Pedestrians and cyclists in New Jersey, particularly children and youth, face significant risks on the roads. A recent report highlights that between 2016 and 2020, nearly 6,000 crashes involved pedestrians and cyclists under the age of 18. Tragically, these incidents resulted in the deaths of 50 children who were struck by vehicles while walking or biking.
The study reveals that about half of these crashes occurred within a quarter-mile of a school, often in overburdened communities. This finding underscores the importance of implementing Complete Streets strategies and traffic calming measures to enhance safety for young pedestrians and cyclists.
The research was supported by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) with funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
