CHABASO BAKERY FIRST NEW HAVEN BUSINESS TO SIGN ON TO CITY'S SMART STREET PROGRAM

(2/26/2009) NEW HAVEN – Chabaso Bakery is proud to be the first area business announcing its participation in the City of New Haven’s Street Smarts program. Beginning in March, Chabaso’s’ fleet of 15 delivery vehicles will all carry the Street Smarts logo. The logo, identifying each of the Bakery’s drivers as “smart drivers,” will not only alert cyclists, motorists and pedestrians that the employee has taken the “smart driver pledge” but also serves as a reminder of everyone’s responsibility to share the road. “This is a natural extension of our existing safe-driving policy,” says Chris Carr, the Bakery’s Transportation Manager. “We have always emphasized awareness of and respect for every individual on the road; be it in a car, on a bike or on foot. We are pleased to pledge to our neighbors in New Haven our commitment to best-driving practices.”

“We are very pleased to have Chabaso join us in this effort,” said Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. “They are setting a great example for businesses and residents throughout the City and the State reminding all of us to safely share the road.”

This is familiar territory for the James Street business, which, along with Atticus Bookstore Café on Chapel Street, has been a presence in New Haven for decades. “Promoting cycling and alternate forms of transportation has been important to Chabaso since its inception,” says Dorothy Radlicz, Chabaso’s Director of Marketing. “‘A large number of our employees live locally and bike or walk to work. It is a priority for us to ensure that all are safe and look out for the safety of others.”

The Bakery will begin labeling its trucks in March. In addition, Street Smarts training will be incorporated into existing driver training and educational materials will be made available to all employees. The Bakery plans to work closely with the City’s Transportation Department to create awareness of the program and promote responsible use of our community spaces. Other related initiatives at the Bakery include promoting healthy lifestyles by encouraging employees to walk rather than drive when possible and a Bike-to Work program planned to launch later this year.

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Contact Name: Jessica Mayorga

Contact Email: jmayorga@newhavenct.net

Contact Phone: 203-946-7660