On Sunday, November 16th, families of traffic crash victims, faith leaders, city leaders, and local elected officials gathered on World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in Fairhill Square Park. In a solemn and moving ceremony, Families for Safe Streets members read the names of the 109 victims whose lives were lost, shared moments of support for grieving families, and called for the expansion of the Automated Speed Camera program.
“I want to thank all of the family members here for turning your grief into action,” said State Representative Danilo Burgos. “I lost a nephew a few years ago, and I will continue to work to make sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else. It is 100% preventable. Don’t drive impaired. Be courteous. Most importantly, behave with empathy, and protect the most vulnerable among us.”
Traffic deaths are a leading cause of preventable deaths, disproportionately harming people who are walking and biking, people of color and people in low-income communities with speeding as the leading cause of high-injury and fatal crashes. In 2025 alone, four pedestrians have been killed in close proximity to Fairhill Square Park.
The group also urged legislators to take action to curb “Super Speeder” behavior, similar to legislation being considered in NY State.
“As lawmakers, we need to do better to enhance the safety of our city and this commonwealth,” said State Representative Sean Dougherty. “Right now I am working on legislation to allow the utilization of intelligent speed enforcement, also known as speed inhibitors, to specifically target individuals known as super speeders. As we work on this legislation, I ask you to please continue to let your voice be heard.”
Philadelphia recently expanded its Automated Speed Camera program to five new corridors, including Broad Street, helping to reduce speeding and crashes. However, roads like Lehigh Avenue—where recent tragedies have occurred—remain without speed enforcement technology due to limitations in state legislation. This technology has already been successfully deployed along Roosevelt Boulevard, where it is estimated that it saves one life per month.
“We know speeding is one of the most preventable causes of deadly crashes. We know that slowing cars down is the difference between life and death. And we know what works—because we have seen it, right here in Philadelphia….The results are undeniable. Speeding violations have dropped by up to 95 percent. Pedestrian-involved crashes have been cut in half. Deadly and severe injury crashes are down 21 percent. We have saved lives because we slowed drivers down.” – Pennsylvania State Senator Christine Tartaglione
Traffic violence is avoidable, with many cities around the US making great strides in decreasing or eliminating roadway fatalities. In Hoboken, NJ, for example, pedestrian and cyclist fatalities have plummeted over the last five years after simple street redesigns — including parking-protected bike lanes — that prioritized safety for all road users rather than automotive ease.
The Bicycle Coalition stands in solidarity with Families for Safe Streets and calls on Philadelphia’s leadership to use all tools at our disposal to slow down drivers, save lives, and allow our already vibrant city to thrive. This means, among other strategies, expanding automated speed enforcement to all high-injury corridors.
Many thanks to the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Infrastructure Systems for providing event support, the Bicycle Club of Philadelphia for leading a ride to Fairhill Square Park, and Alta Cocina for hosting lunch afterwards. Additional coverage available here from Fox29.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Latanya Byrd
This year’s World Day of Remembrance also included a moving tribute to Families for Safe Streets Greater Philadelphia co-founder Latanya Byrd, who passed away after a sudden illness earlier this year. Friend and FSSGP co-founder Channabel Latham-Morris spoke about Latanya’s great dedication to turning grief into action:
Latanya’s journey began in North Philadelphia,
where her roots ran deep,
in faith, in family, and in service.
When tragedy struck in 2013, the unimaginable loss of her niece
Samara Banks and three young grand-nephews on
Roosevelt Boulevard —
Latanya made a decision that would change this city forever.
In her words:
“There was nothing I could do to bring them back.
But there was something I could do to make sure they did not die in vain.”
Because of Latanya’s advocacy,
Roosevelt Boulevard now has speed cameras that save lives every single day.
Because of her persistence,
families who once suffered in silence now have a voice.
And because of her love,
a city has become safer, one policy, one conversation, one human heart at a time.
We love and miss you, Latanya.
If anyone you know has been involved in a crash or lost someone in a crash and is looking for community, please reach out to Families for Safe Streets Greater Philadelphia by emailing sonja@bicyclecoalition.org.
Families for Safe Streets Greater Philadelphia (FSSGP) is comprised of victims of traffic violence and families whose loved ones have been killed or severely injured by aggressive, reckless, or careless driving, behaviors enabled by dangerous street design. FSSGP represents the full range of greater Philadelphia’s rich diversity and collectively demands an end to traffic violence.
Remembering Andrew Dormer
On November 2nd, Bicycle Coalition staff and volunteers joined family members of the late Andrew Dormer for a ghost bike dedication ceremony in Manayunk. The ghost bike was installed at the intersection of Wilde Street + DuPont Street where Andrew Dormer was struck by a vehicle on June 5th. He tragically passed away a few days later.
Learn more about ghost bikes and what they mean to bereaved families and friends.