October is National Pedestrian Safety Month

goHunterdon offers free programs to support Hunterdon municipalities and schools to improve walkability and pedestrian safety. Contact us to learn how we may be able to assist your community or school to improve walkability and pedestrian safety in your community.

In Street “Stop of Pedestrians” Signs

In New Jersey, motorists must “stop and stay stopped for pedestrians in a crosswalk” (N.J.S.A. 39:4-36). In street signage increases awareness of this law and can serve as a traffic calming device in locations with high pedestrian activity.

Using funds from the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety, goHunterdon will provide municipalities with these in street signs at no charge. Signs must be placed in accordance with Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Device (MUTCD) guidance. Reach out to Ryan Fisher, goHunterdon Safety Programs Manager, rfisher@gohunterdon.org, to learn more.

Speed Studies

Speeding plays a significant role in the severity of injuries in pedestrian crashes.

Municipalities may request a speed study

of a local road. Studies are conducted for a period of approximately one month using a radar speed unit. The unit collects data on traffic volumes and motorist speed.

The resulting data is provided with a written report of findings and enforcement recommendations as applicable.

For more information:

Walkability Audits

The first step in improving walkability within a community is to assess existing conditions. Walkability “audits” provide an opportunity for interested stakeholders to document the pedestrian experience in real time.

goHunterdon staff will provide participants with an overview of the characteristics that make a street or road appealing and safe for pedestrians and characteristics that make a street or road unappealing or unsafe for pedestrians. Participants will then walk local roadways, document their observations and experiences using a “SWOT” (Strength, Weaknesses, Threats, and Opportunities) approach. The group reconvenes following the walk to report out on the walk.

goHunterdon will provide the community with a report of the activity. Walk audits can be used to obtain 5 points toward Sustainable Jersey certification.

Reach out to Ryan Fisher, goHunterdon Safety Programs Manager, rfisher@gohunterdon.org, to learn more.

Street Smart NJ Pedestrian Safety Campaigns

Street Smart NJ is a public awareness and behavioral change pedestrian safety campaign.

Street Smart NJ emphasizes educating drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists through mass media, as well as targeted enforcement.

Police officers focus on engaging and educating, rather than simply issuing citations. Street Smart NJ complements, but doesn’t replace, other state and local efforts to build safer streets and sidewalks, enforce laws and train better roadway users.