Thursday, May 23, 2024
Long Beach Island Kicks Off Summer Street Smart NJ Campaign
With millions of people expected to visit the Jersey Shore this summer, police departments across Long Beach Island are participating in Street Smart NJ to raise awareness about pedestrian safety. Harvey Cedars hosted a campaign kickoff ahead of Memorial Day weekend at Birdy’s Cafe on Long Beach Boulevard, where the Borough made streetscape improvements.
“This was one of the most dangerous locations on the Boulevard in our community, because there was no safe access to Birdy’s Cafe for people walking or biking,” Harvey Cedars Mayor John Imperiale said. “Now we have sidewalks and bicycle lanes. We’ve made it better and we’re going to keep working to make our community safer for everyone.”
Street Smart NJ is a public awareness and behavioral change campaign aimed at reducing pedestrian-motor vehicle crashes. It complements other state and local efforts to build safer streets and sidewalks, enforce laws and train better roadway users. The campaign emphasizes educating drivers and pedestrians through mass media and grassroots outreach, as well as targeted enforcement. Police officers focus on engaging and educating, rather than simply issuing citations.
“During the busy summer months, there are a lot more people walking and biking on Long Beach Island. At the same time, there is a significant increase in vehicular traffic, which raises safety concerns,” Harvey Cedars Police Chief Robert Burnaford said. “We want everyone to be ‘smart’ while travelling by following the law.”
The campaign reminds drivers to obey speed limits; stop for people crossing; avoid distractions; and provide at least 4 feet, or a full lane, when passing someone walking or biking in the road. Pedestrians are reminded to use crosswalks or cross at corners; wait for the walk or green light at signalized intersections; and look before crossing.
These messages are incorporated into safety tip cards, posters, banners, outdoor signs, coasters, tent cards and coffee cup sleeves, which communities will display and distribute during the campaign.
In addition to Harvey Cedars, police departments in Beach Haven, Long Beach Township, Ship Bottom and Surf City are participating in the campaign this summer. Street Smart NJ is a collaborative effort between public, private and non-profit organizations, including the state’s eight Transportation Management Associations, who offer support and safety programming to participating communities.
“The federal government has adopted a Safe System Approach to reducing fatalities, which recognizes that responsibility for improving safety is shared,” said Cheryl Kastrenakes, Executive Director of Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association. “The more we can educate everyone about safe practices, the more lives we can save.”