BETHLEHEM, Pa. — As extra individuals discover themselves out and about on this change of seasons, Bethlehem-based Coalition for Appropriate Transportation is hanging 5 “Slow Down, Look Around” banners across the metropolis to remind drivers they’re not the one ones utilizing the roadways.
- Coalition for Appropriate Transportation, metropolis of Bethlehem have teamed up for a banner marketing campaign to enhance pedestrian security throughout the Lehigh Valley
- Five banners studying “SLOW DOWN, LOOK AROUND: YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS” will probably be going up alongside Bethlehem roadways
- CAT goals to bolster lively transportation facilities within the space, enhancing well being, the atmosphere and social alternatives for residents
“One of the things that I like to say here in the city is that we have too many streets where people feel like they’re made for cars,” Mayor J. William Reynolds mentioned at a information convention Wednesday to announce the initiative.
“And that’s the type of car culture that we do not want in the city of Bethlehem.”
Reynolds cited that CAT’s efforts, even earlier than the banner marketing campaign, assist the town’s local weather motion plan initiatives. Residents play a big function as properly, he mentioned.
Will Oliver
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LehighValleyInformation.com
“There are so many people in the community that are ready to do the work, that are ready to make the community a better place,” Reynolds mentioned.
The banners are deliberate to stay up all through the summer time. Also, CAT will probably be internet hosting a public pedestrian consciousness occasion this Saturday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Rose Garden Farmers’ Market on Bethlehem’s West Side.
CAT board member Shari Wilson mentioned federal businesses are conscious of the problem relating to dashing drivers. But it’ll take extra work on the native stage to vary the tradition behind sharing the roads, Wilson mentioned.
“It’s well documented that speed is a known factor in death and injury, particularly among people outside of a vehicle, the vulnerable people,” Wilson mentioned.
Will Oliver
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LehighValleyInformation.com
“We will not stop this message until there are zero pedestrian deaths and fatalities.”
CAT Executive Director Scott Slingerland mentioned that from 2013-22, the numbers present {that a} pedestrian was struck by a automotive primarily each 10 days in Bethlehem.
Over that very same 10-year interval, Slingerland’s information confirmed that within the Lehigh Valley, 2,044 individuals have been killed or severely injured in site visitors crashes, together with 310 pedestrians.
“It’s as much as all of us to stay vigilant. When we’re behind the wheel, a passenger on foot or bike, working collectively, we are able to make a distinction.”
Maria Wescoe, trauma damage prevention and outreach coordinator with Lehigh Valley Hopital-Muhlenberg
Car drivers hit 2,237 pedestrians throughout that point, together with 384 in Bethlehem.
Maria Wescoe, trauma damage prevention and outreach coordinator with Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg, mentioned the hospital community sees about 200 pedestrian crashes annually involving walkers and bikers.
Will Oliver
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LehighValleyInformation.com
“With the increase of trauma centers, more people are surviving severe trauma than ever,” Wescoe mentioned. “But scars remain and lives can be changed forever.
“It’s up to all of us to remain vigilant. When we’re behind the wheel, a passenger on foot or bike, working together, we can make a difference.”
