By DONALD WITTKOWSKI
Police Chief Tom McQuillen said Sea Isle City did not have any serious accidents over the summer in which bicyclists or pedestrians were struck by motorists.
He believes that the city’s emphasis on traffic safety was a major factor in keeping bikers and pedestrians out of harm’s way during the bustling tourism season.
“It’s really tough to say definitely. But I’d like to think so,” he said in an interview Wednesday.
Although the peak summer season is over and Sea Isle is transitioning into the quieter off-season months, the police department is not easing back on its traffic safety programs.
In a partnership with the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police, the city is continuing a social media campaign that focuses on safety for bikers, pedestrians, drivers and schoolchildren.
McQuillen called it “all encompassing.”
“When you combine all of those factors, it has lent itself to a reduction in accidents and near-misses,” he said of the campaign.
Sea Isle’s year-round population is about 2,000, but during the summer vacation season the number of people in town swells to an estimated 50,000 to 60,000. Recognizing the potential dangers when pedestrians, bikes, cars and trucks all share the same space, police launched their education program to try to keep everyone safe.
Earlier this summer, Sea Isle began a program focusing on bike safety, including letting bicyclists know that they are required to follow the same traffic laws as motorists.
Like other shore communities, Sea Isle teems with bikers during the tourism season. Over the years, Sea Isle has had crashes between bikes and cars, although most of them have been relatively minor. There have been no deaths, according to police Lt. William Mammele.
A pedestrian safety campaign was also added in Sea Isle this summer, including a social media component, signs and banners. A series of “Drive Smart” and “Walk Smart” signs placed around town stress the importance of both drivers and pedestrians acting safely.
“Drive Smart: We slow down for safety,” says one sign aimed at motorists. “Walk Smart: We look before crossing,” says another sign for pedestrians.
Throughout September, the police department has been posting safety messages and videos on its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SICPD to remind bikers, pedestrians, drivers and schoolchildren to be careful while out on the roads. McQuillen said safety messages will continue to be posted in October.
“That constant safety message is, hopefully, resonating with people,” he said.
With school now back in session, McQuillen believes it is more important than ever for drivers to be aware of children.
“Some people are really out of practice,” he said, noting that the school year was cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
The police department’s Facebook page also includes links to safety tips and videos found at https://jerseydrives.com/ and on YouTube.
