NJDOT Honors AP Complete Streets Coalition
Grassroots Group Advocates For Safer Streets For All Who Use Them
The Asbury Park The Complete Streets Coalition was honored this week during the State’s Complete Streets Summit at Rutgers University.
The Summit Taskforce, comprised of the NJDOT’s New Jersey Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center, chose the local group as the recipient of this year’s Complete Streets Champion Award.
Formed during the summer of 2015, the grassroots organization works to make city streets safe for all who use them. Their steering committee is comprised of Paula ‘Polli’ Schildge, Pam Lamberton, Doug McQueen, John Grant, Eric Galipo, Chris Lanni, Joe Grillo, Tracy Rogers, Rick Lambert, and Michael Kushner.
“We’re proud and honored to have been recognized for our efforts to help make streets safer for everyone in Asbury Park,” Schildge said. “Our work will continue with the support of Mayor Moor, City Council, and Transportation Director Mike Manzella. We’re grateful for invaluable guidance from NJ Bike & Walk Coalition.”
The group championed a campaign for a city-wide street design that takes all modes of travel into consideration. Be it a bicycle, skateboard, wheelchair, car, truck, roller blades or skates, members lobbied stakeholders to transform the city roads into safe lanes of travel.
They also advocated for the city’s Main Street Road Diet; host educational events; sets up information tables at local events, festivals, walks, and runs; administer a bicycle rodeo with the school district; and conducts group rides throughout the city.
“Our founding members include three who have extensive background in urban planning,” Schildge said. “Others in the group each have unique strengths, and we’ve worked together to bring awareness and educate the community about Complete Streets.”
Below find the group’s calendar of monthly Light Up The Night And Afternoon Bike Rides:
Tuesday, October 17th 6:30 – 8:30
Tuesday, November 21st 6:30 – 8:30
Saturday, December 16th 1:00 – 3:00
Saturday, February 17th 1:00 – 3:00
Tuesday, April 17th 6:30 – 8:30
Tuesday, May 15th 6:30 – 8:30
Tuesday, June 19th 6:30 – 8:30
Tuesday, July 17th 6:30 – 8:30
Tuesday, August 21st 6:30 – 8:30
Tuesday, September 18th 6:30 – 8:30
Bike helmets required for all riders under age 17. The rides begin and end in Springwood Avenue Park.
For more about Asbury Park Complete Streets Coalition, visit their website and Facebook page.
[Photos, in part, courtesy of the Asbury Park Complete Streets Coalition]
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