Safer Streets For Walkers, Cyclists Topic Of Film, Talk In Metuchen

METUCHEN, NJ — The borough is walkable and takes pride in pedestrian and bicyclist safety, so it was a natural to host an upcoming free film and discussion about keeping streets safe for those walking or pedaling - not driving.

A free screening of the documentary film "The Street Project: The Fight to Make Our Streets Safer" is coming up on May 10 at 7 p.m. in the Metuchen High School auditorium at 400 Grove Ave.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with local safety advocates, the borough says.

"Within the state, Metuchen is known for being a very walkable, bike-friendly community. But we all can be doing more to make our streets safer," said Borough Council President Jason Delia.

Delia will also be a speaker at the event.

The Metuchen Board of Health and the Metuchen Traffic & Transportation Committee are partnering with Keep Middlesex Moving to bring the free screening to the area.

Delia said nearly 600 people die in New Jersey as a result of motor vehicle-related crashes, with about one-third of those deaths being people walking or riding their bikes.

"Metuchen has been a leader in pushing for safer streets and Keep Middlesex Moving chose us to be their partner for this film screening," he noted.

Among borough initiatives, as cited by Mayor Jonathan M. Busch, are lowering the speed limit to 25 miles per hour on nearly every borough street and placing new traffic signs, signals and crosswalks throughout Metuchen, among other actions.

Representatives from Bike Walk Metuchen, Middlesex Greenway Coalition and Highland Park Safe Walking & Cycling Committee will also be on the panel.

The borough also asked that attendees remember to bring non-perishable food items to the event for collection to support the Metuchen FPC (First Presbyterian Church) Food Pantry.

You can click this link to register for the program. You can watch the trailer by clicking this link.