Sunday, “celebrate the life of Allison “Allie” Hart, the 5-year-old girl who was tragically struck and killed while riding her bike in a crosswalk”

From a press release:

“Safe streets advocates are gathering to celebrate the life of Allison “Allie” Hart, the 5-year-old girl who was tragically struck and killed while riding her bike in a crosswalk on September 13. A “chalk-in” will take place this Sunday, December 12 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the intersection of 14th St. NE and Irving Street, NE. Participants will fill the intersection with color, joy, and crystal clear messages about the dire need for safer streets for ALL here in DC. The event will be a family-friendly day of action/celebration.

“We want to celebrate the life of our amazing daughter with our community and fellow safe street advocates,” said Allie’s mom Jessica Hart. “We hope this event draws attention to the fact that our streets are not safe for our most vulnerable residents.”

Allison was the 28th person killed by a driver on DC’s streets this year and the second child under 10. Since her death 23 pedestrians under the age of 12 have been struck by drivers. This isn’t random violence, it’s the predictable price of inaction to fix our deadly streets – particularly in DC’s residential neighborhoods where kids live, learn, and play. Traffic violence affects children in all parts of the District: Just this year, 4-year-old Zy’aire Joshua was killed on Georgia Ave. NW, 4-year-old Nathan Ballard-Means was struck on New Hampshire Ave. NW, and 8-year-old Faith & 6-year-old Heavyn White along with their father were struck while on their way to school on Wheeler Rd. SE.

“As pavement artists working directly in the roads and sidewalks across DC, we regularly bear witness to dangerous conditions and irresponsible drivers,” said Chelsea Ritter-Soronen, owner and principal artist of Chalk Riot. “Chalk art is a brilliant way to unite with the Hart family and our neighbors and create something beautiful together in the wake of something tragic. Every child deserves safe streets in DC and beyond.”

“Across the city, roads are designed to put drivers first,” says Hart. “The residents of our city deserve a visible and tangible commitment to safer infrastructure, enforcement, and accountability. Our kids’ lives are at stake.”

“Allie was very aware of right and wrong, fair and unfair. The 39 deaths of pedestrians and cyclists this year is deeply unfair. Our hope is that our immense pain and grief will compel leaders and residents alike to call for infrastructure like 4-way stops, raised crosswalks, better signage, speed humps, and stop sign cameras that are in the interest of safer streets for all, especially kids,” said Hart.

Since Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Vision Zero in 2015, 2021 has been the deadliest year for traffic violence to date.

The community will join advocates for a chalk-in, Sunday from 10:00 a.m.-1 p.m. at 14th and Irving Streets NE, to remember Allison Hart and demand action from Mayor Bowser. All ages are welcome and masks are encouraged. In the case of inclement weather, a rain date will be announced.”