New Jersey Ambassadors in Motion again battled adverse weather conditions, attending 6 events – reaching more than 1,000 people – during the month of October. The events included both on-street and event outreach, as well as the New Brunswick Ciclovia and the 2013 Complete Streets Summit.
On-Street Outreach
Ambassador Andrew Bomberger distributes bicycle and pedestrian safety literature in Madison.
Kean University, Union
Ambassadors distributed bicycle and pedestrian safety pamphlets to 350 people in front of the University Center building at Kean University. Most of the college students we encountered enthusiastically accepted the literature. After leaving, we dropped off 100 pieces of bicycle safety literature at Hilltop Bicycles in nearby Cranford.
Main Street and Green Village Road, Madison
Ambassadors distributed bicycle and pedestrian safety literature to approximately 350 people at this busy intersection near the Madison train station. We encountered many groups of school-aged children and families, many of which enthusiastically accepted the literature.
Events Outreach
New Brunswick Ciclovia
Ambassadors assisted with survey distribution and event evaluation at the New Brunswick Ciclovia for the Voorhees Transportation Center. Stationed at the corner of Albany and George Streets, the ambassadors encountered a wide variety of cyclists, pedestrians, skateboarders, and joggers during the six-hour event which drew thousands of participants from the surrounding communities.
Ambassador Steve Courage discusses bicycle safety with students at the RU Healthy Fair.
Rutgers Newark RU Healthy Fair
The Ambassadors teamed with Rutgers Department of Transportation to attend the Rutgers Newark RU Healthy Fair. They spoke to many Rutgers students about the health benefits of cycling and safe cycling skills. Additionally, they helped promote cycling programs on campus, including the bike rental program and an upcoming bicycle safety workshop the Ambassadors will be running.
2013 Complete Streets Summit
Presented by the Alan M. Voorhees Transportation center with support from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and the New Jersey Chapter of American Planning Association, the 2013 Complete Streets Summit featured presentations and discussions on various Complete Streets topics, including a keynote address from Charles Marohn. Ambassadors helped in the planning, preparation, and on the day of the event. For more details, including pictures and links to presentations, see our 2013 Complete Streets Summit article here.
Classroom Outreach
Rutgers Newark Bicycle Safety Workshop
Ambassadors conducted a bicycle safety workshop at the Rutgers Newark campus for members of the community and students. Ambassadors focused on the benefits of active transportation, safe cycling equipment and safe riding skills during the workshop.
Governmental and Technical Assistance
Complete Streets Informational Meetings and Presentations
NJAIM held meetings with health representatives from Atlantic County, Bergen County, Camden County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Morris County, Ocean County, Passaic County, and Union County. In short, these presentations helped health officers better understand the concept of Complete Streets and how improved streets can encourage healthier living by providing more opportunities for physical activity.
Up Next…
Over the next two weeks, NJAIM will be conducting outreach and visiting with Chronic Disease Coordinators in several counties. Check in with us in two weeks to find out what the ambassadors accomplished!