Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
Safety doesn’t happen by accident – and that is the message a recent public awareness campaign for Hopewell Borough residents aims to get across.
Through the “Heads Up Hopewell” campaign, borough officials are encouraging pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers to be alert, take care and look out for one another as they make their way through the one-square-mile town.
“This is a campaign that excludes no one – bicyclists, pedestrians, drivers, residents and visitors,” Borough Administrator Michele Hovan said.
Hopewell Borough is taking a multi-pronged approach to encouraging safety, Borough Councilwoman Shelby Tewel said, who suggested the campaign.
Bookmarks, coffee cup sleeves, posters and banners emblazoned with the “Heads Up Hopewell” theme are making their appearance throughout the town, the councilwoman said.
Tewel plans to approach the Hopewell Business Association to talk to business owners about the campaign, so they can explain it to their employees. Meanwhile, the Hopewell Township Police Department is planning to send officers into Hopewell Elementary School to teach children how they can safely navigate through the town.
For example, pedestrians should use crosswalks, look both ways before stepping into a crosswalk and then look again. Wearing bright colors to increase one’s visibility is a good idea.
Bicyclists also are encouraged to wear bright colors to increase visibility. They must ride in the same direction as cars, and stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. They should avoid riding too close to parked cars whose occupants could open the car door into them.
Drivers should slow down, look and then look again when they approach an intersection or crosswalk. They must stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. And of course, do not text and drive at the same time.
Over the past few years, Hopewell Borough has made improvements to the streetscape in the business district, some of it aimed at pedestrian safety, Hovan said.
The “Heads Up Hopewell” campaign – “lift your head and be aware of your surroundings” – is the “natural next step” to engage the community and encourage them to become part of the solution, she said.
“It is no way unique to Hopewell Borough, but we can make a difference in Hopewell. If we can reduce the risk in Hopewell Borough, other communities will follow,” she said.
“Most problems can be alleviated with a little common sense, a little courtesy and a little respect, which is what makes a ‘community,’” Hovan said.
