138-24 Exhibit to Resolution Adopting the Township of West Orange Vision Zero Action Plan.pdf

A LETTER FROM THE MAYOR Hello West Orange, As your Mayor, I am writing to explain my support for implementing the Vision Zero Action Plan for the Township. My primary reason is the call-to-action for safety and the quality of life for every resident and visitor to our town. Vision Zero is a comprehensive approach to road safety that aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries; while promoting safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all. Vision Zero is a safety Action Plan that lays out actionable, measurable strategies, emphasizing design and policy solutions and promoting a transportation system that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals. As your Mayor, my primary concern is the safety and quality of life for every resident of our town. Therefore, I am committed to the implementation of Vision Zero principles to ensure that our streets are as safe as they can possibly be. Our Township is the 5th largest municipality in Essex County with an area of approximately 12 square miles and a population of approximately 49,000 residents. More than 20% of our population are children under the age of eighteen, while 18% are adults 65 years of age and over. Since the Township is both culturally and economically diverse, this leads to the population relying on various modes of transportation. Over the years West Orange has grown with enhanced economic investments, residential development bringing with it transportation needs and responsibilities. As such, it is imperative the Township provides proper walking, biking corridors and vehicular patterns to ensure the safety of our residents. The Vision Zero Action Plan will enable the Township to implement policies and regulations that protect motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians and allow our municipal government to act as a liaison between various entities to ensure safety initiatives are successfully put into place. The Township intends to collaborate Vision Zero planning efforts with the West Orange Police Department, Downtown West Orange Alliance, West Orange Board of Education, the Pleasant Valley Civic Association, West Orange Pedestrian Safety Advisory Board, the West Orange Youth Advisory Board, West Orange Council of PTA’s, NJ Bike/Walk Coalition, EZ Ride TMA, NBF and you. 6 WEST ORANGE

ciation, West Orange Pedestrian Safety Advisory Board, the West Orange Youth Advisory Board, West Orange Council of PTA’s, NJ Bike/Walk Coalition, EZ Ride TMA, NBF and you. 6 WEST ORANGE TOWNSHIP: VISION ZERO ACTION PLAN