HomeMy WebLinkAboutStreet Smarts - April
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Jennifer Bennerotte,
Communications & Technology Services Director
Phone 952-833-9520 • jbennerotte@EdinaMN.gov • www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City reminds residents to ‘Be Predictable. Be Visible.’
Edina, Minn., April 20, 2015 – The City of Edina reminds residents to “Be Predictable. Be Visible.” on local
streets.
Recently, a shift has been occurring in the way the City of Edina’s residents, workers and visitors think about
streets, the way they have been designed, and how (and by whom) they are used. The community has been
moving toward becoming one that is more active and “livable,” with streets that are more “human-centered.”
Living Streets are designed and engineered to be safe and convenient for everyone – not just drivers, but also
bicyclists, transit riders, wheelchair users and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. Living Streets are designed to
improve residents’ health and quality of life while enhancing a neighborhood’s social and economic vitality.
To educate street users about safety, the Engineering and Police departments recently launched the “Edina
Street Smarts” campaign. Each month of the spring, summer and fall, the departments will remind street users
of ways to be safe and respectful of others. This month, the message is “Be Predictable. Be Visible.”
“The number and share of people who walk and bike our roadways is increasing – this is a fact,” said
Transportation Planner Mark Nolan. “Because of this, it is increasingly important for all of us to be aware not
only of ourselves, but also of those around us. Be alert!”
Police officers echo those comments. “Understanding and acceptance between people using differing modes of
transportation fosters mutual respect,” said Sgt. Tim Olson. “This ultimately makes our streets safer for
everyone.”
Safety tips for motorists include:
Don’t pass a cyclist until you can safely do so.
Allow ample space between your vehicle and the bicycle.
Safety tips for bicyclists include:
Make your intentions clear.
Ride in a straight line.
Don’t swerve between parked cars.
Signal turns. Check behind you well before turning or changing lanes.
Ride where people can see you. Wear bright colors.
Use lights and reflectors when visibility is poor and at night.
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Make eye contact with others.
Slow down and yield to pedestrians if you choose to ride on the sidewalk.
Safety tips for pedestrians include:
Use the sidewalk. If there isn’t one, walk on the left side of the roadway (when practicable), facing
traffic.
Cross at intersections or marked crosswalks when not at an intersection.
For more information, visit www.EdinaMN.gov or contact the Police Department at
952-826-1610 or Engineering Department at 952-826-0371.
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