Could 'Complete Streets' Come to Maplewood and South Orange?

Complete Streets is a concept that is sweeping cities and towns across the country as well as globally. And, now, a few advocates are hoping to bring it to Maplewood.

Even casual observers know that Mayor Michael Bloomberg has been increasing public space by converting streets to commons (see Times Square) and has been working to calm traffic and improve bike safety with new bicycle lanes throughout the New York City.

Likewise, cities from Philadelphia to Salt Lake City to Guadelajara, Mexico have been implementing or considering Complete Streets concepts.

But is this a concept that can work in a small town in New Jersey?

Find out on Thursday, January 26 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Sheree Davis, Bureau of Commuter & Mobility Strategies, New Jersey Department of Transportation, will be speaking at An Evening for Well-Planned Streets & A Livable Community!, sponsored by Two Towns for Complete Streets, the South Orange/Maplewood Bicycle Coalition, and SOMA on FOOT.

Davis will discuss how Complete Streets is coming to towns in New Jersey like Hoboken, Montclair and Jersey City. She will also explain the Complete Streets concept, which considers the needs of all citizens — meaning those traveling on foot and by bicycle as well as those in motor vehicles — when transportation decisions are made.

According to a release from the sponsors, "Traffic congestion is reduced, street improvements are made, pedestrians as well as drivers, bike riders, seniors, the handicapped, and parents with strollers are included in the mix."

The presentation will be followed by a Q&A and refreshments. There will also be eco-friendly door prizes to be raffled off and informational tables by local environmental groups including SOMA on FOOT and the South Orange/Maplewood Bicycle Coalition.

The even is free and open to the public.