Wisniewski: 'Skimping on Sidewalks 2008' Report Highlights Need for Increased Focus on Pedestrian Safety

WISNIEWSKI:  'SKIMPING ON SIDEWALKS 2008' REPORT HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR INCREASED FOCUS ON PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

Tri-State Transportation Campaign's Annual Report Also Underscores Need for Permanent, Reliable Transportation Funding Source

(SAYREVILLE) - Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski today said that addressing pedestrian safety and finding reliable, long-term transportation funding sources should be among the Legislature's top concerns when it returns from summer break in September.

Wisniewski said these issues were highlighted in "Skimping on Sidewalks 2008: An Analysis of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Fatalities in New Jersey," a report issued by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign - a non-profit organization seeking ways to reduce automotive dependency in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

"While the report cites an overall decrease in the number of pedestrian deaths this year, increases in the amount of foot traffic coupled with decreases in the amount of funding for pedestrian safety initiatives statewide is cause for concern," said Wisniewski (D-Middlesex), chairman of the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee.  "As gas prices continue to climb, we must ensure that our highways are safe for motorists and pedestrians alike."

To protect the inroads the state has made to improve pedestrian safety, Wisniewski has sponsored legislation (A-1329) that would amend the state's motor vehicle regulations to give pedestrians increased safety and a clear right to safely navigate the state's roadways.  The measure was released from the transportation committee in March.

Wisniewski said the report also calls to light the need for the state to continue the discussion regarding a long-term funding solution for the ailing Transportation Trust Fund.  Various proposals have been put forth by the Governor and legislators on both sides of the aisle and Wisniewski said that every proposal that has been put on the table needs to be discussed.

"Transportation is the lifeblood of our state," said Wisniewski.  "If we are to keep residents safe and our infrastructure sound, we can no longer afford to put off the uncomfortable conversations about funding sources.  Otherwise, we will have no choice but to do less."

--30--