NJAIM attended 10 events – reaching more than 1,500 people – during the second half of July. Ambassadors conducted two classroom workshops on safe bicycling and walking at the YMCA camp in East Orange, and conducted on-street outreach in Perth Amboy, Camden, Somerville, and Morristown, among other New Jersey communities. NJAIM also met with representatives from the Chronic Disease Coalitions of Passaic, Burlington, Hunterdon and Bergen Counties to provide an in-depth overview of Complete Streets.
On-Street Outreach
Ambassador Cailean Carr distributing literature in Perth Amboy.
1. Smith Street and State Street, Perth Amboy
Ambassadors distributed bicycle and pedestrian safety pamphlets to 450 people at this busy intersection. The pedestrian traffic was steady, yet not overwhelming, and nearly all the pedestrians were interested in receiving literature.
2. North 5th Street and Market Street, Camden
Ambassadors distributed bicycle and pedestrian safety literature to 200 people in front of Camden City Hall. Pedestrian traffic was very slow, though bicycle traffic was heavier than expected. The reduced pedestrian traffic allowed the Ambassadors to interact more closely with members of the community.
3. Main Street and Grand Street, Hackettstown
Ambassadors distributed safety literature to approximately 140 people at this intersection at the center of town. The Ambassadors also stopped at Marty’s Reliable Cycle, where employees agreed to display bicycle safety literature for customers.
4. Division Street and West Main Street, Somerville
Ambassadors distributed bicycle and pedestrian safety literature to 125 people along the pedestrian only corridor linking the train station and Main Street. We encountered a high number of cyclists riding on the sidewalk, with most of them willing to accept the literature.
Ambassador Andrew Bomberger distributing safety literature in Somerville.
5. Clifton Avenue and 2nd Street, Lakewood
Ambassadors distributed bicycle and pedestrian safety literature to 250 people at this intersection on a sunny afternoon. The population included a large number of families and cyclists.
6. Washington Street and Courthouse Lane, Toms River
Ambassadors distributed safety literature to 150 people at this intersection, located outside the Toms River Library. While the overall pedestrian traffic was quite slow, Ambassadors reached an inordinate number of teenagers. The Ambassadors also stopped at Beachwood Bicycles, where employees agreed to display bicycle safety literature for customers.
7. Morris Street and East Blackwell Street, Dover
Ambassadors distributed bicycle and pedestrian safety literature to 200 people. This community boasted a high number of Spanish speakers and cyclists.
8. Washington Street and Park Place, Morristown
Ambassadors distributed bicycle and pedestrian safety literature to 250 people at this intersection at the center of town, adjacent to Morristown Green. The pedestrians encountered were very willing to accept the literature, with a high number of them engaging us and discussing the programs goals and objectives.
Classroom Outreach
Ambassador Stephen Courage covering the "ABC Quick Check" with students at the East Orange YMCA.
East Orange YMCA
Ambassadors held the third and fourth weeks of a nine week safe cycling course at the East Orange YMCA. Ambassadors educated approximately 100 students each week. While the first two weeks focused on the benefits of cycling, the importance of helmets, and the basics of safe riding, the third and fourth weeks focused on safe cycling skills. The age of each group dictated what was covered, with the older groups receiving more advanced instruction. The main focus throughout both weeks was the importance of proper helmet fitting and encouraging the students to do this with minimal assistance. Ambassadors also covered proper passing and turning techniques.
Governmental Outreach and Technical Assistance
Complete Streets Informational Meetings with Passaic, Burlington, Hunterdon and Bergen Counties
NJAIM met with representatives from the Chronic Disease Coalitions of Passaic, Burlington, Hunterdon and Bergen Counties to provide an in-depth 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.
Up Next…
Over the next two weeks, NJAIM will be conducting in-class outreach at the YMCA in East Orange and in Neptune Township, as well as on-street outreach in Fort Lee, Union City, and Point Pleasant. Check in with us in August to find out what the ambassadors accomplished!