Initiatives and Accomplishments

Safe Streets

We advocate for the essential inclusion of bicycle and pedestrian accommodation in all township roadway improvements and development:

Montclair Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan – Collaborated with the Township to win a $100,000 technical assistance grant from NJDOT to improve bicycling and walking in Montclair
Town-wide Bicycle Network & Map – Partnered with the Montclair Department of Community Services on the development of a phased implementation plan to provide feasible travel choices and accessibility so that Montclair’s streets function at their fullest potential (ongoing).
Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program – Initiated township SRTS Task Force to get more kids walking and bicycling to school for health, safety, environment and community. Helped Montclair Township win over $600,000 in grants for infrastructure improvements, increased enforcement and encouragement activities at 7 elementary and 3 middle schools.
Complete Streets – Advocated for Montclair Township Council to adopt a “complete streets” policy which states that the design and operation of roadways should accommodate all users or all abilities and for all trips. In October, 2009, Montclair became the first municipality in NJ to adopt a complete streets policy. By December, the State of NJ had issued a statewide complete streets policy.

We promote and sponsor events that encourage more people to walk and bike more often:

Tour de Montclair – Host an annual family-friendly bike ride and festival drawing over 1000 participants – a springtime favorite since 2003. Held in May during National Bike Month and May in Montclair.
Walk to School Day – Encourage elementary and middle schools to participate in this fun and festive alternative to driving (and busing) to school by forming walking school buses and bike trains. Held in October during International Walk to School Month.
Crossing Guard Appreciation Day – We honor our unsung heroes who make sure our kids get to school safely each day. Held in conjunction with Walk to School Day.
Community Walks and Rides – Promote fun bicycling and walking opportunities with community groups like Destination Montclair, Montclair Historic Society, Clara Maass Medical Center, Friends of Brookdale Park, and others!

We provide bicycle and pedestrian safety education, public information and service through technology and partnerships.

Our Smart Cycling Classes have begun and already over 30 people, kids and adults, have completed our first Learn to Ride classes. Plans are underway for regular cycling classes in conjunction with the “Safe Streets to School” initiative and in partership with the YMCA and Diamond Cycle.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Partnerships – Building partnerships with organizations like Safe Kids to bring fun, educational events to the community, teaching bicycle and pedestrian safety to adults and children alike.
Public Service Announcements (PSA) – Provide pedestrian and bicycle safety information to Montclair’s local cable station, TV34. Working to collaborate with the Montclair Arts Council and Montclair High School on student-developed PSAs.
Website – Our website is a clearinghouse for everything Bike&Walk Montclair as well as national and international trends in non-motorized transportation including “context sensitive” and “complete” streets.
Community Partnerships – Our ongoing, vibrant partnerships with the Township, the Montclair YMCA, Pedals for Progress, the Montclair Health & Wellness Initiative and others provides an avenue for information exchange, collaboration and action.