Teaneck StreetSmart Kickoff Event | Press Release

Teaneck Joins Statewide Pedestrian Safety Campaign -

Street Smart NJ works to change behaviors that contribute to pedestrian-vehicle crashes.

Mayor Mark Schwartz has announced a Street Smart NJ pedestrian safety education campaign focusing on the crosswalk located at 501 Cedar Lane. This is a heavily used crosswalk leading to many town stores and vendors. This pedestrian safety education campaign will begin with a kickoff event on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Chestnut Plaza, 460 Cedar Lane. The kickoff will include the following speakers: Mayor Mark Schwartz, Bergen County Executive James Tedesco III, Police Chief Andrew McGurr, Councilman Michael Pagan, Councilwoman Hillary Goldberg, Director of NJ DHTS Michael Rizol, NJTPA Executive Director Dave Behrend, local advocate Michael Rochlin, and EZ Ride Director of Sustainable Programs, Lisa Lee.

"The safety of every pedestrian in our Teaneck community is not just a priority - it's a responsibility we all share.  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.  With this team, I am committed to building a culture where every step taken on our streets is safe, " said Mayor Schwartz.

Street Smart NJ, created by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), is a statewide collaborative effort between public, private, and non-profit organizations. The campaign reminds people that everyone has a role in making our streets safer. Street Smart NJ is one of many initiatives working to reach zero pedestrian fatalities, and more than 275 communities in NJ have successfully implemented the campaign.

“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 Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco. “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.”

“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.” 

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 enforce traffic and pedestrian laws as part of the campaign.

Pedestrian safety is a concern nationwide, but it is crucial 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 23^rd 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 almost 18 percent.

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 bikeped@ezride.org. Learn more at bestreetsmartnj.org. The campaign is also on Facebook and X (@njstreetsmart).