Transportation (Pedestrian Safety)

New Jersey bill S 1917 requires the state’s Transportation Commissioner and Highway Traffic Safety Director to annually update public awareness campaigns and use variable message signs at least once yearly. The campaigns must inform motorists about their duty to change lanes or reduce speed when approaching pedestrians, bicycles, or personal conveyances (like scooters), as specified in existing law (C.39:4-92.4). The bill mandates that these materials cover the importance of compliance, risks of non-compliance, and associated penalties. It directly affects all drivers in New Jersey through updated public safety messaging. The bill amends prior statutes (P.L.2017, c.358 and P.L.2019, c.370) to expand awareness beyond emergency vehicles to include vulnerable road users.

S 1390 requires New Jersey's Division of Highway Traffic Safety to create a public awareness campaign about bicyclist and pedestrian safety. The campaign must explain current state laws, including rules for cyclists keeping to the right side of roads (C.39:4-14.2) and rules for motorists safely passing pedestrians or cyclists (C.39:4-92.4), along with the penalties for breaking these rules. It directly affects drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians by providing clear information about existing safety regulations. The bill mandates this campaign without changing any current laws, focusing on education rather than new restrictions.

This bill redirects fines for speeding violations under "Antwan's Law" in specific Burlington City zones (Route 130) to local municipalities. Currently, these tripled fines go to general municipal funds and county road funds, but this bill requires all such fines to be paid directly into the municipality's treasury. The funds must be used exclusively for pedestrian safety initiatives and law enforcement purposes within the municipality. It affects drivers who speed in the designated Burlington City areas covered by Antwan's Law, which reduces speed limits to 25-35 mph near schools and residential zones following a pedestrian fatality.

This bill establishes the "Enhanced Transit Village Program" to support municipalities in developing walkable, mixed-use communities centered around public transit hubs. It targets distressed municipalities (score 50+ on revitalization index) already designated as "transit villages" by the Department of Transportation. Key provisions include requiring 50+ housing units per acre within 1/4 mile of transit and 25+ units per acre beyond that, alongside technical assistance for zoning changes, infrastructure upgrades, and promoting pedestrian/bike access. The program, administered by the Office of Planning Advocacy (Department of State) and DOT, is funded with $25 million in state appropriations.