Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • June 6, 2012 Ramsey The Ramsey Police Department will begin a boroughwide traffic safety initiative this summer. Pedestrians and motorists are reminded that they must exercise caution and courtesy in sharing the roadways. Main Street in Ramsey carries has an extremely high volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The area of Main Street from Franklin Turnpike to Wyckoff Avenue provides access to Ramsey High School, a shopping district, railroad crossing, and a movie theater. There is a constant flow of pedestrians crossing the street. With school ending, there is an increased need for drivers and pedestrians to follow the laws to avoid injuries. Police department launches traffic safety initiative Due to the high volume of traffic on Main Street, it is imperative that drivers’ attention not be divided. Motorists’ use of cell phones without approved hands free devices and texting while driving are dangerous and illegal. It is illegal not to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalks. Pedestrians must do their part to ensure their safety. Jaywalking is illegal and unsafe. Pedestrians must cross in designated crosswalks. Pedestrians must obey traffic signals, especially “Walk/Don’t Walk” indicators. Pedestrians should never assume a driver sees them or will stop for them. At night, pedestrians are urged to wear reflective clothing and always use sidewalks. The Ramsey Farmers Market will launch its third season on June 10 with the Annual Strawberry Festival hosted by the Ramsey Woman’s Club. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Main Street Train Station in Ramsey. Complimentary strawberry shortcake will be served, as visitors enjoy fresh, local produce and products from over 30 vendors, music, and a children’s craft table. Ramsey Country Club’s Chef Artie Toufayan will offer delicious food samples using ingredients from the market vendors. The Ramsey Farmers Market offers organic and traditional produce, artisanal breads and cheeses, gluten-free baked products, gourmet olive oils and balsamic vinegars, eggs from free-range chickens, local wines, fresh fish from the Hampton Bays, prepared organic foods, homemade Farmers Market opens with festival pastas, gourmet teas, coffees, local honey, fresh flowers, handmade artisanal ice pops, nuts, dried fruits, pickles, olives, homemade chili, organic toffee, and more. Market shoppers have the opportunity to purchase fresh and locally grown products as they get to know various farmers and vendors. The Ramsey Farmers Market will continue outdoors each Sunday through Nov. 18, rain or shine. This season, the market will host six Artisans’ Corners, hosting local artists and craft makers on the third Sunday of each month. The market will continue its commitment to supporting local farming and a sustainable community focusing on recycling, ways to reduce everyone’s carbon footprint, (continued on page 18) On Saturdays, the Ramsey Police Department will assign crossing guards to busy crosswalks on Main Street. Pedestrians are urged to cross at crosswalks that have a crossing guard. The Ramsey Police Department will be assigning officers on Main Street during peak times of pedestrian traffic. Assigned officers will be monitoring traffic for vehicles that fail to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, pedestrians not using the designated crosswalks pursuant to NJSA 39:434, and for drivers talking on cellular phones while driving in violation of NJSA 39:4-97.3. Ramsey Mayor Christopher Botta, Public Safety Chairperson/Councilwoman Deirdre Dillon, and the entire council support this project. Per NJSA 39:4-26 motorists shall stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Drivers should obey speed limits and not park on or near crosswalks. Furthermore, a clean windshield will help a driver’s visibility. A violation of New Jersey statute 39:4-36 for failing to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk carries a fine and points on one’s driver’s license. Other areas of concern are the illegal left turns from Main Street onto Church Street and Erie Plaza per NJSA 39:4-81. Illegal left turns at these locations cause back-ups onto the railroad tracks with no escape route should a train come through. The speed limit on Main Street is 25 miles per hour. A lower speed may be necessary due to traffic conditions. Drivers are urged to follow posted speed limit signs on all streets throughout the borough. The goal of the Ramsey Police Department Pedestrian Awareness Program is to enforce the law regarding pedestrian and driver safety.