The Borough of Bergenfield has been recognized by the New Jersey Safe Routes Program (through their affiliate EZ Ride) for its commitment to traffic safety with their coveted Safe Routes School Silver Award. This award qualifies Bergenfield for essential grant funding through the New Jersey Department of Transportation for eligible projects including the installation of ADA compliant sidewalks, bike paths, striping, lighting, signals, and other traffic safety improvements.
“I am very proud on behalf of Bergenfield to receive this reward and acknowledgement because it means we’re succeeding at a very important endeavor…keeping our children safe,” said Bergendfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio. “We will continue to find innovative ways to improve safety for all pedestrians and grant funding from the NJ Department of Transportation will be a vital resource in that effort.”
With the support of Mayor Amatorio and the Borough Council, a collaborative effort was made between the Borough’s Traffic Safety Committee and the Board of Education to improve traffic and pedestrian safety, as well as encourage students to walk or bike to school. These changes were made in adherence to the Safe Routes guidelines and as a result have established Bergenfield as a Silver Level Community. The Borough will be presented with their award at EZ Ride’s Champions for Change awards event on December 7th.
“It makes our jobs much easier when we know we have genuine partners in our pursuit of improved traffic and pedestrian safety,” said Bergenfield Chief of Police Mustafa Rabboh. “Thank you to the Board of Education and their Superintendent, Dr. Christopher Tully, as well as Mayor Amatorio, the Borough Council, and the Borough’s Traffic Safety Committee for their continued support and efforts towards improving the quality of life for the children of Bergenfield.”
Supported by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), the New Jersey Safe Routes Program is a federal, state, and local effort with a mission to partner with schools and communities to create safer and more appealing conditions for walking, bicycling, and using other wheeled active transportation devices as a healthy part of everyday life and:
- Enables and encourages children and youth, including those with disabilities, to travel by foot, bike, or other wheeled devices
- Makes walking and bicycling a safer and more appealing transportation option, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age
- Facilitates the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution for people of all ages and abilities from all backgrounds and neighborhoods
Safe Routes projects can focus on physical improvements to the environment, as well as encouragement and educational programs to promote more walking and wheeling in and around the community.
The NJDOT provides infrastructure grant funding for the Safe Routes to School Program. This federally funded program is administered by NJDOT, in partnership with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, and the South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization.
