SORT BY TOPIC
Watch for Me CT can lead a group of advocates, community leaders, and others through an assessment of the walkability, safety and accessibility of an area of your town.
We can provide a table of information for health and safety fairs, community events, bike rodeos, open streets, and other events.
Watch for Me CT is available to give talks to groups of 5 or more.
Past presentations have been made to driving schools, Rotary
Clubs, classrooms ages K-2, disability groups, parks and rec
departments, and others.
Panels and summits include the Governor’s Highway Safety
Association’s Annual Meeting, Bike Walk CT’s Annual Summit,
the Hartford Multi-Modal Transit Summit, and distracted driving
conferences and panels.
Click here to learn more about our community safety events.
There are no charges for the services of Watch for Me CT.
To request services, please contact Amy Watkins.
Driving safely around bicyclists and pedestrians
Laws and basic best practices for bicycling safety
Basic bicycle and pedestrian safety for children
Pedestrian safety for the disabled
(blind, deaf, and mobility impaired)
Safe trail usage and trail etiquette
Distracted driving
Runner/walker safety
Other related topics as requested
Connecticut’s helmet laws are changing! 🚴♀️ 🏍️
New rules take effect October 1, 2025. Here’s what to know:
Right now, bicyclists under 16 are required to wear helmets. As of October 1, that age increases to 18, meaning more young riders will be protected under the new law.
⚠️ These are just the legal minimums. Everyone should wear a helmet, no matter your age or the law. Helmets are your best protection against serious head injuries or even death.
#WatchforMeCT #ProtectYourHead ... See MoreSee Less
Hartford is currently being considered for Bicycle Friendly Community status from the League of American Bicyclists! The League is seeking your input to gain a better understanding of the cycling experience in Hartford. Your feedback will help highlight cycling conditions and potential areas for improvement. Please take a brief survey at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/BFC_2025
La League of American Bicyclists gustaría conocer la opinión de los habitantes, los ciclistas de áreas locales y las personas que defienden el ciclismo en relación con sus experiencias y percepciones sobre el ciclismo en Hartford. Su aporte ayudará a la League y a la comunidad a comprender mejor las condiciones ciclistas y las áreas potenciales de mejoras. El cuestionario debería llevarle aproximadamente unos 10-15 minutos para responder. www.surveymonkey.com/r/HartfordCT_BFC25esp
www.surveymonkey.com/r/BFC_2025 ... See MoreSee Less
2025 Bicycle Friendly Community Public Survey
www.surveymonkey.com
Tell us about bicycling in your community!www.connecticutchildrens.org/growing-healthy/e-bike-injuries-are-rising-fast-heres-what-parents-n... ... See MoreSee Less
E-Bike Injuries Are Rising Fast—Here’s What Parents Need to Know
www.connecticutchildrens.org
Over the past few years, electric bikes (e-bikes) have exploded in popularity among kids and teens.Amy Watkins, program manager for Watch for Me CT, was recently quoted in a FOX61 news report about the rise in e-bike injuries. “E-bikes are not a toy, they are a great tool for people for a variety of reasons, but young children should not be riding e-bikes," Watkins said. "We’re recommending 16 years old as a minimum for e-bike use."
🔗https://www.fox61.com/article/news/local/connecticut-childrens-medical-center-warns-of-e-bike-hazards/520-ee818f8f-37c8-41fa-a495-791feeecea9d
#WatchForMeCT #EBikeSafety #BikeSafety ... See MoreSee Less
Connecticut Children's Medical Center warns parents of e-bike hazards
www.fox61.com
Connecticut Children's Medical Center reports rising e-bike injuries. Officials there are urging better safety measures for kids.SAVE THE DATE! Join us for World Day of Remembrance 2025, a day to honor the lives lost to traffic violence. This year's event will be held on Sunday, November 16 at 1 p.m. in Walnut Hill Park, in New Britain, CT. Stay tuned for more details!
#WatchForMeCT#PedestrianSafety #RoadSafety ... See MoreSee Less
*EAST COAST GREENWAY STUDY MEETINGS ON AUGUST 6 AND 7*
CRCOG's East Coast Greenway study explored alternatives to close the region's 12-mile gap along the national greenway route. Informed by feedback from the community, the final draft is now available at crcog.org/capitol-region-ecg-study. To learn more, join an info session:
IN-PERSON
Wednesday, 8/6 @6:30pm
Albany Branch Library
1250 Albany Ave
VIRTUAL
Thursday, 8/7 @7pm
Register @ bit.ly/4f34AsC ... See MoreSee Less
Driving distraction-free is always essential but it’s especially critical near intersections and crosswalks. Pedestrians may be crossing, and they might not see you (and you might not see them). And remember, never pass a car that has stopped at a crosswalk.
#WatchForMeCT #PedestrianSafety #DriveSafe #CrosswalkSafety ... See MoreSee Less
🚶♂️🚶♀️ Ever notice how some crosswalks extend out into the street? That’s called a bump out (or curb extension), and it’s not just about looks. It’s about safety!
👟 Bump outs shorten the crossing distance, which is super helpful for kids, older adults, and anyone who may take a bit longer to cross.
🚗 They also narrow the road, which naturally encourages drivers to slow down. Wide roads = faster driving. Narrower spaces = calmer traffic.
And here’s the cool part: bump outs don’t have to be boring!
🎨 They can be built using regular sidewalk material, or made more fun and flexible with temporary features like:
- Painted street art
- Planters
- Bollards (short posts)
#WatchforMeCT ... See MoreSee Less
🚨 E-Bike Injuries Are Surging—Is Your Child Protected?
In just 2 months, more than 24 kids were treated at Connecticut Children’s for serious e-bike injuries—surpassing last year’s total for the same timeframe.
🧠 Many of these injuries involve the head—and a regular bike helmet may not be enough.
💡 Our pediatric experts recommend a motorcycle-rated helmet for better protection at higher speeds.
E-bikes aren’t toys. They’re powerful, fast, and require the right gear and the right guidance to keep kids safe.
➡️ Read what parents need to know—plus age, helmet, and riding laws you might not be aware of. bit.ly/4lZKLVl
#ConnecticutChildrens #EBikeSafety #ChildSafety #InjuryPrevention #HelmetSafety #ParentingTips #BikeSmart #GrowingHealthy ... See MoreSee Less