Lexington, Ky. – A local LGBTQ group is launching a campaign to address a growing safety concern: drivers running red lights. Frontrunners Lexington, a walk/run organization, has observed this dangerous trend and is taking action to better understand its frequency in the city.
From November 18 to 22, the group will host an initiative called “Counting Red Light Runners”, focusing on pedestrian safety during morning rush hours. Volunteers will be stationed at various intersections to count the number of vehicles that run red lights.
According to Jason Schubert, the board chair of Frontrunners Lexington, this issue affects not just active runners and walkers but also many residents who lack access to personal vehicles. “Being a pedestrian is their only means of transportation,” he noted.
Schubert explained that the collected data will be submitted to city and state officials. The goal is to inspire necessary legislative changes, as the community currently cannot utilize automated enforcement measures like red light or speed cameras, which have been effective in reducing such behaviors elsewhere.
Tragically, this initiative carries a personal significance for the organization. Last year, one of their members, Mia Ibrahim, lost her life after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Nicholasville Road. Coincidentally, her birthday falls on the final day of the campaign, November 22, a detail that resonates with the group’s mission to promote safety.
In a statement reflecting on the campaign’s importance, Lexington Vice Mayor Dan Wu commented, “Lexington is experiencing an epidemic of red light running, leading to more collisions, injuries, and even deaths. I’m very happy to see concerned community members engaged in collecting data and changing driver behavior so we can all make our streets safer.”
The Frontrunners Lexington are actively seeking volunteers to assist with the count across different intersections during this week-long effort. Interested individuals are encouraged to participate in the campaign, making a concerted effort to improve pedestrian safety in the community.
This grassroots initiative underscores a collective commitment towards creating safer streets for all Lexington residents, particularly those who rely on walking as their primary means of transportation.
