HARVEY CEDARS, NJ — Drivers at the Jersey Shore who fail to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks may discover that the person trying to cross the street is actually working with police.
In Harvey Cedars on Long Beach Island, police have been using a seasonal officer as a pedestrian decoy throughout the summer to identify drivers who ignore people waiting or walking in marked crosswalks. Officers positioned nearby then stop violators and may issue either a warning or a ticket.
The goal is simple: remind drivers that pedestrians have the right of way and reduce the risk of crashes during one of the busiest times of the year at the Jersey Shore.
A police officer steps into the crosswalk
Seasonal Officer Greg Glassman has been taking part in the operation by attempting to cross busy Long Beach Boulevard while other officers monitor approaching traffic.
If a driver fails to stop, officers farther down the road can pull the vehicle over.
Harvey Cedars Sgt. Kevin Snow told NBC that police have been using the decoy throughout the summer.
The tactic is not unique to Harvey Cedars. New Jersey’s Street Smart safety program specifically recognizes so-called “pedestrian decoy” or “Cops in the Crosswalk” operations as a way of reminding drivers that they are legally required to stop for pedestrians crossing in marked crosswalks.
Summer brings thousands more people onto the roads
The issue becomes particularly important in Harvey Cedars during the summer.
The small borough has a year-round population of only about 500 people, but local officials have previously said that the population can grow to more than 10,000 residents and visitors between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
That means far more cars, bicycles and pedestrians sharing the same streets.
Harvey Cedars has also identified the lack of shoulders, sidewalks and bicycle lanes on some roads as factors that can increase the risk of crashes and injuries.
Police are also watching e-bikes
The crosswalk operation is only one part of the summer enforcement effort.
Police are also checking whether riders are following New Jersey’s newer e-bike requirements.
NBC reports that e-bikes must now be registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, and nearly 12,000 registrations had already been issued by mid-August.
Harvey Cedars police say they are currently allowing riders some time to become familiar with the new requirements before more aggressive enforcement begins.
The message is for everyone on the road
Police say pedestrians also need to pay attention and make sure approaching drivers actually see them before stepping into traffic.
But when it comes to the decoy operation, the target is clear:
drivers who fail to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
And this summer at the Jersey Shore, the pedestrian you decide not to stop for just might be a police officer.
Source: NBC New York / NBC10 Philadelphia, Street Smart NJ
By NJ RADAR Team