My brother, Lil Karl Conner, tragically lost his life when he was struck by a car going over 80 mph while he was cycling in front of Tractor Supply on Highway 72. This devastating incident has not only shattered our family but has also highlighted the critical need for safer infrastructure for cyclists. Michael Fowler, another cyclist, was killed in a similar crash three years ago when a vehicle hit him, breaking his neck and ending his life prematurely. These are not isolated incidents.

In the past three years, we have lost four cyclists in Corinth, Mississippi, on highways 45 and 72. Despite these tragic losses, no measures have been put in place to protect cyclists and prevent further accidents. This neglect of cyclist safety cannot continue. We urgently need dedicated bike lanes on these highways to ensure the safety of our cyclists and hold drivers accountable when sharing the road.

Installing bike lanes on highways 45 and 72 is a concrete, actionable solution that can prevent more lives from being lost. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), dedicated bike lanes reduce car-bicycle collisions by up to 90%. With this evidence at hand, it is inexplicable why Corinth has yet to take actionable steps to protect its residents.

We call upon city leaders, the Mississippi Department of Transportation, and local government officials to take immediate action in installing bike lanes on these highways. By doing so, Corinth can set a precedent for prioritizing safety and creating a more cycling-friendly community.

The time for change is now—let’s prevent another family from enduring the heartbreak of losing a loved one in a preventable accident. Please sign this petition to demand that Corinth and relevant authorities protect its cyclists with the urgent installation of bike lanes on highways 45 and 72.