A National Night Out to Celebrate Pedestrian, Cyclist and Driver Safety

EZ Ride’s Bike and Pedestrian Safety Team was out in force for National Night Out on Tuesday August 6, 2019, to promote cyclist, pedestrian and driver safety in three different communities: Elizabeth, Linden, and Long Branch.

National Night Out is celebrated on the first Tuesday in August. It is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live. Millions of people take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, US territories, and military bases worldwide. Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts, and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits, and more.

In all three cities, EZ Ride team members set up a table with pedestrian and cyclist safety information. It included Street Smart NJ tip cards, handouts on helmet fitting in Spanish and English, bicycle and pedestrian safety coloring books, brochures about buying a youth bike, safe walking and bicycling pamphlets in English and Spanish, Stop for Pedestrians Warning Flyers, and Walking “prescriptions.” And we provided 150 free bike helmets to young children as well as 30 sets of bicycle lights.

In Linden, there was a great deal of interest from parents about helmet fitting and bike safety. We will be partnering with the Linden Police to kick-off a Street Smart NJ campaign on September 23.

In Long Branch, we partnered with the Monmouth Medical Center community health educators to provide helmets and promote healthier living. EZ Ride is a recipient of a NJ Healthy Communities grant for Long Branch. As a result, we were able to offer jump ropes, healthier recipes, and health information to encourage physical activity and healthy eating.

In Elizabeth, we partnered with the City, the Police, and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) to hold a Street Smart NJ Campaign Kickoff event with the media. The Mayor, City Council members, and representatives from the NJTPA and the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety addressed the attendees. Union County Freeholder, NJTPA Chairman, and EZ Ride trustee Angel Estrada commended the city on their efforts to improve pedestrian safety.  “The more we educate people about safe driving and walking, the safer we can make our roads for everyone, he said. “Together, we can make a difference. Remember to Drive Smart, Walk Smart, and Be Street Smart.”

All three events provided EZ Ride an excellent opportunity to promote safe walking and biking in the community.

For more information about our bicycle and pedestrian programs and services, please contact:

Lisa Lee

(201) 939-4242 ext. 123

[email protected]