Enforcement refers to techniques or interventions that help deter unsafe behavior. People in cars, people walking, and people on bikes can all behave in ways that create unsafe situations around schools, especially during arrival and dismissal times. Enforcing safe speeds, correct yielding, and other elements of a safe environment requires partnerships. Law enforcement officers from local jurisdictions, state patrol officers, school district personnel, parents, school staff and administration, local officials, and even students can all help enforce good behavior.
Law Enforcement Officers
School Staff and Community Members
Engineering as Enforcement
Engineering can support enforcement by defining what people should do or encouraging specific behaviors.
Encouragement as Enforcement
Enforcement can also be accomplished through encouragement and positive reinforcement. SRTS programs can encourage safe behavior by:
Education as Enforcement
Enforcement relies on local knowledge of laws and regulations. People are more likely to follow safety laws when they understand why they exist and the consequences for not following them. Education can include:
Minnesota Pedestrian Laws and Education from MnDOT
Minnesota Bicycle Laws and Education from MnDOT
Nisswa, MN: “Ticketing” Good Behavior
Some police departments will stop and “ticket” children they see wearing helmets while riding their bikes, giving them a coupon for a free ice cream cone and encouraging them to continue the behavior. Check out this story about officers in Nisswa, MN who participate in the “I Got Caught” program.
Rochester, MN: “SEE.SAFE.SMART.Rochester”
In 2010, the City of Rochester developed the “SEE.SAFE.SMART.Rochester” campaign. The public safety campaign included billboards and bus signs featuring some of the town’s own “hometown heroes”, and was designed to promote safe walking, biking, and driving in the Rochester community.
Minneapolis, MN: Bike Cops for Kids Program
The Minneapolis Police Department began the Bike Cops for Kids program in 2009. With grant funding and community support, the team hopes to connect with children by providing free helmets, lights, locks, and bikes.
St. Paul, MN: “Stop For Me” Campaign
St. Paul Smart Trips runs a pedestrian safety enforcement campaign called “Stop For Me.” In cooperation with the St. Paul Police Department and the city’s district councils, the campaign draws attention to Minnesota’s crosswalk laws (see above) through targeted enforcement at intersections across the city. Check out this video to learn more.