August 2026,

Ocean Township is making significant strides toward creating safer streets for pedestrians and bicyclists through a growing partnership with EZ Ride and Complete Streets Ocean Township Committee.

Formed in 2025, the Committee was created in response to concerns about speeding, unsafe crossings, and the need for more walkable, bike-friendly streets. One of its first successes came in April when community advocacy helped reduce the speed limit along several key corridors from 35 mph to 25 mph.

Just days later, local parents launched three Bike Bus routes, giving students a safe and fun way to ride to school together with their parents. Today, approximately 60 to 70 students participate every Friday across the three routes. Ocean Township joins other communities like South Orange, Maplewood, and Montclair with successful Bike Bus programs and the initiative continues to gain support from parents, schools, and community volunteers.

“The progress we’ve made over the past year shows what can happen when residents, schools, Township leaders, and community partners like EZ Ride work together toward a common goal. From developing Bike Bus programs to improving roadway safety and planning for the future, we’re creating a community where walking and biking are safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for everyone,” said Maura Guetz, Chair of the Complete Streets Ocean Township Committee.

EZ Ride is helping build on this momentum by assisting Ocean Township in drafting a Complete and Green Streets Policy and by identifying opportunities to improve crosswalks, signage, and pedestrian infrastructure where the community has concerns. We are also providing bicycle and pedestrian safety education in Ocean Township’s three elementary schools this September to encourage safe travel habits among students, and plan to assist with a demonstration project to install high-visibility painted crosswalks where residents have found it difficult to cross.

The Township applied for and will receive assistance via the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority’s Complete and Green Streets Technical Assistance Program. Staff from the Voorhees Transportation Center and Sustainable Jersey will conduct a walkability assessment and prepare a report to identify future improvements and strengthen Ocean Township’s ability to pursue transportation funding.

Ocean Township’s commitment to safer streets has also earned statewide recognition. This year, EZ Ride nominated the Township for a Bronze New Jersey Safe Routes to School Award, recognizing its growing efforts to improve safety through education, community engagement, and active transportation initiatives.  Through continued collaboration with Township officials, schools, and community partners, EZ Ride is helping Ocean Township build a safer, more connected community for everyone who walks, bikes, and travels its streets.

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