Transportation (Pedestrian Safety)

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 15, 2026

S 4448: Authorizes municipalities and counties to lower speed limits on certain roads without engineering and traffic investigation.

This bill allows New Jersey municipalities and counties to lower speed limits by five miles per hour on specific roads without first conducting a mandatory engineering and traffic investigation. The authority to make these changes is limited to roads with existing limits of 35 mph or less located in school zones or designated high-pedestrian areas, which must include commercial downtowns, transit corridors, and zones near major transit facilities. To prevent overlapping studies and excessive reductions, the law prohibits lowering a limit more than once on the same road segment, setting a floor of 15 mph, and banning changes if a traffic study is currently underway or was completed within the last year. Local governments must establish clear criteria for identifying high-pedestrian areas and install appropriate signage to notify drivers of any new speed limits.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by allowing lower speed limits in high-pedestrian areas without bureaucratic hurdles.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Pedestrian Safety Roads & Highways

Track

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 15, 2026

A 5274: Authorizes municipalities and counties to lower speed limits on certain roads without engineering and traffic investigation.

This bill allows New Jersey municipalities and counties to lower speed limits by up to five miles per hour on specific roads without first conducting a formal engineering and traffic investigation. The change applies only to roads currently limited to 35 mph or less that are located in school zones or designated high-pedestrian areas, which must include commercial downtowns, transit corridors, and zones near major transit facilities. To prevent redundant studies, the law prohibits lowering speeds more than once on the same road segment, reducing limits below 15 mph, or acting within a year of a completed traffic study. Local governments must still consult with engineers and install proper signage to notify drivers of any new speed limits.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by allowing lower speed limits in high-pedestrian areas without requiring studies.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Pedestrian Safety Roads & Highways

Track

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 5347: Concerns certain motor vehicle related funding to certain municipalities.

This bill allows New Jersey municipalities with over 100,000 residents to impose a 3.5% tax on parking fees at public facilities to fund pedestrian access improvements for mass transit stations. It also modifies how parking penalty fines are distributed, directing a fixed amount or a percentage to municipal courts in rapidly growing cities to cover administrative costs. Additionally, the legislation permits cities with large commercial airports to levy a tax on vehicle rentals occurring within designated industrial zones. These changes apply only to specific municipalities meeting population and growth criteria and exclude private residential parking from the new parking tax.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes new taxes on parking fees and vehicle rentals to fund pedestrian improvements and court administrative costs, directly increasing revenue for public services.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill funds pedestrian access and mass transit improvements, directly advancing transportation infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Pedestrian Safety Public Transit

Track

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

SJR 141: Designates October of each year as "Walk to School Month."

This bill designates October of each year as "Walk to School Month" to encourage physical activity and community safety. It does not change laws or funding but asks the Governor to issue an annual proclamation inviting schools, organizations, and citizens to hold events promoting walking and biking to school. The resolution highlights benefits such as improved health, reduced air pollution, and safer streets, while urging communities to plan safe routes for students.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill promotes student physical activity and safety, enhancing the educational environment without restricting access or funding.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes walking to school, explicitly citing reduced air pollution as a benefit, aligning with environmental protection goals.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes walking and biking to school, enhancing sustainable transportation and safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health Air Quality Pedestrian Safety

Track

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 28, 2026

S 4363: Establishes "Hazardous School Route Grant Program" in DOE; appropriates $15 million.

This bill creates the Hazardous School Route Grant Program within the New Jersey Department of Education to improve pedestrian safety for students walking to school. It allocates $15 million in funding to help school districts address dangerous walking paths where courtesy bus services are not available. To qualify, districts must demonstrate financial need and have previously adopted policies identifying hazardous routes, while municipalities must handle permits and long-term maintenance. The program allows grants of up to $1 million per district for projects like capital improvements or temporary transportation, with applications prioritized based on the severity of risks and the number of students affected.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $15 million to fund a new safety program for students, directly increasing government spending on essential public services.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allocates $15M to improve pedestrian safety for students, enhancing school infrastructure and access.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill allocates $15M to improve pedestrian safety and hazardous school routes, directly enhancing transportation safety infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety School Transportation Pedestrian Safety Public Transit

Track

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4327: Requires Commissioner of Education to establish criteria to be used by school districts in designating hazardous routes and provides State aid for each student transported along designated hazardous routes.

This bill requires the New Jersey Commissioner of Education to create specific criteria for identifying dangerous walking routes for students and provides state funding to districts that offer busing for students on those routes. The proposed criteria include measurable factors such as high traffic volume, lack of sidewalks, dangerous crossings, and environmental or social risks, with stricter standards for younger children and urban areas. Once a route is officially designated as hazardous, school districts must submit joint certifications to the state, and eligible students will receive state aid to cover the cost of courtesy busing services.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides state funding for student transportation on hazardous routes, directly increasing government spending for public safety.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill provides state funding for student transportation on hazardous routes, enhancing student safety and access to education.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances student transportation safety by funding hazardous route mitigation and establishing safety criteria.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety School Transportation Pedestrian Safety

Track

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 4, 2026

S 4080: Requires NJT to install certain safety features at certain bus stops.

This bill requires New Jersey Transit to add safety features like barriers and lighting to bus shelters located in high-traffic areas. It applies to both new shelters being built and existing ones, provided a local municipality or entity requests the upgrade. The law defines high-traffic areas as locations with increased danger to pedestrians and passengers, considering factors such as collision frequency and proximity to schools or hospitals. Implementation of these safety improvements is subject to the availability of funds, and the bill takes effect seven months after enactment.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates safety features like barriers and lighting at bus stops, directly enhancing public transit safety and infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Pedestrian Safety Public Transit

Track

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

AJR 155: Designates October of each year as "Walk to School Month."

This bill designates October of each year as "Walk to School Month" in New Jersey to encourage families to walk or bike to school. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation calling on public officials, organizations, and citizens to observe the month with events and activities promoting active transportation. The bill does not change laws or require specific actions but serves as a symbolic designation to raise awareness about the health, environmental, and community benefits of walking or biking to school.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes walking/biking to school, reducing vehicle emissions and supporting environmental protection through active transportation.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes active transportation by encouraging walking and biking to school, aligning with sustainable transportation goals and community health initiatives.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Pedestrian Safety

Track

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 4724: Requires NJT to install certain safety features at certain bus stops.

This bill requires New Jersey Transit to install safety features like barriers and lighting at bus stops located in high-traffic areas to protect passengers from traffic-related injuries. The law applies to both new shelters being built and existing shelters, with the latter requiring safety upgrades only if a local municipality or entity requests them. NJT will determine which locations qualify as high-traffic areas based on factors such as traffic volume, collision history, and proximity to schools and senior housing. The implementation of these safety measures is subject to the availability of appropriated funds, and the bill takes effect seven months after enactment.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates safety features like barriers and lighting at bus stops, enhancing public transit safety and protecting passengers from traffic injuries.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Pedestrian Safety Public Transit

Track

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3405: Requires DOT to implement complete streets policy that considers persons with certain disabilities.

New Jersey's A3405 requires the Department of Transportation to adopt a complete streets policy for all new and rebuilt highway and public transit projects, ensuring safe access for all users including people with disabilities. It specifically mandates that projects consider the needs of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and those with intellectual or developmental disabilities to enable independent travel. The policy requires the DOT to develop universal design concepts and implementation guidance for these accessibility features in all planning, construction, and maintenance activities.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates DOT to implement complete streets policy for highway/public transit projects, requiring universal design for disability access, enhancing transportation safety and inclusivity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Pedestrian Safety Public Transit Roads & Highways Tags People with Disabilities

Track