|
|
|
RIDEWISE NEWS
March 2026 Edition
Let's GO explore the latest sustainable transportation news, stories, programs, and events from Ridewise. |
|
|---|
|
Celebrate Earth Day and participate in our bike drive
|
|
|---|
|
Have a gently used bike you want to donate for a good cause? If so, we invite you to attend our upcoming Earth Day Bike Drive and bring your donated bike.
By donating a bike you are helping to reduce landfill waste, lower carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable transportation.
Visit https://ridewise.org/bikeconnect/donations/ to donate your gently used bike.
|
|
|---|
|
Idling vehicles and air quality monitoring
|
|
|---|
|
Earth Day 2026 is just 5 weeks away!
If you’re a teacher who is looking for an easy way to show students the impact cars have on air quality, invite RideWise to measure the air quality near your school. Our new portable monitor takes real-time measurements of particulate matter, volatile organic compounds and nitrous oxides caused by exhaust. It’s a great way to show the impact idling vehicles have on air quality, especially from vehicles lined up to drop off or pick up students.
Studies show that vehicle exhaust creates high levels of pollutants that linger in and around school long after cars depart. This is the perfect opportunity to start a conversation with students about air quality, the environment, and ways to reduce idling in the community.
|
|
|---|
|
How fast are vehicles traveling in your community?
|
|
|---|
|
Excessive speed is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents throughout the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about one-third of all road fatalities over the past twenty years have been linked to speeding. Starting in March, RideWise can provide free speed studies for communities with its new speed sentry sign.
This radar-equipped device tracks details like date, time, and vehicle speed. It can be placed in residential neighborhoods, downtowns, school zones, construction areas - anywhere speeding is a concern.
The information collected can help guide community decision-making on transportation safety measures.
|
|
|---|
|
Recognizing Brain Injury Awareness Month with bike and brain safety education
|
|
|---|
|
RideWise and the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey teamed up with the Hillsborough PTA and Woodfern Elementary School to teach bike safety to K-4 students. The presentation, in support of Brain Injury Awareness Month, focused on the importance of wearing a helmet when cycling to protect the brain.
For more information about partnering with us to provide bike safety education, contact staff@ridewise.org. |
|
|---|
|
Drop‑In Day at Somerville Senior Housing: Connecting residents to transportation resources
|
|
|---|
|
Residents living at One Mountain Avenue Senior Housing in Somerville recently participated in a February “drop-in day” hosted by RideWise and received individualized guidance and useful resources on navigating Somerset County and NJ TRANSIT bus systems. Drop-in days allow residents to stop by whenever it’s convenient to ask questions and explore the range of transportation choices throughout Somerset County.
Common topics include county bus routes, NJ TRANSIT buses and trains, paratransit services, reduced-fare programs, and tips on using public transit for daily activities like shopping, medical visits, or social outings. These sessions provide an opportunity for everyone—whether they’re new to the building, have stopped driving, or are simply searching for updated schedules—to learn about travel options at their own pace.
RideWise has been hosting drop-in days at Somerville Senior Housing since July 2023. Many residents first introduced to local transit through these sessions went on to participate in one-on-one or group “how to ride” travel training sessions aboard a local bus, led by RideWise.
RideWise is available to schedule drop-in days at any senior housing facility in Somerset County by emailing staff@ridewise.org. |
|
|---|
|
|
Somerset County 2025 Safe Routes to School Award Winners
|
|
|---|
|
School Superintendents from the Manville, Bridgewater‑Raritan, and Bernards Township School Districts received awards for their 2025 Safe Routes to School programming from RideWise at the February 20 Somerset County Association of School Administrators meeting.
This statewide annual recognition program, sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, recognizes schools for their commitment to creating safe and accessible environments for walking and bicycling for students. Schools earn recognition by engaging in initiatives such as hosting walk and bike to school events, offering pedestrian and bicycle safety education programs, and supporting biking and walking activities throughout the year.
First Step:
Oak Street Elementary School and Manville High School
Bronze:
Bridgewater-Raritan High School and Hamilton Primary School
Gold:
Weston Elementary School, Roosevelt School, and Alexander Batcho Intermediate School |
|
|---|
|
Pictured from left to right is Nick Markarian, Superintendent of Schools, Bernards Township School District, Jamil Maroun, Superintendent of Schools, Manville Borough School District, Robert Beers - Superintendent of Schools, Bridgewater-Raritan School District. |
|
|---|
|
|
Connecting people and businesses to safe and sustainable travel information and resources that enhance quality of life and create a vibrant economy. |
|
|
|
|
Stay connected with us to learn more about our upcoming and new programs, events, and highlights showcasing our efforts with the community and our clients. |
|
|
|
 |
|  |
|
|
|
|
