WORCESTER, Mass. - Sunday marked the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, and people in Worcester gathered to honor lives lost to pedestrian crashes in 2024.

Karin Valentine-Goins, co-founder of WalkBike Worcester, brought flowers to the event as she prepared to join everyone in reflection.

“It’s a time to stop and gather as a community and reflect on people who have lost their lives or been severely injured in roadway traffic crashes,” Valentine-Goins said. “Many people are probably familiar with the fact that it’s been an absolutely terrible year in Worcester with ten deaths on our roads and nearly 80 serious injuries.”

Attendees met outside the Worcester Auditorium at 2 Highland St. wearing yellow, the color of traffic safety.

The event was coordinated by WalkBike Worcester, City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj, MassBike and Robert Bilotta.

Valentine-Goins said she’s been encouraged by the progress Worcester has made in addressing pedestrian safety this year, including the implementation of a city-wide 25-mile-per-hour speed limit.

“It applies on all roads that aren’t specifically marked higher, and they’re in the process of changing the signs,” Valentine-Goins said. “It’s in effect now, but it will be enforced after Jan. 1. It’s basically the first step in the city’s Vision Zero initiative."