Why we will still hold World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on November 15

Last year, I stood on the steps of City Hall for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims with people whose stories you never forget. 

I stood with a man for whom a lunchtime run near his office turned into a months-long hospital stay, multiple surgeries, and life-long traumatic brain damage due to a careless red light-running driver. I stood with a young family; both parents had survived being hit while riding their bikes. And then there were those who had lost loved ones in traffic crashes. A dad mourning his daughter, hit and killed while commuting to work. A mom mourning her son, killed on the way to start an apprenticeship and join the family business. The toll of these tragedies is profound.

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is a needed space to grieve, to remember, and to lift up stories that must be heard.

It is where we come together to demand that our leaders take action to end severe and fatal traffic crashes. As our streets continue to be far too hostile to people walking and biking, we cannot sit this year out.

That is why we will hold this event on November 15, 2020 at 3:00PM near City Hall. Strict COVID safety protocols will be in place, and attendance will be limited.

If you are someone who has been personally affected by a traffic crash – whether you want to remember a friend or loved one, or you are the survivor of a crash yourself – I hope you will attend the event. Please sign up so we can confirm your attendance and share more details about how you can participate. 

Here are a few ways to to support World Day of Remembrance and stand in solidarity with victims of traffic violence:

• Donate pairs of used shoes for the temporary memorial we will create at City Hall. You can drop off shoes at Walk SF’s office at 333 Hayes Street at pre-arranged times. Let us know when and how many pairs you’ll drop off.
• Make a gift to San Francisco Bay Area Families for Safe Streets. This is a group of people whose loved ones have been killed or injured by preventable crashes on our streets, as well as traffic crash survivors. Your gift will be used to provide members with emotional support, advocacy trainings, and more. Donate now.
• Plan to share the stories of victims on social media on World Day of Remembrance. Walk SF will be posting photos and videos from the event; you can help amplify our urgent message for safe streets.

Learn more about World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims and contact Aly with any questions.