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First in the Nation All Abilities Bike Program Aims to Teach People With Disabilities How to Ride a Bike

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In the Spring of 2025, Keep Middlesex Moving launched its first All Abilities Bike Camp in partnership with Future Foundations Academy, part of the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey. The program reflects a shared commitment to expanding mobility, independence, and access for all students.

Held in Piscataway, the ten-session camp began in late March and was led by staff Chris Gonda and Isabella Gonzalez, with support from paraprofessionals. Using the All Kids Bike curriculum from the Strider Education Foundation, students learned through a balance bike approach designed to build confidence and foundational skills.

The pilot program focused on neurodivergent students selected by Vice Principal John Taylor, with priority given to those facing financial or scheduling barriers. Over two weeks, students participated in structured, one-hour sessions, with makeup opportunities available to ensure consistent progress.

Seven of the eight participants had never ridden a bike before. By the end of the program, most showed significant improvement in both skill and confidence. Staff and families noted meaningful growth, with one parent sharing that the program succeeded where years of attempts had not.

Beyond instruction, KMM conducted pre-and post-program assessments and developed a report evaluating outcomes. The results highlight the importance of strong school partnerships and individualized support in creating successful, inclusive programs.

Following the pilot’s success, the Strider Education Foundation awarded a second grant to expand the program this summer. The second camp took place at East Brunswick Adaptive Recreation Daisy Day Camp, where ten (10) students ranging in age from 8-16 participated in ten one-hour learn to ride sessions.

Keep Middlesex Moving wishes to thank the Strider Education Foundation, the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, and the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School Program for their support.

For more information about inclusive mobility programs, contact programs at kmm.org.

Rutgers-New Brunswick Joins Statewide Pedestrian Safety Campaign

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Keep Middlesex Moving, Inc.
Arlene Holt, Operations Manager
732-745-4465, Ext. 102
aholt@kmm.org

RELEASE DATE: February 6, 2025

Street Smart NJ works to change behaviors that contribute to pedestrian-vehicle crashes.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – The Rutgers-New Brunswick Police Department has launched a Street Smart NJ pedestrian safety campaign that will continue through the spring semester to raise awareness about ways to reduce pedestrian-vehicle crashes.

This public education campaign is being conducted in partnership with Keep Middlesex Moving, Inc. (KMM) the transportation management association for Middlesex County. The Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) is also hosting campaigns on the Rutgers-Camden and Rutgers-Newark campuses this semester. The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) manages the Street Smart NJ program, which has worked with more than 275 colleges, municipalities, counties and other partners across the state to change the behaviors that contribute to pedestrian-vehicle crashes.

“Safety at Rutgers is a shared responsibility. The RUPD is committed to engaging and educating both the university and surrounding communities,” said Kenneth Cop, Vice president of Public Safety and Chief of University Police. “As part of these efforts, we are partnering with the NJTPA to roll out the Street Smart NJ program on all Rutgers campuses through our community policing units. This program will foster safer driver and pedestrian behaviors, increasing the wellbeing of the university community at large.”

Street Smart NJ is a collaborative effort between public, private and non-profit organizations and one of many initiatives in New Jersey working to help the state reach its goal of zero pedestrian fatalities. During the campaign, RUPD will be enforcing pedestrian-related laws and working with partners like KMM to distribute safety materials. The campaign reminds people that everyone has a role to play in making our streets safer. Drivers need to obey speed limits and stop for people crossing; people walking need to use crosswalks (marked and unmarked) and cross with the signals; and everyone needs to avoid distractions.

“The NJTPA’s Street Smart NJ program is an effective method of communicating safety messages,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Charles Kenny, who serves as First Vice Chair of the NJTPA’s Board of Trustees. “In Middlesex County we are dedicated to our Vision Zero program, working hard to keep drivers and pedestrians safe. It takes a whole community to prevent traffic fatalities, I am proud to support this implementation at Rutgers University for the spring semester.”

Pedestrian safety is a concern nationwide, but it is particularly important in New Jersey, where the fatality rate far exceeds the national average. Pedestrians comprised 26.7 percent (183 people) of the 685 people killed in crashes in New Jersey in 2022, while the national average was 18 percent, according to the most recent data available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Pedestrian safety is a top priority for Keep Middlesex Moving,” said Brian N. Tobin, Executive Director of KMM. “We are proud to collaborate with Rutgers University and NJTPA to ensure safe travel for all road users—whether walking, biking, or driving. Through the Street Smart
NJ public education campaign, we aim to foster a culture of safety and shared responsibility, raising awareness about the importance of keeping everyone safe in and around the Rutgers University campus.”

Businesses, organizations and individuals interested in helping to promote the Rutgers-New Brunswick Street Smart NJ campaign, should contact Arlene Holt, KMM’s Operations Director at 732-745-4465 x102 or aholt@kmm.org. To learn more about the campaign, visit bestreetsmartnj.org. The campaign is also on Facebook (/StreetSmartNJ) and X (@njstreetsmart). To learn more about Keep Middlesex Moving, visit www.kmm.org.

Be Street Smart Campaign

 

What is Vision Zero?

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Vision Zero: A Commitment to Safe Streets and includes images of people walking, biking, scooting and using a wheelchair on roads.

You’ve probably heard a lot about Vision Zero and you’re wondering what is it? Municipalities across New Jersey and the United States are committing to Vision Zero through resolutions, ordinances aimed at increasing road safety, and street redesigns that accommodate all people, regardless of how they get around.

What is Vision Zero? A Bold Strategy for Road Safety

In the world of transportation and road safety, Vision Zero has emerged as a groundbreaking approach aimed at eliminating traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries. While the idea might seem idealistic at first, it’s grounded in the belief that no loss of life or serious injury on the roads is acceptable. By shifting the focus to proactive safety measures, Vision Zero aims to create a road system that protects all users, including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.

Origins of Vision Zero

Vision Zero was first introduced in Sweden in 1997. The country, known for its strong commitment to social welfare and public safety, set out with the goal of creating a transportation system where nobody would be killed or seriously injured in road accidents. Since its inception, Sweden has seen significant success, with traffic fatalities dropping by over half in the years that followed the implementation of Vision Zero.

Seeing these positive results, the idea began to spread globally. Today, cities and countries around the world have adopted Vision Zero as part of their road safety strategies, including major urban centers in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and beyond. But Vision Zero isn’t just a set of guidelines—it’s a call to action and a comprehensive approach to how we think about traffic safety.

Key Principles of Vision Zero

  • Human-Centered Design: One of the core tenets of Vision Zero is the recognition that humans make mistakes. Road design should accommodate human error, making it difficult for accidents to result in serious injuries or deaths. For example, roundabouts or protected bike lanes can reduce the likelihood of fatal collisions.
  • Systemic Safety: Vision Zero doesn’t just focus on individual behavior but emphasizes improving the entire transportation system. This includes engineering safer roadways, introducing more robust vehicle safety standards, and enhancing traffic laws. The goal is to redesign roads and infrastructure to prevent severe accidents from occurring, regardless of human error.
  • Shared Responsibility: Unlike traditional road safety approaches, which often place the blame for accidents on drivers, Vision Zero emphasizes that responsibility is shared by everyone involved—drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, policymakers, and engineers. It’s not about blaming individuals but creating a safer system for all.
  • Data-Driven Solutions: Effective policies and infrastructure changes must be informed by solid data. Vision Zero calls for detailed data collection on traffic accidents, injury patterns, and the behavior of road users to determine where improvements are needed. This allows for targeted solutions and better resource allocation.

Vision Zero in Practice

While Vision Zero might sound like an ambitious ideal, there are numerous real-world examples showing its effectiveness. Cities around the world have already begun to implement Vision Zero strategies with significant success.

  • Hoboken, NJ: Since committing to Vision Zero in 2018, Hoboken has not seen a traffic fatality in seven years, thanks to safety improvements that include daylighting intersections – the process of increasing visibility at crosswalks, incorporating bike lanes, and reducing speed limits throughout the city.
  • Jersey City, NJ: Jersey City became the first city in New Jersey to commit to Vision Zero through initiatives like pop-up pedestrian plazas, installing roundabouts, reducing speed limits, and daylighting intersections.
  • New York City: In 2014, NYC adopted Vision Zero as part of its official traffic safety strategy. The city implemented measures like lower speed limits, the expansion of bike lanes, and increased enforcement of traffic laws.

As more cities adopt Vision Zero principles, it’s becoming clear that road safety is not just about enforcement but about rethinking the very nature of how we design and interact with our road systems. The initiative has the potential to transform cities into safer, more inclusive environments where everyone—from children to the elderly—can move around confidently without the constant threat of road crashes.

Vision Zero is A Shared Goal

Achieving zero traffic deaths and serious injuries requires continued collaboration among government agencies, engineers, public health professionals, and the public. Everyone must play a role in ensuring that Vision Zero is more than just a lofty goal but a tangible, life-saving reality.

Vision Zero is more than just a traffic safety program; it is a philosophy that redefines how we view road safety. It challenges the notion that traffic deaths are inevitable and calls for systemic changes to create a safer world for all road users. The journey toward zero is long, but it’s a step toward a future where no one has to fear for their life on the road.

Learn more about Vision Zero, download a sample resolution, and take the Vision Zero Pledge HERE.

Creating a Safety Town

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In 2020, Keep Middlesex Moving was awarded funding from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS) to lead an exploratory committee charged with developing a Safety Town Program in the Township of East Brunswick.  Made up of Mayor-appointed residents and stakeholders, KMM’s mission was to formulate a plan for Safety Town within the municipality including the location, size, and scope of the project.

Safety Town is a program designed to teach pre-K children pedestrian and bike safety, crosswalk safety, and more. Using a designated location, Safety Towns are created to mimic a neighborhood or downtown complete with miniature buildings, roadways, and crosswalks.  In this space, children can safely learn about the rules of the road both on foot and while riding their bicycles.

Over the course of the project, the committee reviewed crash data, township safety concerns, and location options for the program.  Given the restrictions imposed by Covid-19 protocols, many of these meetings took place via zoom to ensure everyone’s safety.  After months of review, committee members adopted a solid, scalable plan. It included important amenities like crosswalks, an intersection with traffic lights, and double yellow lines. Throughout the course, structures representing the library, police department, fire department, post office, and the municipal building would be strategically placed on “the street.” This provides the opportunity to solicit sponsorships and offer naming rights to local businesses and organizations.  The committee felt this course could be implemented more quickly and easily than a larger plan that might not be realized for some time. Each member of the committee felt strongly that a safety town program is integral to the health and wellbeing of the residents in East Brunswick and the greater community.

The project will next be presented to the East Brunswick Township Council for adoption.  To learn more about this project or to learn more about implementing a similar program in your town, please reach out to aholt@kmm.org.

Outside in Open! Bicycle Helmet Safety Tips

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Outside is Open! With so many of us practicing #Socialdistancing to #FlattenTheCurve, many of us are looking for ways to stay active. If bike riding is one of them, we share with you two quick videos on how to fit your #bikehelmet. Be safe and have fun!

Whether you’re riding a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, if there are wheels under your feet, NJ requires a helmet on your head up to the age of 17. Biking to school and around town can be a safe activity, though if you happen to fall, it’s smart to protect your head. Here are a few tips on how to wear a bicycle helmet safely:

For Adults:

For Children:

Chalk Your Walk – Safety Tips

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If walks around your neighborhood have increased in the past week, perhaps you have seen inspirational messages drawn across the sidewalk and pavement.  This art is called #ChalkYourWalk and it’s springing up everywhere.

Given we are all practicing #socialdistancing to #flattenthecurve,  walking or biking in the neighborhood is one of the few things we can continue to participate in safely – while remembering to keep 6-feet between you and other pedestrians.   Here are a few safety tips for both the #ChalkYourWork artists and those walking and biking in the neighborhood.

For Parents and Artists:

  1. For neighborhoods without sidewalks, have an adult present that can watch for oncoming traffic while drawing in the driveway.
  2. If possible, wear brightly colored clothes as you create your art so that motorists and those walking or biking can see you.

For Pedestrians and Cyclists:

  1. Walk or bike focused.  If you are listening to music, make sure you can still hear the activity around you.
  2. If you are biking in the neighborhood, be especially attentive to neighborhoods without sidewalks.  Children may be drawing in their driveways.
  3. Heads up and Phones Down: Whether on bike or foot or even driving, there will be more children playing outside and many of them will be in groups of five or less and may not be as visible.

As we navigate these very unprecedented times and learn to adapt to the restrictions that are in place, we remind everyone that we are all in this together.  Stay safe and stay strong.

If your children have created #ChalkYourWalk art, please email us at programs@kmm.org so that we may share their happy messages with our followers.

National Crossing Guard Day

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School crossing guards play an important role in the lives of children who walk or bicycle to school. They help children safely cross the street at key locations and they also remind drivers of the presence of pedestrians.  Regardless of the weather, our crossing guards provide safety and smiles each and every school day.  Join us in recognizing the crossing guards across Middlesex County on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, by showing your thanks.

Our friends at New Jersey Safe Routes to School put together some ideas to recognize your crossing guards:

  • Students, parents, and other community members can sign Thank You cards and present them to crossing guards. Thank-you-card-template can be customized or design your own!
  • Work with your local government to recognize these municipal employees with a certificate at a town council meeting, school board meeting and/or school event.  Here is a Template-Recognition-Certificate-for-CGthat you can use and customize.
  • Coordinate with your municipal police department to present a pedestrian safety program in the schools and invite your crossing guards.
  • Work with your school’s PTO or PTA to organize a thank you breakfast for your crossing guards.
  • Recognize your crossing guards in the school newsletter, school email and on the website. Send the notice to the local media.
  • Post a thank you on outdoor school notice boards and lighted signs.
  • Create a thank you banner and hang it at the crossing guard post.
  • Post flyers around school and town to remind people to thank a crossing guard.
  • Simply say “Thank you” to your crossing guard.
  • During your school’s daily PA announcements, inform students about the recognition initiatives and encourage students to give their crossing guards a big smile and thank you.
  •  Ask parents to donate a small token of appreciation for each guard (pocket hand warmers, a cookie, a thank you card, etc.).
  • Solicit local businesses to donate gift cards or a small gift that could be given to your crossing guard.

 There are many inexpensive ways to show your appreciation to your crossing guards!
Thank your crossing guard today and every day!

Original post – click here

Shared Safety Tips for the School Year

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With back-to-school mode in full swing, you may have noticed more traffic congestion.  And along with traffic congestion, we are sharing the roads with school buses, bicyclists, and parents rushing to drop their kids off at school. Sharing the road and following these simple safety precautions will ensure a safe school year:

  1. Look before you go. More kids are hit by cars/buses near schools than at any other location, according to the National Safe Routes to School Program. Both the parent and student should look for cars, making sure that the area near the school is clear before getting out of the car.
  2. Give the right away. For drivers passing by, make sure you give the pedestrians the right away when crossing the street, whether they are walking or biking. Always come to a complete stop and watch for kids when you are approaching a school zone with flashing pedestrian signs. This means kids are in the area and it’s your job as a driver to be aware.
  3. Be smart. Kids that walk, ride their bikes or take the school bus need to ensure their safety. Those crossing the street, always use a crosswalk and look both ways to see if cars/buses are approaching. Those taking the bus, make sure you are standing away from the curb when a bus is pulling up or driving away, that way you don’t get hit.

Together, we are all responsible – as pedestrians and drivers, to make this year’s back to school a safe return for everyone!

August is National Family Fun Month

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August is National Family Fun Month, which means it’s a great opportunity to seize the remainder of summer by spending time with family. Here are some cool activities to help you and your family finish out the summer!

Take a family bike ride. Make sure everyone is wearing properly fitted helmets and all bikes are in good riding condition. Following our A B C Bicycle Safety Checklist is a great way to make sure your bikes are ready to ride.

Going on a last minute family beach trip is not only exciting, but it is the perfect way to spend a hot summer day. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and make sure you apply sunscreen to keep your skin protected from the suns UV rays.

Lace up your sneakers and take a walk with the family. Walking in the park, on the beach, or around your neighborhood is a great way to stay active together. Remember that cars do not always see pedestrians walking, so make sure you look both ways before crossing the street and always be aware of your surroundings.

After a long day at work, the thought of going out can be exhausting. To avoid this, consider having a family movie night.  Pick out your favorite family movie, get the popcorn ready, and enjoy the night together.

The month of August doesn’t have to mean back to school shopping and the thought of summer ending. Instead, spending time with your family is a great way to make the most of summer’s last days.  It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you are safe and are having fun with your family!

A B C – Bicycle Safety Check List

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Bicycle riding is fun, healthy, and a great way to get some fresh air. Before riding, you should always inspect your bike to make sure all parts are secure and working properly.

A great way to do this is by following our A B C – Bicycle Safety Checklist:

  • Air- Always check the air pressure in your bicycle tires before you start riding. Pushing down with your hands on each tire lets you not only see, but also feel how much air there is and if any air needs to be added.
  • Brakes- Making sure your bicycles brakes work is essential for riding. You can simply check them by pulling the brake handles in and looking to see that your bike does not move when the handles are locked in.
  • Chains- The chains on your bicycle do more than you may think. The chain and cranks need to properly sit on your bike, move smoothly and have no rust. This will ensure that the chain works correctly and that all functions of the bike are possible.

The last thing you need to check before riding isn’t on your bicycle; it’s actually on your head! Wearing a properly fitted helmet not only protects your brain but can save your life. A properly fitted helmet should have no gaps between your temples and brow pads; the chinstrap should be snug and it should only allow one finger to be able to fit under the strap.

Before each bike ride, be sure to follow the A B C – Bicycle Safety Checklist and ride safe and ride worry free!