Slow Down Town!

We live here. We visit here. We shop, dine and work here. We want you to be able to safely walk, run, ride or drive here, too. To get the message out, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee has launched the "Slow Down Town" initiative to encourage everyone to be careful and mindful of their actions and of the people who are walking, rolling or driving near them. Downtown Edwardsville is a vibrant, busy place, with lots of activities and people out and about, so we're focusing our message on this area. However, the committee believes this is an important and potentially life-saving message no matter where you are in Edwardsville (and beyond)! The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee plans to share this message in lots of places and ways, including the summer 2024 Bike & Hike events! We'll share details on upcoming events as they become available.

Slow Down Town banner for cyclists
Slow Down Town banner for runners
Slow Down Town banner for pedestrians

Safety Tips for Drivers

  1. Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
  2. Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
  3. Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
  4. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
  5. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can’t see.
  6. Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
  7. Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
  8. Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.

Tips courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

 Safety Tips for Pedestrians

  1. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
  2. Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available
  3. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
  4. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
  5. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
  6. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
  7. Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
  8. Embrace walking as a healthy form of transportation.

Tips courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Fast Facts

Deaths of cyclists and pedestrians make up nearly 20% of all Illinois roadway deaths, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Graphic image of a driving wheel with two hands


Safety Resources

If you are interested in learning tips, facts and data related to pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and others, check here: