Recently during his daily walk, my father was hit by a car on Finnegans Lane. He’s 68 years old, a working engineer, a playful grandparent, and an avid walker and jogger throughout North and South Brunswick. As a result of the hit, his hips are broken and several of his leg bones are fractured. He will not be able to walk for months. His life has changed, and it’s due to no fault of his own. It’s because our local governments have allowed this once quiet street to turn into a mini-highway.
I grew up in North Brunswick and remember walking, running, and riding my bike all throughout the township. During the summer, my friends and I would cross Finnegans Lane into what then seemed like another country. I would meet children my age, but who attended an entirely different school system. We exchanged stories about our sports teams and challenged each other to North versus South Brunswick basketball games. When it was over, we’d slap backs and go home. Now, I rarely see any children walk between these two neighborhoods because with cars speeding between Routes 27 and 1, Finnegans Lane has become a war field. It is a life-threatening experience due to speeding and a lack of traffic lights. Neither township wants to foot the bill nor handle traffic enforcement. If they do not work together, more innocent citizens will get hurt.
Enough is enough, and after talking with several of my neighbors I know I am not alone. Every day, drivers and pedestrians face the fear of getting hit as they turn onto the road. I understand our municipalities are cash-strapped, but my father is strapped to his hospital bed.
We must address this issue. When we do, we can create a safer and potentially more cohesive community.
Adil Syed Ahmed
North Brunswick