Safer Streets Initiative Launches This Month In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield is launching a new "Safe Streets" campaign aimed at promoting safer and more respectful behavior by drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.

The town’s Safe Streets campaign, a collaboration with the Fairfield Safe Streets Alliance, will kick off with a community event and news conference at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 23, outside the Fairfield Main Library, 1080 Old Post Road.

Speakers at the event will include First Selectman Bill Gerber, Gov. Ned Lamont, Joe Cristalli and Mark Carlino from the Connecticut Department of Transportation, Fairfield Police Chief Robert Kalamaras, Acting Fire Chief Kyran Dunn and Riverfield Elementary School Principal Mary Rose Dymond.

The event will also feature vehicle demonstrations, participation by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and a range of educational materials for the community, including lawn signs, car magnets and stickers for children. Residents will be encouraged to take a Safe Streets Pledge, a commitment to drive safely, avoid distractions, watch for pedestrians and share the road with bicyclists.

"This campaign focuses on changing our attitudes, our behavior, and our culture around the way we drive, bike, and walk in Fairfield," Gerber said in a statement. "Every single one of us, adults and children alike, plays a part in making our streets safer. We’re asking residents to step up, take the pledge, and be part of slower, safer, friendlier roads in our community. Road Safety Starts With You!"

Other event highlights include a free raffle for a children’s Trek bike, a DADDS alcohol-detection vehicle, a police cruiser and a fire truck, as well as free cookies and cupcakes from Alina’s Cakes & Cookies.

The Safe Streets campaign is expected to continue through the summer with ongoing outreach, pop-up events and visibility efforts in neighborhoods, schools and business districts.

The campaign is funded by a grant from the Western Connecticut Council of Governments (WestCOG) and by sponsor contributions from Penske Automotive Group, Minuteman Press, WSHU Radio, Trek Bikes and A2V Media. No taxpayer dollars are being used.

About the Fairfield Safe Streets Alliance

A Town of Fairfield coalition, the Fairfield Safe Streets Alliance includes representatives from the Police and Fire Departments, the Health Department, Fairfield Public Schools, Fairfield Public Library, the First Selectman’s Office, and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee, all working together to encourage safer use of Fairfield roadways. Initiated by First Selectman Bill Gerber, the Alliance’s goal is keeping Fairfield roads safe for all residents, whether they’re driving, biking, walking, or riding a scooter. The "Road Safety Starts With You" campaign is intended to raise awareness, educate the public about driver, bicyclist and pedestrian rules, and promote slower, safer, friendlier streets. This year, the Town of Fairfield signed the Vision Zero Pledge, with the goal to end all traffic fatalities by 2034. More information can be found here.