2019 World Day of Remembrance for those killed and injured in traffic crashes.
Today, we at Bike Law join the European Federation of Road Traffic Victims (“FEVR”) in commemorating the 2019 World Day of Remembrance, honoring and remembering the many millions of people killed, injured and impacted by traffic crashes, and recognizing that “life is not a car part.”
We ask you to watch and pass along this short, impactful video created by Lucy Pepper on behalf of FEVR and to answer FEVR’s call to remind the pubic of the fragility of human lives on our roadways—particularly those lives not encased in the steel shell of a motor vehicle.
We also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge those of you who already understand that the number of traffic deaths on our roadways represents a true public health crisis—one that our cycling community and greater society cannot in good conscience continue to ignore. We know there are many of you within our community who regularly swap your handlebars out for steering wheels, and we thank those of you who consistently make decisions to put away your cell phones when driving, choose safe and reasonable speeds when traveling through neighborhood and shopping areas, and refrain from driving when you are unable to remain fully attentive.
Kudos also goes to those of you within our cycling community who understand that more bikes on our roadways makes our roadways safer, and who continue to say yes to road riding. We also appreciate those of you who recognize that while helmets use can reduce injuries and save lives, the lack of helmet use is not the proximate cause of traffic crashes on our roadways. And, we give endless thanks to those of you who are devoting your time and energy to the election of legislators, governors, district attorneys and other public officials “who get it” and are willing to act alongside us to address the serious epidemic on our roadways.
We also are grateful for those of you who have stopped using the “A word” when talking about crashes, who call out victim-blaming, and who have taken the time to share this Open Letter to the Press with their local reporters and news stations, bicycle/pedestrian advocacy groups, law enforcement officers, elected officials and others. Semantics and accurate crash reporting matters—not just to the people and families involved in the crashes, but to shaping public attitudes and expectations regarding safety on our roadways.
There is so much our community is doing, but so much more that can be done. We ask that you take whatever meaningful actions you can alongside us in honor of those whom we are remembering today.
#WDoR2019 #LifeIsNotACarPart #bikelaw #rideproud
Lauri Boxer-Macomber has been an avid rider for decades. Lauri’s Maine law practice is focused on advocating for the rights of bicyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users.
Lauri’s riding experience and legal training are complemented by her advocacy work. She is an active Board Member of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, a Governor of the Maine Trial Lawyers Association, and a Member of the American League of Bicyclists. She also chairs the Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s Policy and Legislation Committee and is one of the founding members and facilitators of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s Law Enforcement Collaborative, a group of law enforcement officers, planners, bicycle advocates, and others who meet regularly with the goal of improving safety on Maine’s roadways.
