(Long Island, NY) The Suffolk County Police Department will host the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee’s (GTSC) first of four statewide Pedestrian and Bicycle Law Enforcement Trainings at the Suffolk County Police Academy at 502 Wicks Road in Brentwood on March 28 and March 29 between 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
According to GTSC, pedestrian and bicycle fatalities account for more than 30 percent of fatal crashes in New York State each year.
“Pedestrians and bicyclists are among our most vulnerable roadway users,” said Acting GTSC Chair and DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan said. “At the same time, the number of pedestrians and bicyclists on our roadways is growing, so it is essential that law enforcement personnel are trained to identify and address highway safety concerns involving walkers and cyclists before they result in injury.”
During the two-day course, officers will be provided an overview of bicycle and pedestrian safety, including how these crashes occur and conducting investigations. The training is being given by WE BIKE, a consulting firm that specializes in enforcement, education and engineering for walking and bicycling communities.
The training program is sponsored by GTSC, in collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, New York State Department of Health, New York State Department of Transportation, New York Bicycling Coalition, and the Suffolk, Dutchess, Onondaga and Erie County Traffic Safety Boards.
Additional GTSC pedestrian and bicycle safety trainings will take place in Poughkeepsie on March 31 and April 1; in Syracuse on April 25 and 26; and in Buffalo on April 28 and 29.
