November 2025

Earlier this year, the Montclair Vision Zero Task Force, Mobility Committee, and Complete Streets Department launched an initiative to update the School Travel Plans (STPs) for all 11 public schools. These updates will ensure each plan reflects the latest best practices and addresses current traffic safety concerns.

“Every person—young and old alike—should feel safe traveling to and from school and throughout our community,” said Mayor Renee Baskerville. “I fully support the Vision Zero Task Force’s efforts to improve safety for our students and encourage all schools to enhance bike and pedestrian safety.”

Community Collaboration in Action

To start, the Task Force selected Buzz Aldrin Middle School and Montclair High School for pilot Road Safety Audits (RSAs). Each school organized a team of staff, students, and community volunteers to study the most frequently used routes to school—three walking routes and one biking route per school.

EZ Ride trained the volunteers to evaluate these routes, focusing on crosswalk visibility, lighting, sidewalks, curb ramps, bike lanes, and vehicle speeds. Teams then walked or biked the routes and recorded what they observed – including the challenges faced by wheelchair users.

Building Safer Streets for Everyone

The findings will help EZ Ride update each school’s STP and set the stage for future engineering studies, enforcement strategies, and community improvements. Together, these steps will make walking and biking safer, easier, and more enjoyable for Montclair students.

Want to make your school routes safer?
EZ Ride can help your community conduct a Road Safety Audit and create a School Travel Plan—at no cost.

[email protected] |  201-939-4242, option 3