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Franklin Township Gets Street Smart

A Street Smart flyer with a silhouette of a family crossing the street. Text: Drive Smart. We STOP for people, it's the law. bestreetsmartnj.org

RideWise has partnered with the Franklin Township Police Department on a pedestrian safety campaign that will take place throughout October. The Street Smart Franklin campaign, which is part of the statewide Street Smart NJ initiative, aims to improve conditions for pedestrians and drivers by educating the public on safety laws and increasing awareness of pedestrian safety issues.

Street Smart NJ is a collaborative effort between public, private, and non-profit organizations. The campaign reminds people that everyone has a role to play in making streets safer.  Drivers need to obey speed limits and stop for people crossing; pedestrians must use crosswalks and cross the road with the signal; and everyone needs to avoid distractions.

RideWise will distribute safety information through materials shared with local businesses in Franklin Township and social media throughout the month. Meanwhile, Franklin Township Police will enforce pedestrian and driver safety laws through warnings and summonses. The campaign centers around the following key messages:

  • Walk Smart
    1. We look before crossing
    2. We use crosswalks
    3. We wait for the walk
  • Drive Smart
    1. Heads up, phones down
    2. We stop for people
    3. We slow down for safety
Two women crossing the street in the crosswalk while a car waits for them to cross. The Street Smart website and logo are on the bottom: bestreetsmartnj.org

Since 2016, RideWise has conducted Street Smart campaigns for six Somerset County communities.  Each campaign saw improvements in pedestrians using crosswalks and drivers stopping for pedestrians.  The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority developed the Street Smart NJ campaign in 2013.  RideWise receives funding from the NJTPA to facilitate Street Smart NJ campaigns in Somerset County.

Businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in helping to promote Street Smart NJ in Franklin Township can contact Sara Catherine Lichon at (908) 704-1011 or sara@ridewise.org.