2025 Fall Newsletter – goHunterdon

October is Pedestrian Safety Month

Oct 22, 2025

October is recognized as National Pedestrian Safety Month, and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reminding drivers to slow down and stay alert for pedestrians.

“goHunterdon wants to help ensure that pedestrians can travel safely and confidently, without fear or stress,” says Ryan Fisher, goHunterdon Safety Programs Manager. “Drivers are urged to slow down, stay attentive, and make pedestrian awareness a regular part of their driving habits.”

This message is especially timely as Halloween approaches, when more pedestrians—particularly children—are out in neighborhoods during evening hours. Trick-or-treaters may move unpredictably or be less aware of traffic, so drivers should take extra caution and anticipate pedestrians in unexpected places.

To support safer streets across Hunterdon County, goHunterdon offers a variety of free programs to assist local municipalities in promoting pedestrian safety:

In-Street “Stop for Pedestrians” Signs

goHunterdon provides free in-street signs to be placed at crosswalks. These signs remind drivers of their legal obligation to stop for pedestrians and increase visibility at crossings.

Public Awareness & Education Campaigns

Municipalities can partner with goHunterdon to develop custom public awareness campaigns on topics like pedestrian laws, bicycle safety, speeding, and distracted driving. Communities may also choose to request materials from goHunterdon that are consistent with the statewide Street Smart NJ campaign.

Speed Studies

goHunterdon offers free radar-based speed studies to help municipalities monitor vehicle speeds and traffic volumes. Using portable “Your Speed Is” signs, data is collected and analyzed in a detailed report with charts and graphs to support safety planning and enforcement.

Walk Assessments

goHunterdon is available to facilitate walkability assessments that engage community members in evaluating sidewalks, signage, crosswalks, and neighborhood conditions. These assessments help identify improvements to make walking safer and more accessible.

For more information about goHunterdon’s pedestrian and traffic safety programs, contact Ryan Fisher, Safety Programs Manager, rfisher@gohunterdon.org, or visit www.goHunterdon.org/safety

Hunterdon Schools Celebrate Walk and Roll to School Month

Oct 22, 2025

October is “Walk and Roll to School Month” in Hunterdon County, and over 800 students across 14 local elementary and middle schools are stepping up to participate! The month-long celebration is coordinated by goHunterdon through the Safe Routes to School program—a nationwide initiative supported by the New Jersey Department of Transportation that promotes safe walking, biking, and rolling to school.

Participating schools include Barley Sheaf Elementary School, Bloomsbury Elementary School, Califon Public School, Clinton Public School, Delaware Township School, Frenchtown Elementary School, Hampton Public School, High Bridge Elementary Schools, High Bridge Middle School, Lebanon Borough School, Milford Public School, Robert Hunter Elementary School, South Hunterdon Regional Elementary School, and Whitehouse School.

Throughout October, these schools are hosting a variety of engaging activities to encourage active transportation and teach students how to travel safely.

Designated Walk to School Days & Walking School Buses

Schools have scheduled special “Walk to School” days, with some organizing Walking School Buses, chaperoned group walks along set routes. These group walks are a fun and social way for students to start their day while reinforcing safe walking habits.

The Golden Sneaker Competition

A little friendly competition adds to the fun. Participating schools are vying for the
coveted “Golden Sneaker Trophy”, awarded to the school with the highest percentage of students who walk or roll to school on their designated day. The trophy will be proudly displayed at the winning school for the remainder of the 2025–2026 school year.

Safety Presentations

Ahead of each school’s walk/roll day, goHunterdon staff are delivering interactive safety presentations. Students learn essential pedestrian and biking skills like crossing the street safely, using crosswalks, and being alert to their surroundings—all in a fun, hands-on format.

“The Smasher” Helmet Safety Demo

One of the most popular demonstrations is The Smasher”, which highlights the importance of wearing a helmet when biking, scootering, or skateboarding. Students witness a dramatic demonstration using a pumpkin—let’s just say the pumpkin doesn’t fare well without its helmet on securely!

Hunterdon County Walk and Roll to School Month is a great opportunity for students to build healthy habits, learn life-saving safety skills, and take pride in making their schools and communities safer, greener places. For more information on goHunterdon’s Safe Routes to School program, contact Nina Lewis, Safe Routes Coordinator, nlewis@gohunterdon.org or visit https://gohunterdon.org/safety/safe-routes/