Trenton City Council Unanimously Passes Complete Streets Policy

July 20, 2012 | Trenton

Trenton’s City Council recently passed one of the most comprehensive Complete Streets policies in the state of New Jersey. Led by New Jersey Future, the policy ensures that future roadway design and construction plans will consider the needs of people of all ages and abilities, whether they are traveling by foot, bicycle, car or bus.

“I believe the safety of our streets needs to be a priority and I was happy to take the lead in supporting this important resolution,” stated North Ward councilwoman and council vice president Marge Caldwell-Wilson.

Complete Streets can improve safety, encourage walking and bicycling, lower transportation costs for families, revitalize communities and support local businesses. Since the New Jersey Department of Transportation enacted its first Complete Streets policy in late 2009, the number of Complete Streets policies has risen to more than 20 across the state.

“It’s great to see Trenton taking this important step toward making it easier and safer to move around the city,” said Peter Kasabach, executive director of New Jersey Future.“With such a decisive Complete Streets policy, Trenton can be a model for many other cities and towns in New Jersey,” Kasabach added. In Mercer County, Lawrence Township, West Windsor Township and the City of Trenton have enacted Complete Streets policies and there is an effort underway to have all county roads covered by Complete Streets policies.

Providing families with access to safe streets is a critical strategy for helping residents be more active and preventing childhood obesity. Currently, nearly half of Trenton’s children are overweight or obese.

“The Complete Streets policy is one important factor that will make it that much easier for Trentonians to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives and make our city a healthier place to live,” said Marissa Davis.  Davis is the project coordinator for the New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids-Trenton, which is part of a statewide program supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that focuses on preventing childhood obesity.

“I am proud of our City Council and its commitment to creating a safe, healthy street system for all users and enacting one of the strongest Complete Streets policies in the state,” said Dan Fatton, chair of the Trenton Cycling Revolution.

In addition to New Jersey Future, Trenton’s Complete Streets policy is supported by the City of Trenton’s Green Team, City Smiles, CityWorks, NJ Bike and Walk Coalition, Trenton Cycling Revolution, Isles Inc., Children’s Futures, Concerned Pastors and Ministers of Trenton, YMCA of Trenton, Tri State Transportation Campaign, and Villa Park Civic Association, among others.

 

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