Ramapo Police Conduct Targeted Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Initiative Following Prior Crash Incidents

The Town of Ramapo Police Department, under the direction of Chief Hyman, has launched a targeted pedestrian and bicycle safety initiative at locations previously identified as sites of pedestrian-involved motor vehicle crashes.

According to the department, the Special Operations Unit has been conducting enforcement details at intersections selected based on crash data and traffic safety analysis. The goal of the initiative is to reduce repeat incidents and improve overall pedestrian safety throughout the town.

The program begins with an educational outreach component. During morning hours, officers are assigned to designated high-risk locations where they distribute informational pamphlets to motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Over the course of two to three hours, several hundred flyers are typically handed out. The materials — printed in multiple languages to reflect the local community — focus on safe behaviors such as properly using crosswalks, remaining alert while crossing roadways, obeying traffic control devices, and avoiding distractions.

Following the education phase, officers return to the same locations to conduct focused enforcement operations. During the most recent detail, members of the Traffic Safety Unit issued multiple summonses, including:

• 1 for failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk
• 2 for interfering with the safe operation of a vehicle
• 2 for uninspected vehicles
• 6 cellphone violations
• 1 seatbelt violation
• 2 for driving to the left of pavement markings

Police say the combination of education and enforcement is designed to promote voluntary compliance while holding violators accountable.

The Town of Ramapo Records Division is responsible for tracking the issued summonses and coordinating with the appropriate local justice courts to determine case dispositions. Officials say this follow-up process allows the department to measure the effectiveness of the initiative, monitor adjudication outcomes, and maintain accurate statistical records for future traffic safety planning.

Ramapo Police emphasized that the effort reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to addressing community concerns and improving roadway safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists alike.