The Fairfield Safe Streets Alliance is launching a campaign this summer to encourage residents to help make the town’s roads slower, safer and more welcoming for bicyclists and pedestrians.
“Some of the most frequent concerns I hear from residents are about speeding and safety on Fairfield streets,” said First Selectman Bill Gerber. “Creating safer streets and fulfilling our Vision Zero Pledge with the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities by 2034 is a priority for my administration.”
The alliance is designed to create greater awareness of personal behavior through alignment with the principles of Vision Zero and to foster a shared commitment to driving, biking, walking or using other vehicles (motorcycles, e-bikes, scooters) in a responsible and courteous manner. Chaired by Lisa Clair, director of communications for Fairfield, the alliance is a town committee that includes representatives from the police and fire departments, the health department, the schools, the library, and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee as well as the first selectman’s office and engaged community members.
To that end, residents are being asked to respond to a survey that includes 16 questions, such as: “How well does the town uphold its responsibility in preventing crashes and ensuring safety on the streets of Fairfield?” “What do you think are the top contributors to road safety risks in Fairfield?” And “What improvement in street traffic safety would make you more likely to give children more freedom to walk in your neighborhood without an adult?”
The town’s Vision Zero Pledge promises to end all traffic injuries and fatalities by 2034. State Senator Tony Hwang is a strong proponent of the Vision Zero Pledge and celebrated the recent bipartisan passage of Senate Bill 1377, “An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Department of Transportation,” as a major step toward safer roads and more affordable public transit in Connecticut.
“This legislation is about saving lives and ensuring access,” stated Hwang in a press release. “It advances our commitment to Vision Zero by tackling roadway fatalities directly, while also expanding affordable transit options for veterans, seniors, youth, and individuals with disabilities.”
Senate Bill 1377 now moves to the House of Representatives for further action.
Jenna Wellington, public information officer for the Fairfield Police Department, serves as that unit’s representative, providing a law enforcement perspective during discussions, particularly when questions arise about traffic laws and enforcement.
“I also use department traffic data to create educational materials such as brochures, traffic law quizzes, website content, and social media graphics,” she said. “When laws are under discussion, I help ensure the group understands how they are applied locally and what enforcement looks like in practice.”
Sgt. Michael Komm and Lt. Jeremy Zdru of the police department’s Traffic Unit also participate in alliance meetings, offering specialized insight into e-bikes, motorized scooters, speed enforcement and other complex traffic-related issues.
“As leaders of the Traffic and Crash Investigation Units, responsible for handling major vehicle collisions in Fairfield, they bring valuable real-world experience to the table,” said Wellington. “As part of our upcoming educational campaign, the Traffic Unit has committed to distributing materials during traffic stops, continuing a practice already implemented several times a year.”
From FCN partner Easton Courier.
