On January 29th, 2024, the West Windsor Township Council had the privilege of hosting a presentation by the West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance (WWBPA). The presentation was delivered by Anne Clifton, President of the WWBPA. She brought forth valuable insights and recommendations regarding safety issues and best practices pertaining to driving, bicycling and pedestrian activities within our community.
For those who were unable to attend or may have missed the presentation, you can access it here. A recording of the presentation can also be found on YouTube.
Key Highlights
Policies for Safety:Â The WWBPA highlighted three policy initiatives focusing on funding for infrastructure to enhance road safety, a complete streets ordinance, and the adoption of a Vision Zero resolution.
Engineering for Safety:Â The presentation also shed light on best practices to enhance safety and accessibility for bicyclists and pedestrians, Â including speed management, rapid flashing beacons, and nighttime lighting.
Driving Safety: The WWBPA emphasized the importance of promoting greater awareness regarding driving habits. They demonstrated how our field of vision shrinks the faster we drive, how lighting dramatically impacts our recognition of pedestrians, and how taking one’s eyes off the road for as little as 5 seconds directly impacts safety. They also presented a refresher on New Jersey’s Safe Passing Law and best practices for safe driving.
Biking Safety:Â The presentation also reminded us of biking safety best practices, including riding in the same direction as traffic, and following the same rules of the road as drivers, among other safety rules.
Pedestrian Safety:Â And finally, the WWBPA presented behaviors that pedestrians should keep top of mind, such as walking against traffic when walking in the road or when on the shoulder.
Call to Action
I urge you to review the Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance's presentation and consider how you can contribute to this important conversation.
Here are a few ways you can get involved:
Join the Discussion:Â Share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns regarding bicycling and pedestrian safety in West Windsor. Your input is invaluable in shaping future initiatives and policies.
Attend Meetings:Â Stay informed about upcoming meetings and events related to transportation and infrastructure. Your presence and participation make a difference.
Spread the Word: Encourage your friends, neighbors, and fellow residents to engage with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance and become active participants in creating a safer and more accessible community for all. They would be delighted to come speak to your group. Learn more about the WWBPA at https://wwbpa.org/
I want to express my gratitude to the West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance for their dedication and advocacy. Together, we can make West Windsor a model community for bicycling and pedestrian safety. Let's continue working together towards a brighter, safer future.
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