Residents of Indianapolis came together on Sunday to honor victims of traffic accidents and advocate for safer streets at a memorial walk held at the notorious intersection of East Raymond and Shelby streets. This event highlighted the community’s frustration with ongoing dangers at the site, where numerous lives have been lost or irrevocably altered.
The gathering was particularly poignant for local resident Tracy Gillard, whose husband, Jeffrey Gillard, was critically injured in a collision at the intersection just last month. As he was on his way to work, a vehicle struck him, and he is now facing the imminent removal of life support after donating his organs. “It needs to change. No one needs to go what our family is going through,” Gillard expressed, underscoring the urgency for improvements in road safety.
During the walk, participants paused at various roadside memorials dedicated to those who have lost their lives at this intersection. One such memorial honored Dillan Lee Rogers, who died in February. The event coincided with World Remembrance Day, which aims to raise awareness about the impact of traffic fatalities.
The memorial was organized by Central Indiana Cycling (CIC), whose executive director, Tony Cherolis, noted, “Everybody that I know has lost or had somebody critically injured in a motor crash. This is something that’s universal, and I think it hits home for almost everybody in the city.” Cherolis also expressed hope that the community’s efforts would prompt city officials to take the issue seriously.
Several city-county councilors attended the event and voiced their support for enhancing pedestrian safety measures. Gillard remarked, “It feels good knowing that we’ve got that much support just to make Indianapolis safer.” Participants also received reflectors and free helmets to improve visibility for cyclists, aiming to reduce future accidents.
The Indianapolis Department of Public Works confirmed that they have submitted work orders to enhance safety at the Raymond and Shelby intersection. However, for Gillard, these measures feel inadequate. “I’m tired of hearing the promises. I’m tired of hearing the talk. I want to see the action now,” she stated, emphasizing the need for immediate and effective change.
The community’s resolve to demand safer streets reflects a growing sentiment that action must be taken to prevent further tragedies. As families continue to mourn their loved ones, the hope is that their voices will lead to meaningful improvements in road safety across Indianapolis.
