Year-old organization to review accomplishments and goals
By: Molly Petrilla
WEST WINDSOR The West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance plans to reflect on its past and plan for its future on Thursday at its annual membership meeting.
WWBPA officials said the 1-year-old organization will review its newly published annual report, which includes information on its series of "West Windsor Walks."
Those walks highlighted areas in the township that put bicyclists and pedestrians in jeopardy, including the Alexander Road S-curve, the train station area along Princeton-Hightstown Road and the Village Shoppes on Clarksville Road.
As a result of the group’s work, the S-curve received better striping and lighting and Clarksville Road may soon contain a mid-block crosswalk.
The group will also discuss its goals and initiatives for 2007 and elect trustees Thursday night. Board members said they plan to develop and produce a bicycle and pedestrian map for the township this year and sponsor events including National Trails Day and Walk to School Day.
Board members will also welcome four new student members from the West Windsor-Plainsboro district.
Mira Bhatia and Lauren Mandel from High School North, Annemarie Strange from High School South and Kim Meersma from Thomas Grover Middle School will serve yearlong terms on the WWBPA advisory board.
They will be charged with bringing the interests and concerns of young residents before the board and organizing events throughout the year.
All four student appointees submitted written statements of interest to the board outlining their interest in the organization.
"I would like to become a part of your board because I use my bike daily in this community; to go to school, to get to the library, and to go out for lunch, and I know that this community needs changes to make it safer for bikers all around," Annemarie wrote.
Mira expressed similar sentiments in her letter to the board, writing, "I have noted how youth in different countries use bicycles and believe that I can translate my experience to adequately convey youth concerns and issues to the board as it tries to build the alliance."
The WWBPA’s annual membership meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Senior Center, which is located in the municipal complex.