A new community-led campaign aimed at curbing speeding and promoting respectful driving behavior is underway in Manchester.

The “Drive Friendly” campaign, which launched in May and will run through October, encourages neighbor-to-neighbor engagement and shared responsibility to create safer streets for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike. Rather than relying solely on enforcement, the initiative focuses on grassroots outreach and positive messaging.

Developed in collaboration with the Manchester Citizens Advisory Committee, Kitsap County Public Works and the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, Drive Friendly is a response to long-standing concerns from residents about speeding and pedestrian safety.

The campaign includes six roadside signs in high-visibility areas, pamphlets, educational materials and a social media push coordinated by the MCAC Communications Committee. Residents are encouraged to showcase their safe driving habits online using the hashtag #WeDriveFriendlyinManchester.

In addition, yard signs are being distributed to serve as friendly reminders for drivers to slow down and be courteous.

The effort builds on community engagement work that began in 2018, when the Kitsap County Department of Community Development launched a project to gather public input on safety concerns. In August of 2023, transportation and safety discussions between MCAC, Public Works and the Sheriff’s Office led to the creation of a 2025 Community Road Safety Survey. Nearly 150 residents responded, confirming that traffic calming and walkability remain top priorities.

The campaign aims to not only address these concerns in Manchester, but also serve as a pilot for other Kitsap County neighborhoods. A “Drive Friendly” toolkit, currently in development, will provide resources for communities looking to launch similar initiatives.

Residents are also encouraged to revisit neighborhood watch programs, participate in emergency preparedness planning, and continue fostering a culture of looking out for one another.