Springfield Police Department

10th Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Springfield, Mass. - Civilians in the Springfield Police Department held their annual mini-pumpkin decorating contest on Friday.

Which one is your favorite?

Springfield Police Provide Safety Tips for Bicyclists and Pedestrians as we Fall Back

Springfield, Mass. --- Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday November 1st. In addition to setting your clocks back an hour and changing or checking the batteries in your smoke detectors, the Springfield Police Department wants to remind pedestrians and bicyclists to stay highly visible as it will be getting dark out earlier.

Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers stated, “The Springfield Police Department wants every member of our community to get their destination safely. As it gets darker out earlier, we ask that pedestrians and bicyclists take extra precautions; remember you want to be seen. Wear bright colors or reflective vests and never assume a driver sees you or will stop. Follow these tips below as they have been proven to save lives.”

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “As the days start to get darker earlier, Police Superintendent Larry Akers and I want to encourage everyone, especially our pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers to be safe. When walking or bicycling wear bright colors or reflective vests and use the cross walks. Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings and not speed. We are getting close to the holiday seasons and we all want everyone to be safe and healthy.”

Safety Tips for Bicyclists:

Bicyclists must have a white light that is visible for 500 feet attached to the front of a bike

A red reflector must be attached to the rear of the bicycle

You need to have pedal or ankle reflectors

Side reflectors are required on either the bicycle or worn on the
clothes of the rider

All bicyclists must follow the rules of the road that apply to motor vehicles, with the expectation that they can pass on the right

Safety Tips for Pedestrians:

Wear bright colored clothes and hats

Cross streets at crosswalks and intersections for added safety benefits

If no crosswalk is available cross under a streetlight

Make eye contact with drivers any time you cross the street, do not assume drivers see you or will stop if you are in a crosswalk

On behalf of the Springfield Police Department, Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers would like to thank Target at Springfield Crossing on Boston Road for their generous candy donation that will go right back to the children in our community.

For Halloween Safety Tips please follow this link:

https://www.springfield-ma.gov/police/news?tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=458&cHash=93cbe955e73371457ae6304040ca3c23