Tell NJ Legislators: Don’t Cut Safe Streets Funding
Authored By: New Jersey Future | May 6, 2026
Originally published on New Jersey Future.
In January 2025, Governor Murphy signed the historic, first-in-the-nation Target Zero Commission Law, creating a multi-agency commission tasked with developing an action plan to eliminate roadway fatalities and serious injuries in the state by 2040.
However, Governor Sherrill’s FY27 budget proposal eliminated funding entirely for these critical programs. The draft budget cuts both the Local Transportation Projects Fund and the Local Aid and Economic Development Grants that support Safe Streets to Transit, Bikeways, and the Transit Village Program.
These programs fund essential local projects that advance safety, sustainability, accessibility, and affordability. Without this funding, towns will be forced to delay life-saving improvements—or raise local taxes to cover the gap.
We know that successfully reaching zero road deaths and serious injuries requires the implementation of pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure – proven safety measures like high visibility crosswalks, daylighted intersections, pedestrian refuge islands, road diets, greenways, and bicycle lanes.[ref]
Meanwhile, the federal government has pulled back support for “green infrastructure,” including pedestrian and bike safety programs. In this national moment, New Jersey must lead.
We cannot reach our Target Zero goals or protect vulnerable road users without serious investment in pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. Now is the time to fund it—not cut it.
Tell your legislators: “Don’t Cut Active Transportation Funding!”
To make your message even more impactful, personalize your subject line and opening paragraph with a few words about what safe streets mean to you or your community.
Want to go the extra mile? Calling your State Senator, Assemblymembers, and the Governor’s office is one of the most effective ways to have your voice heard. Find your representatives here and tell them why active transportation and safe streets are so important to you.
