For Immediate Release Contact:
October 19, 2016 lschopfer@irvingtonny.gov
slow.down.irvington@gmail.com
People are seeing some real improvement on local streets since the Slow Down Irvington campaign began, a little over a year ago, in an effort to ensure that everyone can enjoy safely driving, biking and walking through Irvington. The Village has already accomplished many of the more than 60 safety-enhancement goals identified by the Traffic Calming Committee. The Police Department, the Department of Public Works, the Board of Trustees, Mayor Brian Smith, and Village Administrator Larry Schopfer are working together to bring about the changes that everyone has probably noticed: the new 15 mph speed limit on Main Street, increased speeding and stop sign enforcement, electronic speed signs, painted crosswalks and new Aqueduct Ped X-ing signs, among other things. While the Village continues to implement further traffic calming improvements, the Traffic Committee believes the start of the school year is a perfect time to focus residents on pedestrian safety with its new public awareness campaign, Walk Safe Irvington.
Walking is not only good for our health and the environment, it also helps us meet our neighbors, maintain the small town character of our village, and create community spirit. The campaign hopes to make both drivers and pedestrians aware of their responsibility to share the road and the need to be alert, cautious, and courteous towards one another. By simply obeying the law, following the rules of the road, and using common sense and restraint, we will make Irvington safer and more pleasant for everybody.
When driving our streets, please:
? Observe speed limits
? Come to a full stop at all stop signs and before turning right on red
? Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and at unmarked intersections (it's State law!)
? Stop at least 20 feet from a school bus flashing its red lights, even if it is on the
? opposite side of the street (it’s State law!)
? Never pass a car stopped at a crosswalk. A pedestrian may be hidden from your view
? Always be on the lookout for pedestrians and drive cautiously even when there are none in sight
? Drive particularly carefully during low-light conditions when visibility of pedestrians decreases;
? and in bad weather, when you may be unable to stop your car in time to avoid them
? Be alert for children walking or playing near the street
? Slow down for pedestrians on narrow roads with no sidewalks. Be courteous. Be patient.
? Don’t be distracted even for a moment! Never use your hand-held phone when driving
Pedestrians should always:
? Be aware of their surroundings at all times. Never text while walking.
? Cross at corners and intersections not in between. Watch out for vehicles turning right on red.
? Look both ways before stepping into the roadway. And, of course, don't be looking at your phone
? while crossing the street.
? Where there are no sidewalks, walk facing the traffic on your side of the road
? Carry a flashlight or wear something reflective at night when walking on roads without sidewalks.
The Traffic Calming committee has been working with the Walking School Bus and the Irvington school district to encourage walking and teach pedestrian safety. Last Spring, the committee sponsored a contest for Middle School and High School students to create short Public Service Announcements concerning pedestrian safety. The winners will be screened on the village’s cable/FIOS channel in conjunction with the Walk Safe initiative. (Please visit the SlowDownIrvington Facebook page for program schedule details.)
Mindful of the fact that residential streets have a death rate (per miles driven) over twice that of highways and that most speeders on residential streets live in the immediate area, the committee is seeking to involve more individuals for outreach in their own neighborhoods. If you are interested in working with your neighbors to improve traffic conditions and pedestrian safety on the streets around your home, please contact Traffic Calming Irvington at slow.down.irvington@gmail.com. Walk Safe Irvington posters, bumpers stickers, lawn signs, and hand cards will be available (free of charge) in Village Hall for spreading the message.