Collegeville Main Street Program One of Ten in Country Selected to Participate in Pedestrian Safety Program           

The Collegeville Main Street Program (CMSP) has been selected to participate in a demonstration project to improve pedestrian safety, which is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center (NCHSRC).

The CMSP was one of only ten organizations nationwide selected to participate in this demonstration project, from over 75 applicants.  The guidebook, A Resident’s Guide for Creating Safe and Walkable Communities, will be used to implement activities aimed at improving pedestrian safety and walkability within Collegeville’s Main Street District.  Over the course of the year-long project, CMSP will receive technical assistance from national pedestrian safety experts, along with $2,000 to be used towards the purchase of signage, reference materials, or activities related to the program.

Linda Flederbach, Main Street Manager for the CMSP, could not be more excited about participating.  “The timing of this award is perfect.  There is streetscape work occurring right now along Main Street and more will happen next year.  The Borough is completing plans to put in a trail parking lot near the Perkiomen Trail at Third Avenue, bringing with it increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic.  Ursinus College has also been discussing improving student safety along Main Street.  I expect that CMSP, the Borough and Ursinus will be able to implement many of the ideas that are generated as a result of this project.”

The CMSP was chosen based on the need for safety improvements, the strong commitment to work with the Collegeville community over the next year, and for the sound action plan that was presented to achieve safety goals. 

In order to implement the planned safety goals, Debbie Riegner, co-chairperson for the CMSP Design Committee, says they will be looking for input from people who are particularly interested in this issue.  “I hope that we will have a large number of residents and students that join in the effort.  We will be looking to have representation from Ursinus, the Borough and the County as well.” 

To learn more about the Main Street Program or to get involved with the pedestrian safety project, contact Linda Flederbach at (610) 454-1050 or e-mail manager@collegevilledevelopment.org.  Information on improving pedestrian safety can be found at www.walkinginfo.org.