July, 2026

EZ Ride has been awarded a $15,000 AARP Community Challenge Grant to partner with the Borough of Hawthorne on a pedestrian safety demonstration project. The project was selected from more than 5,1000 applications submitted nationwide, with only 750 projects receiving funding this year.

The project will focus on the intersection of Diamond Bridge Avenue and Lafayette Avenue, a high-traffic location identified as a priority for pedestrian improvements. Between 2019 and 2025, there were 97 reported crashes in the project area, with nearly 19 percent involving older adults. With approximately 41 percent of Hawthorne residents age 50 or older, investing in safer pedestrian infrastructure is an important step toward creating a more accessible and age-friendly downtown.

Working in partnership with the Borough of Hawthorne, the Hawthorne Police Department, the Department of Public Works, and other local stakeholders, EZ Ride will implement several proven safety improvements, including painted curb extensions, ADA-compliant curb ramps, push-button Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), advance warning pavement legends for drivers, and newly repainted high-visibility crosswalks.

“This project demonstrates what can be accomplished when local government, law enforcement, and community partners work together toward a common goal,” said Mayor John Lane of the Borough of Hawthorne. “By combining crash data with community input and proven safety strategies, we are creating a safer downtown for older adults, families, children, and everyone who walks through Hawthorne every day.”

Construction is expected to begin in September and be completed by December. To complement the physical improvements, EZ Ride will also conduct a Street Smart NJ pedestrian safety campaign, to educate motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists about safe roadway behaviors and the shared responsibility of keeping everyone safe.

“This grant allows us to demonstrate how relatively low-cost improvements can make a significant difference in pedestrian safety,” said Mike Johnson, Manager of Bike & Pedestrian programs at EZ Ride. “By partnering with Hawthorne, we’re helping create a safer, more welcoming downtown while providing a model that other communities can replicate.”

Interested in bringing a demonstration project to your community?

Temporary demonstration projects allow municipalities to address local safety concerns, engage residents, and test improvements before investing in permanent infrastructure. EZ Ride has successfully partnered with communities including Garwood, Passaic, Red Bank, Roselle Park, and Teaneck to implement projects that make walking and biking safer.

If your municipality is interested in improving pedestrian safety, EZ Ride’s Bike & Pedestrian Team can help you plan, implement, and evaluate a demonstration project tailored to your community’s needs. Contact us at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242, option 3 to get started.