Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Teaneck kicks off pedestrian safety campaign
Teaneck Mayor Mark Schwartz joined local and state officials at a news confernece today kicking off a Street Smart NJ pedestrian safety campaign in the township’s Cedar Lane business district.
"The safety of every pedestrian in our Teaneck community is not just a priority - it's a responsibility we all share,” Mayor Schwartz said. “We are committed to implementing stronger safety measures with the assistance of our Traffic Bureau, improving walkability and raising awareness to ensure our streets are accessible and welcoming for all. Together with this team, I am committed to build a culture where every step taken on our streets is a safe one."
The campaign will focus on the heavily used crosswalk at 501 Cedar Lane, near many local businesses. It’s just a few blocks from where Bernardita Garcia, of Englewood, was killed in a hit-and-run crash last November, something several speakers mentioned.
Teaneck Police Department received a grant from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety (NJDHTS), which will be used to support the campaign.
Street Smart NJ, created by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) in 2013, is a statewide behavioral change campaign that brings together public, private, and non-profit organizations. The campaign reminds people that everyone has a role in making streets safer. Street Smart NJ is one of many initiatives working to reach zero pedestrian fatalities, and more than 275 communities and organizations have participated in the program.
In addition to Mayor Schwartz, speakers included Police Chief Andrew McGurr, Councilman Michael Pagan, Councilwoman Hillary Goldberg, Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III, NJDHTS Director Michael Rizol and EZ Ride Director of Sustainable Programs, Lisa Lee.
“Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility, and initiatives like Street Smart NJ help drive home the message that small actions—like slowing down, staying alert, and using crosswalks—can save lives,” said County Executive Tedesco, who serves on the NJTPA Board of Trustees. “Through our partnership with the NJTPA and the development of a countywide Local Safety Action Plan, we’re taking real steps to make our roads safer and bring federal resources home to improve our communities.”
Teaneck previously hosted a Street Smart campaign in 2018 focused on the intersection of State Street and Queen Ann Road. That campaign led to an increase in the number of turning vehicles stopping for pedestrians and reduced the number of cars running the red light.
“We’re excited to have Teaneck participate in Street Smart NJ again,” NJTPA Executive Director David Behrend said. “The more communities we can get to participate in the program, and run refresher campaigns, the more we can change the behaviors to cause crashes resulting in serious injuries and fatalities.”
EZ Ride, the Transportation Management Association serving Bergen County, will manage the local campaign and work with the municipality, schools, and community partners to educate and distribute safety information. Large educational signs will be displayed at 501 Cedar Lane and throughout the community. The Teaneck police will also be enforcing traffic and pedestrian laws as part of the campaign.
“Pedestrian safety is fundamental to building safer, more livable communities across Bergen County,” said Krishna Murthy, EZ Ride President & CEO. “By participating in the Street Smart NJ campaign, Teaneck is taking proactive steps to prevent accidents and educate drivers and pedestrians on the importance of shared responsibility. We are proud to support initiatives like these that foster safer streets and prioritize the well-being of our residents.”
Pedestrian safety is a concern nationwide, but it is particularly important in New Jersey. On average, one pedestrian is killed every two days in New Jersey, and twelve are injured daily. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, New Jersey ranked 23rd among states in pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people, and pedestrians comprised nearly 27 percent of the 685 traffic fatalities in the state in 2022, far more than the national average of nearly 18 percent. The crosswalk located at 501 Cedar Lane was selected for this campaign because of its high traffic volume and risk of crashes and pedestrian injury.
Anyone interested in helping to promote the Street Smart NJ message in Teaneck or holding a campaign in their community should contact Lisa Lee at 201-939-4242 ext. 123 or [email protected]. Learn more at bestreetsmartnj.org. The campaign is also on Facebook and X (@njstreetsmart).