FAIRFIELD — The town and the Fairfield Safe Streets Alliance are rolling out an initiative to make town streets safer for pedestrians and drivers alike. The campaign will kick off with a community gathering and press conference on Monday, June 23 at 10:30 a.m. on the patio outside the Fairfield Main Library at 1080 Old Post Road, according to First Selectman Bill Gerber.
The first selectman will be joined by Gov. Ned Lamont, Joe Cristalli and Mark Carlino from the state Department of Transportation, Police Chief Robert Kalamaras, Acting Fire Chief Kyran Dunn, Riverfield Elementary School Principal Mary Rose Dymond, and safety vehicle demonstrations. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) will also participate in the event.
“This campaign focuses on changing our attitudes, our behavior, and our culture around the way we drive, bike, and walk in Fairfield,” said First Selectman Bill Gerber. “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.”
Residents will also be asked to take the “Safe Streets Pledge,” committing to drive at safe speeds, stop for pedestrians, avoid distractions, share the road with cyclists, and model safe behavior for others.
There will be demonstration vehicles, including the DADDS Alcohol Detection Vehicle, a police cruiser and a firetruck, videos demonstrating safe streets messaging, MADD educational materials, and free lawn signs, car magnets, stickers for children, cookies and cupcakes from Alina’s Cakes & Cookies.
The event is funded through a grant from the Western Connecticut Council of Governments (WestCOG) and Neighborhood Champion Sponsor Penske Automotive Group, including Porsche, Audi and Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield; Video Sponsor Minuteman Press; Media Sponsor WSHU Radio; Giveaway Sponsor Trek Bikes; and Emmy-award winning Video Production Company A2V Media.
