Pedestrian Safety – goHunterdon

“Summer Safety Squad” Initiative Promotes Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety

Jul 31, 2026

This summer, goHunterdon is once again partnering with local police departments to encourage safe bicycling and walking habits among young residents through its Summer Safety Squad initiative.

The positive-reinforcement program centers on a series of five collectible trading cards that give police officers a fun, kid-friendly way to recognize children who are making safe choices such as wearing a helmet, crossing streets safely, and staying visible while walking or riding. When officers spot a child demonstrating good safety habits, they reward them with one of the collectible cards.

“The card set is designed with an e-sports/trading card aesthetic to appeal to 11- and 12-year-olds,” said Ryan Fisher, goHunterdon Safety Programs Manager. “This is the age when we typically see a decline in helmet use and other safe bicycling and walking behaviors.”
By encouraging children to collect all five cards, the program reinforces positive behaviors throughout the summer while fostering meaningful interactions between law enforcement and the community.

Each card also features a tear-off coupon that can be redeemed at a participating local business, offering rewards such as a free ice cream cone or a slice of pizza. These partnerships, coordinated by the participating police departments, provide an extra incentive for children to practice safe habits every time they head outside.

Participating police departments include Flemington Borough, Frenchtown Borough, High Bridge Borough, the City of Lambertville, Readington Township, the Town of Clinton, Califon Borough (through the Washington Township Police Department), and Tewksbury Township. Through Summer Safety Squad, goHunterdon and its law enforcement partners are helping young residents build lifelong safety habits while strengthening positive connections within the community.

October is Pedestrian Safety Month

Oct 22, 2025

October is recognized as National Pedestrian Safety Month, and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reminding drivers to slow down and stay alert for pedestrians.

“goHunterdon wants to help ensure that pedestrians can travel safely and confidently, without fear or stress,” says Ryan Fisher, goHunterdon Safety Programs Manager. “Drivers are urged to slow down, stay attentive, and make pedestrian awareness a regular part of their driving habits.”

This message is especially timely as Halloween approaches, when more pedestrians—particularly children—are out in neighborhoods during evening hours. Trick-or-treaters may move unpredictably or be less aware of traffic, so drivers should take extra caution and anticipate pedestrians in unexpected places.

To support safer streets across Hunterdon County, goHunterdon offers a variety of free programs to assist local municipalities in promoting pedestrian safety:

In-Street “Stop for Pedestrians” Signs

goHunterdon provides free in-street signs to be placed at crosswalks. These signs remind drivers of their legal obligation to stop for pedestrians and increase visibility at crossings.

Public Awareness & Education Campaigns

Municipalities can partner with goHunterdon to develop custom public awareness campaigns on topics like pedestrian laws, bicycle safety, speeding, and distracted driving. Communities may also choose to request materials from goHunterdon that are consistent with the statewide Street Smart NJ campaign.

Speed Studies

goHunterdon offers free radar-based speed studies to help municipalities monitor vehicle speeds and traffic volumes. Using portable “Your Speed Is” signs, data is collected and analyzed in a detailed report with charts and graphs to support safety planning and enforcement.

Walk Assessments

goHunterdon is available to facilitate walkability assessments that engage community members in evaluating sidewalks, signage, crosswalks, and neighborhood conditions. These assessments help identify improvements to make walking safer and more accessible.

For more information about goHunterdon’s pedestrian and traffic safety programs, contact Ryan Fisher, Safety Programs Manager, rfisher@gohunterdon.org, or visit www.goHunterdon.org/safety

“Smart Summer Fun” Online Activities Offered by goHunterdon

Jul 27, 2020

goHunterdon has announced the availability of free online summer activities for K-8 students and their families. The activities reinforce the curriculum offered by goHunterdon to local schools as part of the organization’s environmental education and bicycle/pedestrian safety programming.

“Summer 2020 presents a unique opportunity for Hunterdon students to have fun and stay engaged with hands-on, active learning,” says Tara Shepherd, executive director.

“The bicycle and pedestrian safety activities all have a “Take it Outside” element,” says Ryan Fisher, Safety Programs Coordinator. “Activities include an “I-Spy” walking game, performing an “ABC Quick Check” of your bicycle before riding, and an “egg drop” helmet experiment. Several “do it yourself” craft activities, like creating “galaxy sneakers” or making homemade sidewalk chalk provide for hands on fun,” he adds. The bicycle and pedestrian activities may be viewed here: https://www.gohunterdon.org/summer-learning/srts

For those who are looking for STEM education aligned activities, the environmental education resources include activities related to electric vehicles, alternative energies, and air quality. Activities are arranged by grade level and include a greenhouse gas experiment, creating a battery from pennies, building a windmill, designing a car powered by a balloon.

“goHunterdon’s environmental education program has always focused on hands-on learning,” says Jodi Bettermann, Environmental Education Coordinator. “Teaching young people today provides an opportunity for lifelong awareness of the role that they can play in improving the environment,” she notes. “This summer is a great time to help children develop curiosity around these topics,” she adds. The environmental education activities may be viewed here: https://www.gohunterdon.org/summer-learning/env-ed

For more information, contact Ryan Fisher, rfisher@gohunterdon.org, Safety Programs Coordinator or Jodi Betterman, jbettermann@gohunterdon.org, Environmental Education Coordinator.