Amy Batista, Special Writer
The township unanimously adopted a resolution establishing and updating its Complete Streets Policy during its Aug. 4 meeting.
“It is a policy from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, which is basically intended to encourage the use of our roadways for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians obviously in the appropriate places,” said Mayor Janice Mironov.
According to the resolution, East Windsor Township is committed to creating a pedestrian and bikeway system to the extent feasible, by creating street corridors that safely accommodate all road users of all ages, abilities and disabilities.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation Complete Streets Policy states, “A complete street is defined as means to provide safe access for all users by designing and operating a comprehensive, integrated, connected multi-modal network of transportation options.”
“It is designed to our roadway system in a way that encourages all those various modes of transportation,” the mayor said.
She said it was suggested that the township update its policy.
“The Planning Board reviewed this policy at their meeting last night and they voted likewise to support the policy and sent a memo to the council that the Planning Board will consider the updated policy in the future as they plan amendments and plan future development application reviews,” the mayor said.
The benefits of complete streets include improving safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, children, older citizens, non-drivers and the mobility challenged as bicycling and walking trip generators such as employment, education, residential, recreation, retail centers and public facilities; promoting healthy lifestyles; creating more livable communities; reducing traffic congestion and reliance on carbon fuels thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and saving money by incorporating sidewalks, bike lanes, safe crossings and transit amenities into the initial design of a project, thus sparing the expense of retrofits later, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
