New campaign to reinforce positive pedestrian, bicycling behavior

Editor's note: This article was updated at 5 p.m., Oct. 8, 2015. The kick-off event has been moved to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 13.

4:01 p.m., Sept. 30, 2015--Based on concern for the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists, the University of Delaware Police Department, the Newark Police Department and Earl (Rusty) Lee, director of the T2/LTAP Center in UD's College of Engineering, have combined forces in a new safety campaign called "Walk Safe Bike Safe."

Rather than focusing on enforcement, this effort is taking a new approach by rewarding positive behavior and recognizing individuals who are doing something safe. Instead of only issuing tickets for violations, officers also will be handing out "Thank You" vouchers when they witness someone taking the time to do the right and safe thing. 

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The Newark initiative will kick off with a special zombie-themed event at11:30 a.m.., Tuesday, Oct. 13, on Delaware Avenue, where students and other members of the community will be dressed as zombies as part of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety's "It's a no brainer" campaign. Volunteers will hand out "Walk Safe Bike Safe" literature, and officers from Newark Police and UD Police will issue "Safe tickets." Activities will move on to Main Street and other locations. Those demonstrating good behavior will be provided small rewards, such as free gifts, soft drinks and desserts.

Partnering in the program are UD's Student Wellness and Health Promotion Program, Taverna, Grain, Santa Fe Mexican Grill and others.