>> Elon

Watch for Me NC in Elon

  • Watch for Me NC participant since: 2017
  • Population: 10,000
  • Lead agency: Elon University Campus Police Department

Background

Elon, NC is home to the highly regarded Elon University. Elon is known for its small college town charm, and university students represent close to half of Elon’s overall population. According to the American Community Survey’s 2014 estimates, higher than average proportions of town residents used non-motorized modes of travel to commute to work, with 5.8% choosing to walk, and 2.6% riding a bicycle.  Elon is working to improve its bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure and intends to utilize Watch for Me NC as an educational tool for the community.

Partnerships

Elon University’s Campus Police Department worked closely with the University community, the Town of Elon and the Town’s Police Department.

Education and Enforcement Activities

Local representatives took Watch for Me NC materials and presentations to organizations such as the health department, hospitals, community college and libraries. Campus safety officers worked to get brochures and fliers into the hands of students on campus. Campus Police teamed with Residential Life to distribute materials to University dorms.

Key Outcomes

Collaboration between Campus Police Department and the Town of Elon is key to increasing bicyclist and pedestrian safety in the small college town.

Lessons Learned

  • Watch for Me NC materials were helpful, visually attractive tools to reach the younger student population in Elon.
  • Putting officers in the field to conduct one-on-one conversations about bicyclist and pedestrian safety is an effective way to interact positively with the community on the subject.

Credit

Thank you to Chief Dennis Franks of the Elon University Police Department for providing leadership, time, and expertise that contributed to the Watch for Me NC Campaign in Elon and the information in this profile.