Dr. Aleesia Johnson, superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), joined Mayor Joe Hogsett, and the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) on Wednesday (Nov. 1) to celebrate the installation of new safety technology to protect students walking and biking in school zones.
“Indianapolis Public Schools is proud to be part of this major safety initiative from the City of Indianapolis and DPW,” Dr. Johnson said. “The investment in and installation of flashing safety beacons at or near schools within the IPS district and throughout Marion County is yet another way to improve the safety of students and families as they travel to and from schools.”
As part of a larger policy presentation earlier this year, Mayor Hogsett announced the planned installation of flashing beacon technology outside nearly two dozen Marion County schools located along thoroughfares that lacked this safety protection. Now that the equipment has been delivered, Indy DPW has started installing 50 new devices across the county.
“By making key safety upgrades, we can help ensure students and their families can make it to and from school each day, including right here at Brookside School 54,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “But I urge drivers: Don’t wait for the ticket; slow down in school zones for students and each other.”
The installations are part of Mayor Hogsett’s commitment to pedestrian safety in the five-year, $1.2 billion capital plan.
“I’m grateful to see this safety technology now benefitting our students,” said City-County Council Vice President Zach Adamson. “Across my district, this has effectively reminded drivers that they are entering school zones.”
“We all share a responsibility to ensure all road users get to their destination safely,” said Indy DPW Director Brandon Herget. “When you pass an active school zone beacon, slow down and pay extra attention to ensure our kids – the most vulnerable pedestrians in our city – get to and from school safely.”
Mayor Joe Hogsett recently recognized October as Pedestrian Safety Month in the City of Indianapolis. During the month, Indy DPW highlighted groundbreakings for the Nickel Plate Trail and the next phase of the Pogue’s Run Trail , distributed a Public Safety Announcement to local media partners and highlighted key Indy DPW initiatives on social media.