Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree Announces Saugus Police Department Awarded Grant to Enhance Pedestrian, Bicyclist Safety

(Saugus, MA) June 20, 2018 – Town Manager Scott Crabtree and Police Chief Domenic DiMella are pleased to announce that the Saugus Police Department has been awarded a $3,375 grant by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants and Research -Highway Safety Division to improve traffic safety on local roads for pedestrians and bicyclists.

This funding will allow the Saugus Police Department to provide additional overtime enforcement to increase compliance with traffic laws by all road users. A portion of the grant will also be used to invest in bicycle helmets, and equipment to enhance the visibility of crosswalks.

“I am proud of Chief DiMella and the Police Department for recognizing the importance of pedestrian and bicyclist safety, and pursuing this important grant initiative,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “This funding will continue to prioritize the safety and security of our residents and visitors of Saugus.”

Saugus is one of 84 communities across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to receive funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for pedestrian and bicyclist safety.

With nearly 6,000 pedestrians killed in 2016 across the country, pedestrians now account for a larger proportion of traffic fatalities than they have in the past 33 years. In Massachusetts, that rate is even higher, with pedestrians representing more than 20% of all traffic fatalities. Bicyclists are dying at higher rates nationally as well – the 840 killed in traffic crashes in 2016 are the most since 1991.

“Bicyclists and pedestrians are at risk to the motoring public because they may not be immediately visible to drivers and unlike those in vehicles, nothing protects them in a crash,” said Chief DiMella. “We’ll use crash data and community input to identify crosswalks, intersections, and roadways where our enforcement efforts can yield the largest impact on pedestrian and bicyclist safety.”

For more information, contact the Town Manager’s office at 781-231-4111.

About The Town of Saugus

The Town of Saugus, Massachusetts, is a family-friendly, historic neighborhood Town located along the north shore, ten miles north of Boston. First settled in 1629, Saugus is home to historic sites, top-tier public services, and a thriving business community. Strong community support, a forward-thinking approach to town government, rich recreational opportunities, affordable choices, and easy access to all the amenities that Boston has to offer – they all contribute to make Saugus a Town where businesses flourish and families make their home.

Follow Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree on Twitter and Instagram at @scottccrabtree, and visit his blog at www.saugustownmanager.tumblr.com.

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