With millions of people expected to visit the Jersey Shore this summer, police departments across Long Beach Island are participating in Street Smart NJ to raise awareness about pedestrian safety. Harvey Cedars will host a news conference to officially kick-off the months-long campaign ahead of the busy Memorial Day weekend.
Street Smart NJ is a public awareness and behavioral change campaign that emphasizes educating drivers and pedestrians through mass media and grassroots outreach, as well as targeted enforcement. Police officers focus on engaging and educating, rather than simply issuing citations.
Street Smart NJ complements other state and local efforts to build safer streets and sidewalks — like the streetscape improvements Harvey Cedars has made, enforce laws and train better roadway users.
LBI was one of the first communities to pilot Street Smart NJ after the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) created the program in 2013. Since then, more than 240 municipalities across the state have hosted campaigns.
In addition to Harvey Cedars, police departments in Beach Haven, Long Beach Township, Ship Bottom and Surf City are participating in the campaign this year.
Speakers will include Harvey Cedars Mayor John Imperiale; Harvey Cedars Police Chief Robert Burnaford; Cheryl Kastrenakes, Executive Director, Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association; and, Melissa Hayes, Senior Director of Communications & External Affairs, NJTPA.
Parking is available at two nearby municipal lots: 7606 Long Beach Blvd and 8002 Anchor Lane.