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 its Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, was held to mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

Teresa Rose attended and spoke during the event in honor of her friend Katie.

Katie was killed on October 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 cycling in the past, keeps 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 up on me,” says Rose.

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 reach their destinations safely’: Jacksonville hosts event to remember those lost in crashes

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

Between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2023, Jacksonville had 508 people killed in 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 traffic deaths and halve the number of serious injuries by 2035.

The planwhich has different components, focuses on improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists 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 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.