered on World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in Carroll Park to demand that decision-makers do more to reduce deadly hit-and-run and drunk driving crashes. In Philadelphia, 106 people have been killed in traffic crashes so far this year, 33 of which were people killed in hit-and-run crashes. The group urged state officials to fight this rampant safety crisis by passing impactful legislation establishing a Jay Alert system to catch hit-and-run drivers and decrease dangerous and reckless speeding through residential neighborhoods (SB 730).

“I’m here today to honor and remember my niece, Jayanna Powell, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver while walking home from school on November 18th, 2016. 8 years ago tomorrow. In that time we have channeled our grief into a fight for justice,” said Jasmine Hoffman. “The Jay Alert legislation is designed to send notifications out to registered auto shops and cell phones after serious and fatal hit and runs, yet after 8 years we have seen no progress and hundreds of people killed in hit and run crashes.”

“Joining the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and Families for Safe Streets Greater Philadelphia for World Day of Remembrance is a powerful opportunity to honor those, like Jayanna Powell, whose lives were tragically taken by traffic violence,” said Senator Williams. “This event serves as a reminder that each life lost is a call to action. By coming together, we renew our commitment to creating safer streets for all Philadelphians, so no more lives are lost to preventable crashes.”

“On this World Day of Remembrance, we honor the lives lost to traffic violence and stand with their families in calling for safer streets,” said State Representative Morgan Cephas. “While today is a time for reflection, it must also serve as a call to action. I am proud to champion the Jay Alerts system, named after my very own constituent, Jayanna Powell—a tool that will help law enforcement quickly locate and apprehend those who flee the scene after causing harm. Together, we can make our streets safer for all.

“On this World Day of Remembrance, we need to stand with the families who have suffered these senseless tragedies caused by careless driving. As a state Senator who represents the area that includes portions of the very dangerous Roosevelt Boulevard, I have seen firsthand the tragedies caused by careless driving as well as the benefits of common sense strategies, such as speed and red light cameras, can provide,” said State Senator Tartaglione. “These families, who bravely bear the terrible loss of a loved one, but stand here to call for change and protections offered by legislation such as that which would be offered by providing Jay Alerts deserve our support.”

“In Memory of My Son: It’s sometimes hard to know why things happen as they do; for so much love & happiness was centered around you. Missing you. Love Mommy,” said Rev. Stephanie Evans who lost her son, Robert Evans, on January 25th, 2020 in a hit-and-run crash. 

World Day of Remembrance in Trenton

Trenton residents and activists, including the Trenton Cycling Revolution observed the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims with an info session and ghost bike install where Victoriano Choz was struck and killed by a driver on October 26th. He was a bright young musician and mechanic who lost his life too soon at an intersection that is deadly for any mode of transportation.

A memorial was also placed at the bike rack at Trenton City Hall with the names of New Jersey’s recent cyclist fatalities to remind our leaders that they must act and make Trenton the leader in NJ on progressive policies. Advocates as the City convene a Safe Streets for All Committee and adopt Vision Zero and the Trenton Bike Plan.

New Jersey World Day of Remembrance

On Monday, NJ Governor Phil Murphy signed a resolution declaring the third Sunday in November as World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in NJ

These events are just three of hundreds that happened on World Day of Remembrance across the globe and the U.S., which is experiencing a 16-year high in roadway deaths – and the highest number of deaths amongst people walking in 40 years. 

Traffic violence is avoidable, with many cities around the US making great strides in decreasing or eliminating roadway fatalities. In Hoboken, NJ, for example, pedestrian and cyclist fatalities have plummeted over the last five years after simple street redesigns  — including parking-protected bike lanes — that prioritized safety for all road users rather than automotive ease.

In the U.S., the calls for change are particularly urgent, given that In the past two years, almost 20 percent more people died in traffic crashes, according to National Safety Council (NSC) estimates. That’s more than 46,000 people each year. U.S. pedestrian deaths are at the highest level in 41 years and cyclist deaths reached a 46 year high.

Can’t stop, won’t stop, fighting for safer roadways WITH YOU! Investing in our year-round advocacy and education work to make the Greater Philadelphia region a safer and more fun place to ride is easy — join or renew your membership here.