NJAIM attended 10 events–reaching approximately 5000 people–during the second half of June. Ambassadors conducted on street outreach five times in Jersey City, two times in Hoboken, twice in Paterson, and once in Trenton. NJAIM also met with representatives from the Chronic Disease Coalition of Monmouth and Ocean Counties to provide an overview of Complete Streets.
On-Street Outreach
1. JFK Boulevard and Sip Avenue, Jersey City
Ambassadors distributed bicycle and pedestrian safety pamphlets to 500 people during the early afternoon at this busy intersection. There was a very diverse population of pedestrians, including many students who were going home from school. All of the pedestrians were interested in receiving the literature.
Ambassador Yuling Gao distributes safety literature to pedestrians in Paterson, NJ.
2. Herbert Place and Newark Avenue, Jersey City
Ambassadors distributed bicycle and pedestrian safety pamphlets to 250 people at this busy intersection with a high number of Indian businesses and residents.
3. Grove Street Path Station, Jersey City
Ambassadors distributed bicycle and pedestrian safety pamphlets to 500 people in the area around the Grove Street Path Station during the late afternoon. Ambassadors noticed significantly more bicyclists here than in other Jersey City locations. The Ambassadors also made a quick stop at Grove Street Bicycles, where employees were happy to display bicycle safety literature for customers.
Ambassador Stephen Courage speaks with a pedestrian in Hoboken, NJ.
4. Exchange Place Path/Hudson River Waterfront Walkway
Ambassadors spent the beginning of rush hour distributing bicycle and pedestrian safety pamphlets to 200 people near the Exchange Place Path and the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway.
5. Washington and 2nd Street, Hoboken
Ambassadors distributed bicycle and pedestrian safety pamphlets to 500 people on a Friday afternoon in Hoboken. Ambassadors observed more cyclists than in other locations; however, many of the cyclists were riding on the sidewalk or riding the wrong way against traffic.
6. Waterfront Park, Hoboken
Ambassadors distributed bicycle and pedestrian safety pamphlets to 250 people at the Waterfront Park during the late hours of the afternoon.
7. Market and Main Street, Paterson
Ambassadors distributed bicycle and pedestrian safety pamphlets to 750 people in downtown Paterson. The population included a high number of families and teenagers and many pedestrians received literature in Spanish.
Ambassador Andrew Bomberger distributes safety literature and discusses bicycle and pedestrian safety with a bicycle policeman in Trenton
8. Newport Mall, Jersey City
Ambassadors distributed bicycle and pedestrian safety pamphlets to 400 people at the Newport Mall on a hot Monday afternoon.
9. State and Broad Streets, Trenton
Ambassadors distributed bicycle and pedestrian safety pamphlets to 450 people in downtown Trenton. Ambassadors found a steady but not very heavy flow of pedestrian traffic and the majority of residents were willing to take literature and many were interested in talking to them. In particular, Ambassadors talked to a police officer on a bike who said that biking allowed him to better connect to the community than driving in a police car.
10. Broadway and Main Street, Paterson
Ambassador Caileen Carr distributes safety literature to pedestrians in Paterson.
Ambassadors distributed bicycle and pedestrian safety pamphlets to 1200 people at this intersection. Ambassadors discovered a diverse population with high levels of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. High volumes of traffic and three different roads converging resulted in a busy and at times confusing intersection
Governmental Outreach and Technical Assistance
Complete Streets Informational Meeting, Monmouth and Ocean Counties
NJAIM met with representatives from the Chronic Disease Coalition of Monmouth and Ocean Counties to provide an overview of Complete Streets. They also discussed ways in which the coalition can show their support for the adoption of Complete Streets policies in the region, as physical activity is fundamental to preventing chronic disease. NJAIM plans to present to the entire coalition in August.
Over the next two weeks, NJAIM will be conducting in-class outreach at the YMCA in East Orange and the Boys and Girls Club in Trenton; on-street outreach will take place in Lakewood and Toms River. Check in with us in mid-July to find out what the ambassadors accomplished!