Could speed bumps prevent pedestrian deaths in Peach County neighborhood?
Middle Georgia locals began advocating for the city of Byron to install speed bumps, days after an SUV fatally struck a 9-year-old girl on a bike in Peach County.
A petition on Change.org titled, “Place Speed Bumps on Academy Street and Murdock Lane Byron Ga.,” said speed bumps will prevent the endangerment of families and children in the quiet Byron neighborhood where the accident happened.
Byron Police Department Capt. Bryan Hunter identified the victim as Abigail Ray, who was a fourth-grade student at Byron Elementary School, according to a Facebook post by Peach County Schools Monday afternoon.
“Excessive speeding … has made these streets dangerous for our children and families,” the petition says. “The safety of our kids should be a priority, yet these speeding vehicles continue to put them at risk.”
It was unclear how fast the SUV was going when it struck Ray on Wednesday, but both the vehicle and bike were damaged, according to Hunter.
Ray died Thursday, a day after she was listed in critical condition, police said.
“Unfortunately this sweet angel went to be with Jesus this evening,” Chrissy Bearden, the petition organizer, said Thursday. “Please keep the family in your prayers.”
Bearden, who described herself as a community member, posted the petition on Facebook and urged city officials to take action.
The petition named Byron Mayor Michael Chidester and city council members as “the decision makers.”
“Installing these speed bumps is a simple, cost-effective solution that could potentially save lives,” Bearden said.
Speed bumps can reduce a vehicle’s speed by about 10 mph, according to the United States Department of Transportation.
The petition had 540 signatures Monday afternoon, with a goal of 750 signatures. Most signers were from zip codes 31008 in Byron, 31088 in Warner Robins and 31020 in Dry Branch, according to Change.org.
Bearden and Chidester did not respond to The Telegraph’s requests for comment.
This story may be updated as more information becomes available.
This story was originally published May 13, 2025 at 5:00 AM.