goHunterdon, in collaboration with the Frenchtown Police Department, recently conducted a Street Smart pedestrian safety campaign in the Borough.
Street Smart NJ is a public education campaign that aims to raise awareness of pedestrian and motorist laws and change the behaviors that lead to pedestrian and cyclist crashes and fatalities. In Hunterdon County, Street Smart NJ campaigns are facilitated by goHunterdon. Funding is provided by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.
“Frenchtown is a walking community,” says Mayor Brad Myhre. “Our children walk to school. Residents walk to the post office, churches, shops, and eateries. “Visitors come to Frenchtown to enjoy our walkable downtown. Keeping everyone safe while on foot is a high priority,” he adds.
During the campaign, signs were posted to encourage pedestrians to use crosswalks and to remind motorists of New Jersey’s “Stop and Stay Stopped for Pedestrians in Crosswalks” law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-36). Posters, table tents, coffee sleeves, and tote bags with Street Smart messaging have been distributed throughout the community and on social media.
“Throughout the safety campaign, police officers interacted with motorists to make sure they know and obey the law and stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk”, says Police Director Gantner. “We also reminded pedestrians to use marked crosswalks,” he adds.
The Frenchtown Borough Street Smart NJ campaign marks the thirteenth (13th) campaigns conducted in Hunterdon County in recent years. Several communities have conducted multiple campaigns. Prior campaigns have been conducted in Califon Borough, Town of Clinton, Flemington Borough, Frenchtown Borough, High Bridge Borough, and the City of Lambertville.
For more information about Street Smart NJ campaigns in Hunterdon County, https://www.gohunterdon.org/bike-ped-programs/street-smart-nj/overview