California has one of the highest rates of pedestrian-vehicle accidents in the United States.
Because of this, citizens have decided to take matters into their own hands by teaching others about the importance of motor and pedestrian safety.
One of these citizens, Damian Kevitt, a victim who was involved in a hit-and-run case while biking in Griffith Park, decided to start Streets Are For Everyone.
“Streets Are For Everyone is a nonprofit that works on road safety for all users,” said Kevitt.
“So we work on legislation, getting bills passed in Sacramento that would make roads safer and help encourage safer driving behaviors,” said Kevitt.
“We also do Victim Support Services, so we help victims of traffic violence get back on their feet after they’ve lost or after they’ve been hit, or if they’ve lost a loved one, to help them get back on their feet,” added Kevitt.
While many people come for the medals at the end of the race, one long-time participant attends to show that even while paralyzed, he still has what it takes to finish the ride!
“I learned to ride a skateboard on my knees. I got a spinal cord injury. I was stabbed in the back, and my spinal cord was cut,” said Jesse Swalley, an event attendee.
But Swalley isn’t alone in his skating adventures…in many cases, he is accompanied by his partner in crime, Rose.
“She’s done a 5k before with me; she’s been on Animal Planet; she’s done a lot of runs with me,” said Swalley.
Although Swalley wasn’t impaired due to a pedestrian-vehicle accident, he has the same message that everyone in attendance was trying to convey:
“To keep Santa Clarita safe, be mindful of others on the roads,” said Swalley.
