October 2026

The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program recognizes schools and municipalities that demonstrate a commitment to bicycle and pedestrian safety through education, encouragement, community engagement, and efforts to create safer streets. This year 295 of the 421 schools and municipalities recognized statewide were nominated by EZ Ride. Congratulations to all the awardees!

One municipality that stands out is the Borough of Eatontown, which has been recognized at the Gold level for seven consecutive years beginning in 2020 reflecting the Borough’s sustained commitment to improving bicycle and pedestrian safety. Eatontown has maintained a consistent focus on safer, more connected streets through its Complete & Green Streets Committee and ordinance, Greenway Plan, youth bike rodeos, and other community safety initiatives.

The Borough also encouraged its public schools to participate in the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, and all four schools achieved Gold recognition by conducting safety presentations, encouraging Crossing Guard appreciation events, and Walk and Roll to School Days. The Board of Education adopted a districtwide SRTS policy in 2022 and ensured every school had bicycle racks.

Eatontown translated safety planning into physical street improvements across the borough:

• Planning & Technical Assistance: Eatontown secured technical assistance through both the NJDOT Local Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Assistance Program and the NJTPA Complete Streets Technical Assistance (CSTA) Program to develop its comprehensive bicycle, pedestrian, and Greenway plans.
• Connecting Local Landmarks: The resulting plans establish dedicated bicycle and pedestrian pathways linking Wolcott Park, Wampum Lake Memorial Park, and the F. Bliss Price Arboretum and Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Greenway Construction: Starting in 2020, the Borough secured $825,000 from the NJDOT Local Aid Infrastructure Fund to build its Greenway and Parks project in three phases.
• Bike Lane Expansion: In 2025, Eatontown secured an additional $203,700 also from the NJDOT Local Aid Infrastructure Fund to install bicycle lanes along Industrial Way West, further expanding safe routes and providing a way for employees to ride to work.

“Eatontown is pleased to be recognized by EZ Ride for our continued commitment to creating safer streets and promoting walking and bicycling throughout our community,” said Mayor Anthony Talerico, Jr. Borough of Eatontown. “Maintaining Gold recognition year after year reflects the work of our residents, schools, municipal leaders, and community partners who continue to make bicycle and pedestrian safety a priority. We appreciate EZ Ride’s partnership and the Safe Routes to School program, which helps communities like Eatontown build on our efforts and encourage healthier, safer ways for residents of all ages to get around.”

Gold recognition helps strengthen municipal applications for NJDOT road infrastructure grants, Sustainable Jersey certification, and mini-grants. Interested in making your community’s streets safer for walking and biking? Call EZ Ride at (201) 939-4242, Option 3, or email [email protected].