Representatives of the Selectmen’s Active Transportation Task Force briefed the Board of Selectmen on March 10 about ongoing outreach and safety priorities for pedestrians and cyclists.

Bob D’Angelo, co-chair of the task force, said the town’s Department of Public Works is dialoguing with the Connecticut Department of Transportation about Safe Routes to School audits and related support. He asked selectmen to "save the date" for National Bike, Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, May 7, encouraging town leaders to join students and staff at school events.

Nut graf: The task force urged the town to emphasize pedestrian and bicycle safety when planning Route 1 improvements, warning that efforts to speed traffic could increase danger for non‑motorized users. "If we had two things to prioritize, moving traffic along Route 1 faster or making it safer for people walking, we would recommend putting a very, very high priority on the safety of non-motorized users," D’Angelo said.

The task force also summarized community forums and a town survey that identified road safety as a top local concern. Members said they see speeding, aggressive driving and distracted driving as primary hazards and urged infrastructure measures—adaptive signals that allow longer pedestrian crossing times, protected lanes and more walk audits—to reduce risk.

Ending: Selectmen indicated support for pedestrian safety priorities and for continued coordination among DPW, the task force and state DOT; the task force will continue outreach and plan May 7 events.