On Saturday November 14th Arnold “Noli” Castro and Anthony Jamias were doing what many of us do on our way to Shelby Farms Park. They hit the button at the cross walk at the corner of Walnut Grove and Farm Road. This time something different happened. 2 cars crashed pushing into Noli and Anthony. Noli did not survive the crash and Anthony is still in critical condition. We know many feel uneasy about sitting at that intersection and even stand back about 20 feet to be safe.
About 2 months ago people posted their concerns and we started working with the city to see if we could help influence some change to the intersection. We met with the City of Memphis Engineering on October 22nd along with Shelby Farms Park, Wolf River Conservancy, Memphis Runners Track Club, and Mid-South Trails Association.
We were informed prior to this that the time on the light had been extended. The lights are all red for 10 seconds and then another 25 seconds with the left turn green. We said that was good, but we needed more. We offered some suggestions and were informed of a grant with the Tennessee Health Department. We submitted a letter of intent on October 29th for $80,000 grant.
Unfortunately action did not happen soon enough as 2 families will be forever impacted. We have scheduled another meeting with the City of Memphis and the organizations listed above and hope to have some solutions that can be incorporated sooner than later.
Saturday, November 21st we will be hosting a Ride of Silence in Memory of Arnold “Noli” Castro. We will be meeting at Christian Brother High School and ride to Walnut Grove and Farm Road where the crash happened for a moment of silence. If you have ever crossed this intersection we need you to attend.
Time: 3:30 - We ask that you arrive early.
Location: Christian Brothers High School Parking Lot.
Mask will be required at the start and at the stop. We do ask that you also wear them during the ride as we will be riding slowly and in close proximity.
If you are a runner or pedestrian please bring your bikes or park by the BMX Track and walk over to the intersection. We need as many people possibly to participate.
News Story.
https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2020/11/15/memphis-cycling-groups-want-changes-dangerous-intersection-where-cyclist-died-after-crash/?fbclid=IwAR1oD65PU1gC4oZ2qpSSJ0_xgwti4u0ThnRgY36A3WRghilc23isUWo2g1o
Facebook Event page
https://fb.me/e/1jXvf1vXu