Assemblyman Ruben Ramos, D-Hudson, co-sponsored a bill for pedestrian safety, which recieved the final legislative OK.
Hoboken state assemblyman Ruben Ramos, Jr. co-sponsored a bill for pedestrian safety throughout New Jersey, and it has received final legislative approval since being approved by both houses on Monday, according to a news release.
Ramos (D-Hudson) sponsored the bill with fellow Assembly members Linda Stender (D-Union), John S. Wisniewski (D-Middlesex) and Thomas P. Giblin (D-Essex). Hoboken Now reported earlier this week that another bill Ramos had co-sponsored was approved by the Assembly.
The bill requires drivers to stop and remain stopped – not just yield – to allow pedestrians to cross a road within a marked crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon or within the roadway. Also, the bill ups the fine imposed on a person convicted of violating the provisions from $100 to $200, the release said.
“Motorists and pedestrians need a clear, simple set of rules governing their interactions, especially with summer weather almost upon us,” said Ramos. “This bill provides that clarity, simply stating the responsibilities of approaching a crosswalk when on foot or behind the wheel.”
By Mark Maurer/The Jersey Journal
Photo NEIL BACON / The Jersey Journal
January 14, 2010, 11:23AM
New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Stephen Dilts signed a “Complete Streets” policy for the state last week, which will effectively provide safe access for all users of New Jersey streets, including pedestrians, bicyclists, children, older citizens, and others whose mobility depends on means other than an automobile.
Montclair Township set a state milestone, being the first New Jersey municipality to adopt a Complete Streets policy which was unanimously voted in at the October 6, 2009 Township Council meeting (download Complete Streets resolution). The policy, drafted by Township Engineer Kim Craft, ensures that new construction and road renewal accommodate travel by pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit, as well as motorized vehicles.
“This was a very important ‘first’ for Montclair and we are extremely pleased to see New Jersey following our lead with the adoption of a state ‘Complete Streets’ policy which will help ensure the safety of all users of New Jersey roads,” said Mayor Jerry Fried. Read the full article here.
New Jersey Students Invited to Participate in Traffic Safety Poster Contest sponsored by AAA. Entries were due February 12, 2010. Contest details here.