“Advocating for Change: Judith Proctor’s Son Killed in Tragic Bike Accident, Inspiring a Movement for Safer Streets in Connecticut”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : HARTFORD — A tragic incident in 2020 resulted in the death of Judith Proctor’s son, Charlie, as he was riding his bicycle with his girlfriend in Massachusetts. Despite this devastating loss, Proctor, who is also an avid cyclist, has continued to ride her bike in Fairfield, Connecticut, where she resides with her husband.

“We made a conscious decision not to let our son’s death dampen our love for biking,” Proctor stated. “We take every precaution, such as using bright lights and wearing vibrant clothing.”

However, Proctor’s experience has led her to develop a keen interest in driver behavior, road design, and the issue of traffic violence in her home state. She hopes to advocate for change and save lives alongside a growing community of activists.

Connecticut has seen a significant number of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities this year. According to Amy Watkins, a program specialist at Watch for Me CT, as of December 28th, 58 pedestrians and bicyclists have lost their lives. The state Department of Transportation reports a slightly lower number of 48 deaths, although this figure may increase as investigations into incidents are completed.

While the numbers are concerning, there has been a slight decline from the previous year. Watkins attributes the rise in fatalities since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to increased reckless and fast driving due to reduced traffic congestion and police presence.

In Hartford alone, seven pedestrian deaths have occurred this year. Watkins highlights that the presence of multilane arterials running through residential and commercial areas in the city contributes to a higher incidence of pedestrian and roadway fatalities.

Kerri Ana Provost, a Hartford resident who relies on walking and public transportation, has been mapping and tracking pedestrian deaths in the city for the past few years. Her research has revealed that roads with multiple lanes and higher speed limits, such as Albany Avenue, pose a greater risk for fatal crashes.

In addition to identifying hazardous roads, Provost has identified several trends driving pedestrian deaths statewide. These include the absence of sidewalks, the importance of crosswalks, the dangers associated with poorly located bus stops and rural mailboxes, the vulnerability of younger adults on highways, the risk faced by children in driveways, and the increased fatality rate involving larger vehicles.

Josh Morgan, spokesperson for the Connecticut Department of Transportation, acknowledges the urgency for road safety improvements. He highlights the state’s Complete Streets directive, which aims to create infrastructure that accommodates all road users. This includes the addition of sidewalks, bike lanes, and improved connections to public transportation.

While road engineering plays a vital role in enhancing safety, Morgan, along with advocates like Proctor, Provost, and Watkins, believes that addressing individual driver behavior is equally crucial. Morgan suggests utilizing technology such as red light cameras, which Connecticut towns will have the option to implement in 2024, as a deterrent for reckless driving.

Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin has expressed interest in introducing red light cameras to the city, although the final decision rests with individual municipalities.

Proctor emphasizes that the conversation about road safety and pedestrian and cyclist protection is pivotal. She believes that fostering a larger walking and biking community not only reduces traffic congestion but also promotes personal health and benefits the environment.

In conclusion, the increase in pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities in Connecticut has prompted individuals like Judith Proctor, Kerri Ana Provost, and advocates from Watch for Me CT and the Department of Transportation to push for change. Through improved road engineering, the implementation of technology like red light cameras, and a collective effort to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety, they hope to create safer streets and prevent further tragic incidents..