NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Saturday is the 7th annual Pedestrian Memorial to honor those who have lost their lives while walking or biking on Nashville roads.
37 people were killed walking or biking in Nashville last year, memorials have been made for each of them for the ceremony that will be at Trinity Community Common in East Nashville at noon.
Families of the victims from 2023 and years past will be there and speak, as well as elected officials and those who have been advocating for safer streets.
Walk Bike Nashville and Families for Safe Streets Nashville are the two organizations that host this memorial service every year.
The groups said each one of the deaths remembered could have been prevented with roads that discourage high driving speeds, painted crosswalks, working streetlights, bike lanes, and sidewalks.
Walk Bike Nashville said more than 75 percent of people killed while walking in Nashville were on state routes such as Dickerson, Murfreesboro, Nolensville, and Gallatin Pikes.
Pedestrian fatalities have increased by 308 percent statewide between 2012 to 2022.
2022 was a record-breaking year for pedestrian fatalities in Davidson County with 47 deaths.
Rhori recommends:
“Here’s another example of a small non-profit doing so much good in our community! Forrest Sanders highlights the group Friends Life Community, which provides adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a chance to express themselves through art. In this case, original stage performances! Registered drama therapist Sarah Edwards guides the performers, including Mary Margaret, as they express themselves through written words and dance movements. The original show is touring and have a date set this September at TPAC!”
-Rhori Johnston
