Bend joins nationwide effort to reduce traffic fatalities on World Day of Remembrance

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- This Sunday, Bend will participate in the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, joining communities nationwide to advocate for measures to reduce traffic fatalities.

Bend Bikes will host a memorial event on November 16 at the Peace Corner, where community members, crash victims, and local leaders will gather to remember those lost in traffic incidents. The event will feature remarks from city leaders and will include a short bike ride in memory of those who have died in crashes.

Bend has experienced a concerning rise in bicycle crashes, with 44 incidents reported this year compared to 30 at the same time last year, marking a 47 percent increase.

"We have made progress in creating safer streets in Bend, but there is a lot of work still to be done," said Bend Bikes President Elisa Cheng. "Bend benefits when more of its citizens bike, walk and roll. We achieve that goal by creating safer options for them to get around."

The event comes as the United States faces a significant crisis, with 40,990 traffic-related deaths reported in 2023, nearly matching the number of gun-related fatalities. Additionally, over 2.7 million people were treated in emergency rooms due to traffic crashes.

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for safer transportation infrastructure and policies to prevent further tragedies on the roads.