September 30, 2025

Isles, a nonprofit based in Trenton, NJ, reached a significant milestone by earning Gold and Platinum Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) certifications for its Mill One and Perry Street sites in August.

Isles installed six public EV charging stations to address a key barrier to EV adoption: convenient access to charging. Revenue from the stations is reinvested in Isles’ sustainability initiatives, helping ensure long-term impact.

“EVAL certification helped us support our employees to make green travel choices. We conducted staff listening sessions and sent surveys to identify commuting barriers, which resulted in workplace charging, internal incentives for EV adoption, and education about sustainable options. Our Center for Energy and Environmental Training equips staff and local residents with the skills needed for careers in clean energy and transportation.”

–       Ben Haygood, Director of Policy and Partnership, Isles

Isles has also gained national recognition for its innovative, community-based mobility solutions. Through its GoTrenton! e-mobility pilot, Isles launched the city’s first subsidized electric rideshare service, designed to connect residents with jobs, healthcare, and essential services. This program also tackles a local public health challenge: childhood asthma rates in Trenton are four times higher than the county average. By providing sustainable transportation options, Isles is helping reduce reliance on polluting vehicles while advancing Trenton’s environmental and health goals.

EZ Ride congratulates Isles on its EVAL certifications, which highlight leadership in sustainable commuting, workplace EV charging, and advancing access to electric mobility in Trenton.

If your community is interested in earning EVAL certification or improving access to clean transportation, please contact EZ Ride at [email protected] or 202-939-4242 option 6. We provide free technical assistance with EVAL certification and EV charging at multi-unit dwellings or workplaces.

September 30, 2025

On September 25, 2025, EZ Ride celebrated the achievements of schools, municipalities, and businesses at its Annual Awards Luncheon, honoring those who have shown exceptional leadership in promoting safer, cleaner, and more efficient transportation initiatives.

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Awardees

This year, the SRTS program recognized 224 award recipients, including 77 municipalities and 147 schools. Throughout the year, these partners collaborated with EZ Ride to host over 800 safety-focused events, reaching more than 44,000 participants across Bergen, Essex, Monmouth, Passaic, and Union counties. Notably, 67% of awardees represented disadvantaged communities.

Activities ranged from safety presentations and community audits to bike skill classes, poster contests, and walk/bike-to-school days. Many communities have made SRTS activities a staple in their annual event schedules. SRTS recognition extends beyond accolades—top-tier awardees achieve Sustainable Jersey certification, qualify for mini-grants, and gain a stronger position when applying for infrastructure grants like Safe Routes to School and Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside via the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) Awardees

EZ Ride also recognized 120 worksites with Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) awards, celebrating their commitment to sustainable transportation. EVAL is a workplace EV charging certification program supported by the U.S. Department of Energy. The program assists employers in advancing clean transportation for employees with initiatives such as EV charging, carpooling, biking, public transit options, and incentives for sustainable commuting.

Honoring Legacy and Individual Excellence

A special moment at the luncheon honored Kent E. Hansen, a beloved EZ Ride Trustee and legal advisor whose wisdom and generosity helped guide the organization. The new Kent E. Hansen Friends of EZ Ride Award will annually recognize individuals who exemplify his spirit of kindness and service.

This year, William M. Yarzab, Senior Planner at the New Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), received the inaugural Kent E. Hansen Friends of EZ Ride Award for his work advancing pedestrian and driver safety through the Street Smart NJ program. Michael L. Hornsby, Chief Project Development Officer at the NJ Board of Public Utilities, was also honored with the Champion for Change Award for his leadership in electric vehicle safety and first responder education.

Program Presentations and Inspiration

Attendees enjoyed presentations from Michael Vieira (Essex County Special Transportation Services), Mayor Shelley Brindle (Westfield Sustainability), and Martin Ceperley (SOMa Bike Bus co-founder), each providing inspiration and practical insights into advancing safe, sustainable, and innovative transportation solutions.

EZ Ride congratulates all award recipients and invites additional organizations to participate in future programs and recognition opportunities. To access presentation slides, videos, or event photographs, please visit our event page.

For more information about Safe Routes to School (SRTS), Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL), or the awards process, contact [email protected] or call 201-939-4242, ext. 3.

EZ Ride invites you to our Annual Recognition Event on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth, NJ. This special occasion honors schools, municipalities and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing mobility, safety and sustainability in our communities.

This year, we are proud to recognize outstanding organizations in the following categories:

A complete list of all Safe Routes to School Awards is available online at saferoutenj.org.

In addition to organizational awards, we will also present individual honors:

The event will begin with a buffet lunch, providing an opportunity for networking and a video tribute to this year’s awardees. Afterwards, attendees will enjoy presentations from three featured speakers sharing impactful programs in their communities:

Join us in celebrating the outstanding achievements and dedication of our partners. Please note that seating is limited to two attendees per organization. Register by September 10 to secure your spot.

REGISTER NOW

 

August 2025

The Essex County Division of Family Assistance & Benefits (DFAB) provides critical support to families and individuals facing financial, medical, and housing challenges.

Through programs such as Work First New Jersey Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Work First New Jersey General Assistance (GA), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and New Jersey FamilyCare (NJFC), DFAB connects residents with resources designed to promote stability, independence, and self-sufficiency.

DFAB has partnered with EZ Ride to launch a pilot transportation program using the EZ Ryde4Life service, which provides our Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) clients rides using transportation providers like Lyft and Uber. WFNJ clients that meet special eligibility criteria will be able to get safe and reliable rides through EZ Ride for immediate needs services.

“Transportation can be a major hurdle for our WFNJ clients,” said Uchenna Duru, Fiscal Analyst at DFAB. “The EZ Ryde4Life program helps bridge that gap by providing dependable rides for emergency assistance services determined by Essex County Division of Family Assistance & Benefits. The flexibility in scheduling and the detailed monthly reporting from EZ Ride will help us administer the program efficiently. We look forward to this partnership.”

EZ Ride shares that commitment. “At EZ Ride, we believe transportation is essential to quality of life,” said Krishna Murthy, CEO of EZ Ride. “We are pleased to work with Essex County DFAB to provide safe, affordable, and reliable rides for those who need them most.”

This initial pilot will allow DFAB and EZ Ride to evaluate the program’s impact and explore ways to expand transportation access for more Essex County residents in need.

Interested in creating a similar transportation program for your community? Contact Kinga Skora at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242 ext. 131 for details.

August 2025

Cycling promotes physical activity, improves air quality, reduces traffic congestion, and reduces the need for parking. Bikeshare programs help more people experience these benefits.

EZ Ride congratulates the City of Passaic on the successful launch of its new bikeshare program. With no cost to users—all that’s needed is a smartphone, a credit card, and to be over 18—it’s now easier than ever for residents to get around by bike.

Passaic’s bikeshare program is part of the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign and a key step toward the City’s Bicycle Master Plan. “The goal is to add dedicated bike lanes with bicycle boulevards, buffered bike lanes, and two-way cycle tracks, providing safe access to stores, transportation hubs, and parks,” said Mayor Hector C. Lora. “EZ Ride is currently one of the many partners assisting and providing guidance with this Plan.”

Last year, EZ Ride partnered with Passaic High School students and residents to install curb extensions at Monroe Street & Columbia Avenue to improve safety for people walking and biking. This year, with a $9,000 mini-grant from People for Bikes, we are encouraging residents to use bikeshare for commuting and recreation.

In partnership with the Urban Enterprise Zone, we are offering free bike safety classes at all five bikeshare docks. Participants learn state laws, hand signals, helmet fitting, and safe group riding. Each class ends with a fun neighborhood ride and includes a free helmet and reflective vest. So far, we’ve hosted seven classes and reached 31 residents.

We applaud Passaic’s commitment to active transportation. If you’re interested in launching a bikeshare program in your city and need help with funding or implementation, contact EZ Ride via email [email protected] or call (201) 939-4242, option 3.

Let’s keep rolling toward safer, healthier communities!

August 2025

In the 1950s, Eric Weis launched a dry cleaning business in Ramsey, starting with a small fleet of delivery vehicles bringing freshly cleaned clothes to customers. Over the years, Eric diversified into car leasing, real estate, and electronics—always focused on providing quality service to the community.

During the 1973 fuel crisis, Eric installed two large gasoline and diesel tanks to support his business and help employees and clients. Unfortunately, both tanks eventually developed leaks, resulting in a costly $25,000 environmental cleanup bill.

Determined to reduce fuel expenses and environmental risks, the company shifted its delivery fleet first to hybrid vehicles and then, over time, to a fully electric fleet. In 2017, J&S Realty installed Level 2 EV charging stations on-site to power their growing electric fleet. To further support clean transportation, in 2018 the company secured an NJDEP grant and added three dual-port Level 2 chargers in their parking lot, allowing both employees and customers to charge their vehicles. The popularity of these chargers soared—usage grew from one session every two weeks to an average of two sessions per day on each charger. In 2019, the company opened their chargers to all Ramsey residents and the public after business hours, strengthening community ties and encouraging broader EV adoption.

In recognition of their leadership, J&S Realty received the Gold-level Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) award in 2024 for providing workplace and public charging and promoting electric vehicle use.

“Going electric has been a boon for our business. We’ve significantly reduced our fuel and maintenance costs, and our EV chargers have brought in new customers, as residents come to charge their vehicles and value our commitment to sustainable transportation. I encourage all local businesses to consider adding electric vehicles to their fleets,” says Eric Weis of J&S Realty.

For assistance with EV grants, fleet electrification strategies, or product recommendations, contact us at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242, option 6. Our staff can help with technical resources and guide your business toward national EVAL certification, helping you stand out as an EV leader.

August 2025

Dear Friends of EZ Ride,

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our dear Trustee, Kent E. Hansen.

Kent joined the EZ Ride Board in 2017 and, from the very beginning, brought unwavering dedication to our mission along with his deep legal expertise. As a representative of Pro Bono Partnership, he connected us with volunteer attorneys from leading law firms, guiding us through more than 20 matters over the years. His contributions ranged from complex transactions such as asset transfers, real estate purchases, and trademark registration and enforcement, to contract reviews, sales tax audits, property tax exemptions, and 403(b) plan guidance. He also provided invaluable advice on employment law matters, including compliance with the WARN Act.

Working with Kent was a privilege. His support extended far beyond legal counsel—it brought us peace of mind, knowing that our small nonprofit could count on reliable, expert legal guidance when we needed it most. His generosity and commitment have left a lasting imprint on EZ Ride and laid the foundation for our continued success. Kent’s professional career was equally distinguished. He served for 23 years as General Counsel and Secretary of Fedders Corporation, and later as a consultant, corporate secretary, and counsel. He began volunteering with Pro Bono Partnership in 2011 and joined its staff in 2013. His dedication to service extended well beyond his professional life—he also served for many years on the Jefferson Township Board of Education.

Most important to Kent was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, stepfather, and proud grandfather. His kindness, wisdom, and generosity touched everyone who knew him.

In recognition of his extraordinary impact, EZ Ride will honor his legacy through the Kent E. Hansen Friends of EZ Ride Award, presented annually to an individual who embodies his spirit of empowering nonprofits with kindness, integrity, and compassion.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Kent’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. We are deeply grateful for his friendship, guidance, and the example he set for us all.

With sympathy,

 

July 2025

We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the entire EZ Ride Bike & Pedestrian Program team for their outstanding effort and commitment. Their hard work and dedication played a pivotal role in helping more than 200 organizations win Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Recognition Awards. Thanks to the team’s tireless advocacy and on-the-ground support, 224 winners were recognized this year by the New Jersey Department of Transportation — including 147 schools and 77 municipalities. EZ Ride’s 224 winners accounted for 62.7 percent of the 357 awardees in the state.

Our Bike & Pedestrian team’s comprehensive approach included organizing nearly 800 events, such as safety presentations, poster contests, bike safety workshops, walk assessments, and walk-to-school days, which collectively reached over 44,000 students. These impactful initiatives have promoted safer walking and biking in Bergen, Essex, Monmouth, Passaic, and Union counties.

Importantly, 67 percent—or 150—of this year’s 224 awardees are from disadvantaged communities, highlighting our steadfast commitment to equity and inclusivity. The recognition levels of this year’s winners are as follows:

These awards not only recognize each organization’s dedication to safe walking and biking but also help them with Sustainable Jersey certification and strengthen applications for NJDOT infrastructure grants, such as TA Set Aside grants or federal Safe Routes grants.

The impact of our team’s work is felt and deeply appreciated by school communities. William Fleming, Principal of Hoover Elementary, Bergenfield, said, “The incredible support from the EZ Ride Bike & Pedestrian Program team has been instrumental in our Safe Routes to School success. Their dedication, guidance, and hands-on partnership empowered our students, staff, and families to prioritize safe and healthy travel. Winning the SRTS Recognition Award is a proud moment for Hoover School, and we share this achievement with the entire EZ Ride team.”

To celebrate these remarkable achievements, EZ Ride will host its Annual Recognition Luncheon on September 25th at the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth. All winners will be invited to attend and recognized for their valuable contributions to safer and healthier communities through active transportation. The full list of awardees can be found at saferoutesnj.org.

For additional information about the program or the recognition event, please email [email protected] or call 201-939-4242, option 3.

July 2025

We are excited to announce a new partnership between EZ Ride and Henderson Road Supportive Urban Renewal Associates, L.P., an affiliate of  RPM Development Group, to launch a pilot transportation program designed to support residents of RPM’s Supportive Housing Project in South Brunswick. This initiative aims to break down transportation barriers and empower residents to access essential services, appointments, shopping, and community activities with greater ease.

How the Program Works

“We’re delighted to use the EZ Ryde4Life program to empower our residents with greater independence through reliable transportation. We believe the program is well-equipped to meet the transportation needs of our community members and enhance their quality of life. Partnering with EZ Ride gives us confidence that our transportation needs will be managed with care and professionalism—we’re looking forward to working together,” said Kim Copeland, Director of Social Services at RPM.

Get Involved or Learn More

Interested in launching a similar pilot or customizing a transportation program for your community? Contact Kinga Skora at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242 ext. 131 for more information.

Together, we’re making mobility accessible for all—one ride at a time.

July 2025

This summer, Westfield’s commitment to safe and active transportation took center stage as six local elementary schools partnered with EZ Ride to deliver comprehensive bike safety education. The initiative aimed to ensure that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for safe cycling throughout the summer and beyond.

Highlights of the Program

“From helmet tips to traffic rules, our students are learning how to ride smart and stay safe,” said Wilson Elementary School Principal Crystal Marsh.

Inclusive and Ongoing Community Efforts

Recognition and Impact

Westfield’s dedication to bike safety has been instrumental in earning recent awards from the Safe Routes to School program. By investing in education and community engagement, Westfield is creating safer, healthier, and more accessible streets for everyone.

For more information about Safe Routes to School or to schedule an educational program in your community, please contact [email protected] or call (201) 939-4242, option 3.