Are you on foot or on a bicycle at night? Make sure that you are visible to vehicles. Light colored and bright clothing helps, but better yet, wear a light or something reflective.
Did you know that someone wearing a piece of reflective material the size of your thumb is more visible at night than a person wearing all white?
The Brattleboro Safe Streets Project began as an initiative of the Brattleboro Town Manager in response to 3 pedestrian deaths during the winter of 2011/2012. This group of town officials and concerned community members joined forces with Local Motion, Burlington’s pedestrian and bicycling advocacy organization, in the fall of 2012. With Local Motion’s expertise, a grant from the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, and contributions from the Town of Brattleboro, the Vermont Chapter of AARP, the BCBS of Vermont Community Advisory Board and the Vermont Department of Health, the Safe Streets Project is working to create a culture of respect among drivers, bikers and walkers, to increase civility and safety on our streets for everyone, through awareness and education activities.
700 reflective leg/arm bands have been distributed since autumn of 2012, through various agencies that serve people who walk and bicycle, such as the town manager’s office, the Senior Center, Morningside House and the Drop-In Center, veterinarian offices (dog walkers), Putney Road businesses and other venues.
Now, the Safe Streets Project wants to be sure people are wearing these reflective bands when they are out walking or biking at night. From February 24 through March 7, volunteers will be out in the evening for an hour or so after dark, looking to “catch” people wearing their reflective bands or any other reflective gear or light. Those who are lucky enough to “Get Spotted” will receive a gift certificate for a hot beverage at The Works, Vermont Country Deli, Cumbrland Farms or the Brattleboro Food Coop. Volunteers will be posted in high traffic areas along the major arteries: Putney Road, Western Avenue and Canal Street.
Volunteers, ideas, and donations for the Safe Streets Project are always welcome! To get involved or to learn more, please contact:
Interim Town Manager, Patrick Moreland: pmoreland@brattleboro.org
Alice Charkes: acharkes@myfairpoint.net
Kathleen White: Kathleen.white@state.vt.us
