Ramsey March 30, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 3 After a successful test period last year, crossing guards will again be placed on Main Street, Ramsey at three intersections. The purpose of this initiative is to create a safer environment for pedestrians crossing this busy thoroughfare. The initiative, which was set to begin over the weekend, will run on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guards will be posted at the intersections of Main Street and Erie Plaza, Main Street and Spruce Street, and Main Street and Island Avenue. The program may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Ramsey Police Chief Bryan Gurney explained that the test period was carried out in the fall of 2010. “There were a lot of complaints,” Chief Gurney said, adding that several people had been struck by motorists, and many were jaywalking. He added that the police department will also be working to ensure that motorists are yielding to pedestrians who are in the crosswalks. “Were just trying to decrease the amount of pedestrian accidents and increase safety due to the amount of pedestrian traffic and make people aware of the law.” The chief added that there have been a few serious accidents involving pedestrians and a fatality near the post office in recent years. “With the weather turning better and more pedestrians out on Main Street, we wanted to add crossing guards to improve pedestrian safety,” Ramsey Mayor Christo- Main Street safety initiative announced pher Botta said last week. “We will also be stepping up enforcement in the Main Street corridor.” The Ramsey Police Department undertook a borough-wide traffic safety initiative in conjunction with the reopening of the schools in September 2010. Pedestrians and motorists were urged to exercise caution and courtesy in sharing the roadways. Main Street carries an extremely high volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The area of Main Street from Franklin Turnpike to Wyckoff Avenue includes the high school, a shopping district, railroad crossing, and a movie theater, creating a constant flow of pedestrians. With school in session, there is an increased need for drivers and pedestrians follow the laws to avoid injuries. Police remind motorists that the use of cell phones without approved hands-free devices, and texting while driving are dangerous and illegal. It is also illegal not to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalks. Pedestrians also must do their part to ensure their safety. Everyone needs to know jaywalking is illegal and unsafe. All need to be crossing in designated crosswalks. During the autumn test period, officers were assigned to Main Street during peak times of pedestrian traffic. Officers monitored traffic for vehicles that failed to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, pedestrians who did not use designated crosswalks, and drivers who were using hand-held cell phones while driving. Crafty trio Kindergartners Noah, Michael, and Will model the Saint Patrick’s Day hats they made in class at Tisdale School. FREE Food & Bakery Tasting All Day Long COME JOIN US FOR OUR Face Painting Balloons & Give-Aways Celebration! Celebrating 33 Years Saturday April 2, 2011 on at Baked Daily sh Fre AT NOW O’S! LOTIT king All Ba and by H Done mises on Pre ay! yD Ever Deli~Catering & Bakery 81 Interstate Shopping Center, Ramsey, NJ 07446 Lotito’s 201.327.6066 Fres Bread h Baked s, Cak es Pastr ies, C , Pies o and M okies ore! Home ma Italian de Speci alties ! We als o Carry Impor ted Italian Ceram ics and Specia lty Pa ckage Food d Produ cts! Hot d n Brea Artisa Fresh Made y! All Da www.lotitosdeli.com Monday–Saturday 7:30 am to 6:30 pm Sunday 9 am to 5 pm Be Cater st ing Berge in Count n y!