According to the Vision Zero Action Plan for West Orange, New Jersey, children under the age of 19 are disproportionately affected by severe traffic incidents. While they account for 23 percent of all crashes, they represent 47 percent of the most severe incidents. This alarming statistic highlights the vulnerability of younger individuals in traffic-related accidents and underscores the importance of targeted safety measures to protect them.

West Orange Township recognized this critical issue and took proactive steps to improve safety. Partnering with EZ Ride, community members conducted walkability audits at Redwood School, Kelly School, St. Cloud School, and West Orange High School. These audits identified major safety concerns, including inadequate pedestrian lighting, missing or outdated pedestrian signals, lack of bike lanes and sidewalks, poor crosswalk visibility, insufficient school zone signs, and hazardous sidewalk conditions.

Turning Audits into Action

The findings from these audits guided the township’s safety improvements. In April 2021, West Orange installed permanent bike lanes along both sides of Woodland Avenue from Pleasant Valley Way to Redwood School. Additionally, faded crosswalks were restriped with high-visibility continental designs to enhance pedestrian safety.

The township sought additional funding and was awarded a $966,000 Safe Routes to School (SRTS) grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation in 2024. These funds will be used to enhance pedestrian safety along Gregory Avenue (CR 571) and Lowell Avenue with new sidewalks, ADA curb ramps, high-visibility crosswalks, LED stop signs, and flashing beacons.

Further demonstrating its commitment to pedestrian and cyclist safety, West Orange updated its 2013 Complete Streets resolution to a more comprehensive Complete and Green Streets ordinance in February 2025, incorporating sustainability and safety checklists into future infrastructure projects.

A Commitment to Safer Communities

“Investing in safer routes to schools doesn’t just protect students—it benefits the entire community. Safer streets encourage walking and biking, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance overall quality of life. Using walk/bike audits and School Travel Plans created by EZ Ride, West Orange is working to transform all school zones into safer, healthier, and more accessible spaces for our residents,” said Mayor Susan McCartney.

By prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist safety, West Orange is setting a powerful example for communities everywhere. Creating safe routes to school is not just an investment in infrastructure—it’s an investment in our children’s future.

Get Involved

If you’re interested in working with EZ Ride to conduct a walk and bike audit and develop a School Travel Plan, contact us at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242 (option 3). Safe Routes to School activities can help your community take an essential step toward safer streets for students and all residents.

Learn more about EZ Ride’s School Travel Plans at Safe Routes NJ.

Upcoming Event:

• April 16, NJ TransAction – Harrah’s Resort & Casino in Atlantic City,  Beyond the Ride: Unlocking Safety, Funding & Recognition Through Community Engagement & Partnerships.   5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Room: Wildwood 6 | Register