The Detroit Greenways Coalition is joining communities around the world in observing the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, taking place on November 17th, 2024. This annual observance serves as an opportunity to honor the lives lost and affected by road traffic crashes, raise awareness about road safety, and advocate for safer, more sustainable transportation systems for all.
The Detroit Greenways Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to the expansion and improvement of the city’s network of safe walking, biking, and rolling pathways, recognizes the vital need for systemic change to prevent road traffic fatalities and injuries in Detroit and beyond. This day serves as a reminder of the human cost of unsafe roadways and underscores the importance of a holistic approach to transportation that prioritizes safety, equity, and environmental sustainability.
“We mourn the lives lost on our streets, and we stand with the families, friends, and communities who are affected by traffic violence,” said Todd Scott, Executive Director of the Detroit Greenways Coalition. “In Detroit, too many people are impacted by preventable crashes, and we are committed to advocating for policies and infrastructure that protect the most vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and people with disabilities.”
The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, which began in 1995, is observed in over 50 countries and calls for action on issues of road safety, justice for victims, and accountability for those who contribute to the epidemic of road traffic injuries and fatalities. In Detroit, the Coalition is amplifying its efforts to support Vision Zero goals—an initiative aimed at reducing all traffic fatalities to zero.
“We must work together to create safe streets that are designed for people, not just cars. We’re optimistic that the $62.5 million Detroit has received in Safe Streets for All funding will help address the most dangerous streets and intersections,” said Scott. “However, Detroit’s 1,285 road fatalities during the past decade (with nearly one-third being vulnerable road users) is a stark reminder that this work is far from done.”