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Trailnet Champion: Nick Chabarria

Each month we feature a member or members of our community that work to push Trailnet’s vision of Streets for All. For August, we’ve featuring Nick Chabarria, Public Affairs Senior Specialist for AAA Missouri!

Two years ago, Missouri took a historic step toward safer roads: the passage of the Siddens Bening Hands Free Law, which prohibits drivers from using cell phones or other electronic devices while driving. The law is a landmark win for safety advocates across the state, and it wouldn’t have happened without the tireless work of people like Nick Chabarria, Public Affairs Senior Specialist for AAA Missouri.

Trailnet has long championed safer streets for people who walk, bike, and use transit, and distracted driving makes our streets more dangerous for everyone. Nick and AAA Missouri were key partners in the Hands Free Missouri Coalition, helping build the coalition, mobilize the public, and carry the message through the halls of the State Capitol.

Nick didn’t begin his career in policy, but in journalism. After graduating from the University of Missouri–Columbia with a degree in journalism (and minors in Spanish and linguistics), he worked at TV news stations in Columbia, Cape Girardeau, and New Orleans in both on-camera and behind-the-scenes roles. That experience, he says, helped shape how he approaches public affairs today.

A man in a suit speaking to a member of the press
Nick Chabarria speaking to a member of the press. Photo courtesy of Nick Chabarria.

Now, as a spokesperson for AAA Missouri, Nick covers a seven-state territory and oversees community programs and legislative activity, with traffic safety at the core of his work. When AAA began seriously pursuing hands-free legislation in 2021, those communication skills quickly came into play. “I primarily leveraged my public relations connections with local media around the state to talk about the dangers of distracted driving and why enhancing Missouri’s distracted driving law was so critical to improving safety for all road users,” Nick recalls.

AAA joined the Hands-Free Missouri Coalition at a time when distracted driving deaths were rising and Missouri lagged behind other states in safety protections. Nick stepped into a leadership role, serving as interim chair of the coalition and becoming one of the most visible public voices for the cause.

He helped link together efforts already underway — from MoDOT’s Buckle Up Phone Down campaign to grassroots advocates across the state — and gave them a singular focus: making Missouri a hands-free state. He also engaged youth through the Buckle Up Phone Down High School Showdown, a pledge contest that turned safe driving into a statewide conversation.

Nick is quick to credit the broad coalition that made this victory possible: “Getting the Siddens Bening Hands Free Law across the finish line in 2023 was a full team effort. It was truly inspiring to see all the individual and collaborative efforts going on statewide to raise awareness of the issue and encourage the public to support the bill by reaching out to their local legislators. Trailnet’s contributions during that time cannot be understated, particularly as it relates to their advocacy for pedestrians, cyclists, and multimodal road users. Whether it was through their Drive the Change educational campaign or supporting our legislative outreach days at the Missouri State Capitol, it was great to have a partner in Trailnet who we knew we could count on.”

People gathered around a desk for the signing of a law.
The signing of the Siddens Bening Hands Free Law. Photo courtesy of Nick Chabarria.

For Nick, some of the most powerful moments came not in legislative hearings, but during Distracted Driving Awareness Day at the Missouri State Capitol. Each year, the event brings together lawmakers, law enforcement, transportation leaders, and — most importantly — families who have lost loved ones to distracted driving.

“Most impactful for me each year is hearing from our incredible distracted driving victim advocates, Adrienne Siddens, Stephany Bening, and Warren Douglas,” he says. “Each of these people have lost someone who meant the world to them in traffic crashes and to see their bravery as they share their stories, it’s hard not to get emotional. I can’t possibly imagine what they have gone through, but I can tell you that because of their courage our roads are safer today. Getting to work with our victim advocates in the hopes of preventing tragedy from occurring to other families is why I will always feel so honored and fortunate to work in this space.”

Since the law passed, telematics data already shows that Missouri drivers are using their phones about 5% less while behind the wheel — an early sign that lives are being saved.

Nick reflects on the coalition with gratitude. “It really seems like this group was brought together for a reason,” he says. “Everyone had their role to play and contributed to Hands-Free Missouri in different ways and I am just proud to be able to say I was a small part of that.”

The Siddens Bening Hands Free Law is already making an impact, but its true legacy lies ahead — in the crashes prevented, lives saved, and families spared from tragedy. Thanks to leaders like Nick Chabarria, and partners like AAA Missouri and others across the state, Missouri is on a path toward safer roads for everyone.

Advocacy Alert: Restore Transit Funding in the Missouri Budget

Last-minute budget cuts could make life harder for families, employers, and local governments in Missouri, but if we act together, we can take action to reverse the cuts.

Graphic: Missouri Public Transit Association

Gov. Kehoe issued a line item veto in the Missouri state budget which slashed transit funding by 42%. If allowed to stand, this cut will worsen existing transit challenges, making it harder for Missourians to reach jobs, healthcare, and other essential resources. With your help, we can urge state legislators to restore this critical funding during the September veto session.

Each year, the Missouri legislature must adopt a proposed budget and send it to the governor for review and approval. The governor can then issue line-item vetoes — removing all or part of specific items within the proposed budget.

When Missouri legislators sent the proposed FY 2026 state budget to Gov. Kehoe, he used his veto pen and reduced the amount of transit funding from $11.7 million to $6.7 million (a 42% decrease). You can learn more about the cuts from this piece by Citizens for Modern Transit.

Why is the loss of this funding such an issue for the 30 transit providers across the state, including Metro Transit? Consider this:

Graphic: Missouri Public Transit Association
  • State funding enables local communities to bring in some of the $91 billion in federal funds earmarked for transit.
  • Missouri’s per capita spending on transit has dropped from $1.89 to $1.08, making it the lowest per capita spending among neighboring states.
  • Metro Transit provides over 19.6 million rides annually, producing vital connectivity across the St. Louis region.
  • Investment in public transportation pays off, with every $1 invested producing approximately $4 in economic returns. Recent investments, including system-wide safety improvements, have the potential to transform mobility throughout the Metro service area. Funding cuts threaten this future.

We can’t allow this to happen. That’s why Trailnet and our partners across the region and the state need YOUR help. Here’s what you can do:

  • Use this link to find your state senator and state representative.
  • Email your state legislators and ask them to overturn Gov. Kehoe’s veto of transit funding.
  • Urge your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers to do the same.

The Missouri Legislature will meet for a veto session on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. Our best chance to stop these cuts from taking effect is to urge our state legislators to override Gov. Kehoe’s veto on transit funding.

The reductions to transit funding are more than just numbers on a page; they represent the loss of access to the resources that all Missourians need to achieve and maintain a good quality of life. Organizations like Trailnet recognize this, and that’s why we need your help to restore what could be lost.

Trailnet Champion: St. Louis Coalition to Protect Cyclists and Pedestrians

Each month we feature a member or members of our community that work to push Trailnet’s vision of Streets for All. For July, we’ve featuring the St. Louis Coalition to Protect Cyclists and Pedestrians!

If you’ve spent time riding a bike, walking, or waiting at a bus stop in St. Louis, you’ve likely experienced firsthand how challenging, and at times, dangerous, our streets can be. The founders of the St. Louis Coalition to Protect Cyclists and Pedestrians (CP2) know this reality all too well. What started as a group of friends riding together and voicing their frustrations became something much bigger: a growing grassroots movement demanding change.

CP2 was founded in summer 2024 by advocates Dani Adams and Jenn DeRose, who met through other bike volunteer efforts. Brought together by their shared love of biking and a deep concern for street safety, the group grew, and quickly evolved into a hub for collective action. The energy was palpable from the start; nearly 40 people showed up to their very first meeting! Since then, CP2 has consistently organized events and initiatives that amplify the voices of those often overlooked in transportation planning. CP2 recently became a working group of the St. Louis Urbanists, and their ranks and influence continue to grow. The core leadership of the  include Adams and DeRose, along with Samuel Bendriem, Aubrey Bryon, Jemila Collier, Christian Frommelt, Noah Goldman, Kea Wilson, and Matt Wyczalkowski.

On the third Friday of each month, CP2 leads bike and bus rides to City Hall, a visible show of solidarity among people who walk, bike, and take transit. These monthly actions often culminate in the delivery of letters to city leaders: personal stories, calls for better street design across many St. Louis roads, and demands for a fully funded, fully empowered Department of Transportation (among other things). These aren’t just symbolic gestures; they’re coordinated efforts to remind decision-makers that safe streets are a basic right.

Beyond their regular rides, CP2 has taken an active role in educating and mobilizing the public. They’ve conducted walk and bike audits across the city to identify hazards, brought attention to open houses and public meetings concerning infrastructure plans, collected speed data for dangerous streets, and partnered with Trailnet and other advocacy groups to host the Transportation Infrastructure Mayoral Forum in February, helping St. Louis residents better understand where candidates stand on key transportation issues. After the forum, they were instrumental in crafting questions for the Aldermanic Survey. 

They’ve also created space for learning and strategy-building. CP2 hosted a proactive organizing workshop to equip community members with tools to advocate for safer streets, and co-hosted an event with Left Bank Books to welcome Anna Zivarts, author of When Driving is Not an Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency, a powerful book that highlights how many Americans cannot drive and what must change to improve mobility for all. 

Cyclists on the July 13 Gravois Safety Ride. Photo by Samuel Bendriem

Most recently, CP2 led a Gravois Safety Ride, inviting cyclists to experience and reflect on one of St. Louis’ most dangerous roads. The event not only raised awareness, but helped gather signatures for a petition to the City of St. Louis and the Missouri Dept. of Transportation demanding urgent safety improvements to Gravois Avenue, and also put out a call for pedestrians and cyclists to share their experiences on Gravois. 

At its core, CP2 is building a culture of people-powered advocacy. They encourage everyday residents to share their lived experiences, participate in public processes, and speak directly to city leaders. You don’t need to be a planner or engineer to demand safer streets — you just need to show up and raise your voice. CP2 is helping more and more St. Louisans do exactly that.

Trailnet is happy to uplift CP2’s efforts because we both believe in promoting the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, and we’re proud to feature them as this month’s Trailnet Champion. Their tenacity, creativity, and commitment to advocacy is helping shape a safer, more equitable future for everyone who uses our streets.

Trailnet Champion: Naresh Kumar

Each month we feature a member of our community that is working to push Trailnet’s vision of Streets for All. Naresh Kumar is our champion for June!

When Naresh Kumar (pictured above in the blue t-shirt, surrounded by Trailnet staff) set out in 2024 to bike 3,400 miles across the United States on a tandem bicycle, he didn’t do it alone — not just because of the second seat on his bike, but because of the spirit of community he carried with him the whole way.

Naresh’s cross-country journey to raise awareness and funds to fight human trafficking was one of connection, courage, and what he calls “slow travel.” Along the way, he invited people from all walks of life to ride with him, even for just a few blocks. He made space for strangers to become companions, for conversations to become friendships, and for streets to become places where kindness flows.

At Trailnet’s Peloton Society Spring Social, we had the privilege of welcoming Naresh as our guest speaker. He, of course, arrived on his bike, beaming, humble, and ready to share his stories from the road. He spoke not only about the cause he rides for but also about what riding itself can do for us all.

“It’s not my adventure. It’s our adventure.”

That’s the mindset Naresh brings to everything he does, and it was clear in the way he addressed Trailnet members. In his words, in his presence, and in the way he welcomed every question during the Q&A, he reminded us what makes active transportation so powerful. “Slow travel” is not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about what happens along the way.

“When you embrace that bicycle and walking, magic happens, and there is so much of that magic out there.”

Naresh named his tandem bike Kindness as a tribute to the people across the country who housed him, fed him, joined him, and cheered him on during his ride. And that kindness ripples outward. Through every mile, he was showing what’s possible when we slow down and make space for each other — on the road and in life.

“Vulnerability is the key to human connection.”
“When you bike or walk somewhere, there is a connection that happens… it’s because of the slow travel.”

Trailnet is honored to recognize Naresh as our June Trailnet Champion His story reminds us that advocacy, like cycling, is powered by people — by showing up, by asking, by trusting in the community to move forward together.

“If we don’t ask for what we want, we are never going to get it. And asking isn’t a one-time thing. We have to keep knocking on doors and asking until we get it.”

Thank you, Naresh, for showing us what it looks like to live with purpose, and for reminding us that every ride can be a ride toward something greater.

Red Velvet and Resilience: A Celebration of Freedom, Strength, and Community

Sometimes, a bike ride isn’t about the miles — it’s about the message.

For several years, Trailnet and 4theVille have partnered to celebrate Juneteenth with a community bike ride honoring Black artists and history in St. Louis. It’s a time of deep joy and celebration we look forward to each year.

In the wake of devastating tornado damage in North St. Louis, things understandably looked a bit different this year.

4theVille and Trailnet decided to pivot our Juneteenth Community Ride into something new: a bike-powered volunteer effort rooted in joy, nourishment, and neighborly care. 4theVille has been working tirelessly on the ground with tornado relief, and it became clear that the most meaningful way to honor Juneteenth this year was to show up for one another.

So that’s exactly what we did.

On Saturday morning, folks arrived at our meeting point in The Ville with cargo bikes, baskets, trailers, and big hearts, ready to deliver hundreds of fresh red velvet donuts to residents in the surrounding neighborhoods. Despite a bit of rain, volunteers came with smiles and energy, determined to brighten someone’s morning.

Red velvet is a cherished Juneteenth tradition, and these donuts were more than just a treat. Each one carried a message of hope and solidarity, along with an informational booklet from 4theVille letting neighbors know they haven’t been forgotten.

The atmosphere at our starting hub was warm and welcoming. Local musicians provided a wonderful soundtrack, coffee and conversation flowed, and teams of riders set off in waves to bring a bit of sweetness to streets still recovering from the storm. It was spontaneous, joyful, and deeply moving.

This is what bikes can do. They carry more than people — they carry kindness. They build bridges. They turn ordinary moments into shared ones. And they remind us that healing and celebration aren’t mutually exclusive.

We would not have been able to do this without the visionary leadership of 4theVille, and for that, we are deeply grateful. Our heartfelt thanks also go out to River City Outdoors, the ride sponsor, who were incredibly supportive when the decision to pivot was made. And thanks as well to the Regional Arts Commission for their support of all the local artists who joined the celebration. It wouldn’t have been the same without them! 

To everyone who volunteered, who pivoted with us, who rode with purpose: we see you, and we’re so grateful. You helped make Juneteenth not just a day of remembrance, but one of real action and connection.

Thank you for showing the power of compassion in motion.

Ward 8 Aldermanic Survey: Where the Candidates Stand

On July 1, 2025, the City of St. Louis will hold a Special Election to fill the vacant aldermanic seat in Ward 8. We want voters to be informed about where the candidates stand on critical transportation issues.

Earlier this year, Trailnet partnered with the St. Louis Coalition for the Protection of Cyclists and Pedestrians, the St. Louis Urbanists, Transform 314, and Paraquad to develop an Alderperson Survey for the April elections. We shared the same set of core questions with the Ward 8 candidates.

All five candidates responded. Their answers appear exactly as submitted — unedited and in their own words.

Click on each candidate’s name below to read their responses.

The FY2026 Budget Can Save Lives on Our Streets

Trailnet believes all St. Louis residents should have a voice in shaping the City budget. As part of that conversation, we’re sharing key transportation infrastructure priorities that we believe will make our streets and sidewalks safer, more equitable, and more accessible for everyone.

In our 2024 Crash Report, we identified the deadliest year on record for pedestrians in St. Louis City. Although reported crashes involving people walking and biking declined from 2023, pedestrian deaths surged — up 187% in the City. We deserve better. Budget decisions play a vital role in funding the safe infrastructure needed to prevent serious injury or tragic loss of life.

Every year the Board of Alderman begins with a Board Bill for the next fiscal year budget, which begins July 1. The process to approve the Fiscal Year 2026 budget was first read on May 2, 2025 and then referred to the Budget and Public Employees Committee

To improve mobility for all St. Louisans, Trailnet recommends the following revenue neutral budget priorities:

Create a Planning Division within the Streets Department

In November 2024, St. Louis City voters approved the creation of a City Department of Transportation (CDOT). On July 1, 2029, the current Streets Department will officially transition into the new CDOT — streamlining transportation infrastructure decision-making and improving long-range planning.

In the interim, Trailnet strongly recommends establishing a Planning Division within the Streets Department, through both legislation and the budget process. This division would be critical for continuously studying and planning the maintenance and repair of our transportation infrastructure.

Importantly, a Planning Division would bring much-needed efficiency to the Streets Department during the transition to a full City DOT. With $46 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding already allocated for street and sidewalk safety improvements, a dedicated team is needed to coordinate and sustain this investment. Existing positions within city government could be reassigned to staff the division, minimizing the need for new hires.

Elimination of the 50/50 Sidewalk Program

St. Louis’s 50/50 Sidewalk Program is designed to split the cost of sidewalk repairs between property owners and the City — each paying 50%. While well-intentioned, the program still leaves many residents unable to afford necessary repairs.

In practice, the 50% cost share is still too high for many households, especially in lower-income neighborhoods where sidewalks are used most frequently for daily mobility. Without affordable repairs, sidewalks remain impassable, creating hazardous conditions. Even for those who can cover their share, long delays between the request and actual repairs can mean the funds are no longer available when needed.

To improve mobility for all St. Louis residents, sidewalk repair and replacement funds should be consolidated under the Streets Department. Centralizing these funds would make it easier to coordinate repairs and prioritize the most urgent needs. With a Planning Division in place, sidewalk projects could be evaluated in alignment with the City of St. Louis Transportation & Mobility Plan — ensuring investments are strategic, equitable, and effective.

These changes are more than just administrative — they’re essential for making St. Louis safer and more accessible for everyone who walks, bikes, rolls, or drives. The 2024 Crash Report makes it clear: our streets need urgent improvements. The FY2026 budget is an opportunity to prioritize that need and invest in a safer future for all.

Trailnet’s 2024 Crash Report: Deadliest Year on Record for Pedestrians in the St. Louis Region

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Trailnet has released its fifth annual Crash Report, a vital tool for advocacy and education aimed at building safer streets across the St. Louis region. Analyzing crash data from 2024 alongside longer-term trends dating back to 2010, this year’s report reveals an urgent need for systemic change to curb the rising tide of traffic violence — especially for pedestrians and people biking.

In 2024, both St. Louis City and St. Louis County experienced their deadliest year on record for pedestrians, even as some types of crashes declined. While reported crashes involving cyclists and pedestrians dropped by 9.5% from 2023 to 2024, pedestrian deaths surged — up 187% in the City and 24% in the County.

“Each data point in this report represents a life lost or permanently altered,” said Cindy Mense, CEO of Trailnet. “Preventing future tragedies requires a collective commitment — from drivers who must slow down and stay focused, to policymakers and engineers who must design and fund streets that prioritize the safety of everyone, especially those outside of cars.” 

Key findings from the 2024 Crash Report include:

  • In 2024, 23 pedestrians were killed in St. Louis City, and 36 in St. Louis County.
  • Since 2010, the number of pedestrian and cyclist deaths has increased by 73%, even as total reported crashes have fallen by 35%.
  • In 2024, nearly 48% of all road fatalities involved people walking, up from 25% in 2010.
  • Cyclist crashes rose by 38% in the County in 2024 — with 81% of crashes occurring where no bike lanes or trails exist.
  • Each crash involving a pedestrian or cyclist is becoming deadlier: in 2010, fewer than 2% of those struck died; today, nearly one in 10 dies.

Trailnet’s report identifies wide arterial roads with high speed limits, poor lighting, inadequate pedestrian crossings, and a lack of bike facilities as persistent, dangerous patterns in crash data across the region.

The Crash Report is designed to provide leaders, planners, and advocates with actionable data that can drive life-saving changes. Trailnet calls on policymakers to urgently prioritize infrastructure investments that slow down traffic, create safer crossings, and expand access to protected biking and walking facilities.

“Our region deserves better,” said Mense. “With intentional investment, we can create streets that keep everyone safer and contribute to a vibrant and healthier community.” 

Trailnet Champion: Brittany Jones

Each month we feature a member of our community that is working to push Trailnet’s vision of Streets for All. Brittany Jones is our champion for April!

Creating a world where everyone can move freely and safely takes more than just good infrastructure. It takes people who understand the connections between community, health, and justice — people like Brittany Jones, this month’s Trailnet Champion!

Brittany serves as the Assistant Director of Clinical and Community Integration and Racial Equity Initiatives at the St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN). She’s also the Project Manager for the REACH (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health) grant in St. Louis, a CDC-funded initiative aimed at addressing chronic disease and health disparities. Through REACH, Brittany helps lead efforts that not only address health inequities but also transform how communities experience and access safe, welcoming spaces.

For the REACH grant, Trailnet is taking the lead on strategies that increase physical activity through community design. Together, we’re helping neighborhoods connect activity-friendly routes to everyday destinations — a key part of creating more equitable, active, and thriving communities.

“Working with Trailnet has been an enlightening experience for me,” Brittany shared. “Trailnet has taught me the intricacies that go into creating built environments and really thinking about how we create an environment based on what a community wants. And I’ve seen Trailnet put that at the forefront — and it’s been a beautiful thing.”

Originally from Richmond, California, Brittany moved to St. Louis in 2018. She earned her undergraduate degree in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies blending social work, criminal justice, and psychology and completed a dual Master’s in Social Work and Public Health from Washington University. Her passion for public health and social justice is personal.

“My passion comes directly from how I grew up,” she said. “I had to overcome a lot of adversity, and I’ve always had this heart and desire to give back—I just didn’t always know how. Social work is my heart and public health is my brain. They work hand in hand, beautifully.”

That passion now fuels her work to center equity, healing, and liberation in every aspect of public health. From supporting community coalitions to advancing policy strategies, Brittany brings both lived experience and professional insight to the table.

In her role managing the REACH grant, Brittany sees firsthand how the built environment impacts health — whether through access to nutritious food, green space, or safe places to move and gather. She credits Trailnet with helping her see how transportation and street design are deeply woven into these outcomes.

“Trailnet has been instrumental in helping to create action plans, traffic calming tactics, and really pushing the Safe Streets for All agenda,” she said. “It’s changed the way I look at where I live and how I participate as a community member. How do I help create a safer environment for myself, my neighbors, and the kiddos on my street?”

Brittany recently joined Trailnet’s planning team in Washington, D.C. at the National Bike Summit, organized by the League of American Bicyclists, where she and Erich Hellmer, Community Planning Manager at Trailnet, gave a presentation entitled “Who is a ‘Cyclist?’ Reimagining Equitable Mobility through Collective Action.” She’s thoughtful about how transportation conversations need to reflect historical context.

“There’s room for criticism and deeper thought,” she said. “When we’re talking about bike lanes or accessibility, how does that change for people who have been harmed by racist policies and segregation? I love being part of conversations that include those narratives.”

Brittany’s leadership, compassion, and big-picture thinking make her a powerful partner in our shared mission to create communities where everyone can walk, bike, and move safely — no matter who they are or where they live.

Thank you, Brittany, for your dedication to building healthier, more equitable communities!

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.