April 2026,

The City of East Orange has demonstrated that safety is a shared responsibility, bringing together the police, schools and the city leadership to create safer communities. The result – 20 schools and the City have been recognized for promoting safety at one of three different levels of the Safe Route to School Program – First Step, Bronze, or Silver Award. This recognition also positions the City for potential future funding opportunities from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to support infrastructure improvements that further enhance safety.

This year, EZ Ride staff delivered safety presentations at  the Althea Gibson Academy, Whitney Houston Academy, and the Cicely L. Tyson Community Elementary School of the Performing and Fine Arts, with additional programs scheduled throughout the spring.

“Recently, the Cicely L. Tyson Community Elementary School of the Performing and Fine Arts invited EZ Ride to educate our students about the health and environmental benefits of walking and biking to school. The presentations were dynamic and fully engaged our students in learning how to stay safe while crossing intersections. We are looking forward to a fruitful partnership,” said Captain Marilyn Berrouet, School Resource Officers Supervisor, East Orange Police Department.

EZ Ride also partnered with the City on a new initiative to improve pedestrian safety and reduce traffic speed at key transit hubs, including along Freeway Drive and East Orange and Brick Church Stations. As part of  this effort, EZ Ride staff participated in a demonstration project, hosted a community bike ride, conducted bike and scooter safety classes, and distributed helmets to residents in need.

In addition, EZ Ride serves on the Essex County Safe Streets for All Action Plan Advisory Committee (APAC) helping to prioritize safety improvements along high-injury corridors within the county. The East Orange Police Department’s School Resource Officer also participates on the committee, strengthening connections between community partners like EZ Ride and local schools.  EZ Ride is proud of its  partnership with the City of East Orange and the East Orange School District.

EZ Ride’s impact extends across more than 1,000 schools in Bergen, Monmouth, and urban communities in Essex, Passaic, and Union counties. Each year, the organization collaborates with more than 200 schools and municipalities, hosting more than 400 events that are attended by 40,000+ participants.

To learn how EZ Ride can support safety initiatives in your community, email [email protected] or call 201-939-4242 Option 3.