Red, White, and Blue ~ Happy 4th of July!

Posted on July 3, 2018 by Keep Middlesex Moving

Fourth of July festivities are celebrated in so many ways, here in New Jersey. Some mark the holiday by hosting a barbecue, taking a trip to the beach or lake, seeing a firework show, or taking in a parade. No matter how or where you celebrate, keep these safety tips in mind.

Hosting a barbecue? Remember to always keep an eye on the grill – before, during, and after grilling. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, tree branches, or anything that could potentially catch fire.

Maybe the Jersey shore or west Jersey Lake is scheduled for the 4^th? Apply sunscreen prior to being exposed to the sun and be sure to stay hydrated. Reapply after several hours in or out of the water. Whether in the ocean or lake, obey all warnings and safety messages – especially rip current warnings at the shore!

If fireworks are a part of your Fourth of July tradition, remember to park or stand in designated areas. If you are tailgating and the venue allows alcohol, please drink responsibly and designate a driver. Remind children to be aware of their surroundings too. And most importantly, steer clear of any fireworks that may have misfired.

No matter what you do or where you go this 4^th of July, remember that most roads may see more traffic. Be mindful of others on the road, watch your speed, don’t use your cell phone while driving and most importantly, do not drink and drive. If you are taking mass transit, remember that some trains and buses run on holiday schedules so be sure to check before you leave.

Enjoy the Fourth of July, have fun, stay safe and celebrate America’s birthday!

My Subway Experience

Posted on February 14, 2017 by Keep Middlesex Moving — No Comments ↓

http://www.empiricalstyle.com/products-page/c-subway-signs/downtown-and-brooklyn-n-q-r/

Besides being cram packed with people, New York is also known for it’s many Broadway theatres, cinemas and shops. All of which makes New York a city that never sleeps. Literally.

So far throughout my first semester of college, I have experienced A LOT being in the city. Attending school in the middle of Brooklyn is pretty much the equivalent of being in lower Manhattan. It’s packed, noisy and there’s never a dull moment. I take one step off of campus and there are crowds of people. As you can imagine, getting around the city isn’t always easy. Since I go to school in Brooklyn, we aren’t allowed to have a car on campus… that’s including all four years, leaving me with limited transportation options such as taking a taxi, a bus, the subway or walking. Although my roommate and I tend to walk everywhere we go, it doesn’t always get us where we need to be. With that being said, the subway is the next best thing. I can honestly say that the subway isn’t as bad as people make it seem. Besides it being crowed, hot and smelly, it’s really very simple to use once you get used to it.

When I go home from school I always take a train from Penn Station, it’s only 45 minutes tops. However, Penn Station isn’t walking distance from my school so I always take the subway to get me there. There are multiple subway stops near my school which gives me several train options to use. I have gotten used to the trains by now so I know what lines will be crowded during what times of the day. I also determine what subway I will use based on the weather. If the weather is bad outside I can either take the 2 express or the 3 local, each bringing me right into Penn Station. From there I just walk up a few flights of steps and I’m right smack in the middle of Penn Station. If the weather is nice and I feel like walking some, then I can take the express Q train which drops me off at 34th Street Harold Square. It only a few blocks from Penn I am able to get some fresh air and walk around the little shops in that area. If I’m ever in a rush, the express trains can get me to Penn a little faster than the locals, but in the end they all get me to where I need to be which is the main reason why I love using the subway as my way of transportation.

The first few times taking the subway by myself I was a ball of nerves, but as time went on I learned and I now love taking the subway everywhere I go. I thought long and hard about my decision of where I would like to attend school, and I can honestly say that I wouldn’t change anything about it. Learning how to get around the city by walking and taking the subway has definitely benefitted me. Without learning on my own how to use the subway I would probably get lost and never be able to make it home.

Now that I will be going back to school for my second semester, I think my next mission is to learn how to use the buses!

Guest post by KMM Intern 2017

Winter is Here!

Posted on January 4, 2017 by Keep Middlesex Moving — No Comments ↓

The winter is upon us and sooner or later, New Jersey will see itself covered in a freezing blanket of billowy snow. But as New Jersians, life doesn’t just stop because of a few flakes (or feet) of the white stuff. Getting your car “winter ready” before the first snow will ensure you’re ready to face the road ahead. Ensure vehicle fluids are changed, tires are checked or replaced, and ensure all exterior lights are in proper working order. Then follow these driving tips if you need to travel in the cold and snow:

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Most vehicles keep the tire pressure information on the driver side door panel.
Check and replace (if necessary) windshield wipers.
Top off wiper fluid.
Keep your gas tank at least half full.
Do not use cruise control in wet, wintery, icy weather.
Avoid hard breaking in wet weather as this can make your vehicle spin out of control.
Look and steer in the direction you want to go.
The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds.
Keep non-clumping kitty litter or wood chips in the trunk of your vehicle. This will help your tires gain traction if you become stuck in snow.
When traveling long distances, make sure to keep a blanket, flash light, water, and snacks in your vehicle in case you become stranded.
When in doubt, stay home. If driving conditions make it extremely difficult to travel, please do not attempt to go out.

For more information on winter driving visit http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/roadway-safety/winter-driving-tips/#.WG0-FxsrJPY

Dreaming of a Mall Holiday?

Posted on December 4, 2014 by Keep Middlesex Moving — No Comments ↓

Ah the holidays, “the most wonderful time of the year.” You’ve made your list. You’ve checked it twice. Sure, you’ve ordered some gifts online but it just not the same as shopping at a brick and mortar store. You love the carols and decorated windows. You enjoy sharing smiles and warm greetings with other shoppers, indulging in a hot cocoa and cookie, and carrying festive bags to your car. So, you’re off to the mall.

That’s when the dream begins to unravel. Before you can hear the jingle bells, see the glittery displays, and drink your hot cocoa, you have to park your car. Can there be a worse place than a retail parking lot in December?

It’s mayhem from the moment you enter the lot until the moment you leave. AAA Mid-Atlantic offers some great tips for navigating the mall parking lot:

Play the outfield. Everyone wants a space near the door and many will fight for the right to park upfront. Head to the back of the lot. Usually, the outlying area has more open spaces, lighter traffic, and a lower risk of collision. But, remote spaces may be less secure, so be mindful of the risks particularly returning to your car at night. If you’re shopping alone and have a number of packages, ask a mall security guard to accompany you to your car.

See and be seen. Use your headlights when searching for a space in a parking garage. Avoid parking between a pair of SUVs or minivans as it might be hard to back out of the space.

Remember where you’ve parked. Choose a well-lit area to park during early morning hours and at night. Pay attention to where you’ve parked, noting signs and markers. Take a picture with your smartphone. When returning to your car, have your keys in hand and check the car’s interior before entering the vehicle. Use a penlight at night.

Stay on track and be alert. When behind the wheel always watch for pedestrians, especially small children. Pedestrians should use walkways and crosswalks, if available. If pedestrians must walk in traffic lanes, they should watch for exhaust or reverse lights – a sure sign that the vehicle is about to pull out.

Put it down. Mobile devices distract pedestrians and can lead to unfortunate encounters with vehicles, other pedestrians, or even thieves. Drivers, too, should stow the mobile device and pay attention to the activity around them.

Use the trunk. It takes a thief only a few seconds to smash a car window. Lock you purchases in the trunk, away from prying eyes.

Take transit. Check out the bus schedules on njtransit.com. NJ Transit is offering extended service on many popular bus routes to major malls until December 27.

If your holiday experience includes a trip to the mall, be bright, be merry, and be safe.

Take the Car Free Challenge!

Posted on August 26, 2014 by Keep Middlesex Moving — No Comments ↓

Join hundreds of Middlesex County commuters and millions of commuters everywhere in going Car Free or Car Lite on September 22, 2014. KMM will host a week-long event from September 21st to September 26th where we challenge you to try going Car Free or Car Lite just once during the week-long celebration.

Travel Mug + $10 Dunkin Donuts Gift Card
Travel Ear buds and $20 iTunes gift card
Travel Water Bottle and $20 Amazon Gift Card
Amazon Kindle reader

What is Car Free?

Car Free Week is a worldwide movement to raise awareness about the negative impacts motor vehicles have on our environment. Car Free Week encourages people to reduce dependence on automobiles by Going Car Free or Car Lite for one day.

When did the Car Free Movement Begin?

The first official Car Free Day occurred in Europe on September 22, 1999. By 2005, over 112 million people worldwide participated in Car Free Day.

Why go Car Free?

Our dependence on the automobile harms our planet, our communities, and our lives. Noise and air pollution, traffic congestion, safety concerns make our cities and towns less attractive and less desirable. Going Car Free or Car Lite saves on gas and reduces wear and tear on your car. Walking or bicycling promotes fitness and health. Car Free Month can reconnect neighbors and neighborhoods.

Can you live without your car for one day?

Not sure you can do it? Here are some easy ways to start!

Take a train or bus
Ride a bike
Walk to lunch
Bring a brown bag lunch
Work from home
Carpool or Vanpool

Are you ready to take the Car Free Challenge?

Making Connections

Posted on August 13, 2014 by Keep Middlesex Moving — No Comments ↓

If you’re thinking about making the switch from solo driving to another mode, mass transit is worth a look. Middlesex County is transit rich. NJ TRANSIT’S Raritan Valley, Northeast Corridor, and North Jersey Coast rail lines provide service to New York. And 76 bus lines traverse Middlesex County.

The newly updated and bi-lingual Middlesex Transit Guide is a must have resource for those contemplating bus or train commuting. The Guide describes all of the routes in Middlesex County and provides information about the points each routes served. And, KMM can supply schedules for buses and trains or the links on where to download them.

Need something more local? Visit KMM’s website and learn about the local buses that traverse the county!

Also, don’t forget to visit NJ TRANSIT . The site provides a wealth of information that will help you get to where you need to go.

There is always more than one way to get to work. Let KMM help you learn which one suits your commute best!

New Jersey Commuter’s Guide to Super Bowl XLVIII

Posted on January 29, 2014 by Keep Middlesex Moving — No Comments ↓

Well, the week we have all been waiting for is finally here!

Super Bowl XLVIII is in full swing and in a few short days, the Seattle Seahawks will meet the Denver Broncos right here in Jersey!

For commuters, this week can be a little more hectic than normal. But since we are #jerseystrong, we don’t mind the extra traffic or people on our commute. In fact, the more the merrier!

Here is what you need to know:

Highways – Most of the Route 3, Route 17, Route 21, Route 120, NJ Turnpike area will see increased traffic up until game day. Additionally, Route 80, Route 46 and the bridges and tunnels will see increases too! If you can, avoid driving through the area and try to find an alternate route. Sign up for 511nj.org alerts (you can register for just this week too) and you will receive all the alerts you need. Also, check with coworkers and neighbors and make the commute with a friend and carpool!

Mass Transit users – Expect company on the trains this week. As the week progresses, consider telecommuting to avoid the crowds, if telecommuting is an option. If not, accept that trains will be more crowded and show our new friends how great Jersey can be. For those of you with the super saver passes, remember you can also show that pass to a host of eateries across NJ for discounts on your meals! For complete info, visit the #njtransit website.

Game Day – If you are one of the lucky people with tickets, keep in mind fan screenings begin at 2pm on game day. Expect various check points to ensure everyone’s safety. For a complete list of do’s and don’ts, check out the NJ State Police’s informative post!

Jersey House Party – Yes, we Jersey folks know how to put on a party and since we encourage everyone to stay off the roads, check out theses terrific party ideas from New Jersey’s very own Party Bluprints.

Now let’s just hope the weather cooperates……

Say Cheese and Drink Hot Chocolate

Posted on January 7, 2014 by Keep Middlesex Moving — No Comments ↓

The weather outside is certainly frightful and Winter 2014 is turning out to be memorable – if nothing else. So the staff at KMM decided that we need to help make the winter commute brighter and warmer.

Beginning this month and running until supplies last, KMM will send every commuter who submits a photo of their winter commute (either via our Facebook page or via wintercommute@kmm,org) a packet of delicious hot chocolate! Once the photos are submitted, fellow commuters and Facebook fans can vote on their favorite photo. The photo with the most votes at the end of the program will receive the Grand Prize Gift Basket filled with winter goodies.

As for the photos?

Be creative. Whether you carpool, vanpool, take mass transit, ride a bike or drive alone – take a picture of what you winter commute looks like.

There is a delicious hot cup of chocolate waiting to be sent just to you!

Happy and Safe Commute!

We do remind everyone, to exercise safety and common sense when taking their photos. Please do not take photos while driving.

New York City by Four

Posted on December 12, 2013 by Keep Middlesex Moving — No Comments ↓

The Big Apple during the Holiday Season is truly magical – especially through the eyes of a child experiencing it for the very first time.

Recently, I took a day off from keeping Middlesex moving (no worries, Middlesex kept moving because of our terrific staff) and I practiced what I preached.

Together with my husband and two absolutely delighted children, we drove to our local train station. And because we were commuting with children, we raced to grab the NJ TRANSIT Northeast Corridor train bound for the Big Apple just in the nick of time.

The train ride into NYC was filled with late morning commuters who I swore, cracked a smile when they noticed my gleeful children asking the train agent if she had hot chocolate to share , “You know, like on the Polar Express!”

Soon we pulled into New York Penn Station and we tightly gripped the children’s hands and headed up to the busy Manhattan streets, that under the gray skies truly looked like they were paved with glitter.

On foot, we navigated the Avenues pointing out landmarks the children had either seen on tv or read about – until we reached our destination – Rockefeller Center.

Despite the complaints about the long, fast paced walk, the pay-off was priceless.

After completing the obligatory holiday stops: the Christmas Spectacular, visiting the Lego, American Girl and FAO Schwartz stores and a quick prayer in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, we piled into a bona fide yellow NYC cab at rush hour to meet with friends for dinner in Tribeca. “No seatbelts!?!??!” cried the kids in glee.

Dinner was splendid and filled with much laughter and smiles despite the trip being almost over. But the trip would not be complete without a ride down under – that is, the subway. So as the night came to close, we hoped on the 2 express and grabbed the only available seat and huddled together as we swayed along the bumps and jerks of the New York Subway.

As we waited for the NJ TRANSIT train home in the nicely decorated waiting area, the children were still smiling ear to ear.

“Thank you Mommy and Daddy. I wish we could do this every year!”

We saw New York City by four with four and created memories that I hope, they will enjoy for a long time!

Over the River and Through the Woods

Posted on December 4, 2013 by Keep Middlesex Moving — No Comments ↓

It’s that time….Tis the season to travel over the rive and through the woods for…..

Seasonal dinners.

Visits to family and friends.

Shopping and sightseeing.

Ice Skating and a tree lighting.

Yes, the 2013 Holiday season is here! This year, enjoy comfort and convenience and avoid the hassles of traffic and parking by taking mass transit trains or buses this season. Let KMM’s interactive map help plan your trip and while you are online, register for the new INN – Information Notification Network traffic alerts.

From our families to yours, a safe and joyous holiday season!

Mass Transit