9-20-2023 1:57pm

Morris County Schools Shine in 2023 New Jersey Safe Routes to School Program

Chatham and Madison Lead the Way as NJDOT Announces Award Recipients, Signaling a Step Forward in Student Safety and Active Lifestyles.

Several Morris County schools and municipalities have been recognized in the 2023 New Jersey Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, reflecting a significant commitment to creating safer and more walkable routes for students.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), in partnership with the New Jersey Safe Routes Resource Center at Rutgers University and eight Transportation Management Associations (TMAs), announced the winners of the 2023 New Jersey Safe Routes to School Recognition Program.

Morris County schools and municipalities, including those in Chatham and Madison, have earned accolades for their efforts in improving walking and biking routes for students.

The announcement of the 2023 winners was made recently, adding to the growing list of certified schools and municipalities focused on student safety and well-being.

The following Morris County schools and municipalities were recognized:

Madison: Central Avenue School (2021), Madison Municipality (2023)
Netcong: Netcong Elementary School (2021)
Chatham: Milton Avenue School (2022), Southern Boulevard School (2023), Lafayette School (2023)

According to Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, "This program improves safety for everyone, especially our children, helping fulfill NJDOT’s commitment to provide an equitable transportation system throughout the State."

The SRTS program aims to encourage students to engage in active, healthy lifestyles by walking or biking to school where feasible.

The recognition levels are based on their achievements and are categorized as First Step, Bronze, Silver, or Gold. Schools and municipalities make significant strides through hard work and a focused commitment to expanding walking and biking opportunities in their communities.

“NJDOT's Safe Routes to School program focuses on improvements to enable and encourage students to walk and bike to school, where it is safe to do so, to promote healthy, active lifestyles,” said Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti.

"Although the New Jersey SRTS program is run statewide, each TMA promotes it locally and takes the lead in honoring winning schools and municipalities and thanking them for helping to prioritize safe walking and bicycling," said Tara Shepherd, Executive Director of goHunterdon TMA and Chair of the TMA Council of New Jersey.

Morris County continues to prioritize the health and safety of its students through participation in programs like the Safe Routes to School. The communities that engage in these initiatives often benefit from less traffic congestion, better air quality, and most importantly, safer routes for children to walk or bike to school.

For more information on how your school or municipality can get involved, visit Safe Routes NJ.