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A JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING AUGUST 2025 AS SHARE THE ROAD AND DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS MONTH IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA
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WHEREAS, pedestrian- and cyclist-involved crashes, especially those causing serious injury and death, are preventable and these prevention efforts remain a high priority for the City of Gahanna’s residents, first responders, and public officials; and
WHEREAS, in 2024, 26 cyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes in Ohio, and, on average, there are over 600 motor vehicle crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists in Franklin County every year; and
WHEREAS, the Gahanna community experienced a total of 10 crashes involving cyclists and pedestrians in 2024 (five involving pedestrians and five involving bicyclists), and through August 1, 2025, has experienced six (6) vehicle-at-fault crashes (four pedestrian and two bicycle); and
WHEREAS, the vast majority of these incidents are caused by motor vehicle drivers, often due to failing to notice a cyclist or pedestrian in a crosswalk, intersection, or when turning or exiting a driveway, with common causes of fatal crashes including impaired driving, speeding, reckless driving, and distracted driving; and
WHEREAS, the toll of serious crashes is immeasurable, depriving families of loved ones, creating trauma and secondary trauma among survivors, and contributing to fear of engaging in cycling, running, walking, and other recreation and active transportation activities; and
WHEREAS, on May 31, 2025, a young, distracted driver crossed the center lane and killed triathlete Roseann Peiffer, an experienced cyclist, beloved mother, wife, and friend in Northwest Ohio; and
WHEREAS, Roseann Marie Peiffer is mourned by her family, her teammates, mentees, and all who knew her, as they reflected in her obituary that, “Roseann Marie Peiffer leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and an unyielding zest for life. She reminded us all to live life to the fullest and will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her;” and
WHEREAS, distracted driving is any activity that diverts one’s attention from driving, including use of a mobile device or being preoccupied with other tasks, and such distractions have contributed to an increase in distracted driving-related crashes involving vulnerable road users; and
WHEREAS, infrastructure that does not prioritize the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists also contributes to vehicle-involved pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities; and
WHEREAS, the City encourages walking and biking and is continuing to prioritize investment in infrastructure, policy development, and enforcement that supports pedestrian and cyclist safety; and
WHEREAS, “Share the Road” is a simple reminder that roads are for cars, non-motorized vehicles including bicycles, and pedestrians; and
WHEREAS, safe driving practices, such as looking right, looking left, and looking right again for pedestrians and cyclists before proceeding out of a driveway or intersection, along with relentless attentiveness, patience, and consideration for our fellow community members will help preserve the public peace, health, safety and well-being of the City, reducing the number of fatalities and injuries on our roadways year-round.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT JOINTLY RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL AND PROCLAIMED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That the Council and Mayor hereby designate August 2025 as Share the Road and Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Section 2. That the Council and Mayor strongly remind drivers of the irreversible consequences of serious crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists, and encourages parents and guardians to lead by example and talk to young drivers about driving with focus and prioritizing safety of themselves and others.
Section 3. That the Council and Mayor encourage cyclists, runners, and walkers of all ages to become familiar with rules of sharing the road and to be attentive while in roadways to minimize the risk of injury and death due to crashes.
Section 4. That The Council and Mayor continue to recognize the importance of investment in infrastructure that encourages non-vehicle modes of transportation and supports the prioritization of investment in multipurpose trails, sidewalks, and other infrastructure to support the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists.
Section 5. That this Joint Resolution and Proclamation shall be in full force and effect at the earliest period allowed by law.