PB can: improve streets & transportation

In an alarming trend, traffic deaths have been on the rise in New Jersey.₅ In 2017, 624 people died in motor vehicle-related deaths—and the rate of death is highest among African Americans.₆ We know that protecting the safety and well-being of all of our communities means investing in safe roads and transportation. PB processes in NJ and across the U.S. confirm this—given limited resources, community members often prioritize pedestrian safety projects, such as streetlights, sidewalks, and crosswalks.

From street improvements to major capital planning, PB is also a proven tool for making investments in streets and transportation more effective and equitable. PB can bring residents to the table who often don’t show up for transportation hearings, but who would disproportionately benefit from spending on active transportation, Vision Zero crash reduction initiatives, and transit access. And for elected officials and public works departments looking to create, implement, or build buy-in for complete streets plans, PB can give residents the opportunity to proactively invest in a more sustainable and equitable future, rather than maintaining patterns that contribute to congestion and crashes.

“People’s ability to transport themselves to where they need to go safely and efficiently is just a huge, massive challenge. My constituents are also constantly calling me about pedestrian safety.”

A street in downtown Newark. Photo by Paul Sableman.