To the Editor:

New Jersey has been one of the worst states for pedestrian fatalities over the last ten years. The truly sad part about this fact is that these deaths can be preventable. The fact that older residents are the victims at a far higher rate than younger people highlights the need to address this problem. The complete streets policy initiative, which has been implemented by the New Jersey department of transportation, is an important part of the solution. It makes it clear that new state-funded transportation projects should consider the safety of all users of our roads, including those who are walking, riding bicycles, and traveling in cars.

AARP believes that to be effective, complete streets policies have to be implemented at all levels of government. Thankfully, New Jersey leads the nation with over 100 municipalities and seven counties having adopted these policies over the last few years. The safe streets act has gotten bipartisan support at the federal level, sponsored by NJ congressmen such as Rush Holt, Frank Lobiondo, and Rodney Frelinghuysen.

To the residents of towns where complete streets policies are not active, call your local officials and tell them about the importance of complete streets! You can save lives and make your community a safer place for everyone.

Shaz Keshwani

AARP Intern