Any loss of life on our streets is unacceptable

Trailnet mourns the tragic death of a cyclist who was struck and killed by multiple drivers on Gravois Avenue on Tuesday, April 1. We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s loved ones and to the community grieving this loss. 

This tragedy is heartbreaking, infuriating, and yet another example of the epidemic of traffic violence in St. Louis, affecting people biking, walking, rolling, catching the bus, and driving. Data from Trailnet’s upcoming 2024 Crash Report shows that this crash is one of many — 58 people riding bikes were struck by drivers in St. Louis City last year. Gravois Avenue has consistently ranked among the most dangerous streets for pedestrians and remains one of the City’s top crash corridors. 

While details about this crash are still emerging, one thing is clear: any loss of life on our streets is unacceptable.

Traffic violence is a result of decisions, behaviors, and systemic failures in street design. Many proven solutions have not been broadly implemented in our region yet. We must demand change, including:

• The City, State, and Federal government must continue to invest in protected cycling infrastructure, not just paint. New infrastructure often takes years to design and build, so it is critical to continue planning and community engagement for new projects. In the meantime, quick-build solutions should be deployed to improve safety now.
• Education and enforcement efforts must focus on creating a culture of safer driving. We can all do our part by slowing down and paying attention to the road.
• Reckless drivers should be held accountable, especially for a serious crime like a hit-and-run. 

Two of the four drivers who hit the cyclist, including the initial driver, fled the scene and have yet to come forward. We urge law enforcement to thoroughly investigate and hold those responsible accountable, and we implore the drivers to come forward.

We also request that reporters and the news community alter how they speak and write about crashes by implementing people-first language. We must be clear: cars do not kill people — drivers do. And when a person driving a car hits a pedestrian or cyclist, it is not an “accident.” It is traffic violence; it is a “crash.”

This tragedy is not an isolated incident — it is a pattern. Traffic violence has become part of our daily lives, but it doesn’t have to be that way. We can and must do better.