WINDSOR MATTERS
SEPTEMBER 2024
TOP TIPS FOR KEEPING CROSSWALKS SAFE
As kids go back to hitting the books, it’s important to remain vigilant when traveling through town and in school zones this fall and beyond. With two new schools opening for the 2024-25 school year, help keep our community safe by yielding to pedestrians crossing the street. A vigilant driver is a safe driver.
DRIVERS
Yield the right-of-way.
• When traffic signals are not in place or nonoperational, yield to the right-of-way of a pedestrian crossing within a crosswalk.
• Do not pass a vehicle that is stopped.
• Drivers cannot park within 20 feet of a crosswalk.
• Take extra care when you see a child or anyone obviously confused or incapacitated.
Stay focused.
• Eliminate distractions; remain focused on driving.
• It’s especially important to stay focused in school and construction zones. Traffic violation fines are doubled in these areas.
• The town is currently working with Weld RE-4 to temporarily identify areas in need of additional pedestrian safety measures in school zones. A bigger study in collaboration with the school district will identify drop-off and pick-up trends to further improve safety for all motorists, cyclists and pedestrians later on.
PEDESTRIANS
Obey traffic signs and signals.
• Walk when the crossing light is showing a steady green or white symbol and traffic is clear. Don’t enter the roadway if the indicator is flashing red. If you’re already in the crosswalk, continue to the nearest median or curb.
• Once the red light is a constant red, don’t cross or enter the crosswalk.
• Watch for traffic before entering the road.
• Don’t leave a curb or other place of safety and ride, walk or run into the path of a moving vehicle. Pedestrians must allow vehicles a reasonable amount of time to stop before entering a crosswalk.
Keep Windsor Streets Clean: Your Guide to Effective Street Sweeping
Simple Tips to Ensure a Smooth Sweeping Day and a Cleaner Community
As the street sweeper makes its way around your neighborhood, here are some quick reminders to help keep our streets clean and make the process as smooth as possible:
1. Move Your Vehicle: If you park on the street, remember to move your car on sweeping days. This simple step ensures the sweeper can clean every corner of the street. Remember to move any trash cans and sports equipment, too!
2. Keep Curbs Clear: Avoid leaving trash, leaves or other debris in the gutter. Sweeping is more effective when the street is clear of obstacles.
3. Avoid Littering: Dispose of your litter and yard waste properly and encourage others to do the same. Even small pieces of trash can end up blocking storm drains and reducing the effectiveness of street cleaning.
4. Report Issues: If you notice persistent problems or heavy debris in certain areas, report a concern using the WindsorGov app. This helps ensure those spots get extra attention.
5. Know When the Sweeper is Coming: Visit windsorgov.com/StreetSweeping to know exactly when to expect the sweeper in your neighborhood.
By following these tips, you help maintain a cleaner and safer environment for everyone. Let’s all do our part to keep our streets looking their best!
Keep Our Downstream Water Clean: Dispose of Your Fall Leaves Properly
As the fall season approaches and covers our neighborhoods with a colorful layer of leaves, it’s essential to manage them responsibly to protect downstream water quality. When leaves are left on streets or in gutters, they can quickly clog storm drains, leading to flooding and stormwater pollution. To mitigate these issues, consider using yard waste collection services provided by your local trash collection service. Alternatively, composting leaves in your own backyard is a fantastic way to recycle them into valuable nutrients for your garden.
Mulching leaves with a lawnmower and leaving them on your lawn can also benefit the soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and minimizing runoff. If you have a significant amount of leaves, utilize community drop-off sites dedicated to yard waste. Residents are encouraged to participate in the Yard Waste Rebate Program at windsorgov.com/YardWasteRebate
By managing leaves responsibly, you help keep our stormwater systems clear and our local waterways free from pollution. Learn about Windsor’s Stormwater Maintenance at windsorgov.com/Stormwater.