Empty Chairs at the Holiday Tables: Let’s Turn the Tide

By Kelly Morphy, Executive Director, Florida Bicycle Association

Hello, my friends and fellow advocates for a safer, more bike-friendly Florida. With the holiday season underway, I am reflecting on last weekend, a time that was both personally sobering and deeply meaningful to me.

November 19 marked the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, a day when individuals from all walks of life gather to honor and support victims and survivors of traffic crashes and to commit to taking action to make streets safer.

Image credit: Fox 13 Tampa Bay

This annual event takes place just before Thanksgiving, serving as a poignant reminder that, for many families, the holiday season will be marked by an empty chair at the table. I joined other advocates at the Remembrance in Treasure Island, where I met survivors who have been deeply impacted by road violence. One such family, whose 11-year-old son Christopher Cramer was killed on a summer day last year while bicycling home with his dad after getting slushies at the local gas station, shared their pain with us. Crystal Evans, Christopher's mother, underscored that while we can't change the past, our collective efforts can fuel hope for the future.

Kelly Morphy joined Julie Henning (right), a survivor who organized the Suncoast event, in calling for safer streets and an end to road violence.

The World Day of Remembrance is a somber occasion, yet it also serves as a catalyst for renewal, reinforcing our dedication to creating a safer environment for all road users. As we conclude our family gatherings this week and transition into the next phase of the holiday season, let’s carry with us the memories of traffic victims. These memories serve as a reminder of the importance of our mission—to build a Florida that is not only bike-friendly but also safe for every individual on the road.

Treasure Island Mayor Tyler Payne and Florida State Representative Lindsay Cross showed their support for safer streets at the Suncoast World Day of Remembrance in Treasure Island on Nov. 19. In the photo, from left: Captain Dave Markett, Payne, survivor and event organizer Julie Henning, Cross, and Florida Bicycle Association Executive Director Kelly Morphy.

Florida Bicycle Association Executive Director Kelly Morphy, left, and survivor and event organizer Julie Henning, right, demand action for safer streets throughout Florida.

Florida Bicycle Association Board Member Rich Garrett speaks with a member of the news media.

Florida State Representative Lindsay Cross.

Survivor and event organizer Julie Henning.

Florida Bicycle Association Executive Director Kelly Morphy.

Crystal Evans shared memories of her son, Christopher Cramer, who was killed in 2022 at the age of 11 by a truck that ran off the roadway.

Your continued support is our greatest asset in achieving this goal. I extend my sincere appreciation for your commitment to promoting safe roadways. The empty chairs at holiday tables should not be a permanent fixture in our communities. Through education, advocacy, and action, we can prevent further tragedies and ensure that every person embarks on their journey expecting to return home safely.

As we look ahead, let us channel the anger and sadness we feel from senseless tragedies on our roads into a collective effort to make Florida a beacon of bike-friendly infrastructure and road safety. Let us work together to influence policymakers, engage with communities, and implement changes that will protect lives and promote the joy and utility of cycling. Let us stand united in our commitment to making Florida a better place for people who want to bicycle and for people who need to bicycle, as well as all other road users.

I wish you a safe and peaceful holiday season, my friends.