JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Dozens gathered in downtown Jacksonville on Friday to honor the lives lost in pedestrian and traffic accidents.

The event, organized by the city and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, took place on the occasion of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

Teresa Rose attended and spoke at the event to honor her friend Katie.

Katie was killed on October 30, 2020, after being hit by a truck while cycling in St. Augustine. Rose said this happened at the intersection of US1 and King Street.

Rose, who has also been hit while cycling, carries a photo of Katie in her wallet as a reminder of the friend she describes as “loud, funny and kind”.

“He always made you feel included. Like I had a time in my life where I felt really lonely 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 accident, also spoke at the event.

MORE | ‘Everyone deserves to get to their destination safely’: Jacksonville hosts event to remember those lost in crashes

She described how, since her daughter’s death, she has made it her mission to help families in Northeast Florida who have lost a child pay for their funeral.

Between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2023, 508 people died in Jacksonville traffic accidents.

During the event, flags were displayed to represent each life lost.

Organizers and participants 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 road deaths and halve serious injuries by 2035.

The planwhich has different components, focuses on improving the safety of pedestrians and cyclists by improving pedestrian crossings, expanding cycle lanes and adjusting speed limits in critical areas.

When asked about the Vision Zero plan and the plan to help improve this area, Rose shared her optimism.

“Hopefully. Hopefully, it’s been a long time since we thought the change would happen,” Rose said. “To see a city come together and have the mayor speak and all these wonderful people organizing to make a change, I’m hopeful.”

Rose added that such events 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.