From Policy to Progress: Upgrading Municipal Street Design
As of September 2024, the Complete & Green Streets Policy requirements for NJDOT and Sustainable Jersey have been updated. All new or existing policies must align with the standards outlined in the January 2020 NJDOT Complete & Green Streets For All Model Complete Streets Policy & Guide.
What is a Complete & Green Street?
Complete & Green Streets is a transformative initiative that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and sustainability. By designing roads that accommodate all users—pedestrians, cyclists, individuals with disabilities, and drivers—this policy helps create safer, more connected communities. More importantly, it aligns with the Safe Systems Approach Framework to achieve zero roadway deaths while integrating green infrastructure to manage stormwater and enhance environmental resilience.
Why Should Your Municipality Upgrade to a Complete & Green Streets Policy?
By adopting or updating your policy, your community will:
- Enhance Safety & Accessibility: Reduce crashes, lower travel speeds, and create safer streets for all users.
- Increase Sustainability: Mitigate flooding and improve stormwater management through green infrastructure.
- Achieve Recognition & Certification: Earn Gold Safe Routes Recognition and gain 10–30 points toward Sustainable Jersey Certification.
- Boost Economic & Community Appeal: Attract businesses, increase property values, and enhance the aesthetics of your neighborhood.
- Promote Health & Equity: Ensure equitable access to safe and active transportation options for all residents.
Currently, only 181 out of 565 New Jersey municipalities have a Complete Streets Policy, and just 27 meet the new guidelines. In EZ Ride’s service area, only 13 out of 50 existing policies have been updated.
Join Leading Municipalities Like Red Bank! Red Bank recently took action in 2024, updating its Complete & Green Streets Ordinance. Council Member Nancy Facey-Blackwood shared:
“Red Bank’s ordinance emphasizes green stormwater infrastructure, health, equity, and safer streets. It requires developers to adhere to engineering and development checklists, raising awareness of green initiatives. Additionally, it establishes a Complete & Green Streets Advisory Committee to promote walkability and bike-friendliness, benefitting the entire community.”
Act—Lead the Way in New Jersey! Be a leader in your community—adopt a Complete & Green Streets Policy today to create safer, healthier, and more resilient streets for generations to come.
EZ Ride is here to help! Contact us at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242 (Option 3) to start upgrading your policy today.